EP2342378B1 - Method for processing laundry and laundry treatment device suitable for carrying out the method - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a method for finishing laundry and a particularly suitable for carrying out this method laundry treatment device.

It is known to impregnate a piece of laundry in a laundry treatment appliance, for example with fragrances. Commercial finishing processes generally run in a batch process or paddling process. In the padding process, webs are contacted in a larger amount of treatment solution with the particular composition of equipment used. The degree of extraction, defined as the percentage of drug deposited on the garment, is highly dependent on the affinity of the drug for the fiber, but is generally low.

For laundry treatment equipment, especially for tumble dryer, methods and devices have already been developed to equip laundry with fragrances or the like.

The DE 601 19 356 T2 discloses an apparatus for treating fabrics in a tumble dryer. Cyclodextrins are mentioned as odor neutralizing agents and as perfume boosters. These and many more substances are made according to the teachings of DE 601 19 356 T2 used for tissue conditioning and this enclosed with a membrane which prevents the escape of liquids, but not the escape of gases. During operation of a dryer liquid evaporates due to the action of heat and can escape from the membrane casing and thus distribute itself in the dryer and in the laundry contained therein. Disadvantages of this type of laundry equipment are that no large volumes of equipment substances get on the laundry and that not all equipment is suitable for evaporation. For example, microcapsules and cyclodextrins should be distributed as a liquid.

The DE 10 2005 046 163 A1 discloses a method and a device, in particular a tumble dryer, in which, in addition to the laundry items to be treated, a further textile piece is used as a filter, which serves to absorb the vapors and substances emerging from the other laundry items. Such a dryer or washer-dryer is not suitable for equipping the textile pieces located therein.

The DE 100 36 850 A1 discloses a device for dispensing a liquid product into the interior of a dishwashing or washing machine, in particular a mechanical spraying device with a reservoir and a nozzle, which is suitable for spraying liquids. In this device, no compressed gas atomizer is used, but the container is mechanically compressed and the liquid is driven through the nozzle and atomized. Such an atomizer produces an aerosol which forms very large drops which can lead to stains on items of laundry.

In the EP 1 431 443 A1 discloses a clothes dryer, which is equipped with an ultrasonic atomizer, with which substances, for example fragrances to be introduced into the drum. Although an ultrasonic atomizer can produce very fine aerosols, it is comparatively inadequate to disperse microdisperse fluids, such as a microcapsule suspension, in a room. Incidentally, it is unsuitable to deliver larger amounts of liquid in the shortest possible period.

In the EP 0 676 497 A A process is described for spraying perfume oil on laundry by means of a pressurized spray nozzle in which the perfume is sprayed onto already dried laundry while the drum is continuously circulating to evenly distribute the fragrance. Also disclosed is a spraying device which is mounted in the filler cap of the dryer. This method has the disadvantage that the laundry falling around when the drum is moved is sprayed unevenly with the fragrance, which can lead to staining.

The WO 03/023122 A1 also discloses methods of equipping textiles with equipment substances by spraying in a drum while it is rotating at a speed below the application speed.

The DE 10 2006 003 416 A1 discloses a laundry treating machine having a device for deodorizing clothes. For this purpose, a component with a spray nozzle is provided in the sealing collar of the laundry drum, which can deliver an active ingredient (eg cyclodextrins) as a spray into the interior of the drum. The drum should move during spraying in such a way as to ensure that the laundry contained in the drum moves back and forth.

For the textile equipment (equipment of laundry) thus essentially dipping and spraying methods are known. Find in the dipping process Textile equipment already in various forms in a washing machine application, so for softening, impregnating, starches, for the application of ironing aids and the like. As mentioned, these methods are disadvantageous because of the relatively low degree of exhaustion, which results in a high proportion of a used equipment composition being released into the wastewater unused, which is not only uneconomical but also pollutes the environment. A disadvantage of the spraying method is that, especially at a higher loading, there is only a very uneven distribution of the equipment composition on a laundry item in a drum. Thus, an intended amount and distribution of equipment composition ("finish quality") is achieved only with a very small degree of filling of the drum.

The object of the present invention is therefore to provide a method for finishing a laundry article and a laundry treatment device suitable for carrying out this process, in which these disadvantages of the prior art are reduced.

According to the invention, this object is achieved by a method and a laundry treatment appliance according to the independent patent claims. Preferred embodiments of the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the laundry treatment appliance correspond to preferred embodiments of the process, even if they are not referred to individually in each case.

