Washing machine with circulation

Abstract

A method for operating a washing machine (1) with a tub (2) and with a drum (3) rotatably arranged in the tub (2) for receiving laundry (4) comprises the step of rotating the drum (3) depending on the load of laundry in the drum (3) with laundry at least in one circulation phase and / or adding a process liquid (6) to the drum (3) and / or to the tub (2) and / or generating a process liquid (6) in the drum (3) and / or in the tub (2), wherein the process liquid (6) comprises or consists of concentrated detergent.

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine according to claim 1, a computer program product for operating a washing machine according to claim 13, and a washing machine according to claim 14. STATE OF THE ART

[0002] Numerous washing machines for washing laundry are known from the prior art. A primary objective of these washing machines, or rather of the methods by which they are operated, is to provide improved washing performance. For example, the goal may be to optimize washing with regard to water or detergent consumption, or to achieve an improved washing result, i.e., cleaner laundry. EP 1 700 943 A1 discloses a washing machine comprising a tub with a rotating drum. Furthermore, a water nozzle is arranged in the door bellows, which can supply process water to the drum. The nozzle has a shape designed to distribute the water as evenly as possible over the laundry.

[0003] From US patent 2015 / 299926 A1, a washing method is known in which a drum is continuously rotated in one direction at a first speed, so that laundry is lifted to a predetermined height and then falls, and in which the drum is rotated at a second speed, so that the laundry is moved in a state in which at least part of the laundry adheres to the drum, and in which washing water is sprayed into the drum while the drum is rotating at the second speed.

[0004] From JP 2014057769 A, a washing machine is known comprising a fabric weight detection unit, a water level detection unit, a soil detection unit for detecting the amount of soil in the laundry, and a control unit. At the start of the wash cycle, the control unit enables the fabric weight detection unit to detect the laundry weight and supplies the target amount of wash water, which is less than the standard amount determined based on the laundry weight. If the amount of soil in the laundry is small, the control unit supplies wash water up to the standard amount and carries out the wash cycle. If the amount of soil in the laundry is large, the control unit carries out the wash cycle with a smaller amount of wash water than the standard amount.

[0005] From EP 3 290 572 A, a laundry care appliance is known with an inlet nozzle and a diverting device arranged on the inside of an appliance door. The inlet nozzle is designed to direct the washing liquid pumped out through the inlet nozzle radially towards a rotational axis of the drum and onto the diverting device. The diverting device is designed to redirect the washing liquid impacting the diverting device towards the washing drum and to inject the redirected washing liquid into the washing drum along the rotational axis in order to advantageously wet the laundry contained in the washing drum.

[0006] From WO 2014 / 131452 A, a washing machine comprising a pump in a circulation line is known which draws in wash water stored in a water tray and delivers water under pressure via a water nozzle to a spray nozzle, wherein the spray nozzle jets the wash water from one side of the front door above the rotating drum towards the inner part of the same.

[0007] From WO 2021 / 002639 A1, a control method for a washing machine is known, wherein water is supplied to a tub in a first preset quantity together with detergent, and a first drum operation is carried out in which the drum rotates at a first drum rotation speed while water is supplied. Then a second drum operation is carried out in which the drum rotates at the first drum rotation speed while a heating element is running. The operation of the heating element is then stopped, and a third drum operation is carried out in which the drum rotates at the first drum rotation speed.

[0008] From WO 2012 / 124306 A1, a washing machine comprising a control unit and a laundry detection unit, which detects the amount of laundry placed in the drum, is known. At the beginning of the washing process, the control unit rotates the drum at a speed such that the laundry adheres to the inner surface of the drum and detects the weight of the laundry. The control unit then supplies a quantity of wash water that is set according to the weight of the laundry detected by the laundry detection unit, while the laundry adheres to the inside of the rotating drum. The control unit then increases the rotational speed of the drum, at which point the laundry adheres to the inner surface, to a speed above a resonant speed.

[0009] Despite these and other optimizations, conventional washing machines and processes still have drawbacks. For example, the washing machine operates at a speed at which the laundry at least partially blocks the water jet or forms a compact bundle that can only be superficially reached by the water jet. Another example is high detergent consumption or a long wash cycle, which are necessary for thorough cleaning. PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0010] It is an object of the invention to provide an improved method for operating a washing machine or an improved washing machine. In particular, it is an object to provide a method or a washing machine that enables improved cleaning and is optimized with regard to the consumption of resources such as time, washing water or detergent.

[0011] This problem is solved by a method according to claim 1. A method for operating a washing machine with a tub and a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for receiving laundry is specified, wherein the method comprises the step of rotating the drum depending on the load of laundry in the drum, at least in one circulation phase.

[0012] The washing load is preferably determined according to one of the known methods from the prior art. In particular, this involves a standard measurement procedure. For example, the washing machine can be equipped with a displacement sensor to determine the washing load. The drum is loaded with laundry before a wash cycle. Since the so-called wash tub is suspended freely, for example, by springs and dampers, the tub sinks slightly under the weight of the laundry. The amount of this sinking is measured by the displacement sensor and allows the calculation of the washing load. Another method of determining the washing load involves adding a defined quantity of water to the tub and drum at the beginning of a wash program. If there is a large amount of laundry in the drum, the laundry absorbs more water, and the water level drops quickly.Conversely, with less laundry, less water is absorbed and the water level drops more slowly. The rate of level drop can be used as a measure of the laundry load. Other methods for determining the laundry load are conceivable and known to experts.

[0013] In this context, the circulation phase is understood to be the phase of a washing process in which process fluid is transported from a lower area of ​​the washing machine to an upper area of ​​the washing machine, and from the upper area of ​​the washing machine onto the laundry in the drum, and then again to the lower area and from the lower area of ​​the washing machine to the upper area of ​​the washing machine, etc., and is thus circulated.

[0014] The process fluid can therefore be transported from the lower part of the washing machine, particularly from the bottom of the tub, to the upper part of the washing machine by means of a circulation system. This is preferably achieved via a circulation arrangement and at least one jet nozzle. The washing machine thus preferably includes a circulation arrangement that allows the process fluid to circulate from the tub into the drum via the jet nozzle. For this purpose, the circulation arrangement preferably includes a delivery line that enables the process fluid to be conveyed from the tub to the jet nozzle. Furthermore, a pump is preferably provided that pumps the process fluid. The pump can be located within the delivery line. The pump is, in particular, a circulation pump driven by a circulation drive.The process fluid is therefore preferably pumped outside the tub. The process fluid preferably collects in a bottom section of the tub. This bottom section preferably has an outlet opening connected to a first end of the pumping line, through which the process fluid can flow from the bottom section into the pumping line. A second end of the pumping line is preferably connected to the jet nozzle. The bottom section of the tub is preferably located in a lower section of the washing machine. The jet nozzle is preferably located in an upper section of the washing machine. The jet nozzle can be an opening, nozzle, sprinkler, or the like, which sprays the process fluid into the drum along one or more jet directions.This means the spray device can be designed to spray the process fluid in multiple jets and / or along different spray directions. The process fluid can be sprayed in as a focused jet. It is equally conceivable that the process fluid is sprayed in as a horizontal jet to effectively reach the laundry at various heights within the drum. This allows for the efficient handling of both large and small loads. The various spray devices and their arrangement in washing machines are well known to those skilled in the art. In all cases, the sprayed process fluid forms a so-called spray path. Or, put another way, the process fluid is preferably sprayed into the drum along one or more spray directions, thus creating a spray path.The one or more directions of incidence therefore run along the trajectory of the shot.

