Method for washing laundry of a wash load, apparatus, computer program and system

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a method for washing laundry of a wash load, in particular in a laundry drum (B2), carried out by at least one apparatus (100, 200), comprising: generating steam and subjecting the laundry of the wash load to the action of the steam, generating a microemulsion by means of a laundry detergent composition; and washing the laundry of the wash load with a first washing liquor based on the microemulsion.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for washing a load of laundry, particularly in a washing drum, carried out by at least one device. The invention further relates to a device, a computer program, a storage medium, and a system.

[0002] Methods for washing a load of laundry are known from the prior art. The focus of cleaning processes is often on achieving a good cleaning result with the most thorough possible removal of greasy and oily soils. To effectively remove grease stains, washing processes generally aim to remove at least the hydrophobic components of the soils. However, to then cause the hydrophobic components of the soils to be absorbed into the washing solution, a thermodynamically attractive environment for these soils must be created.

[0003] However, this goal often conflicts with the need for minimal water consumption while maintaining good cleaning performance. In particular, heating the laundry to create a thermodynamically favorable environment while ensuring homogeneous mixing and low water consumption proves problematic.

[0004] A textile treatment process is known from the prior art of WO 2005 / 003268 A1, in which soiled textiles are placed in a treatment chamber of the washing machine. A cleaning fluid is introduced uniformly into the treatment chamber, while the textiles are agitated. Subsequently, the textiles are rinsed with a water-containing rinsing fluid, generating free water. At least some of the rinsing fluid is removed from the treatment chamber, and this process can be repeated with further rinsing fluids. The quantity of cleaning fluid should be between 25% and 200% of the dry weight of the textiles. The fluid can be heated by means of a heating element in the feeder.

[0005] From WO 2012 / 048911 A1, a method for controlling a washing machine with a tub, a drum, a spray device suitable for dispensing liquid into an interior of the drum, and a draining device is known. A cleaning cycle, in which laundry is treated with a cleaning solution, and a rinsing cycle, in which the cleaning solution is at least largely removed from the laundry, are performed. In the rinsing cycle, the drum is driven to a rotational speed at which the laundry is held in contact with the drum by centrifugal force. The laundry is sprayed with a rinsing solution by the spray device while free liquid is simultaneously drained, so that no free liquid accumulates inside the drum. The laundry is heated by a heating element located in the tub.

[0006] From DE 10 2014 202 990 A1, a one- or multi-phase non-solid concentrate for use as a textile detergent is known, which is suitable for forming or maintaining a Winsor type 2 microemulsion system when diluted in a washing machine with short-liquid washing technology. For this purpose, a textile washing process is used in a washing machine with a wash cycle consisting of at least two consecutive underwash cycles. In this process, a suitable concentrate is added to a detergent reservoir of the washing machine and, during the first underwash cycle, transported to the laundry treatment chamber of the washing machine while simultaneously forming a short liquor. A Winsor type 2 microemulsion system is formed or maintained as the short liquor, so that an interaction of the Winsor type 2 short liquor with the dirt present in the laundry load takes place during the first underwash cycle.Subsequently, in at least one further underwash cycle, the liquor is further diluted with water until a long liquor is formed, and the dirt is removed from the laundry treatment chamber along with the long liquor. Heating preferably takes place in the first underwash cycle by means of a machine heater. EP 1 838 915 B1 discloses a method for producing a hydrophobic effect on textiles in a household washing machine with devices for heating a liquor contained in a tub, in which hydrophobic agents dissolved in the liquor are brought into contact with the textiles during a treatment process similar to a washing process. The tub is filled with a quantity of water measured for a short liquor, i.e., a ratio of weight of dry textile to weight of water greater than 1:8. The liquor is heated while wetting the textiles in the tub.A predetermined amount of the hydrophobic agent is added to the detergent dispenser via water from the detergent compartment and mixes with the water to form the lye solution. The textile then comes into contact with the lye solution for the first time. The lye solution is then removed from the textiles and the detergent dispenser by spinning, without the need for rinsing.

[0007] From DE 10 2013 104075 A1, a method for applying a finishing composition to a garment in a laundry treatment machine with a rotatably mounted drum is known. By adding water while the drum rotates, a predetermined residual moisture content is established in the garment, and the finishing composition is applied to the garment. The finishing composition is applied to the garment in liquid form or in the form of fine droplets (spray) by spraying it on via a delivery device while the drum is rotating at or above the application speed.

[0008] Document DE 10 2013 104075 A1 describes a washing machine with a system for applying steam to garments during a cleaning cycle. It has been found that current washing methods still require improvement. In particular, further improvements are needed regarding homogeneous wetting and heating of the laundry with short bath durations and good cleaning results.

[0009] In light of the prior art, the invention therefore aims to provide a method for achieving homogeneous wetting and heating of laundry with short bath durations and good cleaning results. Furthermore, it aims to provide a device, a computer program, a storage medium, and a system that accomplish this task.

[0010] The problem is solved by the method according to claim 1. The method comprises: Generating steam and applying the steam to the laundry in the wash load; generating a microemulsion using a detergent composition; and washing the laundry in the wash load with a first wash liquor based on the microemulsion.

