Method and device for wet treatment, in particular washing and / or spin drying, of laundry batches of several items of laundry

Abstract

In commercial laundries, wet processing of laundry is carried out using batches of numerous items. A rotating drum (11) is loaded with all the items in the batch at once. The items are placed in the drum (11) as a loose mass, thus occupying a considerable amount of space. This negatively impacts the efficiency of the wet processing. The invention provides for loading the drum (11) in several stages. The batch of laundry is divided into sub-batches, which are loaded into the drum (11) successively. In particular, between successive sub-batches, the drum (11) is driven at a speed corresponding to the spin speed and / or liquid is supplied to the sub-batches during loading. This compacts the individual sub-batches, creating space for the next sub-batch.This allows the drum (11) to be loaded with larger, heavier loads of laundry. This results in more economical wet washing.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a method for wet-treating, in particular washing and / or spinning, batches of laundry consisting of several items according to the preamble of claim 1. Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for wet-treating, in particular washing and / or spinning, batches of laundry consisting of several items according to the preamble of claim 7.

[0002] Wet treatment of laundry is carried out in batches, particularly in commercial laundries. A batch of laundry, consisting of numerous items, is wet-treated in a rotating drum. This wet treatment is performed in laundry machines designed solely for washing or for washing followed by spinning. Preferably, these are washing machines or washer-extractors that wash the respective batch of laundry in the drum and, if necessary, subsequently spin-dry it, thereby partially, and in particular largely, separating the laundry batch from any liquid bound within it.

[0003] In known methods for batch wet treatment of laundry, the drum of the washing machine or washer-extractor is loaded simultaneously with all the items in the batch. This results in all the items entering the drum in a relatively loose, uncongested manner. This limits the number of items per batch and / or the amount of laundry per batch, thus impacting the efficiency of the wet treatment.

[0004] CH462766A describes a method and an associated washing and spin-drying machine in which large volume laundry is fed into a drum rotating faster than the washing speed by means of a conveying or pneumatic feeding device, so that the laundry is pressed against the drum wall by centrifugal force and the drum volume is used optimally.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating a method and a device for the economical wet treatment, in particular batch washing and / or spinning, of laundry.

[0006] A method for solving the problem comprises the measures of claim 1. In this method, the drum is loaded with the respective batch of laundry in partial batches. This allows the loading to be carried out gradually, stepwise, and / or in phases with successive partial batches. Depending on the requirements, the respective batch of laundry can be divided into two or more than two partial batches, with all partial batches together constituting a quantity of laundry corresponding to the desired batch. All items of laundry in the respective batch are washed and / or spun simultaneously in the drum. This allows the last loaded partial batch to "settle," preferably reducing its volume, before the next partial batch is added.

[0007] It is further provided that the volume of the laundry items in each batch is reduced, at least between successive batches, and optionally also after the last batch, preferably by rotating the drum. This can occur between loading the drum with successive batches, but also alternatively or additionally during loading the drum with the respective batch. This rotating drum exerts a centrifugal force on the laundry items of the respective batch, causing them, especially the last item loaded into the drum, to distribute themselves in a ring-like pattern on the inside of the drum's circumference. Preferably, the laundry items forming the ring are also compressed and / or compacted during the rotating drum.This reduces the volume of the item already in the drum, or the item already in the drum, the last item loaded into the drum, and / or all items already in the drum, thus creating space for loading the drum with another item. Preferably, a sufficiently large space is created in the center of the drum for the next load of laundry.

[0008] The method according to the invention makes it possible to load the drum with larger loads of laundry, in particular loads of laundry with a larger number of laundry items and / or a larger quantity of laundry compared to the previously usual loading.

[0009] Preferably, the method is designed such that the drum is loaded with the respective partial items while the drum's axis of rotation is upright, preferably vertical or substantially vertical. During this loading process, the drum's opening is located at the top, preferably at the highest point of the drum.

[0010] It is conceivable that the drum is loaded with each item while the drum is rotating. This would cause the laundry items in each item to be compressed, at least initially, particularly pressed against the inner surface of the drum and / or distributed there to form a ring of laundry.