1. (a) durch Zugabe von Wasser und ein erstes Rotieren der Trommel in dem Wäschestück ein vorgegebener Restfeuchtegehalt eingestellt wird; und
2. (b) eine Ausrüstungszusammensetzung auf das Wäschestück aufgebracht wird.

The present invention thus relates to a method for applying a finishing composition to a laundry item in a laundry treating appliance having a rotatably mounted drum, wherein

1. (A) a predetermined residual moisture content is set by adding water and a first rotation of the drum in the laundry; and
2. (b) applying a finishing composition to the garment.

The term "laundry item" as used herein means one or more items of laundry and comprises on the one hand textiles, in particular laundry, but also generally all items that can be treated in a conventional laundry treatment appliance, in particular a conventional washing machine, such as table linen, bed linen, bags , Curtains and the like. In addition to pure textiles, composite materials can also be equipped, such as leather goods and other items, made of different materials, such as. B. fabric and leather. Thus, all materials which can be equipped according to the method of the invention with the equipment substances described herein are suitable.

Preferably, the laundry item comprises finished garments, especially ready-to-wear. Particularly suitable for the method according to the invention are in this case, inter alia, worn body-worn garments, e.g. if they are to be provided with skin care products.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the addition of water takes place in a rinsing step and the first rotation of the drum takes place simultaneously with a pumping down or after a pumping out of the water.

The addition of water in step (a) preferably follows a washing phase in which the laundry is generally cleaned with the aid of detergents. In fact, such a washing phase is generally followed by a rinsing phase with water, the rinsing phase consisting of several, generally up to three, rinsing steps.

According to the invention it is preferred if step (a) corresponds to a final rinsing step.

It is inventively preferred that the predetermined residual moisture content in step (a) is adjusted by a first rotation of the drum with a contact speed. The application speed is that system-related speed at which the laundry items present in a drum are placed against the drum shell due to the centrifugal forces. For laundry drums with a diameter of approx. 470 mm, this is around 70 revolutions per minute (70 rpm).

In the method according to the invention, it is advantageous if the first rotation of the drum in step (a) is performed at a speed U ₁ of ≥ 100 rpm. More preferably, the rotational speed U ₁ of 100 to 150 rpm, or at least 230 rpm.

• (c) die Ausrüstungszusammensetzung durch ein zweites Rotieren der Trommel im Wäschestück verteilt.

In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention

• (C) the equipment composition distributed by a second rotation of the drum in the laundry.

In this case, the second rotation of the drum is preferably carried out in step (c) at a speed U ₂ of ≥ 100 rpm.

The first rotation can take place more or less separately from the second rotation over time. For example, after the first rotation (a) the drum can be stopped and first the finishing composition applied to the garment with adjusted residual moisture content. Subsequently, in a preferred embodiment, by the second rotation in step (c), a better distribution of the finish composition on the garment can be achieved.

However, it is also possible according to the invention for the addition of the equipment composition to overlap in time with the first rotation and / or the second rotation of the drum. In addition, the rotational speed of the drum during the first rotation and the rotational speed of the drum during the second rotation may be identical or different.

According to the invention, however, it is preferred that first rotation and second rotation of the drum differ. This can e.g. be done by pausing between the first rotation and the second rotation while the drum is stationary and / or the speeds differ during the first and second rotations. Similarly, the speed during the first and / or second rotation of the drum can be varied continuously or by setting predetermined speed levels.

Although the equipment composition can be used in principle in solid or liquid form. According to the invention, however, it is preferred that the finishing composition be applied in liquid form or in the form of fine droplets (spray) on the laundry. The application of the equipment composition can be done for example by spraying, spraying, rinsing or inserting, possibly after a defined program interruption. Preferably, the equipment composition is applied to the laundry by spraying by means of a suitable applicator while the drum is being moved at or above the application speed. For use in spraying, the entry device is suitably provided with a nozzle so that it functions as a sputtering device.

It is particularly preferred when the drum during the application of the equipment composition to the laundry in step (b) in a first sub-step (c1) at least the application speed and in a second sub-step (c2) at a speed below the application speed in a reversing mode is moved, wherein the equipment composition is discharged by the entry device only when the drum is moved at the application speed or above.