[0011] The detergent composition, or a part thereof, is introduced into the steam and applied to the laundry in the wash load along with the steam.

[0012] It has been found that steam enables particularly homogeneous wetting and simultaneous homogeneous heating of the laundry. At the same time, the use of steam makes it possible to wash with a microemulsion using very short liquors, meaning low water consumption. As a result, warm washing is possible despite short liquors, while still achieving excellent washing results.

[0013] The process is therefore particularly suitable for hot washing. For example, during the process, especially during the initial washing with the first wash liquor, the laundry is washed at least temporarily at a temperature of at least 15°C, preferably at least 30°C.

[0014] The steam is preferably water vapor. Steam refers specifically to the gaseous state of the starting material. Unlike, for example, the use of aerosols or warm air, the steam simultaneously introduces both the moisture required for a short-batch washing process and the thermal energy (including the recovered enthalpy of condensation). The result is a very uniform wetting and heating of the laundry in the wash load.

[0015] To generate steam, water is pumped into a steam generator. The generated steam can then be directed, in particular, through one or more nozzles into the washing drum.

[0016] The washing drum is, in particular, a washing drum that rotates around a horizontal axis, for example, that of a washing machine designed as a front loader.

[0017] In this context, a microemulsion is understood to be a thermodynamically stable mixture of water, oil(s), and amphiphile(s). As is typical for emulsions, the microstructure can be oil-in-water (O / W) or water-in-oil (W / O). Bicontinuous structures are also found in microemulsions. Microemulsions are usually clear because their droplet size, in the nanometer range, is significantly below the wavelength of visible light. Within the scope of the present invention, clarity is also considered an indicator of the presence of a microemulsion in a water / oil / amphiphile mixture. However, multiphase and / or cloudy microemulsions are also possible. According to Winsor, microemulsion systems consisting of a water component, an oil component, and an amphiphile can be divided into four types based on their phase equilibria, which can be used in the present invention.

[0018] In a Winsor Type I microemulsion system, the surfactant is primarily soluble in water and in an oil-in-water (O / W) microemulsion form. It consists of a surfactant-rich aqueous phase (O / W microemulsion) and an excess, but surfactant-poor, oil phase.

[0019] In a Winsor Type II microemulsion system, the surfactant is primarily soluble in an oil phase and in a W / O microemulsion form. This consists of a surfactant-rich oil phase (W / O microemulsion) and an excess, but surfactant-poor, aqueous phase.

[0020] A Winsor type III microemulsion system is a frequently bicontinuous microemulsion, also called a middle-phase microemulsion, consisting of a surfactant-rich middle phase that coexists with a surfactant-poor aqueous phase as well as a surfactant-poor oil phase.

[0021] A Winsor Type IV microemulsion system is a single-phase homogeneous mixture and, unlike Winsor Types I to III, which consist of two or three phases, only one of which is a microemulsion, the entire system constitutes a microemulsion. It generally requires high surfactant concentrations to achieve this single-phase nature, whereas Winsor Type I and Type II microemulsion systems require significantly lower surfactant concentrations to reach a stable phase equilibrium.

[0022] Detergent compositions that can form a single-phase microemulsion (Winsor IV) under the described conditions are preferred embodiments within the scope of the invention.

[0023] The detergent composition is therefore at least suitable for forming a microemulsion.

[0024] Preferably the detergent composition includes: (1) a surfactant system having a fishtail point in the range of 0.01 wt.% to 50 wt.%, preferably 0.1 wt.% to 35 wt.%, particularly preferably 0.2 wt.% to 25 wt.%, comprising at least one surfactant selected from anionic, cationic, amphoteric, nonionic surfactants and combinations thereof; and (2) at least one enzyme.

[0025] The term "fishtail point," as used herein, refers to the maximum extent of the single-phase, optically isotropic microemulsion region at minimum surfactant concentrations, where the upper and lower phase boundaries intersect, delimiting this single-phase region. "Upper phase boundary" and "lower phase boundary" preferably describe the transitions between the microemulsion phase (single-phase microemulsions of Winsor IV type) and precipitated excess phases (two-phase microemulsions of Winsor I or II type) or other structured phases.

[0026] The surfactant systems with the described fishtail points allow the formation of microemulsions. Therefore, when used in detergent compositions for cleaning textile substrates, they advantageously achieve improved removal of particularly greasy and oily soils with reduced water and electricity consumption compared to conventional methods, and with the same or even reduced amounts of surfactant. Especially when combined with steam generation and steam treatment of the laundry load, effective cleaning with low water consumption is achieved.

