EP4047117A1 - Washing machine with circulation - Google Patents

Abstract

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

Description

TECHNICAL AREA

The present invention relates to a method for operating a washing machine according to claim 1, a computer program product for operating a washing machine according to claim 14, and a washing machine according to claim 15.

STATE OF THE ART

A large number of washing machines for washing laundry are known from the prior art. A main goal of these washing machines and the methods by which the washing machines are operated is to provide improved washing. For example, one goal can be to optimize the washing in terms of consumption of water or detergent, or to achieve an improved washing result, ie cleaner laundry. From the EP 1 700 943 A1 a washing machine comprising a tub with a rotatable drum is known. Furthermore, a water nozzle is arranged in the door bellows, which can supply process water to the drum. The nozzle has a nozzle shape that is intended to distribute the water as evenly as possible over the laundry.

Despite these or other optimisations, the known washing machines or methods are nevertheless associated with disadvantages. For example, the washing machine is operated at a speed at which the laundry at least partially blocks a jet of process water or is present as a compact bundle which can only be reached superficially by the jet of process water. Another example is high detergent consumption or a long washing phase, which are required for thorough cleaning of the laundry.

PRESENTATION OF THE INVENTION

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

This object is achieved with a method according to claim 1. A method for operating a washing machine with a tub and with a drum arranged rotatably in the tub for receiving items to be washed is specified, the method comprising the step of rotating the drum as a function of a load of items to be washed in the drum with items to be washed at least in one circulation phase.

The laundry load is preferably determined in one of the known ways from the prior art. In particular, this is a standard measurement method. For example, the washing machine can have a displacement sensor for determining the load of laundry. The drum is loaded with the laundry before a wash cycle. Since the so-called suds package is freely suspended, for example on springs and dampers, the suds container sinks slightly under the weight of the laundry. The extent of this sinking is measured with the displacement sensor and allows conversion to the laundry load. Another way of determining the laundry load is to add a defined amount of water to the tub and drum at the beginning of a wash program. If there is a lot of laundry in the drum, more water is absorbed by the laundry and the water level drops quickly. Conversely, with fewer items to be washed, less water is absorbed and the water level sinks more slowly. The rate of level descent can be used as a measure of laundry loading. Other ways of determining the laundry load are conceivable and known to those skilled in the art.

The circulation phase is understood here as that phase of a washing process in which process liquid is conveyed from a lower area of the washing machine to an upper area of the washing machine and from the upper area of the washing machine to the laundry in the drum, and then again to the lower area and from bottom of the washing machine to the top of the Washing machine, etc., arrives, and so is circulated.

The process liquid can thus be conveyed by so-called circulation from the lower area of the washing machine, in particular from a bottom area of the tub, into the upper area of the washing machine. This is preferably done via a circulation arrangement and via at least one irradiation device. The washing machine thus preferably comprises a circulation arrangement which allows the process liquid to be circulated from the tub via the jet device into the drum. For this purpose, the circulation arrangement preferably comprises a delivery line, which enables the process liquid to be delivered from the tub to the jetting device. Furthermore, a pumping device is preferably provided, which conveys the process liquid by pumping. The pumping device can be arranged inside the conveying line. The pumping device is in particular a circulating pump which is driven by a circulating drive. The process liquid is thus preferably conveyed outside the tub. The process liquid preferably collects in a bottom area of the tub. The bottom area in turn preferably has an outlet opening which is connected to a first end of the delivery line and through which the process liquid can get from the bottom area into the delivery line. A second end of the conveying line is preferably connected to the irradiation device. The bottom area of the tub is preferably arranged in a lower area of the washing machine. The jetting device is preferably arranged in an upper area of the washing machine. The jetting device can be an opening, nozzle, sprinkler or the like, which jets the process liquid into the drum along one or more jetting directions. This means that the jetting device can be designed in such a way that it jets in the process liquid in a plurality of jets and/or along different jetting directions. The process liquid can be jetted in as a concentrated jet of process liquid. It is just as conceivable that the process liquid is jetted in as a surface jet in order to be able to hit the items to be washed well at different height positions within the drum. This means that both large and small quantities of laundry can be taken into account. The various jet devices and their arrangement in the washing machine are well known to those skilled in the art. In all cases, the sprayed-in process liquid forms what is known as a trajectory. In other words, the process liquid is preferably passed along one or more Radiation directions are radiated into the drum, forming a trajectory. The one or more irradiation directions therefore run along the trajectory.

This means that the washing machine preferably further comprises at least one jetting device for jetting process liquid from the tub into the drum, and the method preferably comprises the step of jetting the process liquid from the tub into the drum in the circulation phase, the drum depending is rotated by a laundry load of the drum with laundry such that the laundry moves through a trajectory of a jet of the jetted process liquid.

In the circulation phase, the drum is thus preferably rotated in such a way that the items to be washed are located in the path of the shot or in a direction in which the process liquid is jetted. Or to put it another way, the drum is preferably rotated in such a way that the process liquid jetted into the drum hits as much of the laundry as possible.

A rotational speed of the drum is preferably set, at least in the circulation phase, as a function of the laundry load in the drum. In addition or as an alternative to this, a g-factor of the drum is preferably set at least in the circulation phase as a function of the laundry load in the drum. The rotational speed of the drum and/or the g-factor as a function of the laundry load are particularly preferred in such a way that the laundry is moved through the trajectory of the sprayed-in process liquid at least in the circulation phase.

At least in the circulation phase, a speed of the drum with a smaller load of laundry is preferably greater than a speed of the drum with a load of laundry that is larger than this smaller load of laundry. That is, a rotational speed of the drum is preferably greater than a rotational speed of the drum for a second load of laundry, at least in the tumbling phase, for a first load of laundry, the first load of laundry being smaller than the second load of laundry.

At least in the tumbling phase, a g-factor of the drum is preferably greater than a g-factor with a smaller laundry load as a proportion of a nominal filling quantity the drum with a larger laundry load than this smaller laundry load as a proportion of the nominal load. That is, at least a first g-factor with a first laundry load as a proportion of the nominal load and at least a second g-factor with a second laundry load as a proportion of the nominal load can be defined, wherein the first laundry load is smaller than the second laundry load, and wherein the first g-factor is greater than the second g-factor. In other words, the g-factor is preferably larger the smaller the laundry load is.