[0015] This means that the washing machine further comprises at least one jet device for jetting process fluid from the tub into the drum, and wherein the method comprises the step of jetting the process fluid from the tub into the drum during the circulation phase, wherein the drum is rotated depending on the load of laundry in the drum such that the laundry moves through a path of a jet of the injected process fluid.

[0016] During the circulation phase, the drum is preferably rotated in such a way that the items being washed are located in the path of the process fluid. In other words, the drum is preferably rotated so that the process fluid sprayed into the drum hits as much of the items being washed as possible.

[0017] The drum's rotational speed is preferably adjusted, at least during the circulation phase, depending on the load of items being washed. Additionally or alternatively, the drum's g-force is preferably adjusted, at least during the circulation phase, depending on the load of items being washed. Particularly preferred are the drum's rotational speed and / or the g-force being adjusted, depending on the load of items being washed, such that the items are moved by the spray path of the injected process fluid, at least during the circulation phase.

[0018] At least during the circulation phase, the drum speed is higher for a smaller load of laundry than for a larger load. This means that, at least during the circulation phase, the drum speed for a first load is higher than for a second load, where the first load is smaller than the second.

[0019] At least during the circulation phase, the g-factor of the drum is preferably greater for a smaller load of laundry (as a proportion of the nominal load) than for a larger load (as a proportion of the nominal load). That is, at least one first g-factor corresponding to a first load (as a proportion of the nominal load) and at least one second g-factor corresponding to a second load (as a proportion of the nominal load) can be defined, where the first load is smaller than the second load, and where the first g-factor is larger than the second g-factor. Put another way, the g-factor is preferably larger the smaller the load.

[0020] It has been shown that, for example, a low drum speed is disadvantageous with a small load of laundry, as the laundry then sits in the lower part of the drum while the incoming process fluid rushes past it. Conversely, a relatively high drum speed is advantageous with a small load, as this higher speed moves the laundry upwards within the washing machine and thus into the direction of the process fluid spray. On the other hand, a relatively low drum speed is beneficial with a large load. A high drum speed throws or propels the laundry to the upper part of the washing machine. The laundry, which is usually packed tightly in this area, can block the incoming or sprayed process fluid, particularly in the area of ​​the spray nozzle.As a result, the more distant parts of the laundry, in the case of recirculation, those furthest from the jet nozzle, are not wetted. However, if lower drum speeds are used, the laundry spreads apart during the drum's rotation, creating gaps that allow the incoming or jet-jetted process fluid to penetrate these gaps and thoroughly wet the laundry. This process thus enables improved cleaning while reducing the resources required, such as time, water, and detergent.

[0021] As is generally known, the g-factor is the ratio of the drum acceleration, based on the drum circumference, to the acceleration due to gravity g, and increases with increasing drum rotational speed. The relationship between the g-factor and the rotational speed of the drum for a given drum diameter is as follows: g-factor = 5.6 x D x n 2 < 10000, where D = diameter of the drum in [m] and n = rotational speed of the drum [in revolutions per minute].

[0022] The rotational speed of the drum during the circulation phase is preferably in the range of 10 revolutions per minute to 100 revolutions per minute, more preferably in the range of 20 revolutions per minute to 50 revolutions per minute.

[0023] The rotational speed for a load of laundry as a fraction of a nominal fill quantity of 0.25 is preferably in the range of 35 to 60 revolutions per minute, and particularly preferably in the range of 40 to 50 revolutions per minute. Most preferably, the rotational speed for a load of laundry as a fraction of the nominal fill quantity of 0.25 is approximately 46 revolutions per minute.

[0024] For a load of 0.5% of the nominal capacity, the rotational speed is preferably in the range of 25 to 45 revolutions per minute, and particularly preferably in the range of 30 to 40 revolutions per minute. Most preferably, the rotational speed for a load of 0.5% of the nominal capacity is approximately 34 revolutions per minute.

[0025] For a load of laundry as a fraction of the nominal capacity of 1, the rotational speed is preferably in the range of 15 to 30 revolutions per minute, and particularly preferably in the range of 17 to 27 revolutions per minute. Most preferably, the rotational speed for a load of laundry as a fraction of the nominal capacity of 1 is approximately 22 revolutions per minute.

[0026] These rotational speeds are preferred for a household washing machine or for a washing machine comprising a drum with an inner drum diameter of approximately 0.5 meters.

[0027] A load of 0.25 of the nominal capacity can also be considered a quarter load of the washing machine. A load of 0.5 of the nominal capacity can also be considered a half load of the washing machine. A load of 1 of the nominal capacity can also be considered a full load of the washing machine.

[0028] At least during the circulation phase, the g-factor is preferably in a range of 0.05 to 0.8, more preferably in a range of 0.1 to 0.75, and particularly preferably in a range of 0.12 to 0.7 for a load of laundry as a proportion of a nominal fill quantity of 0.25 to 1.

[0029] At least during the circulation phase, the g-factor for a load of 0.25 items as a fraction of the nominal fill quantity is preferably in the range of 0.4 to 0.8, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.45 to 0.7. Particularly preferably, the g-factor, at least during the circulation phase, for a load of 0.25 items as a fraction of the nominal fill quantity is approximately 0.6. Additionally or alternatively, the g-factor, at least during the circulation phase, is at least 0.4, more preferably at least 0.5, and particularly preferably at least 0.6 for a load of 0.25 items as a fraction of the nominal fill quantity. Additionally or alternatively, the g-factor, at least during the circulation phase, is a maximum of 0.8, more preferably a maximum of 0.7, and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.6 for a load of 0.25 items as a fraction of the nominal fill quantity.

[0030] At least during the circulation phase, the g-factor for a load of 0.5 items as a fraction of the nominal fill quantity is preferably in the range of 0.15 to 0.5, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.2 to 0.45. Particularly preferably, the g-factor, at least during the circulation phase, for a load of 0.5 items as a fraction of the nominal fill quantity is approximately 0.3. Additionally or alternatively, the g-factor, at least during the circulation phase, is at least 0.15, more preferably at least 0.2, and particularly preferably at least 0.3 for a load of 0.5 items as a fraction of the nominal fill quantity. Additionally or alternatively, the g-factor, at least during the circulation phase, is preferably a maximum of 0.5, more preferably a maximum of 0.45, and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.3 for a load of 0.5 items as a fraction of the nominal fill quantity.

