[0001] The invention relates to a textile treatment apparatus and method, in which textiles
to be treated are stored in a drum and the stored textiles can be treated according
to a refreshment sequence, drying sequence and/or anti-crease sequence.
[0002] EP 1 852 539 A1 discloses a dryer and a drying method implementing an anti-crease and optionally
a long anti-crease sequence after a main drying sequence. In the anti-crease and the
long anti-crease sequences hot water steam is supplied into the drum storing the textiles.
Supplying steam during the anti-crease sequences preserves the quality of the textiles
achieved after executing the main drying sequence. Maintaining or preserving the textile
quality means that during the storing (anti-crease) or extended storing (long anti-crease)
no additional wrinkles are formed in the stored textiles.
[0003] It is an object of the invention to further optimize the result of a drying sequence,
refreshment sequence and/or anti-crease sequence for the treated textiles.
[0004] The invention is defined in claims 1 and 24, respectively.
[0005] Particular embodiments are set out in the dependent claims.
[0006] Figs. 1A to 1C illustrate the starting insight of the inventors, when treating textiles
in a rotating drum in a dry mode (without applying liquid) in a treatment apparatus
like a washing machine having dryer function or a dryer. The rotation axis of the
drum 2 is non-vertical, i.e. horizontally, substantially horizontally or within an
angle of ± 45° from the horizontal. Several pieces of laundry 6 are stored in the
inner space 4 of the drum 2 and the surfaces of the laundry 6 exposed to the ambient
air of the inner space 4 are in exchange with the inner atmosphere in respect of humidity
and temperature. The higher the ratio of exposed laundry surfaces to hidden or covered
laundry surfaces, the higher the exchange of humidity and temperature between the
ambient and the textile surface/volume. Fig. 1A shows the example where the drum 2
rotates with a high rotation speed. At this rotation speed the satellization of the
laundry 6 is achieved, i.e. the laundry 6 adheres to the inner surface of the drum
and does not fall down under gravity, even in the upper turning point of the drum.
[0007] Fig. 1B shows the situation at a medium rotation speed of the drum. During the upward
movement of the laundry from the lowest point in the drum, the laundry steadily releases
from the inner wall, and the centrifugal force is so low before reaching the upper
turning point of the drum that the laundry falls down in a free fall within and nearly
midway through the inner space 4. As indicated by the inner arrows, the surface exposed
to the ambient air in the inner space 4 is maximized in Fig. 1B due to the minimized
contact area to the inside of the drum and the minimized contact area between the
laundry surfaces among each other.
[0008] Fig. 1C shows the situation when the drum rotation speed is further reduced. In this
case the centrifugal force is low and the laundry releases at an early angle starting
from the lowest point of the drum such that the laundry 'rolls' down the ascending
portion of the inner drum wall. The laundry is wound up to a roll and exposes a small
surface area to the ambient air, as the laundry surfaces contact each other widely.
[0009] It was further found that the idealized state depicted in Fig. 1B is not always at
the same rotation speed, even if a drum 2 of the same diameter and inner surface is
used:
- a) Using an identical laundry load (textile type and weight) the damp laundry behaves
as shown in Fig. 1B at a specific speed. If this specific speed is maintained, but
the laundry is wet, it behaves as shown in Fig. 1C. When, on the other hand, the laundry
is dry, it behaves as shown in Fig. 1A.
- b) When considering the identical textile type at a fixed humidity, medium load or
volume textile at a specific rotation speed will result in the tumbling mode shown
in Fig. 1B. When more laundry is loaded into the drum 6 (same textile type and humidity)
one achieves the mode shown in Fig. 1A. When, as compared to Fig. 1B, the laundry
load is reduced, one achieves the rolling mode as shown in Fig. 1C.
- c) When, as a third example, different types of textiles are used while maintaining
the weight and the humidity of the laundry, wool will behave in the mode shown in
Fig. 1B, while jeans-type textiles will roll on the inner wall as shown in Fig. 1C.
Finally, toweling will adhere to the inner wall of the drum as shown in Fig. 1A.
[0010] The textile treatment apparatus according to claim 1 comprises a control unit that
is adapted to control at least one treatment program sequence. Preferably the control
unit has access to a plurality of different treatment program sequences according
to the selection of a user and/or activated in dependency of a user selected program
option and/or an automatically detected starting condition. The treatment program
sequence may be a drying program sequence, a refreshment program sequence (e.g. dry
cleaning) or an anti-crease program sequence. The treatment program sequence may be
either one of these sequences or a combination of these sequences. A full combination
of treatment program sequences is for example first to perform a drying sequence,
then to perform a refreshment sequence, and finally to perform an anti-crease sequence.
Optionally, a long anti-crease program sequence may be appended as known from
EP 1 852 539 A1.
[0011] The textiles (laundry/garment) to be treated are stored in a drum of the textile
treatment apparatus, wherein preferably the drum rotation axis is horizontal, approximately
horizontal or within an angle of inclination relative to the horizontal within ± 45°.
The drum is driven by a drive unit. By the drive unit the drum can be rotated in a
forward direction, more preferably it can also be rotated in an inverse direction.
The start and stop of rotation is controlled by the control unit in that it provides
corresponding control signals for rotation/stop to the drive unit. Thereby the control
unit controls the start time and stop time of rotation, which means the duration of
drum rotation periods and drum halt periods. In the preferred embodiment the control
unit also controls the direction of rotation (forward/inverse). Preferably the drive
periods in forward/inverse direction are independently controllable.
