EP2580381B1 - Method for treating laundry in a washing machine at low temperature and washing machine suitable for said method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method for the treatment of laundry in a washing machine at low temperature and a particularly suitable for this purpose washing machine. More particularly, the invention relates to a method of treating laundry at low temperature with ozone.

Recently, there has been a trend for washing laundry at a low temperature. This development is supported by a range of special suitable so-called cold detergents. However, experience has shown that the hygiene performance of a detergent system, i. its ability to reduce any harmful germs, with decreasing wash temperature from. The usual bleaching systems, which can contribute to a reduction in the number of germs, are very inert at temperatures below <30 ° C or even ineffective. Although there are special enzymatic components available. These are partially effective, but expensive and often not stable on storage.

Therefore, electrochemical producers of bleaching agents are sometimes used in washing machines, e.g. Titanium-iridium electrodes for the formation of sodium hypochlorite from saline water or silver electrodes for the production of silver ions. It is also known for treating or disinfecting water to use boron-doped diamond electrodes to produce directly from water hydroxyl radicals that are efficient bleaching agents.

However, these methods have disadvantages. Thus, hydroxyl radicals disintegrate relatively quickly and have to be constantly replicated. Silver ions react rapidly to form insoluble compounds with other constituents in the water. In addition, the wastewater is enriched with heavy metals and residues can be formed on the laundry. Chlorine bleach leaves a distinct smell of chlorine on the laundry treated with it.

Finally, the use of ozone for odor removal and generally for the hygiene of household appliances is known. Ozone is one of the most effective oxidizing agents and is commercially available e.g. used in the paper industry, among other things, as an efficient and environmentally friendly bleaching agent. Even in commercial laundry care ozone is used for bleaching and disinfecting textiles. Ozone has the advantage that it produces no environmentally harmful reaction products and is degraded when used without residue. The disadvantage, however, is the lack of shelf life, so that ozone must always be generated immediately before its use.

The use of ozone in a domestic appliance, especially in a washing machine or other laundry care appliance, has therefore recently become more attractive. Ozone is not just a powerful disinfectant; In combination with a care or cleaning agent applied in a domestic appliance, it also causes complex and rapid reactions which can lead to an improved care or cleaning effect.

The WO 2007/143785 A1 describes a system and apparatus for introducing ozone into a washing machine. The system includes a first conduit for introducing ozone from an ozone supply into a scrubbing liquid inlet and a second conduit for discharging ozone into an area above a scrubbing chamber. For introducing ozone and for mixing with a washing liquid, a Venturi nozzle is used. The Venturi nozzle is operatively coupled to wash liquid inlet means to draw the ozone into the wash liquid while the wash liquid is being added to the wash tank.

In the WO 2008/119631 A1 a washing machine is described in which existing microorganisms in a detergent dispenser, ie an induction bowl, are eliminated by the direct introduction of ozone from an ozone generator into the dispenser bowl. In one embodiment, water is added simultaneously to the ozone in the dispenser tray so that the ozone / water mixture is passed through the dispenser tray. This is intended to minimize the possibility of escape of ozone from the washing machine.

The US 2008/0302139 A1 discloses a tunnel washer comprising a plurality of zones for washing laundry in a continuous manner, two locations for injecting ozone, a water circuit connecting a water inlet and a water outlet, the water circuit comprising a water reservoir and a Venturi injector for dissolving ozone in Includes water, and includes an ozone generator. A negative pressure or vacuum may be applied to the tunnel washer via an ozone eliminator to prevent leakage of ozone. For the generation of the negative pressure, a blower can be used. Excess or leaking ozone can be catalytically converted back to normal oxygen in the ozone removing device.

The US 2006/0096038 A1 describes a system for monitoring ozone and controlling the supply of a washing machine with ozone. An ozone sensor indicates the exceeding of a set ozone limit, whereupon an ozone generator is switched off until the ozone concentration is again below this limit. An elimination of ozone is not provided.