It has been shown that, for example, with a small load of laundry, a low rotational speed of the drum is unfavorable, since the laundry is then located in a lower area of the drum, while the incoming process liquid shoots past over the laundry. Correspondingly, a relatively high rotational speed is advantageous for a small laundry load, since this high rotational speed brings the laundry upwards within the washing machine and thereby in the direction of inflow of the process liquid. On the other hand, a relatively low speed of the drum is favorable with a high load of laundry. A high speed of the drum throws or transports the laundry into the upper area of the washing machine. The items to be washed, which are generally arranged in a compact manner, can block the process liquid entering or injected, particularly in the area of the injection device. As a result of this, the more distant parts of the laundry, in the case of circulation those more distant from the jetting device, are not wetted. However, if lower speeds are now used to rotate the drum, the items to be washed gape during the rotation of the drum and form gaps, as a result of which the process liquid entering or jetted in can penetrate into the gaps and wet the items to be washed well. The method thus enables improved cleaning of the laundry, while the resources required for this, such as time, washing water or detergent, are reduced.

As is well known, the g-factor is the ratio of the drum acceleration, based on the drum circumference, to the gravitational acceleration g and increases with increasing drum speed. The relationship between the g-factor and the speed at which the drum is rotated is as follows for a given drum diameter: g-factor = 5.6 × D × n ² /10000, where D=diameter of the drum in [m] and n=rotational speed of the drum [in revolutions per minute].

A speed of the drum in the circulation phase is preferably in the range of 10 RPM to 100 RPM, more preferably in the range of 20 RPM to 50 RPM.

The speed for a laundry load as a proportion of a nominal filling quantity of 0.25 is preferably in a range from 35 to 60 revolutions per minute, particularly preferably in a range from 40 to 50 revolutions per minute. The speed for a laundry load is particularly preferably about 46 revolutions per minute as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.25.

For a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.5, the speed is preferably in a range from 25 to 45 revolutions per minute, particularly preferably in a range from 30 to 40 revolutions per minute. The speed for a laundry load is particularly preferably about 34 revolutions per minute as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.5.

For a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal capacity of 1, the speed is preferably in a range from 15 to 30 revolutions per minute, particularly preferably in a range from 17 to 27 revolutions per minute. Particularly preferably, the speed for a load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal load of 1 is about 22 revolutions per minute.

These speeds are preferred for a domestic washing machine or for a washing machine comprising a drum with an inner diameter of about 0.5 meters.

A laundry load as a proportion of the nominal load of 0.25 can also be seen as a quarter load of the washing machine. A laundry load as a proportion of the nominal load of 0.5 can also be seen as a half load of the washing machine. A laundry load as a proportion of the nominal load of 1 can also be seen as a full load of the washing machine.

At least in the agitation phase, the g-factor is preferably in a range of 0.05 to 0.8, more preferably in a range of 0.1 to 0.75, most preferably in a range of 0.12 to 0.7 for a laundry load as a proportion of a nominal load of 0.25 to 1.

At least in the circulation phase, the g-factor for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.25 is preferably in a range from 0.4 to 0.8, particularly preferably in a range from 0.45 to 0.7. Particularly preferably, the g-factor is about 0.6 at least in the circulation phase for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.25. In addition or as an alternative to this, the g factor, at least in the circulation phase, is at least 0.4, more preferably at least 0.5, particularly preferably at least 0.6 for a laundry load as a proportion of a nominal load of 0.25. In addition or as an alternative to this, the g-factor, at least in the circulation phase, is a maximum of 0.8, more preferably a maximum of 0.7, particularly preferably a maximum of 0.6 for a laundry load as a proportion of a nominal filling quantity of 0.25.

At least in the circulation phase, the g-factor for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.5 is preferably in a range from 0.15 to 0.5, particularly preferably in a range from 0.2 to 0.45. Particularly preferably, the g-factor is about 0.3 at least in the circulation phase for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.5. In addition or as an alternative to this, the g-factor, at least in the circulation phase, is at least 0.15, more preferably at least 0.2, particularly preferably at least 0.3 for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal load of 0.5. In addition or as an alternative to this, the g-factor, at least in the circulation phase, is preferably at most 0.5, more preferably at most 0.45, particularly preferably at most 0.3 for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 0.5.

For a load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 1, the g-factor is preferably in a range from 0.05 to 0.25, particularly preferably in a range from 0.1 to 0.2, at least in the circulation phase. The g-factor is particularly preferably at least in the circulation phase for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 1 approximately 0.12. In addition or as an alternative to this, the g-factor, at least in the circulation phase, is at least 0.05, more preferably at least 0.1, particularly preferably at least 0.12 for a laundry load as a proportion of a nominal load of 1. Additionally or alternatively, the g-factor is at most 0.3 at least in the circulation phase, more preferably a maximum of 0.2, particularly preferably a maximum of 0.12 for a laundry load as a proportion of a nominal load of 1.

For example, a g-factor of 0.7 for a laundry load as a proportion of a nominal load of 0.25 means that a through on the inner wall of the drum at this speed the centrifugal force applied to the laundry item experiences an acceleration that corresponds to 0.7 times the acceleration due to gravity. The nominal load is the maximum amount of laundry that can be loaded into the washing machine. As a rule, this corresponds to the maximum amount for cotton, with 8 kg being a common nominal load for a household washing machine. This means that a household washing machine can usually be loaded with a maximum of 8 kg of cotton textiles such as kitchen linen or bed linen. For other types of textiles, however, the maximum amount may vary. For example, a maximum load for wool is often 3 kg. The maximum amount does not correspond to the nominal filling amount.

The above g-factors and speeds are preferably applicable in the recirculation phase, but can also be present in one or more of the other phases of the washing process. Thus, it is preferred that the information given here on the g-factor is used not only for the circulation phase, but in particular also for the rinsing phase and/or for the washing phase.

This means that the drum can also be rotated depending on the load in other phases of the washing process, for example in the rinsing phase and/or in the washing phase. Here, too, it is advantageous if the number of revolutions increases the smaller the laundry load on the drum.

In addition or as an alternative to this, the g-factor and/or the rotational speed can remain constant or vary within a respective phase. Additionally or alternatively, a duration of a respective phase may correspond to or be different from the duration of another phase. For example, a typical length of time for a washing phase is in the range from 10 minutes to 30 minutes, but can also be significantly longer and last for example up to 150 minutes. A typical duration for a rinsing phase is between 3 minutes and 6 minutes. As will be explained in more detail below, the respective phases, in particular the circulation phase and preferably also other phases of the washing process, can each include one or more pauses in which the drum is not rotated. In addition or as an alternative to this, a direction of rotation of the drum can remain the same or change in the respective phase. For example, a direction of rotation of the drum may alternately change, e.g., the drum may rotate along a left rotating direction for 10 seconds, followed by a pause without rotating for 2 seconds, followed by rotation along a right rotating direction for 12 seconds, followed by one Pause without rotation during 2 seconds. This cycle can be repeated any number of times. Other pause lengths, directions of rotation, durations of rotation, etc. are of course also possible. These settings correspond to the settings commonly used in prior art washing machines.