[0012] The control unit of the textile treatment apparatus is adapted to modify the drum
rotation mode in dependency of the textile type, the humidity of the textiles, or
the textile weight. Or the modification is made in dependency of two or all of these
textile parameters. The drum rotation mode is sometimes called the mechanics, i.e.
the (physical) mechanical action onto the textiles by the drum rotation. The mechanics
is influenced by the rotation speed (of course it is assumed that the drum as such
can not be modified), the ratio of drum rotation periods versus drum stop periods,
and the ratio of forward drum rotation period to inverse rotation period.
[0013] As mentioned above and when the drum is rotating, the drum rotation speed is optimized
in dependency of the textile type, the humidity and/or the textile weight, preferably
to achieve the ideal tumbling mode as shown in Fig. 1B. In Fig. 1B the mechanical
work of the textiles can not be avoided (the laundry 6 adheres to the inner wall of
the drum and drops onto the inner wall at the lower point of the drum after the free
fall), but the surface interaction with the ambient air is maximized. In contrast
thereto the mechanical stress onto the textile is high in the roll mode shown in Fig.
1C. In the mode of Fig. 1A the satellization speed is exceeded, so that there is no
mechanical work onto the laundry, however, the increased centrifugal force, in particular
at the lower turning point of the drum 2, results in the forming of compression wrinkles.
In addition to the optimization of the rotation speed, the mechanical work onto the
laundry can be reduced by not rotating the drum (drum stop periods). However, in this
case, the wrinkle formation is enhanced. Also, it is necessary to rearrange the textiles
in the drum such that an even interaction between laundry surface and surrounding
atmosphere can be achieved for an even treatment of the stored textiles.
[0014] According to a preferred embodiment, the textile treatment apparatus comprises a
supply unit for supplying an additive to the drum. Preferably the additive is supplied
directly into the drum for maximum efficiency in the interaction of the textile and
the supplied additive. Preferably the modification of the drum rotation mode is made
at least during the steam supply sequence, preferably only in the additive supply
sequence, or more preferably only during the additive supply phase. The additive supply
sequence may be the complete treatment program sequence, preferably it is only the
refreshment and/or anti-crease program sequence, more preferably it is only a portion
thereof. An additive supply phase is a phase, during which the additive is effectively
supplied to the drum. For example, the additive supply sequence can include one or
more periods or phases - which do not completely cover the sequence - during which
the additive is supplied to the drum.
[0015] The type of textiles to be treated is detected automatically by a textile type detection
unit of the treatment apparatus, and/or preferably the textile type is input by a
user when or before starting the treatment program sequence. Preferably the drum rotation
speed and/or the ratio of drum rotation periods to drum stop periods is increased
for non-sensitive or resistant textiles like jeans or certain type of synthetics.
In this way the interaction between textile surface and ambient atmosphere is higher
(maximized) over the normal drum rotation mode. 'Higher' refers here to the nominal
or normal rotation speed and/or ratio of drum rotation/drum halt (duty ratio) which
is set for 'normal' textiles. Normal textiles are for example: T-shirts, sweatshirts
or casual shirts. Additionally or alternatively the drum rotation speed and/or the
ratio of drum rotation periods to drum stop periods is decreased or lowered in case
of delicate textiles, as for example wool, business or silk textiles. In this way
the mechanical action onto the delicate textiles is significantly reduced.
[0016] According to an embodiment, the treatment apparatus comprises a weight detection
unit for detecting the weight of the textiles stored in the drum and/or an input element,
so that the user can input an estimate of the textile weight or volume (the latter
as a measure for the textile weight). In an embodiment the humidity detection value
can be used to calculate an average dry weight of the laundry based on the type of
textile detected or input under consideration of the weight or volume input by the
user.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment the activation or start of specific treatment sequences
is prevented, when a predefined weight or volume value is exceeded. For example, a
refreshment and/or anti-crease sequence are/is not started and preferably the non-execution
is indicated to a user. This inhibition is done as a good quality of refreshment and/or
anti-crease treatment can only be achieved, when the drum is not fully loaded or the
laundry is not too heavy.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment the drum rotation speed and/or the ratio of drum rotation
period to drum stop period is increased (decreased) at higher (lower) textile weight
or amount. If there are more or more voluminous textiles within the drum, the textiles
have to be agitated and redistributed more intense or more often to achieve an even
treatment of the stored textiles.
[0019] In a preferred embodiment, similarly to the above mentioned embodiments, the drum
rotation speed and/or ratio of drum rotation period to drum stop periods is adapted
in dependency of the textile humidity value, wherein the higher speed and/or higher
ratio is set at higher humidity values, while they are reduced at lower humidity values.
Preferably the drum rotation speed and/or ratio is updated from time to time, permanently
or at specific times during the treatment sequence to adjust to the changing textile
humidity. When for example a drying sequence is performed and the drying is in progress,
the weight of the laundry and thus the agitation mode (adherent/tumbling/rolling -
compare Figs. 1A-1C) is changing over time. An optimum laundry quality can be achieved
in that the mechanical action onto the laundry is reduced with decreasing humidity.
[0020] Preferably specific program sequences are only activated, after a predefined start
humidity of the textile humidity is given or has been achieved in a prior drying program
sequence. If the detected textile humidity is too high, preferably a drying program
sequence is activated automatically by the control unit.
[0021] In a further embodiment, if it is detected that the start humidity is at or above
a predefined textile humidity value, the control unit does not actuate a specific
textile treatment sequence, for example the refreshment program sequence. In this
case the control unit assumes that the textiles (laundry) have been washed prior to
starting the treatment program and that a textile refreshment is not necessary, as
the textiles have already been cleaned (dry cleaning is not necessary after wet cleaning).
