Washing machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a washing machine (1) for textiles, in particular articles of clothing and / or household textiles, comprising a washing drum (2) having a loading opening (3) for loading the textiles, the washing drum (2) being arranged inside a suds container (4), and the washing drum (2) having a predeterminable plurality of openings (5) leading to the suds container (4). According to the invention, the washing drum (2) is connected to the suds container (4) in a rotationally fixed manner, in particular rigidly, and the assembly (6) formed by the washing drum (2) and the suds container (4) is connected, at least indirectly, to a drive motor (8) for joint rotation about an axis of rotation (7).

Description

[0001] 39757

[0002] 1

[0003] washing machine

[0004] The invention relates to a washing machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0005] Washing machines have a drum in which the textiles to be washed, especially clothing or household items such as bed linen, towels, and curtains, are arranged for cleaning. This drum has openings distributed around its circumference and length. During the washing process, the drum is set into rotation.

[0006] Conventional washing machines also feature a stationary tub in which the rotating drum is located. The tub is typically connected to the outer casing of the washing machine by means of a spring suspension, preventing it from rotating.

[0007] The textiles placed in the washing machine can have properties that can lead to an imbalance. This is the case, for example, with bed linens. Such an imbalance causes significant deflections of the rotating washing drum. The tub is therefore considerably larger than the drum to reduce the likelihood of the two parts touching in the event of an imbalance. Such contact between the drum and tub can result in the washing machine malfunctioning.

[0008] For a real washing process to work, the textiles to be washed must be rinsed or "flooded" to a predetermined extent by a washing liquid, known as the wash liquor. The textiles should be pulled through the wash liquor. The wash liquor should therefore fill the tub sufficiently so that a portion of the textiles—arranged in the washing drum—are within it. Due to the larger cross-section of the tub, a relatively large quantity of wash liquor is required to reliably ensure this.

[0009] Worldwide efforts are underway to reduce the amount of water used in washing machines, as water is becoming increasingly scarce in many parts of the world.

[0010] 2

[0011] The reduction in water consumption—advantageous for many reasons—along with the geometric properties of the tub and drum, means that there is hardly any washing process in the true sense. The amount of water is usually too small to draw the textiles through. The textiles are no longer submerged in the water. Instead, they are merely moistened or "wet" by the splashing water or spray inside the drum. Therefore, the laundry is no longer washed. As is generally known, when washing hands, they must be held in running water. Hands held only next to the water are not considered washed.

[0012] These washing machines consume and waste electricity, water, and detergent because they don't actually achieve their intended goal of producing clean laundry. Due to the lack of a proper wash cycle, sweat and grease deposits that have accumulated in the clothes are no longer adequately removed. This can lead to unpleasant odors, as well as health problems and even the transmission of diseases. Furthermore, it increases the chances of survival for parasites such as bed bugs, lice, or worm eggs that may be present in the textiles.

[0013] Due to the reduced cleaning power of textiles, affected users tend to use more detergent. This significantly increases detergent consumption. This is detrimental to the environment, as the additional detergent must be produced, transported, and its residues disposed of.

[0014] The object of the invention is therefore to provide a washing machine of the type mentioned above, with which the aforementioned disadvantages can be avoided, and with which textiles can be subjected to an actual washing process with low water consumption.

[0015] According to the invention, this is achieved by the features of claim 1. This allows for the creation of a washing machine with which textiles with low water consumption can be subjected to an actual washing process. This enables textiles with low water consumption to be washed in such a way that they are actually immersed in or drawn through the washing solution. This ensures that the textiles are not merely moistened or dampened by the washing solution beneath them, but are actually soaked through, thus becoming completely wet. This allows for the more effective and reliable removal of residues or dirt particles that have accumulated in the textiles. This results in virtually no residues remaining in the textiles.

[0016] This allows sweat residue and grease deposits to be washed out of the textiles in question, while still using minimal water. This actively promotes cleanliness and health.