This means that the process liquid can be added or jetted in at intervals. This addition or irradiation at intervals particularly preferably takes place in the circulation phase, ie when the process liquid is added or irradiated from the tub into the drum.

If the washing machine includes an injection device, the injection device is preferably located in an upper region of the washing machine and has at least one outlet. The outlet, for example the nozzle mentioned at the outset, can be aligned essentially horizontally, ie along a horizontal direction. However, it is just as conceivable that the outlet is inclined with respect to the horizontal direction. Preferred angles of inclination are 5° to 30°. Particularly preferably, the outlet is inclined upwards by up to 10° with respect to the horizontal direction, towards an upper end of the washing machine. However, just as preferred is an outlet which is inclined downwards by up to 20° with respect to the horizontal direction, in the direction of a lower end of the washing machine. The bottom of the washing machine faces a floor, while the top of the washing machine faces away from the floor. In addition or as an alternative to this, the outlet is preferably installed in a stationary manner.

It is further preferred that the process liquid is located in an upper area of the drum and essentially runs in the upper area of the drum, at least immediately after emerging from the jetting device, in particular after emerging from the outlet such as the nozzle. In other words, the process liquid is preferably jetted substantially along the horizontal direction.

As also already mentioned at the outset, the washing machine can comprise at least one pumping device, or precisely one pumping device, for conveying the process liquid from the tub to the jetting device. In this case, the method includes the step of conveying the process liquid with the pump device while a pump output of the pump device is not varied and/or while a pump speed of the pump device remains constant.

This means that the method particularly preferably includes conveying the process liquid from the tub, in particular from an outflow area of the tub, to the jetting device, which is preferably located in the upper area of the drum. The process liquid is then sprayed into the drum, preferably in the upper area of the drum, with the drum being rotated depending on the load of laundry, in such a way that individual parts of the laundry, i.e. items of laundry, repeatedly cross the trajectory of the sprayed-in process liquid during the rotation of the drum and be wetted by it.

The trajectory of the jetted process liquid or the one or more jetting directions along which the process liquid is jetted at least in the circulation phase remains essentially unchanged or "fixed". This is preferably achieved by the stationary or unchangeably mounted irradiation device or constantly operated pump device. If the pump output or pump speed of the pump device were changed, for example reduced, the trajectory of the process liquid would drop down after it exited the injection device.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of feeding a process liquid into the drum and/or the tub and/or generating a process liquid in the drum and/or the tub, the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent.

The washing machine preferably has at least one supply device, this at least one supply device being designed to supply a further process liquid directly or indirectly to the tub and/or the drum. This supply device is preferably connected to the tub and is in particular a reservoir such as a detergent drawer for receiving detergent. Further preferably, the delivery device is in communication with one or more ports. A connection can be a fresh water connection, for example, so that, for example, fresh water flows from the fresh water connection into the reservoir containing detergent, and the resulting mixture of fresh water and detergent can then be fed to the tub via this feed device. Compositions such as fresh water or detergent or a mixture of fresh water and Detergents which are optionally supplied to the tub via this supply device are referred to as further process liquid. The feed device is particularly preferably used to feed the further process liquid directly or indirectly to the drum during a prewash phase and/or a wash phase.

A complete method includes all phases that are required for washing items to be washed or that are selected by a user of the washing machine. For example, the method can include a washing phase, a rinsing phase and a spinning phase. Optionally, a pre-wash phase can also be carried out before the wash phase. The complete process is referred to herein as the washing process. Different compositions of the process liquid are conceivable during a washing process. For example, the process liquid can consist solely of washing liquid, e.g., water. It is just as conceivable that the process liquid consists solely of detergent. It is also possible for the process liquid to include both washing agent and washing liquid.

The term "concentrated detergent" means that the detergent is not completely and/or not evenly dissolved in a washing liquid, and/or that a full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase has not (yet) been added to the detergent. Thus, the complete process preferably includes the addition of a full amount of wash liquid. The process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent can now be generated by first adding no washing liquid or only a portion of the full amount of washing liquid to the detergent. The subset can be 10% or more of the full amount of washing liquid, preferably about 20% or more of the full amount of washing liquid, in particular about 50% of the full amount of washing liquid intended for the washing phase or the washing phase is assigned. A typical washing phase includes, for example, about 20 liters of washing liquid. A partial amount of 50% of the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase would therefore be approximately 10 liters of washing liquid.

This means that the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is preferably generated by supplying detergent to the tub and/or the drum before washing liquid or before a full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase is discharged to the tub and/or the drum is fed.

To put it another way, the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase is preferably only added after the production and in particular after the circulation of the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated washing agent.

A concentration of the process liquid comprising concentrated detergent is preferably at least 10 grams of detergent per liter of wash liquid, preferably at least 15 grams of detergent per liter of wash liquid. Additionally or alternatively, the concentration of the process liquid comprising concentrated detergent is preferably between 10 grams detergent per liter wash liquid and 25 grams detergent per liter wash liquid, preferably between 12 grams detergent per liter wash liquid and 18 grams detergent per liter wash liquid.

The detergent is preferably a commercially available detergent, which can be present, for example, in a solid-state detergent in powder form and/or as granules and/or as a liquid detergent in liquid form. The washing liquid is preferably water.

Process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is therefore added to the laundry. As a result, the laundry can be treated with a faster action of the process liquid and the washing process is intensified and accelerated. This achieves improved cleaning while at the same time minimizing consumption of resources such as time, wash water or detergent.

For example, a concentrated detergent comprising washing liquid and a solid detergent can now be added to the laundry in a largely undissolved form. In this case, the mixture comprising the solid detergent and the washing liquid is sprayed onto the textile surface. The washing liquid, in which the detergent is already dissolved, is sucked up. The detergent that has not yet been dissolved dissolves on the items to be washed and the resulting highly concentrated process liquid is absorbed by the items to be washed. In this way, a significant part of the detergent first dissolves in the laundry, which ensures a high concentration and faster action of the detergent and intensifies and accelerates the washing process. A detergent in liquid form, i.e. a Although liquid detergent is generally more soluble than a solid-state detergent, it can still be added to the laundry if it has not yet been completely or, in particular, not yet evenly dissolved in the washing liquid. In this case, the process liquid is also absorbed by the laundry, with the liquid detergent further dissolving in the washing liquid within the laundry. Even with liquid detergent, spraying on the laundry ensures a high concentration and faster action of the detergent, which intensifies and accelerates the washing process.