[0027] A surfactant system capable of forming a microemulsion is understood here to be, in particular, an aqueous surfactant system that can solubilize a larger quantity of oil without any visible turbidity. Such a system is capable of solubilizing more than 0.25 wt.%, preferably more than 1 wt.%, and particularly preferably more than 5 wt.% of an oil to a clear state. Typically, such systems are characterized by a particularly low interfacial tension with respect to the oil in question. Preferably, interfacial tensions are < 5 mN / m, particularly preferably < 0.5 mN / m, and most preferably < 0.05 mN / m. Accordingly, "suitable for forming a microemulsion," as used here, means that these compositions comprise a surfactant system with the described properties and at least one enzyme, and under the test conditions described below, i.e.,a temperature in the range of 0 to 80°C, preferably 1 to 60°C, particularly preferably 5 to 40°C, most preferably at 40°C, and a water:oil system with a mass ratio of water:oil of 99:1 to 9:1, wherein the oil is for example a dialkyl ether, such as in particular dioctyl ether, can form a microemulsion of Winsor type IV.

[0028] Laundry refers to all washable textiles. A textile can include items such as clothing, curtains, or bedding. Clothing and bedding include, for example, shirts, T-shirts, dresses, jackets, sweaters, trousers, blankets, covers, and pillowcases. Textiles can be made from various materials, such as natural fibers, synthetic fibers, or other materials.

[0029] The detergent composition used in the process is supplied, for example, by an automatic dosing system. The detergent composition is supplied, for example, by one or more containers (tanks or cartridges). For example, at least two containers are provided, with the contents of each container differing in at least one component. In this way, different detergent compositions can be produced as needed. Furthermore, this has the advantage, particularly in connection with the process described here, that part of the detergent composition can be applied to the laundry together with the steam, while another part of the detergent composition (which may include heat-sensitive components) can be applied separately from the steam.

[0030] When washing the laundry of the wash load with the first wash liquor based on the microemulsion, a first temperature T x is preferably established, which is preferably at least 10°C, and preferably at most 60°C.

[0031] When washing the laundry in the first wash cycle, there is preferably essentially no free liquor present, which allows for particularly water-efficient washing. Washing the laundry in the first wash cycle can be referred to as the first underwash cycle.

[0032] The fact that the first washing solution is based on the microemulsion can mean, in particular, that the first washing solution consists of the first microemulsion. However, it is also possible that further detergent components and / or water are added to form the first washing solution.

[0033] The process can be carried out, for example, by a washing machine, in particular a household washing machine. However, controlling or triggering individual or all process steps can also be done by one or more devices separate from the washing machine, in particular one or more data processing devices (for example, a server, a smartphone, a tablet and / or a smartwatch).

[0034] According to the invention, the microemulsion is generated by the detergent composition and the moisture from the steam. Therefore, preferably no additional water is required. Rather, a microemulsion can be formed solely from the moisture introduced by the steam.

[0035] According to a further preferred embodiment of the process, the detergent composition, or a portion thereof, is introduced into the steam and applied to the laundry in the wash load together with the steam. The detergent composition, or a portion thereof, is thus introduced into the steam, particularly after steam generation but before the steam is introduced into the washing drum. This allows, in particular, immediate activation of the detergent composition on the laundry in the wash load. Furthermore, spot formation, i.e., local overconcentration of the detergent, is avoided. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to introduce the detergent composition, or a portion thereof, into the water used for this purpose before steam generation.

[0036] In one example, the microemulsion is formed simply by introducing the detergent composition (or a portion thereof) into the steam and / or the water used to generate the steam. The microemulsion can then be applied directly to the laundry load via the steam.

[0037] However, it is also conceivable that some of the components of the detergent composition are not applied to the laundry load by the steam. This is particularly advantageous if the detergent composition contains heat-sensitive components (such as enzymes).

[0038] It is particularly possible that the microemulsion only forms on the laundry itself. For example, only some of the detergent components required for microemulsion formation may be applied to the laundry by the steam. One or more other components (especially those required for microemulsion formation) may not be applied to the laundry by the steam.

[0039] According to a further preferred embodiment of the procedure, it also includes: Determining the quantity of detergent composition to be dosed for the formation of the microemulsion, in particular at least based on the quantity of laundry in the wash load, the quantity of water used or to be used to produce the first wash liquor and / or a water property of the water used or to be used to produce the first wash liquor.

[0040] This ensures that, particularly with varying loads of laundry, water quantities, and / or water properties, a microemulsion forms reliably, and in particular, is forced, for the first wash liquor. Preferably, the smallest possible amount of the detergent composition that forms or can form a microemulsion is used.

[0041] For example, the amount of detergent to be dosed is determined based on the weight and / or volume of the laundry in the wash load. Preferably, the weight of the laundry in the wash load is determined using an anhydrous method.

[0042] For example, the amount of detergent to be dosed is determined based on the weight and / or volume of the water used or to be used to generate the initial wash liquor. This is done, for instance, by measuring the water flow rate. The amount of water used is sufficient to generate the desired liquor ratio, which will be described in more detail below.

[0043] One property of the water used or to be used to produce the initial wash liquor is, for example, its hardness. A measure representative of the water's hardness can be determined, such as conductivity. This allows for minimal dosing of the detergent composition without risking underdosing.

[0044] For example, the amount of detergent composition to be dosed to form the microemulsion is determined based on data sets stored (such as a matrix or lookup table) in the washing machine or other device. It is also conceivable that the amount of detergent composition to be dosed to form the microemulsion is determined algebraically.