For the purposes of the invention, the term "equipping" means a process in which the item of laundry is coated with the finishing substances which are in the equipment composition. Preferably, the finishing substances are thereby firmly bound to the surface of the item of laundry, more preferably covalently. In addition, for example, a storage between the fibers is possible. Preferably, equipping according to the method of the present invention should result in the equipment substances undergoing normal use of the finished garment, i. usually when wearing the garments, do not detach more from the fabric than is the case with commercially finished textiles. In the case of the microcapsules adhering to the laundry, however, a deliberate destruction is provided for the release of the ingredients.

According to the invention, the nature of the applied equipment composition is not limited. Thus, the term "equipment composition" as used herein also includes fabric softeners. For example, according to the invention fabric softener can be flushed directly onto the laundry during the second rotation, for example via the cuff. This reduces the amount of fabric softener required to a fraction of what is needed today.

The finishing composition is preferably a liquid, i. a solution or suspension and may include various finishing substances, such as fragrances, functionalizing agents, preferably cyclodextrins and / or microcapsules. However, conventional equipment subtances can also be used.

In addition to impregnating agents, dyes, starches and the like, the equipment substances required in the areas of sports, wellness and lifestyle with an ever increasing functionality of the garments can also be used. As to be used in or out of the finishing compositions of the present invention Existing finishing substances are specifically cyclodextrins and microcapsules.

The finishing composition preferably used according to the invention comprises cyclodextrins and / or microcapsules, and optionally other active ingredients. Such agents may be selected from materials with which the microcapsules or cyclodextrins are to be loaded. Examples of these are, in particular, fragrances, cosmetics, care substances, e.g. Aloe vera, anti-cellulite substances and the like. Surprisingly, it has been found that it is possible to equip a piece of laundry with microcapsules and / or cyclodextrins not only in a commercial process, but also in a domestic washing machine and / or washer-dryer.

Cyclodextrins are cyclic oligosaccharide compounds having a toroidal structure with a central cavity in which apolar organic compounds can be included. Because of this property, they are nowadays used, for example, in air freshener sprays. The cyclodextrin derivatives contained in these products bind the unpleasant odor-causing compounds. At the same time, they also serve as carriers of fragrances.

Microcapsules (also called nanocapsules, microspheres, microspheres) are mostly substantially spherical structures which have a shell and an interior, usually with a diameter in the range of nanometers to <1 mm. In this interior substances can be included.

The microcapsules have a shell, e.g. is a film-forming polymer in which finely dispersed, liquid or solid phases can be included. The shell material may comprise many different chemical compounds, e.g. Gelatin, gum arabic, agar-agar, lactose, microcrystalline cellulose, modified starch, fatty acid esters, phospholipids, chitosan, alginates and collagen, as well as synthetic polymers such as polyacrylates, polyamides, polyvinyl alcohol or polyvinylpyrrolidone.

Fibers and fabrics provided with blends of hydrophobic actives and film-forming polymers (ie, microcapsules) are disclosed in U.S.P. DE 10 2004 037 752 A1 described. Known microcapsules for the textile sector include, for example, the so-called PCM (phase change materials), which have a heat regulating effect.

Although there are already textiles finished with cyclodextrin derivatives or microcapsules, such as outerwear or tights, the finishing substances such as microcapsules are gradually destroyed or detached during wear and in a normal cleaning process, such as in a washing machine. Thus, the equipment effect is gradually lost. For microcapsules, this destruction may be wanted so that the microcapsules can even release their contents. However, the user of the originally equipped materials has not yet been able to re-equip them for several wearing cycles.

Equipment with cyclodextrins is particularly preferred for garments made of cotton materials. Different materials can be used for the equipment with microcapsules.

1. (a) Einstellen eines vorgegebenen Restfeuchtegehalts in dem Wäschestück durch Zugabe von Wasser und Durchführung eines ersten Rotierens der Trommel; und
2. (b) Aufbringen einer Ausrüstungszusammensetzung auf das Wäschestück aufweist.

The invention also relates to a laundry treatment device with a rotatably mounted drum for carrying out a method for applying a finishing composition to a laundry article, wherein the laundry treatment device comprises means for carrying out the steps

1. (a) setting a predetermined residual moisture content in the laundry by adding water and making a first rotation of the drum; and
2. (b) applying a finishing composition to the garment.

The means for carrying out steps (a) and (b) are preferably also means for carrying out the addition of water in a rinsing step and the first rotation of the drum simultaneously with a pumping down or after pumping off the water.