The DE 32 32 057 A1 describes a cleaning machine for laundry, crockery or the like with a reservoir for a cleaning agent and an ozone generator, at the output of which an ozonization of the cleaning agent in this opening ozone supply line is connected. In one embodiment, the reservoir is associated with a vent line and a Entozonisierungseinrichtung consisting of a heating coil. Fig. 1 shows a washing machine in which an ozone generator has a compressor, so that the ozone can flow with the required pressure in the reservoir. An overflow serves as a vent line, through which the air produced at low pressure above the detergent level can escape. In this case, the overflow may be provided with a heating device which is heated to such a high temperature that any remaining ozone in the air is destroyed before the air enters the environment. Instead, for example, an activated carbon filter may be present.

The DE 10 2008 024 322 A1 describes a dishwasher with a washing container, a supply line for rinse water in the washing and a Ozone generator with an air supply, which is connected to an injector nozzle for mixing the ozone / air mixture generated by it with rinse water.

The WO 2008/000813 A1 describes a washing machine with an ozone generator, which is activated after the laundry has been washed. Ozone is then delivered to the laundry drum without being mixed with the wash water. In embodiments, the laundry is still in the drum during the introduction of ozone and the drum is rotated to the left and to the right during the introduction of ozone.

However, due to the high reactivity of ozone, it is important for the efficient use of ozone that it occurs at the right time so that non-undesirable chemical reactions consume ozone. In addition, the solubility of ozone in water is relatively low.

The DE 101 03 905 A1 describes an apparatus and a method for drying laundry using a laundry receiving container, an air transport fan, a heater for heating the transported air, and a central controller, wherein the air supplied to the laundry to be dried is mixed with ozone becomes.

The CH 687 030 A5 describes a device for dewatering of textile material, with a motor in rotation about its axis displaceable, perforated drum for receiving the material to be dehydrated, which drum is inserted into an open-topped tub with a drain for the Gut withdrawn liquid, wherein a heating fan is provided, by means of which during operation of the device, a heated air flow into the rotating drum can be introduced. As a result, the dewatering effect is significantly accelerated compared to a conventional spin dryer. An ozone lamp may be provided to ozone the hot air stream conducted into the drum and thereby disinfect the treated material simultaneously with the drainage.

The EP 1 980 660 A1 describes a washing machine, comprising: a treatment container for the storage of clothing, as well as for the washing and the Spin-drying the stored laundry; an ozone generating means, a generated ozone generating means in the treatment tank or an air duct; an operation switch for air washing and / or performing a mold control operation, air washing control means and / or mold control for the operation of the ozone generating means and the supply means, and possibly a blower in a predetermined manner in response to the instructions from the operation switch. By "air washing" is meant the sterilization or deodorization of laundry with ozone-containing air instead of water. Preferably, the ozone is activated by heating to improve the sterilizing or deodorizing efficiency.

The EP 1 932 962 A1 describes a clothes dryer with a treatment container in which the clothes are dried, a blower in a drying air duct, and with an ozone generator outside a drying air duct to produce ozone from outside sucked air, to then deliver them to an outlet. In one embodiment, the exit is connected to a portion of the drying air passage upstream of a blower unit. An ozone supply control can be provided, which only then gives the ozone generated by the ozone generator in the treatment vessel, after a drying-detecting unit indicates a certain level of drying. In a described washing machine, an ozone generator is provided, as well as an ozone supply control, which supplies the generated ozone to the treatment tank during a dehydrating step.

The WO 2010/003944 A1 describes a washing machine comprising a container in which the washing operation is performed, a drum positioned within the container and moving the laundry placed therein, and an ozone generator producing ozone into the container via an opening located on the container wherein the ozone generator provides ozone to the container only during the spin-drying operation during which the drum is rotated at high speed. Since the ozone gas is provided only during the drying spin cycle, but not during the main washing step, the ozone gas can not affect the chemical composition of the detergent used.

Against this background, the object of the invention is to provide a method for treating laundry in a washing machine, in which ozone can be used in a very efficient manner. The invention also relates to a suitable washing machine.