[0045] To achieve particularly uniform wetting of the laundry in the wash load, according to a further preferred embodiment of the method, the laundry in the wash load is exposed to steam via at least one nozzle. If the detergent composition or a portion thereof is introduced into the steam, it is simultaneously applied to the laundry in the wash load, resulting in a uniform distribution. Furthermore, the at least one nozzle can also be used to apply water (for example, as an aerosol) and / or the detergent composition (or parts thereof) to the laundry without the use of steam.

[0046] For a particularly economical process, especially with regard to water consumption, according to a further preferred embodiment of the process, the first washing liquor is an essentially completely bound liquor. An essentially completely bound liquor is understood to mean that essentially no free liquor is present.

[0047] According to a further preferred embodiment of the process, the liquor ratio of the first wash liquor is lower than 1:1.5, preferably lower than 1:1, more preferably lower than 1:0.5, and particularly preferably lower than 1:0.25. The liquor ratio (often abbreviated as LR in the textile industry) is the ratio of the quantity (weight in kg) of laundry in the wash load to the quantity (in L) of the liquor. The lower the liquor ratio, the lower the quantity of liquor. Low liquor ratios (for example, 1:4 or lower) are also referred to as short liquor times. It has been shown that exceptionally short wash liquors can be achieved, particularly by means of the described steam treatment. This increases the concentration of the active ingredient and makes the treatment step more efficient.

[0048] According to a further preferred embodiment of the process, the laundry in the wash load is exposed to steam, and in particular the microemulsion is applied, at least temporarily, while the washing drum is rotating at a (first) rotational speed. Preferably, the first rotational speed (w1) is selected such that the laundry in the wash load lies loosely and not pressed against the drum wall. The first rotational speed is, for example, at least 10 rpm, preferably at least 40 rpm, and / or at most 100 rpm, preferably at most 80 rpm.

[0049] To improve the washing result with the microemulsion, according to a further preferred embodiment of the process, the laundry in the wash load is washed with the first wash liquor at least temporarily while the washing drum is rotated at a (second) rotational speed, which is particularly lower than the first rotational speed. Preferably, the second rotational speed (w₂) is selected such that the laundry in the wash load can fall off at the top dead center (approximately 11 to 12 o'clock). The second rotational speed is, for example, at least 10 rpm, preferably at least 30 rpm, and / or at most 100 rpm, preferably at most 60 rpm. Washing with the first wash liquor is carried out, for example, for a time (tw₁) of at least 3 min, preferably at least 5 min, and / or of at most 180 min, preferably at most 60 min.

[0050] According to a further preferred embodiment of the procedure, the procedure also includes: Applying at least one detergent component to the laundry in the wash load separately from applying steam to the laundry in the wash load.

[0051] Applying the detergent separately from the steam has the advantage that heat-sensitive detergent components, in particular, do not need to be applied together with the steam, which can compromise the effectiveness of the detergent component or even the entire detergent composition. At least one of the detergent components can be part of the detergent composition. The washing of the laundry load can thus (also) be based on the detergent component applied in this way. This detergent component can, for example, be applied after the laundry load has been exposed to steam. Alternatively or additionally, the detergent component can be applied using at least one nozzle different from the one used for steam application.

[0052] According to a further preferred embodiment of the procedure, the procedure also includes: Applying water to the laundry of the washing load, in particular by means of at least one nozzle, to produce a second washing liquor, wherein in particular the liquor ratio of the second washing liquor is higher than the liquor ratio of the first washing liquor; and washing the laundry of the washing load with the second washing liquor.

[0053] The water can be applied to the laundry as an aerosol via at least one nozzle. Alternatively, the water can also be applied to the laundry in a surge. Preferably, the washing drum rotates at least intermittently during the application of the water at a (third) rotational speed, which is preferably higher than the second rotational speed. Preferably, the third rotational speed (w3) is selected such that the laundry in the washing load lies loosely and not pressed against the drum wall. The third rotational speed is, for example, at least 10 rpm, preferably at least 40 rpm, and / or at most 100 rpm, preferably at most 80 rpm.

[0054] A second wash liquor is created by adding water. Washing the laundry in the load with this second liquor can be referred to as a second underwash cycle. The liquor ratio is preferably higher than 1:1. Preferably, the second liquor ratio is adjusted so that a free liquor is present. The second wash liquor reaches a second temperature Ty (post-wash temperature), which is preferably lower than the first temperature Tx. Preferably, the second temperature Ty is at least 10°C and / or at most 40°C.