The process liquid in the circulation phase can be process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent. However, it is just as conceivable that the process liquid in the circulation phase comprises a different composition, e.g. consists solely of washing liquid or comprises detergent and the full amount of washing liquid or detergent and a partial amount of washing liquid, etc.

The process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is preferably jetted into the drum from the tub.

The recirculation phase can take place before and/or during and/or after one or more of the phases of the washing process. For example, a suds circulation with a rotation of the drum could take place depending on the load in or between all phases of the washing process or only in or between some phases. A circulation is particularly preferably carried out during and/or between the washing phase and the rinsing phase, but not in the spinning phase.

The process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is preferably added to the drum, preferably jetted in, and/or is generated in the drum when items to be washed in the drum are dry or unsaturated with regard to absorption of washing liquid.

The expression "unsaturated in terms of uptake of washing liquid" means that the laundry is not (yet) completely saturated with the washing liquid. In other words, laundry is saturated with washing liquid when the laundry has absorbed so much liquid that it can no longer absorb any more liquid. Cotton is an example, with 1kg of cotton being typical Can absorb 2 liters of water. If 2 liters or more water is added to this cotton, it is saturated. Unsaturated laundry is therefore still dry or not yet completely damp or wet and can still absorb more liquid.

If the items to be washed are still dry when the process liquid is sprayed in, comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent - which is usually the case at the beginning of a washing process - or is at least still unsaturated, the items to be washed absorb the highly concentrated process liquid. This is how the detergent components that break down the dirt get inside the laundry. Because if the textile is already saturated with detergent-free water, it hardly absorbs any more process liquid. A concentrated process liquid that only then gets onto the laundry has a much harder time penetrating into the textile interior of the laundry.

A supply, in particular jetting in, of the process liquid in the circulation phase preferably takes place before and/or during and/or after detergent is supplied into the tub and/or into the drum.

This means that the process liquid can be circulated before and/or during and/or after detergent is supplied. For example, detergent could first be fed into the reservoir or into the detergent drawer. After this supply, a portion of the washing liquid could be added to the drum. This partial amount could be half of the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase. The addition of the partial quantity causes the previously added detergent to be brought into an outflow area of the washing machine, this outflow area preferably being connected to the tub. Then there is an upheaval. Although the detergent is diluted by the later supply of further washing liquid up to the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase, since the detergent has already been dissolved to a significant extent in the laundry, a faster and better washing effect is nevertheless achieved. The process can therefore be used with robust textiles such as cotton and terry cloth, among other things. Detergent is preferably supplied via the at least one supply device. The washing liquid is also preferably supplied via the at least one supply device.

The detergent is preferably in the tub and / or the drain area of the tub and/or conveyed or fed into the drum while the drum is at least temporarily stationary.

A still drum is a drum that is not rotating. During the supply of detergent, preferably via the supply device, the drum is preferably not rotated at least temporarily. It is also conceivable that the drum does not rotate during the entire supply of detergent into the drum.

The process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is preferably added to the drum while the drum is rotated at least temporarily. Particularly preferably, the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is supplied to the items to be washed by circulating in the circulating phase.

As mentioned earlier, the full amount of wash liquid for the wash phase is preferably added after the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent has been added to the laundry. The full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase is particularly preferably added after at least one circulation phase.

This means that it is preferable to add the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase after the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated washing agent has been circulated in at least one circulation phase.

It is further preferred that the at least one circulation phase, within which the process liquid is circulated comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent, takes place when the items to be washed in the drum are still dry or unsaturated with regard to the absorption of washing liquid. This means that the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is preferably jetted onto the still dry laundry

It is further preferred that the drum is rotated during this at least one circulation phase. This means that the drum is preferably rotated during the circulation of the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent, so that the process liquid is sprayed onto as many items of laundry as possible.

The drum is preferably not rotated when the detergent is being flushed in, and particularly preferably only when the detergent is being flushed in. As a result, the detergent mainly gets into the so-called sump, that is to say into a discharge area of the tub, and is not caught and distributed by swirled-up washing liquid.

It is also preferred that the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase is only fed in after the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent has not only been generated, but has already been circulated one or more times and sprayed onto the items to be washed.

A pause frequency and/or a pause length, in which the drum is not rotated, is preferably dependent on the laundry load in the drum, in particular at least in the circulation phase. In addition or as an alternative to this, the frequency of pauses is less with a smaller load of laundry than with a load of laundry that is larger than this smaller load of laundry. In addition or as an alternative to this, the length of the pause is shorter with a smaller load of laundry than with a load of laundry that is larger than this smaller load of laundry.

This means that the frequency of pauses and/or the length of the pauses during which the drum is not rotated are preferably adapted to the laundry load in the drum. For example, when the drum is at a standstill, a small load of laundry lies in the lower area of the drum and is not covered by the process liquid that is jetted in. In this situation, fewer and/or short breaks in rotation of the drum are advantageous. For example, a corresponding interval may comprise the steps of i) rotating the drum for 5 seconds followed by ii) stopping the drum for 1 to 2 seconds. Of course, steps i) and ii) can be performed multiple times within an interval. With a large load of laundry, the sprayed-in process liquid hits the laundry resting in the drum approximately in the middle and ensures that the laundry is well wetted with the process liquid. In this situation frequent and/or longer breaks in the rotation of the drum are to be preferred. For example, a suitable interval may comprise the steps of i) rotating the drum for 3 seconds followed by ii) stopping the drum for 3 seconds. Here, too, it is of course conceivable for steps i) and ii) to be carried out several times within an interval.

These pause frequencies and/or pause lengths are particularly preferred the upheaval phase. This means that a pause frequency and/or a pause length, in which the drum is not rotated in the circulation phase, is preferably dependent on the laundry load in the drum. However, it is just as conceivable to provide these pause lengths and/or pause frequencies in one or more other phases of the washing process.

In the circulation phase, the process liquid is preferably fed to the drum via at least one guide device of a washing machine door. Furthermore, it is preferred that the jetting device and the guiding device are aligned with one another, so that the process liquid can get from the jetting device into the guiding device.

