OPERATING CYCLE FOR A WASHING CLOTHING TREATMENT EQUIPMENT AND METHOD OF APPLYING A CHEMICAL WASHING

专利摘要:
operation cycle for a laundry treatment equipment, and method of applying a laundry treatment chemical. This is an operating cycle for a laundry treatment equipment having a rotating treatment chamber in which the laundry is received for treatment in accordance with an automatic operation cycle, the operation cycle including one phase. which includes spraying an exposed surface of the laundry with a pre-wetting liquid and a prewash phase including providing a dye fastener to the surface of the laundry wetted by the pre-wetting liquid. distribute a dye fixative to a laundry surface. belonging to the field of home appliances.
公开号:BR102014004974A2
申请号:R102014004974-6
申请日:2014-02-28
公开日:2018-02-14
发明作者:E. Alexander Benjamin；Ghosh Kaustav；J. Pinkowski Robert；K. Rogers Brian
申请人:Whirlpool Corporation；
IPC主号:

专利说明:

(54) Title: OPERATION CYCLE FOR WASHING CLOTHING EQUIPMENT AND METHOD OF APPLICATION OF A WASHING CLOTHING CHEMICAL PRODUCT (51) Int. Cl .: D06F 33/02; D06F 35/00; C11D 11/00 (30) Unionist Priority: 5/13/2013 US 61 / 822,750, 5/13/2013 US 61/822, 75015/03/2013 US 61 / 793,369, 5/13/2013 US 61/822, 75015/03/2013 US 61/793, 36922/01/2014 US 14 / 160,977 (73) Holder (s): WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION (72) Inventor (s): BENJAMIN E. ALEXANDER; KAUSTAV GHOSH; ROBERT J. PINKOWSKI; BRIAN K. ROGERS (74) Attorney (s): CARINA S RODRIGUES (57) Abstract: OPERATING CYCLE FOR WASHING CLOTHING EQUIPMENT, AND METHOD OF APPLICING A CHEMICAL PRODUCT FOR WASHING CLOTHING. This is an operating cycle for washing clothes handling equipment that has a rotating treatment chamber in which washing clothes are received for treatment according to an automatic operating cycle, the operating cycle including a pre -wetting which includes spraying an exposed surface of the laundry to be washed with a pre-wetting liquid and a pre-washing phase which includes supplying a dye fixative to the surface of the wet laundry to be washed by the pre-wetting liquid to distribute a dye for a laundry surface to wash. Belonging to the field of home appliances.
FIGURE 1/139 “OPERATING CYCLE FOR WASHING CLOTHING EQUIPMENT AND METHOD OF APPLICATION OF A WASHING CLOTHING CHEMICAL PRODUCT”
Cross-reference to related applications [0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent application No. No. 61 / 793,369 filed on March 15 , 2013, and provisional patent application No. US 61 / 822,750 deposited on May 13, 2013, both of which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
Fundamentals of the Invention [0002] Fabric items, such as clothing, towels, bedding, etc. can be colored using a variety of different dyes and dyeing processes. In a residential environment, caring for these dyed fabric items can present several challenges for the consumer. Some dyed fabric items may have excess or loose dye that can be washed off during a normal washing cycle in a washing machine and deposited again on other items in the laundry load to wash or leak into areas with different colors of the same item, for example. Excessive or loose dyes can also be transmitted to the consumer or other surfaces during wear or use. Separating laundry items prior to washing into “similar color” loads, or washing items separately can solve some dye transfer problems, but can be time-consuming and ineffective for the user. In addition, errors in load separation can cause dye transfer, which cannot be easily removed, potentially destroying the item.
Brief summary [0003] According to one embodiment, an operating cycle for distributing a dye fixative on a laundry surface comprises a pre-wetting step that includes spraying an exposed surface of the laundry to be washed with a washing liquid. pre-wetting and a prePetition phase 870180002487, from 11/01/2018, p. 6/144 / 139 wash which includes supplying a dye fixative to the surface of the wash load wetted by the pre-wetting liquid.
Brief description of the drawings [0004] In the drawings:
[0005] Figure 1 is a flow chart illustrating a washing cycle for inhibiting dye transfer according to an embodiment of the invention. [0006] Figures 2A and 2B are schematic side views in cross section of a vertical geometric axis washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0007] Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a controller for controlling the operation of one or more components of the washing machine of Figures 2A and 2B according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0008] Figure 4 is a flow chart illustrating a method for supplying a treatment chemical product according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0009] Figure 5 is a flow chart illustrating a method for supplying a treatment chemical, such as a dye fixative, according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0010] Figures 6A, 6B and 6C are schematic cross-sectional side views of a washing machine that illustrates a method for wetting a load of laundry to be washed according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0011] Figure 7 is a flowchart that illustrates a method for supplying a treatment chemical for a laundry item according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0012] Figure 8 is a flowchart that illustrates methods for implanting an intermediate phase according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0013] Figure 9 is a flow chart that illustrates a method for implanting a rinse phase according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0014] Figure 10 is a schematic side view in cross section of a horizontal geometric axis washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 7/144 / 139 [0015] Figure 11 is a flowchart that illustrates a method for supplying a treatment chemical according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0016] Figure 12 is a graph representing change in concentration of a dye fixative over time according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0017] Figure 13 is a flow chart illustrating a method for determining an amount of dye absorbent to be supplied during an operating cycle according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0018] Figure 14 is a representative absorbance spectrum for a dye absorber in the presence and absence of a dye according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0019] Figure 15 is a flow chart that illustrates a method for removing dye according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0020] Figure 16 is a flow chart illustrating a method for inhibiting dye transfer during an operating cycle according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0021] Figure 17A is a flow chart illustrating a method for supplying a dye fixative for a load of laundry to be washed according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0022] Figure 17B is a flow chart illustrating a method for supplying a dye fixative for a load of laundry to be washed according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0023] Figure 18 is a flow chart illustrating a method for supplying a dye fixative for a load of laundry to be washed according to one embodiment of the invention.
[0024] Figure 19 is a flow chart illustrating a method of treating a surface of a laundry item in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
[0025] Figure 20 is a flow chart that illustrates a method for treating a new laundry item according to an embodiment of the invention.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 8/144 / 139 [0026] Figure 21 is a flowchart that illustrates a method for treating a new laundry item according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0027] Figure 22 is a flowchart that illustrates a method for treating a new laundry item according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0028] Figure 23 is a schematic view of a clothes dryer.
[0029] Figure 24 is a schematic view of a dryer controller in Figure 23.
[0030] Figure 25 is a flow chart illustrating a method for communicating dye transfer information between a washing machine and a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0031] Figure 26 is a flow chart illustrating a method for communicating dye transfer information between a washing machine and a clothes dryer according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0032] Figure 27 is a flowchart illustrating a method for inhibiting dye transfer in a wash cycle according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0033] Figure 28 is a flow chart illustrating a method for removing dye fixative from a laundry item according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0034] Figure 29 is a schematic side view in cross section of a vertical geometric axis washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0035] Figure 30 is a flow chart that illustrates a color care operation cycle according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0036] Figure 31 illustrates a process for supplying a treatment chemical product according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0037] Figures 32A and 32B illustrate graphs representative of a change in the level of liquid in a reservoir of a washing machine over time, during a recirculation process according to an embodiment of the invention.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 9/144 / 139 [0038] Figure 33 illustrates a graph representing a change in a liquid level in a washing machine reservoir during an adaptive filling and recirculation process according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0039] Figure 34 illustrates a schematic side view in cross section of a horizontal geometric axis washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0040] Figure 35 illustrates a process for supplying a treatment chemical product according to an embodiment of the invention.
Detailed Description of the Invention [0041] The modalities of the invention relate to methods and compositions for inhibiting unwanted transfer of dye between items of fabric in a load of laundry to be washed during treatment in a laundry treatment equipment. For use in the present invention, dye transfer is used to refer to the broader phenomenon of transferring a dye from an area of a fabric item to an adjacent area of the same fabric item that is not dyed with the dye transferred and / or a different fabric or surface item. Dye transfer can occur through direct physical contact between the dyed item and another surface, or as a result of the dye moving away from the fabric surface and in a solution with a solvent in contact with the fabric surface. Once the dye has been distributed in the solution (through suspension, dispersion or solubilization), the dye can be deposited on other surfaces, which includes other items of fabric, also in contact with the solution. Dye leakage is another term in the technique that, for use in the present invention, refers to the separation of a dye from the surface of a fabric in solution or over an area with a different color of the same fabric. Dye transfer, for use in the present invention, is intended to be generic in any way in which the dye can move between items of fabric or within the same item of fabric. In this sense, dye leakage is a type of dye transfer. For use in the present invention, separation is used
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 10/144 / 139 as the general term to include various phenomena that include the distribution of a substance between two immiscible or slightly immiscible phases based on the relative solubility of the substance within the two phases and the sorption and desorption of a substance between a solid phase and a surrounding medium or between two solid phases. The term sorption refers to the absorption in which a substance is distributed within the solid phase or adsorption, the process by which a substance is distributed on the surface of a solid phase.
[0042] The transfer of dye between items of fabric when washing clothes in a residential environment can destroy items in the laundry load to wash to the consumer's dissatisfaction. One way in which the transfer of dye during a laundry treatment operation cycle in a washing machine has been solved is by separating or ordering loads of laundry to be washed based on the color of the items to be washed. For example, typically, washing machines and laundry detergents instruct consumers to order cargo and wash items with “similar colors”, and consumers may additionally be instructed to order clothes to wash in a load of jeans, a load of light clothes and a load of dark clothes. Ordering clothes to wash in this way can be inconvenient for the consumer and an error during ordering, such as accidentally washing a red sock with a load of light clothes, can result in an undesirable dye transfer between the red sock and the light clothes , effectively destroying light clothing for the consumer. In addition, ordering loads can be ineffective as a consumer has to wait until enough items of a single type are ready for washing clothes or run multiple cycles with smaller loads as items are ready for washing clothes , with the latter typically leading to more general use of water and energy.
[0043] Textile manufacturers have developed procedures and chemicals to solve the problem of dye leakage and color fastness to washing during manufacturing that can address transfer problems.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 11/144 / 139 dye in the subsequent use of the textile and care of the fabric item made from the dyed textile. For example, additional washes and rinses can be included in the dyeing process by the fabric manufacturer to remove excess or loose dyes from the fabric. In addition, certain treatment chemicals can be added to washes and rinses to facilitate removal of loose or excess dyes from the fabric. The dyed fabric can also be treated with a fabric finish to minimize dye leakage and increase wash fastness. However, the use and quality of processes used by different manufacturers can vary significantly. In a residential setting, when a consumer loads a washing machine for a laundry cycle, the consumer usually has no way of knowing whether laundry items have been treated or not to minimize dye transfer during a laundry cycle. clothes, and what are the dye transfer risks.
[0044] In an industrial environment, the variables of the type of fabric, dye and uniformity of the material are known, the controlled variables that can be used to determine which processes to implement to minimize the leakage of dye. In a residential environment, these variables are not typically known and / or controllable. A washing machine loaded by a consumer does not consist of a controlled scenario: the load probably consists of a mixture of different fabrics and / or colors, with the exact composition unknown to the washer. A single piece of clothing can have multiple types of fabric and / or different dyes. A consumer can order the load of laundry to be washed based on color, but mix different types of fabric, or order the load based on the type of fabric, but different dyes may be present. A consumer is probably still unaware of whether dye transfer is a matter of concern or whether items from the laundry load to wash have been treated to minimize dye transfer or the quality of such treatments. Thus, both the project and the implantation of processes and chemical products
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 12/144 / 139 to minimize the transfer of dye in a residential environment, there are many challenges that are not relevant for an industrial environment.
[0045] The methods and chemicals described in this document are provided to facilitate the washing of clothes of mixed or unordered loads of clothes to wash, that is, loads that include multiple types of dye and / or fabrics, which include different types of fiber, fabric construction and fabric finishes, in a washing machine and clothes dryer. The methods and chemicals described in this document can be used to inhibit the transfer of dye from one fabric item to another fabric item during a laundry cycle so that unordered charges can be washed with minimal or no dye transfer between items. Inhibition of dye transfer may include inhibiting the separation of the dye away from the fabric surface and / or inhibiting the redistribution of the dye on another fabric surface. In addition, the methods and chemicals described in this document can also minimize the transfer of dye from one fabric item to another surface that may come in contact with the fabric item. It will be understood that, except where otherwise noted, the methods and chemicals described in this document may be used interchangeably even when not explicitly described as such.
[0046] A brief description of the types of chemicals that can be used to facilitate inhibition of dye transfer and the most commonly used types of dyes can be useful here.
[0047] For use in the present invention, a dye transfer inhibitor or dye transfer inhibiting agent is used to refer to any substance that inhibits dye transfer. The two main groups of dye inhibitors include dye absorbers and dye fixatives. Dye fixatives are generally molecules that preferably separate from the solution on a tissue surface. The most fixatives are high molecular weight polymers that have repeating monomers of a cationic functional group
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 13/144 / 139 or anionic in order to assist in the favorable separation on tissues through favorable electrostatic interactions in multiple regions within a fixing molecule and charged (ionizable) fibers and due to the fact that large molecules have entropy restrictions that prevent large molecules to remain dissolved in an aqueous solution. Dye fixers can interact with the fabric surface and form a polymeric layer or film that prevents the dyes from separating from the fabric surface in the solution.
[0048] Dye absorbers are generally molecules that preferably interact with the dye molecules through electrostatic interactions or hydrophobic forces (eg micelle formation) to attract the dye molecules and suspend the dye molecules in the solution aqueous, thereby inhibiting the transfer of the dye molecules to another surface of the tissue. Due to the fact that most ionic dyes are anionic in nature, dye absorbers that act through electrostatic interactions are designed to be cationic in nature in their active state - typically molecules that comprise polyamine or quaternary groups or aromatic pyridine groups . Typically these cationic polymers are smaller in molecule size compared to dye fixers to allow them to remain suspended in solution. In addition, surfactants above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) can self-assemble into a micelle structure that has a hydrophobic core that can act as a dye absorber by capturing and suspending the dye in solution. Although surfactant micelles generally function as dye absorbers for all types of dye, they consist of one of the few dye absorbers that form complexes and suspend dispersed non-ionic dyes. Dye absorbers can also be from the group of molecules that form guest complexes with hydrophobic molecules, such as cyclodextrin, for example. In general, since the dye absorbers interact with the dye molecules, the dye absorber-dye molecule complex remains suspended in solution. In addition to complexing with solution dyes,
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10/139 dye absorbents can also preferably remove loose dyes from fabric surfaces and keep them suspended in solution.
[0049] There are several different types of dyes that are commonly used in dyeing clothing and other laundry items that vary depending on the type of fiber that is dyed. Basin and sulfur dyes are non-polar water-insoluble pigments with no affinity for the fiber of the fabric, and are commonly used in dyeing jeans and towels. Dyeing with tub dye (Vatting) is a process by which the solubilized dye enters the cotton and viscose fibers of the fabric and the subsequent oxidation causes the dye to become insoluble in water. Indigo is one of the most common tub dyes currently used. Tub dyes can present the consumer with several challenges in caring for items dyed with tub dyes. Improper treatment by the textile manufacturer, such as failing to remove free or excess dye or inappropriate oxidation, which can result in dyes that are not attached to the fabric, can lead to dye transfer in the form of draining or leakage of the dye during washing or when wet and can also result in unsatisfactory frictional resistance (that is, the dye can transfer to other surfaces, such as other clothing, furniture or the consumer that the dyed fabric comes into contact with). In addition, washing the fabric in high alkalinity can promote the removal of dye from the fabric. Sulfur dyes consist of another example of tub dyes, in which the dye is solubilized, in this example, by reduction in sodium sulfide, and subsequent oxidation renders the sulfur dye insoluble. Sulfur black is an example of a commonly used tub dye. Loose tub dyes are said to be dyes that are not oxidized or are present on the surface of fabrics. Non-oxidized tub dyes are anionic in nature and typically separate easily from cotton fabrics in an aqueous solution based on their small size and polar nature.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 15/144 / 139 [0050] Dispersed dyes are neutral dyes and are typically used to dye acetate and polyester fabrics. Dispersed dyes consist of slightly water-soluble dyes that diffuse from the solution into the fibers and preferably remain dispersed within the fibers due to hydrophobic interactions between the fibers and the dye. Dispersing agents are used to facilitate dispersion of the dye in the dye bath to dye the fabric. In general, and everything else being equal, the higher the molecular weight of the dispersed dye, the greater the color fastness or washing of the dye. For use in the present invention, the term wash-fastness is a descriptive term that refers to the extent to which a dye is retained by the fabric during treatment of the dyed fabric in a washing machine. For example, a high degree of wash resistance refers to a dye that is mainly retained by the fabric and does not leak or otherwise transfer during treatment in the washing machine; a low degree or no wash resistance refers to a dye that is not retained by the fabric and leaks or is otherwise transferred during treatment. Typically, only over-dyed or over-dyed fabric presents a dye leak challenge during treatment in a washing machine. In the case of polyester, only excess dye molecules that are not associated with the fabric fibers present a potential dye leak problem due to the fact that the rest of the dye molecules are blocked within the polyester matrix of the fabric, while less below the polyester glass transition temperature. A loose dispersed dye is typically a dye that has not entered the crystalline matrix of the polyester.
[0051] Direct dyes are anionic dyes that typically include a sulfonate group and are used to dye cotton fibers. Direct dyes interact with cotton fibers mainly through cumulative van der Waal or London dispersion forces and hydrophobic forces. Cottons dyed with direct dyes are often treated with post-processing techniques, such as treatment with a dye fixative or treatment to remove loose dye to address dye leakage and wash fastness. O
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 16/144 / 139 anionic group (eg sulfonate) of direct dyes has a small cationic counterion (typically sodium) and if the dye exhaustion was not done well, the sodium ion can dissociate from the dye in an aqueous washing solution, resulting in the direct dye that is deprotonated and therefore hydrophilic, which can lead to leakage in an aqueous washing liquid. In addition, certain types of surfactants can interrupt the interaction between cotton fibers and dye molecules, which can lead to an increase in dye leakage. In addition, due to the fact that the interaction between direct dyes and cotton is based on weak and non-permanent molecular interactions, water and mechanical action can also increase dye leakage. Loose direct dyes typically consist of dyes that are not well depleted with NaCl (suggesting that dissociable Na counter ions are left) or not rinsed well.
[0052] Acid dyes are anionic dyes that include a sulfonate group, similar to direct dyes, but are typically smaller than direct dyes. Acid dyes are usually used to dye wool, silk and nylon fibers, with the negatively charged sulfonate group of the dye interacting with the positively charged nylon amide at a low pH, where the nylon amide group is in a protonated form. . Typically, nylon is heated above its glass transition temperature (about 40 ^o C to nylon 6.6.) To promote the penetration of acid dye molecules into the fabric during dyeing. The nylon is cooled at the end of the dyeing process to trap the dyes inside the nylon. Even though the interaction between the dye and the fiber is an electrostatic interaction, the crystalline nylon matrix can prevent dye leakage from adhered dye molecules, even during a subsequent increase in pH (for example, when washing clothes). However, there is a potential for nylon over-extinction after cationic nylon fiber sites are depleted. In addition, dyed nylon may have minor washing strength in the presence of certain surfactants, such as a linear alkyl benzene sulfonate (LAS), which has a sulfonate group similar to dye molecules, and is more active than
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 17/144 / 139 surface than the acid dye and some other types of surfactants and, therefore, may have a greater potential to displace loose dyes from the nylon surface. A loose acid dye is typically a dye that has not entered the crystalline matrix of the nylon.
[0053] Reactive dyes are dyes that covalently bind to the fibers of the fabric through reactive sites in the fibers, the most common being cotton fibers. Once the dye molecule reacts with the cotton fiber, the dye is completely washed away quickly. However, during the dyeing process, competitive reactions can result in hydrolysis of the reactive group of the dye molecule, leaving a dye molecule that it can interact with and be carried by cotton fibers, but is no longer able to bind covalently with the fibers. Failure to properly remove unreacted dyes from the cotton fiber matrix can result in loose dye molecules that can leak in a subsequent laundry process.
[0054] With reference now to Figure 1, an exemplary method for treating a load of laundry to be washed according to a dye transfer inhibition wash cycle 10 is illustrated. Although the methods described in this document are discussed in context of a mixed load of clothes to wash, that is, an unordered load of clothes to wash that is not uniform in at least one of the type of fabric and the color of the fabric dye, it will be understood that it is within the scope of the invention also use methods with ordered loads of laundry. In addition, it will be understood that the sequence of steps represented is for illustrative purposes only, and is not intended to limit the methods described in this document in any way, as it is understood that the steps may proceed in a different logical order, steps additional or intervening elements can be included, or the steps described can be divided into multiple steps, without devaluing the invention. In addition, although wash cycle 10 is described in the context of inhibiting dye transfer, it will be understood that individual stages of the wash cycle
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14/139 washing 10 and the additional methods described in this document can also be used for additional purposes, such as facilitating the distribution of a treatment chemical, for example.
[0055] For use in the present invention, the term washing liquid refers to a combination of water and at least one treatment chemical to provide detergent to remove dirt from laundry, and may also include other cleaning chemicals. treatment. Dirt from laundry can refer to subject, oils and stains, such as it can be caused by food, dyes, drinks, environmental soil or body fluids, for example. The term rinse liquid or rinse water refers to any liquid used to rinse a treatment chemical and can include water with one or more treatment chemicals or just water. The washing liquid can be just water, in which case it can be mentioned as a rinse water or water. The term treatment liquid is a generic term that refers to a combination of water and at least one treatment chemical, which can refer to a washing liquid, a rinse liquid or any other liquid that has at least one treatment chemical. The terms recirculated liquid and recirculated water refer to water or a combination of water and one or more treatment agents that is pumped from a collection area and reapplied to laundry, with or without the addition of additional water from domestic water source. For use in the present invention, the term liquid is generic and includes all types of liquid, which includes, without limitation, washing liquid, rinse liquid, rinse water, water, recirculated liquid, etc.
[0056] The supply or application of liquid to the laundry to be washed can be done in any desired way, such as, without limitation, directly and / or indirectly, and can be done as pouring, spraying or spraying. The liquid supply will typically be in the treatment chamber, in which the laundry is located, from a water source or dispenser and / or supplying water or a chemical treatment product to a collection area from which the The liquid is then pumped and sprayed or sprayed in the treatment chamber. Besides that,
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15/139 when the laundry to be washed is located inside a rotating drum inside a tub, the supply or application of a liquid may also include the supply of liquid to the tub and rotation of the drum such that the laundry to be washed inside of the drum rotate through the liquid in the bowl.
[0057] The dye transfer prevention wash cycle 10 can start with an optional pre-wetting phase 12 in which the laundry can be pre-wetted with a liquid. A prewash stage 14 may include treating the laundry load to be washed with a treatment chemical, an exemplary embodiment of which includes a dye fixative. A main wash step 16 may include washing the laundry with a detergent-based laundry composition and optionally treating the laundry with an additional treatment chemical, such as a dye absorber. In the rinse phase 18, the laundry load can be treated with an additional fabric softener and dye absorber followed by an extraction step at 20, which can include spinning the laundry at high speeds to remove excess liquid from the load of laundry to wash. The wash cycle 10 can also include an optional laundry load detection step 22.
[0058] The pre-wetting phase 12 may include wetting the laundry load to wash with a limited amount of liquid before applying a treatment chemical to 14. The liquid can be any treatment liquid or water from the source of water without any additional substances added to the water. Although the pre-wetting phase 12 is generally described in the context of pre-wetting with water without any additional substances added to the water by the washing machine, it will be understood that the pre-wetting phase 12 can be implanted in a similar manner with a liquid treatment that includes a treatment chemical.
[0059] The liquid can be applied to the laundry to wash at a predetermined rate for a predetermined period of time, although the laundry to be washed is being rotated inside the treatment chamber. The liquid can be
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16/139 added during the pre-wetting phase 12 to wet the laundry to wash to promote the distribution of the treatment chemical in the subsequent pre-washing phase 14 without adding too much liquid in such a way that dye transfer occurs. In one example, the liquid supplied during the pre-wetting phase 12 may be just water; in another example, the liquid may include an emulsion to make the laundry surface hydrophobic to facilitate the delivery of a subsequently supplied treatment chemical, such as a dye fixative. In addition, the pre-wet phase 12 can be used in a similar way to pre-wet the laundry to be washed before the main wash phase 16, if there is no pre-wash phase 14. If too much liquid is added, the loose dye can split into the liquid and can transfer to other items in the cargo as the liquid is distributed through the cargo. If too much liquid is added, if the laundry is saturated or not, the liquid with the loose dyes can also seep from one laundry item to the other and transfer the dye. Therefore, the pre-wetting phase 12 is not intended to saturate the laundry to be washed or to have liquid flow. If the load is agitated or spun at too high a speed, such as speeds that correspond to a force of 1 G for that particular drum, dye transfer could occur between laundry items.
[0060] Furthermore, although the laundry to be washed can be rotated or reoriented during the pre-wetting phase 12 to distribute the liquid added during the pre-wetting phase 12, the excessive shaking of the laundry to be washed or the laundry to be rotated to washing at too high a speed can facilitate the transfer of dye between laundry items. Without sticking to any theory, it is believed that pre-wetting the laundry to wash with liquid before applying the dye fixative can facilitate the more uniform distribution of the dye fixative on the fabrics by reducing interfacial driving forces and reducing a tissue penetration rate and / or a dye fixative fixation rate. Pre-sealing can also facilitate the distribution of treatment chemicals
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17/139 in addition to dye fixatives, such as laundry detergent or fabric softener, for example.
[0061] During the pre-wetting phase 12, laundry to be dried (ie laundry to be washed that has not been previously wetted by the washing machine during the current operating cycle) may be wetted with liquid while the laundry is spinning at a low speed, passing through a spray nozzle for misting or spraying, as will be described in greater detail below. Exemplary rotation speeds include 20 to 60 rpm, but preferably can be in the range of 20 to 30 rpm. For use in the present invention, the terms mist and spray are interchangeable and refer to a phenomenon in which the liquid is sprayed in droplets with a diameter and spray rate in which the droplets will be temporarily suspended in the air until they collide or condense on a surface, they coalesce to form droplets of water that are too large to remain suspended in the air and fall due to gravity, or evaporate to form a vapor. The spray nozzle can be configured to spray the mist as fine droplets, in the order of 10 to 100 microns in diameter, become suspended in the air and remain suspended in the air as the droplets slowly settle on the laundry load to to wash. The spray nozzle can be configured to use very little liquid, for example, less than 500 mL / min., So that the mist that settles on the laundry is absorbed on the surface of the laundry to be washed. it comes into contact, but the volume of liquid is not such that the liquid “drips” from the laundry to wash. The liquid can be sprayed on the laundry to wash during the pre-wash phase 12, while the laundry is spinning at a speed similar to the speed that the drum rotates during the pre-wash phase 14, such that generally The same areas of the laundry to be wet during the pre-wetting phase 12 can also be wetted during the pre-washing phase 14. It has been found that wetting the laundry to be washed in this way with very little liquid improves the distribution of a treatment chemical, such as
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18/139 as a dye fixative, which can be supplied in the subsequent phase, such as the pre-wash phase 14, or the main wash phase 16 if there is no pre-wash phase, for a measurable amount.
[0062] Although the pre-wash phase 14 is described as being subsequent to the pre-wet phase 12, it will be understood that the pre-wash phase 14 can occur at the same time as the pre-wet phase, which means that the the pre-wetting phase 12 and the pre-washing phase 14 can occur during the same period of time or overlap at least partially. In one example, the pre-wash phase 14 can be started at some delayed time after a start of the pre-wet phase 12 such that the pre-wash phase 14 occurs for at least part of the same time as the pre-wetting step 12. In another example, the pre-wetting step 12 and the pre-wetting step 14 can be repeated alternately two or more times before proceeding to the next step in the cycle.
[0063] Figure 2A illustrates a laundry treatment equipment in the form of a vertical 50 axis washing machine, which can be used to implement an operating cycle, such as the prevention wash cycle. dye transfer 10. Although the modalities of the invention are described in the context of a washing machine, it will be understood that many of the modalities are applicable to any laundry treatment equipment, such as a clothes dryer or washing machine combination. washing clothes / dryer to distribute a treatment chemical and inhibit dye transfer.
[0064] The washing machine 50 includes a cabinet or housing 52 and a non-perforated bowl 54 that defines an inner part 56 of the washing machine 50. A reservoir 58 can be in fluid communication with the inner part 56 of the bowl 54. A perforated washing drum or basket 60 can be located inside the inner part 56 and rotatable with respect to the bowl 54 and can define a washing laundry treatment chamber 62 for receiving a load of laundry to wash. The rotation of the drum 60 can be considered as the rotation of any
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19/139 items located inside the treatment chamber 62. Drum 60 may include a plurality of perforations or openings (not shown) such that the liquid supplied to drum 60 can flow through the perforations to bowl 54. An agitator or clothes changer 64 can be located inside the washing treatment chamber 62 and rotating with respect to and / or with the drum 60. Although the modalities of the invention are described in the context of a washing machine that has a rotating drum located inside a tub, it will be understood that the modalities can also be used in a washing machine that has a non-perforated drum without a tub.
[0065] The drum 60 and / or the clothes mover 64 can be driven by an electric motor 66, which may or may not include a gearbox, operably connected to the drum 60 and / or the clothes mover 64. The laundry mover 64 can commonly be swung or rotated about its geometric axis of rotation during an operating cycle, in order to provide movement for the fabric load contained within the laundry washing chamber 62. Drum 60 can be rotated at high speed to centrifugally extract the liquid from the tissue load and to discharge it from the drum 60. The top of housing 52 may include a selective opening lid 68 to provide access to the treatment chamber washing clothes 62 through an open top of the drum 60.
[0066] Also with reference to Figure 2A, a sprinkler system 70 can be provided to spray liquid, such as water or a combination of water and one or more treatment chemicals on the open top of drum 60 and on laundry to wash placed inside the laundry treatment chamber 62. Non-limiting examples of treatment chemicals that can be dispensed by the dispensing system during an operating cycle include one or more of the following: water, surfactants, detergents, enzymes, fragrances , stiffness / ironing agents, wrinkle releasing / reducing agents, softeners, antistatic or electrostatic agents, stain repellents, water repellents, energy extraction / reduction aids, agents
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 24/144 / 139 antibacterials, medicinal agents, vitamins, humectants, shrinkage inhibitors, dye fixatives, dye absorbers, bleaches and combinations thereof.
[0067] The sprinkler system 70 can be coupled with a treatment chemical dispensing system (not shown) to supply the treatment chemical alone or mixed with water from the water source 72 for the laundry to wash. The dispensing system can include a dispenser which can be a single use dispenser, a bulk dispenser or a combination of a bulk and single dispenser. Non - limiting examples of suitable dispensers are disclosed in U.S. Patent No. US 8,196,441, to Hendrickson et al., Issued June 12, 2012, entitled "Household Cleaning Appliance with the Dispensing System Operable Between the Single Use Dispensing System and the Bulk Dispensing System", patent No. US 8,388,695, to Hendrickson et al., Issued on March 5 , 2013, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Controlling Laundering Aid Wash Cycle Concentration by Sensing", patent No. US 8,397,328, to Hendrickson et al., Issued March 19, 2013, entitled "Apparatus and Method for Controlling Concentration of Aid Wash in Wash Liquid", publication No. US 2010/0000581, Doyle et al., Filed on July 1, 2008, entitled "Water Flow Paths in the Household Cleaning Appliance Use with Single and Bulk Dispensing", publication No. US 2010/0000264, the Luckman et al., Filed on July 1 , 2008, entitled "Method for Converting Household Cleaning the appliance with a Non-Bulk to the Dispensing System Household Cleaning Appliance with a Bulk Dispensing System", patent No . US 8,397,544, to Hendrickson, granted on March 19, 2013, entitled "Household Cleaning Appliance with a Single Water Flow Path for Both Non-Bulk and Bulk Dispensing" and Patent No. US 8,438,881, granted on May 14, 2013, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Dispensing Treating Chemistry in a Laundry Treating Appliance”, which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety.
[0068] The dispensing system may also include a system for determining information related to the treatment chemical supplied
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 25/144 / 139 for the dispensing system and for communicating information with the controller 82. In one example, the information related to the treatment chemical can be determined directly using one or more sensors, of which the examples are not Limiters include a chemical sensor, a pH sensor, or a fluorescence or UV / VIS absorbance sensor. In another example, the information related to the treatment chemical can be carried by a container that stores the treatment chemical which can be communicated wirelessly with the washing machine controller 82 (for example, through a system RFID) or through a wired connection. In another example, the washing machine may include an optical based communication system, such as a barcode and barcode reader for communicating information related to the treatment chemical. Non-limiting examples of information related to the treatment chemical that can be supplied to controller 82 include an identity or characteristic of the treatment chemical or one or more components of the treatment chemical; dosage information, such as concentration or quantity; dispensing information, such as amount, concentration, time to dispense, or a number of times to dispense; and cycle usage information, such as which cycle, phase or stage to dispense the chemical treatment. In yet another example, the user can enter information related to the treatment chemical using the user interface 84. The exact way in which the information related to the treatment chemical supplied to the dispensing system is provided to the controller 82 is not relevant to the modalities of the invention.
[0069] The sprinkler system 70 can be configured to supply water directly from a household water source 72 and / or from basin 54 and spray it on laundry to be washed through a sprinkler 74. The sprinkler system sprinkler 70 can also be configured to recirculate the wash water from the bowl 54, which includes the reservoir 58, and spray it on the laundry. The sprinkler system 70 can also include additional sprinklers and
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 26/144 / 139 other components for supplying liquid to one or more additional locations, such as a part of an inner part 56 between drum 60 and bowl 54, an outer surface of drum 56, an inner surface of drum 56 and a inner surface of the tub 54. The nature of the sprinkler system is not pertinent to the invention and, therefore, any suitable sprinkler system can be used with the laundry washing equipment 50.
[0070] A pump 76 can be housed below the bowl 54. The pump 76 can have an inlet fluidly coupled to the reservoir 58 and an outlet configured to fluidly coupling any or both home drain 78 as a recirculation duct 80. In this configuration, pump 76 can be used to drain or recirculate the liquid in reservoir 58, which is initially sprinkled in treatment chamber 62, flows through drum 60 and then into reservoir 58. Alternatively, two separate pumps can be used instead of the single pump, as described earlier.
[0071] The washing machine 50 also includes a control system to control the operation of the washing machine 50 to implement one or more operating cycles. The control system can include a controller 82 located inside cabinet 52 and a user interface 84 that is operably coupled with controller 82. User interface 82 can include one or more buttons, dials, switches, displays, screens touch sensitive, and the like, for communication with the user, such as receiving input and providing output. The user can enter different types of information that includes, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options.
[0072] Controller 82 may include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided to control any of the components of the washing machine 50. For example, controller 82 may include the machine controller and a motor controller. Many known types of controllers can be used for controller 82. The specific type of controller is not relevant to the invention. It is noted that controller 82 is a microprocessor-based controller that deploys control software and sends / receives one or more
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 27/144 / 139 electrical signals to / from each of the various components working to make the control software. As an example, proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI) and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID control), can be used to control the various components .
[0073] As shown in Figure 3, controller 82 can be provided with a memory 96 and a central processing unit (CPU) 98. Memory 96 can be used to store the control software that is run by the CPU on completion of an operating cycle using the washing machine 50 and any additional software. Examples, without limitation, of operating cycles include: wash, heavy wash, delicate wash, quick wash, prewash, renew, rinse only, timed wash and any of the operating cycles described in this document. Memory 96 can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from one or more components of the washing machine 50 which can be communicatively coupled with controller 82. A database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more operating cycles, which include factory preset values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control system or by user input.
[0074] Controller 82 can be operably coupled with one or more components of the washing machine 50 for communication with and control of component operation to complete an operating cycle. For example, controller 82 can be operably coupled with motor 66, pump 76, sprinkler 74 and any other additional components that may be present, such as a steam generator, a treatment chemical dispenser and a reservoir heater (not shown) to control the operation of these and other components to implement one or more operating cycles.
