The invention relates to a washing machine and a washing method to clean textile fabrics, the washing machine comprising a washing drum rotatable about a longitudinal axis, wherein at least two perforated regions are formed apart from one another in a side wall of the washing drum extending parallel to the longitudinal axis, and a squeeze plate for two- way movement along the longitudinal axis arranged within said washing drum, said squeeze plate is connected with an agitating member arranged outside the washing drum, the washing drum comprises an openable door that closes said drum in a liquid-tight man ner at one end thereof along the longitudinal axis and a bottom that closes said drum in a liquid-tight manner at the other end thereof along the longitudinal axis, wherein the wash ing machine further comprises a two-way pump for making liquid flow through the wash ing machine through said perforated regions, and a motor for positioning and bidirectional ly rotating the washing drum about the longitudinal axis.

The invention further relates to a washing method for cleaning textile fabrics, wherein the textile fabrics are placed in a washing drum equipped with a perforated squeeze plate suit able for longitudinal displacement and brought into contact with washing medium.

Nowadays washing machines using washing medium may be divided into several groups, such as mixing disc washing machines, rotary drum washing machines, agitator washing machines, tube washing machines and forced flow washing machines.

According to the washing principle of mixing disc washing machines, the textile fabrics are placed into a container flooded with washing medium and then the washing medium is started to be rotated at a given speed, with which the textile fabrics get also into rotation, and thus the textile fabrics rub against the washing medium, the washing tank and itself. This friction exerts the washing effect. Although increasing the rotation speed may in crease the washing efficiency, it has the disadvantage that a greater stretching, frictional effect will act upon the textile fabrics, and thus they get more damaged, stretched and shredded.

In the case of rotary drum washing machines, the washing drum itself rotates, into which the textile fabrics are inserted. At the beginning of washing, the drum is filled with wash ing medium, which partially floods the inserted textile fabrics. Inside the drum, various protrusions, lamellae or elements protruding from the inner surface of the drum are gener- ally formed, thus during the rotation of the drum the textile fabrics are rubbed or partially emerge from the washing medium and then fall back into it. The washing machine achieves the washing effect by making the textile fall back and forth and simultaneously by making the textile sink into and emerge out of the washing medium. The washing drum of a rotary drum washing machine is typically perforated over its entire mantle-surface and is surrounded by a liquid-tight washing case which is flooded with water at the beginning of the washing process.

Agitator washing machines are designed with a washing drum rotatable about a rotating shaft. Rotation of the agitator causes the textile fabrics to perform a pulsating-rotating movement. The disadvantage of this construction is the high water demand and the fact that said pulsating-rotating movement may damage the textile more than, for example, a rotary drum washing machine.

Tube washing machines are only used in industrial applications for large quantities of tex tile fabrics due to their large size. Although they may be used to clean up to several tons of textile fabrics at a time, they can only be used to wash homogeneous materials. The disad vantage of this type of washing machine is that it is expensive for the small-scale, house hold use, and the cost of this type of appliance is very high.

Forced-flow washing machines make the washing medium flow in a defined direction in side the drum. The washing process of forced-flow washing machines is based on the fact that the washing medium flowing through the textile fabrics dissolves dirt ingrained in the textile and then its flow entrains said dirt, thus achieving efficient cleaning. Such a wash ing machine is described, inter alia, in GB42015, US20150082552, W02009115159 or Hungarian Patent Appl. No. P0401541.

GB Patent No. 420145 discloses a washing machine that has a standard size and a non- rotatable washing tank with lower and upper perforated walls for accommodating textile fabrics and washing medium, wherein the washing medium put into the washing tank, and thus the textile fabrics therein, are moved by a reciprocating piston for linear movement. The textile moves together with the washing medium, however, the washing medium flows through the textile to be cleaned only indirectly, due to the movement of the piston, and mostly bypasses it. US Patent Appl. No. 20150082552 discloses a system for handling textile fabrics compris ing a washing tank for receiving textile fabrics and treatment fluid. During the treatment process, the textile fabrics move together with the treatment fluid through a linear recipro cating motion of the piston. As a result of a first linear movement of the piston head, the fabrics are pressed against the grooved inner wall of the washing tank, and then a second linear movement in the opposite direction to the first linear movement allows the fabrics to be loosened in the washing tank. The washing tank is not rotatable, the textile fabrics are cleaned only by the combined flow of the textile fabrics and the treatment liquid, so the washing efficiency of the process with this textile fabrics treatment system is far lower than that of the variants using direct flow of the washing medium through the textile fab rics. A further disadvantage of the textile fabrics handling system is that textile fabrics pressed against the grooved inner wall of the washing tank can be mechanically damaged by the inner design of the washing tank.