The laundry treatment device according to the invention is preferably a water leader, in particular a washing machine or a washer-dryer, very particularly preferably a washing machine.

A washing machine which is preferred according to the invention generally has, in addition to a drum rotatably mounted in a tub, a liquor drainage system arranged at the bottom of the tub, a drive motor for the drum and a heating device.

In general, a drum-type laundry treating machine (eg, a washing machine) has switching means for rotating and stopping the drum. Moreover, points a washing machine according to the invention preferably a pressure sensor for determining a quantity of a liquid in the tub via a measured hydrostatic pressure.

Preferably, the laundry treating appliance includes an entry device for registering a finishing composition in the drum and on the laundry. Moreover, it is preferred that the registration device be switchable for registration of equipment composition independently of the drum.

By means of the second rotation of the drum in step (c) provided in the method according to the invention according to a preferred embodiment in the manner described above, an improved distribution of the finishing composition on the item or items of laundry is achieved. The distribution may be improved if, in a further preferred embodiment, the laundry treating appliance has additional structural characteristics to assist in distributing the finishing composition throughout the laundry. In particular, this structural feature is a laundry picker that is optimized with regard to the distribution of the equipment composition in the laundry item. A plurality or a plurality of such Wäschemitnehmer, in particular a number of three or four, is more preferred.

The aforementioned Wäschemitnehmer can be molded as an integral part of the drum or used as an additional component in the drum. He also represents a variety of embodiments for the structural expression, which is conceivable in particular as an arrangement of special ribs or as a helically wound expression of an inner part of the drum.

It is preferred according to the invention that the entry device is adjustable for registration of the equipment composition. The registration device for registering equipment composition in laundry items is preferably controllable by a corresponding controlled system, which in particular comprises a control device of the laundry treatment appliance (eg a washing machine). This allows a controllable entry of equipment composition into the wash liquor. In addition to the possibility of a constant registration of equipment composition, which can only be switched on and off, a continuous or stepwise variation of the amount of registered equipment composition can be provided.

In the laundry treating appliance of the invention, preferably, a controller with an associated program controller controls that the equipment composition is appropriately loaded in the drum and quantity. For careful and conservative dosing of the finish composition, it may be advantageous to spray the finish composition into the drum at intervals. In fact, the flow rate of equipment per unit time may not be as low by a pump used for transport as would be required for the small total amount of equipment needed. Since the surface of the garment to be treated may be large and the distribution of the equipment composition then requires a longer duration, the smallest possible flow rate per unit of time must be selected for the careful introduction of the equipment composition and its restrained action. For an intermittent supply of equipment composition appears to be very suitable. For different sized items of laundry items and for different other process parameters (for example, different levels of temperature, different pre-moistening of the laundry items and different types of textile), this feed should still be variable. Where the measurability of process parameters allows, an automatic adjustment of the feed quantity or speed is also possible.

In a preferred embodiment, to assist in controlling the application of the equipment composition or control of an equipment composition register by a controller, there is provided a suitable sensor for determining a type and / or amount of equipment composition in the drum. As a suitable sensor, for example, an optical sensor, a conductivity sensor or a tensiometer can be used. This sensor can supply the measured signals to the control device via a signal line for further processing.

The preferably used in the laundry treatment appliance according to the invention entry device is particularly preferably designed by using a nozzle as a sputtering device. In addition, the registration device typically includes a receptacle for the equipment composition. The receptacle is preferably refillable and thus preferably removable or detachable from the entry device. Such an entry device designed as a spraying device preferably additionally has one Dosing device with which the delivery of the equipment composition is controllable. This is advantageous in particular because the equipment compositions can be expensive substances which should be used as sparingly as possible.

The entry device may be both inside the laundry treatment appliance according to the invention, e.g. be integrated therein, as well as arranged outside or partially outside. Preferably, it is releasably secured or has at least one releasably secured receptacle.

In a first preferred embodiment, the entry device is arranged completely inside the laundry treatment device according to the invention. Particularly suitable for this purpose is the area of the door opening or the door, since these are areas which have to be accessible to the user, which ensures that the user can insert the entry device himself or fill the receptacle. However, the entry device may also be located in the region of the drum rear wall, for example, be formed in the center cylindrical or conical.