[0075] Controller 82 can also be coupled with one or more sensors provided in one or more washing machine systems 50 to receive the
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 28/144 / 139 input from sensors 99, which are known in the art and not shown for simplicity. Non-limiting examples of sensors 99 that can be communicatively coupled with controller 82 include: a treatment chamber temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a weight sensor, a chemical sensor, an optical sensor, a conductivity sensor, a turbidity sensor, a position sensor and an engine torque sensor, which can be used to determine a variety of system characteristics, laundry and liquid, such as mass or inertness of laundry load to wash. [0076] Still referring to Figure 2A, the sprinkler 74 can be controlled during the pre-wetting phase 12 to spray a mist or spray of water or other treatment chemical in the treatment chamber 62 to wet a load of laundry to washing 86. In a vertical geometric washing machine, the liquid sprayed in the treatment chamber 62 will come from above the laundry load 86 through the open top of the drum 60. During sprinkling, an exposed upper surface of the laundry load 86 will first be placed in contact with the liquid sprinkled from sprinkler 74. With continued sprinkling from sprinkler 74, the liquid can move through and around the exposed upper surface of load 86 to other surfaces of the load 86. The exposed upper surface of the laundry load 86 can be mentioned as a first attack surface 88 for the liquid sprinkled from the sprinkler 74.
[0077] Controller 82 can be configured to determine a dye transfer event. Controller 82 or a communication module located therein or operably coupled to it can be configured to send a communication that a dye transfer event has occurred. For example, such communication can be sent to a dryer. It will be understood that the communication can be a wireless communication and / or a wired communication.
[0078] During the pre-wetting phase 12, the washing clothes can be rotated while the sprinkler 74 sprinkles water or a mixture of water and a
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 29/144 / 139 treatment chemical in the treatment chamber 62 to wet the first attack surface 88. The rotation of the laundry to wash may include the rotation of the drum 60 or actuation of the laundry mover 64 to move the laundry to wash. It is also within the scope of the invention for sprinkler 74 to rotate in relation to laundry. Sprinkler 74 can be controlled in order to wet the first attack surface 88 without excessively wetting the laundry to wash 86, such that the amount of water moving from one fabric surface to another is minimized. As described above, if too much water is sprinkled on load 86, the dye released from the tissues that form load 86 can split into water and can be transferred to other items on load 86. Sprinkler 74 can sprinkle water as a mist or spray of fine water droplets configured to be suspended in the air when sprinkled and settle slowly on the exposed surface of the laundry, that is, the first attack surface 88, to facilitate coverage of the entire first attack surface area 88, while minimizing the volume of water used. For example, as described above, sprinkler 74 can be configured to spray mist like fine droplets, on the order of 10 to 100 microns in diameter, at a rate of less than 500 mL / min., Which uses very little water, but sufficient, so that a mist that settles on the laundry is absorbed on the surface of the laundry. [0079] The application of the liquid during the pre-wetting phase 12 as a mist allows the liquid to be supplied to the laundry to wash in a volume, droplet size and rate such that the liquid can be absorbed on the surface of the laundry to wash without draining from the surface. If the liquid is sprayed at a volume, droplet size and / or higher rate, the liquid may reach the surface of the laundry to wash at a volume and / or rate too high to be fully absorbed by the impacted laundry surface and, in this way, some of the liquid can flow from the surface, potentially transferring the dye from the impacted washing surface to another surface that the liquid flow comes into contact with.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 30/144 / 139 [0080] In one example, an amount of liquid supplied to the laundry to be washed as a mist during the pre-wetting phase 12 can be an amount that wets the laundry to a predetermined remaining moisture content (RMC). For use in the present invention, RMC is defined as the ratio of the amount of water in the fabric in addition to the natural tissue recovery moisture to the amount of fabric. The natural recovery moisture of a fabric is based on the natural amount of moisture in the fabric in dry conditions and is considered zero water or zero RMC. The RMC for the pre-payment phase can be in the range between 5 to 40% and in an exemplary mode it is in the range of 10 to 20%. It will be understood that wetting the laundry to wash at a predetermined RMC does not mean that all fabrics in the load would have to be wetted at the predetermined RMC. In one example, the washing machine 50 can determine the amount of charge, and then sprinkler 74 can be controlled by controller 82 to spray an amount of liquid based on a predetermined RMC for the determined amount of load. The amount of laundry to be washed can be determined according to any suitable method, which includes the methods described in this document. It will be understood that the method by which the amount of laundry to be determined is not relevant to the modalities of the invention.
[0081] Drum 60 can also be rotated to facilitate uniform coverage of the first attack surface 88 with mist from sprinkler 74. Drum 60 can be rotated at a relatively low speed, for example, 20 to 60 rpm or less than 1 G, for example, to avoid agitating the load 86. In addition to facilitating the transfer of dye, agitating the load of laundry to wash 86 or rotating the load of laundry to wash 86 at too high a speed can too quickly cause the load items to move in relation to each other inside the treatment chamber 62 in such a way that a different fabric surface is exposed, which can result in exposing non-wet laundry like first attack surface 88 when a treatment chemical is sprayed onto the load 86 during a subsequent phase. The prePetition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 31/144 / 139 wetting of the first attack surface 86 before the application of the treatment chemical facilitates the distribution of the treatment chemical through the load of washing clothes 86. If the treatment chemical is sprayed onto a fabric surface dry, the treatment chemical may not deliver through charge 86 within a reasonable period of time. In the exemplary embodiment of a dye fixative, there is typically an electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the fabric substrate that can lead to localized spots of high concentration of dye fixation, where the dye fixative first comes into contact with the surface of the fabric. The pre-sealing of the fabric can decrease the speed of formation of electrostatic bonds between the dye fixative and the fabric surface in such a way that the dye fixative can be more readily distributed across the fabric surface.
[0082] After the pre-wetting of the first attack surface 88 during the pre-wetting phase 12 and the subsequent wetting of the laundry to be washed with a treatment chemical, such as a dye fixative, in the pre-washing phase 14, washing clothes can be reoriented to expose at least a part of a surface not previously exposed. Redistributing one or more items in the laundry load to wash 86, such as by moving or reorienting at least one load item in relation to another load item or drum 60, may result in a previously unexposed part of the laundry surface to be present on the first attack surface 88. The addition of at least a part of a surface not previously exposed or exchange at least a part of a surface not previously exposed for a newly exposed surface on the first surface of attack 88 can be considered a new exposed surface. For use in the present invention, a new exposed surface refers to a surface on which at least part of the surface is formed from a surface not previously exposed. The exposure of a new surface may include rotating the drum 60 to reorient the laundry to wash and / or actuate the laundry mover 64.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 32/144 / 139 [0083] The pre-wetting phase 12 and the pre-washing phase 14 can be repeated one or more times to expose a new surface, pre-wet the new surface with a pre-wetting mist and then, treating the pre-wetted surface of the laundry to be washed with a dye fixative or other treatment chemical to facilitate an even distribution of the treatment chemical over the laundry to be washed, while decreasing the likelihood of dye transfer. Also included within the scope of the invention is the pre-wetting phase 12 which includes spraying a mist on a first exposed surface and then reorienting the laundry to expose an previously unexposed part of the laundry to be washed and spraying a mist on the surface. new surface exposed one or more times before supplying the treatment chemical in the pre-wash phase 14.
[0084] Referring again to Figure 1, the dye transfer prevention wash cycle 10 may include an optional charge detection phase 22 which may occur before or as part of the pre-sealing phase 12. The load 22 can be used to determine a quantity of laundry to be present in the treatment chamber 62. The quantity of laundry to be washed can be qualitative or quantitative and can be determined manually based on user input via user interface 84 or automatically by the washing machine 50. For example, a qualitative determination of the amount of laundry to wash may include determining whether the laundry to be washed consists of a small, medium or large load. A quantitative determination may include determining a weight or volume of laundry to be washed within the treatment chamber 62.
[0085] The amount of laundry to be washed can be determined at 22 according to any suitable method for determining the amount of laundry to wash before adding liquid to the laundry washing treatment chamber. An example of a suitable method for automatically determining the amount of laundry to wash before applying liquid may include the use of a weight sensor coupled with the tub 54. Another example of a method
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. A suitable 33/144 / 139 may include turning drum 60 with motor 66 and using the feedback from the motor or one or more sensors associated with motor 66 or drum 60 to determine the amount of laundry to be washed. An example of determining the amount of laundry by rotating the drum 60 with laundry the same is disclosed in publication No. US 2011/0247148, Chanda et al., Filed on April 12, 2011, entitled “Laundry Treating Appliance with Load Amount Detection”, which is incorporated herein by reference, in its entirety. Additional Exemplary methods include patent publication No. US 8,176,798, the Ashrafzadeh et al., Issued May 15, 2012, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Determining Load Laundry", patent No. US 8,381,569, the Lilie et al., Issued February 26 , 2013, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Determining the Amount in the Laundry Load Treating Appliance", patent No. US 8,166,590, the Ashrafzadeh et al., Issued May 1, 2012, entitled "Method and Apparatus for Determining Load Laundry Size", and patent No. US 8,215,134, Ashrafzadeh et al., Granted on July 10, 2012, entitled “Method and Apparatus for Determining Laundry Load Size”, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, in their entirety. As discussed above, adding too much liquid to the laundry to wash 86 can facilitate the transfer of dye between laundry items and thus methods for determining the amount of laundry to be washed that do not require the addition of liquid saturation amounts washing clothes may be preferred.
[0086] Referring now to Figure 2B, the rotation of the drum 60 during the washing load detection phase 22 can displace the washing load 86 within the treatment chamber 56 such that the laundry to wash disperse and form a depression ring around the clothes mover 64. In general, the movement of the load items in relation to each other is minimal during the displacement of the load to minimize the transfer of dye that can occur from contact friction between cargo items during the movement of a cargo item in relation to each other. Shifting laundry to form the depression ring can increase the surface area of the first
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 34/144 / 139 attack 88 that is exposed during the pre-wetting phase 12 and the prewashing phase 14. In one example, the pre-wetting phase 12 can coincide with the load detection phase of laundry to be washed 22 such that the first attack surface 88 is wetted as the load of laundry to be washed 86 moves over the laundry mover 64. In general, laundry items that are placed in drum 60 by a user before starting of an operating cycle, they are typically stacked on top of each other inside the treatment chamber 62 around and possibly on the clothes mover 64, providing a first generally "flat" attack surface 88, as shown in Figure 2A. As the drum 60 is rotated at low speed, the washing clothes 68 can move from the generally flat distribution shown in Figure 2A to the depression ring shown in Figure 2B.
[0087] Figure 4 illustrates a method 100 for supplying a treatment chemical, while determining the amount of laundry to be used with the wash cycle 10 or with another suitable method, which includes those additionally described in the present document. Although method 100 is described in the context of combining the load sensing phase 22 and the pre-wetting phase 12 of the wash cycle 10, method 100 can also be used in a similar way to combine the load sensing phase 22 with the pre-wash 14. the methods for determining the amount of inertia-based load, such as that described in ^the publication no. US 2011/0247148, Chanda et al., For example, typically use engine torque information when the drum is rotated according to a predetermined drum rotation profile to determine the system inertia and use the determined system inertia to estimate the amount of laundry to wash in the drum. These types of inertia-based methods generally use information already available, that is, the motor torque, without the use of additional sensors, such as weight sensors, for example.
[0088] Method 100 uses the displacement of the laundry to wash during the rotation of the drum according to a determination of quantity of load based on inertia to facilitate the distribution of a treatment chemical on the
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 35/144 / 139 laundry to wash, such as water during the pre-wet phase 12 or a dye fixative during the prewash phase 14 of the wash cycle 10, for example. Method 100 begins with the assumption that a user has loaded the laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber and selected an operating cycle. In 102, a treatment liquid can be supplied for the laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber. This may include spraying the treatment liquid in the treatment chamber, such as through the sprinkler 74 of the washing machine 50, for example.
[0089] In 104, the drum can be rotated according to a method of determining the amount of charge. The rotation of the drum may coincide with the supply of the treatment liquid at 102. The drum 60 may begin to rotate simultaneously with the supply of the treatment liquid at 102 or at some delayed time after the start of the supply of the treatment liquid. The treatment liquid can be supplied continuously or intermittently as the drum 60 is rotated during load determination by 106. In 108, the load quantity determination can end and the treatment liquid supply to the laundry to washing can end in 110. The load quantity determination 108 and the supply of treatment liquid in 110 can end simultaneously or sequentially.
[0090] As described in relation to Figures 2A and 2B above, as the drum 60 is rotated, the washing clothes 86 can move inside the treatment chamber 62, increasing the first attack surface 88. The liquid supply of treatment as washing clothes 86 moves from the initial orientation shown in Figure 2A to the orientation that washing clothes 86 takes after rotation, shown in Figure 2B, can increase the surface area of the washing clothes that it is placed in contact with the treatment liquid as the treatment liquid can come in contact with the exposed washing surface in the initial orientation, in the orientation after rotation, and the transitional orientations between them. In addition, carrying out the determination of the quantity of cargo and the supply of the treatment liquid
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 36/144 / 139 coincidentally instead of sequential mode can save cycle time. In addition, if the treatment liquid is not added until after the load determination, the initially exposed tissue surfaces and the transitional tissue surfaces may not be covered by the treatment liquid.
[0091] The amount of treatment liquid supplied in 102 and 106 can be a small known amount of liquid that can facilitate the determination of the load quantity and also facilitate the uniform distribution of the liquid over the laundry. The amount of treatment liquid may be well below an amount that would saturate the load of laundry to be washed, but it is sufficient to only moisten the laundry to be washed, while minimizing the potential for liquid to drain from the laundry to be washed. . For example, if the amount of filler has been determined, the amount of treatment liquid can be between 5 to 10% of the fill amount. Alternatively, the amount of treatment liquid can be between 50 to 150 ml, which is probably sufficient to provide a layer of liquid on the exposed tissue surface, regardless of the charge size. The treatment liquid can be additionally applied as a mist, as described above, to facilitate more uniform distribution of the liquid. Without sticking to any theory, it is believed that the addition of a small volume of liquid applied in a relatively uniform manner can provide additional mass for the laundry to be washed which increases the forces that compress the laundry to wash around the periphery of the drum and provides a more predictable distribution of laundry to be washed inside the drum, which can improve the accuracy of determining the amount of charge based on inertia. In addition, as described above in relation to the pre-wetting phase 12 of cycle 10, pre-wetting the laundry to be washed with a small amount of a fine mist of water without saturating the laundry can facilitate the distribution of a product treatment chemical applied subsequently, while minimizing dye transfer that can occur if too much liquid has been added.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 37/144 / 139 [0092] After the end of the supply of treatment liquid at 110, an optional extraction stage can be implemented, in which the laundry is rotated at a predetermined rate for a predetermined period of time to provide a relatively consistent liquid-to-clothing ratio to facilitate load estimation. Alternatively, the additional mass provided by the added liquid can be subtracted from the charge quantity estimate if the effect of the additional mass is considered significant enough to have impacted the result of the charge quantity estimate.
[0093] As discussed above, it is within the scope of the invention that the laundry load detection phase 22 and the pre-wetting phase 12 are carried out sequentially or simultaneously. Due to the fact that the pre-wetting phase 12 does not saturate the laundry load 86 to a substantial degree, it is generally not considered that the amount of water added during the pre-wetting phase 12 significantly determines the quantity determination. of cargo. In this way, the laundry load detection phase 22 and the pre-wetting phase 12 can overlap to save cycle time without negatively affecting the laundry load detection. Although method 100 is described in the context of determining the amount of laundry to be washed, while suppressing a treatment chemical, it will be understood that the rotation of the drum 104 can be implanted without determining an amount of laundry to be washed. In addition, it is also within the scope of the invention that the treatment chemical is only supplied for the laundry to be moved at the end of the load quantity determination.
[0094] With reference now to Figure 5, a method 120 for applying a treatment chemical is illustrated. Although method 120 is described in the context of applying a dye fixative, it will be understood that method 120 can also be used to apply other treatment chemicals. The dye fixative application method 120 can be used as part of cycle 10 to apply a dye fixative during the prewash phase 14, or as a separate cycle or part of another cycle. Method 120 can start at 122 with
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 38/144 / 139 the formation of a dye fixative solution. The dye fixative solution can include one or more dye fixatives and optional adjuncts, such as a solvent (for example, water) and a viscosity modifier, for example. The formation of the dye fixative solution may include providing a ready-to-use dye fixative solution to a dispenser fluidly coupled with the sprinkler 74. Alternatively, the dye fixative solution can be mixed with water or another liquid treatment in a suitable mixing chamber or in reservoir 58 before supplying the dye fixative solution to sprinkler 74. In 124, a first part of the dye fixative solution formed in 122 can be sprayed onto the first attack surface 88 which has been pre-wetted with water as described above in relation to the pre-sealing phase 12 of cycle 10. The dye fixer can be applied at 124, while drum 60 is spinning at speeds where the resulting centrifugal force acting on the laundry to wash is below 1G, which, for a brief reference, will be mentioned as spinning at a speed less than 1G or similar language. Similarly, rotation at a speed where the resulting centrifugal force acting on the laundry is above 1G, will be referred to as rotation at a speed above 1G or similar language.
[0095] After applying the first part of the dye fixative solution to the first lead surface 88 at 124, the rest of the dye fixative solution can continue to be supplied in the treatment chamber 62 through sprinkler 74 as the drum 60 continues to rotate to distribute the dye fixative through the laundry load to wash 86. In one example, drum 60 can be rotated at increasing speeds below 1 G from 20 to 60 rpm to facilitate flow down of the dye fixer through the laundry load 86. The drum 60 can then be rotated at increasing speeds above 1 G from 50 to 120 rpm, for example, to facilitate the flow of the dye fixer laterally through load of laundry to wash 86. All exemplary rotational speeds provided in this description are for a basket or drum that has a radius of 27.94 centimeters (11 inches). As the centrifugal force is
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 39/144 / 139 a function of the radial distance from the axis of rotation to the center of gravity of the laundry item, the speed alone is insufficient to define the centrifugal force. It will be understood that rotational speeds can be adjusted based on the radius of the basket or drum without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0096] Without sticking to any theory, it has been observed that, as the laundry to be wetted with water or a chemical treatment product, flow channels are formed inside the laundry to wash as the liquid is distributed through the load. Once the flow channels are established, it can become difficult to wet regions of clothing to wash out of these established flow channels. Typically, the limitations of the flow channels can be overcome by repositioning the laundry to be washed, such as by shaking, for example, in which the laundry items move in relation to each other. However, in cases where dye transfer is in question, the mechanical action from the relative induction movement between the laundry items of the load at this stage can facilitate dye transfer. Rotating the laundry at speeds below 1 G to initially distribute the dye fixative and then increasing the speed above 1 G can facilitate the movement of the flow channels in such a way that the distribution of the treatment chemical is increased while dye transfer is minimized due to friction interactions between items.
[0097] Figures 6A-B consist of a schematic representation of the change in flow channels through the load as the drum speed increases from below 1 G to above 1 G. With reference now to Figure 6A, as the load is wetted with the dye fixative while drum 60 is spinning at speeds below 1 G, gravity is the main force acting on the liquid distributed through the laundry to wash, then the flow channels can generally be considered as mostly vertical, as illustrated by arrows 91. As the speed of rotation is slowly increased, the centrifugal forces begin to act more and the
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 40/144 / 139 flow may start to vary from vertical, as shown in Figure 6B. As shown in Figure 6C, as the speed of rotation increases to 1 G, the speed at which the centrifugal acceleration on the outermost extension of the drum 60 is equal to the acceleration due to gravity, the centrifugal forces on the periphery of the drum 60 are equal gravity and flow channels can vary from the initial vertical channels in the center of the drum to almost 45 degrees on the periphery of the drum 60.
[0098] As the drum 60 is rotated above 1 G, the centrifugal force begins to exceed the force due to gravity and the flow channels can begin to approach a more horizontal orientation. In addition, at speeds above 1 G, laundry starts to satellize. This movement of the laundry load is small enough that the transfer of dye due to frictional contact is not significant, but still provides a sufficient degree of displacement of the load to aid in the dispersion of the dye fixative. In this way, by varying the rotation speed from below 1 G to above 1 G, while the dye fixer is sprinkled on the laundry, a large number of flow channels and loading directions can be produced. , which can facilitate the distribution of the dye fixative within a reduced amount of time.
[0099] Still with reference to Figures 6A-B, during the application of the dye fixer, some amount of liquid 93 can accumulate inside the bowl 54. As the rotation speed of the drum 60 is increased, the liquid 93 can move over the side wall of the bowl 54 to the point that the liquid 93 can come in contact with an outer edge of the drum 60, where the side wall of the drum meets the bottom wall of the drum, as shown in Figures 6A and B The liquid 93 that comes in contact with the drum 60 can then be absorbed through the drum perforations (not shown) by the laundry to be washed into the treatment chamber 62 adjacent to the outer edge of the drum 60. This can facilitate dispensing the washing dye fixer located near the outer edge of the drum 60.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 41/144 / 139 [0100] In addition to the rotation of drum 60 at increasing rotation speeds while sprinkling the dye fixer, the rotation of drum 60 may include periods where the speed of drum 60 is kept constant while the fixer of dye continues to be sprinkled. At specific speeds, the centrifugal forces combined with a drum 60 which is configured to restrict the flow of liquid out of the drum 60, results in some amount of liquid being kept close to the outer edge of the drum 60, such that a paraboloid of certain type is formed (not shown). The shape of the paraboloid depends on the speed at which the drum 60 is rotating and the configuration of the drum openings that restrict the flow of liquid. The formation of the paraboloid can, in this way, allow parts of the load on the outer edges of the drum 60, where the side wall and bottom wall meet, which are not directly impacted by the dye fixator that is sprinkled in the treatment chamber 62 by the sprinkler 74, are wetted with the dye fixative. Although wetting methods have been described in the context of wetting the laundry load to wash with a dye fixative, it will be understood that the methods can also be used in a similar way to wetting the laundry to wash with any other type of chemical treatment or wetting of clothes to wash with water. [0101] The amount of dye fixative or any treatment chemical applied during the prewash phase 14 can be automatically or manually determined based on the amount of laundry to be washed and / or a volume of water that will be applied to the laundry to wash during the operation cycle. When the prewash phase 14 provides a treatment chemical, it can also be considered a treatment chemical phase, and in the specific form of a dye fixative, a dye fixative phase. The amount of laundry to be washed can be determined automatically using one or more sensors or according to a load detection method, as discussed above. Alternatively, the user can indicate the amount of laundry to be washed through the user interface by selecting a quantity of laundry to be washed (for example, small, medium, large, extra large,
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 42/144 / 139 or by entering a mass or weight) or based on cycle selection. The amount of treatment chemical supplied to a mixing chamber or reservoir 58 can be based on the amount of water to be supplied for the laundry to be washed, which can be based on the amount of laundry to be washed and / or in the selected operating cycle. Alternatively, the amount of treatment chemical can be defined by an amount supplied to the dispensing system by the user.
[0102] In one example, the quantity of a dye fixative supplied is based on the load size and is within a predetermined range that is dependent on the type of dye fixative that is used. For the exemplary dye fixer Sera Fast CTE, the predetermined range can be determined as between 5 grams per kilogram of laundry to be washed and 10 grams per kilogram of laundry to be washed. For some dye fixatives, too much dye fixative can have unintended consequences and therefore keeping the dye fixative amount below a certain amount based on the amount of laundry to wash can be beneficial. For example, if the concentration of dye fixative is too high, the dye fixative may not be fully divided over the laundry fabric, but it may preferably remain in an aqueous solution, which can extract the dye from of the tissue in the aqueous solution.
[0103] Referring now to Figure 7, an additional or alternative method 150 is illustrated to facilitate the distribution of a treatment chemical, such as a dye fixative, fabric softener, detergent, fabric finish or stain repellent, for example, on laundry. Method 150 can be used with any method for dispensing a treatment chemical, which includes the methods described in this document, such as cycle 10 in Figure 1 or method 120 in Figure 5, for example. As a non-limiting introduction, a tissue surface within a volume liquid can be considered to have a fluid flow limit layer on the tissue surface. When a substance is added to the volume liquid, initially the concentration of the substance in the boundary layer for a liquid
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 43/144 / 139 homogeneous is equal to the volume concentration, cb. The amount of substance and the time it takes for the substance to diffuse through the boundary layer depends on cb and the thickness of the boundary layer. A lower initial concentration and a thicker boundary layer can result in a lower rate of diffusion to the tissue surface.
[0104] Method 150 begins with the assumption that a user has loaded laundry items into the treatment chamber and initiated an operation cycle. At 152, the thickness of the boundary layer of the fabric can be increased. At 154, a liquid that includes a treatment chemical can be supplied to the treatment chamber for distribution over the tissue. The supply of the treatment chemical can occur simultaneously with the increase in the thickness of the boundary layer or at some delayed time after the beginning of the increase in the thickness of the boundary layer at 154. After a predetermined period of time, the boundary layer it can be decreased by 156 to facilitate the diffusion of the treatment chemical through the boundary layer for interaction with the tissue surface.
[0105] The thickness of the boundary layer can be increased by 152 if there is a low speed of liquid flow through the fabric items, such as having a low speed of rotation of the drum, which causes little to no relative movement of the items of fabric. Exemplary drum speeds are in the range of 20 to 120 rpm. An additional or alternative way by which the thickness of the boundary layer can be increased includes maintaining the temperature of the liquid at a predetermined temperature to increase the viscosity of the liquid relative to the viscosity of the liquid in the phase of decreasing the boundary layer thickness 156 subsequent. Additionally or alternatively, less liquid can be applied to the load to decrease normal forces and decrease pressure. For example, in a typical cycle for a load of 100% cotton, the cycle can be configured to saturate the load at about 200% of the load weight. According to method 150, the amount of liquid applied can be such that
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 44/144 / 139 so that the charge is saturated to a lesser degree than the charge would typically be, such as only until saturation.
[0106] Decreasing the thickness of the boundary layer by 156 can be done at a predetermined time after the start of the supply of the treatment chemical 154 to provide time for the treatment chemical to distribute through the load, and may include turning the drum at higher rotation speeds, such as speeds greater than 120 rpm or speeds above 1 G, than used during the increasing thickness phase 152 or shaking / revolving the laundry. In one example, the drum can be rotated at speeds equal to or greater than 280 rpm. Alternatively or additionally, the viscosity of the liquid can be increased by increasing the temperature of the liquid and / or adding substances that can reduce the viscosity and / or increase lubrication, such as a polyoxy, for example. Another example includes adding more liquid to the load to increase the pressure drop by increasing the normal force. The normal force can be increased by having more water in the fabrics than normal or, in the case of a horizontal geometric axis washing machine, by increasing the speed of the drum so that the release of the fabric, as the even if it is rotated by the drum, it is at a higher height above the drum's geometric axis than is typically used.
[0107] In an exemplary embodiment in which a cationic dye fixative is applied to a cotton fabric, the positively charged dye fixative can be electrostatically attracted to the negatively charged cotton fabric in such a way that the dye can bond to the fabric surface prior to dispensing on the fabric surface, leading to localized spots of high concentrations of dye fixative. The thickness of the fabric's surface boundary layer can be increased prior to supplying the treatment chemical to reduce the rate at which the dye fixer reaches the cotton fabric and electrostatically bonds to it, which can provide more time for the dye fixative to diffuse and cover a larger surface area of the fabric surface. After a predetermined period of time, the thickness of the
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 45/144 / 139 limit layer can be reduced or contracted to facilitate the dye fixative that reaches the surface and electrostatically binds to cotton.
[0108] An alternative or additional method to facilitate the distribution of the dye fixative on laundry is to increase the hydrophobicity of the fabric surface. The introduction of water to the fabric surface can interrupt forces, such as Van der Waal forces, for example, between the fabric surface and the dyes loosely retained on the fabric surface. Water can form hydrogen bonds with the fabric surface and / or dye and promote the separation of hydrophobic dyes away from the fabric surface to the air-water interface. Increasing the hydrophobicity of the fabric surface can reduce this separation of the dye away from the fabric surface in the presence of water. The hydrophobicity of the tissue surface can be increased by applying an oil to the tissue surface, such as a natural fatty acid oil, for example. The oil can be applied to the fabric surface through spraying, mist or vapor deposition, and / or can be supplied as an emulsion. The oil on the fabric surface can facilitate the interaction between the fabric and the dye to retain the dye on the fabric surface, at the same time as water or a water-based treatment chemical, such as a dye fixative , for example, is supplied for laundry. The oil can then be removed, such as during a subsequent washing phase with a surfactant, for example.
[0109] In the context of wash cycle 10, oil can be supplied to the laundry to be washed prior to the prewash phase 14 to inhibit the dye transfer that may occur as the dye fixative solution is being supplied for laundry to wash. In one example, this can result in the ability to apply a larger volume of the dye fixative solution to the laundry to facilitate distribution of the dye fixative solution without promoting excessive dye transfer. In another example, the application of oil to the fabric surface can cancel the use of the pre-wetting phase 12.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 46/144 / 139 [0110] Another method by which the distribution of the dye fixative over the fabric surface can be facilitated includes preparing a delayed release or stimulus release dye fixative. The dye fixative can be encapsulated within a colloidosome microcapsule to prevent the dye fixative from prematurely adhering to the fabric surface and accumulating at points located on the fabric surface. The encapsulated dye fixative can be formed by preparing a double water-in-oil-in-water (W / O / W) emulsion, in which the dye fixative is encapsulated in an oil jacket that is, then, dispersed in an aqueous phase.
[0111] The oil casing can be formed from any suitable oil, and in an exemplary embodiment, it is formed from a natural oil, such as sunflower oil, soy oil or a vegetable oil, for example. The formation of the double emulsion of encapsulated dye fixative generally includes mixing an oil phase and an aqueous phase, in which the dye fixative is dispersed, emulsifying the oil and aqueous phase, stabilizing the oil shell and transferring and dispersing the oil again. dye fixative encapsulated in an aqueous phase. The exact procedure by which the double emulsion can be formed depends on the oil used in the oil phase, the dye fixative and the composition of the aqueous phase.
[0112] An exemplary double emulsion to encapsulate a dye fixative, such as a cationic methylene guanidine dye fixative (commercially available under the trademark Retayne ™), in a soy oil wrapper is illustrative of the process and product foreseen. It will be understood that the process can be used in a similar manner to encapsulating other water-soluble dye fixatives in different oil shells and that additional or different materials and steps can be included to obtain the desired encapsulated dye fixative.
[0113] The emulsification process begins with the dispersion of the dye fixative in an aqueous phase, which can include only water. An oil-in-water emulsion can be formed by mixing a desired oil phase,
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 47/144 / 139 soy oil, for example, with the aqueous phase in which the dye fixative is already dispersed in the presence of an emulsifier. A non-limiting example of a suitable emulsifier includes a nonionic surfactant, such as polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate (commercially available as TWEEN® 60 from Sigma-Aldrich®). An exemplary ratio for the oil and aqueous phases is 50% / 50% soy oil / aqueous phase. The mixture can be stirred and optionally heated, for example, 70 ^o C, to promote the emulsification process. The oil-in-water mixture can then be introduced into an electrolyte solution for further mixing and homogenization, using an ultrasound machine, for example, to form the desired emulsion. Non-limiting examples of emulsifying machines that can be used to form the oil-in-water emulsion include a stirring vessel, a colloid mill, a toothed disc dispersing machine or a high pressure homogenizer. The resulting oil-encapsulated dye fixative comprises a dye fixative dispersed in water encapsulated within an oil shell that is stabilized by the non-ionic surfactant.
[0114] The oil-encapsulated dye fixative can then be transferred to an aqueous phase and dispersed again to form the double emulsion. The oil shell can be stabilized by adding an additional nonionic surfactant, such as polyethylene glycol sorbitan monostearate, with additional sonication. The stability and droplet size of oil-encapsulated dye fixative can be varied depending on the materials and machines of the emulsification process.
[0115] In another example, the coloidosome microcapsule can be formed by self-assembly or direct assembly of responsive materials, such as pH-responsive materials, using stabilized dual water / organic solvent / water (W / O / W) emulsions with copolymer. A water-in-oil-in-water (W / O / W) emulsion can be generated by self-assembling pH-responsive materials at the liquid-liquid interfaces, for example, and removing the intermediate phase through evaporation. The outer shell can be hydrophobic and dissolve in
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 48/144 / 139 water at a predetermined pH threshold. The pH of the dye fixative solution applied to the laundry can be kept out of the predetermined pH threshold until it is desired to release the dye fixative to facilitate the distribution of the dye fixative over a larger area of the surface of the decrease the irregular or localized distribution of the dye fixative.
[0116] For example, if the outer shell dissolves at a pH> 7, the treatment liquid can be maintained at a pH <7, such as by adding citric acid, for example. Raising the pH above 7 releases the dye fixative from the coloidosome microcapsule. The pH can be increased above 7 at some predetermined delayed time after the start of the application of the treatment liquid with the encapsulated dye fixative. Delaying the release of the dye fixer can facilitate more uniform application of the dye fixer by loading laundry. Due to the fact that the dye fixative is attracted to the fabric surface, the dye fixative may have a tendency to concentrate on the first surface that the dye fixative comes into contact with, limiting its distribution. Encapsulation of the dye fixative in a stimulus-release microcapsule may allow more time to distribute the dye fixative throughout the load before the dye fixative becomes strongly associated with the tissue surface. In another example, the oil wrapper can be broken or destabilized to release the dye fixer internally by applying mechanical energy, just as it can occur when the laundry to which the encapsulated dye fixer has been applied is shaken, or based on changes in pressure or temperature. In yet another example, additional material can be supplied to the laundry to wash to destabilize the oil wrapper, activating the release of the dye fixer from inside the oil wrapper.
[0117] Any of the water-soluble dye fixatives described in this document can be encapsulated using the double emulsion process, of which non-limiting examples include cationic polymers that contain functional groups selected from the group consisting of amines
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 49/144 / 139 primary, secondary and tertiary and their salts, polymers based on polyacrylamide or polyethyleneimine, polymers containing a vinyl, hydroxyl or epoxy functional group, poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAAC), poly (acrylamide-co- diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride), cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), or cetyl pyridinium bromide (CPB).
[0118] The encapsulated dye fixer can be formed in a dispensing machine associated with the washing machine on demand or supplied as a chemical prepared in a treatment package, for example. In one example, a mixture of the water-in-oil emulsion can be stored in a suitable container and supplied to the consumer for addition to the washing machine. The washing machine can include a dispensing machine or mixing chamber capable of dispersing the water-in-oil emulsion again in an aqueous phase to form the double emulsion, which can then be supplied to the laundry to wash by the washing machine during the operation cycle. In another example, the water-in-oil emulsion can be mixed within a washing machine reservoir with a suitable aqueous phase to form the double emulsion.
[0119] With reference again to the washing cycle 10 of Figure 1, the optional intermediate phase 24 can be implanted after the pre-washing phase 14 and before the main washing phase 16 to prepare the laundry for treatment during the phase main wash 16. Figure 8 illustrates exemplary methods that can be used to implant the intermediate wash phase 24. Method 200 may include a drain phase 202 in which the treatment liquid collected in reservoir 58 is drained from the chamber treatment 62 and an optional extraction step 204 in which the laundry is rotated to facilitate the extraction of liquid from the laundry, which can subsequently be drained from the reservoir 58.
[0120] Method 206 may include optional extraction phase 204 and drain phase 202 of method 200 and additionally include supplying the drained treatment liquid to a filter to filter the dye fixative from the liquid
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 50/144 / 139 treatment in 208. The filtered treatment liquid can then be reapplied to the laundry in the treatment chamber 62 in 210. The appropriate filtered treatment liquid can then be drained in 202 after the phase optional extraction at 204. Drain 202, optional extraction 204, filtration at 208 and application of filtered liquid at 210 can be repeated a predetermined number of times or based on the output from a sensor system indicating a quantity of fixer of dye in the treatment liquid drained at 202. The sensor system can include any system suitable for determining a quantity of dye fixative in the treatment liquid, of which non-limiting examples include optical sensor systems that can be used to perform UV / Vis absorbance / fluorescence spectroscopy or a conductivity sensor. For example, an absorbance / fluorescence UV / Vis system can provide an output representative of an absorbance and / or spectral fluorescence detected from the treatment liquid. It will also be understood that, for use in the present invention, when referring to absorbance, the transmittance, which is related to absorbance, can be used as an alternative to hi absorbance in order to determine absorbance.