International Publication Pamphlet No. W02009115159 discloses a hydraulic-pneumatic process which is used, inter alia, in washing. In the process, the textile fabrics are placed in a container and then washing liquid is passed through the container in both directions. The bidirectional flow is provided by two high-performance pumps. During washing, textile fabrics are pressed against support plates placed opposite to each other in the container and then get loosened. The washing steps are performed by moving the textile fabrics together with the washing liquid while said textile fabrics are floating in said washing liquid. As a result of floating in the washing liquid and the resulting free movement of the textile, the indirect liquid flowing (pumping) causes the washing liquid not to flow through the tissue of the textile fabrics but through the small channels present between the textile layers, thereby loosening of dirt in the textile gets less effective.

Hungarian Patent Application No. P0401541 describes a washing machine and a washing method, wherein the washing machine has a perforated clamp plate which is covered with a pressure bell and is movable in a washing cassette, the movement of the clamp plate is performed by an actuating element. After arranging the squeeze plate on the textile fabrics, the washing case is filled with washing medium up to the level of the clamp plate, that is, the washing medium corresponds to the amount of textile fabrics to be washed. In this way, the volume of the washing space can be changed by moving the clamp plate. In the case of the washing machine described in the application, the flow of the washing medium is performed by a pump, said flow is not generated by the movement of the clamp plate. Furthermore, the washing cassette is not rotatable, so the necessary loosening of clothes after compressing the clothes takes place only due to the flowing movement of the washing medium.

In the case of the forced-flow washing machines described above, the container receiving the textile fabrics to be cleaned is fixed, and cleaning of the textile is achieved merely by passing the washing medium through the textile. The disadvantage of this technique is that such a flow of the washing medium alone provides a less efficient washing process com pared to the case wherein the washing medium was to flow through the tissue of the textile fabrics along with also moving the clamp plate.

A common disadvantage of the washing method accomplished by all the washing ma chines described above is the long washing time and the fact that the water demand used for washing is typically independent of the amount of textile fabrics to be washed. As a result, these washing methods are energy intensive. A further disadvantage of the afore- discussed washing machines is that, during washing, the textile fabrics are subjected to forces, such as stretching and/or frictional forces, which may damage the more fragile tex tiles; for example, in woollen fabrics, said forces may cause degradation of the tissue struc ture of the fabrics.

It is an object of the present invention to construct a washing machine which overcomes the above drawbacks, or at least significantly alleviates them, i.e. ensures effective loosen ing and removal of dirt in the textile fabrics, thus improving the washing efficacy. It is a further object to provide a washing machine which reduces the washing time and/or the amount of water used for washing, thereby improving the washing efficiency.

A yet further object of the washing method according to the invention is also to minimize any harmful effects on the textile fabrics, such as e.g. to prevent or avoid heat shock to the textile fabrics during washing.

The solution according to the invention is based on the recognition that if the container, or washing drum, for receiving the textile fabrics to be cleaned is not accommodated in a sep arate case, but is formed as a liquid-tight unit itself, significantly less washing medium is required for the washing. Furthermore, if said washing drum is partially perforated, in the stationary position of the drum, when the washing medium is discharged by special liquid collecting units, a suction effect can be exerted on the textile fabrics through at least a part of the perforations, and thus, passing of the washing medium through the textile fabrics increases the washing efficacy. In addition, if the washing drum is provided with a perfo rated squeeze plate adapted to perform a back and forth motion within the washing drum as well, a further increase in loosening the dirt in the tissue of the textile fabrics can be achieved through exerting a squeezing effect on the textile fabrics and enhancing the flow of the washing medium through the textile fabrics. By adjusting or controlling the strength of “possing” applied to the textile fabrics with the squeeze plate, the textile can be pre served during washing. Controllability of the temperature of the washing medium is also advantageous in order to avoid thermal shock of the textile fabrics during washing. The combined, preferably cyclical, application of the rotating movement of the washing drum, the suction effect exerted on the inside of the washing drum and the squeezing effect exert ed on the textile fabrics in the washing drum improves the washing efficacy, shortens the washing time and reduces the energy requirement of the washing.