[0022] In an embodiment the modification of the drum rotation mode is made in dependency
of one or more of the following program parameters: The duration of the treatment
program (lapsed program time); The duration of the treatment program sequence (lapsed
program sequence time); Or it is modified when a transition is made from one program
sequence to another program sequence of the at least one treatment program (e.g. the
mechanic mode may be unchanged in each of the treatment program sequences, but it
may change from program sequence to program sequence). Preferably the modification(s)
comprise(s) one or more of the following modifications: The rotation duty ratio (ratio
of drum rotation time/drum stop time - e.g. seen from period to period, seen in the
average over time, seen from sequence to sequence, the lapsed time or the like); The
ratio of forward/inverse rotation direction (e.g. seen from period to period, seen
in the average over time, seen from sequence to sequence, the lapsed time or the like);
The rotation maximum and/or average speed; and The rotation cycle periodicity (e.g.
from period to period or over the program (sequence) time). The modification over
time (at least over a portion of the program or sequence time) can be made steadily
or monotone increasingly/decreasingly, or in form of modification steps or variation
cycles.
[0023] The explanations given above apply for the textile treatment apparatus as well as
for the textile treatment method, wherein in the textile treatment apparatus the method
steps are implemented by executing the treatment program by the control unit. I.e.
control steps implemented by the control unit of the apparatus can be taken as representing
method steps and vice versa.
[0024] Throughout the specification "treatment program" is a complete program executed in
the treatment apparatus or provided by the method - from the start (e.g. started by
the user or under a timer control) to the end (no further program steps and laundry
treatment is finished). The treatment program may be partitioned into treatment program
sequences or may comprise only one program treatment sequence. Program treatment sequences
are for example: Pre-treatment, drying, refreshment, anti-crease, long-anti-crease
or similar program sequences. Each or at least some of the treatment program sequences
have program phases or periods that may be different phases or periods or periodically
repeating phases or periods. The refreshment program sequence has for example periods
or phases of steam supply and phases or periods without steam being supplied.
[0025] Reference is made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of
which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and tables, which show:
- Fig. 1A-1C
- different movement modes of the laundry at high rotation speed (satellization speed,
Fig. 1A), optimum rotation speed for tumbling mode (Fig. 1B) and at low rotation speed
with roll movement (Fig. 1C);
- Fig. 2
- a block diagram of the functional elements of a refreshment machine;
- Fig. 3A-3C
- three time diagrams for drum movement and steam supply for delicate textiles (Fig.
3A), normal textiles (Fig. 3B) and resistant textiles (Fig. 3C);
- Fig. 4
- a time diagram for the drum movement and steam supply during drying/anti-crease program
sequences;
- Fig. 5A-5B
- time diagrams for the drum movement and steam supply during the refreshment at low
load of textiles (Fig. 5A) and at high load (Fig. 5B);
- Table 2
- a work flow for synthetics refreshment;
- Table 3
- a work flow for woolen refreshment; and
- Table 4
- a work flow for business wear refreshment.
[0026] Fig. 2 shows a block diagram of the functional elements of a refreshment machine
10. Basically the refreshment machine 10 is based on a dryer having a steam supply
unit 24 to supply steam into the interior of the drum 2. It is to be understood that
the refreshment machine 10 can also be implemented in a washing machine having a dryer
function in respect of temporarily ventilating air through the drum 2. The embodiment
shown in Fig. 2 also has the optional special function and arrangement that via a
drive unit 14 the drum 2 and a blower 16 for blowing air through the drum 2 can be
driven independently of each other. This has the advantage that for example during
the steam supply phases (when steam is sprayed or supplied to the interior of the
drum 2 from the steam supply unit 24) the air flow through the drum is stopped or
significantly reduced. Thereby the steam is kept within the drum's interior space
4 and is not blown out of the drum 2. In alternate embodiments one drive motor is
used for the drum, and the blower and the blower and drum are rotated in a rotation
direction by the common motor, in which the air blowing capability of the blower is
designed inherently or reduced as compared to the forward or normal rotation direction.
In still another embodiment a clutch or other decoupling means is provided to decouple
the blower rotation from the drum rotation during the steam supply phases.
[0027] The preferred refreshment machine 10 has a condenser unit 18 and can be operated
like a condenser-type dryer, wherein the air is circulated within the refreshment
machine 10 and humidity condensers in an air channel where the condenser element of
condenser unit 18 is arranged. Of course, the refreshment machine 10 can also be implemented
as an exhaust air type dryer, in which the humidity loaded air is exhausted out of
the refreshment machine's body. Mixed types of condenser-type and exhaust-type refreshment
machine can also be implemented.
[0028] The execution of drying program sequences, refreshment sequences, anti-crease sequences
and long anti-crease sequences are controlled by a control unit 12 that receives detection
signals and transmits control signals to subunits of the refreshment machine 10. A
humidity sensor 20 is arranged at the drum 2 and detects the laundry humidity by conductivity
measurements on the laundry 6. This has the advantage that the humidity can be detected
with the drum turbine at rest or when no air is flow through the drum 2. The signal
of the humidity sensor 20 is sent to the control unit 12 for processing at the beginning
and during the execution of program sequences that use the humidity value as an input
signal.
[0029] The steam supply unit 24 is also controlled by the control unit 12, wherein one or
more heaters for transforming water into steam by heating are activated and deactivated.