[0121] Method 206 can be repeated multiple times until the output indicates that the amount of dye fixative in the treatment liquid satisfies a predetermined threshold. This may include comparing the output with a predetermined reference value that can be in a range of reference values, an upper threshold or a lower threshold. The term "satisfies" the threshold is used in this document to refer to the fact that the variation satisfies the predetermined threshold, such as being equal to, less than or greater than the threshold value. It will be understood that such a determination can easily be changed to be satisfied by a positive / negative comparison or a true / false comparison. For example, a lower value than the threshold can be easily satisfied by applying a higher value than the test when the data is numerically inverted. In another example, method 206 can be repeated multiple times based on the dye fixative, amount of filler and / or type of filler.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 51/144 / 139 [0122] Alternatively, the optional intermediate phase 24 can include a method 212 which includes the optional extraction phase 204 and drainage phase 202 of the method 200 and additionally includes applying rinse water from the domestic water source to washing clothes and repeating the optional extraction in 204 and draining in 202. Similar to method 206, drainage 202, optional extraction 204, and rinsing water application in 214 can be repeated a predetermined number of times or based at the exit from a sensor system indicating a quantity of dye fixative in the liquid drained at 202, as described above. For example, method 212 can be repeated multiple times until the output indicates that the amount of dye fixative in the treatment liquid satisfies a predetermined threshold. In another example, method 212 can be repeated multiple times based on the dye fixative, amount of filler and / or type of filler.
[0123] Although the intermediate phase 24 is illustrated in Figure 1 between the pre-wash phase 14 and the main wash phase 16, it is within the scope of the invention that the intermediate phase 24 is implanted alternatively or additionally between one or more between phases 12, 14, 16, 18 and / or 20 of cycle 10.
[0124] The main wash step 16 may include the addition of a laundry detergent composition comprising one or more surfactants, detergents, soaps and optional additional adjuncts which are known for use in laundry detergent compositions , of which non-limiting examples include pH buffers, builders, viscosity modifying agents, colorants, fragrances, etc. In addition to washing the laundry to be washed with a laundry detergent composition, the laundry can also be treated with a dye absorber in the main wash step 18. The dye absorber may be part of the laundry detergent composition. washing clothes or a separate agent that can be supplied for laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber before the laundry detergent composition is supplied or simultaneously with the laundry detergent composition. As will be described in
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 52/144 / 139 For further details below, the laundry detergent composition can be formulated to not include anionic surfactants, or if anionic surfactants are included, only sulfate-based anionic surfactants. In such a case, the surfactant capacity can be provided by nonionic surfactants or mixtures of nonionic and cationic surfactants. Anionic surfactants can promote dye removal and can also interact in an undesirable manner with the dye fixative that may have been loaded from the prewash phase 14.
[0125] For example, the dye absorber can be supplied to vat 54 and diluted with water from the domestic water source 72. The dye and water absorber in vat 54 can be recirculated through the recirculation duct 80 and back to vat 54 without applying the washing load 86 to mix the dye absorber and water before applying the washing load 86. Alternatively, the dye absorber can be mixed with water in a mixing chamber before sprinkling the dye absorber solution into the treatment chamber 62. The dye absorber mixed with water can be applied to the laundry to wash before adding a laundry detergent composition. Alternatively, after mixing the dye absorber and water, the detergent composition can be added to the dye absorber solution, optionally mixed by circulation through the recirculation duct 80, and then applied to the washing load 86.
[0126] The rinse phase 18 may include supplying a rinse liquid to the treatment chamber comprising a dye absorber which may be the same or different from the dye absorber supplied in the main wash phase 16. The rinse liquid may optionally include additional laundry adjuncts, such as fabric softener, for example. The rinsing step 18 may include supplying the bowl 54 one or more times with a rinse liquid comprising a dye absorber in at least one of the rinses. Whenever the bowl 54 is filled with a rinse liquid or rinse water and subsequently drained, this can be considered a rinse stage. Although, depending on the volume of rinsing liquid, it is possible to have multiple rinsing steps without
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 53/144 / 139 an intervening drain. Each rinse stage can optionally include shaking the laundry to be washed inside the treatment chamber 62 by activating the clothes mover 64 and / or rotating the drum 60, if the dye absorber has been added in the main wash phase 16 and / or in the rinse phase 18. Shaking laundry to wash can facilitate the removal of unwanted dyes, such as the removal of dyes that have transferred to light or white fabrics in the load, for interaction and subsequent removal with dye.
[0127] When a dye absorber is supplied in the rinse phase 18, the rinse phase 18 can be considered a dye removal or dye cleaning phase that can be implanted as part of a rinse phase of the selected operating cycle or independent of a rinse phase of the selected operating cycle. In one example, a dye removal / dye cleaning rinse phase 18 can be implanted automatically, based on the sensor data, or manually, based on a selection by the user through an equipment user interface.
[0128] Figure 9 illustrates a dye absorbent rinse cycle 300 exemplifier that can be used in the rinse phase 18 of the wash cycle 10, as part of another operating cycle or as a separate cycle. The rinse cycle 300 may include a first rinse stage 302 followed by a second rinse stage 304. The first and second rinse stage 302 and 304 may include supplying a rinse liquid and / or rinse water to the treatment chamber 62 The rinsing liquid in the first and second rinsing stages may include one or more treatment chemicals, of which non-limiting examples include fabric softener, stain repellent, fragrance, wrinkle inhibitors, etc. The first and second rinsing liquid may also optionally include a dye absorber. During the final rinse stage, which in the example rinse cycle 300 is the third rinse stage 306, the laundry can be rinsed in a rinse liquid that contains a dye absorber. Applicants found that if the absorbent
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 54/144 / 139 of dye is not included in the final rinse stage 306, the probability of dye transfer occurring in the final rinse stage increases. Although the rinse cycle 300 is illustrated as having three rinse stages, it will be understood that the rinse cycle 300 may have more or less stages before the final rinse.
[0129] Without adhering to theory, it is believed that, during the first and second rinsing stages 302 and 304, after a main wash phase 16 in which the dye absorbers were supplied to the laundry, there may be absorbents enough residual dye loaded by the laundry to wash to inhibit dye transfer during the first and second rinse stages 302 and 304. However, each rinse stage rinses at least a portion of the residual dye absorber. Thus, in the third rinse stage 306, the amount of residual dye absorbent may be too low to inhibit dye transfer and a dye transfer event may occur. The supply of a rinse liquid in the third rinse stage 306 that includes dye absorber can inhibit dye transfer in the final rinse stage. In addition, even if the dye transfer does not occur in the first and second rinsing phase without any dye absorber present, the dye transfer can still be removed in the third phase by the supply of absorbents. However, if no dye absorber is present in the third rinse / final rinse, there is no subsequent phase with absorbent to remove the dye transfer. Although additional dye absorbent can be added in the rinse stages that precede the final rinse stage 306, this may not be necessary, for reasons already discussed. In addition, absorbent of too much dye may be undesirable and may additionally increase consumer costs in the amount of chemical that the consumer has to buy.
[0130] After the third rinse stage 306, an optional quick rinse 308 can be implanted with rinse fluid that does not include a dye absorber to remove at least part of the dye absorber associated with
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 55/144 / 139 the laundry to wash. A quick rinse 308 can differ from the rinse stages 302, 304 and 306 in either or both a smaller amount of liquid supplied to the laundry to be washed as a length of time that the laundry is in contact with the liquid to minimize dye transfer. In addition, the quick rinse 308 may include minimal agitation of the laundry to wash to minimize the likelihood of dye transfer by contact. The quick rinse 308 can be used to supply rinse liquid to remove at least part of the dye absorber associated with the laundry.
[0131] The combination of dye fixatives and dye absorbers in the same wash cycle can be complementary in that when a cationic dye fixer interacts with a fabric surface, the cationic dye fixative can provide a positive charge for the surface of the fabric that can attract dirt, which is generally negatively charged. This attraction of loose dirt can increase the appearance of tissue squaleness. The dye absorber in solution during the main wash phase 16 and rinse phase 18 can act as a sacrificial polymer which can preferably attract loose dirt in relation to the dye fixative on the fabric surface.
[0132] Stages 302 to 308 of method 300 can be used with wash cycle 10 or, alternatively, method 300 can be used as a separate cycle. When part of a separate cycle, method 300 may include a main wash phase 310. Main wash phase 310 may be similar to main wash phase 16 of cycle 10 in that the main wash phase 310 may include supplying dye absorbents for washing clothes, however, the alternative cycle would not include the application of a dye fixative.
[0133] Figure 10 illustrates a washing machine 450 that is similar to washing machine 50, except that drum 460 is oriented in a generally horizontal rather than vertical manner. The 450 washing machine is often referred to as a “front loader” or “horizontal geometry axis” machine, although the geometry axis of rotation is not always perfectly horizontal. The washing machine 50 is often mentioned
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 56/144 / 139 as a machine with a “top loader” or “vertical axis”. Horizontal and vertical axis machines differ mainly in the way they transmit mechanical energy to the laundry. Horizontal axis machines transmit mechanical energy by raising and lowering, often referred to as revolution, the laundry to be washed inside drum 460, while vertical axis machines have a clothes changer, such as an agitator , nutting agent, impeller, etc., inside the rotating drum to apply mechanical energy to the laundry. As many elements of the horizontal axis and vertical axis machines are similar, the elements of the washing machine 450 similar to those of the washing machine 50 have been labeled with the prefix 400.
[0134] The washing machine 450 can also be used to implement the dye transfer prevention wash cycle 10 and any of the other methods described in this document. However, due to the fact that the orientation of the drum 460 and thus the orientation of the laundry to be washed inside the treatment chamber 462 is different on the horizontal axis washing machine 450 than on the axis washing machine vertical geometric 50, the way in which the liquid is supplied to the laundry to be washed may differ. It will be understood that all of the methods and compositions described in this document can be used with either a horizontal geometric axis washing machine or a vertical geometric axis washing machine, except where explicitly stated otherwise, even if the method or composition is described in the context of only one type of washing machine.
[0135] Cycle 10 for a horizontal geometrical washing machine may include the load washing detection phase 22, which may be the same as described above in relation to the vertical geometrical washing machine 50 and method 100, for example, or if it differs in the use of other inertia-based methods that are configured for use with horizontal geometric axis washing machines. However, in a washing machine
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 57/144 / 139 with a horizontal geometric axis, the pre-wetting phase 12 can be skipped and the laundry can be initially wetted in the pre-washing phase 14.
[0136] The application of a dye fixative in the prewash stage 14 in the context of the horizontal geometric axis washing machine 450 may include a combination of spraying a recirculating dye fixative solution in the treatment chamber 462 a from bowl 454 with the recirculating sprinkler 474 and turning the laundry to wash through the dye fixative solution in bowl 454. For example, a dye fixative can be dispensed from a 490 dispenser and mixed with water supplied in the bowl 454 from the water source 472. The dye and water fixer supplied to the 454 can be mixed by recirculation through the recirculation duct 480 without application to the laundry to form a dye fixer solution.
[0137] Drum 460 can be rotated in such a way that the laundry to rotate, turn or revolve through the dye fixer solution collected in reservoir area 458 of bowl 454 with optional dwell times to facilitate absorption by capillary effect of the dye fixative solution. The dye fixative solution can also be sprayed continuously or intermittently into the treatment chamber 462 through the recirculating sprinkler 474, as per method 120 of Figure 5, for example. In this way, both the first exposed attack surface 488 of the laundry to the treatment chamber 462 and the opposite side of the laundry to the side wall of the drum 460 are wetted with the dye fixing solution. The drum 460 can additionally be rotated at increasing speeds to a satellizing speed such that the washing clothes 486 is redistributed within the drum 460 to expose additional washing surfaces to wet with the dye fixing solution. For some small loads, it may not be necessary to recirculate the solution through the 474 sprinkler to properly wet the load with the dye fixer solution.
[0138] Referring now to Figure 11, a dispensing control method 500 is illustrated for dispensing dye fixers and dye absorbers
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 58/144 / 139 in a washing machine. The dispensing control method 500 can be used with the wash cycle 10 of Figure 1 to dispense a dye fixative in the prewash phase 14 or a dye absorber in the main wash phase 16 or rinse phase 18. The dispensing control method 500 can also be used with any other operating cycle to dispense a dye fixative, dye absorber, or other treatment chemical.
[0139] Method 500 may begin with the supply of a first part of the treatment chemical, such as a dye fixative or dye absorber, during a first stage of the operating cycle or a first stage of a phase of the treatment cycle 502 operation. The supply of a part of a treatment chemical can refer to the dispensing of a part of a treatment chemical not diluted in a liquid (for example, water, a washing liquid or a rinse liquid) dilution and then supplying the diluted treatment chemical to the treatment chamber. Alternatively, the supply of a part of a treatment chemical can refer to the supply of a part of a treatment chemical solution in which a treatment chemical has already been diluted with a liquid. The first stage can refer to a start of the cycle or phase or a predetermined period of time after the start.
[0140] In 504, a second part of the treatment chemical is supplied during a second stage of the phase. A nth part of the treatment chemical can be supplied at successively later stages of the 506 phase until a final part of the chemical is supplied. The cycle or phase can be completed in 508 without additional addition of the treatment chemical. The amount of treatment chemical supplied during each stage of the cycle or phase and the time within the phase during which the treatment chemical is supplied can be determined experimentally or empirically in order to maintain a concentration of the treatment chemical in the treatment chamber in
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 59/144 / 139 a predetermined concentration or within a predetermined range based on the treatment chemical.
[0141] A control system, such as an open circuit control system, can be used to control the quantity and time of supply at each stage based on the treatment chemical that is supplied according to a control algorithm associated with the control system. The treatment chemical can be supplied at each stage as a single shot at the beginning of each stage or supplied intermittently or continuously throughout the course of each stage. When the treatment chemical is supplied throughout the stage, the quantity of chemical supplied can be controlled by controlling a rate at which the chemical is supplied or a duration of on / off time of a pump to supply the product chemical. This may include controlling the rate or on / off periods of a dispensing metering pump or a pump used to recirculate liquid from the reservoir in the treatment chamber. The type of treatment chemical can be determined automatically based on the sensor information or the selected cycle information or can be determined manually based on user input.
[0142] For example, the first part of the treatment chemical supplied at the beginning of the phase can be determined as an amount that places the concentration of the treatment chemical in the treatment chamber within a predetermined effective or preferred range, above a predetermined lower threshold and / or below a predetermined upper threshold. The amount of the second part of the treatment chemical and the time of the second stage can be determined in order to keep the concentration of the treatment chemical in the treatment chamber within the predetermined range so that the concentration of the treatment chemical remains relatively constant from the first stage to the second stage. The amount of each nth part and the time of each nth stage to dispense can be determined in order to maintain the concentration of the treatment chemical
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 60/144 / 139 within the predetermined range for all stages. The amount and time of the last part of the treatment chemical supplied during the last stage can be determined in order to keep the concentration of the treatment chemical within the predetermined range until the end of the cycle or phase.
[0143] An exemplary algorithm to control dispensing according to method 500 may include supplying 50% of a total dose of a treatment chemical at the beginning of the cycle or phase, supplying the next 35% of the total dose during the course of the first half of the cycle or phase, and the remaining 15% of the total dose during the third quarter of the cycle or phase with no additional treatment chemicals supplied during the final four of the cycle. In this way, as the treatment chemical is depleted or "spent" as the cycle or phase progresses, the remainder of the treatment chemical dose can be supplied to replenish the exhausted treatment chemical in such a way that the concentration treatment chemical product remains relatively constant as the cycle or phase progresses.
[0144] Alternatively, instead of an open circuit control system, in which the treatment chemical dispensing is not controlled based on feedback to the controller, method 500 can be implemented using a circuit system closed based on sensor information. A sensor system can be configured to provide sensor data indicative of a concentration of the treatment chemical that can provide feedback to the closed-loop system that includes a control algorithm to vary the quantity and / or time of the treatment chemical supplied. For example, the closed-loop system can continuously vary a rate at which the treatment chemical is supplied during each stage based on feedback from the sensor system.
[0145] The sensor system can include any system suitable for determining a liquid characteristic indicative of the concentration of a dye (s) in the liquid. The sensor system can determine the concentration of the dye in the liquid being recirculated inside the washing machine,
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 61/144 / 139 collected in the washing machine reservoir or drained from the washing machine. Non-limiting examples of suitable sensor systems include ultraviolet or visible light absorbance / transmittance or fluorescence systems, a conductivity sensor and / or a turbidity sensor.
[0146] For some chemicals, such as dye fixatives and dye absorbers, it may be desirable to keep the concentration of the chemical within a predetermined range to avoid failure modes and unnecessary costs for the consumer. The concentration of dye fixative or dye absorber available in solution, that is, fixative or absorbent that is available for association with dye molecules, may decrease over time through the course of the cycle or phase as the fixative or absorber complexes with the dye in solution or on the fabric, or otherwise becomes unavailable, such as through interaction with the washing machine surfaces or other contaminants in solution. As the amount of dye fixative or dye absorber available is exhausted, the concentration of the dye fixative or dye absorber may decrease to a concentration outside a predetermined range or below a predetermined threshold, making it difficult to maintain a constant concentration throughout the cycle or phase or keep the concentration within a predetermined range or above a predetermined threshold.
[0147] If there is not enough dye fixative or dye absorber available in solution, the fixative / absorbent may not be able to adequately prevent dye transfer. For example, for dye absorbers, dye absorber available in solution may be necessary to ensure that sufficient absorbent is present to capture and suspend any fugitive dyes in solution before the dyes can be deposited again on another piece of clothing in the laundry to wash. If the concentration of dye fixative is too low, there may not be enough dye fixative present to prevent the liquid in the treatment chamber from removing the dye from the fabric.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 62/144 / 139 [0148] One way to address dye fixative / dye absorber depletion available through the phase or cycle course can be to add a high concentration of dye fixative / dye absorber, for example, a concentration greater than the desired predetermined threshold or range. However, if the concentration is too high, the possibility of fixatives / absorbents settling on washing machine components and leading to unwanted build-up may increase. In addition, for some fixatives, increasing the concentration above a certain threshold can decrease the effectiveness of dye fixers and even exacerbate dye transfer. Some dye absorbers can form unwanted foams if the concentration becomes too high. Additionally, even when the concentration of the dye fixative or dye absorber is increased at the beginning of the cycle in such a way that the problems identified above are avoided, the concentration may still not be sufficient to maintain the concentration within a desired range throughout the course. cycle or phase.
[0149] For example, Figure 12 illustrates a 520 graph depicting a change in concentration of a dye fixative, such as a commercially available cationic methylene guanidine dye fixative under the trademark Retayne ™ (available from G&K Craft Industries), for example, when mixing the dye fixative with treatment liquid before the start of the recirculation in 522, at the start of the recirculation in 524 and at subsequent 30 second intervals during the recirculation in 526. Figure 12 is used for illustrative purposes only, for purposes of describing one embodiment of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention in any way. For example, we consider the case described above in which the dye fixative is supplied to the laundry to be washed in a concentration of about twice the desired concentration. For example, when the desired predetermined concentration range for the dye fixative for the cycle is 2 to 2.5 g / L, the dye fixative can be added at the beginning of the cycle or phase, before the start of circulation, in a concentration of approximately twice the desired concentration. According
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 63/144 / 139 can be seen in Figure 12, at the beginning of the treatment liquid recirculation in 524, the concentration of the dye fixative has already decreased from the initial concentration of almost 4.5 g / L to about 2 g / L. As the cycle or phase continues, the concentration of the dye fixative further decreases to about 1 g / L, which is below the desired predetermined range. Thus, the simple overloading of the dye fixative at the beginning of a cycle or phase may not be adequate to maintain the concentration of the dye fixative within the predetermined range for the entire course of the cycle or phase.
[0150] Although method 500 closed and open loop control systems have been described in the context of dye fixatives and dye absorbers, Method 500 can be useful with other treatment chemicals as well, such as detergents, surfactants or bleaches, for example. For example, in a cold water disinfection cycle, the chlorine concentration can be kept relatively constant at a low level throughout the cycle or phase that is sufficient to disinfect laundry, while it does not affect the durability of color of clothes to wash. However, if the concentration varies outside a predetermined range, disinfection may not be achieved or the color durability of the laundry to be washed may be affected.
[0151] Referring now to Figure 13, a method 550 is illustrated for determining an amount of dye absorber to be added during an operating cycle. Method 550 can be used to control the supply of dye absorber to the laundry to wash as needed to provide sufficient dye absorber in solution to inhibit dye transfer, while minimizing excess dye absorber. Method 550 can be used with the closed loop system of Method 500 or any other method for dispensing a dye absorber. Although method 550 is described in the context of dye absorbers, it will be understood that method 550 can be used in a similar manner with dye fixatives or other chemicals.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 64/144 / 139 [0152] Method 550 starts with the assumption that a user has loaded the washing machine with one or more laundry items and selected an operating cycle that uses dye absorbers. In 552, an initial dose of dye absorber can be supplied to the treatment chamber for treating the laundry. The amount of initial dye absorbent supplied can be determined automatically based on the sensor data, load characteristics (for example, load quantity), or on the selected cycle, for example, or manually based on the information provided by the user.
[0153] In 554, an absorbance and / or fluorescence (Abs / F) characteristic of the dye absorber, which will be described in further detail below, can be determined. The Abs / F feature can be either the dye absorber or a composition that includes a dye absorber. The Abs / F characteristic of the dye absorber can be determined based on the information stored in a memory accessible by a washing machine controller. The information can be in the form of an absorbance or fluorescence spectrum query table or data for different dye absorbers. The identity of the dye absorber can be determined automatically based on the sensor data or manually based on user input and used to find the absorbance or fluorescence spectra or data for the dye absorber in the look-up table. Alternatively, the absorbance or fluorescence spectra for the dye absorber can be determined by the washing machine before applying the dye absorber to laundry items. In one example, the identity of the dye absorber can be determined using one or more sensors in the dispenser to determine a characteristic of the dye absorber and a look-up table stored in the controller can be used to determine the identity and / or spectra. for the identified dye absorber. In yet another example, the identity of the dye absorber and / or the Abs / F characteristic can be determined based on the information carried by a container that stores the
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 65/144 / 139 dye that can be communicated wirelessly with the washing machine controller (eg via an RFID system) or via a wired connection or that can be read by a suitable sensor provided in washing machine (for example, a barcode system / barcode reader).
[0154] At 556, an Abs / F characteristic of the treatment liquid after the dye absorber has been supplied to the laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber can be determined. The Abs / F characteristic can be based on the absorbance or fluorescence of a dye-dye absorber complex in solution or suspended within the liquid mixture, which may be representative of the dye absorber level in the liquid mixture. The Abs / F characteristic can be determined based on the output provided by an optical sensor representative of an absorbance and / or spectral fluorescence detected from the treatment liquid. It will also be understood that, when referring to absorbance in this document, transmittance, which is related to absorbance, can be used as an alternative to absorbance or to determine absorbance. For some dyes and dye absorbers, the absorbance or fluorescence spectrum of visible and / or UV light from the dye-dye absorber complex may be measurably different from the absorbance or fluorescence spectrum for the individual dye and dye absorber components. complex dye. The Abs / F characteristic can be based on the absorbance / fluorescence of the treatment liquid at a single wavelength or over a range of wavelengths.
[0155] Figure 14 illustrates an absorbance spectrum 570 exemplifying for a cationic polyamine dye absorber in the presence and absence of a dye. As can be seen from the dye absorber spectrum 572, the dye absorber in the absence of dye has a strong absorbance in the ultraviolet region. As can be seen by spectra 574 and 576, in the presence of increasing concentration of dye, 10 mg / L and 20 mg / L, respectively, the absorbance spectrum shifts in comparison to the absorbance spectrum
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 66/144 / 139
572 of the polyamine dye absorber alone. This shift in absorbance in the presence of dye can be used as an indication of the presence of a dye-absorbent complex, which can be used to determine whether sufficient dye absorber is present in the treatment liquid to form the dye complex in solution.
[0156] With reference again to Figure 13, at 558, it can be determined whether the Abs / F characteristic of the treatment liquid satisfies a predetermined threshold at one or more wavelengths. This may include comparing the Abs / F characteristic with a predetermined reference value which can be a range of reference values, an upper threshold or a lower threshold. The reference value can be based on the known characteristics of the dye absorber. In the embodiment of Figure 13, the threshold is a lower threshold. If the Abs / F characteristic satisfies the lower threshold, it can be determined that there is not enough non-complexed dye absorber in solution and one of the two options 562 or 564 can occur. If the Abs / F characteristic does not satisfy the lower threshold, it can be determined in 560 that there is an uncomplexed dye absorber in solution and additional dye absorber is not necessary. The term "satisfies" the threshold is used in this document to refer to the fact that the variation satisfies the predetermined threshold, such as being equal to, less than or greater than the threshold value. It will be understood that such a determination can easily be changed to be satisfied by a positive / negative comparison or a true / false comparison. For example, a value less than the threshold can be easily satisfied by applying a value greater than the test when the data is numerically inverted.
[0157] In a first option 562, an additional dose of dye absorber can be automatically supplied to the laundry. The amount of the additional dose of dye absorber can be a predetermined amount of dye absorber based on the Abs / F characteristic of the treatment liquid determined at 558 or independent of the Abs / F characteristic. The Abs / F characteristic of the treatment liquid can then be determined
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 67/144 / 139 again at 556 and a determination of whether the Abs / F characteristic of the treatment liquid is below the predetermined threshold is made at 558. Elements 556, 558 and 562 of method 550 can be repeated a number of times predetermined or until the Abs / F characteristic falls below the threshold.
[0158] Alternatively or additionally, a second option 564 includes communicating to the user that the amount of dye absorbent was below or may not have been sufficient for the load and providing the user with additional instructions. In one example, the user may be prompted to add more dye absorber to the treatment chamber and restart the cycle. This can be useful in washing machines with single dose dispensers in which the entire dose of dye absorber provided in the dispenser is supplied to the treatment chamber. In another example, the user's feedback could include warning the user to inspect the load at the end of the cycle and optionally warning the user not to dry the laundry to wash under high heat. In another example, feedback can include communicating information to the dry clothes dryer at a low temperature or blocking a high temperature selection, in a manner similar to that described below in method 1500 of Figure 26.
[0159] An example of a dye fixative composition according to one embodiment of the invention, which may be suitable for use according to any of the methods described in this document, includes three cationic dye fixatives that provide the composition with a trimodal molecular weight distribution, that is, the composition contains three different discrete populations, each within a predetermined range of weight average molecular weight Mw. The combination of cationic fasteners with different Mw can be selected to inhibit the leakage of dye from different types of dye within a mixed load of laundry or within a laundry item that has multiple types of dye. As discussed above, the different types of dye interact with the fabric differently and, therefore, it is challenging to find a single dye fixative that can handle dye leakage for all different types of dye and fabric.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 68/144 / 139 [0160] For example, acid dyes are typically smaller than direct dyes and, therefore, have a greater diffusibility and less conformation. A dye fixative suitable for acid dyes can be a dye fixative that is able to form a direct electrostatic bond with an individual acid dye molecule and neutralize the charge. In addition, due to the fact that reactive and acid dyes are typically small molecules, usually in the range of 10 kDa, a dye fixative for reactive and acid dyes may need to have high diffusibility to reach the fabric surface before dye release. reactive / acid from the tissue surface.
[0161] Direct dyes, in contrast, are larger molecules with anionic sites that remain in fabrics due to the favorable division with the fabric as compared to the washing liquid. A dye fixative suitable for direct dyes can be a large cationic molecule that can bind to negatively charged fabric surfaces, such as cotton / cellulose, and form a polymeric film on the fiber surface to prevent the release of direct dyes to from the surface. Due to the fact that direct dyes are typically large molecules, small fixing molecules are not always effective in inhibiting the release of direct dyes from the tissue surface. [0162] According to one embodiment, the dye fixative composition can be designed to inhibit dye leakage from both acidic and direct dyes. The first dye fixative can be a large polymer that has cationic functional groups capable of inhibiting dye leakage from direct dyes that have an Mw greater than 200 kDa and a zeta potential greater than 20 mV. Non-limiting examples of polymers suitable for use as the first dye fixative include cationic polymers that contain functional groups selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary amines and their salts, phosphonium and quaternary ammonium salts, such as poly diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAAC) and poly (acrylamide-co-diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride), polyacrylamide, and polyethyleneimine. In one example, the first dye fixative can include a reactive functional group, such as a vinyl group,
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 69/144 / 139 a reactive hydroxyl group or an epoxy, for example, which can form a covalent bond with the tissue.
[0163] The second and third dye fixers can be selected to inhibit the leakage of dye from acid / reactive dyes. The second dye fixative can be selected from polymers that have cationic functional groups with an Mw less than 10 kDa, but greater than 1 kDa, and a zeta potential greater than 20 mV. Non-limiting examples of polymers suitable for use as the second dye fixative include cationic polymers that contain functional groups selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary amines and their salts, and phosphonium and quaternary ammonium salts.
[0164] The third dye fixative can be selected from surfactants, polymers and / or monomers with an Mw less than 1 kDa, a zeta potential greater than 20 mV and a diffusibility greater than 5x10 ^-6 cm ² / s. Non-limiting examples of substances suitable for the third dye fixative include cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), cetyl pyridinium bromide (CPB); diallyl dimethyl ammonium chloride (DADMAAC). In one example, the cationic dye fixative includes at least one polymer and / or monomer that has a cationic functional group in combination with a cationic surfactant.
[0165] The combination of different Mw, dye fixatives are selected in order to deal with the leakage of dye from multiple different types of dyes. Unlike an industrial environment in which the types of fabrics and dyes are uniform and / or at least well known to the user, in a residential environment, different types of fabrics and dyes can be mixed in a single charge and, therefore, a composition of dye fixer that can deal with the leakage of dye from different types of dye can be beneficial for the user in a residential environment. In addition, the smaller, highly diffusible cationic molecules of the second and third dye fixative can divide into the tissues first compared to the larger polymer of the first dye fixative. The initial layer of smaller cationic molecules on
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 70/144 / 139 the tissue surface, such as a cellulose tissue surface, can diffuse the negative cellulose surface charge, providing improved transport of the larger cationic molecules on the cellulose and therefore improved distribution.
[0166] The dye fixative composition may also include an anionic fixative that has a very low coefficient of division and diffusibility over the laundry fabric so that the anionic fixative splits over the fabrics last, after the first, second and third dye fixers. The anionic fixative can inhibit dye leakage for acid dyes by fixing it on a positively charged nylon surface and forming a polymeric film on the surface. In addition, the anionic fixative can interact with the cationic dye fixative that has already been deposited on a fabric surface, such as a cotton surface, and decrease or neutralize the positive charge imparted to the surface by the dye fixative. This can decrease the attraction of negatively charged dirt to the fabric surface. Alternatively, the rate at which the anionic fixative is deposited on the tissue surface in relation to the cationic dye fixative can be reduced by selecting an anionic fixative that has a higher molecular weight than the cationic dye fixative. Non-limiting examples of anionic fixatives include polymers with the following functional groups - sulfonate, carboxylate, acrylic acid, some examples of which include poly (acrylic acid), poly (methacrylic acid), poly (styrene sulfonate), poly (acrylamide-co -acetic acid), poly (vinylsulfonic acid). In an exemplary embodiment, the anionic fixative has an M _w of 200 kDa or greater.
[0167] The first and second dye fixatives may comprise a polymer that has cationic functional groups, as described above. Alternatively, any one or both the first and the second dye fixative can be a zwitterionic molecule that includes both cationic and anionic functional groups that become charged depending on the conditions of the cycle. Non-limiting examples of cationic functional groups include primary, secondary and tertiary amines. Non-limiting examples of anionic functional groups
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 71/144 / 139 include sulfonates and carboxylates. The zwitterionic molecule can be selected to provide the desired cationic or anionic charge at a predetermined time or stage during an operating cycle. In one example, the zwitterionic molecule may include a cationic functional group that is charged at least between pH 6 to 8.
[0168] In another example, either or both the first and the second dye fixative may include a reactive dye functional group covalently linked to the dye fixative to destroy or otherwise disable a dye's ability to color a fabric . The reactive dye functional group can include a reactive group, such as an oxidizing agent (for example, sodium hypochlorite) or a reducing agent (for example, sodium thiosulfate). In another example, the reactive dye functional group may include catalyst materials that generate oxygen radicals, which may be short-lived. Non-limiting examples of suitable oxygen radical generating functional groups include metal silicates, polyoxymetallates and / or other metal complexes. In one example, the first dye fixative can be configured to divide, preferably, on the fabric surface in such a way that the reactive functional group is available to react with loose dyes adjacent to the fabric surface.
[0169] The dye fixative composition may additionally include an oxidizing agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or a peroxide-generating substance, and is preferably acidic, with a pH less than 7. It is preferred that the agent oxidant is reactive in cold wash temperatures (for example, less than 29.44 ° C (85 ^o F)). A non-limiting example of a suitable oxidizing agent includes peracetic acid. In one example, the oxidizing agent can be a component of the dye fixative formulation. In another example, the dye fixative may include chemicals that interact with a component of the washing detergent composition to produce hydrogen peroxide, of which non-limiting examples include an alcohol oxidase enzyme provided in the dye fixative composition that reacts with the ethanol present in the washing detergent composition to produce hydrogen peroxide. In another example,
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 72/144 / 139 the dye fixative formulation can include acetic acid in an amount to provide the dye fixative formulation with a pH less than 7.
[0170] Another example of a dye fixative composition includes a mixture of cationic surfactants and nonionic surfactants that are capable of forming self-assembled monolayers on the fabric surface. In one example, the mixture may include a mixture of cationic surfactants and non-ionic surfactants of high HLB. Cationic surfactants can have a zeta potential greater than +20 mV. In one example, the zeta potential is preferably between +20 mV and +40 mV. Nonionic surfactants can have an HLB in the range of 8 to 14. Cationic surfactants are capable of electrostatic interaction with the fabric surface, such as a cotton fabric, for example, and can form a first monolayer on the fabric surface. which retains the dye on the fabric surface. Nonionic surfactants can provide screening for electrostatic repulsion among the main groups of cationic surfactants and additionally allow for a higher compaction density of the surfactant layer mounted on the fabric surface. The length of the alkyl chains of the surfactants can be selected to provide a film that has a predetermined thickness on the fabric surface. In addition, a ratio of the concentration of nonionic and cationic surfactants can be selected to provide a desired compaction density when mounted on the fabric surface. For example, a lower compaction density may allow water to penetrate through the film to the fabric surface to facilitate removal of dirt from the fabric surface, while still retaining the dye on the fabric surface. Alternatively, the compaction density can be selected to provide little or no water penetration of the film.
[0171] An example of a dye absorber composition according to an embodiment of the invention, which can be used according to any of the methods described in this document, includes a combination of cationic and non-ionic dye absorbers. There are a variety of types
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 73/144 / 139 different dye with different surface loads. For example, acidic and direct dyes generally have negative charges, whereas tub and dispersed dyes are typically neutral under conditions normally found in a washing liquid during a washing cycle in a washing machine. The dye absorbers in the composition can be selected to accommodate the various types of loose dye that can leak during an operating cycle.
[0172] The cationic dye absorber component may include a water-soluble cationic absorber, examples of which are well known, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone. In another example, the cationic dye absorber may include a zwitterionic dye absorber which becomes cationically charged depending on the conditions in solution in the treatment chamber. The cationic dye absorbent component may also include a surfactant system that comprises one or more cationic surfactants configured to be present in the treatment liquid when applied to laundry to be washed in a concentration above the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactants. Cationic surfactants above CMC can interact with direct and acid dyes in such a way that the loose dye, for example, dye that has been transferred to other tissues in the charge, which is not removed by a long chain cationic polymeric dye absorber , can be removed by cationic surfactants. Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic surfactants include cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB).
[0173] The non-ionic dye absorbent component may include emulsifiers to absorb tub dyes and dispersed in solution. In one example, the emulsifier can be a surfactant system. In one example, the surfactant system includes one or more non-ionic surfactants with an HLB in the range 8 to 18 and capable of forming micelles between 10 to 40 ^o C in an aqueous solution. It is preferred that non-ionic surfactants are configured to be present in the treatment liquid when applied to laundry to be washed in a concentration above the CMC of the surfactants. A surfactant system