In view of the afore-mentioned, in one aspect, the objects are achieved by constructing a washing machine for cleaning textile fabrics according to claim 1. Preferred exemplary embodiments of the washing machine according to the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 9.

In a further aspect, the above objects are achieved by accomplishing a washing method according to claim 10. Preferred variants of the washing method according to the invention are defined in claims 11 to 19.

The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of the units and their connections of a possible exemplary embodiment of a washing machine according to the invention;

- Figure 1 A is a broken exploded view of the washing drum of another possible exemplary embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention with the directions of me chanical movement, wherein the inner surface of the washing drum is provided with ribs to guide the squeeze plate;

- Figure 2 is a schematic longitudinal sectional view of the washing machine of Figure 1; - Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the washing drum of Figure 1A, specifically with four liquid collection units; and

- Figure 4 is a flow chart of a possible variant of the washing method according to the in vention.

Figure 1 shows the components of a preferred embodiment of a washing machine 20 for cleaning textile fabrics according to the invention in a state wherein the outer casing of the washing machine 20 is removed. The washing machine 20 according to the invention com prises surrounding a washing space la, the washing drum 1 has a cylindrical outer design and is rotatable about a longitudinal axis O in the present embodiment. At least two sepa rate perforated regions 18 are formed on a side wall 22 of the washing drum 1 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis O. The perforated regions 18 are preferably symmetrical to each other, but this is not a requisite. The area of the perforated regions 18 is preferably 25-70%, more preferably 25-60%, even more preferably 30-60%, and most preferably 30- 55% of the area of the side wall 22. The washing drum 1 has got an openable door 3 at one end thereof along the longitudinal axis O; the textile fabrics to be cleaned/washed can be fed into the washing space la of the washing drum 1 through this door 3. The door 3 can be closed in a liquid-tight sealed manner, and it maintains the liquid-tight seal throughout the operation of the washing machine 20. The washing drum 1 is closed at the other end thereof along the longitudinal axis O by a liquid-tight bottom 21. The washing drum 1 it self is formed in a liquid-sealed manner in such a way that an amount of washing medium, such as water, detergent, a mixture of detergent and water, rinse aid, a mixture of rinse aid and water, or any other liquid phase medium suitable for cleaning the textile fabrics can be fed into or discharged from the washing space la through 15 perforations of the perforated regions 18.

A squeeze plate 2 having perforations 15 is arranged in the washing space la of the wash ing drum 1, which is movable linearly back and forth, i.e. in two directions, along the di rection of the longitudinal axis O. The perforations 15 in the squeeze plate 2 are of random distribution or arranged according to a given pattern. In the embodiment shown in Fig. 1, the perforations 15 are arranged denser along the circumference of the squeeze plate 2, and further perforations 15 are also formed in the squeeze plate 2 which are substantially even ly distributed. In another possible embodiment, see Fig. 1A, the perforations 15 are distrib- uted substantially evenly over the entire surface of the squeeze plate 2. Such an arrange ment of the perforations 15 is advantageous as it generates a uniform flow of the washing medium throughout the squeeze plate 2 and hence the possing exerted by the squeeze plate 2 will also be more uniform.

The washing volume required for washing which corresponds to the textile fabrics to be placed in the washing space la can be adjusted by at least one of the end positions taken by the squeeze plate 2 during its motion in the washing drum 1. The washing volume can be reduced by moving the squeeze plate 2 or increased after its reduction, i.e. the actual wash ing volume of the washing drum 1 can be adjusted adaptively to the amount of textile fab rics just to be cleaned. The purpose of this measure is to create an interior space within the washing drum 1 which, in addition to optimizing the amount of liquid used for the wash ing, also provides an optimal volume for the rotation of the textile fabrics. Said washing volume is proportional to the amount of textile fabrics to be cleaned; essentially, it follows the widely used ratio of 10:1, i.e. substantially 10 litres per 1 kg of textile fabrics.