In a second preferred embodiment, the entry device is arranged on the outside of the housing, preferably on the door or on a porthole of the laundry treatment device according to the invention. In order for a dispenser configured as a nozzle to communicate with the drum, an opening in the housing is provided at the corresponding location in the laundry treating appliance according to the invention, which is provided with the necessary sealing means and through which the dispenser can be passed. This arrangement is particularly advantageous because the receptacle of the entry device can be easily filled. This arrangement is also very advantageous for a further embodiment, in which the finishing composition is already ready made ready in a sputtering device, for example in the form of a spray can, and then attached only at a corresponding location on the door of the laundry treating appliance, optionally with suitable holders got to.

It is also possible to provide a separate door element, for example as an accessory, which already comprises an entry device or atomizing device and can be easily mounted instead of the existing door. This allows the user to easily change his laundry treatment appliance from normal operation Equipment operation. In a further preferred embodiment, which can also be combined with the previously mentioned and further, the receiving container of the entry device or atomizing device is arranged outside the housing of the device according to the invention and is connected via a line, eg a hose, to the internal delivery device ( eg nozzle) in connection. This has the advantage that the receptacle can be filled in the easiest way. A hose connection between receptacle and dispenser is also possible for other embodiments.

The dispenser (e.g., nozzle) should be in communication with the drum. It is therefore also preferably arranged in the region of the door or the door opening. However, it can also be arranged in the region of the drum rear wall.

Preferably, the dispenser (nozzle) is located in the upper area of the treatment room. Then a spray produced by it can spread as well as possible over the entire surface of the drum wall, which is below the dispenser. The dispenser is arranged in a preferred embodiment in the region of the sealing sleeve, which seals the tub. Preferably, the dispenser is located in the upper region of the sealing sleeve and is directed into the interior of the drum, that the spray can spread over a flat or in a cone obliquely from above over the entire depth of the drum. Preferably, the nozzle is directed obliquely downwards. Compressed air or ultrasonic techniques or a combination of both can be used for spraying the equipment composition. The equipment composition is sucked in by the air flow or gas flow either via a Venturi nozzle from the receptacle (atomizer principle) or placed under a higher pressure (example spray can). The receptacle may already be pressurized, or it may be connectable to an additional pressure vessel (e.g., a gas cartridge with carbon dioxide or the like) and a mixing nozzle (e.g., a venturi). Upon opening a valve, preferably a solenoid valve, the escaping gas stream entrains the equipment composition. This can be effected for example by means of a Venturi nozzle. For a compressed air atomization a suitable compressed air generation is necessary. In addition to a compressor with compressed air reservoir and a suitable diaphragm pump can be used.

The inventively preferred spraying the finishing substances according to the invention is preferably carried out in a first sub-step (c1) at or above the Settling speed. Surprisingly, it has been found that spraying equipment on a laundry ring rather than on a rotating drum moves laundry to a much more uniform result, especially if the spraying phases alternate at least at the application speed with reversing phases at a lower speed (below the Anfegedrehzahl) in a second sub-step (c2), wherein the equipment composition is again delivered only while the drum is moved at the application speed or above.

Preferably, in a second sub-step (c2), the drum is moved at a speed below the application speed, preferably at a speed between 35 and 65 rpm, preferably 45 to 55 rpm. Here is a periodic reversing with breaks offers. For example, 5 to 20 seconds in one direction, pause from 1 to 5 seconds, 5 to 20 seconds in the other direction. This is expediently repeated once or twice or more often. This step ensures that the laundry to be equipped is redistributed. At the same time, the finish composition can spread better in the garment and wet it evenly and without staining. The two steps can also be repeated. Overall, an equipment period of 20 to 120 minutes, especially 30 to 110 minutes, preferably 40 to 100 minutes and more preferably 50 to 90 minutes, is advantageous.

In this method, suitably 500 to 2000ml of liquid are sprayed. However, the amount depends on the type of equipment composition and also on the amount of laundry items to be finished. For cyclodextrins and microcapsules, 700 to 1000 ml are advantageous. The laundry should preferably be wetted to 30% to 70% of its dry weight.

When contacting the garment with a finishing composition comprising microcapsules and / or cyclodextrins by spraying, it is convenient to fix the finishing substances on the garment immediately after spraying.

It may also be expedient, after bringing the finishing substances into contact with the item of laundry, to provide an exposure time during which the item of laundry can be completely saturated with the equipment composition so that one possible uniform distribution of the equipment substances on the laundry is ensured. The exposure time can be easily determined by the skilled person.