The object underlying the invention is achieved by a method and a washing machine according to respective independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the washing machine according to the invention, even if not separately pointed out here.

The invention thus teaches a method for treating laundry in a washing machine with a tub, a drum rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving ozone to be treated and a device for providing ozone, wherein ozone-containing air at a temperature of not more is passed as 35 ° C, in particular of not more than 30 ° C, located in the drum located washed and still wet laundry, while in the drum substantially no detergents or washing aids are present, and then a rinse cycle for the laundry in the Drum done.

According to the invention, the ozone-containing air is introduced into the drum only when an upper limit c _lim for the concentration of detergent and / or washing aid in the drum is not exceeded. In this case, the concentration c of detergent and / or washing aid in the drum is measured by means of a sensor system.

According to the invention, a suitable sensor for determining the concentration of detergent and / or washing aid in the drum is present in a washing machine used for carrying out the method. As a suitable sensor, for example, an optical sensor, a conductivity sensor or a tensiometer can be used. This sensor can supply the measured signals to the washing machine for further processing via a signal line of a generally available control device.

The device for providing ozone may in particular be an ozone generator or else an access opening or a buffer for ozone-containing air.

In the method according to the invention is followed by the treatment of the laundry in the drum with ozone rinse for this laundry in which the laundry is rinsed again with fresh water and any remaining ozone from the laundry and from the remaining air in the tub can be removed ,

In the method according to the invention, the ozone-containing air is preferably introduced into the drum after a penultimate rinse cycle. Most preferably, the ozone-containing air is passed into the drum before the last rinse.

In general, for this purpose, the laundry has been thrown after completion of a washing process and performing one or more rinses. This can be adjusted by the design of the spin a desired moisture content of the laundry.

It is inventively preferred that the ozone-containing air is introduced while the drum is substantially stationary and even more preferred that the drum is stationary. In particular, "essentially stationary" means that the drum is operated at a maximum speed of 50 revolutions for a period of less than 20%, based on the period for the introduction of ozone-containing air.

The introduction of the ozone-containing air preferably lasts from 1 to 10 minutes, and more preferably from 3 to 7 minutes.

In a most preferred embodiment of the method ozone-containing air is introduced during a period of 1 to 10 minutes, in particular 3 to 7 minutes, while the drum is stationary.

The drum is preferably operated after completion of introduction of ozone-containing air in a Reversierrhythmus. In the reversing rhythm, the drum is preferably at a speed in the range of 35 to 55, and more preferably in the range rotated from 40 to 50 revolutions per minute. In this case, the drum is preferably rotated only 1 to 5 times, in particular 2 to 3 times.

Before a change of direction of the drum can advantageously be inserted a short break, in which the drum does not move. Such a pause may take, for example, 5 to 15 seconds, in particular 10 seconds.

Subsequent to the operation of the drum in a reversing rhythm ozone-containing air is preferably again introduced while the drum is substantially stationary. The period of re-introduction or repetition is generally shorter than the time for the first introduction of ozone-containing air, and is preferably 10 to 30% of the first period. For example, if ozone-containing air was initially introduced for a period of 5 minutes, the period for reintroducing ozone-containing air is preferably about 60 seconds.

The operation of the drum in Reversierrhythmus and the introduction of ozone-containing air can be advantageously repeated.

Preferably, at least the last three reversing intervals, consisting of a left and a right turn of the drum, are carried out without introduction of ozone-containing air. This achieves a gradual decay of the ozone concentration in a particularly efficient manner. This is particularly advantageous if subsequently a further rinsing step is carried out, since in this case ozone-containing air is displaced from the drum by the water flowing in. By prior minimization of the ozone concentration then unwanted ozone emissions can be prevented.

The duration of the process according to the invention will generally depend on the type and amount of loading of laundry to be treated. Delicate items of laundry and low loadings generally require a shorter process time than insensitive items of laundry and large load quantities. In general, a duration of the process according to the invention will take about 20 to 40 minutes, in particular about 30 minutes.