[0031] For a load of items to be washed, representing a fraction of the nominal fill quantity of 1, the g-factor, at least during the circulation phase, is preferably in the range of 0.05 to 0.25, and particularly preferably in the range of 0.1 to 0.2. Particularly preferably, the g-factor, at least during the circulation phase, for a load of items to be washed, representing a fraction of the nominal fill quantity of 1, is approximately 0.12. Additionally or alternatively, the g-factor, at least during the circulation phase, is at least 0.05, more preferably at least 0.1, and particularly preferably at least 0.12 for a load of items to be washed, representing a fraction of a nominal fill quantity of 1. Additionally or alternatively, the g-factor, at least during the circulation phase, is a maximum of 0.3, more preferably a maximum of 0.2, and particularly preferably a maximum of 0.12 for a load of items to be washed, representing a fraction of a nominal fill quantity of 1.

[0032] For example, a g-factor of 0.7 for a load of laundry, as a fraction of a nominal load capacity of 0.25, means that a piece of laundry pressing against the inner drum wall at this rotational speed experiences an acceleration due to centrifugal force equivalent to 0.7 times the acceleration due to gravity. The nominal load capacity is the maximum amount of laundry that can be loaded into the washing machine. This usually corresponds to the maximum amount for cotton, with 8 kg being a common nominal load capacity for a household washing machine. This means that a household washing machine can typically be loaded with a maximum of 8 kg of cotton textiles such as kitchen towels or bed linens. However, the maximum amount can differ for other types of textiles. For example, the maximum load capacity for wool is often 3 kg. Therefore, the maximum amount does not correspond to the nominal load capacity.

[0033] The g-factors and rotational speeds mentioned above are preferably applicable during the circulation phase, but can also be present in one or more of the other phases of the washing process. It is therefore preferred that the g-factor specifications given herein apply not only to the circulation phase, but also, in particular, to the rinsing phase and / or the washing phase.

[0034] This means that the drum's rotation can also be adjusted according to the load during other phases of the washing process, for example, during the rinse and / or wash phases. Here too, it is advantageous if the drum's rotation speed increases as the load decreases.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the g-factor and / or the rotational speed can remain constant or vary within a given phase. Additionally or alternatively, the duration of one phase can be the same as or different from another. For example, a typical duration for a wash phase is between 10 and 30 minutes, but it can also be significantly longer, lasting up to 150 minutes, for instance. A typical duration for a rinse phase is between 3 and 6 minutes. As will be explained in more detail below, the respective phases, particularly the circulation phase and preferably other phases of the washing process, can each include one or more pauses during which the drum does not rotate. Additionally or alternatively, the direction of rotation of the drum can remain the same or change within the respective phase. For example, the direction of rotation of the drum can alternate, e.g.,The drum can rotate counterclockwise for 10 seconds, followed by a 2-second pause, then clockwise for 12 seconds, followed by another 2-second pause. This cycle can be repeated as often as desired. Other pause lengths, rotation directions, durations, etc., are of course also possible. These settings correspond to those commonly used in state-of-the-art washing machines.

[0036] This means that the process fluid can be added or injected at intervals. This intermittent addition or injection is particularly preferred during the circulation phase, i.e., when the process fluid is added or injected from the lye container into the drum.

[0037] If the washing machine includes a spray nozzle, the spray nozzle is preferably located in an upper area of ​​the washing machine and has at least one outlet. The outlet, for example, the nozzle mentioned above, can be oriented essentially horizontally, i.e., along a horizontal direction. However, it is equally conceivable that the outlet is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Preferred angles of inclination are 5° to 30°. It is particularly preferred that the outlet is inclined upwards by up to 10° with respect to the horizontal direction, towards an upper end of the washing machine. Equally preferred, however, is an outlet that is inclined downwards by up to 20° with respect to the horizontal direction, towards a lower end of the washing machine. The lower end of the washing machine faces the floor, while the upper end of the washing machine faces away from the floor.Additionally or alternatively, the outlet is preferably permanently mounted.

[0038] Furthermore, it is preferred that the process fluid, at least immediately after exiting the injection device, and in particular after exiting the outlet such as the nozzle, is located in an upper region of the drum and flows substantially in the upper region of the drum. Or, in other words, the process fluid is preferably injected substantially along the horizontal direction.

[0039] As mentioned earlier, the washing machine can include at least one pump device, or exactly one pump device, for conveying the process fluid from the tub to the jet device. In this case, the method comprises the step of conveying the process fluid with the pump device while the pumping capacity of the pump device is not varied and / or while the pump speed of the pump device remains constant.

[0040] This means that the method particularly preferably comprises pumping the process fluid from the tub, especially from a drain area of ​​the tub, to the jet device, which is preferably located in the upper part of the drum. The process fluid is then preferably jetted into the drum in the upper part of the drum, with the drum being rotated depending on the load of laundry, in such a way that individual items of laundry repeatedly cross the path of the jetted process fluid and are wetted by it during the rotation of the drum.

[0041] The trajectory of the injected process fluid, or rather the one or more injection directions along which the process fluid is injected, at least during the circulation phase, remains essentially unchanged or "fixed." This is preferably achieved by the stationary or permanently mounted injection device or the constantly operating pumping device. If the pumping capacity or speed were changed, for example, reduced, the trajectory of the process fluid would drop downwards after it exits the injection device.

[0042] Preferably, the method further comprises the step of supplying a process liquid to the drum and / or the tubing container and / or generating a process liquid in the drum and / or the tubing container, wherein the process liquid comprises or consists of concentrated detergent.

[0043] Preferably, the washing machine has at least one feed device, which is designed to supply another process fluid directly or indirectly to the tub and / or the drum. This feed device is preferably connected to the tub and is, in particular, a reservoir such as a detergent drawer for holding detergent. Furthermore, the feed device is preferably connected to one or more connections. One connection can, for example, be a fresh water connection, so that, for example, fresh water flows from the fresh water connection into the reservoir containing detergent, and the resulting mixture of fresh water and detergent can then be supplied to the tub via this feed device. Compositions such as...Fresh water or detergent, or a mixture of fresh water and detergent, which are optionally supplied to the tub via this supply device, are referred to as additional process fluid. The supply device is particularly preferably used to supply the additional process fluid directly or indirectly to the drum during a pre-wash phase and / or a wash phase.

[0044] A complete process encompasses all phases required for washing laundry or selected by a washing machine user. For example, the process might include a wash phase, a rinse phase, and a spin-dry phase. A pre-wash phase may also precede the main wash phase. The complete process is referred to here as a washing cycle. During a washing cycle, the process fluid can have different compositions. For example, it could consist solely of washing liquid, such as water. It is also possible for the process fluid to consist solely of detergent. Furthermore, the process fluid could contain both detergent and washing liquid.