[0055] Preferably, during the washing of the laundry load with the second wash liquor, the washing drum rotates at least intermittently at a (fourth) rotational speed, which is preferably lower than the third rotational speed. Preferably, the fourth rotational speed (w4) is selected such that the laundry of the wash load can fall off at the top dead center (approximately 11 to 12 o'clock). The fourth rotational speed is, for example, at least 10 rpm, preferably at least 30 rpm, and / or at most 100 rpm, preferably at most 60 rpm. Optionally, the rotational speed can be increased (especially repeatedly) to w3 and decreased to w4. Washing with the second wash liquor takes place, for example, for a time (tw2) of at least 3 min, preferably at least 5 min, and / or of at most 180 min, preferably at most 60 min.Additionally or alternatively, washing with the second wash liquor can be terminated depending on a property (in particular, an optical and / or electrical characteristic) of the second wash liquor. For example, if the current optical and / or electrical characteristic deviates too much from a respective reference value or increases, washing with the second wash liquor can be continued. Conversely, if the difference between the current optical and / or electrical characteristic and a respective reference value is sufficiently small, washing with the second wash liquor can be terminated.

[0056] After washing with the second wash liquor has finished, a further embodiment of the method preferably involves expelling the second wash liquor. For this purpose, the washing drum rotates at least intermittently at a (fifth) rotational speed (w 5), which is preferably greater than the fourth rotational speed w 4. Preferably, the fifth rotational speed (w 5) is selected such that the laundry in the wash load is firmly in contact with the drum wall. The third rotational speed is, for example, at least 400 rpm, preferably at least 600 rpm and / or at most 2000 rpm, preferably at most 1600 rpm. The second wash liquor expelled from the laundry in this way is preferably pumped out simultaneously. The expulsion of the second wash liquor preferably takes place for a time t s1 of at least 1 min, preferably at least 3 min and / or at most 60 min, preferably at most 20 min.The removal of the second wash liquor is preferably stopped if it is determined that a measured value of the pump for pumping out the water (for example, the power consumption) is below a threshold value.

[0057] According to a further preferred embodiment of the procedure, the procedure also includes: Applying water to the laundry in the wash load to create a rinsing solution; and rinsing the laundry in the wash load with the rinsing solution.

[0058] The water can be applied to the laundry as an aerosol via at least one nozzle. Alternatively, the water can also be applied to the laundry in a surge. Preferably, the washing drum rotates at least intermittently at the (fifth) rotational speed w5 already described during the application of the water and / or during the rinsing process. The application of water creates a rinse solution. Rinsing the laundry with this rinse solution can be referred to as a rinse cycle. The rinsing process preferably lasts for a time ts2 of at least 1 minute, preferably at least 3 minutes and / or at most 60 minutes, preferably at most 20 minutes. The rinsing process is preferably terminated depending on a property (in particular, an optical characteristic and / or an electrical characteristic) of the rinse solution.If the current characteristic value deviates too much from a given reference value, rinsing with the rinsing solution can be continued or repeated. If the difference between the current characteristic value and a given reference value is small enough, rinsing with the rinsing solution can be stopped.

[0059] The washing drum then preferably rotates at least intermittently at a (sixth) rotational speed (w max). This sixth rotational speed is, for example, at least 400 rpm, preferably at least 600 rpm, and / or at most 2000 rpm, preferably at most 1600 rpm.

[0060] According to a further preferred embodiment of the procedure, the procedure also includes: Determining one or more optical and / or electrical parameters of the microemulsion, the first wash liquor, the second wash liquor and / or the rinse liquor.

[0061] Determination can, in particular, involve repeated determination. The determined values ​​can, in particular, influence the control of the procedure, especially the length or number of repetitions of individual procedure steps, as already described.

[0062] An optical parameter is, for example, a turbidity value or scattering value. Such a value can be determined, for instance, by measuring the light transmittance, scattering, reflection, and / or absorption of light in the respective medium (microemulsion, first wash liquor, second wash liquor, rinse liquor). Appropriate sensors can be used for this purpose.

[0063] An example of an electrical property is conductivity. This can be determined by applying a voltage U to two electrodes with an area A and a current I. The current I results from the passage of a quantity of positive and negative ions through the control area A (the electrodes) per unit of time (e.g., second). The conductance of such an ionic conductor is given by C = I / U and can be calculated as the reciprocal of the electrical resistance of the system (1 / R = I / U).

[0064] Particularly during the second underwash cycle with the second wash liquor or during rinsing with the rinse liquor, such a value can be reliably determined, as a free liquor is typically present at these times. If the determined value is greater than a reference value (e.g., greater than a specified value or an optical or electrical characteristic of the microemulsion or the first wash liquor) or if the determined value is increasing, the corresponding process step (e.g., the second underwash cycle or the rinse) can be extended or repeated. An increase in optical characteristics, such as the turbidity value or the scattering value, can indicate further removal of contaminants. An increase in an electrical characteristic, such as the conductivity, can indicate an ongoing phase reversal process.

[0065] According to a further preferred embodiment of the method, the process further comprises: querying and / or receiving information representative of the effectiveness of a washing result with regard to the laundry in the wash load. Receiving this information can be automated (e.g., by the washing machine). This can be done, for example, using sensors (e.g., optical sensors to detect the laundry or sensors that can determine the degree of soiling of the rinse water from a (the last) rinse cycle). Alternatively or additionally, this information can also be queried from the user (e.g., by a data processing system such as a smartphone) after washing and subsequently received. In one example, the information can be incorporated into a user profile as a representative of the treatment's effectiveness.