After contacting the equipment composition with the laundry article, in one possible embodiment, the latter may be subjected to a process similar to a normal washing process. That Preferably, an exposure time is provided in which the laundry item is fully soaked with a liquor consisting of water and the finishing composition, and which may optionally also contain other additives and active ingredients. The drum is preferably moved in this case, similar to what is usual in a conventional washing process.

In a further preferred embodiment, the finishing composition is fixed after application to the garment. Thus, after contacting the garment with the finishing composition, any microcapsules and / or cyclodextrins present in the finish composition are preferably fixed to the garment. This is preferably done by a heat treatment or a chemical treatment.

In the application of a heat treatment is particularly suitable drying using a tumble dryer. This is particularly preferably carried out in the same drum. Therefore, the use of a washer-dryer is particularly preferred for this purpose.

The heat treatment preferably comprises a treatment at a temperature between 80 and 150 ° C, preferably 90 to 140 ° C, preferably 100 to 120 ° C, particularly preferably 130 ° C. These temperatures can already be achieved in conventional dryers and washer-dryers. It is advisable to provide a separate item for this heat treatment step in the menu or the control panel (for example "fixing 130 ° C.) It can also be fixed at relatively high temperatures, for example up to 180 ° C., in particular 150 ° C. to 170 ° It should preferably be reversibly dried to ensure even temperature development in the garment If all the procedure is used in a washer-dryer, the fixation can also be carried out in the same appliance the type and quantity of the garment, the aim is to dry as completely as possible.

It is also possible to chemically fix the equipment substances. Following fixation, excess finishing composition is removed, if necessary, by one or more rinses and / or by spin.

This spin-drying step is preferably also carried out after fixing, in particular, the cyclodextrins. All conventional centrifugal processes are suitable here.

It may also be desirable to remove excess finishing composition after contacting and before fixing. Here, a spin may be appropriate.

For the step of fixing the equipment substances, the dryer function is suitable. a possibly used washer dryer. For this purpose, a special program is provided, which can preferably be run after a normal wash, but also independently. Separate devices may also be used, e.g. first a washing machine for finishing and then a dryer for fixing the finishing substances on the laundry.

An advantage of the method according to the invention is that as a rule no centrifuging of excess finishing composition is necessary, since this has generally been applied in a minimum amount adapted to the low residual moisture content of the item of laundry.

In an extension of the method according to the invention, not only is the garment provided with the finishing composition, but the finishing composition is in turn loaded with active ingredients, for example a fragrance, cosmetics and the like. For this loading, cyclodextrins are particularly suitable because they are able to take up molecules in their hollow structure.

In embodiments, it may be advantageous for the garment to be subjected to a pretreatment step prior to applying the finish composition. Preferably, the pre-treatment step comprises a chemical activation of the surface of the laundry article.

When equipping laundry articles with cyclodextrins, it is particularly preferred to activate the laundry items prior to adding the finishing composition. In the case of cotton materials to be equipped with cyclodextrins, this is Pretreating step is treatment with an alkaline medium such as strong alkaline soda solution or the like. In this case, before adding the finishing composition, for example, the alkaline solution should be substantially removed in a spinning step. An alkaline solution for activating the laundry item is preferably a soda solution. Suitable soda solutions of between 0.1 and 5 wt .-%. The pH value is about 10-11 for a ca 2% soda solution. A pH range of 8 to 12 is preferred, in particular 9 to 11, in particular 10. Other alkaline agents may also be used, for example sodium hydroxide solution. The person skilled in the art is able to select a suitable alkaline solution and to determine the appropriate pH. These parameters depend on the laundry to be equipped. Activating the garment allows for covalent bonding, in particular of the cyclodextrins, to the garment.

When the cyclodextrins have released their contents, they can be loaded again with new substances. This can be done in several ways, for example by spraying with the substance of concern, e.g. a perfume. Here, too, a spray device can preferably be used, which is connected to the laundry treatment appliance according to the invention or integrated in this.