The rim 2a of the squeeze plate 2 follows the inner surface of the side wall 22 of the wash ing drum 1 with a minimal clearance, the rim 2a basically rests on said inner surface. Thus, the textile fabrics in the washing drum 1 cannot get caught between the washing drum 1 and the squeeze plate 2 during the back and forth motion of the squeeze plate 2. As the squeeze plate 2 is advancing, the washing medium flows through the perforations 15 of the squeeze plate 2 and, thus, gets behind the squeeze plate 2 as said squeeze plate 2 pushes and compresses the textile in front of it. When the squeeze plate 2 is pulled back, the wash ing medium, which previously flowed through the squeeze plate 2, now flows back to the textile fabrics through the perforations 15 of the squeeze plate 2, and will again be located in that part of the washing space la, wherein the textile fabrics are, thereby helping to loosen the textile fabrics previously compressed by the squeeze plate 2.

Movement of the squeeze plate 2 is performed by an actuating element 16 arranged outside the washing drum 1. The actuating element 16 is preferably an electric, pneumatic or hy draulic power cylinder which is connected to the squeeze plate 2 through the bottom 21 of the washing drum 1 in a sealed manner known to a person skilled in the art.

In another possible embodiment of the washing machine 20, at least one rib element 19 is arranged on the inner surface of the side wall 22 of the washing drum 1 substantially paral- lei to the longitudinal axis O, as shown in Figures 1A and 3. In the operating state of the washing machine 20 (i.e. during washing), the rib element 19, on the one hand, helps the textile fabrics to fall back and forth and thereby to loosen the dirt in the textile fabrics and, on the other hand, guides the squeeze plate 2 during its movement so that its back and forth motion becomes more stable.

On the outer surface of the side wall 22 of the washing drum 1 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis O, liquid collection units 4 are arranged. Each of the liquid collecting units 4 is assigned to a perforated region 18 of the washing drum 1 in such a way that in a stationary position of the washing drum 1, each liquid collecting unit 4 fits the correspond ing perforated region 18 and seals said perforated region 18 by means of at least one seal ing element which forms a liquid-tight sealing with the outer surface of the washing drum 1. The washing drum 1 is preferably circular in cross-section perpendicular to the longitu dinal axis O, since in this way the liquid-tight sealing of the washing space la can be real ized efficiently and easily. This choice of cross-section of the washing drum 1 results in a more reliable operation, as well as a cheaper production and service of the washing ma chine 20. The sealing element(s) can be formed of any suitable, preferably elastic, abra sion- and alkali-resistant materials, such as silicone rubber or synthetic rubber. The wash ing drum 1 can also be realized with a regular polygon shape in said cross-section, as will be apparent to a person skilled in the art. In such a case, the perforated regions 18 (and the associated liquid collecting units 4) can be provided on all or only a few of the side walls of the washing drum 1 extending longitudinally. In the case of a cylindrical washing drum 1, as far as both the operation and production costs are concerned, it may be advantageous to provide four perforated regions 18 arranged at equal angular distances from each other and associated liquid collecting units 4. However, it is apparent to a skilled person in the art that more or less perforated regions 18 in number and associated fluid collection units 4 may equally be used, or that the number of the elements concerned may even be an odd number.

The liquid collecting units 4 are in fluid communication with a rotary connector 5 through liquid lines 10. The rotary connector 5 is a rotary connector with at least two liquid lines 10, wherein the connection points in the liquid lines 10 are equipped with valves 6. The valves 6 are used to control perviousness of the liquid lines 10; in particular, the valves 6 can be used to set which liquid line 10 is used to discharge the washing medium and which liquid lines 10 are used to introduce or recirculate the washing medium into the washing drum 1. This measure is carried out by a two-way pump 7 suitable for feeding/drawing off washing medium into/from the washing drum 1 via the liquid lines 10 and the rotary con nector 5 when the valves 6 are in the open position. By means of the operation of the two- way pump 7, the washing medium can flow through the textile fabrics in the same way from both directions, and also the flow can be even and continuous during the entire wash ing cycle. An advantage of the pump 7 is that it allows the amount of washing medium to be controlled and to be adjusted in terms of the amount of textile fabrics and the weaving density of said textile fabrics.

The washing machine according to the invention further comprises a motor 8 suitable, on the one hand, for positioning the washing drum 1 at a given angular position and, on the other hand, for the bidirectional rotation of the washing drum 1 at a given speed and/or rhythm. In order to wash more efficiently, the washing drum 1 can be rotated in two direc tions by the motor 8, and the time needed to reach a specified final drum speed can also be controlled in the washing program. The motor 8 can be a motor which operates essentially on the mains supply, e.g. the motor 8 can be a stepper motor or a servomotor.