[0011] If the drum is driven around its axis of rotation, preferably a vertical axis, when being loaded with the respective item(s), the rotational speed can be such that a centrifugal force between 2 and 6 times the acceleration due to gravity (g) is exerted on the laundry. At this point, no or only a slight spin-drying effect is exerted on the laundry items of the item(s) in the drum or the items of the item(s) in the drum.

[0012] The method involves rotating the drum, preferably at a higher speed than during loading, in a centrifugal manner, after at least one phase or step of loading it with a partial load, particularly after loading the next partial load. This results in the compression of the at least one partial load already in the drum. Specifically, the partial load most recently loaded into the drum is compressed and / or squeezed together. Hereinafter, the phase or step of rotating the drum after each partial load, particularly between successive loadings of partial loads, in a centrifugal manner, is referred to as the "compression phase," and the loading of the drum with at least one partial load is called the "partial loading phase."

[0013] Preferably, during the compaction phase, the drum is driven at a speed that exerts a centrifugal force on the laundry items already in the drum that is between 25 and 70 times the acceleration due to gravity (g). Such a drum speed, which is significantly higher than the speed of the drum driven during the partial load phase, leads to the reliable formation of a laundry ring on the inside of the preferably cylindrical surface of the drum and simultaneously to strong compression and / or compaction of the laundry items in the laundry ring.

[0014] According to a further embodiment of the method, after loading with a partial load, the drum is pivoted from its loading position, in which its axis of rotation is upright, particularly vertical, to a position in which the axis of rotation is inclined to the vertical, preferably at an angle of 30° to 50°. In this pivoted, inclined position, the drum is then driven to rotate during the compaction phase, preferably at a significantly higher speed than during the partial loading phase. Due to the inclined axis of rotation of the drum, at least initially, items of laundry detach from the upper turning area of ​​the drum and fall to a lower area. This results in a more uniform and improved ring-like distribution of the laundry around the circumference of the drum.

[0015] At least during the compaction phase and / or partial loading phase, preferably only during the compaction phase, liquid is supplied to the drum, preferably through the drum opening. This causes the laundry items to be drawn into the drum. The laundry items are moistened or made more humid by the supplied liquid. Particularly when the drum is tilted or inclined, liquid not yet absorbed by the laundry items collects at the lowest point of the inclined drum during the compaction phase. Laundry items not yet distributed around the drum's circumference then immerse and / or fall into this area, absorbing moisture and becoming heavier. This increases the force with which the laundry items are pressed against the inner surface of the drum during the compaction phase as the drum rotates.

[0016] Finally, it is conceivable to further develop the method such that, at least during the rotating drive of the drum, the behavior of the laundry items in the drum is monitored between successive loading phases with partial loads, namely the compaction phase. Preferably, this monitoring is carried out to determine whether the last partial load placed in the drum has already assumed a ring-shaped form distributed across the inner surface of the drum. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to determine the thickness of the laundry ring of all previously loaded partial loads in the drum and / or the increase in the thickness of the laundry ring as a result of the last partial load placed in the drum. This can be done optically using ultrasound or by means of markings on the bottom of the drum.This allows, in particular, the determination of how far the washing ring has formed and how compressed the laundry has become, and consequently, the timing for the faster rotation of the drum drive during the compaction phase can be influenced and / or controlled. Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible to compare the results of this monitoring with target values ​​and, if there are deviations from the target value, to terminate the respective compaction phase.

[0017] A device for solving the aforementioned problem has the features of claim 7.

[0018] The umbrella-like jets of liquid generated by the inlet ring are distributed around the edge of the opening of the drum and / or its housing and directed through the opening into the interior of the drum. Preferably, this allows laundry to be effectively drawn into the drum during loading and / or moistened, or already damp laundry to be made even more moist. Such a device is preferably suitable for carrying out the method according to the invention.

[0019] Preferably, the ring-shaped liquid outlet openings are arranged in a wall of an annular tube, and this annular tube is positioned on the inside of the housing opening. This housing opening corresponds to the opening of the rotating drum for receiving the laundry. The liquid outlet openings of the annular tube can generate jets of liquid that are directed through the drum opening into its interior.