[0066] Based on the information obtained, which is representative of the effectiveness of the washing result and / or by recording further washing parameters described herein (for example, the amount of detergent composition to be dosed, the liquor ratio, the temperature, the duration, the amount of water, the rotation speed, etc.), the washing process can preferably be optimized.

[0067] It is also possible that the optimization of the washing process involves or is based on machine learning, particularly when using information representative of the effectiveness of a washing result. Machine learning is understood as the process by which an artificial system (for example, a device according to the second aspect or a system according to the third aspect) learns from examples and can generalize them after the learning phase. This means that the examples are not simply memorized, but rather patterns and regularities in the training data are recognized. Various approaches can be used for this purpose. For example, supervised learning, semi-supervised learning, unsupervised learning, reinforced learning, and / or active learning can be employed, especially in conjunction with deep learning methods.Supervised learning can be implemented using an artificial neural network (such as a recurrent neural network) or a support vector machine. Unsupervised learning can also be performed using an artificial neural network (such as an autoencoder). The training data then consists primarily of information obtained (repeatedly) that is representative of the effectiveness of a washing result and / or the recorded washing parameters.

[0068] The aforementioned problem is solved in a device according to claim 11 by the fact that the device is set up or includes appropriate means to carry out and / or control a method according to the invention.

[0069] The device comprises at least one processor and at least one memory containing computer program code, wherein the at least one memory and the computer program code are configured to execute and / or control at least one method according to the invention using the at least one processor. A processor shall be understood to be, for example, a control unit, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a field-programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0070] For example, an exemplary device further comprises means for storing information, such as a program memory and / or main memory. For example, an exemplary device according to the invention further comprises means for receiving and / or sending information via a network, such as a network interface. For example, exemplary devices according to the invention are interconnected and / or connectable to one or more networks.

[0071] An exemplary device is or comprises, for example, a washing machine or a data processing system that is configured by software and / or hardware to perform the respective steps of a method according to the invention. Examples of a data processing system are a computer, a desktop computer, a server, a thin client, and / or a portable computer (mobile device), such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a wearable device, a personal digital assistant, or a smartphone.

[0072] Individual process steps of the process according to the invention, which do not necessarily have to be carried out by the washing machine, can be performed by a further device, which is connected to the washing machine, in particular via a communication system. Such process steps include, for example, determining the quantity of detergent composition to be dosed for the formation of the microemulsion and / or controlling / triggering process steps carried out by the washing machine (for example, applying at least one detergent component, applying water, washing the laundry and / or rinsing the laundry).In other words, the described process steps or their control (unless this necessarily has to take place in the device performing the washing of the laundry (washing machine) itself) can therefore not only be carried out locally in or by the washing machine, but also by a separate device of the user (such as one of the user's data processing systems described, like a smartphone, tablet, etc.) or by a device such as a remote server ("remote").

[0073] In addition to the washing machine, other devices may be included, such as a server and / or a component of a so-called computer cloud, which dynamically provides data processing resources to various users within a communication system. A computer cloud is understood to be a data processing infrastructure as defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) for the English term "cloud computing." A Microsoft Windows Azure platform is one example of a computer cloud.

[0074] The aforementioned problem is further solved by a computer program according to claim 12, which comprises program instructions that cause the device according to claim 11 to execute and / or control a method according to the invention when the computer program is running on the processor. An exemplary program according to the invention can be stored in or on a computer-readable storage medium which contains one or more programs.

[0075] The aforementioned problem is further solved by a computer-readable storage medium containing a computer program according to the invention. A computer-readable storage medium can be, for example, a magnetic, electrical, electromagnetic, optical, and / or other type of storage medium. Such a computer-readable storage medium is preferably tangible (i.e., "touchable"), for example, it is designed as a data carrier device. Such a data carrier device is, for example, portable or permanently installed in a device. Examples of such a data carrier device are volatile or non-volatile random access memory (RAM), such as NOR flash memory, or sequential access memory, such as NAND flash memory, and / or read-only memory (ROM) or read / write memory. "Computer-readable" is to be understood, for example, as meaning that the storage medium can be accessed by a computer or...a data processing system that can be read and / or written to, for example by a processor.

[0076] The aforementioned problem is ultimately solved by a system comprising a washing machine with at least the technical features of the device and a data processing system, which are jointly configured to execute and / or control a method according to the invention. The data processing system is, for example, a mobile device or a server for carrying out at least part of the method. Fig. 1 a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention to illustrate an embodiment of a method according to the invention; Fig. 2 a block diagram of an embodiment of a device according to the invention; and Fig. 3 different embodiments of storage media.

[0077] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic block diagram of an embodiment of a device 100 according to the invention, which is designed here as a washing machine, to illustrate an embodiment of a method according to the invention.

[0078] A load of laundry (not shown) is placed into the container B2, which is designed as a washing drum B2. The weight of the laundry in the load is determined using a waterless method via sensor W.