[0045] The term "concentrated detergent" means that the detergent is not completely and / or uniformly dissolved in a washing liquid, and / or that a full quantity of washing liquid for the washing phase has not (yet) been added to the detergent. Thus, the complete process preferably includes the addition of a full quantity of washing liquid. The process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent can then be generated by initially adding no washing liquid or only a partial quantity of the full quantity of washing liquid to the detergent. This partial quantity can be 10% or more of the full quantity of washing liquid, preferably about 20% or more of the full quantity of washing liquid, and in particular about 50% of the full quantity of washing liquid intended for or allocated to the washing phase. A typical washing phase comprises, for example, approximately...20 liters of washing liquid. A partial quantity of 50% of the full quantity of washing liquid for the washing phase would therefore be approximately 10 liters of washing liquid.

[0046] This means that the process fluid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is preferably produced by supplying detergent to the tub and / or drum before washing liquid or before a full quantity of washing liquid for the washing phase is supplied to the tub and / or drum.

[0047] To put it another way, the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase is preferably added only after the generation and, in particular, after the circulation of the process liquid consisting entirely of or comprising concentrated detergent.

[0048] The concentration of the process liquid comprising concentrated detergent is preferably at least 10 grams of detergent per liter of washing liquid, more preferably at least 15 grams of detergent per liter of washing liquid. Additionally or alternatively, the concentration of the process liquid comprising concentrated detergent is preferably between 10 grams of detergent per liter of washing liquid and 25 grams of detergent per liter of washing liquid, more preferably between 12 grams of detergent per liter of washing liquid and 18 grams of detergent per liter of washing liquid.

[0049] The detergent is preferably a commercially available detergent, which may be in the form of a solid detergent in powder form and / or as granules and / or as a liquid detergent. The washing liquid is preferably water.

[0050] The items to be washed are therefore supplied with process fluid, either in a comprehensive manner or consisting of concentrated detergent. This allows the items to be treated with the process fluid more quickly, intensifying and accelerating the washing process. This results in improved cleaning while simultaneously minimizing the consumption of resources such as time, wash water, and detergent.

[0051] For example, a concentrated detergent, consisting of both liquid and a largely undissolved solid detergent, can be added to the laundry. In this case, the mixture, comprising the solid detergent and the liquid, is sprayed onto the textile surface. The liquid in which the detergent is already dissolved is absorbed. The undissolved detergent dissolves on the laundry, and the resulting highly concentrated process fluid is absorbed by the laundry. In this way, a significant portion of the detergent dissolves within the laundry itself, resulting in a high concentration and faster action of the detergent, thus intensifying and accelerating the washing process.Liquid detergents are generally more soluble than solid detergents, but can still be added to the laundry if they are not yet completely or evenly dissolved in the washing liquid. In this case, the laundry will also absorb the washing liquid, allowing the liquid detergent to dissolve further within the laundry. Spraying liquid detergents onto the laundry also ensures a high concentration and faster action, thus intensifying and accelerating the washing process.

[0052] During the circulation phase, the process fluid can consist entirely of concentrated detergent. However, it is equally conceivable that the process fluid in the circulation phase has a different composition, e.g., consisting solely of washing liquid, or of detergent and the full amount of washing liquid, or of detergent and a partial amount of washing liquid, etc.

[0053] The process fluid, comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent, is preferably jetted from the tub into the drum.

[0054] The circulation phase can take place before, during, and / or after one or more of the washing phases. For example, depending on the load, a lye circulation with drum rotation could occur during or between all phases of the washing process, or only during or between some phases. Circulation is particularly preferred during and / or between the wash and rinse phases, but not during the spin cycle.

[0055] The process fluid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is preferably added to the drum, preferably sprayed in, and / or generated in the drum when the item being washed in the drum is dry or unsaturated with respect to absorption of washing fluid.

[0056] The term "unsaturated with respect to washing liquid absorption" means that the fabric is not (yet) completely saturated with the washing liquid. In other words, a fabric is saturated with washing liquid when it has absorbed so much liquid that it can no longer absorb any more. For example, cotton: 1 kg of cotton can typically absorb 2 liters of water. If 2 liters or more of water are added to this cotton, it becomes saturated. Unsaturated fabric, therefore, is still dry or not yet completely damp or wet and can still absorb more liquid.

[0057] If the laundry is still completely dry or consisting entirely of concentrated detergent when the process fluid is sprayed onto it—which is usually the case at the beginning of a wash cycle—or at least still unsaturated, the laundry absorbs the highly concentrated process fluid. This allows the detergent components that break down the dirt to penetrate the interior of the laundry. If the textile is already saturated with detergent-free water, it absorbs very little process fluid. A concentrated process fluid that only then reaches the laundry penetrates the interior of the fabric with much less difficulty.

[0058] The supply, in particular the injection, of the process fluid in the circulation phase preferably takes place before and / or during and / or after the supply of detergent to the tub and / or the drum.

[0059] This means that the circulation of the process fluid can occur before, during, and / or after the addition of detergent. For example, detergent could first be added to the reservoir or detergent drawer. After this addition, a portion of the wash fluid could be added to the drum. This portion could be half the total amount of wash fluid for the wash cycle. Adding this portion causes the previously added detergent to be directed into a drain area of ​​the washing machine, preferably connected to the tub. Circulation then takes place.By adding more washing liquid later until the full amount is reached for the washing phase, the detergent is indeed diluted. However, since a significant portion of the detergent has already dissolved in the fabric, a faster and more effective washing result is still achieved. The process is therefore well-suited for robust textiles such as cotton and terry cloth. The detergent is preferably added via the at least one feeding device. The washing liquid is also preferably added via the at least one feeding device.

[0060] The detergent is preferably conveyed or fed into the tub and / or the drain area of ​​the tub and / or into the drum while the drum is stationary, at least temporarily.

[0061] A stationary drum is a drum that does not rotate. During the supply of detergent, preferably via the feed device, the drum is therefore preferably not rotated, at least temporarily. It is also conceivable that the drum does not rotate at all during the entire supply of detergent.

[0062] The process fluid, comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent, is preferably added to the drum while the drum is rotated, at least intermittently. Particularly preferably, the process fluid, comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent, is supplied to the items being washed by circulating them during the circulation phase.

[0063] As previously mentioned, the full quantity of washing liquid for the washing phase is preferably added after the process liquid, consisting entirely of or containing concentrated detergent, has been added to the items being washed. It is particularly preferred that the full quantity of washing liquid for the washing phase is added after at least one circulation phase.

[0064] This means that it is preferable to add the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase after the process liquid has been thoroughly circulated or consists of concentrated detergent in at least one circulation phase.