Also a water level signal of a water tank associated to the steam supply unit 24 sends
a signal to the control unit 12 such that heating can be stopped, if the water level
is below a predefined value. A water pump unit 22 is also controlled by the control
unit 12, wherein the water pump unit 22 is arranged at the condenser unit 18 to collect
the condensed water. The control unit 12 actuates the pump for pumping the condensed
water from the collection reservoir of the water pump unit into the water reservoir
of the steam supply unit 24, when a predefined water level in the tank of the water
pump unit has been reached or after a program sequence (for example a drying program
sequence) has been finished.
[0030] An additional additive supply unit 26 is provided that - in addition to the steam
from the steam supply unit 24 - provides a treatment agent into the drum 2, preferably
by a separate supply line and spray nozzle such that the treatment agent does not
come into contact with the hot steam provided by the steam supply unit 24. One or
more treatment agents may be provided by the additive supply unit 26, for example
a fragrance, a dry cleaning agent, a disinfectant, a bleach or the like.
[0031] A display 28 arranged at the front panel of the refreshment machine 10 indicates
the current program status and the selected (automatically selected by the control
unit or selected by the user) options to the user. At the input panel 30 the user
inputs the selected program for treating the laundry loaded into the drum and options
which may be activated or deactivated according to the user's preferences. As potential
refreshment programs the user can for example activate programs like wool dry refreshment
(without steam), silk dry refreshment (without steam), normal steam refreshment (with
steam), wool steam refreshment, delicate steam refreshment or casual steam refreshment.
These program selections include a type of treatment to be performed by the refreshment
machine 10 as well as a type of textile or glass of textile to be treated. For example,
the casual steam refreshment is adapted for the textile types sweatshirt, resistant
shirts, casual shirts, and so on. The normal steam refreshment is optimized for laundry,
in which creases or wrinkles have to be removed, and which is insensitive to higher
mechanical work during the treatment process. The cotton steam refresh is for example
for jeans and involves a maximum of mechanical work onto the laundry. The business
refreshment or reduced steam refreshment is designed for delicate laundry like wool
jackets or sack coats.
[0032] Optional program selections that can be made by the user via the input panel 30 are
for example an activation or deactivation of a long anti-crease program sequence that
can be appended to an anti-crease program sequence in connection with particular ones
of the treatment program sequences. Also the user can optionally activate a pre-drying,
if for example hand-wash garment or laundry or damp laundry is stored in the drum
2.
[0033] The control unit 12 further controls an air heater 32 arranged in an air channel
upstream to the drum 2 for heating the air blown into the drum 2. Air heating is for
example required for a drying program sequence or when the laundry stored in the drum
2 has to be heated to a predefined temperature before the steam is introduced into
the drum during steam supply periods. The temperature of the air blown out of the
drum 2 is detected by a temperature sensor 34, the signal of which is sent to the
control unit 12. Optionally a weight sensor 36 is provided which is in this case associated
with the drive unit and detects the power required to start drum rotation. From the
power required by the motor to drive the drum 2 it can be deduced how high the torque
caused by the stored laundry is, which itself depends on the laundry weight. The weight
sensor 36 is optionally, and instead the input panel 30 can provide a selection for
the laundry weight or volume of the laundry. For example, the user inputs one of the
selections minimum, medium or maximum for selecting a low, medium or high load amount
of laundry.
[0034] Fig. 3A to 3C show different mechanical modes of drum movement in dependency of the
textile type, wherein Fig. 3A shows the drum movement over time for delicate textile,
Fig. 3B for textiles of normal sensitivity, and Fig. 3C for resistant textiles. The
drum movements are shown by the continuous lines, respectively, and in those embodiments
forward rotation (positive numbers) and inverse rotations (negative numbers) of the
drum are executed. In the diagrams the abscissa shows the time and the ordinate shows
the relative rotation speed and the relative steam flow rate shown by the dashed line.
The relative of normalized rotation speed is related to a nominal or normal rotation
speed which is normally used during the drying mode for drying the textiles. For example,
the nominal rotation speed is 50 rpm, so that the point 75 in Fig. 3A represents a
maximum rotation speed of about 37 rpm, and the point 5 in Fig. 3C represents a rotation
speed of 75 rpm. By comparing the Figures 3A-3C it can be seen that the drum rotation
maximum speed is reduced over the normal maximum speed for delicate textiles, while
it is increased for resistant textiles over the mode selected for normal textiles.
Further, the on/off duty time or ratio, i.e. the ratio of drum rotation periods to
the drum stop periods, is increasing, starting from delicate articles over normal
textiles to resistant textiles. As a consequence, the mechanical work onto delicate
textiles is reduced by selecting a reduced rotation speed and a reduced rotation duty
cycle, while for resistant textile the mechanical work is increased by increasing
the rotation speed and the rotation duty cycle. In Fig. 3A the on/off rotation duty
cycle is exemplified for a first full period, wherein for the on-time the intervals
ONla and ON1b have to be added and to be divided by the off-time which is the sum
of the OFF1a and OFF1b periods. It is to be noted that the embodiment illustrated
by Figs. 3A to 3C is optimized in minimizing the mechanical work the laundry undergoes
in dependency of its sensitivity/insensitivity. An optimization in regard of maximum
surface exchange with the surrounding ambient as discussed for Figs. 1A to 1C is not
considered here in any case. However, such an optimization can be provided for the
modes shown in Figs. 3A to 3C at the same time, if for example the load or volume
of the textiles loaded into the drum is prescribed or recommended to the user when
loading the drum of the refreshment machine. For example, it is recommended to the
user to use only a low volume of delicate textiles or a low textile load when using
delicate textiles in the treatment sequence shown in Fig. 3A. On the other hand, the
user is user is recommended to load more textiles (higher volume or higher weight)
into the drum, when resistant textiles are treated by the treatment sequence shown
in Fig. 3C.
