EP0503999B1 - Washing machine with a detergent dispenser - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine provided with a detergent dispenser.

A washing machine usually includes a detergent dispenser which is in communication with the tank and fixed either on the body or on the tank at a point easily accessible for its supply. When dispensing detergents into the tank of the appliance, the dispenser is generally supplied by a specific water circuit. This specific circuit for supplying water to the distributor makes the structure of the washing machine complicated in its piping system, in its control device for admission and interruption of water in the distributor and in the implementation of a good "water-detergent" mixture to make it a uniform washing liquid and a good impregnation of this washing liquid in the laundry, which increases the cost price of the washing machine.

According to another known method of dispensing detergents in a washing machine, a container in the form of a ball or box containing detergents and provided with orifices for the outlet of the products is used and placed in the mass of laundry to inside the drum. However, during a rotation of the drum, repetitive impacts of this container against the wall of the drum generate unpleasant noises. Furthermore, easy obstruction of the product outlet orifices makes the operation of this dispenser ineffective and gives a poor washing result. In addition, freedom to handle or move this container increases the risk of losing it.

A German patent DE-B-1 024 048 and a European patent application EP-A-0 351 671 describe washing machines provided with detergent dispensers.

The present invention aimed at avoiding these drawbacks makes it possible to produce an economical washing machine provided with a detergent dispenser, efficient in its operation providing a good "water-detergent" mixture, an excellent result for washing the laundry and requiring no specific water supply circuit.

A washing machine according to the invention is defined by claims 1 to 6.

• les figures 1 à 4 représentent respectivement des vues partielles et schématiques d'un premier exemple de réalisation d'un lave-linge muni d'un distributeur de produits lessiviels, montrant quatre positions successives de ce distributeur dans un tour du tambour autour d un axe horizontal ;
• la figure 5 représente à une autre échelle une vue partielle et schématique d'un portillon du tambour du lave-linge des figures 1 à 4 avec un distributeur incorporé, le montrant en position de fermeture par des traits continus et en position d'ouverture par des traits discontinus ;
• la figure 6 représente une vue partielle et schématique d'un deuxième exemple de réalisation du portillon du tambour du lave-linge des figures 1 à 4, avec un distributeur incorporé, le montrant en position de fermeture par des traits continus et en position d'ouverture par des traits discontinus ;
• la figure 7 représente une vue partielle et schématique d'un troisième exemple de réalisation du portillon du tambour du lave-linge des figures 1 à 4, avec un distributeur incorporé, le montrant en position de fermeture par des traits continus et en position d'ouverture par des traits discontinus ;
• la figure 8 représente une vue partielle et schématique d'un quatrième exemple de réalisation du portillon du tambour du lave-linge des figures 1 à 4 avec un distributeur incorporé, le montrant en position de fermeture par des traits continus, un couvercle de ce distributeur étant montré en position ouverte par des traits discontinus.

To better understand the invention, a number of embodiments are described below, illustrated in the attached drawings, including:

• Figures 1 to 4 respectively show partial and schematic views of a first embodiment of a washing machine provided with a detergent dispenser, showing four successive positions of this dispenser in a revolution of the drum around an axis horizontal;
• 5 shows on another scale a partial and schematic view of a door of the drum of the washing machine of Figures 1 to 4 with an incorporated distributor, showing it in the closed position by continuous lines and in the open position by broken lines;
• 6 shows a partial and schematic view of a second embodiment of the door of the drum of the washing machine of Figures 1 to 4, with an incorporated distributor, showing it in the closed position by solid lines and in the position opening with broken lines;
• 7 shows a partial and schematic view of a third embodiment of the door of the drum of the washing machine of Figures 1 to 4, with an incorporated distributor, showing it in the closed position by solid lines and in the position of opening with broken lines;
• FIG. 8 represents a partial and schematic view of a fourth embodiment of the door of the drum of the washing machine of FIGS. 1 to 4 with an incorporated distributor, showing it in the closed position by continuous lines, a cover of this distributor being shown in the open position by broken lines.