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. An example 74/144 / 139 may also include a block copolymer. In another example, the surfactant system may additionally or alternatively include one or more zwitterionic or amphoteric surfactants. In yet another example, the emulsifier may additionally or alternatively include guest complexes, such as cyclodextrin, for example.
[0174] In another example, the emulsifier of the non-ionic dye absorbent component may be in the form of colloidal particles that form a Pickering emulsion. In general, colloidal particulates are considered to change the interfacial energy to form suitable emulsions of dye molecules in the liquid, rather than changing the surface tension of the liquid. Colloidal particulates, such as nano-crystalline cellulose, silica, particles with positively charged functional groups, particles coated with clay or silica, for example, can act as Pickering emulsions to complex with and suspend dye molecules in solution.
[0175] The dye absorber composition may also include additional adjuncts, the non-limiting examples of which include chelators and builders, such as EDTA and STPP.
[0176] Figure 15 illustrates a method 600 for removing dye that is loose in solution or has transferred to another fabric in the laundry load that can be used with the dye absorbent composition already described, which includes a combination of cationic and / or non-ionic dye absorbent components. Method 600 can be used with wash cycle 10, another wash cycle, or as a separate operating cycle. Method 600 can be deployed during an operating cycle to remove loose dye that has been transferred in the cycle currently in operation. Alternatively, method 600 can be used to remove loose dye that has been transferred in a previously operated cycle. Method 600 includes treating the laundry to be washed with a washing liquid that includes at least one surfactant and optionally enzymes, such as a laundry detergent, to remove dirt from the fabric at 602, as can occur during a phase main wash cycle
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 75/144 / 139 wash. After treatment with a washing liquid at 602, the laundry load can be rotated at high speeds to extract the washing liquid, which includes the detergent and dirt composition that has been removed from the laundry to wash, from the laundry load to wash at 604.
[0177] In 606, laundry can be treated with a dye absorbent composition. In an exemplary embodiment, the dye absorber composition may include a combination of the cationic and non-ionic dye absorber components described above. The dye absorber composition can optionally include zwiterionic dye absorber components, as described above, without the addition of anionic surfactants and / or additional enzymes (for example, no additional laundry detergent is added).
[0178] The dye absorber composition may include at least one water-soluble cationic dye absorber, a surfactant system comprising at least one surfactant and an emulsifier. The at least one water-soluble cationic dye absorber can include a polymeric dye absorber, such as polyvinylpyrrolidone, or a zwitterionic dye absorber that becomes cationically charged depending on the conditions in solution in the treatment chamber, for example. The surfactant system can include cationic and / or non-ionic surfactants above the CMC. Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic surfactants include cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) and cetylpyridinium bromide (CPB). Non-limiting examples of suitable non-ionic surfactants include surfactants that have an HLB in the range of 8 to 18 and capable of forming micelles between 10 to 40 ^o C in an aqueous solution.
[0179] The emulsifier may include a Pickering emulsion to complex with dyes in solution or that may have been transferred to other fabrics. In one example, the emulsifier component may include cationic colloidal particulates capable of forming Pickering emulsions to complex with direct dyes and loose acids present in solution or which may have been transferred to other tissues. Additionally or alternatively, the surfactant system may include
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 76/144 / 139 non-ionic surfactants present above the CMC to complex with tub dyes and dispersed loose in solution or that can be transferred to other tissues. In another example, the emulsifier component may include a guest complex. In yet another example, the emulsifier component may include a surfactant system that comprises at least one surfactant present in a concentration above the CMC of the at least one surfactant.
[0180] The dye absorbent treatment step 606 may include mechanical agitation to facilitate the removal of loose dyes, such as loose dyes that can be transferred onto light or white fabrics. In this way, the dye absorber treatment step 606 can be considered a dye removal or dye wash step because the dye absorbers are supplied to the laundry to wash to complex with the dyes for removal from the load of laundry to wash. Although the dye absorber treatment phase 606 is described for use with the composition that includes a combination of cationic and non-ionic dye absorbers described above, it will be understood that the dye absorber treatment phase 606 can be used with other dye absorber compositions in a similar manner. In addition, although the dye absorber composition is described in the context of method 600, the composition can be used with other methods.
[0181] The concentration of one or more of the surfactants in the dye absorber composition can be monitored during treatment phase 606 to maintain the concentration above the CMC for that particular surfactant. The concentration can be monitored with the use of one or more sensors or can be determined empirically by the controller using pre-programmed algorithms and based on information related to the amount of laundry to be washed, the volume of liquid supplied during the cycle. operation, the amount of absorbent composition supplied and / or the concentration of the supplied dye absorber composition. The concentration can be controlled by controlling the dosage of the surfactant and / or controlling a quantity of water
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 77/144 / 139 supplied to the treatment chamber. For example, if the concentration is too high above the CMC, additional water can be added to dilute the surfactant concentration. In another example, if the concentration is too low, the additional dye absorber composition can be added to increase the surfactant concentration.
[0182] The amount of treatment composition to supply to the treatment chamber during treatment phase 606 can be based on the amount of treatment chemical supplied to the dispenser and / or based on an amount of laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber. The amount of laundry to be washed can be determined during a load quantity determination phase that can be part of method 600 or part of the operating cycle used with method 600. In one example, laundry washing equipment can be use the load detection step 22 described above in relation to Figure 1 or any other suitable load detection method to determine the amount of laundry to wash. In another example, the load quantity can be determined based on user input related to the load quantity. In yet another example, the amount of treatment composition can be supplied based on an amount of liquid supplied to the treatment chamber to achieve the desired concentration of surfactants in the treatment liquid during treatment phase 606.
[0183] In 608, the treatment liquid applied in 606 can be extracted from laundry to wash. This may include draining the treatment liquid collected in a washing machine reservoir so that it is no longer recirculated back into the laundry to be washed and may optionally include spinning the laundry at high speeds to facilitate the extraction of liquid from the washing machine. from laundry to wash. The dye absorber treatment at 606 and extraction at 608 can be repeated one or more times and can be considered part of a dye removal or dye washing step to remove dye that is loose in solution and / or has been transferred to other fabric in the laundry load deployed as part of a rinse phase of a wash cycle or
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 78/144 / 139 independent of a rinse phase of a wash cycle. After extraction in 608, a final rinse can be implanted in 610. The final rinse can include additional dye absorber and, optionally, other rinsing agents, such as a fabric softener, for example. Alternatively, the final rinse may include water or a rinse liquid that includes rinsing agents, such as a fabric softener. If the final rinse in 610 includes dye absorbent, the final rinse can be implanted with mechanical agitation of the laundry load; if the final rinse in 610 does not include a dye absorber, the final rinse can be restricted to only mechanical movement that does not facilitate the movement of fabric to relative fabric, which can facilitate the transfer of dye.
[0184] Figure 16 illustrates a method 650 for inhibiting dye transfer during a wash cycle which includes the treatment of laundry to be washed with a dye transfer inhibiting composition that includes a fabric softener and an absorbent composition. of dye. The dye absorber composition can include the dye absorber composition described above which includes a combination of cationic and nonionic dye absorber components or some other dye absorber composition. The fabric softener may include at least one small cationic chain polymer and / or at least one silicone-based polymer that is capable of acting as a dye fixative. Method 650 can be used with wash cycle 10, with another wash cycle or as a separate run cycle.
[0185] Method 650 begins with the treatment of the laundry to be washed with a first dose of the dye inhibitor composition at 652. At 654, the laundry to be washed can be washed according to a washing phase of a separate operating cycle with a washing liquid that includes at least one surfactant and optionally enzymes, such as a washing liquid that contains a detergent composition for washing clothes, to remove dirt from the fabric. In 656, a second dose of the dye inhibitor composition can be supplied to the treatment chamber for treating the laundry. The second dose of the dye inhibitor can be dispensed during a
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 79/144 / 139 rinse to replenish the fabric softener that may have been removed from the laundry to wash during the washing phase at 654. The second dose of dye absorbers can facilitate the removal of loose dyes transferred during the washing phase. rinse.
[0186] Without sticking to any theory, the fabric softener component of the dye transfer inhibition composition can form a thin film on the fabric surface from the electrostatic interaction of the positively charged fabric softener and the cellulose substrate that it can fix or retain loose dyes on the laundry surface. Dye absorbents can be supplied in the composition to complex with the dyes released in solution that may have been released from the fabric surface of the laundry to be washed. Some surfactants, especially those that contain anionic functional groups, can increase the release of dyes from the fabric surface in the solution during treatment with a laundry detergent that includes such surfactants. The presence of the fabric softener, which can act as a dye fixative to fix dyes on the laundry surface, in combination with dye absorbers available for complexing with loose dyes, can decrease the dye release rate from the fabric surface and the subsequent dye transfer that may occur during washing with a laundry detergent.
[0187] Figure 17A illustrates a method 700 for facilitating the distribution of a dye fixative over a load of laundry. Dye fixers can interact electrostatically with fabrics resulting in localized spots of high concentration of dye fixer and non-uniform distribution over laundry items. For example, cationic dye fixers can electrostatically interact with the cellulose of the cotton fibers, making uniform distribution of the dye fixer on the fabric difficult. The uniform distribution of the dye fixative on the fabric facilitates the inhibition of dye transfer from the fabric surface. Method 700 can use a dye fixative that has a characteristic that can be adjusted or manipulated to control a
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 80/144 / 139 strength of the interaction between the dye fixative and a tissue surface to facilitate the desired distribution, dye fixation and optional fixative removal. Method 700 can be used with the wash cycle 10 of Figure 1 or any other suitable wash cycle.
[0188] The strength or degree of interaction between a charged molecule, such as a cationic dye fixative, and a charged surface, such as a cotton fiber surface, can be controlled by adjusting the potential of the molecule and / or the surface. The zeta potential is an indicative measurement of the potential of a material loaded in solution. Solution conditions, such as pH, ionic strength, temperature and pressure can affect the measured zeta potential of a material. Method 700 can be used with a dye fixative that has an adjustable zeta potential that can be controlled to provide a desired degree of interaction between the dye fixative and a washing surface.
[0189] Method 700 can start in 702 with the distribution of a dye fixative for laundry. The distribution of the dye fixative may include the supply of a treatment composition comprising at least one dye fixative for wetting or saturating the laundry. The treatment composition can be configured to provide an essentially neutral dye fixative. For use in the present invention, a neutrally charged dye fixative consists of a dye fixative that has a zeta potential close to zero, preferably within ± 10 mV. The provision of a neutrally charged dye fixative for the laundry to wash can provide a more even distribution of the dye fixative for the laundry to be washed by minimizing the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the fabric surface. Minimizing the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the tissue surface during distribution in 702 can inhibit the formation of localized spots of high concentration of dye fixation by allowing the dye fixative to diffuse or distribute over the surface of the before becoming strongly attracted to the surface.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 81/144 / 139 [0190] Since the dye fixative has been distributed to the laundry, it is desirable to increase the strength of the interaction between the dye fixative and the fabric surface so that the dye fixative remains associated with the tissue surface and to interact with the dye molecules associated with the tissue to inhibit the transfer or leakage of the dye molecules from the surface. Thus, at some predetermined point after the distribution of the dye fixative, in 704, the zeta potential of the dye fixative can be altered in such a way that an electrostatic interaction between the dye fixative and the surface of the tissue and / or molecules of dye associated with the fabric of the laundry to increase.
[0191] Depending on the nature of the dye fixative and the fabric surface, the zeta potential of the dye fixative can be increased or decreased in such a way that the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the fabric surface increases. In the case of a cationic dye fixative and a cotton fabric, the zeta potential of the dye fixative can be increased to increase the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the cotton fabric. The zeta potential of the dye fixative can be changed by changing the pH, ionic strength, temperature and / or pressure of the fluid within which the dye fixative is dissolved or suspended. For example, the pH can be changed to a desired pH by adding a suitable pH buffer or using electrolysis to change the pH, as further discussed below. In another example, the fluid's ionic strength can be changed by supplying a salt or saline solution to the fluid. Non-limiting examples of salts that can be used to adjust ionic strength include sodium chloride, sodium sulfate and ammonium sulfate.
[0192] In 706, the dye fixative can be removed from the fabric surface, such as by changing the zeta potential of the dye fixative again, to facilitate the removal of the dye fixative from the fabric surface. For example, it is typically desirable to have a dye fixative associated with the fabric of the laundry to wash during a wash phase in an operating cycle to inhibit dye transfer during the wash phase.
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As discussed earlier, elements such as detergent, temperature, amount of liquid and mechanical energy used during the washing phase, can promote or facilitate the transfer of dye during the washing phase, thus making it desirable to use a fixative dye to inhibit dye transfer. However, it may not be desirable to leave the dye fixative on the laundry to wash at the end of the operating cycle. In this way, after washing and / or a rinse stage or phase, the dye fixative can be removed before the end of the operating cycle. The zeta potential can be changed in the same or different way as described above in 704. To facilitate the removal of the dye fixative, the strength of the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative and the fabric of the laundry is reduced, which can make it easier to rinse off the dye fixative with the use of a rinse liquid, for example. In one example, the strength of the electrostatic attraction can be decreased by changing the zeta potential of the dye fixative back to zero, preferably ± 10 mV, to make it easier to remove the dye fixative.
[0193] Figure 17B illustrates an exemplary embodiment of method 700 to facilitate the distribution of a dye fixative over a load of laundry to be washed in the context of an adjustable pH dye fixative. In the example illustrated in Figure 17B, the electrostatic interaction between the dye fixative and the tissue surface can be controlled by adjusting the pH of the liquid in which the dye fixative is dissolved or suspended. Method 710 can start at 712 by treating the laundry to be washed with a pH-adjustable dye fixative in a treatment liquid at a first pH. A pH-adjustable dye fixative can refer to a polymer whose surface charge changes depending on the pH of the solution. The first pH can correspond to a pH in which the dye fixative is minimally charged, that is, close to the isoelectric point of the dye fixative. An exemplary class of pH-adjustable dye fixers includes polymers that have functional groups or monomers based on allylamine, vinylamine, acrylamide, ethylenimine or lysine, poly (4-vinylpyridine), poly (2-vinylpyridine), poly (N, NPetition 870180002487 , from 11/01/2018, page 83/144 / 139 dimethylaminoethylmethacrylate), poly (2-diethylaminoethyl methacrylate), poly (N, N-dialkyl aminoethyl methacrylate), poly (L-lysine) or chitosan.
[0194] An example of a suitable adjustable pH dye fixative would be a dye fixative that has a zeta potential of approximately ± 10 mV at pH> 8 and a zeta potential greater than 20 mV at pH <6. For this fixative of exemplary dye, the treatment liquid at 712 may have a pH of approximately 8 or higher in order to provide a dye fixative with minimal or neutral charge, to facilitate uniform distribution of the dye fixative to the surface of the laundry fabric to wash , as discussed above.
[0195] In 714, the pH of the treatment liquid can be lowered to a second pH that corresponds to a pH at which most of the dye fixative is loaded. This can include adding liquid, such as a detergent, to, for example, the treatment liquid to bring the pH down to the second pH or, alternatively, the treatment liquid supplied at 712 can be drained and the new treatment liquid at the second pH desired can be supplied for laundry to wash. Alternatively, electrolysis can be used to change the pH. Electrolysis of the liquid produces an acidic aqueous solution and an aqueous alkaline solution that can be used to change the pH of the wash bath. An example of electrolysis for use in a domestic equipment is presented in the publication No. US 2013/0026046, Sanville, et al., Filed on July 6, 2011, entitled “On Site Generation of Alkalinity Boost for Ware Washing Applications,” which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. For the exemplary dye fixative described above, the second pH can be about 6 or less. Lowering the pH to a value such that most dye fixer molecules are loaded can facilitate fixing the dye fixer to the surface of the fabric, which can promote inhibition of dye transfer. The charged dye fixative molecule may have a stronger electrostatic bond to the fabric surface in such a way that a film or layer of fixative
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 84/144 / 139 of dye is formed on the fabric surface which inhibits the release of dye from the fabric surface.
[0196] The laundry to be washed can then be washed according to a washing phase of a cycle selected in 716. The pH of the washing liquid in 716 can be controlled in such a way that the pH remains below the first pH. Above the first pH, the dye fixative molecules become unchanged or neutral, decreasing the strength of the bond between the dye fixative, the tissue surface and the dye, which can increase the amount of dye released from the surface of the dye. fabric.
[0197] After the washing phase to wash at 716, the laundry can be treated with a rinse liquid that has a pH greater than or equal to the first pH to again minimize the load on the dye fixer molecules at 718 to facilitate the removal of the dye fixative from the laundry. The neutralization of the dye fixative molecules can therefore decrease the strength of the interaction between the dye fixative and a loaded tissue surface, such as cellulose, making it easier to remove the dye fixative from the surface of the laundry to wash. . The treatment of laundry to be washed in 718 with a liquid at a pH greater than or equal to the first pH can be done multiple times during a rinse phase of an operating cycle or once during a final rinse of the rinse phase. The dye fixation removal step at 718 can be implanted in the presence of dye absorbers to complex with the dyes released in solution to inhibit dye transfer during dye fixation removal.
[0198] An optional final rinse at 720 can be implanted to bring the pH up to or below neutral in such a way that the laundry fabrics are not significantly alkaline at the end of the cycle to perfect the fabric touch. For example, the final rinse at 720 may include a rinse with fresh water from the water source.
[0199] The pH, ionic strength, temperature and / or pressure to provide a dye fixative with the desired characteristic, such as the desired zeta potential, is with
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 85/144 / 139 base on the dye fixative and characteristics of the treatment liquids used during the operation cycle and can be determined empirically or using one or more formulas. Any combination of environmental characteristics, such as pH, ionic strength, temperature or pressure, can be adjusted to provide the desired zeta potential of the dye fixative and thereby provide a desired interaction force between the dye fixative and the fabric surface. . For example, although method 710 is described in the context of changing the pH, it will be understood that method 710 can also include adjusting the ionic strength of the liquid to 714 or 718. Furthermore, although methods 700 and 710 are discussed in the context of changing the zeta potential of the dye fixative, it will be understood that the zeta potential of the fabric surface can also be altered in order to facilitate the distribution or removal of the dye fixative from the laundry. For example, rinsing the laundry with a rinse liquid that has a high salinity can provide the fabric surface with salt ions that can provide a screen or electrostatic protection to reduce the attraction between the fabric surface and the dye fixative .
[0200] Figure 18 illustrates a method 800 for treating a load of laundry to wash with a dye fixative during a wash cycle. Method 800 can be used with the wash cycle 10 of Figure 1 or any other suitable wash cycle. In one example, method 800 can be used during the prewash phase 14 of the wash cycle 10.
[0201] Many dye fixers are charged molecules that interact electrostatically with the fabric surface and the dye to fix or retain the dye on the fabric surface. Thus, the presence of dye fasteners on the fabric surface can provide the fabric surface with a charged layer that can undesirably attract other substances to the fabric surface. For example, typical dye fixatives for use with cotton fabric and negative or directly charged acid dyes consist of positively charged cationic molecules. When cationic dye fixers bond with the fabric surface, the fabric surface may have a surface
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 86/144 / 139 with more positive charge than the untreated tissue surface. This positive charge can attract negatively charged substances in solution to the tissue surface. For example, many soils have negative charges and thus can be attracted to the positively charged dye fixer layer on the fabric surface. This can result in dirt that has been removed from the laundry to wash during washing or dirt that the laundry comes into contact during use, settling on the fabric to a greater extent than if the layer of fixative has loaded dye was not present.
[0202] Method 800 provides a method by which the load of a dye fixative layer present on the fabric surface can be altered or masked in order to minimize the attraction of undesirable substances, such as dirt, to the surface of the fabric. In 802, a dye fixative layer that has a first surface charge can be formed on the fabric surface. The formation of the dye fixative can be implanted by supplying a dye fixative composition for the laundry, which is electrostatically attracted to one or more surfaces of the laundry fabric. For example, for cotton fabrics dyed with direct or acid dyes, the dye fixative is likely to be a cationic dye fixative. Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic dye fixatives include dye fixers that contain functional groups selected from the group consisting of primary, secondary and tertiary amines and their salts, and quaternary ammonium and phosphonium salts, such as poly diallyl chloride dimethyl ammonium (DADMAAC) and poly (acrylamide-co-diallyldimethyl ammonium chloride), polyacrylamide, and polyethyleneimine. Non-limiting examples of suitable cationic dye fixatives include those available under the trademark Sandofix SWE or WA, Sandolec CS, CL, WS, or CT, and Cartafix WE (all available from Clariant), a dye fixative based on cationic methylene guanidine (commercially available under the trademark Retayne ™ from G&K Craft Industries), and those available under the trademark Sera® Fast CT (available from Dystar).
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 87/144 / 139 [0203] In 804, the surface load of the fabric dye fixative layer can be modified to neutralize or change the load of the fabric dye fixative layer. Modification of the fabric dye fixative layer may include supplying a surface charge modifying agent that has an electrostatic charge opposite to that of the fabric dye fixative layer for laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber. The surface charge modifying agent can be attracted to the fabric-dye fixative layer and, preferably, spread to the fabric surface. The surface charge modifying agent can be supplied in an amount sufficient to neutralize the charge of the dye fixing fabric in such a way that the overall charge on the fabric surface is almost neutral. Alternatively, the amount of surface charge modifying agent may be sufficient to provide the fabric surface with a total surface charge that is different from the surface charge of the fabric in the absence of the surface charge modifying agent.
[0204] In the example where a cationic dye fixative is applied in 802, the surface charge modifying agent may be an anionic polymer. Non-limiting examples of suitable anionic polymers include polymers containing sulfonic or carboxylic groups that have a molecular weight above 200 kDa and a zeta potential between 0 to -20 mV in pure solution, although other polymers that have negative charged functional groups as well can be used. Non-limiting examples of commercially available anionic polymers include Syntan, Nylofast® (available from Clariant), and Sera Fast® NHF (available from DyStar). Anionic polymers can be supplied in such a way that the surface charge of the tissue is negative instead of positive. A negatively charged surface may be more likely to repel or inhibit the negatively charged dirt deposition compared to a positively charged cationic dye fixative layer. Anionic polymers can also provide the added feature of acting as a dye fixative on acidic nylon fabrics.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 88/144 / 139 [0205] Alternatively, the surface charge modifying agent may include small anionic compounds. Non-limiting examples of suitable small anionic compounds include polymers that have sulfonate, carboxylate and / or acrylic acid functional groups and that have a molecular weight between 5 to 50 kDa. Small anionic compounds can interact with the cationic dye fixative layer on the fabric surface to dissipate the positive charge on the fabric in such a way that the total surface charge is almost neutral. The polar and small nature of anionic agents can facilitate the more uniform distribution of anionic agents through the treatment liquid.
[0206] Subsequent treatment of the fabric item, such as drying in a clothes dryer after the end of the washing cycle, can be modified based on the type of surface load modifying agent applied to the fabric surface. For example, if a sulfonate polymer is used as the surface charge modifying agent, the subsequent drying cycle should be limited to a temperature below 54.44 ° C (130 ^o F). The recommended drying temperature can be communicated to the user through the user interface or it can be automatically communicated by the washing machine to the dryer, in a similar way to that described below in method 1500 of Figure 26.
[0207] In yet another example, the surface charge modifying agent may include a saline solution. The saline solution can be supplied for the laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber to mask the charge of the dye fixative layer and interrupt the electrostatic attraction between the dye fixative layer loaded on the fabric and substances loaded in the treatment liquid. In the example of direct dyes, these types of dyes often have low wash fastness, that is, they are prone to leakage when washed, due to the fact that they are normally present as anionic molecules with the sodium counterion dissociated in an aqueous solution, such as a washing liquid, which increases the hydrophilicity of the direct dye and, thus, the solubility of the dye in the washing liquid. The addition of additional sodium ions to the solution
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 89/144 / 139 can shift the balance of the system in such a way that less sodium counterions dissociate from the dye, causing the dye molecules to have a total neutral charge and making the dyes less soluble in the washing liquid . The sodium concentration may vary depending on the amount of dye in the washing liquid. In one example, sodium ions can be supplied by adding sodium chloride and / or sodium sulfate at a sodium concentration of about 50 g / L.
[0208] Additional examples of substances suitable for use as the surface charge modifying agent include polyelectrolytes capable of forming layer by layer polymer films, the non-limiting examples of which include poly (acrylic acid), poly (methacrylic acid), polyethyleneimine, poly (allylamine hydrochloride), poly (acrylamide-2-methyl-propane sulfonate), poly (3-sulfopropyl methacrylate), poly (styrene sulfonate), poly (N, N, N-trimethyl-2-methacryloyl ethyl ammonium) bromide, poly (vinyl sulfate), poly (diallyldimethylammonium chloride) and poly (4-vinyl-N-methylpyridinium iodide). [0209] Figure 19 illustrates an exemplary 850 dye fixative treatment method for treating a load of laundry to be washed with a cationic dye fixative. Method 850 can be implemented as part of the pre-wash phase 14 of the wash cycle 10, as part of any other suitable operating cycle, or as a separate cycle. Although method 850 is described in the context of treatment with a cationic dye fixative, it will be understood that method 850 can be implanted in a similar manner for treatment with an anionic dye fixative through the use of a surface charge modifying agent suitable for anionic dye fixatives.
[0210] Method 850 can start with the assumption that the user has loaded a load of laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber and selected an operating cycle that includes treatment of laundry to be washed with a dye fixative. In 852, laundry can be pre-wetted with rinse water. The wetting phase at 852 can be the same as the pre-wetting phase 12 of cycle 10 or different. As described above, pre-wetting the laundry to wash with water before applying the dye fixer can facilitate more even distribution
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 90/144 / 139 of the dye fixative on the tissues by reducing the interfacial impelling forces and reducing a tissue penetration rate and / or a dye fixation fixation rate.
[0211] In 854, laundry can be treated with a treatment liquid that includes a cationic dye fixative. The amount of cationic dye fixative can be based on an amount of laundry to be washed and / or a type of fabric of the laundry to be washed. Any automatic or manual method suitable for determining a quantity and / or type of laundry fabric known in the art or described in this document may be used. Alternatively, the amount of cationic dye fixative can be a predefined amount based on the selected operating cycle or amount of treatment chemical provided by the user. The uniform distribution of the cationic dye fixative across the laundry load can be further facilitated by applying mechanical energy to the laundry, such as by revolutionizing or shaking the laundry load.
[0212] In 856, the unbound or free cationic dye fixative, that is, the cationic dye fixative that is attached to the fabric surface, can be removed. Removing the free cationic dye fixative may include draining the cationic dye fixative that has been collected in the washing machine reservoir. The washing clothes can be optionally turned on 856 to facilitate the extraction of dye fixer from the washing clothes for collection in the reservoir and subsequent drainage. Alternatively, fresh water can be added as a rinse prior to rotation and drainage.
[0213] In 858, laundry to be treated can be treated with a treatment liquid that includes a surface load modifying agent that can be followed by a draining phase with optional laundry rotation to facilitate liquid extraction at 860. The amount of surface charge modifying agent to be added can be determined in a similar or different way to the amount of the added cationic dye fixative. In one example, the amount of surface charge modifying agent can be based on
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 91/144 / 139 in the amount of cationic dye fixative supplied for laundry to be washed at 854. The free surface charge modifying agent can be removed at 860 in a similar manner to that described above at 856 for removing the fixative from cationic dye. After removing the free surface charge modifying agent, the operating cycle can continue to the next phase of the cycle selected in 862. When method 850 is used with the prewash phase 14 of the wash cycle 10, the main wash 16 can follow removal of free surface charge modifying agent at 860.
[0214] In addition to providing dye fixatives to the fabric surface to inhibit dye transfer, it may be desirable, under certain circumstances, to also remove the dye fixative from the fabric surface without facilitating dye transfer. For example, the dye fixative can build up on the fabric surface over time from multiple treatments with a dye fixative. The dye fixative on the fabric can attract dirt that can give the fabric a dirty or grimy appearance.
[0215] In one example, the dye fixative can be configured to release from the fabric surface under exposure to predetermined conditions. Many dye fixatives are surfactants that contain a positively charged main group and a non-polar terminal. A surfactant-based dye fixative may include a fatty acid terminal that has a low melting temperature such that, when heated in a dryer or treated with hot water, the dye fixative melts from the fabric surface. Alternatively, the dye fixative may include a pH sensitive main group that changes the charge under certain pH conditions, which can promote the separation of the dye fixative away from the surface. The pH of the treatment liquid can be changed at a predetermined point in the cycle to trigger the pH-sensitive main group of the dye fixative to change its charge and release from the tissue surface. [0216] In another example, dye fixers can be actively removed from the fabric surface, such as using nanoparticles
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 92/144 / 139 to break or remove at least part of the fixative in such a way that the dye fixative is released from the fabric surface. Alternatively, enzymes can be introduced which can alter the surface of the tissue in such a way that the dye fixer is released from the tissue. In yet another example, the fabric surface may be excessively charged to repel the dye fixative from the fabric surface, such as by adding salts, such as sodium chloride.
[0217] Dye fixation removal can be performed at the end of a cycle to remove dye fixation applied in the present cycle and additional dye fixation that may have remained on the fabric after the previous cycles. Alternatively, the dye fixative can be removed at the beginning of a cycle, such as during a prewash phase, for example. The dye fixative can be removed at the beginning of the cycle to provide a tissue surface relatively free of dye fixative which can subsequently be treated with additional dye fixative. In this way, the amount of dye fixative on the fabric surface can be controlled and limited, inhibiting the accumulation of dye fixative on the fabric surface over time.
[0218] Figure 20 illustrates a 1000 method for handling new laundry items. For use in the present invention, a new laundry item refers to a laundry item that is being washed by the user for the first time. The new laundry item may be an unused laundry item or a used laundry item that has not been previously washed by the user. Method 1000 can be used to treat a single laundry item, multiple new laundry items, or a combination of new laundry items and previously washed laundry items.
[0219] Method 1000 starts at 1002 with the receipt by the washing machine controller of an entry indicating a new laundry item for treatment by the washing machine. The entry can include a user who selects the new laundry item cycle or who indicates that the load contains a new laundry item through the user interface.
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Alternatively, the controller can receive input when a new laundry item is detected by the washing machine. A new laundry item can be detected optically, through radio frequency, or based on one or more predetermined conditions that are met. Optical detection may include optically examining a label provided on the laundry item, such as a barcode, detecting the absorbance and / or transmittance of light emitted from a light source, or taking an image or video of the laundry item . Radio frequency detection can include receiving information from an RFID tag provided on the laundry item by a suitable RFID reader provided in the washing machine. Certain conditions, such as selecting a small load cycle or detecting a small amount of load, may also indicate a new laundry item. [0220] Upon receipt of the indicative entry for a new laundry item, the controller can automatically start a new laundry item cycle or prompt the user to select a new laundry item cycle. In 1004, the new laundry item cycle can begin and a treatment can be supplied based on the selected new laundry item cycle. In 1006, a wash and / or a rinse phase can be modified. In 1008, the washing machine can optionally provide feedback to a user regarding a result of the “new garment” cycle or recommendations for additional care with the laundry item.
[0221] Figure 21 illustrates an example method 1020 for treating new laundry items in a first wash cycle for a colored laundry item. When a user is going to wash a new laundry item for the first time, there may be a concern as to whether the new laundry item will spill ink. In some cases, a user will choose to wash the laundry item alone the first time as a precaution to potentially avoid destroying other laundry items with the dye transferred from the new laundry item. In other cases, a user may inadvertently wash the new laundry item with other laundry items and the
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 94/144 / 139 dye can transfer from the new laundry item to the other laundry items in the load, potentially destroying these other laundry items. Some laundry items are excessively dyed and may spill ink the first few times they are washed, but after a few first washes, little or no additional leakage may occur.
[0222] Method 1020 can be used to provide a user with information regarding whether a new laundry item is suitable for washing with mixed loads or should be washed alone and optionally to provide a treatment to inhibit the transfer of dye.
[0223] Method 1020 can start in 1022 with the receipt by the controller of an indicative entry for a new laundry item, as described above in 1002 of method 1000 in Figure 17. Although method 1020 is described in the context of a single item , it will be understood that method 1020 can be used with multiple items. If multiple items are treated at the same time according to the 1020 method, the multiple items should be similarly colored, such as multiple jeans, to avoid an undesirable dye transfer event.
[0224] In 1024, an optional dye transfer inhibitor can be supplied for the laundry item. The dye transfer inhibitor can be a dye fixative that can be supplied for the laundry item according to any of the methods described in this document. Alternatively, the dye fixative can be applied as the temperature of the treatment liquid is increased. Increasing the temperature can facilitate the distribution of the dye fixative over the fabric surface of the laundry item, increase the complexation of the dye fixative and fabric, and also facilitate the leakage of loose dyes that can subsequently be drained away. At the end of the dye fixative supply phase, the unabsorbed dye fixative can be removed by draining the treatment liquid collected in the reservoir and optionally rotating the laundry items to extract the treatment liquid.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 95/144 / 139 [0225] In 1026, the laundry item can be washed according to a modified wash phase. Due to the fact that laundry items are new items, it can be presumed that they are not deeply soiled and thus removing dirt is not a major concern during the washing phase in 1026, and the washing phase 1026 may then be faster than a normal wash phase. The washing step in 1026 may include supplying a laundry detergent composition and an additive at a predetermined concentration and at a predetermined temperature to facilitate the removal of loose dyes from the laundry item. For example, the laundry detergent composition can be supplied to the laundry to be washed in such a way that the concentration of surfactants is below the CMC to facilitate the removal of excessive or loose dye. The additive can be a dye absorber which can additionally facilitate the removal of loose dyes. The laundry item can also be turned or shaken to facilitate the release of loose dyes from the laundry item's surface through mechanical action. Due to the fact that not all dyes are removed using the same methods, a combination of dye fixative, laundry detergent concentration, temperature, dye absorbers and mechanical action can be used to facilitate the removal of excessive dye / released through a wider range of dye and fabric types.
[0226] In 1028, the laundry item can be rinsed according to one or more rinsing steps. A dye presence in the rinse liquid can be determined in 1030 inside the treatment chamber, which can also include the liquid that was previously in the treatment chamber. The dye in the rinse liquid can be considered a dye released when the dye is no longer associated with a laundry item, but is present in solution in the rinse liquid. A suitable sensor system can be provided for determining the presence of a dye in the rinse liquid, the non-limiting examples of which include optical sensor systems that can be used to perform UV / Vis absorbance / fluorescence spectroscopy or a sensor.
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 96/144 / 139 conductivity. For example, an absorbance / fluorescence UV / Vis system can provide an output representative of an absorbance and / or spectral fluorescence detected from the treatment liquid. It will also be understood that, when referring to absorbance in this document, transmittance, which is related to absorbance, can be used as an alternative to absorbance or to determine absorbance. The sensor system can emit a signal indicating the presence of a dye, which includes a quantity of dye, in the rinse liquid. The sensor system can detect the dye and emit the signal continuously or intermittently throughout the rinse phase 1028 or at one or more predetermined stages of the rinse phase 1028, such as the end of the final rinse, for example.
[0227] The controller can receive the output signal indicative of the presence of a dye from the sensor system and determine whether the output signal satisfies a predetermined threshold in 1032. This may include comparing the Abs / F characteristic with a value predetermined reference range which can be a range of reference values, an upper threshold or a lower threshold. In the embodiment of Figure 21, the threshold is an upper threshold. If the output signal does not meet the threshold, the controller can determine in 1034 that the laundry item is suitable for washing with mixed loads in an unordered washing cycle and provide feedback to the user through the user interface that the laundry can be washed in mixed loads in future wash cycles. In this way, the output signal can indicate a dye inhibition condition. [0228] The cycle can then be completed in 1038. Optionally, in 1042, a dye fixative can be supplied for the laundry item to facilitate inhibition of dye transfer in a future wash cycle and / or during use. The term "satisfies" the threshold, for use in the present invention, to refer to the fact that the variation satisfies the predetermined threshold, such as being equal to, less than or greater than the threshold value. It will be understood that such a determination can easily be changed to be satisfied through a positive / negative comparison or a true / false comparison. Per