This means that the washing machine can have a washing machine door comprising one or more guide devices, via which the process liquid is fed to the drum. These guiding devices are preferably passages or channels in the washing machine door, which each have an inlet opening and an outlet opening. The inlet opening preferably faces the irradiation device and the outlet opening faces the drum. The jetting device can now jet the process liquid out of the tub in the direction of the inlet opening of the guide device, the process liquid then being guided through the guide device and then directed out of the outlet opening of the guide device into the drum. Particularly preferably, several such guide devices are provided, the outlet openings of which are located at different heights in the washing machine door. As a result, the process liquid can be jetted into different areas of the drum. As a result, the items to be washed are evenly wetted, which leads to improved cleaning and is optimized in terms of resources such as the time required, washing water and detergent. Various configurations of the passages or channels are conceivable. For example, these passageways or channels may be partially open or completely closed except for the entry and exit ports. Partially open channels or passages are preferably at least partially open on a side facing the drum. Half-open channels or passageways are cheaper to manufacture and easier to clean. Closed channels or passages bring the process liquid to the desired places in a more targeted manner. However, other configurations of the guide devices are also conceivable. For example, the guide device can be designed as one or more deflection surfaces on which the incident process liquid is deflected. This deflection surface could be provided as an integral part of the washing machine door, for example the washing machine door could have an inclined surface on its side facing the drum, on which the process liquid impinges and is directed along different directions into different areas of the drum.

Furthermore, it is preferred that the irradiation device is connected to the guide devices via a free air gap. This means that the process liquid is preferably free-flowing and is not guided from the injection device to the guide device in a fixed connection such as a hose or pipe, for example. This ensures that the washing machine door can be opened without restrictions. With a non-free connection such as a hose, the door would no longer be able to be opened freely.

In a further aspect, a computer program product for operating a washing machine is specified, the computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium with computer program code which, when it is carried out in a control device of the washing machine, causes the control device to carry out the method as described above.

In a further aspect, a washing machine for carrying out the method as described above is specified. All statements made so far in connection with the method apply equally to the washing machine and vice versa. This means that the washing machine comprises in particular a tub, a drum arranged rotatably in the tub for receiving items to be washed, and preferably at least one injection device for spraying process liquid from the tub into the drum.

In a further aspect, a washing machine is specified, in particular for carrying out the method as described above, the washing machine having a washing machine door, a tub, a drum arranged rotatably in the tub for receiving items to be washed, and at least one jetting device for jetting in process liquid from the tub in the drum, and has at least one guiding device, via which the process liquid is fed to the drum. Here, too, it should be understood that all of the above statements regarding the method apply analogously to the washing machine and vice versa.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Fig. 1

zeigt eine Schnittansicht einer Waschmaschine umfassend einen Laugenbehälter, eine drehbare Trommel und eine Einstrahlvorrichtung;

Fig. 2

zeigt eine Seitenschnittansicht einer Waschmaschine umfassend einen Laugenbehälter, eine drehbare Trommel und eine Einstrahlvorrichtung;

Fig. 3

zeigt eine Teilschnittansicht der Waschmaschine gemäss Figur 1, wobei die Trommel Waschgut einer ersten Beladungsmenge umfasst und mit einer ersten Drehzahl in einer Umwälzungsphase gedreht wird;

Fig. 4

zeigt eine weitere Teilschnittansicht der Waschmaschine gemäss Figur 3;

Fig. 5

zeigt eine Teilschnittansicht der Waschmaschine gemäss Figur 1, wobei die Trommel Waschgut der ersten Beladungsmenge umfasst und mit einer zweiten Drehzahl in einer Umwälzungsphase gedreht wird;

Fig. 6

zeigt eine weitere Teilschnittansicht der Waschmaschine gemäss Figur 5;

Fig. 7

zeigt eine Teilschnittansicht der Waschmaschine gemäss Figur 1, wobei die Trommel Waschgut einer zweiten Beladungsmenge umfasst und mit einer dritten Drehzahl in einer Umwälzungsphase gedreht wird;

Fig. 8

zeigt eine weitere Teilschnittansicht der Waschmaschine gemäss Figur 7;

Fig. 9

zeigt eine Teilschnittansicht der Waschmaschine gemäss Figur 1, wobei die Trommel Waschgut der zweiten Beladungsmenge umfasst und mit einer vierten Drehzahl in einer Umwälzungsphase gedreht wird;

Fig. 10

zeigt eine weitere Teilschnittansicht der Waschmaschine gemäss Figur 1 mit Waschgut der zweiten Beladungsmenge;

Fig. 11

zeigt ein Diagramm für den g-Faktor in der Umwälzungsphase als Funktion der Waschgutbeladung als Anteil der Nennfüllmenge;

Fig. 12

zeigt ein Diagramm für die Drehzahl in der Umwälzungsphase als Funktion der Waschgutbeladung als Anteil der Nennfüllmenge;

Fig. 13

zeigt eine Teilschnittansicht durch eine Waschmaschinentüre umfassend Durchgänge;

Fig. 14

zeigt eine Teilschnittansicht durch eine weitere Waschmaschinentüre umfassend Durchgänge.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the drawings, which are for explanation only and are not to be interpreted as restrictive. In the drawings show:

1

shows a sectional view of a washing machine comprising a tub, a rotatable drum and a jetting device;

2

shows a side sectional view of a washing machine comprising a tub, a rotatable drum and a jet device;

3

shows a partial sectional view of the washing machine according to FIG figure 1 wherein the drum includes laundry of a first load size and is rotated at a first speed in a tumble phase;

4

shows a further partial sectional view of the washing machine according to FIG figure 3 ;

figure 5

shows a partial sectional view of the washing machine according to FIG figure 1 wherein the drum includes laundry of the first load amount and is rotated at a second speed in a tumble phase;

6

shows a further partial sectional view of the washing machine according to FIG figure 5 ;

7

shows a partial sectional view of the washing machine according to FIG figure 1 wherein the drum contains laundry of a second load level and is rotated at a third speed in a revolving phase;

8

shows a further partial sectional view of the washing machine according to FIG figure 7 ;

9

shows a partial sectional view of the washing machine according to FIG figure 1 wherein the drum includes laundry of the second load level and is rotated at a fourth speed in a revolving phase;

10

shows a further partial sectional view of the washing machine according to FIG figure 1 with laundry of the second load size;

11

Figure 12 shows a graph of g-factor in the recirculation phase as a function of laundry load as a percentage of nominal load;

12

Figure 12 shows a graph of the rotational speed in the recirculation phase as a function of the laundry load as a proportion of the nominal load;

13

shows a partial sectional view through a washing machine door including passages;

14

shows a partial sectional view through another washing machine door including passages.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Various aspects of the method according to the invention and the washing machines according to the invention will now be explained with reference to the figures.