[0020] An advantageous further development of the device provides that the liquid outlet openings of the ring-shaped tube are arranged in such a way as to be evenly distributed in a wall of the same that all liquid jets exiting from the liquid openings can pass through the opening into the drum and / or converge in a shield-like manner towards a wall opposite the opening in the drum, in particular the bottom wall thereof.

[0021] Preferably, all liquid outlet openings of the ring-shaped tube are designed and positioned such that all liquid jets meet at the lowest point of the drum. This results in effective moistening of the laundry items when loading the drum and / or of the laundry items already in the drum.

[0022] The device can have at least one protective element, preferably a circumferential protective ring, between the ring-shaped tube in the housing opening and the drum, preferably an rim surrounding the drum opening. This protective ring prevents, on the one hand, smaller items of laundry from becoming caught between the drum and the stationary housing surrounding it on the outside. On the other hand, the protective element serves to prevent potential contact between the rim of the drum opening and the ring-shaped tube associated with the housing opening, particularly during rapid rotation of the drum, thus protecting both the tube and the rim of the drum opening. For this purpose, it is preferable to make the protective element from a non-metallic material, for example, plastic, especially a low-friction plastic.

[0023] It is also conceivable to further develop the device by including means designed to determine the degree of compaction and / or weight of the laundry already in the drum. Alternatively or additionally, it is also conceivable that these means are designed to determine the thickness of each laundry ring in the drum. The aforementioned measuring and / or detection methods are preferably designed to operate without contact.

[0024] By determining the degree of compaction, for example, the thickness or weight of the laundry ring, it is possible to ascertain whether, during the compaction phase, the last batch of laundry loaded into the drum has already assumed the desired ring shape and / or is compressed to the intended extent. This allows for continuous monitoring to ensure that the loading process is proceeding correctly and that sufficient space remains in the drum to load further batches, particularly a final batch to complete the laundry load to be wet-treated.

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawing. This drawing shows: Fig. 1 a partially cutaway side view of a device in a partial loading phase, Fig. 2 a front view of the device Fig. 1 Fig. 3 shows a partially cutaway side view of the device during a compression phase, Fig. 4 shows a front view of the device. Fig. 3 Fig. 5 shows a partially cutaway side view of the device during an unloading phase, Fig. 6 shows a front view of the device. Fig. 5 , Fig. 7 a central longitudinal section through a drum and an associated front wall of a housing of the device according to the Fig. 1 , and Fig. 8 an enlarged detail VIII from the illustration of the Fig. 7 .

[0026] The device shown in the figures allows for the wet treatment of laundry items by washing and subsequent spinning. However, the invention is also suitable for devices in which the laundry items are wet treated only by washing. Spinning can then be carried out in a separate device, if necessary. Devices that enable washing and subsequent spinning of the laundry items are referred to in technical jargon as "washer-extractors." Devices that serve only to wash the laundry items are usually referred to as "washing machines."

[0027] The laundry items can be any type of laundry, for example bed linen and table linen, dry laundry such as terry towels, or shaped items such as clothing, including work clothes.

[0028] The laundry items are wet-treated batch by batch using the wet-treating device, namely washed and spun or just washed.

[0029] The device shown has a drum 11 which can be driven to rotate about an axis of rotation 10, a stationary housing 12 which surrounds at least the drum 11 and a drive 13 shown in part for rotating the drum 11 about its axis of rotation 10.

[0030] The drum 11 has a completely or at least predominantly cylindrical drum shell 14, a bottom wall 15, and an annular end wall 16. The annular end wall 16 surrounds the preferably circular opening 17 of the drum 11. The drum 11 is provided with connections (not shown) for supplying liquid used for wet treatment, for changing the bath, and for removing bound liquor removed from the laundry during spinning.

[0031] The drum 11 is surrounded by the stationary housing 12 in a liquid-tight manner. The housing 12 is dimensioned such that the drum 11 can rotate freely within it. The housing 12 can be cylindrical, like the drum 11, but it can also be cuboid, unlike the drum 11. The housing 12 is fixed to the drum 11 in such a way that it does not rotate with the drum 11 when it is driven. The housing 12 has a shell 18 surrounding the drum 11, a bottom wall 19, and an end wall 20. The end wall 20 is annular in shape, surrounding an opening 21 in the housing 12. The opening 21 corresponds to the opening 17 of the drum 11, whereby the diameter of the opening 21 can be slightly larger than the diameter of the opening 17. Fig. 8 The opening 21 of the housing 12 is located directly in front of the opening 17 of the drum 11. One of the openings 17 or 21, preferably the opening 21 of the housing 12, can be closed by, for example, a pivotable cover 22 ( Fig. 2 and 4 ).