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 97/144 / 139 example, a value less than the threshold can be easily satisfied by applying a greater than the test when the data is numerically inverted.
[0229] If the output signal meets the threshold, the controller can determine in 1036 that the dye is present in the rinse liquid and that the laundry item is not ready for washing with mixed loads and should be washed in a wash cycle salary. In this way, the exit signal may indicate an uninhibited condition, which may indicate that the laundry to be washed is not dye-stable, that is, the dye may transfer from the laundry item to other surfaces during washing clothing and / or use. The method then returns to 1026 to repeat the modified washing phase 1026, rinsing phase 1028 and to determine the presence of dye in the washing liquid in 1030. The controller can be programmed to repeat steps 1026, 1028, 1030 and 1032 n predetermined number of times. If it is determined that the dye has been determined to be present more than n times in 1036, the cycle can end in 1038 and the controller can provide feedback to the user in 1040 that the laundry item should not be washed with mixed loads . For many laundry items, washing a predetermined number of times, usually about 3, is sufficient to remove enough loose dye to decrease the risk of a dye transfer event to an acceptable level. However, if a laundry item continues to dye after multiple washes, method 1020 can be completed and the user can be provided with feedback regarding the laundry item's dye transfer status. Optionally, in 1044, a dye fixative can be supplied for the laundry item to facilitate the inhibition of dye transfer in a future wash cycle and / or during use.
[0230] The feedback provided to the user in 1034 and 1040 can be provided through text communicated through a user interface or with one or more illuminated indicators. For example, the user interface can be equipped with an indicator for ready for mixed loads that illuminated with green
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 98/144 / 139 when the laundry item is ready to wash with mixed loads and red when the laundry item is not ready to wash with mixed loads. In another example, the user interface can communicate whether the laundry item is ready for washing with mixed loads and other additional care information, such as recommendations for additional treatments.
[0231] In another example, method 1020 can be configured for use in the treatment of jeans, which are typically dyed with tub dyes. Instead of adding a dye fixative at 1024, an oxidizing agent can be added during the 1026 wash phase to facilitate oxidation of any unoxidized basin dyes and make them insoluble in water, which can increase their wash fastness and decrease dye transfer. The 1020 method for use with jeans can be provided to the user as a cycle option when the user selects a jeans-only cycle.
[0232] Although method 1020 is described as including a dye determination process, method 1020 can be used in a similar way, without determining the presence of dye. For example, the wash and rinse phase 1026 and 1028 can be repeated a predetermined number of times that can be adjusted automatically by the controller or selected by the user.
[0233] Figure 22 illustrates another exemplary 1050 method for treating new laundry items in a first wash cycle. The 1050 method can be used with new laundry items to remove treatments or finishes from items or to apply additional treatments or finishes to items that are best suited for application to laundry items that have not worn or worn. For example, method 1050 can be used to remove an ironing agent from laundry to wash, if desired by the user, before dressing or using the laundry item. In another example, method 1050 can be used to apply a stain repellent finish to the laundry item. The application of a stain repellent can fix stains present in the laundry item and, therefore, it is preferred to apply a stain repellent before dressing or wearing the garment. However, some consumers wear or use the
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 99/144 / 139 item before washing the item for the first time. Thus, as will be described below, method 1050 may include a washing step before applying the stain repellent to remove dirt or stains that may have occurred before the first wash.
[0234] Method 1050 can start in 1052 with the receipt by the controller of an indicative entry for a new laundry item as described above in 1002 of method 1000 in Figure 20. Although method 1050 is described in the context of a single item, it will be understood that method 1050 can be used with multiple items.
[0235] Method 1050 may include a main wash phase 1056 and a rinse phase comprising one or more rinses in 1062, which can be modified based on a treatment agent supplied for laundry items during one or more among the first, second and / or third treatment supply phases 1054, 1058 and 1060. Although three treatment supply phases are illustrated, it will be understood that more treatment phases can be used depending on the treatment to be applied.
[0236] In one example, method 1050 can be used to remove an ironing agent from a new laundry item. Some users may consider the presence of an ironing agent in the laundry item as undesirable. For the removal of an ironing agent, the main washing phase 1056 may include providing mechanical action, such as revolution or agitation, and a washing liquid at a predetermined temperature and which includes a detergent composition for washing clothes in a concentration predetermined to facilitate the removal of the ironing agent. The second and, optionally, third treatment supply phase 1058 and 1060 may include additional mechanical action and application of washing fluid configured to facilitate removal of the ironing agent. For example, the washing liquid can be heated to the highest recommended temperature for that item and / or the concentration of a laundry detergent in the washing liquid can be increased to 1 to 3 times the recommended dosage. Due to the fact that the
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 100/144 / 139 laundry item is new, dirt removal is not the main concern and wash phase 1056 and treatment phases 1058 and 1060 can be configured to optimize the removal of the ironing agent instead of the removal of dirt and stains, as per a typical normal wash cycle. [0237] In another example, method 1050 can be used to provide the new laundry item with a fabric finish. In this example, main wash 1056 may include providing mechanical action, such as revolution or agitation, and a washing liquid at a predetermined temperature and which includes a laundry detergent composition at a predetermined concentration. The main wash phase 1056 can be a light and quick wash phase, due to the fact that the laundry item is new and therefore is not likely to have a high degree of dirt or stain. In 1058, one or more fabric finishing agents can be supplied for the laundry item. Fabric finishing agents can be supplied at a predetermined concentration and temperature depending on the agent. The fabric finishing agent can be supplied in a high concentration in a low volume of circulating water to facilitate the distribution of the fabric finishing agent.
[0238] In one example, the fabric finishing agent supplied in the second supply treatment 1058 can prepare the laundry item for a fabric finishing agent supplied in the third stage of supply treatment 1060. The second and / or third stage treatment supply 1058 and 1060 can include a temperature slope profile that can activate or adjust the fabric finish. Alternatively or additionally, the user can be provided with 1064 feedback via a user interface to adjust / activate the finish on a high heat cycle in a clothes dryer at the end of the wash cycle. In yet another example, the washing machine can communicate the recommended temperature setting automatically to the dryer. [0239] Non-limiting examples of fabric finishing agents that can be supplied during treatment supply phases 1058, 1060 include stain repellents, UV blockers,
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 101/144 / 139 dirt, insect repellent, flame retardant, water repellent, moisture absorbing renewing agents, wrinkle releasing agents and wrinkling repellents.
[0240] In yet another example, method 1050 can be used to treat a new laundry item that is being washed by the user for the first time, but may have been used / purchased by another user previously, such as used clothing purchased from a garage sale or second-hand clothing store or thrift store. In 1056, laundry items can be washed in the main wash phase to remove dirt and stains by applying mechanical action and a washing liquid that contains a laundry detergent composition. In 1058, a treatment composition comprising an enzyme, such as cellulase, can be supplied for laundry. Cellulase can act as a fabric polish, removing ball formation, which can rehabilitate the laundry item's appearance and give it a “newer” look.
[0241] The feedback provided to the user in 1064 can be provided through text communicated through a user interface or with one or more illuminated indicators. For example, the user interface can be equipped with an indicator that changes the color depending on the state of the treatment. In another example, the user interface can communicate care information, such as recommendations for additional treatments. For example, the user interface can recommend dryer settings or future wash settings for the item.
[0242] Often, after the fabric items are washed, a user dries the fabric items. This can be problematic if the dye has been transferred during washing of the fabric articles as drying can thermoset the transferred dye on the fabric articles, given the drying temperatures of modern clothes dryers. Figure 23 illustrates an example of a clothes dryer 1100, which includes a cabinet 1112 in which a controller 1114 can be provided that can be input from a user through a user interface 1116 to select an operating cycle and
Petition 870180002487, of 11/01/2018, p. 102/144 / 139 control the operation of the 1100 clothes dryer to implement the selected operating cycle. User interface 1116 can be operably coupled with controller 1114 and can provide an input and output function for controller 1114. Cabinet 1112 can be defined by a front wall 1118, a back wall 1120 and a pair of walls sides 1122 that supports a top wall 1124. A chassis can be supplied with the walls being panels mounted on the chassis. A door 1126 can be pivotally mounted on the front wall 1118 and can be selectively movable between open and closed positions to close an opening in the front wall 1118, which provides access to an internal part of the cabinet 1112.
[0243] A rotating drum 1128 can be arranged inside an internal part of cabinet 1112 between opposite front and rear stationary bulkheads 1130, 1132, which, together with door 1126, collectively define a treatment chamber 1134 for receiving items from fabric for treatment. As illustrated, and as may be the case with most clothes dryers, the 1134 treatment chamber may not be fluidly coupled with a drain. In this way, any liquid introduced into the treatment chamber 1134 may not be removed simply by draining.
[0244] The 1128 drum may include at least one 1129 lifter. On most dryers, there may be multiple 1129 lifters. The 1129 lifters can be located along an inner surface of the 1128 drum that defines an internal circumference of the 1128 drum. lifters can facilitate the movement of laundry to wash 1136 inside drum 1128 as drum 1128 rotates.
[0245] The 1128 drum can be operably coupled with an actuator in the form of an 1154 motor to selectively rotate the 1128 drum during an operating cycle. The coupling of motor 1154 to drum 1128 can be direct or indirect. As illustrated, an indirect coupling can include a belt 1156 that couples an output shaft of the motor 1154 to a wheel / pulley on the drum 1128.
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A direct coupling can include the output shaft of the 1154 motor coupled to a central part of the 1128 drum.
[0246] An airflow system can be provided for the 1100 clothes dryer. The airflow system supplies air to the 1134 treatment chamber and exhaust air from the 1134 treatment chamber. The supplied air can be heated or not. The air flow system may have an air supply part that partly forms a supply duct 1138, which has one end open to the ambient air through a rear vent 1137 and the other end fluidly coupled with an input grid 1140, which can be in fluid communication with the treatment chamber 1134. A heater 1142 can be located inside supply duct 1138 and can be operably coupled with and controlled by controller 1114. If heater 1142 can be turned on, the supplied air will be heated before entering the 1128 drum.
[0247] The air flow system may additionally include an exhaust air part that can be formed in part by an exhaust duct 1144. A lint trap 1145 can be provided as the inlet from the treatment chamber 1134 to the exhaust duct 1144. An actuator in the form of a 1146 blower can be fluidly coupled with the exhaust duct 1144. The 1146 blower can be operably coupled with and controlled by the 1114 controller. The operation of the 1146 blower attracts the air to the treatment chamber 1134, as well as exhaust air from the treatment chamber 1134 through the exhaust duct 1144. The exhaust duct 1144 can be fluidly coupled with a home exhaust duct (not shown) to exhaust the air from the treatment chamber 1134 out of the clothes dryer 1100.
[0248] The airflow system may additionally include several sensors and other components, such as a thermistor 1147 and a thermostat 1148, which can be coupled with supply duct 1138 in which heater 1142 can be positioned. Thermistor 1147 and thermostat 1148 can be operably coupled to each other. Alternatively, the 1147 thermistor can be coupled
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100/139 with supply line 1138 in or near the 1140 inlet grid. Regardless of its location, the 1147 thermistor can be used to assist in determining an inlet temperature. A thermistor 1151 and a thermal fuse 1149 can be coupled with exhaust duct 1144, with thermistor 1151 which is used to determine an outlet air temperature.
[0249] An 1150 humidity sensor can be positioned inside the 1134 treatment chamber to monitor the amount of moisture in the laundry to be washed in the 1134 treatment chamber. An example of an 1150 humidity sensor can be a conductivity range . The 1150 humidity sensor can be operably coupled with the 1114 controller, in such a way that the 1114 controller receives output from the 1150 humidity sensor. The 1150 humidity sensor can be mounted anywhere inside the dryer. 1100 in such a way that the humidity sensor 1150 can be able to accurately detect the moisture content of the laundry to be washed. For example, the humidity sensor 1150 can be coupled with one of the screens 1130, 1132 of the drying chamber 1134 by any suitable means.
[0250] An 1157 dispensing system can be provided for the 1100 clothes dryer to dispense one or more treatment chemicals to the 1134 treatment chamber according to an operating cycle. As illustrated, the 1157 dispensing system can be located inside the 1112 cabinet, although other locations are also possible. The dispensing system 1157 can be fluidly coupled with a water source 1168. The dispensing system 1157 can be additionally coupled with the treatment chamber 1134 via one or more nozzles 1169. As shown, nozzles 1169 are provided in the front and rear of the treatment chamber 1134 to supply the treatment chemical or liquid to an internal part of the treatment chamber 1134, although other configurations are also possible. The number, type and placement of the 1169 nozzles are not related to the invention. [0251] As illustrated, the 1157 dispensing system can include an 1160 reservoir, which can be a cartridge, for a
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101/139 treatment that can be releasably coupled with the 1157 dispensing system, which dispenses the treatment chemical from reservoir 1160 to treatment chamber 1134. Reservoir 1160 can include one or more cartridges configured to store one or more treatment chemicals on the inside of the cartridges. A mixing chamber 1162 can be provided to couple reservoir 1160 to treatment chamber 1134 via a supply line 1163. Pumps, such as a metering pump 1164 and release pump 1166, can be provided for the dispensing system 1157 to selectively supply a treatment chemical and / or liquid to the treatment chamber 1134 according to an operating cycle. The 1168 water source can be fluidly coupled with the 1162 mixing chamber to supply water from the water source to the 1162 mixing chamber. The 1168 water source may include an 1170 inlet valve and a source duct. of water 1172. It can be seen that, instead of water, a chemical of different treatment can be supplied from outside the clothes dryer 1100 to the mixing chamber 1162.
[0252] The treatment chemical can be any type of aid for the treatment of laundry, of which non-limiting examples include, but are not limited to, water, fabric softener, disinfectant agents, wrinkle removing agents or anti-crease, and chemicals to impart desired properties for laundry, which include stain resistance, fragrance (eg, perfumes), insect repellency and UV protection. [0253] The 1100 clothes dryer can also be equipped with a steam generating system 1180, which can be separated from the dispensing system 1157 or integrated with parts of the dispensing system 1157 to dispense steam and / or liquid for treatment chamber 1134 according to an operating cycle. The steam generation system 1180 may include a steam generator 1182 fluidly coupled with the water source 168 through a steam inlet 1184. A fluid control valve 1185 can be used to control the flow of water from the 1172 water source conduit between
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102/139 the steam generation system 1180 and the dispensing system 1157. The steam generator 1182 can be additionally fluidly coupled with one or more supply lines 1163 through a steam supply line 1186 to release steam for the treatment chamber 1134 through the nozzles 1169. Alternatively, the steam generator 1182 can be coupled with the treatment chamber 1134 through one or more ducts and nozzles independently of the dispensing system 1157.
[0254] The 1182 steam generator can be any type of device that converts the liquid supplied to steam. For example, steam generator 1182 can be a tank-type steam generator that stores a volume of liquid and heats the volume of liquid to convert the liquid to steam. Alternatively, the steam generator 1182 can be an inline steam generator that converts the liquid to steam as the liquid flows through the steam generator 1182. [0255] It will be understood that the details of the 1157 dispensing system and steam generation 1180 are not related to the modalities of the invention and that any suitable dispensing system and / or steam generation system can be used with the 1100 clothes dryer. It may also fall within the scope of one embodiment of the invention that that the 1100 clothes dryer does not include a dispensing system or a steam generation system.
[0256] Figure 24 is a schematic view of controller 1114 coupled with the various components of the dryer 1100. Controller 1114 can be coupled in a communicative way with the components of the dryer 1100, such as heater 1142, blower 1146 , thermistor 1147, thermostat 1148, thermal fuse 1149, thermistor 1151, humidity sensor 1150, motor 1154, inlet valve 1710, pumps 1164, 1166, steam generator 1182 and fluid control valve 1185 to control these components and / or receive your input for use in component control. The 1114 controller can also be operably coupled with the 1116 user interface to receive input from the user via the 1116 user interface for deployment
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103/139 of the drying cycle and provide the user with information regarding the drying cycle. For example, the 1116 user interface can receive information from a user that a dye transfer event has occurred and can provide an indication of a dye transfer event to the 1114 controller. The 1116 user interface can be provided with operational controls such as disks, lights, buttons, levers, switches and displays that enable the user to enter commands into an 1114 controller and receive information about a treatment cycle from components in the 1100 dryer or via user input via the 1116 user interface. The user can enter many different types of information, which includes, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options, as well as information regarding the load to be dried, which includes the type of laundry to be washed and the type of dye transferred. Any suitable cycle can be used. Non-limiting examples include casual, delicate, super delicate, reinforced, normal drying, wet drying, disinfecting, quick drying, scheduled drying and jeans.
[0257] Controller 1114 can also be communicatively coupled with an 1190 data communicator for receiving information from a washing machine and sending information to the 1114 controller. For example, the 1190 data communicator can provide a indication of a dye transfer event to the 1114 controller. The 1190 data communicator can communicate wirelessly with the washing machine and / or can be wired to communicate with the washing machine. Wireless communication can be any variety of communication mechanism capable of connecting wirelessly with other systems and devices and can include, but is not limited to, packet radio, satellite uplink, Wireless Fidelity (WiFi), WiMax , Bluetooth, ZigBee, 3G wireless signal, code division multiple access (CDMA) wireless signal, global system for mobile communication (GSM), 4G wireless signal, long term evolution signal (LTE), Ethernet, or any combinations thereof. It will also be understood that the particular type or mode of wireless communication is not critical to this invention, and the wireless networks developed later are
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104/139 certainly considered to be within the scope of modalities of this invention. Alternatively, data communicator 1190 can be incorporated into controller 1114 in such a way that the washing machine can be communicatively coupled with controller 1114.
[0258] Controller 1114 can implement a treatment operation cycle selected by the user according to any options selected by the user and provide related information to the user. Controller 1114 may also include a central processing unit (CPU) 1174 and an associated memory 1176, where a set of executable instructions comprising at least one user selectable operating cycle can be stored. One or more software applications, such as an array of executable commands / instructions can be stored in memory and executed by CPU 1174 to implement one or more treatment operation cycles.
[0259] In general, controller 1114 will perform an operating cycle to carry out a treatment of laundry to be washed in treatment chamber 1134, which may or may not include drying. Controller 1114 can actuate blower 1146 to draw inlet air flow 1158 to supply duct 1138 through rear ventilation 1137 when air flow may be required for a selected treatment cycle. Controller 1114 can activate heater 1142 to heat incoming air flow 1158 as it passes over heater 1142, with heated air 1159 being supplied to treatment chamber 1134. Heated air 1159 can stay in contact with a load of laundry to wash 1136 as it passes through the treatment chamber 1134 towards the exhaust duct 1144 to effect a removal of moisture from the laundry to wash. The heated air 1159 can come out of the treatment chamber 1134, and flow through the blower 1146 and the exhaust duct 1144 out of the dryer 1100. The controller 1114 continues the operating cycle until complete. If the operating cycle includes drying, controller 1114 determines when laundry can be dried. The determination of a “dry” load can be done in different ways, but it can often be based on the
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105/139 moisture content of the laundry to be washed, which can typically be adjusted by the user based on the selected cycle, an option for the selected cycle, or a user-defined preference.
[0260] In addition, controller 1114 can receive an indication of a dye transfer event for laundry to be dried from user interface 1116 or data communicator 1190. Based on this determination, controller 1114 You can control the operation of one or more specific drying actions or cycles based on the determined dye transfer event to limit any damage to the fabric items that the transferred dye can cause. For example, controller 1114 can control the operation of blower 1146, heater 1142 and the operation of rotating drum 1128 based on the given dye transfer event. Controller 1114 can also be configured to provide an indication of user interface 1116 of the given dye transfer event.
[0261] Figure 25 illustrates a 1300 method for determining a dye transfer event and tumble dryer operation control based on it. More specifically, the method starts at 1302 by controller 1114 receiving as an input an indication of a dye transfer event for the laundry to be dried. For example, controller 1114 can receive an indication from user interface 1116 when a user enters that the dye transfer event has occurred. A washing machine used to wash clothes for washing can alert the user of the dye transfer or the user can warn that the dye has been transferred. The washing machine can also tell the user to select a specific drying cycle, which includes, for example, a delicate cycle or dye transfer cycle, or it can tell the user to select a specific temperature or dryness level. Alternatively, controller 1114 can receive a communication from a washing machine that the dye transfer event has occurred. For example, washing machines 50, 450 and 2050 can all be configured to communicate that a
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106/139 dye has occurred. Such communication is described in greater detail in relation to the 1500 method. It will be understood that such an indication of a dye transfer event can be received via the 1190 data communicator from the washing machine and that the 1190 data communicator can provide a indication of the dye transfer event to controller 1114. Alternatively, controller 1114 can be configured to receive the indication directly from the washing machine. Regardless of whether the 1190 data communicator or controller is communicatively coupled to the washing machine, it will be understood that communication with the washing machine can be wireless communication and / or wired communication.
[0262] After a dye transfer event has been reported in 1302, controller 1114 can control the implementation of the automatic operating cycle of the tumble dryer based on the indication of the dye transfer event. This may include controller 1114 that implements one or more specific drying actions or cycles, which may include, among other things, selecting a specific operating cycle, adjusting one or more parameters of the operating cycle, which includes maintaining the temperature of drying below thermofixation temperature or dye fixation, skip or add a phase to the operating cycle, end the operating cycle, and add a treatment chemical to prevent the dye from setting. For example, a specific dye transfer cycle can be used to limit drying of the fabric items so that the transferred dye does not heat-set. An implantation of one or more specific drying cycles or actions can occur regardless of which operating cycle is selected by a user over the 1116 user interface. For example, a user can select a soft drying cycle and the 1114 controller will, preferably, operate the 1100 clothes dryer under the dye transfer cycle. Alternatively, controller 1114 may prevent the user from selecting any drying actions or alternative cycles, such that one or more specific drying cycles or actions may be the only options allowed for the user to select.
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107/139 [0263] As a non-limiting example, controlling the implementation of the automatic operating cycle of the 1100 clothes dryer that includes specific drying cycles or actions may include limiting temperatures during the operating cycle. This may include limiting the drying temperature inside the treatment chamber 1134 to below 60 ° C (140 ° F). For example, the operating cycle can be performed in such a way that the temperatures inside the rotating drum 1128 do not exceed 57.22 ° C (135 ° F). As an additional example, this may include using drying temperatures between 46.11 ° C (115 ° F) and 51.66 ° C (125 ° F) for the first half of the operating cycle or until the moisture content (RMC) of the fabric items is determined to be about 30% and then use drying temperatures between 35 ° C (95 ° F) and 40.55 ° C (105 ° F) from this point to the end of the cycle. In addition, the operating control of the 1100 clothes dryer may include limiting the dryness achieved during the operating cycle. Typical cycles end when the RMC reaches between two and four percent. Limiting dryness during the implanted cycle, where a dye transfer has been indicated, may include terminating the operating cycle when the RMC reaches between 10% and 18%. In addition, controlling the operation of the 1100 tumble dryer may include adjusting a rotation profile of a tumble dryer drum. This may include reducing the revolutions per minute of the rotating drum 1128, limiting the revolution in time spent, non-revolution, etc. Any of the above or any combination of the above can avoid hot spots within the load and over drying, from which anyone can thermoset the transferred dye.
[0264] It will be understood that the method can be flexible and that the method 1300 illustrated is for illustrative purposes only. For example, the method may include indicating, in a clothes dryer user interface, information related to the dye where the information includes at least one of: at least one action taken by the clothes dryer in response to the dye transfer event determined, at least a consequence of at least one action taken by the clothes dryer, or indicate on the user interface that the dye transfer event has been determined. It is also noted that
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108/139 the input received by controller 1114 may include information related to a type of dye transferred and / or a type of laundry to be dried. Based on such additional information, controller 1114 can be configured to control a tumble dryer drying temperature to be below a thermoset temperature and such a thermoset temperature can be determined based on the type of dye transferred and / or the type of laundry to wash.
[0265] As briefly described above, the method may include communicating with a washing machine to determine if a dye transfer event has occurred. Figure 26 illustrates a method 1500 for communicating dye transfer information between a washing machine and clothes dryer and operating control of the clothes dryer based on communicated dye transfer information. The operation of the clothes dryer can then be controlled to minimize the transfer of additional dye or thermosetting of any transferred dye.
[0266] Method 1500 can begin with the assumption that laundry to be washed has been loaded into the washing machine and is being handled according to a selected operating cycle. In 1502, the presence of a dye transfer event can be determined. A dye transfer event can be determined automatically by the washing machine or the washing machine can determine a dye transfer event manually based on user input. For example, the user can provide information for the washing machine through the user interface that identifies an item in the cargo as known to leak dye and / or identifies an item in the cargo as new and / or intensely or deeply colored, which may be suspected of a leak. Alternatively, the user can identify a cargo item as being new and / or in a known dye leakage state that the user would like the washing machine and / or dryer to treat as if a dye transfer event has occurred as a precaution. .
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109/139 [0267] Alternatively, a dye transfer event can be determined automatically one or more times at predetermined points in the operating cycle. The determination can be made continuously or intermittently through the entire operating cycle or during one or more phases of the operating cycle. In one example, the color of the washing liquid at different stages of the washing phase of a cycle or at the end of the washing phase can be determined using a suitable sensor system, such as a UV / Vis absorbance system, for example, to determine whether the color of the washing liquid or a change in color of the washing liquid indicates that a dye transfer event has occurred. In another example, the use of dye fixatives and / or absorbents in the cycle, either automatically or based on manual input by a user, can be used to determine that a dye transfer event has occurred.
[0268] In yet another example, the fabric item may include a label that communicates dye-related information with the washing machine. The fabric item may include an RFID tag or a barcode that is readable by a suitable reader provided in the washing machine. The label can communicate information, such as the type of dye (s) present in the fabric item and the washing machine controller can be programmed to determine whether the dye (s) is likely to result in a transfer event. dye.
[0269] The dye transfer event information can be communicated with the dryer in 1504 through an appropriate connection between the washing machine and the dryer or wirelessly, such as via Bluetooth, for example, as described above with respect to Figure 24. In this way, the washing machine can provide an indication to the dryer that a dye transfer event has occurred and the dryer can control or modify a subsequent drying cycle based on the transfer event information. of dye indicated in 1506.
[0270] Similar to method 1300 described above, controlling the drying cycle may include controlling the deployment of the operating cycle based on
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110/139 indication of the dye transfer event which includes modifying the drying cycle in such a way that the temperature remains at the lowest setting for that drying cycle, changing the final dryness point for the selected drying cycle to minimize heating of the fabrics at the end of the cycle, and / or modify the drum rotation profile for the selected drying cycle to provide minimal agitation in order not to facilitate the transfer of additional dye. Heating fabrics to too high a temperature and / or too long during a drying cycle can thermoset the dye that has been transferred during the previous washing cycle, which can prevent the removal of the transferred dye in a subsequent washing cycle. . In one example, the receipt of a dye transfer event by the dryer may cause the dryer to prompt the user to select a predetermined dye transfer cycle that includes one or more of these cycle changes.
[0271] Figure 27 illustrates a 1600 method for inhibiting dye transfer in a wash cycle without the use of dye fixatives or dye absorbers by controlling surface tension gradients on the fabric surface of the laundry to be washed. .
[0272] Method 1600 can start with the assumption that a user has loaded laundry to wash in the treatment chamber and selected an operating cycle. In 1602, laundry can be pre-wetted with water only. In one example, the pre-wetting phase can be implanted as described above for the pre-wetting phase 12 of cycle 10. Pre-wetting the fabrics can reduce the interfacial tension between a washing liquid and the fabric surface when a washing liquid is supplied for the laundry to wash. The reduction of the interfacial tension can reduce the penetration of surfactant on the laundry to be washed and, thus, reduce the leakage of dye from the fabric. In a laundry detergent composition, surfactants can penetrate the fabric and loosen dyes from the fabric surface. Anionic surfactants have been found to release acidic and direct dyes and nonionic surfactants release dispersed dyes. The reduction in the driving force of surfactants for
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111/139 fabric surface by pre-wetting the fabric can reduce this leakage of dye induced by surfactant.
[0273] After pre-wetting the laundry to be washed in 1602, the laundry to be washed can be treated with a laundry detergent composition in a concentration such that surfactants are present in concentrations above their CMC. Surfactants in concentrations above CMC can provide surfactant micelles capable of absorbing dyes released from the tissue surface to inhibit dye transfer. The concentration of the surfactant can be controlled and / or monitored in a manner similar to that described above in relation to method 600 of Figure 15. In one example, the concentration of the laundry detergent can be controlled by controlling the dosage of the detergent and / or control of an amount of water supplied to the treatment chamber with the detergent. If the surfactant concentration is too high above the CMC, in 1606, additional water can be added to dilute the surfactant concentration and the cycle can continue in 1608. Pre-wetting in 1602 and laundry detergent treatment in 1604 can be implanted in cold water temperatures and with minimal mechanical action to further inhibit dye transfer.
[0274] Figure 28 illustrates a 1700 method for removing dye fixative from laundry items. Dye fasteners, in particular, cationic dye fasteners, on laundry to be washed can attract dirt, which often has negative charges, into the washing liquid during a washing cycle and when using the laundry item after washing. with clothes. The electrostatic attraction between the cationic dye fixative and negatively charged dirt can make dirt difficult to remove, even during a wash cycle. This subject can also provide for laundry to wash a dull or dull appearance, especially on white and light colored fabrics, which may increase over time as the dye fixer is applied multiple times to the laundry to be washed in. subsequent wash cycles.
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112/139 [0275] The 1700 method can be implemented as a wash cycle to remove the dye fixative and absorbed dirt to whiten or revive laundry items. The 1700 method can be deployed automatically as part of a bleaching phase or reviving a wash cycle or a wash cycle for only light clothing, for example. In another example, the 1700 method can be implemented based on the user's selection of a cycle modifying option to selectively implement the 1700 method as part of a wash cycle. The 1700 method can start with a washing phase 1702 which includes supplying a hot washing liquid to laundry items which includes a laundry detergent and a basic agent to increase the pH of the washing liquid to a basic pH, preferably, pH> 9. The temperature of the treatment liquid is preferably at least 43.33 ° C (110 ^o F) or higher, but lower temperatures can also be used. Non-limiting examples of basic agents include powdered alkaline detergents, alkaline ingredients, such as sodium or ammonium hydroxide, and other buffer components, such as a sodium bicarbonate and sodium hydroxide buffer system, for example . Alternatively, the pH of the washing liquid can be adjusted by electrolysis.
[0276] The alkaline wash liquid can be configured to provide an environment with a pH above the pKa of the cationic dye fixative, which can decrease the adhesion force between the dye fixative and the fabric, resulting in the release of the fixation fixative. dye from the fabric. For example, a basic pH can facilitate the removal of polyamine cationic dye fixatives from the fabric, as described above in 708 of method 700 of Figure 17, the modalities of which can be used with method 1700.
[0277] In one example, the supply of heated alkaline liquid and a laundry detergent to be washed in the treatment chamber may overlap as part of washing phase 1702. Alternatively, washing phase 1702 can be divided into a removal stage dye fixative in which the heated alkaline liquid is supplied to the laundry to wash first, followed by the addition of
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113/139 alkaline liquid detergent to form a washing liquid as part of a washing stage. In this way, the dye fixation removal stage can be implanted as a separate stage before any washing stage in a selected operating cycle.
[0278] Heating the liquid, adjusting the pH and adding detergent can be done in any order and can occur simultaneously or sequentially. In one example, water, basic agent and detergent can be supplied to a washing machine tub for heating and mixing, such as in a tub reservoir area, before being sprayed onto the washing clothes in the treatment chamber. by a recirculation system. Alternatively, any part of the heating, pH adjustment or mixing with a detergent can take place before entering the treatment tank or chamber. For example, water can be supplied from a hot or fluid source of water through an in-line heater before being supplied to the tub or sprayed directly onto laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber. In another example, the basic agent can be mixed with the heated water as it is supplied to the laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber, such as by adding the basic agent to the heated water flow or flowing the heated water through a mixing chamber, where the heated water can be mixed with the basic agent before being sprayed into the treatment chamber.
[0279] Wash phase 1702 may include treating laundry items with additional laundry adjuncts, such as dye absorbers, oxidizing agents and / or optical brighteners. In one example, washing step 1702 can be implanted with dye absorbers in a similar manner to that described above for cycle 10 in Figure 1. Dye absorbers can be a mixture of cationic and non-ionic dye absorbers, such as those described above. Dye absorbers can facilitate the preferred distribution of the subject away from the cationic fixative and tissue surface and in a solution with the dye absorbers, where they can subsequently be removed. Oxidizing agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or a source of hydrogen peroxide
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114/139 hydrogen, for example, can be provided to discolour dirt in laundry items and can also oxidize the cationic dye fixative, which can facilitate the solubilization of the cationic dye fixative for subsequent removal. [0280] During washing phase 1702, the alkaline liquid and / or the washing liquid can be recirculated through the treatment chamber to move the liquid through the laundry to facilitate the removal of dye fixative from the laundry to washing and cleaning the laundry to wash. Mechanical energy can also be supplied to further facilitate the removal of the dye fixative and cleaning of the laundry to be washed, such as by rotating a drum that defines the treatment chamber and / or moving a clothes mover inside the treatment chamber. .
[0281] In 1704, a rinse phase can be implemented. The rinsing phase may include one or more rinses which may optionally include supplying dye absorbents during at least one of the rinses. The rinse phase 1704 can be implanted in a manner similar to that described above for cycle 10 of Figure 1 or method 300 of Figure 6, which include the use of dye absorbers.
[0282] Either or both the wash and rinse phases 1702 and 1704 can be repeated one or more times before the cycle ends in 1706. In one example, the number of times the wash phase 1702 and / or phase rinse 1704 is repeated can be a predetermined number of times programmed into control software associated with the controller. Alternatively, the number of times the washing phase and / or rinse phase 1702/1704 are repeated can be adjusted by the user. Each of the wash and rinse phases 1702 and 1704 can include one or more drainage phases, in which the liquid is drained from the bowl. The drainage phases can optionally include spinning the laundry to wash at high speeds to facilitate the extraction of liquid from the laundry to be washed, followed by draining the liquid extracted from the tub.
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115/139 [0283] In another example, the decision to repeat a washing phase and / or rinse phase 1702, 1704 can be determined based on the sensor output indicative of the presence of a dye fixative in the washing liquid and / or rinse liquid. The washing machine can be equipped with a suitable sensor system to determine the presence of a dye fixative in the treatment liquid. The sensor system can be an optical based sensor system, such as an UV / Vis absorbance / reflectance system, or a conductivity sensor system, for example. The sensor system can provide an output to the controller indicative of the presence of a dye fixative in the wash liquid and / or rinse liquid. The controller can decide whether to repeat the wash phase and / or rinse phase 1702, 1704 based on the output from the sensor system. The sensor system can take sensor readings continuously or intermittently throughout the wash / rinse phase 1702, 1704 or at predetermined stages of the wash / rinse phase 1702, 1704.
[0284] Referring again to Figure 28, in 1708, the presence of a dye fixative in the washing liquid can be optionally determined by the controller based on the output received from the sensor system during or at the end of the washing phase 1702 The controller can determine that the dye fixative is present if the output meets a predetermined threshold and repeat washing step 1702. Washing phase 1702 can be repeated based on the predetermined presence of a dye fixative a predetermined number of times or until the output does not meet the threshold. If the output does not meet the predetermined threshold, then the cycle can proceed to the next phase.
[0285] Optionally, determining the presence of a dye fixative can be used to modify wash phase 1702 each time wash phase 1702 is repeated. For example, the controller can use the output to determine a quantity of dye fixative present in the washing liquid and modify cycle parameters, such as washing liquid temperature, washing liquid pH and / or a quantity of an agent of treatment to be added. In one example, an amount of laundry detergent and / or
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116/139 dye absorbers to supply during washing phase 1702 can be determined based on the amount of dye fixative detected in the washing liquid.
[0286] The 1700 method can be implemented automatically based on the sensor output or based on information received from the user. For example, the 1700 method can be deployed automatically during an operating cycle based on a determined presence of a dye fixative. Determining the presence of a dye fixative may include determining the presence of a dye fixative in the wash or rinse liquid, in a manner similar to that described above in 1708 and 1710 of Figure 28, or on laundry items. Alternatively, the presence of a dye fixative can be determined based on the detection of the presence of dye fixative in the dispenser. In one example, the presence of a dye fixative in the dispenser can be determined using a suitable sensor configured to determine the presence of a dye fixative in the treatment liquid provided in the dispenser. Non-limiting examples of a sensor include an optical or electrical sensor. In another example, the dye fixative can be stored in a container that carries information regarding the presence of a dye fixative that can be communicated with the equipment controller. In an exemplary embodiment, the dye fixer can be supplied in a dispenser cartridge that carries information, such as a bar code, which can be read by a suitable sensor provided on the equipment. In another example, the 1700 method can be implemented based on cycle selections or cycle modifier selections made by the user through the washing machine's user interface.