[0079] Water is supplied to the device 100 via valve V1. The amount of water used in various process stages (e.g., for steam generation) can be determined using the impeller flow meter F1. The conductivity of the water, an electrical characteristic, can also be determined using sensor C1.

[0080] Water is supplied to the steam generator WT1 via pump P1, which then produces steam. The steam can be supplied to the washing drum B2 via valve V2, allowing the scrubber inside to be supplied with steam via nozzle D1 for a load of laundry. Nozzle D1 ensures an even distribution of the steam within the washing drum B2.

[0081] The moisture added to washing drum B2 is selected so that the liquor ratio of the initial wash liquor to be produced is lower than 1:1.5. By using steam, a liquor ratio of 1:0.25 can even be achieved.

[0082] Based on the amount of laundry in the wash load, the amount of water used or to be used to generate the first wash liquor, and a water property (here the conductivity measured via sensor C1) of the water used or to be used to generate the first wash liquor, a quantity of detergent composition to be dosed to form a microemulsion is determined.

[0083] The detergent composition, or certain components thereof, are stored in container B1. Pump P2 can also introduce the detergent composition (or certain components thereof) from container B1 into the steam and apply it, along with the steam, to the laundry in the wash load. This allows a microemulsion to be created either in the steam or, at least, on the laundry. It is also conceivable that further components of the detergent composition or additional water could be applied to the laundry via other means. Applying at least one detergent component to the laundry separately from the steam treatment is particularly advantageous when dealing with heat-sensitive components.

[0084] The application of steam to the laundry load, and in particular the application of the microemulsion, takes place at least temporarily while the washing drum B2 rotates at a first rotational speed using motor M. The motor's current consumption can be determined and monitored via sensor I, and the washing drum's rotational speed via sensor S.

[0085] The laundry in the wash load can then be washed with a first wash liquor based on the generated microemulsion. This first wash liquor is essentially a fully bound liquor, with virtually no free liquor present. The washing of the laundry with this first wash liquor is carried out, at least intermittently, while the washing drum B2 rotates at a second speed, which is lower than the first.

[0086] Sensors P and T are used to monitor pressure and temperature in the washing drum B2.

[0087] Water can be supplied to the washing drum B2 independently of the steam generator WT1 via pump P3 and the second nozzle D2. This allows water to be applied to the laundry load via nozzle D2 to create a second wash liquor. The liquor ratio of the second wash liquor is higher than that of the first wash liquor. The laundry load is then washed with the second wash liquor. The second wash liquor can be circulated via the Z1 circuit.

[0088] The detergent composition can also be re-dosed via pump P2. If necessary, this is done with an additional addition of water via pump P1, but if required, without operating the steam generator WT1, so that nozzle D1, for example, emits an aerosol. The re-dosed detergent is also evenly distributed via nozzle D1.

[0089] Washing with the second wash liquor is continued or terminated depending on a property of the second wash liquor, such as an optical characteristic (e.g., the turbidity value) and / or an electrical characteristic (e.g., the conductivity or conductance). These values ​​are measured by sensor unit A (which can also be representative of several sensors).

[0090] Water is then applied to the laundry in the wash load to create a rinse solution. This can be done, in particular, via pump P3. The laundry in the wash load is then rinsed with the rinse solution. Here, too, the rinsing process can be continued or stopped depending on a property of the rinse solution, such as an optical characteristic (e.g., the turbidity value) and / or an electrical characteristic (e.g., the conductivity or conductance). These values ​​can also be measured by sensor unit A.

[0091] Free liquor, such as the second wash liquor or the rinse liquor, can be discharged from washing drum B2 via valve V4 and pump P4.

[0092] Fig. 2 Figure 1 shows a block diagram of an embodiment of a device 200, which can, in particular, control an exemplary method according to the first aspect. The device 200 can, for example, be part of the device 100, or a separate device from it.

[0093] The device 200 can be, in particular, a computer, a desktop computer, a server, a thin client, or a portable computer (mobile device), such as a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), or a smartphone. The device can, for example, perform the function of a server or a client.

[0094] Processor 210 of the device 200 is configured in particular as a microprocessor, microcontrol unit, microcontroller, digital signal processor (DSP), application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or field programmable gate array (FPGA).

[0095] Processor 210 executes program instructions stored in program memory 212 and stores intermediate results or similar information in main memory 211. Program memory 212 can be, for example, non-volatile memory such as flash memory, magnetic memory, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and / or optical memory. Main memory 211 can be, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular random access memory (RAM) such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and / or magnetic RAM (MRAM).

[0096] Program memory 212 is preferably a local data carrier permanently connected to the device 200. Data carriers permanently connected to the device 200 include, for example, hard drives installed in the device 200. Alternatively, the data carrier can also be, for example, a data carrier that can be detachably connected to the device 200, such as a USB flash drive, a removable data carrier, a portable hard drive, a CD, a DVD, and / or a floppy disk.

[0097] Program memory 212 contains, for example, the operating system of device 200, which is at least partially loaded into main memory 211 and executed by processor 210 when device 200 is started. In particular, when device 200 is started, at least part of the operating system kernel is loaded into main memory 211 and executed by processor 210. The operating system of device 400 is, for example, a Windows, UNIX, Linux, Android, Apple iOS, and / or Mac operating system.