[0032] The drum 11 and the housing 12 can be pivoted together about a horizontal pivot axis 23 that intersects the axis of rotation 10 at a right angle. Fig. 1 and 2 Figure 1 shows the drum 11 with the housing 12 in a loading position of the device. The axis of rotation 10 is vertical, and the upper openings 17 and 21 are in a horizontal plane when the lid 22 is open. Fig. 3 and 4The figures show the device in a filling position, in which the compaction phase is preferably also carried out, at least for the most part. In this position and / or phase, the drum 11 with the housing 12 is pivoted laterally about the pivot axis 23 by 30° to 50° relative to the loading position. Accordingly, the axis of rotation 10 is inclined by 30° to 50° relative to the vertical. Likewise, the openings 17 and 21 are inclined when the cover 22 is still open, so that they lie in a plane pivoted by 30° to 50° relative to the horizontal.

[0033] The Fig. 5 and 6 The figures show the unloading position of the drum 11 and the housing 12. In this unloading position, the axis of rotation 10 of the drum 11 runs horizontally. However, the axis of rotation 10 can also run slightly inclined downwards relative to the horizontal in the direction of the openings 17 and 21. In the device shown here, the unloading position is as described in the figures. Fig. 5 and 6In the unloading position shown, washing and spinning of the laundry also takes place with the opening 21 of the housing 12 sealed liquid-tight by the lid 22. The lid 22 is only opened again when the laundry is unloaded. It is also conceivable to wash and / or spin the laundry in another position, preferably the infeed position or at an inclination between the position shown in the Fig. 3 shown floatation position and the one in the Fig. 5 shown unloading position.

[0034] According to the Fig. 7 und 8 An annular tube 24 is associated with the opening 21 of the end wall 20 of the housing 12. In the illustrated embodiment, this tube has a square cross-section. However, it can also have other cross-sections, for example, a triangular or a round cross-section. The annular tube 24 is associated with, and in particular rigidly connected to, a circumferential surface 25 of the end wall 20 of the housing 12 that defines the opening. An inner, cylindrical surface of the annular tube 24 is provided with a plurality of liquid outlet openings 26 evenly distributed around its circumference. These are oriented such that liquid jets 27 can emerge from them and flow through the opening 17 in the end wall 16 of the drum 11. A liquid jet 27 is shown with dotted lines in the Fig. 8 indicated. Furthermore, all liquid jets 27 emerging from the liquid outlet openings 26 of the ring-shaped tube 24 are directed towards the axis of rotation 10, in such a way that they converge in the direction of the bottom wall 15 ( Fig. 3 and 4 ). Fig. 3 This shows that in the oblique inflow position, the liquid jets 27 converge towards a corner between the bottom wall 15 and the shell 14, at a certain distance from said corner. The liquid jets 27 can meet, but they can also simply decrease in distance from each other without touching.

[0035] The Fig. 8 It can also be seen that a protective element is arranged in a gap 28 between the end wall 16 of the drum and the ring-shaped tube 24 surrounding the opening 21 in the end wall 20 of the housing 12, which in the illustrated embodiment is designed as a protective ring 29. The protective ring 29 is in the exemplary embodiment of the Fig. 8 with a rectangular cross-section. This protective ring 29 almost completely closes the gap 28 between the ring-shaped tube 24 on the end wall 20 of the housing 17 and the rotatably driven drum 11. This is achieved by a frustoconical ring 30 of the end wall 16 of the drum 11 surrounding the opening 17 of the drum 11, the circular circumferential edge 31 of which points furthest towards the protective ring 29 ends a few millimeters in front of the circular annular surface 32 of the protective ring 29 that faces this edge 31. Fig. 8 The protective ring 29 is made of a non-metallic material. This material is more prone to wear than steel, particularly stainless steel, from which the drum 11 with the ring 30 is made. Preferably, the protective ring 29 serves as a wear part, primarily protecting the edge 31 of the frustoconical ring 30 of the drum 11 against wear.