In particular, in the Figures 1 to 10 a washing machine 1 for washing laundry 4 is shown in each case, which has a tub 2 and a drum 3 rotatably mounted in the tub 2 about a horizontal axis of rotation D for receiving laundry 4 . Although only in figure 1 shown, all washing machines 1 each have a supply device 8 which directs fresh water from a fresh water connection (not shown) into a reservoir 9 . Detergent can also be added to the reservoir 9 . The resulting mixture of water and detergent is referred to as the process liquid 6 , which can be fed into the tub 2 . A gap is formed between the tub 2 and the drum 3 and the drum 3 has holes.

The in the Figures 1 to 10 washing machine 1 shown is designed for circulation. It also has a circulation arrangement 10 and an injection device 5 for injecting process liquid 6 from the tub 2 into the drum 3. This injection device 5 is a nozzle. This nozzle is connected to the circulating arrangement 10 and in particular to a conveying line 11 in the form of a circulating hose which is connected to a bottom area 12 of the tub 2 . The bottom area 12 has an outlet opening 13 through which process liquid 6 can get from the tub 2 into the circulation hose 11 . A pumping device 14 is arranged in the circulation hose 11 . The pumping device 14 is a double pump, which is driven by a circulating drive and optionally pumps the process liquid 6 through the circulating hose 11 or conveys it away from the washing machine 1 through a water drain 15 . The circulation hose 11 of the washing machine 1 according to figure 2 also has a drain non-return valve 16 . As indicated in the figures, the jetting device 5 jets the process liquid 6 along a jetting direction R, with the jet jet forming a trajectory S.

The method according to the invention will now be explained below. In the method according to the invention, the rotational speed at which the drum 3 is rotated about the axis of rotation D is varied depending on the laundry load in such a way that the process liquid 6 from the tub 2 hits as much laundry 4 as possible. In particular, the drum 3 is rotated in the circulation phase depending on the load of the laundry in such a way that the laundry 4 moves through the trajectory S of the injected process liquid jet. How from the Figures 3 and 4 shows, a low speed is unfavorable with a small load of laundry, since the laundry would then only roll in a lower area 17 of the washing machine, in particular in a lower area of the drum 3, while the process liquid jet from the jetting device 5 shoots past the laundry 4. A relatively high speed is advantageous here, which brings the laundry 4 into the upper area 19 of the washing machine 1 and into the line of fire, ie in the direction R of the jet of process liquid 6, see FIG Figures 5 and 6 .

In contrast, with a high laundry load, a relatively low speed of the drum 3 is favorable. Like from the Figures 7 and 8 shows that a high speed throws the laundry 4 into the upper region 19 of the washing machine 1, with the compact mass of laundry being formed thereby blocking the process liquid jet 6 after it has exited the nozzle. As a result, the items of laundry 4 that are farther away from the jetting device 5 are not wetted. When the drum 3 rotates at low speeds, the mass of laundry 4 repeatedly gapes apart as the drum 3 rotates, so that the jet of process liquid 6 can penetrate deep into the gaps between the individual items of laundry, see FIG figure 9

A suitable speed range depending on the load is shown in the diagram figure 11 shown. The acceleration variable in the form of the g factor was used for the speed of the drum rotation, via which the speed of the drum 3 can be calculated for a given drum diameter. This example speed range is limited by values marked with triangles and values marked with an "x". Particularly optimal speeds are marked with circles. However, speeds outside of this range are just as conceivable. A suitable speed range for the drum expressed by the number of revolutions of the drum per minute using the example of a domestic washing machine is shown in the diagram according to figure 12 shown. How from this As can be seen in the diagram, with the usual drum sizes in a household washing machine, a speed of approx. 45 revolutions/min is required for a small amount of laundry. (rpm) advantageous, for a medium load of laundry approx. 35 rpm, for a large load of laundry approx. 20 rpm.

The frequency and length of pauses in drum rotation during circulation are adjusted to the laundry load. For example, when the drum is idle, a small load of laundry lies in the lower area 17 of the washing machine 1 or in the lower area of the drum 3 and is not caught by the process liquid jet 6 . Less and short breaks in shooting are advantageous here. With a large load of laundry, the process liquid jet 6 hits the central area 18 of the washing machine 1 and thus roughly in the middle of the stationary laundry 4 and ensures that the laundry 4 is well wetted with the process liquid 6. In this case, frequent and longer breaks are preferable, see figure 10 .

The circulation can also be designed at intervals.

In particular, incompletely dissolved detergent or highly concentrated washing suds can reach the laundry 4 by means of circulation. For example, after the detergent has been supplied, initially only part of the amount of water required for the washing phase can be filled in in order to bring the detergent into the drain area of the washing machine 1 , for example into the area of the outlet opening 13 in the tub 2 . The drum 3 preferably stands still during this process. With the circulation, the process liquid 6 formed in this way, comprising a detergent/water mixture, is conveyed upwards into the upper region 19 of the washing machine 1 and sprayed onto the laundry 4 via the jetting device 5 . If the laundry 4 is dry (which is the rule at the beginning of a washing program), it absorbs the highly concentrated suds. A solid detergent (powder, granules, tabs, etc.) is still largely undissolved when it reaches the drain area or the area of the outlet opening 13 in the tub. In this case, the mixture of granules and liquid reaches the textile surface. The liquid in which detergent is already dissolved is sucked up. The grains dissolve on the textile 4 and the resulting highly concentrated lye is absorbed by the dry or still unsaturated textile 4 . In this way, the detergent components that break down the dirt get inside a textile 4. Because if the textile 4 is already saturated with detergent-free water, it is hardly absorbent anymore. A concentrated lye that has only then reached the textile surface can only do a lot more difficult to penetrate into the interior of the textile. In this way, the detergent is dissolved to a significant extent in the laundry 4, which ensures a high concentration and faster action of the detergent and intensifies and accelerates the washing process. A liquid detergent, which is generally more soluble than a solid-state detergent, has not yet dissolved evenly in the water when it reaches the drain area or the area of the outlet opening 13 of the tub 2 . It is a mixture of incompletely dissolved detergent and concentrated lye. If it gets on the textile surface, the liquid will be sucked up. The liquid detergent continues to dissolve in the textile 4 . Even with liquid detergent, adding it to the laundry 4 ensures a high concentration and faster action of the detergent, which intensifies and accelerates the washing process. The circulation can already run before, during and a certain time after the detergent supply. Although the detergent is diluted by later supplying more water up to the full amount of water for the washing phase, since the detergent is dissolved to a significant extent in the laundry, it still means a faster and better washing effect. The process is particularly useful for robust textiles such as cotton and terry cloth.