[0065] Furthermore, it is preferred that the at least one circulation phase, during which the process fluid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is circulated, takes place when the laundry in the drum is still dry or unsaturated with respect to its absorption of washing fluid. That is, the process fluid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is preferably sprayed onto the still-dry laundry. It is further preferred that the drum is rotated during this at least one circulation phase. That is, the drum is preferably rotated during the circulation of the process fluid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent so that the process fluid is sprayed onto as many items of laundry as possible.

[0066] The drum is preferably not rotated during the addition of detergent, and particularly preferably only during the addition of detergent. This ensures that the detergent predominantly ends up in the so-called sump, i.e., in a drainage area of ​​the tub, and is not caught and distributed by agitated washing liquid.

[0067] Furthermore, it is preferred that the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase is only supplied after the process liquid, consisting comprehensively of or consisting of concentrated detergent, has not only been generated but also circulated one or more times and blasted onto the items being washed.

[0068] Preferably, the frequency and / or length of the pauses during which the drum is not rotated, particularly at least during the circulation phase, depends on the load of laundry in the drum. Additionally or alternatively, the frequency of the pauses is lower for smaller loads than for larger loads. Additionally or alternatively, the pause length is shorter for smaller loads than for larger loads.

[0069] This means that the frequency and / or length of the pauses, during which the drum is not rotated, are preferably adapted to the load of items being washed. For example, a small load of items will be located at the bottom of the drum during a standstill and will not be reached by the injected process fluid. In this situation, fewer and / or shorter pauses of the drum rotation are advantageous. For example, a suitable interval could include the steps i) 5 seconds of drum rotation followed by ii) 1 to 2 seconds of the drum being stationary. Of course, steps i) and ii) can be performed several times within an interval. With a large load of items, the injected process fluid hits the items resting in the drum approximately in the center, ensuring good wetting of the items with the process fluid. In this situation, more frequent and / or longer pauses of the drum rotation are preferable.For example, a suitable interval could include the steps i) rotating the drum for 3 seconds followed by ii) the drum remaining stationary for 3 seconds. Of course, it is also conceivable that steps i) and ii) could be performed multiple times within an interval.

[0070] These pause frequencies and / or pause lengths particularly preferably relate to the circulation phase. That is, the frequency and / or length of a pause during which the drum is not rotated in the circulation phase is preferably dependent on the load of laundry in the drum. However, it is equally conceivable to provide these pause lengths and / or frequencies in one or more other phases of the washing process.

[0071] Preferably, the process fluid is fed into the drum of a washing machine door during the circulation phase via at least one guide device. Furthermore, it is preferred that the jet device and the guide device are aligned with each other so that the process fluid can flow from the jet device into the guide device.

[0072] This means that the washing machine can have one or more guide devices via a washing machine door, through which the process fluid is supplied to the drum. Preferably, these guide devices are passages or channels in the washing machine door, each having an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet opening preferably faces the spray device, and the outlet opening faces the drum. The spray device can then spray the process fluid from the tub towards the inlet opening of the guide device, whereby the process fluid is then guided through the guide device and then directed from the outlet opening of the guide device into the drum.Particularly preferred are several such guide devices, the outlet openings of which are located at different heights in the washing machine door. This allows the process fluid to be effectively sprayed into different areas of the drum. This ensures that the laundry is evenly wetted, resulting in improved cleaning and optimized resource consumption such as time, water, and detergent. Various designs of the passages or channels are conceivable. For example, these passages or channels can be partially open or, with the exception of the inlet and outlet openings, completely closed. Partially open channels or passages are preferably at least partially open on one side facing the drum. Semi-open channels or passages are cheaper to manufacture and easier to clean.Closed channels or passages direct the process fluid more precisely to the desired locations. However, other designs for the guide devices are equally conceivable. For example, the guide device can be designed as one or more deflection surfaces at which the impacting process fluid is deflected. This deflection surface could be an integral part of the washing machine door; for instance, the washing machine door could have an inclined surface on its side facing the drum, against which the process fluid impacts and is thereby directed in various directions to different areas of the drum.

[0073] Furthermore, it is preferred that the jet device is connected to the guide devices via a free air gap. This means that the process fluid preferably flows freely and is not, for example, conveyed from the jet device to the guide device in a fixed connection such as a hose or pipe. This ensures that the washing machine door can be opened without restriction. With a fixed connection such as a hose, the door would no longer be able to open freely.

[0074] In another aspect, a computer program product for operating a washing machine is specified, wherein the computer program product comprises a computer-readable storage medium containing computer program code which, when executed in a control device of the washing machine, causes the control device to perform the procedure as described above.

[0075] In a further aspect, a washing machine for carrying out the process as described above is specified. All statements made so far in connection with the process apply equally to the washing machine and vice versa. That is to say, the washing machine comprises, in particular, a tub, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for holding the items to be washed, and preferably at least one jet device for jetting process fluid from the tub into the drum.

[0076] In another aspect, a washing machine, specifically for carrying out the process as described above, is specified. The washing machine comprises a washing machine door, a tub, a drum rotatably arranged in the tub for holding laundry, and at least one jet device for jetting process fluid from the tub into the drum. It also has at least one guide device through which the process fluid is supplied to the drum. It should be understood that all the above statements concerning the process apply analogously to the washing machine and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0077] Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which serve only for illustration and are not to be interpreted restrictively. The drawings show: Fig. 1 shows a sectional view of a washing machine comprising a tub, a rotating drum, and a jet nozzle; Fig. 2 shows a side sectional view of a washing machine comprising a tub, a rotating drum, and a jet nozzle; Fig. 3 shows a partial sectional view of the washing machine according to Figure 1 , wherein the drum contains a first load of laundry and is rotated at a first speed in a circulation phase; Fig. 4 shows a further partial sectional view of the washing machine according to Figure 3 Fig. 5 shows a partial sectional view of the washing machine according to Figure 1 , wherein the drum contains the laundry of the first load and is rotated at a second speed in a circulation phase; Fig. 6 shows a further partial sectional view of the washing machine according to Figure 5 Fig. 7 shows a partial sectional view of the washing machine according to Figure 1, wherein the drum contains laundry from a second load and is rotated at a third speed in a circulation phase; Fig. 8 shows a further partial sectional view of the washing machine according to Figure 7 Fig. 9 shows a partial sectional view of the washing machine according to Figure 1 , wherein the drum contains the laundry of the second load and is rotated at a fourth speed in a circulation phase; Fig. 10 shows a further partial sectional view of the washing machine according to Figure 1 with laundry from the second load; Fig. 11 shows a diagram for the g-factor in the circulation phase as a function of the laundry load as a proportion of the nominal load; Fig. 12 shows a diagram for the rotational speed in the circulation phase as a function of the laundry load as a proportion of the nominal load; Fig. 13 shows a partial sectional view through a washing machine door comprising openings; Fig. 14 shows a partial sectional view through another washing machine door comprising openings. DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXECUTION FORMS

[0078] Various aspects of the inventive method or the inventive washing machines will now be explained with reference to the figures.