[0017] This results in significantly more efficient use of water, electricity, and cleaning agents. The raw materials used are actually utilized, and the intended goal is achieved with them, rather than simply being consumed.

[0018] The dependent claims relate to further advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0019] The invention is described in more detail with reference to the enclosed drawings, in which only preferred embodiments are shown by way of example. These show:

[0020] Fig. 1 shows a washing machine with a first preferred embodiment of a washing unit in a sectional view;

[0021] Fig. 2 shows the washing unit of the first preferred embodiment according to Fig. 1 in a side view;

[0022] Fig. 3 a second preferred embodiment of a washing unit in side view; Fig. 4 a third preferred embodiment of a washing unit in side view; Fig. 5 section AA; and

[0023] Fig. 6 shows a detailed view of a preferred embodiment of a drive element.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a washing machine 1 for textiles, in particular clothing and / or household textiles,

[0025] with a washing drum 2 with a loading hatch 3 for inserting the textiles, which washing drum 2 is arranged inside a tub 4,

[0026] and wherein the washing drum 2 has a predefinable plurality of openings 5 ​​to the tub 4,

[0027] wherein the washing drum 2 is rotationally fixed, in particular rigidly, connected to the tub 4,

[0028] and that the assembly 6 consisting of washing drum 2 and tub 4 is at least indirectly connected to a drive motor 8 for rotation around a rotation axis 7.

[0029] Furthermore, a washing process is provided, in which the textiles and a predetermined quantity of the washing liquor are introduced or filled into the assembly 6. During the first phase of the washing process, the assembly 6 is rotated around a rotational axis 7 at a first speed. During the second phase of the washing process, the assembly 6 is rotated at a second speed. The two speeds differ from each other. During the first and second phases, the quantity of washing liquor within the assembly 6 remains essentially unchanged. Therefore, no portion of the washing liquor is released.

[0030] This allows for the creation of a washing machine 1, in which textiles with low water consumption are subjected to a true washing process. This enables textiles with low water consumption to be washed in such a way that they are actually immersed in the washing solution or pulled through it. This ensures that the textiles are not merely moistened or dampened by the washing solution beneath them. Instead, the textiles are thoroughly soaked, meaning they are completely saturated by the moisture or the washing solution. This allows for the more effective and reliable removal of residues and dirt particles that have accumulated in the textiles. As a result, hardly any residues remain in the textiles.

[0031] This allows sweat residue and grease deposits to be washed out of the textiles in question, while still using minimal water. This actively promotes cleanliness and health.

[0032] This results in significantly more efficient use of water, electricity, and cleaning agents. The raw materials used are actually utilized, and the intended goal is achieved with them, rather than simply being consumed.

[0033] The washing machine 1 in question is designed for washing textiles. In particular, this washing machine 1 is designed and intended for washing or cleaning clothing and / or household textiles. Household textiles include, in particular, curtains, bed linen, towels, and similar textile products used in households.

[0034] Washing machine 1 has a washing drum 2 in which the textiles to be washed are placed during the washing process. The washing drum 2 has a loading opening through which the laundry can be placed. This is commonly referred to as the loading hatch 3. To close the loading hatch 3, washing machine 1 has a corresponding closure 27, which is also referred to as a porthole.

[0035] The washing machine 1 has a drive motor 8 to rotate the washing drum 2 during the washing process. The drive motor 8 is connected to the washing drum 2, at least indirectly, for example via a gearbox, such as a belt drive 28. During operation, the washing drum 2 rotates at different speeds. There is a limiting speed at which the centrifugal acceleration at the apex of the washing drum 2 is equal to the acceleration due to gravity. Up to this limiting speed, the textiles fall downwards before reaching the apex. Above this limiting speed, the textiles are instead pressed against the washing drum at the apex by the centrifugal acceleration. This limiting speed depends on the inner diameter of the washing drum 2.

