EP0611843B1 - Automatische Vorrichtung zur Abgabe und Dosierung von Pulverwaschmitteln in Waschmaschinen - Google Patents

Automatische Vorrichtung zur Abgabe und Dosierung von Pulverwaschmitteln in Waschmaschinen Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0611843B1
EP0611843B1 EP94102127A EP94102127A EP0611843B1 EP 0611843 B1 EP0611843 B1 EP 0611843B1 EP 94102127 A EP94102127 A EP 94102127A EP 94102127 A EP94102127 A EP 94102127A EP 0611843 B1 EP0611843 B1 EP 0611843B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
detergent
conduit
powdered detergent
reservoir
tub
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Expired - Lifetime
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EP94102127A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP0611843A1 (de
Inventor
Luca Fornasari
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R& Ds Srl
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R& Ds Srl
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Publication date
Priority claimed from IT000022 external-priority patent/IT1262071B/it
Priority claimed from IT000023 external-priority patent/IT1262072B/it
Priority claimed from IT93BL000028A external-priority patent/IT1268250B1/it
Application filed by R& Ds Srl filed Critical R& Ds Srl
Publication of EP0611843A1 publication Critical patent/EP0611843A1/de
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Publication of EP0611843B1 publication Critical patent/EP0611843B1/de
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    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • D06F39/026—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents the powder or tablets being added directly, e.g. without the need of a flushing liquid
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • A47L15/4436—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants in the form of a detergent solution made by gradually dissolving a powder detergent cake or a solid detergent block

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to an automatic powdered detergent dispensing and metering system for washing machines, in particular dishwashing machines and clothes washing machines, comprising the features described in the main claim appended hereto.
  • the conduit is connected in parallel to a by-pass conduit and such conduits are associated to a slide gate driven by a solenoid in a manner to permit the passage of air generated by the centrifugal fan in either one of the conduit or the by-pass conduit.
  • the powdered detergent contained in the dispenser is dispensed by gravity through the feeder plate with a Venturi effect into the conduit, so that the flow of air generated by the fan picks up the powdered detergent in the conduit and permits to transport such detergent toward the machine tub, by passing through the air-lift tube, when the slide gate is driven in a position in which the conduit is communicating directly with the tub through said air-lift tube, and prevents the transport of such detergent toward the machine tub when the slide gate is driven in the other position thereof, in which the conduit is communicating with the tub through said by-pass conduit so as the air flows through said by- pass conduit and said air-lift tube and creates a scavening action therein, to eliminate the possibility of moisture accumulating in the tube and to dry out any moisture
  • EP-A-0165690 is known an automatic dispenser for powder detergent for washing machines, including a plurality of powder hoppers which store powdered detergent, bleach, softener and sour, and in which the detergent flows through valves to metering canisters so as to meter predetermined amounts of products, which by pneumatic operated means are then launched and conveyed to a flush bin where the products are mixed with water to form a solution, which is subsequently carried toward the washing container within the washing machine.
  • the present invention relates to an automatic powdered detergent metering and dispensing system for washing machines of the kind disclosed by both US-A-3188146 and EP-A-0165690, which is so realized as to prevent the possibility of moisture and washing li-liquors contained in the machine tub or tank from entering into contact with the detergent contained in the dispenser, thereby avoiding the formation of detergent clots and corresponding incrustations in the detergent carrying conduits, when the detergent is not dispensed in the course of the machine washing cycles, and which is made in a manner different than that disclosed by US-A-3188146.
  • the reference numeral 10 is used to generally indicate an automatic system for dispensing and metering powdered detergent 11 according to the present invention, to be used in conjunction with washing machines and, particularly, a household-type dishwashing machine as shown in the Figures 1-12, 16, 17, 18-20 and 22, and a household-type clothes washing machine as shown in the Figures 13-15, 21 and 23.
  • FIGS. 1 to 12 they are shown to schematically illustrate the automatic system 10 according to the invention for dispensing and metering powdered detergent 11, as installed in a dishwashing machine 12 provided with a pull-out type of detergent holding reservoir 13, the latter being provided with a cap 63 to enable the detergent to be filled in.