The invention is applicable to washing machines and washer-dryers.

A washing machine 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4 comprises a body 2 provided with an opening 3 and a door 4, a tank 6, a washing drum 9 rotating around a horizontal axis 11 and provided with a door 12 closing an access opening 14.

According to the invention, a washing machine 1 having a laundry drum 9 with a horizontal axis of rotation 11 and with a gate 12 comprises a detergent dispenser formed or mounted inside this laundry drum 9. This dispenser detergents is mounted or formed in the access door 12.

This detergent dispenser is either fixed or removable in the laundry drum 9.

According to a first exemplary embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 5, a distributor 15 of detergents is formed in the door 12 of the drum 9.

The gate 12 comprises (FIG. 5) two flaps or leaves 17, 18 pivoting about the axes 20, 21 secured to the opposite edges of the access opening 14 of the drum 9, constantly returned to their open position towards the outside by springs not shown and locked in their closed position by a locking device of a known type 24.

The detergent dispenser 15 comprises on the one hand a compartment for powdery detergent 25 constituted by the first flap or leaf 17 of this door 12 and a door 26 of this flap, in the form of a pocket closed to its end 27 adjacent to the pivot axis 20 of this first flap 17 and open at its opposite end 28 near the free edge of this flap and on the other hand a compartment for liquid detergents 29 constituted by the second flap 18 of this door 12 and a storm door 30 of this shutter in the form of a closed box having, near this second shutter 18 in a wall adjacent to the free edge of this shutter 18, a liquid inlet and outlet opening 32. In a closed position of the gate 12 (Figure 5, solid lines) the two storm doors 26 and 30 are located one in the extension of the other and the distributor 15 constitutes inside the laundry drum 9 a bump with a smooth surface joining in a gentle slope the surface of the flaps 17, 18 of the door 12 or that of the shell of this drum 9, which facilitates a sliding of the linen in movement in the drum 9 and prevents any premature wear of this linen.

When the gate 12 is opened upwards (FIG. 5, broken lines) the two flaps or leaves 17, 18 pivot and occupy substantially vertical positions respectively presenting the compartment 25 of the dispenser 15 open upwards ready to receive a dose. of powdered detergent and the compartment 29 of this dispenser 15 with its opening 32 facing upwards ready to receive a dose of liquid detergent.

In the example illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 4, the distributor 15 receives in its compartment 25 a dose of powdered detergent 35. When the door 12 is closed, the compartment 25 of the distributor 15 follows the movement of the flap 17 and occupies a horizontal position (Figures 1 and 5) and the mass of detergent 35 therein, changes in shape by the heap effect but does not escape from this compartment 25 through its open end 28 thanks to a predetermination of size of this compartment.

In the case where the distributor 15 receives in its compartment 29 a dose of liquid detergent product not shown. When the gate 12 is closed, the compartment 29 of the dispenser 15 follows the movement of the flap 18 and occupies a horizontal position (FIGS. 1 and 5, solid lines) the mass of liquid detergent product is retained by the storm door 30 of the flap 18 and does not escape by the inlet and outlet opening 32 by virtue of a predetermined dimension of the compartment 29 and of the height H of this opening 32.

Thus, the powdered or liquid detergents do not leave the dispenser prematurely 15 before their mixing with water which facilitates a good dissolution or dilution of these detergents is done because a poor dissolution or dilution of these detergents causes a poor washing result or non-uniform washing.

The distributor 15 having received in its compartment 25 a dose of powdered detergent 35 and the door 12 being closed, the laundry drum 9 is rotated. The distributor 15 follows the movement of the drum 9 (FIGS. 1 to 4) sinks into the body of water 38 in the tank 6 (FIG. 2) is filled under the pressure of its advancement, of this water which mixes intensely with the detergent (figure 3) leaves this body of water 38, returns to its initial starting position (figure 4) after having made a revolution with the drum 9 around the axis 11, pours the "water-product" mixture detergent "39 through the open end 28 of compartment 25 in the drum 9 and repeat another round with the drum 9 and so on.