[0287] In an exemplary embodiment, the washing machine can include a dye fixer removal option that a user can select through the user interface to implement the 1700 method dye fixer removal cycle as part of a selected operating cycle or as an independent cycle. Additionally or alternatively, the 1700 method can be
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117/139 automatically deployed based on the selected cycle, such as a cycle of light clothing only, or based on the phases of the selected cycle, such as a wash cycle with a bleaching phase, as described above. In yet another example, the user may be prompted by the washing machine to provide information regarding the dye fixative treatment status of the laundry item (s) (for example, the item has been treated previously in a cycle fixing treatment system) and the washing machine can use this information to automatically implement the 1700 method as part of a selected operating cycle or as an independent cycle.
[0288] Alternatively or in addition, a determination of the presence of a dye fixative can optionally be determined after the 1704 rinse phase in 1710. The 1710 determination can be performed in a similar manner to that described above in 1708. If the fixative of dye is determined to be present, wash phase 1702 or rinse phase 1704 can be repeated a predetermined number of times or until the output satisfies a threshold value.
[0289] Figure 29 illustrates a schematic of a vertical geometric axis washing machine, also sometimes referred to as a top loader, 1850 which is similar to the washing machine 50 in Figure 2, except that the machine washing machine 1850 is illustrated as having an 1890 dispenser and an optional 1898 heating system. Elements in the 1850 washing machine that are similar to those in the washing machine 50 have been labeled with the prefix 1800. Only those elements required for a complete understanding of the modalities of the invention are illustrated and it will be understood that the 1850 washing machine can include additional elements traditionally found in a washing machine without departing from the scope of the invention.
[0290] The 1850 washing machine may include an 1890 dispenser for dispensing a treatment chemical, which may include water, in the 1862 treatment chamber or tub 1854 via one or more 1894 nozzles.
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118/139 1890 dispenser can be any suitable single-dose, multiple-dose or bulk dispenser and can include an 1892 treatment chemical storage compartment (s) and one or more 1893 dispensing pumps to pump the chemical from treatment from the 1892 storage compartment to the 1894 spray nozzle in the 1862 treatment chamber. There may be one or multiple 1892 compartment (s), which can dispense liquid or solid treatment chemicals. One or more of the storage compartments can receive a removable cartridge that contains the dispensing chemical. Some of the 1892 compartments can be a cup that holds the treatment chemical, which is fluid by liquid, instead of using the 1893 pump, to dispense the treatment chemical from the 1892 compartment. The 1893 dispensing pump can pump the treatment chemical directly from the 1892 storage compartment or, alternatively, the 1893 dispensing pump can pump the treatment chemical into a mixing chamber (not shown) to mix one or more treatment chemicals, the which can include water from an 1872 water source, to form a treatment chemical mixture before supplying the treatment chemical mixture to the 1862 treatment chamber. The 1893 pump is preferably a metered pump , such as a piston pump, which is capable of dispensing very precise volumes of treatment chemicals at very precise flow rates.
[0291] The treatment chemical that accumulates in the 1858 reservoir can be pumped out through an 1878 home drain by an 1876 pump. Alternatively, the 1876 pump can recirculate the liquid collected in the 1858 reservoir back into the treatment chamber. 1862 through an 1880 recirculation duct and an 1874 sprinkler. Although a single 1876 pump is illustrated to perform both drainage and recirculation functions, separate pumps can be used.
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119/139 [0292] The optional 1898 heating system is provided to heat the liquid used in the operating cycle and / or in the treatment chamber 1862. Thus, the temperature of the liquid and / or laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber 1862 can be increased to a desired temperature for the operating cycle. The heating system 1898 can be any heating system suitable for the purpose described and is illustrated as a forced air system comprising a resistive heating element 1898A and a fan 1898B, which are configured in such a way that the fan 1898B flows the air over the heating element 1898A and the heated air is sent to the treatment chamber 1862. Alternatively, the heating system 1898 could be a heater located inside a liquid supply line or in the reservoir 1858 to heat the liquid that is applied to laundry to be washed in the 1862 treatment chamber. However, for the low liquid volumes used in the modalities described in this document, there may be insufficient liquid volumes to completely immerse a heater in the reservoir, making the forced air system more desirable.
[0293] Figure 30 illustrates a 1900 color care cycle for supplying a treatment chemical, such as a color care agent, for laundry to be washed in the 1862 treatment chamber during an automatic operating cycle. Although the 1900 color care cycle is described in the context of the 1850 washing machine, it will be understood that the 1900 cycle can be used with any of the washing machines described in this document, such as the washing machine 50, 450 and 2050. The color care cycle 1900 can be used to supply one or more color care agents to the treatment chamber 1862 for the preservation of laundry color and / or the inhibition of a color transfer event. dye. Although the 1900 color care cycle is described in the context of supplying a fabric softener with the color care agent, the color care agent may include additional or alternative treatment chemicals, of which non-limiting examples include one or more cationic surfactants, cationic polymers,
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120/139 emulsions, ampoules, micelles, dye absorbers or dye fixatives or combinations thereof. The color care agent can be supplied to the 1862 treatment chamber as a mixture and can include one or more additional treatment chemicals, of which non-limiting examples include water, fragrance and colorants.
[0294] The 1900 color care cycle begins with the assumption that the user has placed the laundry to be treated in the 1862 treatment chamber, a treatment chemical that includes a color agent is added to the 1890 dispenser and a cycle is selected operating cycle that includes the 1900 color care cycle. The 1900 color care cycle can be an independent cycle or part of another operating cycle.
[0295] The 1900 color care cycle may include an optional 1902 laundry load detection phase that can be used to determine the amount of laundry to be found in the 1862 treatment chamber. The amount of laundry to be washed can be qualitative or quantitative and can be determined manually based on user input via the 1884 user interface or automatically by the 1850 washing machine in a similar manner to that described for the laundry load detection phase 22 of Figure 1.
[0296] The 1900 color care cycle includes a prewash phase 1904 which includes forming a prewash mixture 1906 and supplying the prewash mixture formed in this way to the treatment chamber 1862 in 1908. After the 1904 prewash phase, a 1910 wash phase can be implanted, in which a wash mixture is formed in 1912 and supplied to the 1862 treatment chamber in 1914. The 1910 wash phase can also include the application of energy mechanics 1916 to the laundry to wash in the treatment chamber 1862 to treat the laundry to wash and remove dirt from the laundry to wash.
[0297] The formation of the prewash mixture in 1906 may include combining a color care agent, such as a composition that includes a fabric softener, and water to form a prewash mixture that has a
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121/139 predetermined concentration of fabric softener. The 1893 dispensing pump can be configured to dispense a controlled amount of fabric softener from the 1892 storage compartment to provide a predetermined concentration of fabric softener to the 1862 treatment chamber across the entire prewash mixture supply. 1908. In one example, the 1893 dispensing pump can continuously or intermittently dose a predetermined portion of the fabric softener stored in the 1892 storage compartment to a real-time flow of water to form the prewash mixture. In another example, the 1893 dispensing pump can repeatedly pump a microdose of the fabric softener into a stream of water. The dosage of a predetermined portion of the fabric softener can be based on the dosage of a predetermined amount of fabric softener and / or predetermined rate of fabric softener based on the concentration of the fabric softener in the 1892 storage compartment and the final concentration fabric softener to be applied to laundry to be washed in the 1862 treatment chamber. In another example, the fabric softener and water can be supplied to the 1858 reservoir at predetermined ratios or at predetermined rates to form a prewash mixture which has the desired final concentration for application to laundry. An exemplary ratio of fabric softener to water is 4 mL of fabric softener for every 1 L of water. The pre-wash mixture formed in this way can then be circulated from the laundry reservoir 1858 to the washing chamber in the treatment chamber 1862 by the pump 1876 through the recirculation duct 1880 and the sprinkler 1874. In yet another example, the fabric softener can be combined with another treatment chemical, such as water, in a mixing chamber to form a prediluted concentrate which is then pumped into a stream of water or into the 1858 reservoir for mixing with water as well supplied to the 1858 reservoir.
[0298] The prewash mix can be formed in 1906 at a predetermined concentration which is based on the amount of laundry to be washed in the 1862 treatment chamber, as determined in the load detection phase.
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1902. The amount of pre-wash mix formed in 1906 can also be based on the amount of laundry to be washed and can be adjusted to provide sufficient pre-wash mix to evenly cover the laundry to be washed with the pre-wash mix. -wash without supersaturating the laundry to wash. For use in the present invention, supersaturation of laundry to be washed refers to a condition in which the amount of water and / or fabric softener associated with the laundry to be washed is more than is necessary to uniformly cover the surface of the laundry to be washed. . The supply of water and fabric softener in excess for washing clothes consumes these resources unnecessarily. In addition, the excess fabric softener can interact with treatment chemicals, such as laundry detergent, supplied during other parts of the cycle, resulting in an undesired amount of an undesirable by-product, such as a precipitate. In this way, an adequate amount of fabric softener will be an amount that can cover the laundry to be washed for the given load size without the fabric softener precipitating with other chemicals used during the operating cycle. While it is desired that the entire surface of the laundry to be washed is evenly covered with fabric softener at the given concentration level, it is practically to be understood that this is probably not possible. Thus, it is expected that an adequate amount may result in less than perfect coverage and a small amount of precipitate that does not interfere with the treatment performance of the operating cycle is tolerable.
[0299] Referring now to Figure 31, an example of a 1950 treatment chemical supply method is illustrated, which can be used in 1908 of the 1900 cycle of Figure 30 to supply a prewash mixture for laundry to wash in the 1862 treatment chamber. Although the 1950 method is described in the context of supplying a prewash mixture, it will be understood that the 1950 method can be used to supply any suitable treatment chemical for the laundry to be washed. The 1950 method can be used with the 1900 cycle or any other cycle, in which a chemical of
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123/139 treatment is provided for the laundry to wash to provide uniform coverage of the laundry to wash without supersaturating the laundry to wash with the treatment chemical. In addition, although the 1950 treatment chemical supply method is designed for a vertical axis machine, it can be used on a horizontal axis machine.
[0300] In summary, the 1950 method initially supplies the pre-wash mixture to the 1854 vat to keep the pre-wash mixture level at a predetermined level. During the supply of the prewash mixture, the prewash mixture is recirculated, although the 1860 drum is rotated at a slow speed. The liquid level in the 1858 reservoir is checked to confirm that there is enough liquid for continued recirculation. If not, the recirculation is stopped until sufficient liquid is supplied for recirculation. Finally, a ready state is reached, where the liquid in the reservoir maintains a predetermined level, although the liquid is continuously recirculated and the pre-wash liquid supply is terminated, while the recirculation is continued. The termination of the recirculation with the drum rotation can be based on time, which can be a function of time to reach the ready state.
[0301] In a specific implantation, the 1950 method can start with an optional 1952 drainage step, in which the liquid that was collected in the 1858 reservoir is drained by the 1876 pump. In 1954, water and fabric softener can be supplied to the reservoir 1858 as a preformed pre-wash mixture to form the prewash mixture, as described above in 1906 of cycle 1900, until the liquid level satisfies a predetermined threshold wl maximum. The supply of the prewash mixture to the reservoir in 1954 can be considered a filling process. The level of liquid in reservoir 1858 can be determined in any suitable manner, such as, based on the outlet from a pressure sensor located in reservoir 1858, and is not relevant to the modalities of the invention.
[0302] In 1956, the recirculation of the liquid in the reservoir 1858 and rotation of the 1860 drum can begin. Recirculation and rotation of the 1860 drum can
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124/139 start at the same time or one can start at some predetermined delay after the other. In one example, recirculation can begin after the 1860 drum has been rotated for a predetermined period of time or when the rotational speed of the 1860 drum reaches a predetermined speed. The filling started in 1954 can continue for a predetermined period of time during the 1956 recirculation and rotation or it can be suspended before starting the 1956 recirculation and / or rotation. In one example, the 1954 filling process continues as recirculation is started and the 1860 drum starts to rotate at a predetermined speed, such as 26 rpm, for example. Filling, recirculation and rotation can continue for a predetermined period of time, such as 10 seconds, for example, before moving to a liquid level determination in 1958a, b.
[0303] After starting the drum recirculation and rotation in 1956, the process continues back and forth between 1958a and 1958b to determine whether the liquid level wl in the reservoir satisfies a pair of lower and upper threshold values, which, in the 1950 exemplifying method, they correspond to 10 and 0.5. The upper and lower threshold values can correspond to a liquid height in the reservoir or an outlet from the pressure sensor representative of the liquid level in the 1858 reservoir. The lower threshold value can correspond to an amount of liquid in the 1858 reservoir that satisfies the pump 1876 by supplying a sufficient amount of liquid to decrease the probability of starvation of the 1876 pump. For use in the present invention, starvation in relation to a pump refers to when the pump inlet sucks air, not just liquid. The upper threshold value may correspond to a desired amount of liquid to complete the treatment chemical supply method. In one example, the upper threshold value may correspond to a level of liquid in reservoir 1858, which will satisfy pump 1876 during the recirculation of liquid in reservoir 1876, even when some of the recirculating liquid is absorbed by the laundry to be washed. Before saturation of the laundry to be washed with the liquid, as the liquid is sprinkled on the laundry to be washed, the laundry to wash may absorb some
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125/139 part of the liquid, therefore, the amount of liquid that accumulates in the 1858 reservoir after spraying is likely to be less than the amount of liquid in the 1858 reservoir before spraying.
[0304] If the liquid level wl in the reservoir is below the lower threshold value 0.5 in 1958a, then the recirculation is stopped in 1960 and the 1860 drum is rotated while continuing to fill the 1858 reservoir with the pre mixture -washing until the liquid level meets the upper threshold value 10 in 1962, at which point the recirculation starts in 1964 and the filling is stopped in 1966. In 1958b, if the liquid level in the 1858 reservoir reaches above the value upper threshold 10 before falling below the lower threshold value 0.5, then the process stops filling in 1966.
[0305] In 1968, the prewash mixture has been supplied to increase the liquid level wl in the reservoir to satisfy the upper threshold value 10, while the recirculation continues and the filling has been stopped and the parameter t_0 is adjusted. The 1860 drum can continue to rotate at 26 rpm for the remainder of the 1950 process. After t_0 is set, the remainder of the 1950 process is concerned with determining whether the liquid level wl in the reservoir is remaining above a predetermined lower threshold level. according to the relation wl <osts * (time-t_0).
[0306] Referring now to Figures 32A and B, graphs 2000 and 2002 of the liquid level in the reservoir over time for a large load and a small load, respectively, are illustrated. Graphs 2000 and 2002 are illustrated for discussion purposes and do not represent actual data. As liquid is supplied to reservoir 1858 during a filling process, the liquid level in the reservoir increases. At a predetermined liquid level in 2004, filling is stopped and recirculation of the liquid in reservoir 1858 begins. As the liquid is recirculated over the laundry and absorbed by the laundry, the liquid level in the 1858 reservoir begins to decrease. The amount of time tc it takes for the liquid level to decrease to a predetermined level can vary depending on the characteristics
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126/139 of the laundry to be washed, such as the amount of load and type of fabric, for example, as well as the rotation speed of the 1860 drum during recirculation. As shown in Figures 32A and B, the time tc for a large load is less than the time tc for a small load. Another way observed, the rate of change in the liquid level in the reservoir during recirculation (i.e., the slope) is faster for a large load than for a small load. During recirculation, larger loads can absorb more water than small loads, and thus the liquid level in reservoir 1858 for a large load will decrease faster than an equivalent small load. [0307] Figure 33 graphically illustrates the relationship between wl, os, ts, t_0 and tc for the purposes of discussion only and is not intended to limit the modalities of the invention in any way. The 2006 graph illustrates the change in liquid level, lower threshold and refill level over time for a single load during a recirculation and filling process to cover laundry to be washed with a prewash mixture. The prewash mixture can be supplied to reservoir 1858 during a 2008 filling to increase the liquid level to a first filling level 2010, at which point the recirculation of the prewash mixture is initiated. The point at which recirculation is initiated is time t_0. As the liquid is recirculated, the liquid level in the 1858 reservoir decreases. When the liquid level in the reservoir reaches a lower lower threshold 2012, the recirculation is suspended and the filling process begins again until the liquid level reaches a second filling level or refill level 2014. When the liquid level in the reservoir reaches the 2014 refill level, recirculation is initiated and a new t_0 and lower threshold level wl 2016 is determined. As the liquid level in the reservoir decreases during the recirculation, when the liquid level reaches the lower threshold level wl 2016, the recirculation is stopped and the filling process begins again until the liquid level reaches the second refill level. 2018. The refill and recirculation process can be repeated any number of times until the liquid level in the reservoir remains above the lower threshold for a period of
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127/139 predetermined time. Every time the recirculation filling process is repeated, the lower threshold level can be varied by changing the os and ts, based on the amount of time it takes for the liquid level to fall below the lower threshold level in the previous filling and recirculation process. The term os is a displacement value that corresponds to the lower time threshold t_0; the term ts is the target slope that corresponds to the rate at which the lower threshold decreases. As the laundry becomes covered and saturated with the prewash mixture, the amount of time it takes for the liquid level in the reservoir to decrease to the lower threshold level increases.
[0308] Depending on the load characteristics, such as quantity and type of fabric, for example, the level of liquid in the reservoir can decrease at varying rates. The rate at which the liquid level in the reservoir decreases affects how long it takes to reach the lower threshold level, which is determined by the displacement os and the target slope ts, illustrated by the lower limit 2020. The parameters os and ts can be determined experimentally or based on empirical data for different load conditions to provide the desired degree of coverage using a predetermined amount of resources and time.
[0309] In this way, the supply of the prewash mixture can be deployed adaptively to supply sufficient prewash mixture for the laundry to wash, to provide a predetermined level of coverage and saturation without over-saturating the load or using a excessive amount of water and / or fabric softener. The amount of prewash mixture absorbed by the laundry to be washed during a filling and recirculation process can be used to determine an amount of prewash mixture to be supplied in a subsequent filling and recirculation process.
[0310] With reference again to Figure 31, in 1970, it can be determined whether the liquid level wl in reservoir 1858 remained above the predetermined lower threshold level for a predetermined period of time, such as 30 seconds. If the liquid level wl in reservoir 1858 has not remained
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128/139 above the lower threshold level for more than 30 seconds, in 1972, it is determined whether the liquid level wl in reservoir 1858 satisfies the ratio wl <os-ts * (time-t_0). If the liquid level wl in reservoir 1858 does not satisfy this relationship, then the process goes back to 1970. If the liquid level wl in reservoir 1858 satisfies the relationship, then the recirculation is stopped in 1974, the refill level, os, ts and lower threshold level are determined for the next recirculation and filling process, based on the amount of time it took for the liquid level wl to reach the previous lower threshold level. The pre-wash mixture is supplied to reservoir 1858 in 1978 to begin the refilling process until the liquid level wl in reservoir 1858 reaches the refill level and then recirculation is started again in 1964.
[0311] This process is repeated until it is determined in 1970 that the liquid level wl in reservoir 1858 remains above the lower threshold level for 30 seconds or more. The process then advances to 1982 and the lower threshold level can be adjusted to a predetermined value, such as 0.5, for example. If the liquid level wl in reservoir 1858 remains above 0.5, the process continues for a predetermined period of time before completion. In the example mode, if the liquid level wl remains above 0.5, the process continues for another 60 seconds and then the drum recirculation and rotation is stopped and the liquid collected in the 1858 reservoir can be optionally drained in 1984 and the process completed in 1986.
[0312] If the liquid level wl in reservoir 1858 drops below 0.5 with at least 10 seconds remaining in the process in 1988 and 1990, then the filling process is implemented for a predetermined period of time, such as 5 seconds , during which the drum recirculation and rotation continue. Optionally, if there is less than 10 seconds remaining, the liquid level wl can be allowed to continue to decrease until the process is complete. In this scenario, during this final part, time is never restarted as it is in the 1970 to 1968 process cycle. If the liquid level drops below the lower threshold level and the filling is activated, the time simply continues
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129/139 counting towards the 60 second limit, at that point, the process is terminated, as previously described.
[0313] During the filling process, in which the pre-wash mixture is supplied to the 1858 reservoir, the fabric softener can be dispensed at a constant or varied rate such that when the amount of liquid remaining in the reservoir 1858 during recirculation satisfies the time threshold for the amount of time that the liquid level remains above the lower threshold, the concentration of fabric softener on the laundry item and the level of coverage satisfies a predetermined threshold.
[0314] Referring again to Figure 30, the supply of the prewash mixture may include recirculating the prewash mixture over the laundry, while the 1860 drum is rotating, such that minimal mechanical energy is provided for individual items in the laundry load to wash. This may include rotating the 1860 drum in such a way that there is little relative movement of the laundry items relative to each other, such as at low speeds or high rotation speeds after the laundry items have already satellized to the periphery of the 1860 drum Low speeds can be speeds at which no revolution or rotation of laundry items occurs, for example. In addition, the supply of the prewash mix can be done without activating a laundry mover, such as a shaker or impeller.
[0315] In one variation, the supply of the 1908 prewash mixture of the 1900 cycle may include turning the 1860 drum at a slower first rotational speed and a faster second rotational speed, while sprinkling the pre-wash mixture. washing in the treatment chamber 1862 instead of rotating at a single speed, as described in relation to the 1950 method of Figure 31. For example, the prewash mixture can be recirculated and sprayed in the treatment chamber 1862, while the drum 1860 is spinning up and / or at a slower first speed. After a predetermined period of time or after a predetermined speed threshold is satisfied, the recirculation and spraying of the prewash mixture can be stopped and the
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130/139 rotational speed of the drum can be accelerated to a second faster speed. When the rotational speed of the drum reaches the second speed or a predetermined period of time after the speed of the drum reaches the second speed, the recirculation and spraying of the pre-wash mixture can be restarted. The second speed may be a speed of rotation in which a centrifugal force of at least 1 G is provided for the laundry items in such a way that the laundry items have satellized around the periphery of the 1860 drum. laundry facilities have satellized, even though the 1860 drum may be spinning at a high speed, laundry items are not moving relative to each other.
[0316] In this way, the prewash mixture can be supplied for the laundry load when there is minimal relative movement between the laundry load items and not supplied for the laundry items when the load items are moving, just as when moving between first and second speeds. This can decrease the amount of dye transfer between the laundry items due to frictional contact between the laundry items as they move in relation to each other. In addition, the redistribution of the laundry load between the first speed and the second speed can facilitate uniform coverage of the laundry load with the prewash mixture by exposing different surfaces to the pre-wash mixture spray and / or facilitating the movement of the prewash mixture through the load of laundry to wash.
[0317] In yet another variation, the supply of the prewash mixture in 1908 can be done while the 1860 drum is rotated at different speeds to form multiple flow channels through the laundry in a similar manner to that described above with respect to Figures 6A-6B. In this example, the recirculation of the prewash mixture stops when the drum speed is accelerated or decelerated between different speeds and is restarted once the drum speed reaches the new speed.
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131/139 [0318] A prewash mixture can be sprayed onto laundry to wash with the use of one or more sprinklers and can be applied as a mist, spray or steam using any suitable spray nozzle or other spray device or in accordance with any methods for supplying a treatment chemical described in this document. A single 1874 sprinkler can be used to spray the prewash mixture over a predetermined portion of the load that enters a sprinkler zone that corresponds to that sprinkler. The spray zone can be considered the area that the liquid emitted from the sprinkler comes into direct contact. The sprinkler 1874 can be configured to cover only part of the treatment chamber 1682 and the laundry can be rotated to enter the part of the treatment chamber 1862 covered by the sprinkler 1874. In another example, the sprinkler can be configured to cover the entire the treatment chamber 1862 in such a way that all exposed surfaces of the laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber 1862 are covered by the liquid emitted by the sprinkler 1874 without turning the drum 1860. In yet another example, the washing machine 1850 may include multiple sprinklers to cover multiple parts of the 1862 treatment chamber with a single sprinkler. [0319] Optionally, supplying the 1908 prewash mixture from the 1900 cycle can also include applying heat to the laundry. In one example, heated air can be applied to the laundry to be washed after it has been treated with the prewash mixture using the 1898 heating system. The application of heated air can be used to increase the temperature of the laundry to wash at a predetermined temperature, which is preferably below the blood fixation temperature to avoid blood stains fixed on laundry items. The heated air can be supplied to the 1862 treatment chamber with or without agitation or movement of the laundry to be washed, such as by rotating the 1860 drum. In one example, it was found that the application of heated air to the laundry to be washed which has been treated according to the 1900 cycle, with a pre-wash mixture that includes a fabric softener, additionally facilitates the inhibition of
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132/139 dye transfer in the subsequent washing phase 1910 compared when the heated air is not applied.
[0320] A benefit of the 1904 prewash process for forming and supplying a prewash mixture is that a treatment chemical, such as a fabric softener, can be uniformly applied to a load of laundry to wash without immerse or submerge clothing to wash in liquid, as it is typically done in a deep filling process, which results in a substantial reduction in water consumed during the cycle. A deep filling process will use approximately 16 liters of water for an 8 lb load, while the current process uses 8 liters of water for the same load size. For example, typically during a rinse phase in which it is desired to treat the laundry to be washed with a fabric softener, water and fabric softener will be supplied to the treatment chamber to submerge the laundry to be washed in water and fabric softener to in order to achieve uniform distribution of the fabric softener.
[0321] The 1904 prewash process described in this document can be used not only in a prewash environment, but also in the traditional application of fabric softener during a rinse phase, which follows a wash phase. The use of the method present in the traditional rinsing phase has the same benefits of uniformly distributing a fabric softener to the laundry to be washed, without an extra consumption of water and time from a traditional deep filling process. Additionally, using the current method for dispensing fabric softener during the rinse phase can simplify the controls or user interface for the washing machine. Contemporary washing machines have a dedicated selector to indicate that the fabric softener is being used so that the operating cycle can be modified accordingly to include a deep filling rinse for fabric softener application. The current method can be implemented automatically without the need for a dedicated selector.
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133/139 [0322] Still referring to Figure 30, the transition between the pre-wash phase 1904 and the wash phase 1910 of the 1900 cycle can optionally include an extraction phase in which the laundry is rotated at high speeds to extract the liquid from the laundry to be washed and / or a drainage phase in which the liquid collected in the 1858 reservoir is drained by the 1876 pump. The drainage and / or extraction phases can be configured to provide a predetermined amount of leftover water. prewash mixture for washing phase 1910. In one example, the laundry can be spun at high speeds to extract the prewash mixture from the laundry to wash in such a way that a predetermined amount of the washing mixture prewash remains on the laundry to wash. Depending on the components of the prewash mixture, it may be desirable to have a small amount of leftover laundry to wash, such as when the color care agent consists of a dye fixative; in another example, in the case of a dye absorber, a larger amount of leftover pre-wash mixture may be desirable. In another example, the drainage and extraction phases can be controlled in such a way that some amount of the prewash mixture is extracted from the laundry and kept in the 1858 reservoir, so that the prewash mixture can be be reapplied in the subsequent wash phase 1910. This may be desirable when the prewash mixture includes a dye absorber, such that the dye absorber is fed back into the laundry to wash, such as during part of the phase 1910 wash cycle in which mechanical energy is applied to the laundry to be washed, for example, to further facilitate the inhibition of a dye transfer event.
[0323] Referring now to Figure 34, a schematic of a 2050 horizontal geometric axis washing machine is illustrated which is similar to the 450 washing machine in Figure 10, except that the 2050 washing machine is illustrated as having an optional 2098 heating system, in a manner similar to that described above for the 1850 washing machine in Figure 29. The elements in the 2050 washing machine that are similar
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134/139 to those of the washing machine 450 have been labeled with the prefix 2000. Only those elements necessary for a complete understanding of the modalities of the invention are illustrated and it will be understood that the 2050 washing machine can include additional elements traditionally found in a washing machine without deviating from the scope of the invention. The 2050 washing machine can be used to implement the 1900 cycle of Figure 30 in a similar manner to that described above in relation to the 1850 vertical geometric axis washing machine of Figure 29.
[0324] Figure 35 illustrates a 2100 method for supplying a treatment chemical that can be used in 1908 of cycle 1900 of Figure 30 to supply a prewash mix for laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber 2062 of the washing machine. washing clothes 2050. The prewash mixture can be formed according to any of the methods described above in 1906 of cycle 1900 to provide a predetermined amount of laundry fabric softener to wash in the 2062 treatment chamber. 2100 is described in the context of supplying a prewash mixture, it will be understood that method 2100 can be used to supply any suitable treatment chemical for laundry. The 2100 method can be used with the 1900 cycle or any other cycle in which a treatment chemical is supplied for the laundry to be washed. The 2100 method can be deployed to provide an even distribution of the fabric softener to laundry items under liquid volume and time constraints.
[0325] Still with reference to Figure 35, method 2100 can start with the rotation of the 2060 drum at a first satellitic speed in 2102 without wetting the laundry to form an annular laundry space in the 2060 drum. it is observed that the washing clothes placed in the treatment chamber 2062 will be dry, there is a possibility that it can be wet when placed in the treatment chamber 2062. The lack of wetness during the formation of the annular space 2102 means that the liquid is not applied washing clothes during the formation of the annular space, not that the washing clothes can no longer
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135/139 to be wet for other reasons. The rotation of the 2060 drum at the first satellitic speed without wetting the laundry can facilitate the formation of a balanced load distribution that remains balanced throughout the 2100 method. The annular space will be formed as the laundry items move to the periphery of the 2060 drum due to centrifugal forces that the load experiences when spinning at a speed at which the centrifugal force is generally greater than a gravitational force or 1 G. In 2104, laundry to be washed can be wetted by spraying a treatment chemical, such as the prewash mixture, through sprinkler 2074 in treatment chamber 2062 while drum 2060 is still spinning at the first satellites speed. While rotating at the first satellites speed, the laundry items are not moving relative to each other and essentially remain plastered against the inner wall of the 2060 drum, forming the annular space. In this way, the tissue surfaces that form the inner surface of the annular space are exposed to the prewash mixture that is sprinkled from the 2074 sprinkler.
[0326] The first satelliting speed can be a speed at which the annular space of the laundry can be formed, but which provides a first centrifugal force that is insufficient to extract the liquid carried by the laundry to be washed from the laundry to be washed at a rate that is large enough to satisfy the 2076 pump. For use in the present invention, satisfying the pump refers to providing a quantity of liquid and a liquid flow rate to the 2076 pump such that starvation pump 2076, in which pump 2076 sucks air, satisfies a predetermined threshold. Satisfaction of the 2076 pump can be achieved by monitoring the current suction of the 2076 pump, the noise of the 2076 pump or the speed of the 2076 pump. However, a convenient way to determine that the 2076 pump is satisfied is to maintain a predetermined quantity of water in reservoir 2058 or maintain a minimum level of water in reservoir 2058. Thus, the term “satisfies” the pump is used in this document to refer to the fact that the variation satisfies a
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136/139 predetermined threshold, such as being equal to, less than or greater than the threshold value, which, in this case, may correspond to a quantity or rate of starvation. It will be understood that such a determination can easily be changed to be satisfied by a positive / negative comparison or a true / false comparison. For example, a value less than the threshold can be satisfied by applying a greater value than the test when the data is numerically inverted.
[0327] When it is determined that the 2076 pump is not satisfied, the rotational speed of the drum can be decreased by braking and / or controlling the 2066 engine to reduce the speed and allow the 2060 drum to decelerate to a speed of redistribution in 2106 without stopping the rotation of the 2060 drum. The redistribution speed can correspond to a speed in which the annular space of washing clothes that has been partially wet in 2104 redistributes and the 2076 pump is satisfied. Redistribution of the load may include revolving, rotating and / or sliding all or part of the load. In most cases, the speed of the 2060 drum only needs to slow down enough so that at least part of it, but preferably all items that form the laundry to experience a centrifugal force of less than 1G, which will allow articles to redistribute. Although the 2060 drum can be stopped and / or reversed to perform redistribution, it is not necessary to do this. From a general cycle time perspective, not stopping the 2060 drum is preferred.
[0328] In a predetermined period of time after the rotation of the 2060 drum at the redistribution speed, in 2108, the 2060 drum can be accelerated to a second satellite speed, greater than the first satellite speed. The second speed of satellites can correspond to a speed at which a second centrifugal force is applied to the laundry to be washed, which is sufficient to extract the liquid carried by the laundry to wash in an amount and rate sufficient to satisfy the 2076 pump. drum 2060, the liquid extracted from the load is recirculated on the load by the pump 2076 to further wet the load in 2110.
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137/139 [0329] In one example, the rotation of the 2060 drum in the second speed of satellites and liquid recirculation in 2110 can be implanted for a predetermined period of time. Towards the end of the predetermined period of time, the rotational speed of the 2060 drum may be slowed down until the 2076 pump is no longer capable of delivering liquid in sufficient quantity and pressure to the 2074 sprinkler for sprinkling through the 2074 sprinkler or until the rotational speed of the 2060 drum reaches a speed where the centrifugal forces are no longer sufficient to extract the liquid from the laundry to wash in an amount and rate that is sufficient to satisfy the 2074 pump. Alternatively, the drum speed can be decreased until a predetermined drum speed is reached, until a predetermined period of time has elapsed, or until a liquid level in reservoir 2058 satisfies a predetermined liquid level threshold. In this way, the amount of liquid applied to the laundry can be increased and the amount of liquid remaining in the 2058 reservoir decreases.
[0330] In an exemplary embodiment, the first centrifugal force corresponds to a drum measuring 58.42 centimeters (23 inches) in diameter rotating at a first satellite speed of 250 rpm, and the second centrifugal force corresponds to a drum of 58, 42 centimeters (23 inches) in diameter rotating at a second satellite speed of 350 rpm.
[0331] The amount of liquid supplied to the 2062 treatment chamber for recirculation can be limited based on the amount of laundry to be washed in the 2062 treatment chamber. In one example, a maximum amount of liquid supplied to the 2062 treatment chamber for a laundry load of 1.814 kilograms (4 pounds) or less is 7.95 liters (1.75 gallons), 10.32 liters (2.27 gallons) for a load amount of 3.629 kilograms (8 pounds) ) or less, but greater than 1.814 kilograms (4 pounds), or 13.18 liters (2.9 gallons) for a loading amount of 5.443 kilograms (12 pounds) or less, but greater than 3.629 kilograms (8 pounds ).
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138/139 [0332] As described above for the prewash phase 1904 of cycle 1900 in relation to Figure 30, the recirculation prewash mixture can be sprayed onto the laundry to be washed using one or more sprinklers . A single 2074 sprinkler can be used to spray the prewash mixture onto a predetermined portion of the load that enters a sprinkler zone that corresponds to that sprinkler. The spray zone can be considered the area in which the liquid emitted from the 2074 sprinkler comes into direct contact. The sprinkler 2074 can be configured to cover only part of the treatment chamber 2062 and the laundry can be rotated to enter the part of the treatment chamber 2062 covered by the sprinkler 2074. In another example, the sprinkler 2074 can be configured to cover the entire treatment chamber 2062 in such a way that all exposed surfaces of the laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber 2062 are covered by the liquid emitted by the sprinkler 2074 without turning the drum 2060. In yet another example, the washing machine 2050 may include multiple sprinklers to cover multiple parts of the 2062 treatment chamber with a single sprinkler.
[0333] Optionally, supplying the 1908 prewash mixture in the 1900 cycle can also include applying heat to the laundry. In one example, heated air can be applied to laundry to be washed after being treated with the prewash mixture using the 2098 heating system. The application of heated air can be used to increase the temperature of the laundry to wash at a predetermined temperature, which is preferably below the blood fixing temperature to avoid fixing blood stains on laundry items. The heated air can be supplied to the 2062 treatment chamber with or without agitation or movement of the laundry, such as by rotating the 2054 drum.
[0334] If it is still described, the different characteristics and structures of the different modalities can be used in combination with each other as desired. For example, any of processes 10, 100, 120, 150, 200, 206, 212, 300, 500, 550, 600, 650,700, 710, 800, 850, 1000, 1020, 1050, 1300,
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139/139
1500, 1600, 1700, 1900, 1950 or 2100 may be combined in whole or in part with each other and used with any of the 50, 450, 1100, 1850, or 2050 devices described in this document or any other suitable device not explicitly described in this document. The fact that a feature may not be illustrated in all modalities is not intended to be interpreted as that it cannot be illustrated, but it is done for brevity of description. In this way, the different characteristics of the different modalities can be mixed and combined as desired to form new modalities, whether or not the new modalities are expressly presented. [0335] Although the invention has been specifically described in connection with certain specific embodiments thereof, it should be understood that this is by way of illustration and not limitation. Reasonable variation and modification is possible within the scope of the description and drawings mentioned above, without departing from the spirit of the invention, which is defined in the appended claims.
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1/5