The method according to the invention and the laundry treatment appliance according to the invention have distinct advantages. An advantage of the invention is the avoidance of loss of equipment and environmental pollution by wastewater containing equipment. Batching in a washing machine would result in equipment losses of over 50%. In the present invention, this is much lower. There is a significant improvement in the LCA for all forms of textile equipment. In addition, there is an improved uniform distribution of the textile finishing (equipment composition) on the laundry items equipped. By means of the invention, a significantly improved degree of exhaustion and at the same time a higher uniformity than with a pure spraying process can be achieved. In addition, the method according to the invention is not necessarily associated with additional costs in the laundry treatment appliance.

Another advantage of the method according to the invention is also the original equipment of garments in contrast to fabric panels, in particular of conventional ready-made goods, or the retrofitting of such ready-made goods when the equipment substances are consumed.

Surprisingly, it has been found that it is possible to provide laundry items, especially textiles, also in a household washing machine, a household dryer or washer dryer with special finishing substances. The method according to the invention makes it possible to apply even small quantities of finishing compositions with low losses to laundry items to be equipped. This is especially true for cyclodextrins and microcapsules, which are very expensive and for which admixture with a liquor is prohibitive because of the large loss of rinse.

• Figur 1 ist eine schematische Darstellung der für die Illustrierung relevanten Teile eines erfindungsgemäßen Wäschebehandlungsgeräts, das hier als Waschmaschine ausgestaltet ist, in der ein erfindungsgemäßes Verfahren durchgeführt werden kann. Andere Ausführungsformen sind denkbar.
• Figur 2 ist eine schematische Draufsicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Wäschebehandlungsgeräts, das hier ebenfalls als Waschmaschine ausgestaltet ist.
• Figur 3 zeigt eine Seitenschnittansicht eines erfindungsgemäßen Wäschebehandlungsgeräts, das hier als Waschtrockner ausgestaltet ist.

The invention will be described below with reference to the in the FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrated, the invention not limiting embodiments illustrated in more detail.

• FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of the relevant parts for illustration of a laundry treatment appliance according to the invention, which is designed here as a washing machine, in which a method according to the invention can be performed. Other embodiments are conceivable.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a laundry treatment device according to the invention, which is also designed here as a washing machine.
• FIG. 3 shows a side sectional view of a laundry treatment appliance according to the invention, which is designed here as a washer-dryer.

The washing machine of the FIG. 1 embodiment shown has a tub 6, in which a drum 2 rotatably mounted and can be operated by a drive motor 14. The axis of rotation 21 of the drum 2 is directed at a small angle (eg 13 °) from the horizontal to the front upwards, so that one has easier access and insight into the interior of the drum 2. By this arrangement, in conjunction with specially shaped laundry carriers 4 and scooping means 5 for the wash liquor 6 on the inner surface of the drum shell, also intensification of the flooding of the laundry items 7 with wash liquor or water and in the application equipment composition step 3 a better distribution of the equipment composition 3 reached.

The washing machine 1 also has a liquor inlet system, which comprises a water connection fitting for the domestic water network 8, an electrically controllable valve 9 and a supply line 10 to the tub 6, which may optionally also be guided via a Waschmitteleinspüleinrichtung ("Einspülschale") 11, from the Inlet water can carry detergent portions into the tub 6. In addition, in the tub 6, a heater 13. The valve 9 as well as the heater 13 are controlled by a control device ("program control") 12 in response to a program flowchart, the time program and / or the achievement of certain measured values of parameters As liquor level, liquor temperature, speed of the drum 2, addition of rinse water, pumping out of lye or rinse water, added amount of equipment composition 3, etc. within the washing machine 1 is bound.

A lye drainage system 20, which according to conventional practice in addition to corresponding lines a drain valve and a drain pump includes is shown for clarity only schematically.

As an entry device 16, ie as a device for registration of equipment composition 3 in the drum 2 and on the laundry items 7 located in it is in the embodiment of FIG. 1 shown a combination with an injection device 17 whose output (eg a nozzle) 18 at the in FIG. 1 embodiment shown in an upper portion 19 of the drum 2 protrudes.

The Wäschemitnehmer 4 are optimized as additional structural characteristics of the drum 2 to support a distribution of the equipment composition 3 in the garment 7th

A regulation of the distribution of equipment composition 3 is carried out via a control system comprising a sensor 15 for determining the equipment composition 3 and the control device 12, so that, whether by alternately switching on and off of the entry device 16 or a variation of their performance, the amount of treatment the garments 7 controlled and in particular limited.

The entry device 16 may be the aqueous solution composition in the form of a liquid jet, single drops or in Transport form of very small droplets into the drum 2 and onto the laundry items 7.