  • Such detergent holding reservoir 13 is in an advantageous manner removably installed in a seat 25 that is provided between the door 52 and the inner door liner 53 of the dishwashing machine 12, said seat 25 being advantageously provided with sealing means consisting, in this particular case, of a rubber gasket 64 arranged along the periphery of the same seat and co-operating with the closure wall 67 of the reservoir 13.
  • sealing means consisting, in this particular case, of a rubber gasket 64 arranged along the periphery of the same seat and co-operating with the closure wall 67 of the reservoir 13.
  • these locking and positioning means 58 are constituted by at least a magnet 59 attached to a wall of said seat 25 and co-operating with a small ferromagnetic plate 60 attached to said reservoir 13.
  • the powdered detergent dispensing and metering system 10 comprises a fan unit 14, such as formed for instance by a turbo-fan, a turbo-blower or a small compressor driven by an electric motor 15, the delivery conduit 18 of which is associated to an ejector 16.
  • a fan unit 14 such as formed for instance by a turbo-fan, a turbo-blower or a small compressor driven by an electric motor 15, the delivery conduit 18 of which is associated to an ejector 16.
  • the suction conduit connected with said ejector 16 is constituted by an extraction conduit 17 that is connected with said detergent holding reservoir 13.
  • the bottom of said detergent holding reservoir 13 may in an advantageous manner be equipped with appropriate dispensing means 49 that are adapted to ensure a substantially uniform suction effect throughout said reservoir 13, so as to avoid preferential suction channels forming inside the mass of detergent 11.
  • Said dispensing means 49 are made up by a channel 50 extending inside the reservoir 13 and connected with the same reservoir through a plurality of appropriately arranged and sized passages 51, in the case shown in Figures 7 and 8, or through a longitudinal screw feeder arrangement 53, associated with a motor 54 and situated on the bottom of said reservoir 13, in the case illustrated in Figures 9 and 10.
  • said motor 54 is operated at the same time that appropriate shut-off means 20 are switched open, so as to ensure a substantially uniform unloading of the detergent from said reservoir 13 along with a substantially constant flow rate of the powdered detergent 11.
  • said dispensing means 49 are constituted by a plurality of small-sized hoppers 55 which are arranged on the bottom of said reservoir 13 and unload the powdered detergent 11 into said extraction conduit 17, said hoppers 55 being so shaped, sized and arranged as to be able to ensure that detergent unloading takes place in a substantially uniform way throughout the reservoir 13.
  • Such hoppers 55 may for instance have a crescent-like (Figure 12a) or linear ( Figure 12b) shape, or they may have any other shape that proves to be suitable to the application.
  • the outlet opening of said hoppers 55 is appropriately separated by a distance "S" from the bottom of the extraction conduit 17 so as to ensure a regular flow of the detergent 11.
  • the air stream delivered by the fan unit 14 passes through the Venturi tube 21 of the ejector 16, thereby bringing about a negative pressure in the suction chamber 22 of said ejector 16, which in turn causes a flow of air and powdered detergent 11 to be sucked and extracted, through said extraction conduit 17, from the detergent holding reservoir 13.
  • the delivery pipe 18 of the fan unit 14 is in an advantageous way associated with heating means 19, such as for instance of the electric resistance or thermistor type, which are used to heat up said air stream in view of drying the conduits situated downstream thereof.
  • the extraction conduit 17 is provided with shut-off means 20, which are for instance formed by a valve of the sealing lip type (see Figure 8) or a conical needle valve (see Figures 2 and 3) or any other type of valve that may prove suitable to the particular application.
  • shut-off means 20 are for instance formed by a valve of the sealing lip type (see Figure 8) or a conical needle valve (see Figures 2 and 3) or any other type of valve that may prove suitable to the particular application.
  • valves 20 are of the electrically actuated type.
  • the delivery conduit 23 coming out of the ejector 16 is in turn connected to the washing tank 24 of the dishwashing machine 12 and is provided in correspondence of its end portion a unidirectional or one-way valve 26, for instance of the conical, elastically biased needle type ( Figure 2) or of the flap type ( Figures 3 and 6), said unidirectional valve being effective in preventing vapours and water splashes from passing from the washing tank 24 into the delivery conduit 23 and reaching the devices that are situated upstream thereof, thereby avoiding any formation of detergent clots.