[0036] In this process, the first rotational speed can be lower than the limiting speed, and the second rotational speed higher than the limiting speed. In contrast to a washing machine 1 according to the prior art, in which either a washing cycle at a slow speed and a spin cycle at a high speed are performed, here an additional washing cycle at a high speed can be carried out, in which a greater penetration of the textiles is achieved.

[0037] The washing drum 2 is surrounded by the tub 4, which completely encloses or surrounds the washing drum 2. The washing drum 2 is therefore located inside the tub 4, although they may share a common end face 20.

[0038] The washing drum 2 has a predefinable plurality of openings 5, which connect it to the tub 4. Such openings 5 ​​are known and are illustrated in Fig. 1 only by four schematic representations, although the actual number is considerably larger.

[0039] Washing machine 1 features a combination of components or...

[0040] Machine elements are assembled which are at least indirectly connected to one another and rotate together around the same axis of rotation 7 during the washing process. Therefore, there is no relative motion between these parts. This combination is referred to as the washing unit 29.

[0041] In the first preferred embodiment, the washing unit 29 essentially comprises only the washing drum 2 and the tub 4, which are connected to each other in a rotationally fixed manner. In particular, this is a rigid connection 6. The washing drum 2 and the tub 4 together form a unit 6, which rotates during the washing process and is driven as a whole by the drive motor 8.

[0042] The washing drum 2 and the tub 4 have essentially the same basic geometric shape. In particular, they are each designed as cylinders. The washing drum 2 and the tub 4 are designed such that the distance 10 between them is essentially constant along their circumference and length.

[0043] The washing machine 1 has a feed pipe 19 for supplying a washing solution to the assembly 6. Preferably, the feed pipe 19 is connected substantially centrally to the end face 20 of the assembly 6. It has proven particularly advantageous if the feed pipe 19 is formed by a hollow drive shaft 21, which is required anyway. This allows rotation of the laundry and supply of the washing solution to occur with a single unit. Fig. 5 shows a corresponding setup.

[0044] The feed pipe 19 can be arranged in a rotationally fixed position relative to the washing drum 2, or rotatably relative to the washing drum 2.

[0045] The loading hatch 3 is preferably arranged in a cover 25, which closes the assembly 6. This cover 25 is not connected to the washing drum 2 or the tub 4 by a plurality of separate screws, but rather by a single, circumferential screw connection 26. This has proven advantageous because it prevents imbalances caused by individual screws distributed around the circumference. Furthermore, this connection promotes a tight seal of the assembly 6.

[0046] In particular, the lid 25 can have a further inlet for washing liquor into the washing drum 2. In this way, in addition to the feed pipe 19, washing liquor can also be introduced into the washing drum 2 from the opposite direction. It is particularly preferred that the lid 25 has an opening at the axis of rotation through which washing liquor can be introduced into the washing drum 2 from the outside. This has the advantage that even if the washing drum is rotating, the introduced washing liquor is not also set into rotation before being introduced and thus does not primarily splash out tangentially, but can be injected or sprayed deep into the washing drum 2.

[0047] It is particularly preferred that at least one drive element 13 is arranged in the washing drum 2, that the drive element 13 is movably arranged between a first position with a first height 14 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 7 and a second position with a second height 15 perpendicular to the axis of rotation 7, that the first height 14 is greater than the second height 15, and that the drive element is biased by a spring force in the direction of the first position. In particular, three drive elements 13 can be provided. This has the effect that the drive element 13 can be retracted by centrifugal forces controlled by the rotational speed.

[0048] Below the maximum rotational speed, the drive element 13 performs its usual function of circulating the textiles. Above this speed, circulation ceases; instead, the textiles are held in sections by the drive element 13 around the inner circumference of the washing drum 2. Uneven loading of these sections can lead to an imbalance. If the forces acting on the drive element 13 due to centrifugal acceleration exceed the spring force, the drive element 13 is retracted. This allows the textiles to more easily overcome the drive element 13 and distribute themselves more evenly within the washing drum 2.