In an advantageous embodiment of the method according to the invention can be automatically detected or adjusted by means of suitable devices before the introduction of ozone-containing air type and amount of loading with laundry.

In the final rinsing step, if necessary, a laundry care product can still be used.

The terms "detergent" and "washing aid" used herein are not particularly limited. In general, they are surface-active chemical substances. A washing aid in the context of the invention is in particular a fabric softener or another laundry care product.

It is also preferred according to the invention that the ozone-containing air is conveyed through the drum by means of a blower.

• Bei einer ersten Variante wird von einem Ozonerzeuger erzeugte Ozon-haltige Luft in die Trommel und auf die in der Trommel befindliche gewaschene und noch feuchte Wäsche geleitet und anschließend bei im Allgemeinen, z.B. über eine regelbare Verschlussvorrichtung, abgetrennter Ozonzufuhr aus dem Ozonerzeuger in einem Kreislauf geführt, der die Trommel und einen Umluftkanal umfasst.

In particular, two variants are suitable for the introduction of ozone-containing air into the drum:

• In a first variant, ozone-containing air generated by an ozone generator is conducted into the drum and to the washed and still wet laundry located in the drum and then circulated at generally, eg via an adjustable closure device, separated ozone supply from the ozone generator comprising the drum and a recirculating air duct.

In a second variant, however, the ozone-containing air generated by an ozone generator is not circulated. In this case, the introduced ozone-containing air instead remains in the drum for a desired period of time, in order then to be disposed of by aspiration or pumping, if necessary.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the ozone-containing air is conveyed in a circuit comprising the drum and a recirculating air channel.

Preferably, there is an ozone sensor in the circuit which can measure a change in the ozone concentration and, for example, stop the treatment of ozone with ozone in response to the measured ozone concentration, or cause a subsequent supply of ozone from the ozone providing device.

Advantageously, the ozone-providing device can be separated from the circuit by means of a first controllable closure device. The first controllable closure device is generally connected to a controller of the washing machine, which can cause, for example, in response to a signal of an ozone sensor, which indicates a too low ozone concentration in the circuit, an opening of the first controllable closure device.

The ozone concentration used in the process of the invention will generally depend on the type and amount of loading of the drum with laundry and a desired level of treatment (e.g., bleaching), but to avoid damage.

The ozone-containing air preferably enters the drum through a sleeve in the region of a feed opening of the drum. Moreover, it is preferred that the ozone-containing air leaves the drum through a rear exit of the drum.

The invention also relates to a washing machine with a tub, a tub rotatably mounted in the tub for receiving laundry to be treated, a control device and a device for providing ozone, wherein the washing machine, the device is connected via an ozone supply line to the drum and the control device is set up for carrying out a method for treating the laundry in the drum with ozone, wherein the ozone-containing air is passed at a temperature of not more than 35 ° C in the drum located washed and still wet laundry, while in the drum in the Substantially no detergents or washing aids are present, and then followed by a rinse cycle for the laundry in the drum. According to the invention, the washing machine has a sensor system by means of which the concentration c of detergent and / or washing aid is measured. The ozone-containing air is only then introduced into the drum when an upper limit c _lim for the concentration of detergent and / or washing aid in the drum is not exceeded.

In a preferred embodiment of this washing machine, a fan is arranged in a first exhaust air part channel or a recirculating air channel and the first exhaust air part channel splits into the recirculating air channel and a second exhaust air part channel, wherein in the ozone supply line a first controllable closure device, in the recirculation channel a second controllable closure device and in the second Abluftteilkanal a third controllable closure device are arranged.

In a likewise preferred embodiment of this washing machine, the ozone supply line via a sleeve with the drum and the first exhaust air duct part via a rear exit of the drum are connected to the drum.