  • the reservoir 13 is provided with an opening 27 that is connected with the ambient and acts as an air intake provision.
  • Said air intake opening 27 is associated with air dehumidifying means 28, which in this case may be formed by a filter 29, most advantageously of the regenerable type.
  • such filter 29 is provided with drying means 30 for the absorbing material.
  • drying means 30 for the absorbing material.
  • the air intake opening 27 is also associated with a unidirectional or one-way valve 44 which is effective in preventing an excessive amount of air from being let into said detergent holding reservoir 13, said unidirectional valve 44 being actuated automatically by the negative pressure that is created inside the detergent holding reservoir 13 during the dispensing phase of the powdered detergent 11.
  • the operation cycle of the powdered detergent dispensing and metering system 10 comprises following phases:
  • a control unit 32 is in an advantageous manner associated to the powdered detergent dispensing and metering system 10 according to the present invention, so as to appropriately switch the valves 20 open and closed, to appropriately switch on and off both the fan unit 14 and the heating means 19, as well as the drying means 30.
  • the user is able to select the desired amount of detergent to be metered by means of the same button or knob 33 which is provided on the control panel of the dishwashing machine 12 for the selection of the washing programme.
  • the detergent holding reservoir 13 is of the pull-out drawer type and is provided (see Figures 1, 2) with a level indicating provision 34 of the optical type.
  • Such a visual-type level indicator 34 may also be constituted by a piezo-ceramic ultrasound sensor connected to appropriate indicating means.
  • FIG. 2 A second preferred embodiment of the automatic powdered detergent dispensing and metering system 10 according to the present invention is illustrated schematically in Figures 2, 7 and 8.
  • the air stream carrying the powdered detergent 11 is generated by a suction fan unit 46 made up by an impeller 47 driven by a motor 48, said suction fan unit being built directly inside the conduit through which said air stream flows carrying the detergent 11 in suspension therewith, in an intermediate position between the suction chamber 22 and the delivery conduit 23.
  • the motor 48 will be protected in any appropriate way, while the impeller 47 will be made of any abrasion-resistant material that may be suitable for the application.
  • the impeller 47 is arranged inside the conduit, whereas the motor 48 is located outside the conduits 17, 23 through which the air and detergent stream is supposed to flow, and does not therefore require any special protection.
  • said detergent holding reservoir 13 is enclosed by an air jacket 43 in which a stream of cold air is circulated temporarily, said air stream being in this particular case generated by said fan unit 14 through a cooling air conduit 45 connected with the suction chamber of the ejector 16.
  • said fan unit 14 is operated automatically by a temperature sensing element, such as a thermostat 61, when the temperature of the powdered detergent 11 contained in said reservoir 13 rises above a pre-set temperature threshold.
  • shut-off valve 39 associated to the outlet opening 40 for the powdered detergent 11, so as to prevent said powdered detergent 11 to flow out when said drawer-like or pan-like reservoir 13 is pulled out of its seat 25, for instance to re-fill detergent into it.
  • shut-off valve 39 is kept in its shut position as long as said drawer-like or pan-like reservoir 13 is pulled out of its seat in the dishwashing machine 12 ( Figure 4c) , while it is returned in its opening position as soon as the same reservoir is pushed again in its seat in the dishwashing machine 12 ( Figures 4a, 4b).
  • shut-off valve 39 coincides with, ie. is the same as the shut-off means 20 that are provided to control the inflow of detergent 11 into the suction chamber 22.
  • said shut-off valve 39 and said shut-off means 20 are on the contrary distinct from each other.
  • said shut-off valve 39 is of the conical needle type, which is biased elastically by a spring 41 to close the outlet opening 40.
  • the extraction conduit 17 is brought to co-operate with the outlet opening 40, thereby enabling an actuating rod 42, which is associated with said extraction conduit 17, to co-operate in turn with said shut-off valve 39 so as to open it.
  • said actuating rod 42 is operated by an actuator 54 and is provided, in an intermediate position, with a closing plate 55 capable of temporarily co-operating with a connecting orifice 56 that connects said air jacket 43 with the suction chamber 22 of the detergent dispensing and metering apparatus 10 according to the invention.