[0098] The operating system enables, in particular, the use of the device 200 for data processing. For example, it manages resources such as main memory 211 and program memory 212, network interface 213, input and output device 214, provides basic functions to other programs via programming interfaces, and controls the execution of programs.

[0099] Processor 210 controls the communication interface 213, which can be, for example, a network interface and can be configured as a network card, network module, and / or modem. The communication interface 213 is specifically designed to establish a connection between the device 200 and other devices, particularly via a (wireless) communication system, such as a network, and to communicate with them. The communication interface 213 can, for example, receive data (via the communication system) and forward it to Processor 210 and / or receive data from Processor 210 and send it (via the communication system). Examples of a communication system include a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and a wireless network (for example, according to IEEE 802).11 standard, the Bluetooth (LE) standard and / or the NFC standard), a wired network, a mobile network, a telephone network and / or the Internet. If device 200 is a device different from washing machine 100, device 200 can communicate with washing machine 100, which in this case also has a communication interface, via communication interface 213.

[0100] Furthermore, processor 210 can control at least one input / output device 214. Input / output device 214 could be, for example, a keyboard, a mouse, a display unit, a microphone, a touch-sensitive display unit, a speaker, a reader, a drive, and / or a camera. Input / output device 214 could, for example, receive user input and forward it to processor 210 and / or receive and output information for the user from processor 210.

[0101] Fig.3 Finally, it shows different embodiments of storage media on which an embodiment of a computer program according to the invention can be stored. The storage medium can, for example, be a magnetic, electrical, optical, and / or other type of storage medium. The storage medium can, for example, be part of a processor (e.g., the processor 210 of the Fig. 2 ) be, for example, a (non-volatile or volatile) program memory of the processor or a part thereof (such as program memory 212 in Fig. 2 Examples of a storage medium are a flash memory 210, an SSD hard drive 211, a magnetic hard drive 212, a memory card 213, a memory stick 214 (e.g. a USB stick), a CD-ROM or DVD 215 or a floppy disk 216.

Claims

1. A method for washing laundry in a wash load, in particular in a washing drum (B2), carried out by at least one device (100, 200), comprising: - generating steam and applying the steam to the laundry of the wash load; - generating a microemulsion by means of a detergent composition; and washing the laundry of the wash load with a first wash liquor based on the microemulsion, characterised in that the detergent composition, or a portion thereof, is introduced into the steam and applied to the laundry of the wash load together with the steam.

2. A method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the laundry in the wash load is treated with the steam by means of at least one nozzle (D1).

3. A method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first wash liquor is a substantially fully bound liquor.

4. A method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquor ratio of the first wash liquor is lower than 1 : 1.5, preferably lower than 1 : 1, more preferably lower than 1: 0.5, and particularly preferably lower than 1 : 0.25.

5. A method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method for washing laundry of a wash load is carried out in a washing drum (B2), wherein the laundry of the wash load is treated with steam and, in particular, the microemulsion is applied at least temporarily whilst the washing drum (B2) is rotating at a first rotational speed.

6. A method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method is carried out for washing laundry of a wash load in a washing drum (B2), wherein the washing of the laundry of the wash load with the first wash liquor takes place at least temporarily whilst the washing drum (B2) is rotating at a second rotational speed, which is in particular lower than the first rotational speed.

7. A method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - applying at least one detergent component to the laundry of the wash load separately from the application of steam to the laundry of the wash load.

8. A method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - applying water to the laundry of the wash load, in particular by means of at least one nozzle (D1, D2), to produce a second wash liquor, wherein, in particular, the liquor ratio of the second wash liquor is higher than the liquor ratio of the first wash liquor; and - washing the laundry of the wash load with the second wash liquor.

9. A method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - determining one or more turbidity values and / or electrical parameters of the microemulsion, the first wash liquor, the second wash liquor and / or the rinse liquor.

10. A method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: - Retrieving and / or obtaining information representative of the effectiveness of a washing result with regard to the washed laundry of the wash load.

11. Apparatus (100, 200) adapted to perform and / or control a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, the apparatus comprising: a first valve (V1) for supplying water, a steam generator (WT1), a first pump (P1) for supplying water to the steam generator, a second valve (V2) for supplying the steam to the washing drum (B2), a container (B1) for containing the detergent composition or components thereof, a second pump (P2) for introducing the detergent composition from the container (B1) into the steam, and a processor (210).

12. A computer program comprising program instructions that cause the apparatus according to claim 11 to perform and / or control a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10 when the computer program is running on the processor (210).

13. A system comprising a washing machine (100) comprising: a first valve (V1) for supplying water, a steam generator (WT1), a first pump (P1) for supplying water to the steam generator, a second valve (V2) for supplying steam to the washing drum (B2), a container (B1) for containing the detergent composition or components thereof, a second pump (P2) for introducing the detergent composition from the container (B1) into the steam, and a processor (210); and a data processing system (200), which are jointly configured to execute and / or control a method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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