The dose of detergent 35 mixed with water collected in the tank 6 is as the rotation of the drum 9 completely transferred from the distributor 15 into the tank 6, and the compartment 25 of this distributor 15 is, after have been thoroughly cleaned by the inlet and outlet water stream, ready for another filling with detergent. No specific water circuit frequently encountered in known washing machines, intended to supply water to their detergent dispenser, is thus necessary in the washing machine 1 for proper operation of the dispenser 15.

The fact that the "water-detergent" mixture 39 is poured by the dispenser 15 directly onto linen in movement in the drum 9 not only facilitates its impregnation in this linen without requiring additional means of implementation such as the means for stirring or recycling washing liquid frequently encountered in known washing machines, but also avoids either a significant loss of detergent falling into the bottom of the tank, staying there protected from any dissolution or dilution and not participating in washing the laundry, often recorded in known washing machines, or unpleasant noises generated by strikes against the wall of the drum, of a container containing detergents, freely placed in the mass of laundry in the drum.

According to a second exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 6, a distributor 40 for detergents is formed in a portion 42 of the drum 9.

The gate 42 comprises a single flap 43 pivoting about an axis 45 integral with an edge of an opening 14 in the shell of the drum 9, constantly recalled in its open position towards the outside represented by broken lines (FIG. 6 ) by springs not shown and locked in its closed position shown in solid lines in FIG. 6 by a locking device of a known type 46.

The detergent dispenser 40 comprises on the one hand a mixed compartment for pulverulent or liquid detergent 48 constituted by a cup conforming to a hollow 49 of the flap 43 of the gate 42, pivoting by its closed end, around the axis 45 of this flap with a movement limitation towards the inside of the drum 9 by a stop 51 and provided in the vicinity of its open end, with a partition 50 for detergents and on the other hand a cover 52 of this compartment 48, integral with the flap 43 of the gate 42 provided with a liquid inlet and outlet hole 54 and a finger 55 limiting the pivoting amplitude of the mixed product compartment 48.

When the gate 42 is opened upwards (FIG. 6, wicket shown in broken lines) the flap 43 pivots to a substantially vertical position with the cover 52 which, by its finger 55, drives the compartment 48 of the distributor 40 into an open position (FIG. 6, broken lines) suitable for receive a dose of powdered or liquid detergent.

When the gate 42 is closed, the compartment 48 of the distributor 40 follows the movement of the flap 43 and occupies a horizontal position (FIG. 6, gate and distributor represented in solid lines) and the dose of powdered or liquid detergent which is is there, is held by the retaining partition 50, without being able to leave the distributor 40 prematurely.

When the laundry drum 9 is rotated, the distributor 40 follows the movement of the drum 9 in a similar manner to the distributor 15 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4. The distributor 40 sinks into the body of water 38 in the tank 6, fills under the pressure of its advancement, through the holes 54 of the cover 52, of this water which mixes intensely with the detergent, leaves this mass of water 38 rises in its initial starting position after having made one revolution with the drum 9 around the axis 11, pours into the drum 9 the "water-detergent" mixture through the holes 54 of the cover 52 and begins another revolution with the drum 9 and so on. The dose of powdered or liquid detergent mixed with the water collected in the tank 6 is, as the drum 9 rotates, completely transferred from the distributor 40 into the tank 6 and poured directly onto the moving linen in the drum 9.

According to a third exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIG. 7, a dispenser 60 for detergents is formed in a door 61 of the drum 9.

The gate 61 comprises a single flap 62, pivoting about an axis 64 integral with an edge of an opening 14 in the shell of the drum 9, constantly returned to its open position towards the outside represented by broken lines in FIG. 7 by springs not shown, and locked in its closed position represented by solid lines in FIG. 7 by a device for locking of a known type 65.