  • the shut-off valve 39 therefore connects either the air jacket 43 or the reservoir 13 with the suction chamber 22 of said powdered detergent dispensing and metering apparatus 10 according to the invention.
  • said actuator 54 is positioned in such a way as to enable the actuating rod 42 to keep said shut-off valve 39 open, with said closing plate 55 so positioned as to close the connecting orifice 56 ( Figures 4 and 7).
  • the actuator 54 is positioned so that the actuating rod 42 is disengaged from the shut-off valve 39, with said closing plate 55 so positioned as to let said connecting orifice 56 free, ie. unobstructed ( Figures 2 and 4a).
  • the fan unit 14 is shown to be installed inside a sound-proofing cage-like housing 35 so as to minimize the noise generated by said fan unit 14 when it is operating.
  • the pull-out type detergent reservoir 13 is associated with switch means 62 that are arranged to only close the power supply circuit to the dishwashing machine 12, ie. establish the power supply to said dishwashing machine, when said reservoir 13 is in its correct working position, ie. correctly introduced in its seat 25.
  • the operation of the dishwashing machine 12 is interrupted automatically when the detergent reservoir 13 is pulled out for any reason, so as to prevent water splashes from hitting and damaging the devices and the conduits included in the detergent dispensing and metering system 10 according to the present invention.
  • the detergent dispensing and metering system 10 in question is integrated with a rinsing aid dispensing device 57 of some traditional type.
  • said rinsing aid dispensing device 57 comprises an auxiliary reservoir 36 with a dispensing opening 37 and a rinsing-aid level indicator 38.
  • said auxiliary reservoir 36 is accomodated inside the same seat 25 that houses the pull-out type reservoir 13 containing the powdered detergent 11.
  • the automatic detergent dispensing and metering system 10 being considered here is shown schematically to be installed in a clothes washing machine 68. It is provided with a detergent holding reservoir 13 having a cap 63 to enable it to be filled, and it is preferably made of the pull-out drawer-like type.
  • this clothes washing machine is equipped with a fan unit 14 driven by an electric motor 15, the delivery pipe 18 of which is associated with an ejector 16, and is further provided with distribution means 49, all these component parts being made in the same way and to the same operational purposes as described in connection with the previously discussed cases.
  • the delivery conduit 23 coming out of the ejector 16 is connected to the outer stationary drum 681 containing the revolving drum 691, whereas the user can select the desired amount of detergent to be metered by means the same button or knob 33 provided on the control panel of the washing machine 68 for the selection of the washing programme.
  • a shut-off valve 39 associated with the outlet opening 40 for the powdered detergent 11, this valve being instrumental in preventing said powdered detergent 11 from flowing out therethrough when the drawer-like reservoir 13 is pulled out for any reason, such as for instance for re-filling.
  • a shut-off valve 39 stays in its shutting position when the drawer-like reservoir 13 is pulled out of its seat in the washing machine 68 ( Figure 15c), while it sets back to its opening position when said reservoir is pushed again in its seat in the washing machine 68 ( Figures 15a, 15b).
  • said shut-off valve 39 is of the conical needle type which is elastically biased by a spring 41 to close the outlet opening 40.
  • the fan unit 14 is shown to be installed inside a sound-deadening cage-like enclosure 35 so as to minimize the noise generated by said fan unit 14 during operation.
  • the clothes washing machine illustrated in Figure 14 is provided, in its upper portion, with two auxiliary reservoirs 36 of the pull-out drawer type, the first one 36a of said reservoirs being adapted to contain the bleaching agent and the second one 36b of said reservoirs being adapted to contain a fabric conditioner.
  • auxiliary reservoirs 36 there are associated dispensing valves 71 which are operated automatically to dispense, in the case of a gravity dispensing arrangement, the respective liquid laundering aids through an inlet conduit 72.
  • the household-type dishwashing machine is provided with a washing tank 24 (only shown in part in said Figures), which is shaped so as to feature a housing 73 protruding sideways therefrom.
  • Said tank is shown to be further provided with a detergent holding reservoir 13 which is extractably housed in the same tank and is capable of being openend and closed by means of a cap 63 on top thereof so as to enable it to be filled with powdered detergent of the traditional type.