权利要求:
Claims (35)
[1]
1. Operation cycle for washing clothes treatment equipment that has a rotating treatment chamber, in which the washing clothes are received for treatment according to an automatic operation cycle, the FEATURE operation cycle comprising:
a pre-wetting phase (12) comprising:
- rotate the laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber (62);
- spray the laundry to be washed with a predetermined amount of a pre-wetting liquid sufficient to wet a first exposed surface of the laundry to be washed;
a pre-wash phase (14), subsequent to the pre-wet phase (12), comprising:
- rotate the laundry to be washed in the treatment chamber (62);
- supply a pre-wash liquid comprising at least one chemical treatment product for laundry to be wetted by the pre-wet liquid;
a washing phase (16), subsequent to the prewash phase (14), comprising:
- providing a washing liquid comprising water and a laundry detergent for washing; and
- apply mechanical energy to the laundry to be washed;
wherein spraying the laundry to be washed with the pre-wetting liquid prior to supplying the pre-washing liquid to the laundry to be washed provides a more uniform distribution of at least one treatment chemical over the laundry to be washed.
[2]
2. Operation cycle, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because it also comprises reorienting the laundry to be washed before the pre-wash phase (14) to expose a previously unexposed part of the laundry to wash, to define a second exposed surface of the laundry to wash and spray the second exposed surface of the laundry to wash with the pre-wetting liquid.
[3]
3. Operation cycle, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED
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2/5 due to the fact that the pre-wetting liquid comprises water or a mixture of water and at least one treatment chemical in which at least one treatment chemical comprises an emulsion.
[4]
4. Operation cycle, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the pre-wetting liquid is uniformly supplied on the first exposed surface of the laundry to be washed and comprises rotating the laundry to wash during the pre-wetting phase (12) at a rate within the range of 20 to 60 rpm.
[5]
5. Operation cycle, according to claim 4, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the laundry to be washed is rotated at the same rate during the pre-wetting phase (12) and the pre-washing phase (14).
[6]
6. Operation cycle, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the rotation of the laundry to wash during at least one of the pre-wetting phase (12) or the pre-washing phase (14) comprises turning a drum defining the treatment chamber (62) or actuating an impeller located inside the treatment chamber (62).
[7]
7. Operation cycle, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the spraying of the laundry comprises supplying liquid droplets suspended in the air and configured to rest on the first exposed surface of the laundry to wash without dripping from the laundry to wash, such liquid droplets having a diameter in the range of 10 to 100 micrometers.
[8]
8. Operation cycle, according to claim 7, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the spray comprises providing the pre-wetting liquid at a rate of less than 500 mL / min.
[9]
9. Operation cycle, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED because it also comprises reorienting the laundry to be exposed to expose a previously unexposed part of the laundry to be washed and repeating the pre-wetting phase (12) and the pre-wash (14).
[10]
10. Operation cycle, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that at least the treatment chemical comprises a fixative
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3/5 of dye to inhibit a release of dye from laundry to wash during the wash phase.
[11]
11. Operation cycle, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that at least the treatment chemical comprises at least one of a surfactant, detergent, enzyme, fragrance, ironing / stiffening agent, wrinkle releasers / reducers , softener, antistatic or electrostatic agent, stain repellent, water repellent, energy extraction / reduction aid, antibacterial agent, medicinal agent, vitamin, humectant, shrinkage inhibitor, dye absorber, bleach and combinations thereof.
[12]
12. Operation cycle, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the predetermined amount of a pre-wetting liquid is an amount that does not drip from the laundry and is based on a predetermined remaining moisture content (RMC ) for laundry to be washed, preferably within a range of 5 to 40%.
[13]
13. Method of applying a chemical treatment product to laundry to be washed in a laundry treatment equipment that has a rotating treatment chamber, in which the laundry is received for treatment according to an automatic operating cycle and a dispensing system comprising at least one sprinkler to supply the treatment chemical for the laundry, the CHARACTERIZED method for understanding:
- rotate the laundry to wash with respect to at least one sprinkler;
- providing a pre-wetting liquid for the laundry to be washed through at least one sprinkler such as a pre-wetting spray comprising liquid droplets suspended in the air to wet a first exposed surface of the laundry to be washed;
- control at least one among the rotation of the laundry to be washed or the supply of a pre-wet liquid in such a way that the pre-wet spray is resting on the exposed surface of the laundry to be washed;
- provide at least one chemical treatment product for clothing for
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4/5 wash wet by pre-wet spraying; and
- subsequent to the supply of at least one treatment chemical, supply a washing liquid comprising water and a laundry detergent for washing;
wherein the supply of at least one treatment chemical to the laundry to be washed already wet by pre-wetting spray provides a more uniform distribution of the at least one treatment chemical to the laundry.
[14]
14. Method, according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the rotation of the washing clothes comprises at least one among rotating the washing clothes in relation to at least one sprinkler, rotating at least the sprinkler in relation to the washing clothes washing, or a combination thereof in which the rotation of the laundry to be washed with respect to at least one sprinkler comprises turning a drum that defines the treatment chamber (62) or actuating an impeller located within the treatment chamber.
[15]
15. Method according to claim 13, further comprising reorienting the laundry to be washed before supplying at least one treatment chemical to expose a previously unexposed part of the laundry to define a second exposed surface of the laundry to be washed, and provide the pre-wetting spray to the second exposed surface of the laundry to be washed, the pre-wetting spray comprising water or a mixture of water and at least one treatment chemical and being uniformly provided on the first exposed surface of the laundry to be washed.
[16]
16. Method according to claim 15, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that evenly supplying the pre-wetting spray comprises spinning the laundry to wash at least one sprinkler at a rate within a range of 20 to 60 rpm.
[17]
17. Method, according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the control comprises at least one sprinkler that provides droplets of the pre-wetting liquid having a diameter in the range of 10 to 100 micrometers to form the
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5/5 pre-wetting spray.
[18]
18. Method, according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the control comprises at least one sprinkler that supplies droplets of the pre-wetting liquid at a rate of less than 500 mL / min to form the pre spray -wetting.
[19]
19. Method, according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by further comprising reorienting the laundry to expose a previously unexposed part of the laundry to wash and repeating the supply of a pre-wet liquid and the supply of at least one product treatment chemical before washing liquid supply.
[20]
20. Method, according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the washing clothes is rotated in relation to at least one sprinkler during at least one of the supply of a pre-wetting liquid or the supply of at least one treatment chemical.
[21]
21. Method according to claim 13 CHARACTERIZED by the fact that at least the treatment chemical comprises a dye fixative to inhibit a dye release from the laundry to be washed during the washing phase.
[22]
22. Method according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that at least the treatment chemical comprises at least one of a surfactant, detergent, enzyme, fragrance, ironing / stiffening agent, wrinkle releasing / reducing agents, softener , antistatic or electrostatic agent, stain repellent, water repellent, energy extraction / reduction aid, antibacterial agent, medicinal agent, vitamin, humectant, shrinkage inhibitor, dye absorber, bleach and combinations thereof.
[23]
23. Method according to claim 13, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the predetermined amount of a pre-wetting liquid is an amount that does not drip from the laundry and is based on a predetermined remaining moisture content (RMC) for laundry to be washed within a range of 5 to 40%.
Petition 870170013565, of 03/02/2017, p. 12/12 r
1/37
Load detection phase of laundry
Pre-wetting phase
Pre-wash phase
Ίintermediate phase ί
FIGURE 1
2/37
FIGURE 2Α
FIGURE 2Β
4/37 (Ο (Ο
FIGURE 3
100
5/37
FIGURE 4 i
120
6/37
FIGURE 5 ^! ty · .. '* ·
FIGURE 6Α FIGURE 6B FIGURE 6C
7/37
8/37
150
FIGURE 7; Intermediate phase;
* I
FIGURE 8
10/37
300
FIGURE 9
450
I
11/37
500
12/37
FIGURE 11
I
Dye fixative concentration (g / L)
Samples (in order of time)
13/37
FIGURE 12
550
14/37
FIGURE 13
15/37
Absorbance
570
576
3.5 π
2.51.5-
200
1000 mg / L Cationic Polyamine (Polyamine)
10 mg / L Dye, 1000 mg / L Cationic (polyamine) polymer
20 mg / L Dye, 1000 mg / L Cationic (polyamine) polymer
0.5 250 300 350
Wavelength (nm)
FIGURE 14
600
I
16/37
FIGURE 15
17/37
FIGURE 16
700
18/37
FIGURE 17Α
I
710
19/37
FIGURE 17B
20/37 · »
800
804
806
802
FIGURE 18
21/37
Pre-wet clothes for Ia •var
852
850 ν
ν
Continue until the next stage of the cycle
FIGURE 19
862
1000
22/37
FIGURE 20
23/37
1050
[24]
24/37
FIGURE 22
[25]
25/37
1168 ¹ γθ 1172 1100
1154, 1159
1130
1169 ^ 1137
FIGURE 23 i
1164 1166 1146
1147 1148 1149
1150
[26]
26/37
FIGURE 24
1300
[27]
27/37 ί
FIGURE 25
[28]
28/37
FIGURE 26
[29]
29/37
1600
FIGURE 27
[30]
30/37
1700
FIGURE
[31]
31/37 sr
1850
FIGURE 29
[32]
32/37 i
1900
FIGURE 30
[33]
33/37 í
I
FIGURE 31
Reservoir level
“Big” load
Reservoir level
“Small” load
[34]
34/37
FIGURE 32A
FIGURE 32Β
[35]
35/37
2014
FIGURE 33
Ί
2050
2092 2093
2090
2084
2052
2072
2076
2058
FIGURE 34
37/37
2100
FIH1IRA
I I · 3Ι W IXf »'Kir * · I
1/1