The dispenser 60 comprises on the one hand a mixed compartment for powdered or liquid detergents 67 constituted by the flap 62 of the door 61 and a counter-door 69 of this flap in the form of a pocket closed at its end adjacent to the axis pivoting 64 of the shutter 62 open at its opposite end and provided near this open end with a retaining partition 70 and on the other hand a cover 72 of this compartment 67 pivoting about an axis 73 solid of the edge of the opening of this compartment 67 constantly returned to its closed position against the shutter 62 by springs not shown and provided with liquid inlet and outlet holes 75.

When the gate 61 is opened upwards (FIG. 7 shown in broken lines) the flap 62 pivots to a substantially vertical position where the compartment 67 of the dispenser 60 is capable of receiving a dose of powdery or liquid detergent, after opening its cover 72 by pivoting along arrow 78 around the axis 73.

When the flap 61 is closed, the compartment 67 of the dispenser 60 follows the movement of the flap 62 and occupies a horizontal position (FIG. 7, flap and dispenser shown in solid lines) and the dose of powdered detergents or liquid which are present therein. found is held by the retaining partition 70 without being able to leave the distributor 60 prematurely.

When the laundry drum 9 is rotated, the distributor 60 follows the movement of the drum 9 in a similar manner to the distributor 15 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, sinks into the body of water 38 in the tank 6 is filled, through the holes 75 of the cover 72, under the pressure of its advancement, with this water which mixes intensely with the detergent, leaves this mass d water 38, returns to its initial starting position after having made a revolution with the drum 9 around the axis 11, pours into the drum 9 the "water-detergent" mixture through the holes 75 of the cover 72 and starts again another round with the drum 9 and so on.

The dose of powdered or liquid detergent mixed with the water collected in the tank 6 is, as the drum 9 rotates, completely transferred from the dispenser 60 into the tank 6 and poured directly onto linen moving in the drum 9.

In a variant embodiment not shown, a distributor similar to the distributor 60 is formed on the ferrule or an end flange of the drum 9 with its pivoting cover accessible by the access opening 14 of this drum, this ferrule or this flange replacing in the distributor 60 the flap 62 of the door 61 to constitute with an identical part or against the door 69 of this flap 62 a mixed compartment for powdered or liquid detergents. The operation of the distributor of this variant is analogous to the distributor 60.

According to a fourth embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8, a dispenser 80 for detergents is formed in a door 81 of the drum 9.

The gate 81 comprises a single flap 82, pivoting about an axis 83 integral with an edge of an opening 14 in the shell of the drum 9, constantly returned to its open position towards the outside by springs not shown and blocked in its closed position (FIG. 8) by a locking device of a known type 84.

The dispenser 80 comprises on the one hand a mixed compartment for powdery detergents or liquid 85 constituted by the flap 82 of the door 81 and a storm door 86 of this flap in the form of a pocket closed at its end adjacent to the pivot axis 83 of the flap 82 provided at its opposite end with a partition of retainer 88 and liquid inlet and outlet terminal holes 89 and, on the other hand, an opening 90 for loading detergents into the compartments 85, produced in the flap 82 and closed by a pivoting cover 91.

The distributor 80 accompanies the flap 82 of the gate 81 in its opening and closing movements.

When the gate 81 is closed, the compartment 85 of the distributor 80 occupies a horizontal position (FIG. 8). To supply it with powdered or liquid detergents, its cover 91 is pivoted upwards, in an open, substantially vertical position shown in broken lines in FIG. 8 and a dose of detergents is introduced through the opening 90 into the compartment 85 before the lid 91 is closed again. This dose of detergent is maintained in compartment 85 by the retaining partition 88 without being able to leave the distributor 80 prematurely.

When the laundry drum 9 is rotated, the distributor 80 follows the movement of this drum in a similar manner to the distributor 15 shown in FIGS. 1 to 4 sinks into the body of water 38 in the tank 6, is filled through the holes 89, under the pressure of its advancement, with this water which mixes intensely with the detergent, leaves this body of water 38, returns to its initial starting position after having completed a revolution with the drum 9 around the axis 11 pours into the drum 9 the "water-detergent" mixture through the holes 89 and begins another round with the drum 9 and so on.