The device for providing ozone is preferably an ozone generator. An ozone generator in a washing machine is generally supplied with air from which the ozone generator generates ozone. Ozone can in this case be produced in different ways, for example by means of a UV lamp generator by irradiation of oxygen with UV radiation below 200 nm, or by a corona discharge, in which oxygen is exposed to an electrical discharge in the form of a corona ,

The ozone generator is preferably supplied with dry air, since the ozone yield in dried air is significantly higher than in indoor air with normal humidity. For drying the air, a conventional drying agent may be used, which may preferably be reversibly dewatered, e.g. Zeolite. Preferably, a Peltier element is used, which can act as a cold finger in a supply air duct for the ozone generator. On the cold side of the Peltier element condenses the humidity, which is then dissipated and evaporated on the hot side of the Peltier element or independently. The ozone generator, the air can be supplied by a pump or a blower.

The washing machine according to the invention preferably has at least one ozone sensor in order to be able to monitor and control the implementation of the method according to the invention as described above.

The leakage of ozone from the washing machine should be prevented.

In one embodiment of the invention, therefore, a dispensing tray generally provided in a washing machine is separable from the tub and the drum. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a filling hose between the dispensing tray and the tub with a siphon function in which a closure by an aqueous fluid is ensured.

Preferably, the washing machine according to the invention alternatively or in addition to an ozone removing device and a fan and / or a suction pump, which can draw ozone-containing air through the ozone removing device.

In the ozone removing apparatus, in particular, ozone is eliminated by being absorbed or decomposed on a suitable material. The decomposition can occur, for example, in that the ozone is chemically reacted with a suitable material or catalytically decomposed, for example with formation of oxygen.

In a preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention, an ozone removing device comprises a filter unit, wherein the filter unit preferably comprises a carbon-containing material or another readily oxidizable material. Here again, it is preferable that the carbon-containing material is at least one substance selected from the group consisting of activated carbon, polyarylene thioethers, polyarylene ethers and macroporous copolymers.

Activated carbon is particularly preferably used as the carbon-containing material. Activated carbon is generally decomposed by ozone to form carbon dioxide, so that the amount of activated carbon in a filter unit gradually decreases. This decrease can be tracked in a sight glass located at the ozone removing device. A user of the washing machine can then possibly recognize whether the filter unit is still working properly, for example, by still enough activated carbon is present.

A preferably used in a washing machine according to the invention ozone generator generates about 20 mg / h to 30 mg / h of ozone. For this purpose, in general, the use of a filter unit, which is loaded with about 10 g of activated carbon, is sufficient for the entire operating life of the washing machine.

If an ozone removing device is present, this may alternatively or in addition to a filter unit comprise a catalyst for the decomposition of ozone, for example a catalyst for the conversion of ozone into oxygen.

The ozone removal device is preferably arranged in the second exhaust air part channel. For transporting the ozone-containing air in the second exhaust air sub-channel can be arranged in this a blower and / or a suction pump. If a fan is already present in the first exhaust air sub-channel, it is possible to dispense with a blower and / or a suction pump in the second exhaust air sub-channel.

Advantageously, the fan is still operated for a predetermined period even when the ozone generator is already turned off and / or the transport of ozone in the circuit is completed by the drum.

In addition, it can also be provided that a door of the washing machine can be opened by a user only after a predetermined time after completion of ozone addition or after switching off an ozone generator.

The second partial exhaust air duct can lead into a storage room of the washing machine, since the exhaust air contains only small amounts of carbon dioxide and no other interfering components.

The washing machine preferably has an optical and / or acoustic display device, with which the performance of an ongoing method according to the invention, an end of this method or a malfunctioning ozone removing device can be displayed. To monitor the proper functioning of the ozone removing device, an ozone sensor connected downstream of the ozone removal device in the direction of flow of the air may also be present.

The at least one ozone sensor preferably used in the method according to the invention can be based on different measuring principles, wherein different measuring principles can also be used in the washing machine.

In a particularly preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the ozone sensor can determine an ozone concentration by reversibly changing its electrical resistance by the action of ozone on a substance located in the ozone sensor.