[0036] The inventive method is explained below with reference to the apparatus described above: The apparatus, namely washing machine or washer-extractor, serves for the batch wet treatment of laundry items. Each batch of laundry, from a plurality of items to be wet treated in one process in the apparatus, is placed, for example, in laundry bags 33 ( Fig. 2 ) transported to the device.

[0037] According to the invention, the device, namely the washing machine or washer-extractor, is not loaded with the entire load of laundry at once, but rather the loading is carried out gradually in partial loads, step by step or in phases. These partial loads can consist of two or more than two. For bulky, especially lighter, items of laundry, the load is divided into more than two partial loads, which together constitute the entire load, preferably the load conveyed in a laundry bag 33. The individual partial loads can be of the same size, contain the same quantity of laundry, and / or have the same weight. However, it is also conceivable to form loads of laundry of different sizes, quantities, and / or weights, with the first partial loads loaded into the drum 11 preferably being larger than the last partial loads.

[0038] By loading the drum 11 in successive sub-batches, which together make up the laundry batch, the laundry items of each sub-batch are given the opportunity between the loading of successive sub-batches to settle in the drum 11, thus reducing their volume, thereby creating space or at least more space for loading with the next sub-batch.

[0039] Preferably, during the loading of the drum 11, it is driven by a rotating motor at a relatively low speed, for example, the washing speed, which results in forces and / or an acceleration of 2g to 6g, in particular 3g to 6g, being exerted on the laundry items in the drum 11. This promotes the settling of the laundry items in the respective batch. In particular, this leads to compression, compaction, and / or a reduction in volume of the laundry items in the respective batch. For the sake of simplicity, the following will only refer to "compaction" and / or "reduction in volume" of the laundry items.

[0040] It is conceivable that a pause, in particular a loading pause, is inserted between loading the drum 11 with successive partial loads, during which the drum 11 continues to rotate, preferably at an unchanged speed, and this pause can be short, for example only 10 to 30 seconds. This increases the compaction or volume reduction of the laundry items in the drum 11.

[0041] The Fig. 1 and 2Figure 1 shows the drum 11 in its loading position with the axis of rotation 10 vertical or substantially vertical. The superimposed openings 17 and 21 of the drum 11 and the housing 12 are aligned one above the other in parallel horizontal planes. This allows the laundry items of each batch to be loaded into the drum 11 by gravity from the laundry bag 33 located above. In this loading position, the drum 11 may also be driven about the vertical axis of rotation 10 at a speed that results in the laundry items in the drum 11 being subjected to an acceleration due to gravity (g) of 2 to 6 times, preferably 3 to 6 times, that of gravity.

[0042] The Fig. 3 and 4 illustrate a preferred embodiment of the inventive method, in which the loading of the drum 11 with successive partial items in the Fig. 1 and 2In the loading position shown, namely the respective partial loading phase, the drum 11 is pivoted about its horizontal pivot axis 23. This pivoting preferably occurs at 30° to 50°, particularly 45°. In this inclined position, the drum 11, with the laundry already contained within it (one or more partial loads), is driven at a higher rotational speed during a compaction phase than during the partial loading phase, in which individual partial loads are gradually added to the drum 11 in the loading position. This rotational speed is selected such that the laundry already in the drum 11 is subjected to an acceleration of 20 to 70 times the force of gravity, i.e., 30g to 70g. This results in greater compaction of the laundry in the drum 11 and a significant reduction in its volume.Primarily, or especially, because of this, when the drum 11 is driven at an increased speed around its inclined axis of rotation 10, a laundry ring forms in the drum 11, as the laundry is uniformly arranged in a ring around the entire inner circumference of the drum 11's shell due to centrifugal force. This occurs when the laundry is forced in a ring shape around the entire inner circumference of the drum 11's shell 14. If one or more items have already been loaded into the drum 11 and have formed a laundry ring during the compaction phase, the last item loaded into the drum 11 forms a further laundry ring on top of the existing laundry ring and / or preferably merges with it. Furthermore, space and / or a sufficiently large clearance is created in the central area, particularly a central and / or inner area, of the drum 11 for the next laundry item.