[0035] The Figs. 3A to 3C also show the steam flow rate normalized to the steam flow rate
used for treating normal textiles as shown in Fig. 3B. This means that for delicate
textiles the steam flow rate is reduced, but the duty cycle for steam supply is higher
as compared to the treatment sequence for normal textiles (Fig. 3B). In the treatment
sequence for resistant textiles (Fig. 3C) the steam duty cycle is increased again
starting from normal textile treatment and also the steam flow rate is increased.
This means that the average steam flow rate is higher for resistant textiles than
for normal and delicate textiles and the steam treatment intensity is the highest.
Therefore, the total steam treatment time (not shown) for resistant textiles can be
shorter than for normal or delicate textiles.
[0036] Fig. 4 shows a portion of a treatment program sequence depicting in an illustrative
manner, a drying program sequence followed by an anti-crease program sequence. The
drum rotation speed and the steam flow rate are normalized as in Fig. 3A to 3C. Here
wet laundry taken from a washing machine and laden in the drum of the refreshment
machine 10 is first dried. As a wet cleaning by the washing machine has been performed,
no refreshment treatment or dry cleaning as shown in Fig. 3A or Fig. 5A-5B is required.
During the drying phase the laundry's humidity is detected by the humidity sensor
20 and the control unit 12 adapts the drum rotation speed as well as the rotation
duty cycle during the drying phase (program sequence). At the beginning of the drying
phase the mechanical work onto the laundry is higher to improve the drying process.
With the laundry humidity decreasing, it is not necessary to use high rotation speeds
and high rotation duty cycles for a maximum drying process so that both the maximum
rotation speed and the rotation duty cycle are continuously decreased with the decreasing
average humidity under the control of the control unit 12. The drying program sequence
is finished, when a predetermined value of the average laundry humidity is detected
and the control unit switches from the drying program sequence to the anti-crease
program sequence.
[0037] During the anti-crease program sequence the maximum rotation speed and the rotation
duty cycle are fixed and both depend on the type of textiles as has been inputted
by the user via input panel 30. During the anti-crease program sequence steam is supplied
into the drum 2 which improves the maintenance of the drying result as regards the
number of wrinkles or creases in the laundry stored in the drum. The inventors have
also observed that by application of the anti-crease program sequence the result in
regard of wrinkles from the drying program sequence can even be improved by reducing
the number or extent of wrinkles. The average humidity of the laundry varies during
the anti-crease program sequence, wherein the humidity rises during the steam supply
periods, while it is decreasing between the steam supply periods. Between the steam
supply periods a weak ventilation through the drum 2 is provided by the driving the
blower 16 at low speed.
[0038] Fig. 5A and 5B show an optimization of drum rotation speed, rotation duty cycle and
steam supply in dependency of the load of the laundry stored in the drum 2. Rotation
speed and steam flow rate are normalized as described in connection with Fig. 3. If
the textile weight or volume is low (low load), the maximum rotation speed and the
rotation duty cycle are reduced as shown in Fig. 5A. At high laundry weight or volume
(high load Fig. 5B) a higher maximum rotation speed and rotation duty cycle are selected
as compared to an average load (not shown) in which the normalized maximum rotation
speed is 1, the duty cycle is between the duty cycles shown in Figs. 5A and 5B and
the maximum steam flow rate is also between the flow rates shown in Figs. 5A and 5B.
Figs. 5A and 5B represent the preferred embodiment for the steam supply in that the
steam supply period lies within the rotation periods of drum rotation. Thereby, saturation
of steam in the inner space 4 of drum 2 is avoided which could result in formation
of condensation droplets.
[0039] Table 1 below shows a matrix of the mechanic mode which is implemented by the control
unit 12 in dependency of the type of textiles for which some examples are given in
the second column of Table 1. All mechanic modes listed relate to refreshment program
sequences during which steam is supplied periodically into the drum 2 - compare for
example Figs. 3A-3C, Figs. 5A and 5B. However, the mechanic mode as such (i.e. the
Drum Movement Control) can also be implemented in other program sequences that do
not use steam - see for example Tables 2 to 4.
Table 1: Duty Cycles of Drum Movement for different Textile Types
Mechanic Mode (Drum Movement) |
Type of Textiles (Examples) |
Drum Movement Control (rel. Duration) |
Forward |
Pause |
Inverse |
Pause |
Normal-Steam (Cotton) |
Iron Aid Optimized Cotton Shirt, Jeans, Synthetics |
extra long |
extra short |
extra long |
extra short |
Wool-Steam |
Woolen Pullover |
normal |
extra long |
short |
extra long |
Delicate-Steam (Reduced or Business Refresh) |
Woolen Jacket, Sack Coat, Cashmere Wool, Silk |
short |
normal |
short |
normal |
Casual-Steam |
Sweatshirt, Casual Shirt |
long |
short |
long |
short |
[0040] In column "Drum Movement Control (rel. duration)" of table 1, the duration periods
for one full drum movement cycle is indicated in relative durations. A "full drum
movement cycle (or period)" is for example indicated in Fig. 3A by the references
ON1a, OFF1a, ONlb and OFF1b. The Column "Forward" indicates the duration of forward
drum rotation direction (compare ON1a) which is for example "extra long" in the "Normal-Steam"
mechanic mode. Under reference to the mechanic mode "Normal-Steam" the "Pause" or
duration between the forward duration period portion and the inverse rotation period
portion is "extra short" (corresponding to OFFla in Fig. 3A). In the "Normal-Steam"
mechanic mode the duration of rotating in the inverse rotation direction "Inverse"
(compare ON1b) is also "extra long" and a "extra short" "Pause" (rotation stop) follows
(compare OFF1b). This means that the mechanical work onto the laundry is maximized
which can be used for maximum steam supply during steam supply phases and for maximum
textile drying efficiency in drying phases.