As such a material, for example, indium oxide can be used. Indium oxide changes its resistance due to oxidation with ozone, but can be regenerated in a simple and rapid manner by means of a cold photochemical reduction process. For example, the electrical resistance of a 15 nm thick indium oxide layer changes by oxidation in proportion to the ozone concentration. The indium oxide layer can be applied, for example, on the back of a violet light emitting diode (LED). When the LED is switched on, the oxidized indium oxide layer and thus the ozone sensor regenerate through a cold photochemical reduction process.

In the washing machine according to the invention, a control device is generally provided which, in addition to the control of the method according to the invention, can also take countermeasures in the event of a malfunctioning removal of ozone. Thus, the controller can turn off the ozone generator and / or cause a corresponding acoustic and / or visual display on a display device in a non-functioning ozone removal.

A washing machine generally also has a lye drainage system arranged at the bottom of the lye container with a drain pump and generally also laundry hoppers and / or scooping devices. Preferably, a washing machine in the tub also includes a pressure sensor and / or a Temperature sensor, which are preferably arranged in a lower region of the tub, so that pressure and / or temperature of an aqueous liquid present in the tub can be measured.

The invention has numerous advantages. The direct contact of the ozone with the laundry, a consumption of ozone is avoided by remaining detergent or dirt components. Finally, the solubility of ozone in water is not very high and in water the decomposition of ozone is faster than in air. The process according to the invention now makes it possible for ozone to react predominantly on the surface of laundry. The necessary amount of ozone and its exposure time can thus be reduced. In addition to a bleaching effect, the ozone can also be refreshing and provide washed laundry with the freshness of an outdoor drying. Finally, to achieve a bleaching effect, the temperature of a wash liquor need not be increased because bleaching does not occur within the actual wash phase. When using liquid detergents which generally do not receive bleaches, the invention enables the function of a heavy-duty detergent to be realized. Finally, when using the method according to the invention at the end of a laundry treatment process also a disinfection of laundry and surfaces instead, whereby a formation of biofilms in the washing machine is prevented or at least reduced.

In addition, the invention has the advantage that an undesirable ozone emission can be prevented in a simple and efficient manner.

The invention will be described below with reference to FIGS Fig. 1 illustrated exemplary washing machine further explained. Other embodiments are conceivable.

In the Fig. 1 Washing machine shown has a tub 1, in which a drum 2 is rotatably mounted about a substantially horizontally disposed axis of rotation 3 of the drum 2 and can be operated by a drive motor 14. The long arrow indicates a direction of rotation of the drum 2. Wäschemitnehmer 4 and 5 scooping devices for the wash liquor 6 on the inner surface of the drum shell cause an intensification of the flow of laundry 7 with wash liquor. 6

The washing machine has a liquor inlet system, which is a water connection fitting for the domestic water network 8, an electrically controllable valve 9 and a supply line 10 to the tub 1, which is guided via a Waschmitteleinspüleinrichtung ("Einspülschale") 11, from the incoming water detergent portions in the tub 1 can transport. In the supply line 10 is a siphon 21, which is filled with an aqueous liquid and thus represents an insulation of the dispenser 11 against the ingress of ozone-containing air from the tub 2.

An ozone generator 20 as an ozone providing means is via an ozone supply line 25 in which a first controllable closure device 27 is located, and a in the view of FIG. 1 only indicated sleeve 24 at a feed opening 23 of the drum 2 connected to the drum 2. A first exhaust air duct 33 is connected to a rear exit 32 of the drum 2. In the first partial exhaust air duct 33 there is a fan 19 and an ozone sensor 31. The first partial exhaust air duct 33 splits into a recirculating air duct 26 and a second partial exhaust air duct 17. The ozone-containing air can be conducted in a circuit comprising the recirculating air duct 26 and the drum 2. The short arrows indicate the flow direction of the ozone-containing air. The ozone generator 20 is supplied via a supply air duct 30 and a supply air duct 30 upstream drying device 16 with room air.