[0043] It is particularly advantageous if, before and / or during the Fig. 3 and 4 During the compaction phase of the respective sub-item, liquid is supplied to the laundry items in drum 11. This can be fresh water with or without washing additives, but also reused wash water from previous washing cycles or liquid separated from the laundry during spinning, in particular rinsing liquid.

[0044] The aforementioned addition of liquid to the laundry items during the process in the Fig. 3 and 4The illustrated infeed position with the inclined drum 11 results in the laundry items becoming more supple and heavier, and thus compacting better, in particular forming a more reliable complete ring of laundry against the preferably cylindrical shell 14 of the drum 11. The faster rotation of the drum 11 drive in the infeed position, combined with the simultaneous supply of liquid at the inclined drum, therefore constitutes a compaction phase.

[0045] The liquid supply to the drum 11 and / or the laundry items contained therein, of one or more or, if applicable, all sub-batches, is effected by a multitude of liquid jets 27, which are generated by liquid outlet openings 26 of the annular tube 24 that surrounds the opening 21 of the end wall 20 of the housing 12. A uniform distribution of the liquid outlet openings 26, which may optionally be nozzle-like, across the inner circumferential surface 25 of the annular tube 24 results in a funnel-shaped or umbrella-like flow pattern of all liquid jets 27.

[0046] In the device shown in the figures, the liquid outlet openings 26 in the circumferential surface 25 of the annular tube 24 are oriented such that all liquid jets 27 generated by the liquid outlet openings 26 converge into the interior of the drum 11. Preferably, due to the inclination of the drum 11, all liquid jets 27 converge in its initial flow position and during the compression phase such that they meet or lie very close to each other just before the lowest point of the inclined drum 11. This lowest point preferably originates from a point where the outer shell 14 and the bottom wall 15 meet at the bottom of the drum 11 ( Fig. 3 ).

[0047] Provided that after the partial lot last loaded into drum 11 has been washed into the Fig. 3 and 4Since at least one further item is to be loaded into the drum 11 during the compaction phase shown, after completion of the compaction phase, i.e. after formation of a laundry ring from laundry items loaded into the drum 11, preferably together with the infusion liquid, the drum 11 is swung back into the position shown in the Fig. 1 and 2 The loading position shown is at approximately a vertical axis of rotation 10. Then the next partial loading phase takes place with another partial load or the last partial load. Afterwards, the drum 11 is returned to the Fig. 3 and 4 The shown inflow position is rotated to carry out the compaction phase.

[0048] After the last load has been added, i.e., when the entire load of laundry is loaded into drum 11, it is conceivable to skip the filling position with the compaction phase and immediately move the drum from the loading position with the vertical axis of rotation 10 into the Fig. 5 and 6 The washing position shown is to be pivoted around the pivot axis 23 with the rotation axis 10 being approximately horizontal.

[0049] In some cases, the spin-drying of the laundry after washing also takes place in the washing position of washing machines.

[0050] Likewise, in the Fig. 5 and 6 The washing position shown, or the wash and spin position, also allows for the unloading of wet-treated, i.e., washed or washed and spun, laundry items from the respective load. For this purpose, the drum 11 must be swung into position before the fully loaded drum is moved into the Fig. 5 and 6The horizontal position shown allows the closed lid 22 of the housing 12 to be reopened. Bezugszeichenliste:

[0051] 10 Rotation axis 11 Drum 12 Housing 13 Drive 14 Shell 15 Bottom wall 16 End wall 17 Opening 18 Shell 19 Bottom wall 20 End wall 21 Opening 22 Cover 23 Swivel axis 24 Ring-shaped tube 25 Circumferential area 26 Liquid outlet opening 27 Liquid jet 28 Gap 29 Protective ring 30 Ring 31 Edge 32 Circular annular area 33 Laundry bag