A further preferred embodiment of the washing machine 20 also comprises a container 9 for storing and (pre)mixing washing medium. The container 9 is equipped with an inlet liquid line 14 for introducing liquid and an outlet liquid line 10 for discharging liquid. The washing medium may be a different liquid at each stage of the washing process described below. In the initial phase of washing, the washing medium is typically water of a given temperature. In the washing phase, the washing medium is water containing a cleaning agent for removing dirt and for disinfecting and refreshing the textile fabrics. Finally, in the rinsing phase of washing, the washing medium is water containing a rinse aid to care for and/or perfume the tissue structure of the textile fabrics. The advantage of the container 9 is that it is suitable for storing washing medium at a given temperature which corre sponds to the washing program by means of introducing and mixing liquids of different temperatures. Premixed washing medium can be fed into the washing drum 1 directly from the container 9, that is, the washing time can be shortened.

The following units are preferably arranged in the interior of the container 9: at least one electric heating unit 11, at least one temperature sensor 12, at least one washing medium level sensor 13. The electric heating unit 11 is used to heat the washing medium in the con tainer 9. The temperature sensor 12 is suitable for the continuous monitoring of the tem perature of the washing medium. The washing medium level sensor 13 provides infor mation on the actual amount of washing medium within the container 9.

In another possible embodiment of the washing machine 20 according to the invention, the washing medium is directly introduced into and discharged from the washing drum 1, i.e. without exploiting the container 9.

Another preferred embodiment of the 20 washing machine may also be equipped with a dispensing unit (not shown in the drawings) for dispensing various chemicals, in particular detergents, cleaning agents, disinfectants and/or rinse aids, etc.; said chemicals can be add ed to the washing medium introduced into the washing drum 1 by means of the dispensing unit in a desired and/or pre-set amount set by a washing program.

Another preferred embodiment of the washing machine 20 is also comprises a filter insert (not shown in the drawings) to improve cleaning efficiency. Unlike conventional washing machines, the filter insert used in the washing machine according to the invention is dense ly woven and, therefore, not only serves to catch larger objects (e.g. hairpins, small coins, etc.) but also prevents the return of dirt washed out from the textile fabrics into the textile.

Preferably, the washing machine according to the invention also comprises a programma ble control unit (not shown in the drawings) for controlling the operation of the washing machine.

Figure 2 shows a cross-section of the washing machine 20 according to the invention shown in Figure 1. Here, the side wall of the washing drum 1 is not provided with perfora tions 15 over its entire surface, but the perforations 15 are arranged in the perforated re gions 18, wherein the perforated regions 18 are spaced apart from one another on the side wall of the washing drum 1. In one of the preferred embodiments, the perforated regions 18 are arranged at 90° to each other on the side wall of the washing drum 1 (with respect to the centrelines thereof parallel to the longitudinal axis O shown in Fig. 1), Fig. 2 shows this arrangement. Preferably, at least two perforated regions 18 are formed at a given angu lar distance from each other along the circumference of the washing drum 1 of the washing machine 20 according to the invention, which are thus arranged 180° apart from one an other. In possible further embodiments, the angular spacing of the perforated regions 18 (defined between the centrelines running parallel to the longitudinal axis O) is typically substantially 60°, 90° or 120°, or generally 360°/n, where // is a positive integer, preferably not more than 30. The perforated regions 18 are preferably further arranged on the circum ference of the washing drum 1 in such a way that at least one perforated region 18 is in the position for discharging the washing medium and at least one other perforated region 18 is in the position for introducing the washing medium when the washing drum 1 is in its sta tionary position. If the position for discharging the washing medium is the position in which the perforated region 18 for discharging the washing medium is geometrically locat ed at the bottom in the stationary position of the washing drum 1, which corresponds to the lower position of the washing drum 1, discharge of the washing medium through the perfo rations 15 is also aided by gravity.