On the one hand, the blower 19 can circulate the ozone-containing air via the recirculating air duct 26 when the second controllable closure device 34 in the second exhaust air part duct 17 is closed and a third controllable closure device 35 in the recirculating air duct 26 is opened. If, on the other hand, the third controllable closure device 35 is closed and the second controllable closure device 34 is opened, the blower 19 can convey the ozone-containing air into a second partial exhaust air duct 17, in which an ozone removal device 18 is present. In this way, the conveyance of ozone-containing air in the circulation by the drum 2 can be stopped and excess ozone in the ozone removing device 18 can be destroyed. The cleaned air then passes through the second exhaust air duct 17 in a storage room of the washing machine.

In the ozone removing device 18 is a filter unit 28, which contains activated carbon as a carbon-containing material in the presently described embodiment. For the acoustic and / or visual indication of the implementation of the method according to the invention and / or an improperly functioning removal of ozone, a display device 29 is located on the washing machine of the embodiment shown here.

The transport of the air in the ozone supply line 25 and in the supply air duct 30 can be supported by a blower, not shown here.

In the Fig. 1 described washing machine illustrates two variants for the treatment of laundry with ozone-containing air.

In a first variant, ozone-containing air generated by the ozone generator 20 is conducted into the drum 2 and then guided in a circuit comprising the drum 2 and the recirculating air duct 26 with ozone supply generally separated by the first controllable closing device 27.

In a second variant, however, the ozone-containing air generated by the ozone generator 20 is not circulated. For this purpose, the third controllable closure device 35 is closed. Instead, the ozone-containing air remains in the drum 2 for a desired period of time, in order then to be disposed of via the second exhaust air duct 17 when the second controllable closure device 34 is open.

In addition, in the tub 1 of this embodiment, a heater 13, a pump 22 for pumping out aqueous liquid from the tub 1 and a sensor 15 for measuring the concentration of detergent and / or detergent. These components as well as the valve 9, the drive motor 14, the ozone generator 20, the controllable shutters 27, 34, 35, the ozone sensor 31 and the fan 19 are connected to a control device 12, which can control the washing machine in response to a flowchart to a time program and / or to the achievement of certain measured values of parameters such as liquor level, liquor temperature, drum speed, ozone concentration, Concentration of detergent and / or washing aids, etc. may be bound within the washing machine.

For carrying out a method according to the invention for the treatment of laundry 7 in this washing machine, ozone-containing air is introduced into the drum 2, while essentially no, preferably no, detergents or washing auxiliaries are present in the drum 2. Therefore, in this embodiment, ozone-containing air is introduced into the drum 2 after a penultimate rinse cycle. In any case, here ozone-containing air is introduced into the drum 2 only if an upper limit c _lim for the concentration of detergent and / or washing aid in the drum is not exceeded.

In order to be able to determine this, the concentration c of detergent and / or washing auxiliaries is measured with the aid of a sensor system 15.

In the embodiment shown here, the ozone-containing air is conveyed by means of the blower 19 through the drum 2, wherein the ozone-containing air is conveyed here in a circuit comprising the drum 2 and the recirculating air duct 26. For this purpose, the ozone-containing air passes through the sleeve 24 in the region of the feed opening 23 into the drum 2 and leaves it through a rear exit 32 of the drum 2.

In the embodiment described here, the drum 2 stands still during the introduction of the ozone-containing air into the drum 2 and is operated only after completion of the introduction of ozone-containing air in a Reversierrhythmus. In addition, the ozone-containing air is introduced after a penultimate and before a final rinse after pumping out the rinse water, wherein before the addition of the ozone-containing air, a spin phase is performed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

tub

2

drum

3

axis of rotation

4

laundry agitator

5

scoop

6

suds

7

Laundry

8th

Domestic water supply

9

electrically controllable valve

10

Supply line to the tub

11

Detergent dispenser, dispenser tray

12

control device

13

heater

14

drive motor

15

Sensor for the determination of detergent or detergent additive

16

drying device

17

Second partial exhaust air duct

18

Ozone removal device

19

fan

20

ozone generator

21

siphon

22

pump

23

loading port

24

cuff

25

Ozone supply line

26

return air duct

27

First adjustable closure device

28

filter unit

29

display device

30

Supply air duct for the ozone generator

31

ozone sensor

32

rear exit of the drum

33

First exhaust air duct

34

Second adjustable closure device

35

Third adjustable closure device

Claims (14)