Claims

1. A method for the wet treatment, in particular the washing and / or spinning, of laundry batches consisting of a plurality of laundry items, wherein the laundry items of the respective laundry batch are loaded into a drum (11) which can be driven in rotation, the laundry batch is washed when the drum (11) is driven in rotation, optionally spun thereafter, and after washing and / or spinning unloaded from the drum (11), wherein the loading of the drum (11) with the respective laundry batch is carried out gradually in partial batches in a stepwise manner, and wherein the drum (11) is driven in rotation during the loading with the respective partial batch and / or between the loading with successive partial batches, characterized in that when loading the drum (11) with one respective partial batch and / or after loading the drum (11) with the respective partial batch, liquid is supplied to the laundry items in the drum (11) and / or when they enter the drum (11), with the drum (11) being driven at a higher rotational speed in the manner of a spinning process,2. The method as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the loading of the drum (11) with the respective partial batch is carried out when the axis of rotation (10) of the drum (11) is upright, preferably perpendicular, and the opening (17) of the drum (11) is located at the top and / or when the drum (11) is driven in rotation, preferably at a rotational speed in which forces, preferably centrifugal forces, between 2 to 6 times the gravitational acceleration, are exerted on the laundry items in the drum (11).

3. The method as claimed in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that after loading with one respective partial batch the drum is driven in rotation in the manner of a spinning process and / or at higher rotational speed, preferably in the manner of a spinning process, than during the loading, preferably at such a rotational speed that the partial batch or the partial batch last loaded into the drum (11) forms a ring of laundry and / or bears in an annular manner internally against a lateral surface (14) of the drum (11) or at least a partial batch previously loaded into the drum (11).

4. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after loading with one respective partial batch the drum (11) is driven at a higher rotational speed such that forces, in particular centrifugal forces, between 5 times to 70 times, preferably 20 times to 60 times, the gravitational acceleration, act preferably in the manner of a spinning process on the laundry items in the drum (11).

5. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that after loading the drum (11) with one respective partial batch, the drum (11) is pivoted from its loading position, in which the axis of rotation (10) of the drum (11) preferably runs perpendicularly, into a position in which the axis of rotation (10) runs obliquely to the perpendicular, preferably at an angle of 30° to 50°, and in this obliquely oriented position the drum (11) is driven in the manner of the spinning process.

6. The method as claimed in one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least when the drum (11) is driven in rotation, the behaviour and / or the position of the laundry items in the drum (11) are monitored between successive loadings of the drum (11) with partial batches, preferably as to whether the partial batch last loaded into the drum (11) has adopted an annular shape and / or the thickness of the annular shape of the partial batch or all of the partial batches loaded into the drum is determined.

7. A device for the wet treatment, in particular the washing and / or spinning, of laundry batches consisting of a plurality of laundry items, having a drum (11) which can be driven in rotation and which serves at least for washing the respective laundry batch, and which has an opening (17) for loading and / or unloading the laundry items, and a housing (12) with an opening (21) corresponding to the opening (17) of the drum (11), wherein the device is configured to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the opening (21) of the housing (12) and / or the opening (17) of the drum (11) has liquid outlet openings (26) generating liquid jets (27), which are arranged in an annular manner.

8. The device as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that an annular pipe (24) in the annular opening (17, 21) has the liquid outlet openings (26), which are arranged in an annular manner, wherein preferably the annular pipe (24) is fastened to a wall of the drum (11) and / or of the housing (12) surrounding the opening (17, 21).

9. The device as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that the liquid outlet openings (26) are arranged in a wall of the annular pipe (24) so as to be distributed uniformly over the circumference thereof, such that all of the liquid jets (27) exiting from the liquid outlet openings (26) run through the opening (17) in the drum (11) and / or can pass through the opening (17) and / or converge in an umbrella-like manner in the direction of a wall of the drum (11) opposite the opening (17) in the latter, wherein preferably all of the liquid jets (27) meet in front of a lowest point of the drum (11).

10. The device as claimed in one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that at least one protective body, in particular a protective ring (29), is arranged between the annular pipe (24) in the opening (21) of the housing (12) and the drum (11), preferably an edge of the drum (11) surrounding the opening (17) thereof.

11. The device as claimed in one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that means are provided in order to determine the degree of compaction and / or the weight and / or the thickness of the ring of laundry of the laundry items located in the drum (11), preferably after loading the drum (11) with the respective partial batch and / or when spinning the partial batch or partial batches located in the drum (11) at a higher rotational speed in comparison to the loading speed.

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