The dose of powdered or liquid detergent mixed with water collected in the tank 6 is, as the drum 9 rotates, completely transferred from the distributor 80 in the tank 6 and poured directly onto linen moving in the drum 9.

The detergent dispensers 15, 40, 60, 80 form inside the laundry drum 9 a bump, preferably with a smooth surface and rounded corners, which facilitates a sliding of the moving laundry in the drum and prevents any premature wear of this linen.

Claims (6)

1. A washing machine with a drum (9) having a horizontal axis of rotation (11) and comprising a laundry door (12) in its cylindrical part and a detergent distributor (15) designed in the door inside the drum, characterized in that the detergent distributor (15) comprises on the one hand a compartment for powdery detergents (25) constituted by the first shutter (17) of the door (12) and a counter-plate (26) of this shutter, this compartment forming a pocket closed at its end (27) adjacent to the hinge axis of the first shutter and open at the opposite end (28) close to the free edge of this shutter, and on the other hand a compartment for liquid detergents (29) constituted by the second shutter (18) of this door (12) and a counter-plate (30) of this shutter forming a closed box having a liquid inlet and outlet opening (32) close to this second shutter (18) in a wall adjacent to the free edge of this shutter.
2. A washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the detergent distributor (15) constitutes inside the drum (9) a hump which presents a free surface and joins smoothly the surface of the shutters (17, 18) of the door (12) or that of the cylinder of the drum (9).
3. A washing machine with a drum (9) having a horizontal axis of rotation (11) and comprising a laundry door (42) in its cylindrical part, this door having only one shutter (43) which is hinged to an axis (45), and a detergent distributor (40) formed in the door inside the drum, characterized in that, the door being pushed to the outside by springs, the detergent distributor (40) comprises on the one hand a compartment for both powdery or liquid detergents (48) constituted by a bowl which fits into a recess (49) of the shutter (43), this compartment being hinged at its closed end to the hinge axis (45) of this shutter, a limitation of the movement towards the outside of the drum (9) being ensured by a stop (51), a withholding partition (50) being provided close to its open end, and, on the other hand, a lid (52) integral with the shutter (43) of the door (42), the lid comprising inlet and outlet holes for liquid (54) and a finger (55) which restricts the amplitude of movement of the mixed compartment for detergents (48).
4. A washing machine with a drum (9) having a horizontal axis of rotation (11) and comprising a laundry door (61) in its cylindrical part, this door having only one shutter (62) which is hinged to an axis (64), and a detergent distributor (60) formed in the door inside the drum, characterized in that, the door being pushed to the outside by springs, the detergent distributor (60) comprises on the one hand a compartment for both powdery and liquid detergents (67) constituted by the shutter (62) and a counter-plate (69) of this shutter in the form of a pocket closed at its end adjacent to the pivot axis (64) of this shutter and open at its opposite end and supplied with a withholding partition close to this open end, and on the other hand a lid (72) hinged to an axis (73) integral with the edge of the opening of this compartment (67), this lid being pushed by springs into its closed position against the shutter (62) and being supplied with inlet and outlet holes for liquid (75).
5. A washing machine with a drum (9) having a horizontal axis of rotation (11) and comprising a laundry door (81) in its cylindrical part, this door having only one shutter (82) which hinged to an axis (83), and a detergent distributor (80) formed in the door inside the drum, characterized in that, the door being pushed to the outside by springs, the detergent distributor (80) comprises on the one hand a compartment for both powdery and liquid detergents (85) constituted by the shutter (82) and a counter-plate (86) of this shutter in the form of a pocket closed at its end adjacent to the pivot axis (83) of this shutter, a withholding partition (88) and terminal inlet and outlet holes for liquid (89) being provided at its opposite end, and on the other hand an opening for supplying detergents (90), this opening being made in the shutter (82) and being closed by a pivoting lid (91).
6. A washing machine according to one of claims 1 and 3 to 5, characterized in that the distributor (15, 40, 60, 80) constitutes inside the drum (9) a hump with smooth surfaces and rounded-up angles.

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