[0079] In particular, the Figures 1 to 10 Each washing machine 1 for washing laundry 4 is shown, which has a tub 2 and a drum 3 mounted in the tub 2 so as to be rotatable about a horizontal axis D for receiving laundry 4. Although only in Figure 1As shown, all washing machines 1 include a feed device 8 which directs fresh water from a fresh water connection (not shown) into a reservoir 9. Detergent can be added to the reservoir 9. The resulting mixture of water and detergent is called process fluid 6, which can be fed into the tub 2. A gap is formed between the tub 2 and the drum 3, and the drum 3 has holes.

[0080] The in the Figures 1 to 10The washing machine 1 shown is designed for circulation. It features a circulation arrangement 10 and a jet nozzle 5 for spraying process fluid 6 from the tub 2 into the drum 3. This jet nozzle 5 is a nozzle connected to the circulation arrangement 10 and is specifically attached to a conveying line 11 in the form of a circulation hose, which is connected to a base section 12 of the tub 2. The base section 12 has an outlet opening 13 through which process fluid 6 can flow from the tub 2 into the circulation hose 11. A pump 14 is located in the circulation hose 11.The pump device 14 is a double pump, which is driven by a circulation drive and either pumps the process fluid 6 through the circulation hose 11 or discharges it from the washing machine 1 through a water drain 15. The circulation hose 11 of the washing machine 1 according to... Figure 2 It also has a drain check valve 16. The bottom section 12 of the tub 2 is located in a lower section 17 of the washing machine 1, and the jet device 5 is located in an upper section 19 of the washing machine 1. As indicated in the figures, the jet device 5 jets the process fluid 6 along a jet direction R, with the jet forming a trajectory S.

[0081] The inventive method will now be explained. In the inventive method, the rotational speed of the drum 3 about the axis of rotation D is varied depending on its load of laundry so that the process fluid 6 from the tub 2 hits as much of the laundry 4 as possible. In particular, during the circulation phase, the drum 3 is rotated according to its load of laundry such that the laundry 4 moves through the path S of the injected process fluid jet. As can be seen from the Figures 3 and 4As can be seen, a low spin speed is disadvantageous with a small load of laundry, since the laundry would then only roll in a lower area 17 of the washing machine, particularly in a lower area of ​​the drum 3, while the process fluid jet from the jet device 5 shoots past the laundry 4. Here, a relatively high spin speed is advantageous, which moves the laundry 4 into the upper area 19 of the washing machine 1 and into the line of fire, i.e., in the direction R of the jet of process fluid 6, see [reference]. Figures 5 and 6 .

[0082] However, with a large load of laundry, a relatively low drum speed is advantageous. This is because... Figures 7 and 8As a result, a high rotational speed throws the laundry 4 into the upper area 19 of the washing machine 1, whereby the resulting compact mass of laundry blocks the process fluid jet 6 after it exits the nozzle. Consequently, the laundry items 4 furthest from the spray device 5 are not wetted. When the drum 3 rotates at low speeds, the mass of laundry 4 repeatedly spreads out during the rotation of the drum 3, allowing the process fluid jet 6 to penetrate deep into the gaps between the individual laundry items, see Figure 9

[0083] A suitable speed range depending on the load is shown in the diagram according to Figure 11The diagram illustrates this. The acceleration quantity, in the form of the g-factor, was used to determine the drum rotation speed, allowing the drum's rotational speed to be calculated for a given drum diameter. This exemplary speed range is limited by values ​​marked with triangles and values ​​marked with an "x". Particularly optimal speeds are marked with circles. However, speeds outside this range are equally conceivable. A suitable drum speed range, expressed as the number of drum revolutions per minute, using a household washing machine as an example, is shown in the diagram according to... Figure 12As shown in this diagram, for typical drum sizes in a household washing machine, a spin speed of approximately 45 revolutions per minute (rpm) is advantageous for a small load of laundry, approximately 35 rpm for a medium load, and approximately 20 rpm for a large load.

[0084] The frequency and duration of the drum rotation pauses during a cycle are adjusted to the laundry load. For example, a small load of laundry rests in the lower section 17 of washing machine 1 or in the lower section of drum 3 during a drum standstill and is not reached by the process fluid jet 6. In this case, fewer and shorter rotation pauses are advantageous. With a large load of laundry, the process fluid jet 6 strikes the stationary laundry mass 4 in the middle section 18 of washing machine 1, and thus approximately in the center, ensuring good wetting of the laundry 4 with the process fluid 6. In this case, more frequent and longer pauses are preferable, see [reference]. Figure 10 .

[0085] The upheaval can also be designed in intervals.

[0086] In particular, incompletely dissolved detergent or highly concentrated washing solution can be transferred to the laundry 4 via circulation. For example, after adding the detergent, only a portion of the water required for the wash cycle can initially be added to direct the detergent to the drain area of ​​the washing machine 1, for example, to the area of ​​the outlet opening 13 in the tub 2. Preferably, the drum 3 remains stationary during this process. The resulting process fluid 6, comprising a detergent-water mixture, is then transported upwards to the upper area 19 of the washing machine 1 and sprayed onto the laundry 4 via the spray device 5. If the laundry 4 is dry (which is usually the case at the beginning of a wash program), it absorbs the highly concentrated solution. A solid detergent (powder, granules, tablets, etc.) is still largely undissolved when it enters the drain area or...the mixture of granules and liquid enters the area of ​​the outlet opening 13 in the detergent container. In this case, the mixture reaches the textile surface. The liquid, in which detergent is already dissolved, is absorbed. The granules dissolve on the textile 4, and the resulting highly concentrated lye solution is absorbed by the dry or still unsaturated textile 4. This allows the detergent components that break down the dirt to penetrate the interior of the textile 4. If the textile 4 is already saturated with detergent-free water, it absorbs very little. A concentrated lye solution that only then reaches the textile surface can penetrate the interior of the textile with much greater difficulty. In this way, a significant portion of the detergent dissolves within the laundry 4, resulting in a high concentration and faster action of the detergent, thus intensifying and accelerating the washing process.A liquid detergent, which is generally more soluble than a solid detergent, has not yet dissolved evenly in the water when it enters the drain area or the outlet opening 13 of the tub 2. It is a mixture of incompletely dissolved detergent and concentrated lye. When it comes into contact with the textile surface, the liquid is absorbed. The liquid detergent then dissolves further within the textile 4. Adding liquid detergent to the laundry 4 also results in a high concentration and faster action of the detergent, which intensifies and accelerates the washing process. Circulation can begin before, during, and for a certain period after the detergent is added.Adding more water later, up to the full amount needed for the wash cycle, does dilute the detergent. However, since a significant portion of the detergent dissolves in the laundry, this still results in a faster and more effective wash. This method is particularly suitable for robust fabrics such as cotton and terry cloth.