[0049] The drive elements 13 are inwardly projecting extensions designed to move the laundry during the washing process. In combination with other embodiments of the washing machine in question, it has also proven advantageous for the drive element 13 to have heights that vary depending on the rotational speed. This means that the extent to which the drive element 13 projects into the washing drum 2 is also dependent on the rotational speed. In particular, it is provided that the drive element 13 is designed as described in the preceding paragraph.

[0050] These variable heights of the drive element 13 can be achieved in different ways. Preferably, the drive element 13 is designed in multiple parts. It comprises a base part 16 and an extension element 17. The extension element 17 is preferably arranged to be telescopically displaceable within the base part 16. The extension element 17 is deflected from the base part 16 by a spring element 18 or pressed against a stop in the base part 16, which prevents the extension element 17 from escaping. Fig. 6 shows a schematic representation of such a drive element 13.

[0051] The base part 16 can preferably, and especially if space permits, be arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in the space 9. This allows the second height 15 to be further reduced or the driver to be fully retracted.

[0052] The suspension of the drive element 13 can in particular be by a pneumatic suspension in which an inflated spring body acts on the extension element 17, for example a balloon-like body arranged under the extension element 17.

[0053] Alternatively, a mechanical suspension can be provided.

[0054] The centrifugal force on the drive element 13 is primarily determined by the speed-dependent centrifugal acceleration, the mass of the extension element 17, and the mass of the washing liquor and textiles acting on the extension element 17. In particular, the mass of the extension element 17 can be selected to be sufficiently high to reduce the influence of the external mass acting on it. The extension element 17 can, in particular, have a mass greater than 500 g, and preferably greater than 1000 g.

[0055] In particular, it may be provided that the first height 14 is at least 50% greater than the second height 15. It is particularly preferred that the height begins to decrease when the rotational speed is at least 50% of the limiting rotational speed. The second height 15 may, in particular, be reached at a rotational speed greater than the limiting rotational speed.

[0056] A drive element 13 designed in this way is particularly advantageous for a washing machine designed according to the invention, since it allows the washing liquid to remain in the drum 2 even at higher rotational speeds. This effect can also be used in conventional washing machines 1 with fixed tubs 4.This would then be a washing machine 1 for textiles, in particular clothing and / or household textiles, with a washing drum 2 with a loading hatch 3 for inserting the textiles, wherein at least one, preferably at least three, drive element 13 are arranged in the washing drum 2, wherein it is provided that at least one drive element 13 is arranged in the washing drum 2, that the drive element 13 is movably arranged between a first position with a first height 14 normal to the axis of rotation 7 and a second position with a second height 15 normal to the axis of rotation 7, that the first height 14 is greater than the second height 15, and that the drive element 13 is biased by a spring force in the direction of the first position.

[0057] In the first preferred embodiment of the washing unit 29, the space 9 between the washing drum 2 and the tub 4 has a substantially constant volume, particularly during operation or a washing cycle. The assembly 6 is designed such that the distance 10 between the washing drum 2 and the tub 4 is less than 4%, particularly less than 3%, preferably less than 2%, of the inner diameter of the tub 4. This distance 10 remains substantially constant along the entire length of the washing drum 2 and tub 4. This small distance 10 ensures that the majority of the washing solution located within the tub 4 actually enters the washing drum 2.

[0058] If the same amount of washing liquid is present in a given washing machine 1 and in a known or widely used washing machine,11

[0059] Thus, in this particular washing machine, a larger quantity of the washing solution is located inside the drum 2 than in currently known or widely used washing machines. When the drum 2 is stationary, the distance between the underside of the drum 2 and the surface of the washing solution is now greater.