In summary, it can be stated that the method is based on the idea of supplying a process liquid, in particular in the form of a jet, to the drum in at least one circulation phase, while the jet runs essentially "fixed" or unchanged, and the laundry is washed with the help of a speed change depending brought into the trajectory of the process liquid after the laundry has been loaded.

In particular, during the circulation of the lye, the process liquid or lye is removed from the lower area of the lye container with the aid of the pump device and the conveying line, conveyed upwards and fed back to the upper area of the drum, see figure 1 as an example implementation. A special feature of the design of this process is that the circulation pump is only switched on and off, while the pump output is not regulated, ie not changed, so that a largely constant volume flow is pumped and radiated into the drum. The trajectory of the jet moves in a narrow corridor in the upper area of the drum, see figure 4 . Depending on how much laundry is in the drum, the rotational speed of the drum is varied so that the laundry is brought into the path of the process liquid jet or suds jet and is therefore better hit by the jet. Basically, the smaller the amount of laundry, the larger it is Rotational speed. A small amount of laundry, for example, would only roll in the lower area of the drum at a low speed, while the jet of process liquid shoots past the laundry, see Figures 3 and 4 . On the other hand, a high speed throws the items to be washed up into the trajectory of the jet and causes intensive contact of the items to be washed with the suds, see Figures 5 and 6 . On the other hand, with a high load, a relatively low speed is favorable. Here, the initially dry laundry fills the entire drum and blocks the jet as soon as it emerges from the jetting device, so that the rear parts of the laundry are not wetted, see Figures 7 and 8 . At a low speed, the mass of laundry gapes apart again and again during the circular movement, so that the jet can penetrate deep into the gaps that have formed in order to also wet the rear parts of the laundry. A medium-sized load of laundry requires a medium speed accordingly.

Another advantage of this method is its cost advantage. Thus the method can be carried out with a washing machine comprising a simple pump device and only a single outlet such as an injection point. Methods from the prior art generally include a number of nozzles at different points and/or the pump output of the pumping device must be varied in order to reach all items of laundry. Such methods are more complex and more prone to failure.

Pauses in rotation, ie drum standstills, during the circulation phase are preferably made more frequently and longer, the greater the load of laundry. Because a small amount of laundry lies in the lower area of the drum when the drum is idle and is not caught by the process liquid jet. On the other hand, a large amount of laundry lies in a pause, after the laundry has sagged due to the absorbed water, in such a way that it is hit in the middle at the top by the process liquid jet and is therefore well wetted, see figure 10 . Less frequent, short breaks in shooting are therefore advantageous for small amounts of laundry, but longer and more frequent ones for large amounts of laundry.

For a small amount of laundry, for example, the rotation cycle can be designed as follows with less frequent and short breaks: The drum rotates for 5s, stands still for 2s and rotates in the other direction for 5s, and stands still for 1s and repeats this cycle until the end of the circulation phase. For example, for a large amount of laundry, the rotation cycle with frequent and long pauses can look like this: The drum rotates for 3s, stands still for 3s and rotates in the other direction for 3s, and stands still for 3s and repeats this cycle until the end of the upheaval phase.

The circulation preferably takes place at intervals in order to reduce the energy consumption of the circulation pump. However, it can be carried out over longer periods of time and even throughout the duration of washing and rinsing.

The method is also based on the idea of adding process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent such as undissolved washing powder to the laundry, for example by adding it to the drain area or sump of the tub, and then from there using the circulation system to the upper area of the washing machine To promote washing machine and then to spray it on the at least partially dry laundry, the washing powder is completely dissolved in the laundry.

After the detergent has been fed in, initially only part of the water quantity—typically about half—that is allocated to the washing process phase is fed in in order to bring the detergent into the drain area (the so-called sump) of the washing machine. For this purpose, for example, the drum can stand still while the detergent is being flushed in, so that the water is not whirled up, but instead flows straight into the sump under the drum, transporting the detergent there with it. With the circulation, the detergent-water mixture is then transported upwards from the sump and sprayed onto the laundry in the upper area of the drum. The items to be washed are preferably still largely dry (which is the norm at the beginning of a washing program) and absorbs the mixture interspersed with a large amount of detergent (typically 12 to 18 g of detergent per liter of water), see figure 1 . The detergent dissolves on the surface of the laundry and, by absorbing the largely dry laundry, gets inside the laundry where it attacks the dirt in a highly concentrated form. This is advantageous for dirt reduction. Because when the laundry is already saturated with detergent-free water, it hardly absorbs any more liquid. A concentrated lye that has only then reached the surface of the laundry can only penetrate with much greater difficulty into the interior of the laundry. Spraying the detergent onto the dry laundry causes the detergent (eg the grains) to dissolve to a significant extent in the laundry. When a grain of detergent is about to dissolve and the solution around the grain, which has not yet been diluted by additional water, is absorbed by the laundry, highly concentrated lye penetrates into the interior of the laundry, where it intensifies and accelerates the breakdown of dirt. In the later course of the During the wash cycle, the initially highly concentrated suds are diluted with more water until, some time after the entire amount of water intended for the wash phase has been added, the dilution has progressed to such an extent that the dissolved detergent is evenly distributed in the water and diluted to the final concentration. The higher concentration of detergent in the initial phase and the faster penetration of the detergent into the interior of the laundry result in a more intensive and faster washing process. The working principle described here is based on a typical washing process, which is divided into washing and rinsing phases and spinning. The principle can also be applied to modified washing processes, such as with pre-washing.

The procedure described above for washing powder can also be applied to other solid detergents such as tabs or granules. In a washing cycle, these are either broken up into small pieces when they come into contact with water, or are broken up by mechanical effects such as water movement, friction, impacts and can be gradually transported upwards from the sump by the circulation and sprayed onto the laundry.

The procedure described above for washing powder can also be applied to liquid detergents. Although a liquid detergent generally dissolves faster than a solid detergent, it also takes some time before it is evenly distributed in the water. According to the above method, instead of grains, undissolved (undiluted) droplets and lumps of liquid detergent are present in the sump and are transported upwards from there with the circulation and sprayed onto the items to be washed. The liquid detergent is absorbed by the still dry laundry and continues to dissolve in the laundry.