  • said rod 75 is connected at its lower end with an electromagnetic valve 78, or similar actuation means, such as for instance an electromagnetic actuator or a driving motor, capable of bringing about the required displacement of said rod 75 and, as a consequence, of the conical needle valve 76 against the action of the compression spring 77, from a resting position in which the electromagnetic valve is de-energized and the valve 76 is displaced by the action of the spring 77 against the mouth of the conduit 74, as it can be seen in Figure 16a, thereby obstructing its outlet port and preventing the powdered detergent from passing through such a conduit, to a working position in which said electromagnetic valve is energized and the valve 76 is displaced into a raised position with respect to the mouth of the conduit 74, thereby compressing the spring 77, as shown in Figure 16b, and enabling therefore the powdered detergent to pass through said conduit 74.
  • an electromagnetic valve 78 or similar actuation means, such as for instance an electromagnetic actuator or a driving motor, capable of bringing about the
  • the conduit 74 is furthermore communicating with a further conduit 79 that intersects it almost orthogonally and that is in turn connected, on one of its sides, with the end portion of a flexible conduit 80 of some appropriate elastic material, such as for instance silicone rubber of a very low hardness, the other end portion of which being tightly fitted into a corresponding opening (not shown) in the lateral housing 73 of the washing tank 24, penetrating to a certain depth with its open end portion 81 into said housing, and on the other one of its sides with a pneumatic source, such as for instance a motor-driven fan 14, a blower or other similar means capable of generating a flow of air under pressure, such a means being in the case in question housed in an enlarged conduit portion 82 connected with the conduit 79, although it may be of course arranged in any other appropriate position to perform its function of pneumatic generator.
  • a pneumatic source such as for instance a motor-driven fan 14, a blower or other similar means capable of generating a flow of air under pressure, such a means
  • Such a penumatic source being considered here is furthermore communicating also with the inside of the detergent holding reservoir 13 through a further conduit 83 having a reduced cross-section area, which in the particular case considered here is connected between said enlarged conduit portion 82 and the upper portion of said reservoir 13, in the zone which is not occupied by powdered detergent, in view of effectively bringing the pressure of the air generated by the motor-driven fan 14 into a balance with the air existing inside the reservoir, so as to ensure a constant, even and satisfactory detergent dispensing and metering effect.
  • the open end portion 81 of the flexible conduit 80 is resting externally, on one side, on a plane support 84 located in the housing 73, and, on the opposite side, is intercepted by an appropriate mechanical squeezing element 85 acting against the external surface of the same portion and connected with a linearly sliding stem 86 appropriately provided in the housing 73 and actuated by an electromechanical actuator, an electro-magnetic valve, a motor or some other similar actuation means connected therewith (as indicated by the reference numeral 87 in the drawings) to be able to be displaced into two different operational positions, ie.
  • the powdered detergent can be added into the washing tank or tub of the machine in appropriately metered quantities by displacing said squeezing element 85 from either one to either one of its operational positions, with an effective, safe and reliable operation of the whole apparatus and under avoidance of any possibility for the detergent to become exposed to washing liquors and the related vapours generated in the tank or tub, such an exposure being liable to bring about the formation of detergent clots and corresponding incrustations in the detergent-carrying conduits, thanks to an almost hermetically tight separation, achieved by pressing the flexible conduit flat according to the afore illustrated principles, between such a tank and the zone in which the detergent to be dispensed is held in the reservoir.
  • the addition of the powdered detergent into the washing tank of the machine occurs by first operating the electromechanical actuator 87 into its position in which said end portion 81 of the flexible conduit 80 is not pressed flat and, at the same time, the pneumatic generator 14 so as to preliminarily dry the conduits, and, shortly thereafter, by. operating said actuator means 78 into its operational position in which the conical needle valve is raised, ie.