Figure 3 shows a cross-section of an exemplary embodiment of the washing machine 20 according to the invention shown in Fig. 1, wherein the washing drum 1 has four perforat ed regions 18. In order to ensure the liquid-tightness of the washing drum 1, four liquid collection units 4 are arranged along the circumference (side wall) of the washing drum 1. In the present case, the liquid collecting units 4 are arranged at 90° to each other in harmo ny with the separate groups of perforations 15 formed in the washing drum 1. Such an ar rangement of the liquid collecting units 4 allows the washing medium to be discharged as a result of the suction effect exerted by the pump 7 through at least one liquid collecting unit 4 (located preferably in the lower position) through the tissues of the textile fabrics to be cleaned.

Figure 4 is a flow chart of a possible variant of the washing method according to the inven tion.

In step SI 00, the textile fabrics to be washed are inserted into the washing drum of the washing machine according to the invention through the openable/liquid-tight door and then the door is closed. If the amount of textile fabrics to be washed requires, the interior volume of the drum is decreased by means of the perforated squeeze plate arranged within the drum so as to ensure optimum rotatability of the textile fabrics during the washing pro cess.

In step S101, a desired washing program is selected by a control unit. The specific washing program is clearly defined by the following characteristics: washing time, temperature of washing medium, amount of washing medium used, amount of detergent and/or rinse aid added.

In step SI 02, the container is filled with the desired amount of washing medium in accord ance with the particular washing program, which is monitored by the washing medium level sensor. Then the temperature of the washing medium is monitored by the temperature sensor in the container, in accordance with the washing program. The washing medium introduced into the container is an amount of washing medium at a given temperature, typ ically cold or hot washing medium.

In case the temperature of the washing medium is too low, in step S200a, the washing me dium is heated to the desired temperature by means of an electric heater. If the temperature of the washing medium is too high, in step S200b, an amount of cold washing medium is added to the washing medium in the container until the desired temperature is reached. Meanwhile, the temperature of the washing medium is monitored by the temperature sen sor.

After reaching the appropriate temperature of the washing medium, in step SI 03, the entire amount of the washing medium is fed into the washing drum by means of a pump, and thus, the container gets emptied.

It will be apparent to a skilled person in the art that steps SI 02, S200a, S200b may be per formed directly in the washing drum if the washing machine does not have a container for mixing the washing medium.

In step SI 04, the washing drum is started to rotate at a slow rate by means of a motor and the squeeze plate is moved simultaneously along an axis, linearly, back and forth by means of an actuating element. Here, and from now on the term "slow rate" refers to the rotation of the drum at a rate lower than the rotation rate used for carrying out the washing, herein after referred to as washing rate. The washing rate is calculated through a relation known in the art, which takes into account the diameter of the washing drum and the height of the ribs on the inner surface of the drum. Accordingly, the washing rate varies depending on the geometry of the washing drum, however, it can be easily determined by a skilled per son in the art in each case. Rotation of the washing drum is preferably alternated, also in two directions. Simultaneously, the washing medium is continuously drawn from the washing drum with the pump through at least one liquid collecting unit and fed back to the washing drum via at least one other liquid collecting unit, thereby improving the washing effect by keeping the textile fabrics under continuous sprinkling.

In step SI 05a, a detergent is fed into the washing drum by means of a dispensing unit while the washing drum is rotated in an alternating direction, the squeeze plate is moved in two directions (back and forth) along the longitudinal axis of the washing drum, and the washing medium is sprinkled as described.

In step SI 06, the rotation of the washing drum and the axial movement of the squeeze plate are stopped. In this stationary position of the washing drum, one of the liquid collection units is located at the bottom of said washing drum.

In step SI 07, the valve for the liquid line of the liquid collection unit in the lower position is opened, and the washing medium containing the detergent is sucked out of the washing drum through the textile fabrics through the perforations of the washing drum. Meanwhile, the washing medium containing the detergent is sprinkled onto the textile fabrics from above via the other liquid collection unit. Due to the draw-off and/or its own weight, the textile fabrics in the washing drum adhere to the inner surface at the bottom of the drum, and hence, the washing medium is drawn through the tissues of the textile fabrics. This step also facilitates the removal of dirt from the textile fabrics. The draw-off step always takes place in the substantially stationary position of the washing drum.

In step SI 08, the valves for the liquid lines of the other fluid collection units locating not in the lower position are opened, and then the drawn-off washing medium is recirculated into the washing drum by means of the pump through the respective liquid lines. The recircula tion step takes place over a period of time predetermined by the selected washing program or over a pre-set period of time.