[0060] In the second preferred embodiment of the washing unit 29, the available volume for the washing liquor in the space 9 between the washing drum 2 and the tub 4 is essentially predefinable. The available volume can, in particular, be dependent on the rotational speed. It is especially preferred that the predefinable change in the available volume is determined by the centrifugal force of the washing liquor. This has the effect that, at rotational speeds above the limiting speed, the available volume, and thus also the amount of washing liquor, in the space can be varied by the rotational speed. If the rotational speed increases, the centrifugal force also increases, and washing liquor is forced into the space 9 by the textiles that adhere to the washing drum 2.If the rotational speed decreases, the washing solution is displaced from the space 9, whereby the textiles are again flooded in a radial direction.

[0061] To achieve the variable volume, it is preferably provided that the distance 10 between the washing drum 2 and the tub 4 is between 6% and 12%, in particular between 8% and 10%, of the inner diameter of the tub 4. This results in a volume that has proven advantageous in the implementation of a stationary washing unit 29. This facilitates both washing and spinning.

[0062] It is particularly preferred if at least one displacement element 11 with a predefinable variable volume is arranged in the space 9. This reduces the volume available for the washing liquor in the space 9 by the volume of the at least one displacement element 11. 39757

[0063] 12

[0064] Alternatively, the volume of the space 9 could be changed by appropriately designing the lye container 4.

[0065] Particularly preferably, the displacement element 11 may be designed as a compressible body 12 with a substantially closed outer surface. Such a design of the second preferred embodiment is shown in Fig. 3. The compression of the body occurs during the washing process due to the changing weight of the washing solution caused by centrifugal force.

[0066] The compressible body 12, or the essential material of the body 12, is to be selected in particular such that it has its maximum volume at a low rotational speed. Preferably, it can be provided that, at the maximum rotational speed of the washing machine 1 and a predetermined maximum load of the washing drum 2 with washing liquor 1 and textiles, the volume of the body is at most 50%, and particularly preferably at most 25%, of the maximum volume.

[0067] The compressible body 12 can in particular be made of a foam with a liquid-tight outer skin.

[0068] Alternatively, the compressible body 12 can be balloon-like, especially in the form of air tubes.

[0069] It can be provided that at least one body 12 rests against an outer surface of the washing drum 2, and that a volume available in the space 9 for the washing liquor is connected to the openings 5 ​​by means of channels.

[0070] The compressible body 12 does not necessarily have to fill, form, or cover the entire inner surface of the detergent container 4. Preferably, it is arranged over at least 80% of the inner surface of the detergent container 4.

[0071] In particular, it can be provided that at least one valve 23, preferably at least three valves 23, is arranged on the washing container 4 for draining washing liquor from the washing container 4. This allows the washing liquor to be removed from the washing container 4, especially during a spin cycle. 39757

[0072] 13

[0073] Valve 23 can be designed as a controllable valve, in particular as a solenoid valve.

[0074] Different operating modes are possible. One option is to drain the washing solution before a spin cycle, as is common practice.

[0075] A particularly preferred feature of the method is that at least one valve 23 is opened only during rotation of the washing drum 2, preferably above its limiting speed. Before the valves 23 open, the textiles lie against the washing drum 2, with the washing liquor accumulating, in a radial direction, partly as a column of water above the textiles. As soon as the valves 23 open, a portion of the washing liquor is conveyed through the textiles to the outside. This results in effective flushing of the textiles.

[0076] This process can occur periodically or continuously.

[0077] During the recurring process, the washing liquor is drained, at least one valve 23 is closed, and then washing liquor is reintroduced into the washing drum 2.

[0078] In a continuous process, washing liquor can preferably be introduced into the washing drum 2 while the at least one valve 23 is open, wherein the flow rate of the introduced washing liquor essentially corresponds to the flow rate of the washing liquor through the at least one valve 23. In particular, the drained washing liquor can be reintroduced into the washing drum 2. Furthermore, the flow rate can be controlled by the at least one valve 23. This allows the textiles to be continuously flushed with washing liquor in a radial direction in a continuous circulation process.