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法律状态:
2018-02-14| B03A| Publication of a patent application or of a certificate of addition of invention [chapter 3.1 patent gazette]|

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2018-03-06| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2018-03-13| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according [chapter 6.6 patent gazette]|

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2018-03-20| B06I| Publication of requirement cancelled [chapter 6.9 patent gazette]|Free format text: ANULADA A PUBLICACAO CODIGO 6.6.1 NA RPI NO 2462 DE 13/03/2018 POR TER SIDO INDEVIDA. |

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2019-10-15| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: procedure suspended [chapter 6.21 patent gazette]|

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2019-12-24| B08F| Application fees: application dismissed [chapter 8.6 patent gazette]|Free format text: REFERENTE A 6A ANUIDADE. |

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2020-06-23| B08K| Patent lapsed as no evidence of payment of the annual fee has been furnished to inpi [chapter 8.11 patent gazette]|Free format text: REFERENTE AO DESPACHO 8.6 PUBLICADO NA RPI 2555 DE 24/12/2019. |

优先权:

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申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题

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US201361793369P| true| 2013-03-15|2013-03-15|

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US61/793,369|2013-03-15|

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US201361822750P| true| 2013-05-13|2013-05-13|

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US61/822,750|2013-05-13|

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US14/160,977|2014-01-22|

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US14/160,977|US9758914B2|2013-03-15|2014-01-22|Methods and compositions for treating laundry items|

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