Thereafter, preferably, steps SI 04 to SI 08 are repeated with the exception of step SI 05a, since the washing medium already contains the detergent. Steps SI 04 to SI 08 are repeated cyclically, depending on the washing program, preferably several times.

In step SI 09, in the stationary position of the washing drum, the washing medium is re peatedly drawn off while the textile fabrics are squeezed with the squeeze plate, thereby helping to remove as much of the washing medium as possible from the washing drum. The strength of squeezing performed with the squeeze plate can be varied according to the washing program used. When cleaning fine-woven fabrics, squeezing with the squeeze plate is preferably omitted or only a slight squeezing force is applied to preserve the textile fabrics.

Then, if the washing machine according to the invention is equipped with a container for mixing the washing medium, step S102 is repeated, i.e. the container is filled with the washing medium at the appropriate temperature, and step S103 is repeated, i.e. the washing medium is fed into the washing drum. Now, preferably, the temperature of the washing medium does not significantly differ from the temperature of the washing medium used in the previous steps. Hence, heat shock of and thus damages in the textile fabrics is avoided. After step S103, step S104 is repeated, i.e. the washing drum is started to rotate and at the same time the squeeze plate is moved along the longitudinal axis, linearly, back and forth, while the washing liquid is drawn off and sprinkled back.

In step SI 05b, rinse aid is added to the washing drum, then steps SI 06 to SI 09 are per formed.

Similarly to the washing cycle, steps SI 04 to SI 08 are preferably repeated, except for step SI 05b. Steps SI 04 to SI 08 are repeated cyclically, depending on the washing program, preferably several times.

The washing machine and the washing method according to the invention have the follow ing advantages. During washing, the washing machine simultaneously passes the washing medium through the textile fabrics, compresses/posses the textile fabrics with a squeeze plate and rotates the textile fabrics in the washing drum, thereby facilitating/assi sting in loosening of dirt from the said textile fabrics and also enhancing the washing effect. By carrying out the above three activities simultaneously and in a coordinated manner, the loosening of dirt is accelerated, thus the washing time shortens and the washing process becomes more energy efficient. In overall, compared to the washing machines available on the market, a certain washing can be performed by the washing machine according to the invention in a shorter time (about half as much) with much less water and electricity con sumption.

The washing drum of conventional rotary drum washing machines is accommodated in a liquid-tight case, which must be filled with water during washing, i.e. both the washing drum and the case must be filled with water for washing. In contrast, the washing drum of the washing machine according to the invention itself forms a liquid-tight unit, it is not necessary to place it in a case, and hence, less water is needed for the washing, which also allows a more energy-saving washing method.

Another advantageous feature is that the perforations formed in the washing drum are ar ranged in groups at given angular distances from each other. Due to this arrangement of perforations, when the washing medium is discharged, a suction effect can be exerted on the textile fabrics through the perforations located in the lower position. Thus, the washing medium flows through the textile fabrics, thereby enhancing further the washing effect.

The squeeze plate of the washing machine according to the invention is capable of poss- ing/squeezing the textile fabrics in the washing drum in varying rhythm and with forces of different magnitude in harmony with the washing program selected. The squeeze plate only posses the textile fabrics with the application of less force, but it squeezes the washing medium from the fibres of the textile fabrics when more force is applied, thereby replacing pre-centrifugation step used in conventional washing machines. This washing step, unlike pre-centrifugation, does not take minutes, but only a few seconds. The possing with less force is also suitable for washing delicate, fragile textile fabrics, however, the step of poss ing may even be omitted, when e.g. fragile textile fabrics are washed.

The washing machine according to the invention may have a container which is filled with an amount of washing medium of given temperature before starting the washing. The amount of washing medium required is determined by the washing program, the container gets automatically filled with the amount required for the next washing phase. Temperature of the washing medium can equally be adjusted after it enters the container; if necessary, it can be heated or cooled by mixing with further amounts of cold washing medium. Fur thermore, the washing medium prepared here can be introduced into the washing drum by the pump at high speeds and quickly, thereby reducing further the duration of a selected washing program.

A yet further advantage of the washing machine according to the invention lies in its con- structibility with sizes on the small-scale and thus its applicability for household/small- scale uses. However, as it can also be constructed with sizes on the industrial scale, the washing machine according to the invention may also be used efficiently for cleaning large quantities of textile fabrics at a time.