1. Method for treating laundry (7) in a washing machine having a tub (1), a drum (2) rotatably supported in the tub (1) for accommodating the laundry (7) to be treated with ozone and an apparatus (20) for supplying ozone, wherein ozone-containing air is directed onto washed and still damp laundry (7) in the drum (2) at a temperature of no more than 35°C, while essentially no detergent or washing aid is present in the drum (2), characterised in that the concentration of detergent and/or washing aid in the drum (2) is measured with the aid of a sensor system (15), the ozone-containing air is only then introduced into the drum (2) if an upper limit value for the concentration of detergent and/or washing aid in the drum (2) is not exceeded, and a rinse cycle then takes place for the laundry (7) in the drum (2).
2. Method according to claim 1, characterised in that the ozone-containing air is introduced into the drum (2) after a penultimate rinse cycle.
3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ozone-containing air is introduced while the drum (2) is essentially stationary.
4. Method according to claim 3, characterised in that the ozone-containing air is introduced for a time period of 1 to 10 minutes, while the drum (2) is stationary.
5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the drum (2) is operated with a reverse rhythm after the introduction of ozone-containing air has ceased.
6. Method according to claim 5, characterised in that after the drum (2) has operated with a reverse rhythm, ozone-containing air is introduced again, while the drum (2) is essentially stationary.
7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ozone-containing air is conveyed through the drum (2) by means of a fan (19).
8. Method according to claim 7, characterised in that the ozone-containing air is conveyed in a circuit comprising the drum (2) and a circulating air channel (26).
9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ozone-containing air enters the drum (2) through a seal (24) in the region of a loading opening (23).
10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the ozone-containing air leaves the drum (2) through a rear outlet (32) of the drum (2).
11. Washing machine having a tub (1), a drum (2) rotatably supported in the tub (1) for accommodating laundry (7) to be treated, a control facility (12) and an apparatus (20) for supplying ozone, wherein the apparatus (20) is connected to the drum (2) by way of an ozone supply line (25) and the control facility (12) is set up to implement a method for treating the laundry (7) in the drum (2) with ozone, wherein ozone-containing air is directed onto washed and still damp laundry (7) in the drum (2) at a temperature of no more than 35°C, while essentially no detergent or washing aid is present in the drum (2), characterised in that the washing machine has a sensor system (15) for determining the concentration of detergent and/or washing aid, that during the method for treating laundry (7) in the drum (2) with ozone the concentration of detergent and/or washing aid in the drum (2) is measured with the aid of the sensor system (15), the ozone-containing air is only then introduced into the drum (2) if an upper limit value for the concentration of detergent and/or washing aid in the drum (2) is not exceeded, and a rinse cycle then takes place for the laundry (7) in the drum (2).
12. Washing machine according to claim 11, characterised in that a fan (19) is disposed in a first discharged air sub-channel (33) or a circulating air channel (26) and the first discharged air sub-channel (33) splits into the circulating air channel (26) and a second discharged air sub-channel (17), a first regulatable closing apparatus (27) being disposed in the ozone supply line (25), a second regulatable closing apparatus (34) being disposed in the circulating air channel (26) and a third regulatable closing apparatus (35) being disposed in the second discharged air sub-channel (17):
13. Washing machine according to claim 12, characterised in that the ozone supply line (25) is connected to the drum (2) by way of a seal (24) and the first discharged air sub-channel (33) is connected to the drum (2) by way of a rear outlet (32) of the drum (2).
14. Washing machine according to one of claims 12 and 13, characterised in that the apparatus (20) is an ozone generator.

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