The suds circulation described above, in which the process liquid is removed from the lower area of the suds container, transported upwards and fed to the drum in the upper area of the drum, can be used both for spraying the detergent and for the suds circulation, i.e. when the detergent is largely or completely dissolved is to be used, see Figures 1 and 2 .

The supply, the circulation and the spraying of the detergent are preferably carried out at the beginning of a washing program. The circulation of suds or rinsing water can advantageously be used during the entire washing and rinsing phase, in certain periods of time or at intervals.

In the Figures 13 and 14 a further aspect according to the invention is shown, which enables a targeted and thereby improved cleaning of the laundry 4 . Thus, the washing machine 1 can have a washing machine door 20 which has at least one guide device 7 via which the process liquid 6 is supplied to the drum 3 . In the present case, the guide devices 7 are channels or passages in the door glass of the washing machine door 20, which each have an inlet opening 21 and an outlet opening 22. The inlet openings 21 face the jetting device 5 in such a way that the process liquid 6 is jetted out of the tub 2 via the jetting device 5 into the inlet opening 21 . The process liquid 6 thus entering the channels or passages 7 is guided along the channels or passages 7 and discharged into the interior of the drum 3 at their respective outlet opening 22 . The location and design of the outlet openings 22 is preferably selected in such a way that the process liquid 6 can be jetted into different areas of the washing machine 1 or the drum 3 in a targeted manner. Different designs of the channels or passages 7 are conceivable, see for example figure 13 , which shows half-opened channels or passages 7, and figure 14 , which shows closed channels or passages 7. REFERENCE LIST 1 Washing machine 14 pumping device 2 tub 15 water drainage 3 drum 16 Valve 4 laundry 17 lower area 5 irradiation device 18 middle area 6 process liquid 19 upper area 7 guiding device 20 washing machine door 8th feeding device 21 entry opening 9 reservoir 22 exit port 10 recirculation arrangement 11 delivery line D axis of rotation 12 floor area R irradiation direction 13 exhaust port S trajectory

Claims (15)

Method for operating a washing machine (1) with a tub (2) and with a drum (3) arranged rotatably in the tub (2) for receiving items to be washed (4), and preferably with at least one jet device (5) for jetting process liquid ( 6) from the tub (2) into the drum (3), the method comprising the step of: - Rotating the drum (3) as a function of a laundry load of the drum (3) with laundry at least in a circulation phase. Method according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine (1) comprises the at least one jetting device (5) for jetting process liquid (6) from the tub (2) into the drum (3), and wherein the method comprises the step of: - Jetting of the process liquid (6) from the tub (2) into the drum (3) in the circulation phase, the drum (3) being rotated depending on whether the drum (3) is loaded with laundry (4) in such a way that the items to be washed (4) are moved through a shot path (S) of a jet of the sprayed-in process liquid. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least in the circulation phase a speed of the drum (3) with a smaller laundry load is greater than a speed of the drum (3) with a larger laundry load than this smaller laundry load, and/or
at least in the circulation phase, a g-factor of the drum (3) with a smaller load of laundry as a proportion of a nominal filling quantity is greater than a g-factor of the drum (3) with a larger laundry load than this smaller load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity. The method of claim 3, wherein the g-factor for a load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal capacity of 0.25 is in a range of 0.4 to 0.8 and in particular is about 0.6 and / or for a load of laundry as a proportion of the nominal capacity of 0.5 in a range of 0.15 to 0.5 and is in particular about 0.3 and/or for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal filling quantity of 1 is in a range from 0.05 to 0.25 and is in particular about 0.12, and/or
wherein the speed for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal capacity of 0.25 is in a range from 35 to 60 revolutions per minute and in particular is about 46 revolutions per minute and/or for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal capacity of 0.5 in a range from 25 to 45 revolutions per minute and is in particular about 34 revolutions per minute and/or for a laundry load as a proportion of the nominal capacity of 1 is in a range from 15 to 30 revolutions per minute and is in particular about 22 revolutions per minute. The method according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the jetting device is located in an upper region of the washing machine and has at least one outlet, which is preferably aligned substantially horizontally or inclined at an angle of 5° to 30° with respect to a horizontal direction and/or is permanently mounted, and/or
wherein the process liquid is sprayed in essentially along a horizontal direction and is located in an upper area of the drum at least immediately after emerging from the spraying device, and wherein the jet of the sprayed-in process liquid runs essentially in the upper area of the drum. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing machine (1) further comprises at least one or exactly one pump device for conveying the process liquid from the tub to the jet device (5), and wherein the method further comprises: - Conveying the process liquid with the pumping device while a pumping capacity of the pumping device is not varied and/or while a pump speed of the pumping device remains constant. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising the step of generating the process liquid (6) in the tub (2) and / or supplying the process liquid (6) in the drum (3) and / or in the tub (2), wherein the Process liquid (6) comprises or consists of concentrated detergent. Method according to claim 7, wherein the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is generated by feeding detergent into the tub and/or into the drum (3) before washing liquid or before a full amount of washing liquid for a washing phase is supplied to the tub and/or the drum. Method according to Claim 7 or 8, in which detergent is fed into the tub and/or into the drum (3) while the drum (3) is at least temporarily stationary. Method according to one of claims 7 to 9, wherein the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is supplied to the laundry (4) by circulating in the circulating phase, and/or
wherein the process liquid (6) comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is added to the drum (3) while the drum (3) is rotated at least temporarily. Method according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the process liquid (6) comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent is added to the drum (3), preferably jetted in, when a laundry (4) in the drum (3) is dry or relative an intake of washing liquid is unsaturated. Method according to claim 11, wherein the full amount of washing liquid for the washing phase is added after the process liquid comprising or consisting of concentrated detergent has been added to the laundry in at least one agitation phase. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a pause frequency and / or a pause length in which the drum (3) is not rotated, in particular in the circulation phase, depends on the laundry load of the drum (3) and / or wherein the frequency of pauses, particularly in the circulation phase, is less with a smaller load of laundry than with a load of laundry that is larger than this smaller load, and/or wherein the pause length is shorter with a smaller load of laundry, particularly in the circulation phase, than with a load of laundry that is larger than this smaller load of laundry. Computer program product for operating a washing machine (1), the computer program product comprising a computer-readable storage medium with computer program code which, when it is carried out in a control device of the washing machine (1), causes the control device to carry out the method according to one of the preceding claims. Washing machine (1) for carrying out the method according to one of the preceding claims 1 to 13.

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