[0041] As can be concluded from Table 1, in dependency of the mechanic mode the duty cycle
of rotation is extremely dependent on the mechanic mode selected. For the "Normal-Steam"
mechanic mode the rotation duty ratio is very high (extra long/extra short gives for
example a ratio of 15), while for the "Wool-Steam" mechanic mode the rotation duty
ratio is low (normal/extra long is for example a ratio of 0.5 or less). Further, in
the "Wool-Steam" mechanic mode the inverse rotation period ("short") is shorter than
the forward rotation period ("normal").
[0042] As mentioned above, the "Normal-Steam" mechanic mode is iron aid optimized, wherein
the mechanical work onto the textiles is high, however, the long periods of steam
supply result in an improved removal of wrinkles and creases in the textiles treated.
[0043] Table 2 shows a full treatment program for the program selection synthetics steam
treatment including an optional drying/anti-crease program sequence (steps 2-5), a
mandatory anti-crease program sequence (steps 6-9) and a succeeding anti-crease program
sequence (steps 10-11). The latter one is adapted to maintain the wrinkles state of
the laundry (Knitterbild) resulting from the preceding ant-crease phase(s). Normally
this program is used to remove wrinkles from previously washed (fresh or unused) laundry.
[0044] In step 1 a wet/dry detection is performed, in which the control unit 12 detects
via the humidity sensor 20 whether the textiles laden into the drum 2 are wet or already
dry. During the wet/dry detection the ventilation through the drum "Ventilation" is
at normal airflow rate or nominal flow rate (ON Normal). The drum movement (Mechanic
Mode) is set to "Normal Steam" as defined in Table 1, wherein here the rotation speed
is set to nominal or normal drum rotation speed. The "Steam Supply" is switched OFF
as indicated in the last column of table 2.
[0045] In step 1 a flow jump decision is made, wherein, if the laundry humidity is above
a predefined value, a drying program sequence (step 2) and a pretreatment anti-crease
program sequence ("Anti-Crease 1" - steps 3 to 5) is started to remove wrinkles mainly
due to start with wet laundry. If the laundry in the drum is already dry (e.g. the
laundry was dried after washing), the workflow jumps from step 1 to step 6 to start
the main treatment program sequence ("Anti-Crease 2" - steps 6 to 8) to remove wrinkles.
[0046] During the drying sequence (step 2) the textiles are dried to a predefined humidity
range of residual humidity (damp or cupboard dry), while the ventilation "ON High"
through the drum 2 (i.e. the blower 16 rotation speed) is higher than the nominal
ventilation flow rate.
[0047] In steps 3 to 5 the anti-crease program sequence 1 is executed as a pretreatment
to remove starting wrinkles of the dried laundry as compared to dry laundry that is
loaded into the drum for anti-crease processing only. This means that the laundry
loaded in a wet state into the drum and which is running through the drying program
sequence 2 undergoes an anti-wrinkle "boost". The anti-crease program sequence includes
two steam phases in steps 3 and 5 during which the control unit switches the ventilation
off by or sets the ventilation to a reduced flow rate. During the steam supply periods
(indicated by "ON" in the last column) a total amount of water is supplied as steam
into the drum 2 in dependency of the laundry weight/volume. For table 2 "Min" means
a supply of a low water amount (in form of steam), "Med" of medium water amount, and
"Max" of maximum water amount.
[0048] Generally in the treatment procedures, the steam generator 24 is heated by its internal
heater for water evaporation and the laundry is heated by air heater 32 (e.g. arranged
in a duct for blowing air into drum 2 by blower 16. After the drying program sequence
(step 2) heating of the laundry is normally not necessary, however, when step 6 starts
with cold laundry, a preceding warming-up of the laundry may be necessary to achieve
an optimized steam treatment result.
[0049] Between the steam treatment phases (between steps 3/5, 6/8) the drying and penetration
phase is switched (steps 4, 7). During these phases on the one hand the excess humidity
is removed by ventilation and on the other hand the humidity may homogenously penetrate
the laundry to equilibrate the humidity between the laundry surface and the laundry
core (the inner volume of the textiles).
[0050] In the column "Mechanic Mode" table 2 has the indication "Normal-Steam" which corresponds
to the mechanic mode "Normal-Steam" as shown in table 1. This means that the drum
movement is implemented as indicated in table 1, wherein the steam supply is only
provided during the steps 3, 5, 6, and 8 as indicated in table 2.
[0051] In the intermediate program sequence (step 9) the laundry is cooled by ventilation
using a high air flow rate through the drum and the condenser unit 18 may be operated
in case of circulation air drying. This enables removal of the laundry by the user
after the intermediate sequence and before executing the maintaining (or preservation)
anti-crease phase, such that the user does not come in contact with hot laundry. Also
in step 9 the condensed water from the reservoir of the condenser unit 18 is pumped
to the reservoir of the steam supply unit 24.