  • FIGS 17a and 17b in which the automatic powdered detergent dispensing and metering system according to the present invention is illustrated in a further possible embodiment, it can be noticed that the same is substantially made up by the same component parts as described previously, which therefore are in this case indicated by the use of the same reference numerals, except for the fact that in this case the squeezing element 85 interacting with the end portion 81 of the flexible conduit 80, said end portion being in this case still resting on a plane vertical support 84 provided in the washing tank 24, is not actuated by an electromechanical actuator means, but by a pneumatic actuator means 88 applied externally against the washing tank 24, which in turn is not provided with any housing 73, said pneumatic actuator means comprising a sealed box 89 in which there is included an elastic diaphragm 90 which divides such a box into two separate, almost hermetically sealed chambers 91 and 92, said elastic diaphragm being connected with one of its surfaces with the stem 86 provided for actuating the squeez
  • the inner chamber 91 of said sealed box 89 also communicates with the enlarged conduit portion 82 through a further conduit 94 having a smaller cross-section area, so that in the operational position shown in Figure 17a, in which the motor-driven fan 14 and the actuator means 78 are de-energized, ie. a condition in which no dispensing and metering of detergent occur, the diaphragm 90 will not distort and get displaced from such a position due to the absence of pressurized air flow in said inner chamber 91, thereby keeping the squeezing element 85 compressed against the end portion 81 of the flexible conduit 80.
  • FIG. 20 shows a further embodiment of the automatic detergent dispensing and metering system according to the invention, which, although substantially different from the previously described embodiments, operates in much the same manner.
  • said squeezing element 85 is essentially formed by two elongated stems 96 and 97 arranged close to each other and articulated inside the washing tank 24 with a respective trunnion 98, so as to be able to slightly rotate about the same trunnion, said stems being respectively provided at one of their ends with orthogonally bent limbs 99 and 100 that are kept in an aligned and mutually joined arrangement by the action of a compression spring 101, said limbs extending in opposite directions and being terminated with rounded-off end portions that co-operate with corresponding rectiline
  • the other end portion of said stems 96 and 97 is adapted so as to be able to fittingly adapt itself around the outer surface of the end portion 81 of the flexible conduit 80, so that it can be compressed against or released from said outer surface, as the case may be.
  • the plate 105 is attracted toward said actuator means, so that the limbs 99 and 100, by sliding along the inclined surfaces 102 and 103 of said plate, are gradually compressed toward each other, against the action of the spring 101, thereby bringing about a slight rotation of the stems 96 and 97 about the respective trunnions 98 and, as a result, causing the free ends of said stems to gradually open apart so that they are no longer compressed against the end portion 81 of the flexible conduit 80, thereby enabling the detergent to flow through the same conduit.
  • the automatic powdered detergent dispensing and metering system made according to any of the afore illustrated embodiments may be also incorporated in a household-type clothes washing machine 68 provided with a cylindrical washing tub 681, in which a rotating drum 691 is housed, wherein said dispensing and metering system is also in this case accomodated inside a corresponding sideways protruding housing 73 of said washing tub.
  • FIGS. 22 and 23 an automatic powdered detergent dispensing and metering system 10 according to the invention is shown in Figures 22 and 23 to be applied in a different manner to washing machines, ie. to a household-type dishwashing machine ( Figure. 22) and a household-type clothes washing machine (Figure 23), respectively.
  • such a system 10 comprises substantially a separate assembly 107 formed by the powdered detergent holding reservoir and the pneumatic generator along with the related component parts (none of them shown), said assembly being arranged outside the machine and being connected by means of a flexible conduit 80, which is introduced in a corresponding through-opening 108 provided inside the machine, with an assembly (not shown) provided inside the same machine and consisting of an actuator means and a squeezing element of the afore described type, both of them interacting with the end portion of said flexible conduit in the same way and to the same purpose as previously described.