[0087] In summary, the method is based on the idea of ​​supplying a process fluid, particularly in the form of a jet, to the drum in at least one revolution phase, while the jet remains essentially "fixed" or unchanged, and the items to be washed are brought into the path of the process fluid by means of a change in rotational speed depending on the load of items to be washed.

[0088] In particular, during the caustic soda circulation, the process fluid or caustic soda is extracted from the lower part of the caustic soda container using the pump device and the conveying line, transported upwards and fed back to the upper part of the drum, see Figure 1 as an exemplary implementation. A special feature of this process is that the circulation pump is only switched on and off, while the pump output is not regulated, i.e., not changed, so that a largely constant volume flow is always pumped and injected into the drum. The jet's trajectory moves within a narrow corridor in the upper area of ​​the drum, see Figure 4Depending on the load of laundry in the drum, the drum's rotational speed is varied to ensure the laundry is positioned within the path of the process fluid or lye jet and thus more effectively sprayed. Generally, the smaller the load, the higher the rotational speed. A small load, for example, would only roll in the lower part of the drum at a low rotational speed, while the process fluid jet would simply pass over the laundry. Figures 3 and 4 In contrast, a high rotational speed throws the items being washed high into the path of the jet, resulting in intensive contact between the items and the lye solution, see Figures 5 and 6 However, a relatively low spin speed is advantageous with a heavy load. This is because the initially dry laundry fills the entire drum and blocks the spray immediately after it exits the spray nozzle, preventing the items at the back from getting wet (see...). Figures 7 and 8At low speeds, the laundry mass repeatedly separates during the circular motion, allowing the jet of water to penetrate deep into the resulting gaps and wet the items at the back. A medium-sized load of laundry requires a correspondingly medium speed.

[0089] Another advantage of this method is its cost-effectiveness. The process can be implemented with a washing machine using a simple pump device and only a single outlet, such as an injection point. Prior art methods typically involve multiple nozzles at different locations and / or require varying the pump's output to reach all laundry items. Such methods are more complex and prone to malfunctions.

[0090] Rotation pauses, or drum stops, during the agitation phase are preferably made more frequently and for longer periods the larger the load of laundry is. This is because a small load of laundry sits at the bottom of the drum during a pause and is not reached by the process fluid jet. A large load of laundry, on the other hand, sits in such a way during a pause, after the laundry has settled due to absorbed water, that it is hit by the process fluid jet at the top center and thus thoroughly wetted (see figure). Figure 10 Therefore, for small loads of laundry, less frequent, shorter rotation breaks are advantageous, while for large loads, longer and more frequent breaks are preferable.

[0091] For a small load of laundry, the rotation cycle with less frequent and shorter pauses could be configured as follows: The drum rotates for 5 seconds, pauses for 2 seconds, rotates in the opposite direction for 5 seconds, pauses for 1 second, and repeats this cycle until the end of the rotation phase. For a large load of laundry, the rotation cycle with more frequent and longer pauses could be configured as follows: The drum rotates for 3 seconds, pauses for 3 seconds, rotates in the opposite direction for 3 seconds, pauses for 3 seconds, and repeats this cycle until the end of the rotation phase.

[0092] Circulation preferably occurs intermittently to reduce the energy consumption of the circulation pump. However, it can be carried out for longer periods and even during the entire washing and rinsing cycle.

[0093] Furthermore, the process is based on the idea of ​​adding process fluid consisting of concentrated detergent, such as undissolved washing powder, to the laundry, for example by adding it to the drain area or sump of the tub, and then conveying it from there to the upper area of ​​the washing machine by means of circulation and then spraying it onto the at least partially dry laundry, whereby the washing powder is completely dissolved in the laundry.

[0094] After the detergent is added, only a portion of the water allocated to the washing process – typically about half – is initially added to carry the detergent to the drain (the so-called sump) of the washing machine. For this purpose, the drum may, for example, remain stationary during the detergent dispensing process so that the water is not agitated but flows directly into the sump beneath the drum, carrying the detergent with it. As the water circulates, the detergent-water mixture is then transported from the sump upwards and sprayed onto the laundry in the upper part of the drum. The laundry is preferably still largely dry at this stage (which is the norm at the beginning of a wash cycle) and absorbs the highly concentrated detergent mixture (typically 12 to 18 g of detergent per liter of water). Figure 1The detergent dissolves on the surface of the item being washed and, absorbed by the still largely dry item, penetrates the interior, where it attacks the dirt in a highly concentrated form. This is advantageous for dirt removal. If the item is already saturated with water (without detergent), it absorbs very little more liquid. A concentrated solution that only then reaches the surface of the item can penetrate the interior with much greater difficulty. By spraying the detergent onto the dry item, a significant portion of the detergent (e.g., the granules) dissolves within the item itself. As a detergent granule dissolves and the solution surrounding it, which has not yet been diluted by further water, is absorbed by the item, highly concentrated solution is forced into the interior, intensifying and accelerating the dirt removal process.Later in the washing process, the initially highly concentrated lye solution is diluted with additional water until, some time after the entire amount of water intended for the washing phase has been added, the dilution has progressed to the point where the dissolved detergent is evenly distributed in the water and diluted to its final concentration. The higher detergent concentration in the initial phase and the faster penetration of the detergent into the fabric result in a more intensive and faster washing process. The operating principle described here is based on a typical washing process, which is divided into washing, rinsing, and spinning phases. The principle can also be applied analogously to modified washing processes, such as those involving pre-washing.

[0095] The process described above for washing powder can also be applied to other solid detergents such as tablets or granules. During a wash cycle, these are either broken up into small pieces upon contact with water, or crushed by mechanical action such as water movement, friction, and impacts, and can then be gradually transported from the sump to the top by the circulation system and sprayed onto the laundry.

[0096] The method described above for washing powder can also be applied to liquid detergents. While liquid detergents generally dissolve faster than solid detergents, they still take some time to disperse evenly in the water. Following the above method, instead of granules, undissolved (undiluted) drops and clumps of liquid detergent are present in the sump. From there, they are carried upwards by the circulation and sprayed onto the laundry. The liquid detergent is absorbed by the still-dry laundry and continues to dissolve within it.

[0097] The lye circulation described at the beginning, in which the process fluid is taken from the lower part of the lye container, conveyed upwards and fed into the upper part of the drum, can be used both for spraying the detergent and for lye circulation, i.e. when the detergent is largely or completely dissolved, see Figures 1 and 2 .

[0098] The supply, circulation, and spraying of the detergent are preferably carried out at the beginning of a wash program. Circulation of the lye or rinse water can be advantageously used throughout the entire wash and rinse phase, at specific time intervals, or at regular intervals.