[0079] It can be provided that the lye container 4 is arranged in a stationary spray chamber. With valve 23 open, the washing liquor can be drained into the spray chamber. Preferably, the spray chamber can have a tray with an outlet opening at its underside. The washing liquor can be removed from the spray chamber by means of a pump. The pumped-out washing liquor 39757

[0080] 14

[0081] The material can be reintroduced into the washing drum 2 via the feed pipe 19 in order to realize the circulation process, or it can be drained into the sewer.

[0082] In the third preferred embodiment of the washing unit 29, which is shown by way of example in Figures 4 and 5, the washing machine 1 has a collection container 22 for receiving the washing liquor. The collection container 22 is arranged around the tub 4. The tub 4 is rotationally fixed, in particular rigidly connected, to the assembly 6. The collection container 22 rotates fully with the washing unit 29 and is part of it. The basic geometric shape of the collection container 22 corresponds to the shape of the washing drum 2 and the tub 4.

[0083] Preferably, at least one valve 23 is located between the washing tub 4 and the collection container 22, connecting the two parts fluidically. Preferably, the washing unit 29 has at least three valves 23 arranged between the washing tub 4 and the collection container 22. These valves can be located at different points along the circumference and length of the washing tub 4.

[0084] In a further development, it is provided that the collection container 22 is connected to the feed pipe 19 by at least one connecting pipe 24, as shown in Fig. 5. This allows the washing liquor to be directly reintroduced into the washing drum 2. Preferably, at least three connecting pipes 24 are provided, which are arranged around the circumference in such a way that they do not form a pronounced resonance that would lead to strong deflections of the washing unit 29.

[0085] In particular, a valve can be arranged in the feed pipe 19 which controls whether the washing liquor is returned to the washing drum 2 or is directed to an outlet of the washing machine for disposal into the sewer system.

[0086] To assist in the removal of the washing liquor from the collection tank 22, a pressure unit may be provided within it, 39757

[0087] 15

[0088] which is intended to push the washing liquor from this into the connecting pipe 24.

[0089] In operation, it can therefore be provided that at a predefinable rotational speed above the limiting speed, at least one valve 23 is opened, and the washing liquor is forced into the collection tank 22 by centrifugal force against the pressure unit. Then the at least one valve 23 is closed. At low rotational speed or when the washing unit 29 is at a standstill, a valve in the connecting pipe 24 can then be opened, whereby the washing liquor is forced back from the collection tank 22 into the connecting pipe 24 by the pressure unit.

[0090] The pressure unit can be designed in different ways.

[0091] Preferably, the collection container 22 is filled with a gas under pressure. A suitable valve control must be used to ensure that the gas does not escape.

[0092] Furthermore, it may be provided that a flexible membrane is arranged in the collection container 22, which limits the space for receiving the washing liquor in the collection container 22.

[0093] Alternatively, the pressure unit can be mechanically designed, in particular as an annular, spring-loaded piston which is displaceable along the longitudinal extent of the collection container 22. The piston completely fills an annular area of ​​the collection container 22, which can also be referred to as the collection container surface, with corresponding seals arranged at the lateral boundary circles. The collection container surface extends – viewed perpendicular to the axis of rotation 7 – from the outside of the alkali container 4 to the inside of the collection container 22.

[0094] The washing solution removed from the collection container 22 or the tub 4 and already used can, in addition to being reintroduced into the washing drum 2 and discharged into a drain, also be stored or kept in the washing machine for reuse in a subsequent washing cycle. For this purpose, the appropriately designed washing machine 1 has a 39757

[0095] 16

[0096] a corresponding storage container. Furthermore, this preferably has a measuring unit to check whether the already used washing liquor is still suitable for another washing cycle.

[0097] In an embodiment not shown, a first group of valves 23 and a second group of valves 23 are arranged on the lye container, the first group of valves 23 leading into the collection container 22, and the second group of valves 23 leading into the spray chamber. By means of appropriate valve control, it can be selected whether the collection container 22 is used or not.