FIG. 2 shows a washing machine 1 with a housing 23 and a drum 2, in which laundry items 7 are located. In the illustrated view, the door 24 can be seen in the plan view, which, however, as usual in washing machines, consists of a transparent door bowl 25. The door 24 is provided with a locking ring 26 and a handle 27. Also shown in the drawing is located inside the washing machine control unit 12. An entry device 16 is located in the region of the door 24th

FIG. 3 shows a washing dryer 1 according to the invention in a side sectional view.

The washer-dryer 1 has a housing 23 and a drum 2, in which laundry items 7 are located. The drum 2 is rotated at a contact speed, so that the laundry items 7 abut as a laundry ring 7 on a drum wall 33. The washer-dryer 1 is closed on one side with a door 24 and has as an entry device 16 an integrated atomizing device. Door 24 has an opening 28 through which a nozzle 29 projects into the drum 2. In the housing 23, but outside the drum 2 are a metering device 30 and a receptacle 31 for the equipment composition 3. In this embodiment, the entry device 16 is guided through a sealing collar 32 and projects partially into the drum 2 inside. A spray dispenses the finishing composition 3 evenly on the laundry ring 7.

Claims (16)

1. Method for applying a processing composition (3) to laundry (7) in a laundry treatment appliance (1) having a drum (2) which is mounted in a rotatable manner, wherein

   (a) a predefined residual moisture content is achieved in the laundry (7) by the addition of water and a first rotation of the drum (2); and

   (b) a processing composition (3) is applied to the laundry (7),

   wherein the processing composition (3) is applied to the laundry (7) in liquid form or in the form of fine droplets (spray), and wherein the processing composition (3) being applied to the laundry (7) by spraying by way of an introduction apparatus (16), while the drum is moved at the speed at which the laundry lies against the drum or faster.
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the water is added in a rinse step and the first rotation of the drum takes (2) place as the water is being pumped away or after the water has been pumped away.
3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the predefined residual moisture content in step (a) is achieved by a first rotation of the drum (2) at a speed at which the laundry lies against the drum.
4. Method according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the first rotation of the drum in step (a) is performed at a speed U₁ of ≥ 100 revolutions per minute (rpm).
5. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that the speed U₁ is from 100 to 150 rpm, or at least 230 rpm.
6. Method according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that (c) the processing composition (3) is distributed in the laundry (7) by a second rotation of the drum (2).
7. Method according to claim 6, characterised in that the second rotation of the drum (2) in step (c) is performed at a speed U₂ of ≥ 100 rpm.
8. Method according to claim 1, wherein to apply the processing composition (12) to the laundry (7) in a first substep (c1) the drum (2) is moved at a minimum of the speed at which the laundry lies against the drum and in a second substep (c2) at a speed below the speed at which the laundry lies against the drum in a reverse mode with the processing composition (3) only being discharged by the introduction apparatus (16) when the drum (2) is moved at the speed at which the laundry lies against the drum or faster.
9. Method according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterised in that the processing composition (3) is fixed after being applied to the laundry (7).
10. Method according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterised in that the laundry (7) is subjected to a pretreatment step before applying the processing composition (3).
11. Method according to claim 10, characterised in that the pretreatment step comprises a chemical activation of the surface of the laundry (7).
12. Laundry treatment appliance (1) having a drum (2) which is mounted in a rotatable manner for carrying out a method for applying a processing composition (3) to laundry (7), the laundry treatment appliance (1) featuring means (3, 12, 16, 17, 20) for carrying out the steps

    (a) achieving a predefined residual moisture content in the laundry (7) by the addition of water and performing a first rotation of the drum (2); and

    (b) applying a processing composition (3) to the laundry (7),

    and contains an introduction apparatus (16) for introducing a processing composition (3) into the drum (2) and onto the laundry (7),
    wherein the introduction apparatus (16) for introducing a processing composition (3) is able to be switched independently of the drum (2).
13. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that the laundry treatment appliance is a washing machine.
14. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 12 to 13, characterised in that it has an additional structural feature (4) for assisting distribution of the processing composition (3) in the laundry (7).
15. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 14, characterised in that the structural feature (4) is an agitator (4), which is optimised in respect of the distribution of the processing composition (3) in the laundry (7).
16. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterised in that the introduction apparatus (16) for introducing processing composition (3) is regulatable.

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