[0099] In the Figures 13 and 14A further aspect of the invention is shown, which enables targeted and thus improved cleaning of the laundry 4. The washing machine 1 can have a washing machine door 20, which has at least one guide device 7 through which the process fluid 6 is supplied to the drum 3. In the present case, the guide devices 7 are channels or passages in the door glass of the washing machine door 20, each of which has an inlet opening 21 and an outlet opening 22. The inlet openings 21 face the jet device 5, such that the process fluid 6 is jetted from the tub 2 into the inlet opening 21 via the jet device 5. The process fluid 6 entering the channels or passages 7 is guided along the channels or passages 7 and discharged into the interior of the drum 3 at their respective outlet openings 22.The location and design of the outlet openings 22 are preferably selected such that the process fluid 6 can be selectively sprayed into different areas of the washing machine 1 or the drum 3. Different designs of the channels or passages 7 are conceivable, see e.g. Figure 13 , which shows half-open channels or passages 7, and Figure 14 , which shows closed channels or passages 7. REFERENCE MARK LIST

[0100] 1 washing machine 14 Pump device 2 Lye container 15 Water drain 3 drum 16 valve 4 washing goods 17 lower area 5 Single-beam device 18 mid-range 6 Process fluid 19 upper area 7 Guide device 20 washing machine door 8 Feeding device 21 Entrance opening 9 reservoir 22 Exit opening 10 Circulation arrangement 11 Conveyor D axis of rotation 12 floor area R Direction of incidence 13 outlet opening S Firing trajectory

Claims

1. A method for operating a washing machine (1) with a suds container (2) and with a drum (3) arranged rotatably in the suds container (2) for receiving laundry (4), wherein the washing machine (1) comprises at least one injection device (5) for injecting process liquid (6) from the suds container (2) into the drum (3), wherein the method comprises the steps of: - rotating the drum (3) in dependence on a load of laundry in the drum (3) with laundry at least in a recirculation phase, wherein, at least in the recirculation phase, a rotational speed of the drum (3) with a smaller load of laundry is greater than a rotational speed of the drum (3) with a load of laundry that is larger than this smaller load of laundry, and wherein the process liquid (6) is injected from the suds container (2) into the drum (3) in the recirculation phase, wherein the drum (3) is rotated in dependence on a load of laundry in the drum (3) with laundry (4) in such a way that the laundry (4) moves through a trajectory (S) of a jet of the injected process liquid, wherein the laundry (4) is brought into the trajectory (S) of the process liquid by means of a change in the rotational speed of the drum (3) depending on the load of laundry, and wherein, in the recirculation phase, a rotational speed of the drum (3) with a smaller load of laundry is greater than a rotational speed of the drum (3) with a load of laundry being larger than said smaller load of laundry, so that the laundry (4) moves through the trajectory (S) of the jet of the injected process liquid, characterized in that the greater rotational speed with the smaller load of laundry throws the laundry high into the trajectory (S) of the jet, wherein, at the lower rotational speed with the larger load of laundry, the laundry repeatedly spreads apart during a circular movement, so that the jet can deeply penetrate the gaps created.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, at least in the recirculation phase, a g-factor of the drum (3) with a smaller load of laundry as a proportion of a nominal filling quantity is greater than a g-factor of the drum (3) with a larger load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity compared to this smaller load of laundry, and where the g-factor is the ratio of the drum acceleration, relative to the drum circumference, to the acceleration due to gravity g, and where the relationship between the g-factor and the rotational speed at which the drum is rotated is calculated for a given drum diameter as: g-factor = 5.6 x D x n2 / 10000, where D=diameter of the drum in [m] and n=rotational speed of the drum [in revolutions per minute].

3. The method according to claim 2, wherein the g-factor for a load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.25 is in a range from 0.4 to 0.8 and, in particular, is approximately 0.6, and / or for a load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.5 is in a range from 0.15 to 0.5 and, in particular, is approximately 0.3, and / or for a load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 1, lies in a range from 0.05 to 0.25 and, in particular, is approximately 0.12, and / or wherein the rotational speed for a load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.25 is in a range from 35 to 60 revolutions per minute and, in particular, is approximately 46 revolutions per minute, and / or for a load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.5 is in a range from 25 to 45 revolutions per minute and, in particular, is approximately 34 revolutions per minute, and / or for a load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 1 is in a range from 15 to 30 revolutions per minute and, in particular, is approximately 22 revolutions per minute.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the injection device is located in an upper region of the washing machine and has at least one outlet, which is preferably aligned substantially horizontally or inclined at an angle of 5° to 30° with respect to a horizontal direction and / or is mounted in a fixed position, and / or wherein the process liquid is injected substantially along a horizontal direction and is located in an upper region of the drum at least immediately after exiting the injection device, and wherein the jet of the injected process liquid runs substantially in the upper region of the drum.

5. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing machine (1) further comprises at least one or exactly one pump device for conveying the process liquid from the suds container to the injection device (5), and wherein the method further comprises: - conveying the process liquid with the pump device while the pumping capacity of the pump device is not varied and / or while the pump speed of the pump device remains constant.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of generating the process liquid (6) in the suds container (2) and / or feeding the process liquid (6) into the drum (3) and / or into the suds container (2), wherein the process liquid (6) comprises or consists of concentrated detergent.

7. The method according to claim 6, wherein the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is generated by supplying detergent into the suds container and / or into the drum (3) before washing liquid or before a full amount of washing liquid for a washing phase is supplied to the suds container and / or the drum.

8. The method according to claim 6 or 7, wherein detergent is fed into the suds container and / or into the drum (3) while the drum (3) is at least temporarily stationary.

9. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is supplied to the laundry (4) by recirculation in the recirculation phase, and / or wherein the process liquid (6) comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is added to the drum (3) while the drum (3) is rotated at least temporarily.

10. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the process liquid (6) comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is added, preferably injected, into the drum (3) when laundry (4) located in the drum (3) is dry or unsaturated with respect to the absorption of washing liquid.

11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase is added after the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent has been added to the laundry in at least one recirculation phase.

12. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a pause frequency and / or a pause length, during which the drum (3) is not rotated, in particular in the recirculation phase, depends on the load of laundry in the drum (3), and / or wherein the pause frequency, in particular in the recirculation phase, is less for a smaller load of laundry than for a larger load of laundry compared to this smaller load of laundry, and / or wherein the pause length is shorter with a smaller load of laundry, in particular in the recirculation phase, than with a larger load of laundry compared to this smaller load of laundry.

13. A computer program product for operating a washing machine (1), wherein the computer program product comprises a computer-readable storage medium with computer program code which, when executed in a control device of the washing machine (1), causes the control device to perform the method according to any one of the preceding claims.

14. A washing machine (1) for carrying out the method according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 12.

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