[0098] The following are principles for understanding and interpreting the disclosure in question.

[0099] Characters are usually introduced with an indefinite article "ein, eine, eines, einer". Unless the context indicates otherwise, "ein, eine, eines, einer" should therefore not be understood as a numeral.

[0100] The phrase "essentially" in conjunction with a numerical value includes a tolerance of ± 10% around the stated numerical value, unless otherwise indicated by the context.

[0101] Value ranges include the endpoints unless the context indicates otherwise.

Claims

39757 17 PATENT CLAIMS 1. Washing machine (1 ) for textiles, in particular clothing and / or household textiles, with a washing drum (2) with a loading hatch (3) for inserting the textiles, which washing drum (2) is arranged within a tub (4), and wherein the washing drum (2) has a definable plurality of openings (5) to the tub (4), characterized by the fact that the washing drum (2) is connected to the tub (4) in a rotationally fixed, in particular rigid, manner, and that the assembly (6) of washing drum (2) and tub (4) is at least indirectly connected to a drive motor (8) for rotation around a rotation axis (7).

2. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that an intermediate space (9) between the washing drum (2) and the tub (4) has a substantially constant volume, and that a distance (10) between the washing drum (2) and the tub (4) is less than 4%, in particular less than 3%, preferably less than 2%, of the inner diameter of the tub (4).

3. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an available volume for the washing liquor in the space (9) between the washing drum (2) and the tub (4) is substantially predefinable and variable.

4. Washing machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that at least one displacement element (11) with a predefinable variable volume is arranged in the space (9).

5. Washing machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the 39757 18 Displacement element (11) is designed as a compressible body (12) with a substantially closed outer surface, which is arranged in particular over at least 80% of the inner surface of the alkali container (4).

6. Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that at least one drive element (13) is arranged in the washing drum (2), that the drive element (13) is movably arranged between a first position with a first height (14) normal to the axis of rotation (7) and a second position with a second height (15) normal to the axis of rotation (7), that the first height (14) is greater than the second height (15), and that the drive element (13) is biased by a spring force in the direction of the first position.

7. Washing machine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the drive element (13) has a base part (16), that a telescopic extension element (17) is arranged in the base part (16), and that the extension element (17) is deflected from the base part (16) by a spring element (18).

8. Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the washing machine (1) has a feed pipe (19) for supplying a washing liquor into the assembly (6), and that the feed pipe (19) is connected substantially centrally to an end face (20) of the assembly (6).

9. Washing machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the feed pipe (19) is designed as a hollow drive shaft (21) of the assembly (6).

10. Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that at least one valve (23), preferably at least three valves (23), is arranged on the tub (4) for draining washing liquor from the tub (4).

11. Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the washing machine (1) has a collection container (22) for receiving a washing liquor, that the collection container (22) is arranged around the tub (4) and is rotationally fixed, in particular rigidly, connected to the assembly (6).

12. Washing machine (1) according to claims 10 and 11, characterized in that the tub (4) is connected to the collection container (22) via at least one valve (23).

13. Washing machine (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that the collection container (22) is connected to the feed pipe (19) by at least one connecting pipe (24), preferably at least three connecting pipes (24).

14. Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the assembly (6) is closed with a lid (25) in which the loading hatch (3) is arranged, and that the lid (25) is connected to the assembly (6) by a circumferential screw connection (26).

15. Method for washing textiles, in particular garments and / or household textiles, with a washing machine comprising a washing drum (2) which is rotationally fixed to a tub (4), wherein the textiles and a predetermined quantity of a washing liquor are placed into the assembly (6) of washing drum (2) and tub (4), wherein during a first period of a washing process the assembly (6) is rotated about an axis of rotation (7) at a first speed, wherein during a second period of the washing process the assembly (6) is rotated about the axis of rotation (7) at a second speed different from the first speed, wherein during the first and the second period the quantity of washing liquor inside the assembly (6) remains essentially unchanged.

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