[0052] Steps 10 and 11 represent the preservation anti-crease program sequence during which
mainly the formation of new wrinkles is prevented or even the wrinkle removal result
achieved during the main treatment program sequences 1 and 2 (steps 3 to 8) is improved.
Steps 10 and 11 may be repeated several times - three times in this.example. In step
11 the laundry is dried down to the cupboard humidity'or, if optionally selected by
the user, the residual humidity is kept at damp level which helps the user ironing
the laundry after removal from the refreshment machine 10.
[0053] Table 3 shows a workflow for a treatment program "Wool Refreshment" in which the
starting condition of the wool textiles is dry and in which normally no anti-crease
program sequence is following the refreshment program sequence. Step 1 serves for
slackening the stored textiles (woolen textiles) and steps 2 to 4 represent the main
treatment program sequence, namely the refreshment program sequence. Under reference
to tables 1 and 2 the individual elements in the array of table 3 are self-explaining,
wherein the column "Mechanic Mode" indicates that the drum is moved according to the
mechanic mode "Wool Steam" from table 1. If necessary, the laundry can be heated up
during step 1, when the optimization of the steam treatment result (for step 2) requires
a minimum temperature of the laundry (wool textiles).
[0054] Steps 5 and 6 represent an anti-crease preparation program sequence used for preparing
the laundry for an optional anti-crease program sequence following after step 6 (not
shown), wherein in this case the anti-crease sequence has to be actively started by
the user. An anti-crease program sequence can for example be started, when the user
has no time to remove and hang up the textiles and so the formation of wrinkles is
prevented by activating the anti-crease program sequence comparable to steps 10 and
11 of table 2 adapted to wool treatment. The water amount Min/Med/Max is as in table
2, but amounts relatively adapted for wool treatment (i.e. Min of table 2 does not
necessarily mean the same amount of water in table 3).
[0055] Table 4 represents a workflow for a treatment program optimized for "business" clothes
refreshment in which no drying program sequence is used, but in which an anti-crease
program sequence follows (steps 6 and 7) after a refreshment program sequence (steps
2 to 4). With reference to the individual elements described in connection with tables
1 to 3, table 4 is self-explanatory. The particularity of table 4 is indicated in
the column "Mechanic Mode" in which during the refreshment program sequence (steps
2 to 4) the "Delicate Steam" mechanic mode of table 1 is implemented, while during
the intermediate phase (step 5) and the anti-crease program sequence (steps 6 and
7) the "Normal-Steam Mechanic Mode" of table 1 is implemented. For the relative water
amounts supplied into the drum as steam reference is made to the explanations above
for tables 2 and 3.
Reference Numerals List
[0056]
- 2
- drum
- 4
- inner space
- 6
- laundry
- 10
- refreshment machine
- 12
- control unit
- 14
- drive unit
- 16
- blower
- 18
- condenser unit
- 20
- humidity sensor
- 22
- .water pump unit
- 24
- steam supply unit
- 26
- additive supply unit
- 28
- display
- 30
- input panel
- 32
- air heater
- 34
- temperature sensor
- 36
- weight sensor
1. Textile treatment apparatus (10), in particular dryer or washing machine having refreshment,
anti-crease and/or drying function, comprising:
a control unit (12) adapted to control at least one treatment program, in particular
at least one treatment program comprising at least one drying, refreshment and/or
anti-crease program sequence;
an input unit (30) for selecting and/or initiating the at least one treatment program
by a user;
a drum (2) for storing textiles (6) to be treated; and
a drive unit (14) for rotating the drum (2);
characterized in that the control unit (12) is adapted to modify the drum rotation mode in dependency of
one or more of the following:
a) the textile type to be treated,
b) the humidity of the textiles,
c) the textile weight, and
d) the duration of the treatment program or treatment program sequence and/or from
one program sequence to another program sequence of the at least one treatment program.
2. Apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus (10) comprises a supply unit
(24, 26) adapted to supply at least one additive to the drum (2), in particular to
supply steam.
3. Apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (12) is adapted to control
the supply of the at least one additive during a drum rotation period wherein the
drum (2) is rotated according to the modified rotation mode, in particular adapted
to control the supply of steam in dependency of the modified drum rotation mode.
4. Apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control unit (12) is adapted to control
the supply of the at least one additive during or essentially during the drum rotation
movement.
5. Apparatus according to claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the control unit (12) is adapted to
stop or reduce the air flow through the drum during an additive supply phase.
6. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims 2 to 5, wherein the supply unit
(24, 26) has at least one nozzle unit arranged to supply the additive directly into
the drum (2).
7. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the apparatus. (10) comprises
a textile type detection unit adapted to detect the textile type and/or wherein the
input unit (30) comprises a first input element for manually inputting the textile
type.
8. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to set a higher drum rotation speed and/or higher ratio of drum rotation periods
/drum stop periods for non-sensitive textiles, in particular for Jeans or bed clothes.
9. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to set a lower drum rotation speed and/or lower ratio of drum rotation periods
/drum stop periods for delicate textiles, in particular for woolen, business or silk
textiles.
10. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to set a normal drum rotation speed for textiles of average sensitivity, in
particular for cotton T-shirts or shirts or casual textiles.
11. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the apparatus (10) comprises
a weight detection unit (36) adapted to detect the weight of the textiles stored in
the drum (2) and/or wherein the input unit (30) comprises a second input element for
manually inputting the textile weight or amount.
12. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to prevent or inactivate a refreshment and/or anti-crease sequence, if the
textile weight or amount is at or above a predefined weight or volume value.
13. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to indicate to a user of not starting or inactivating the refreshment and/or
anti-crease sequence.
14. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to set a higher drum rotation speed and/or higher ratio of drum rotation periods
/drum stop periods at higher textile weight or amount.
15. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to set a lower drum rotation speed and/or lower ratio of drum rotation periods
/drum stop periods at lower textile weight or amount.
16. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the apparatus (10) comprises
a humidity detection unit (20) adapted to detect the humidity of the textiles stored
in the drum (2) and/or wherein the input unit (30) comprises a third input element
for manually inputting the textile start humidity.
17. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to set a lower drum rotation speed and/or lower ratio of drum rotation periods
/drum stop periods at lower textile humidity.
18. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to set a higher drum rotation speed and/or higher ratio of drum rotation periods
/drum stop periods at higher textile humidity.
19. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to increase the ratio of rotation periods / stop periods of the drum rotation.
20. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the modification is made
over time with the textile humidity changing over time.
21. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) is
adapted to activate a refreshment and/or anti-crease sequence only if a start humidity
of the textiles is at or below a predefined first humidity value.
22. Apparatus according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (12) activates
a drying sequence before activating the refreshment and/or anti-crease sequence, if
the a start humidity of the textiles is at or above predefined second humidity value.
23. Apparatus according to claim 22, wherein the drying sequence is executed until the
textile humidity drops to or below a predefined third humidity value.
24. Method of treating textiles in a textile treatment apparatus (10), in particular in
a dryer or a washing machine having refreshment, anti-crease and/or drying function,
comprising:
selecting by a user and/or automatically selecting by the treatment apparatus (10)
one of a plurality of treatment programs, the treatment program including at least
one treatment program sequence, in particular at least one drying, refreshment and/or
anti-crease program sequence;
starting the selected treatment program;
at least temporarily agitating textiles (6) stored in a drum (2) of the apparatus
(10) by rotating the drum;
characterized in that the rotation mode of the drum (2) is modified in dependency of one or more of the
following:
a) the textile type to be treated,
b) the humidity of the textiles,
c) the textile weight, and
d) the duration of the treatment program or treatment program sequence and/or from
one program sequence to another program sequence of the at least one treatment program.
25. Method according to claim 24, wherein the modification of the drum rotation mode includes
one or more of the following: the maximum and/or average drum rotation speed, the
duty ratio of rotation periods/stop periods, the ratio of forward/inverse rotation
direction, the duration of rotation periods and the duration of stop periods.
26. Method according to claim 24 or 25, wherein at least temporarily at least one additive
is supplied into the drum (2), preferably during periods of drum rotation.
27. Method according to claim 26, wherein the one or one of the at least one additives
is steam.
28. Method according to claim 26 or 27, wherein the air flow through the drum (2) is stopped
or reduced during at least an additive supply period
29. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein execution of a refreshment
sequence is skipped when the start humidity value of the textiles is at or above a
predefined fourth value.
30. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein increasing (decreasing)
the ratio of rotation periods / stop periods of the drum rotation is performed by
increasing (decreasing) the rotation periods of the drum and/or by decreasing (increasing)
the stop periods of the drum.
31. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein the ratio of rotation
periods / stop periods is reduced (increased) over the normal ratio of rotation periods
/ stop periods by a factor of at least 1.5, preferably by at least a factor of 2,
3 or 5.
32. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein in case of drum
speed reduction (increase), the drum rotation speed is reduced (increased) over the
normal drum rotation speed by a factor of at least 1.3, preferably by at least 1.5,
1.7 or 2.
33. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein during the course
of the running treatment program the ratio of drum rotation periods / stop periods
is increased and/or the drum rotation speed is increased, in particular the average
or maximum drum rotation speed.
34. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein in the modified
drum rotation mode the ratio of forward rotation period / inverse rotation period
is modified.
35. Method or apparatus according claim 34, wherein the ratio of forward rotation period
/ inverse rotation period is increased or the inverse rotation is not activated in
case of delicate textiles, higher textile weight (load volume) and/or higher textile
humidity.
36. Method or apparatus according claim 34 or 35, wherein the ratio of forward rotation
period / inverse rotation period is decreased in case of resistant (non-sensitive)
textiles, lower textile weight (load volume) and/or low textile humidity.
37. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein the treatment program
is one or a combination of the following: a refreshment program, an anti-crease program,
a drying program, an iron-aid program.
38. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of
the following additives is supplied to the laundry during the maintaining sequence:
pure water, a mixture comprising water, a dry detergent, a disinfectant, an impregnant
and/or a softener.
39. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein water or a mixture
comprising more than 90% by weight water, preferably more than 95%, is the only additive
supplied to the laundry.
40. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one
additive is supplied as a fog, as an aerosol or as steam to the laundry, in particular
a droplet-free steam.
41. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein the steam temperature
is above 90°C, preferably above 100° or 110°C.
42. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein the at least one
additive is supplied in intervals and/or in a flushing manner to the laundry (6).
43. Method or apparatus according any of the previous claims, wherein a modification of
the drum rotation mode in dependency of the duration of the treatment program or treatment
program sequence and/or from one program sequence to another program sequence of the
at least one treatment program comprises modification of one or more of the following:
the rotation duty ratio,
the ratio of forward /inverse rotation direction,
the rotation maximum and/or average speed, and
the rotation cycle periodicity.