  • the so embodied and arranged automatic powdered detergent dispensing and metering system according to the invention enables therefore such detergent products to be added into the washing machines in precisely such amounts as actually needed or required by the washing process being performed, even in the presence of such particularly moist environments as the washing tubs or tanks thereof, in which the washing liquors and the related fumes are contained, thereby preventing the detergent from clotting and fouling the internal conduits of such machines, while ultimately ensuring an extremely satisfactory and reliable operation of the same machines.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)

Claims (5)

  1. Automatische Wasch- und Spülpulverdosier- und Zugabeanordnung für Reinigungsmaschinen, insbesondere mit einem Wasch- bzw. Spülbehälter (681; 24) versehene Wäschewasch- und Geschirrspülmaschinen, mit einem zur Aufnahme des Wasch- oder Spülpulvers (11) vorgesehenen und über eine Leitung (80; 23) mit dem genannten Waschbzw. Spülbehälter verbundenen Vorratsbehälter (13), durch an sich bekannte Betätigungsmittel (78; 32) betätigbaren und mit dem genannten Vorratsbehälter (13) so verbundenen Ventilvorrichtungen, daß das Wasch- bzw. Spülpulver vom genannten Vorratsbehälter entnommen und über die genannte Leitung (80; 23) in den Wasch- bzw. Spülbehälter der Maschine eingegeben werden kann, sowie solchen über jeweilige Leitungen (79, 74; 18) mit dem genannten Vorratsbehälter (13) so verbundenen pneumatischen Erzeugungsmitteln (46, 14; 14), wie z.B. einer Gebläse-, Lüfter-, Sauglüfter- oder ähnlichen Vorrichtung, daß das so entnommene Wasch- bzw. Spülpulver beim Betrieb der genannten pneumatischen Erzeugungsmittel (14; 14, 46) gefördert und in den genannten Wasch- bzw. Spülbehälter (681; 24) eingegeben wird, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die genannte Leitung (80; 23) an ihrem mit dem genannten Wasch- bzw. Spülbehälter (681; 24) verbundenen Auslaufende (81) mit mindestens einem Quetschelement (85) so versehen ist, daß ein Rückfluß von Spritzwasser und Dampf in die genannte Leitung immer dann verhindert wird, wenn kein Wasch- bzw. Spülpulver in den genannten Waschbzw. Spülbehälter (681; 24) eingegeben wird, wobei das genannte Quetschelement (85) mit dem genannten, aus elastischem Werkstoff bestehenden Auslaufende (81) zusammenwirkt und von entsprechenden Betätigungsmitteln (87, 88) von einer ersten zu einer zweiten Betriebsstellung und umgekehrt betätigbar ist, in der es jeweils so gegen das genannte Auslaufende (81) gedrückt ist, daß das letztere zeitweilig flachgedrückt und das Wasch- bzw. Spülpulver damit am Fließen durch die genannte Leitung verhindert wird, beziehungsweise nicht gegen das genannte Auslaufende (81) gedrückt ist, so daß das Wasch- bzw. Spülpulver durch die genannte Leitung (80) fließen kann.
  2. Automatische Wasch- und Spülpulverdosier- und Zugabeanordnung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß die genannten Betätigungsmittel (88) wenigstens eine dicht verschlossene Schachtel (89) umfassen, die mit dem genannten Wasch- bzw. Spülbehälter (681) verbunden und mit wenigstens einer elastischen Innenmembran (90) oder dergleichen versehen ist, die mit dem genannten Quetschelement (85) verbunden und so angeordnet ist, daß die genannte Schachtel (89) dadurch in wenigstens eine erste und eine zweite fast hermetisch abgedichtete Innenkammer (91, 92) eingeteilt wird, wobei die genannte erste Innenkammer (91) mit den genannten pneumatischen Erzeugungsmitteln (14) in Verbindung steht und die genannte zweite Innenkammer (92) mit mit der genannten Membran (90) zusammewirkenden elastischen Mitteln (93) versehen ist, wobei die genannte Membran (90) gegen die Wirkung solcher elastischen Mittel (93) von einer ersten zu einer zweiten Betriebsstellung und umgekehrt verstellbar ist, wenn die genannte erste Kammer (91) von den genannten pneumatischen Erzeugungsmitteln (14) in der entsprechenden ersten bzw. zweiten Betriebsstellung der genannten Betätigungsmittel (88) pneumatisch nicht beziehungsweise doch versorgt ist.
  3. Automatische Wasch- und Spülpulverdosier- und Zugabeanordnung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das genannte Quetschelement (85) aus einem ersten und einem zweiten, dicht nebeneinander angeordneten und im Innern des genannten Wasch- bzw. Spülbehälter (681; 24) angelenkten länglichen Stift (96, 97) besteht, wobei solche Stifte (96, 97) am einen ihrer Enden mit einem jeweiligen orthogonal gebogenen Glied (99, 100) versehen und mit ihrem anderen Ende gegen das genannte Leitungsauslaufende (81) drückbar bzw. nicht drückbar sind, und wobei die genannten Glieder (99, 100) durch elastiche Mittel (101) miteinander verbunden sind und mit jeweiligen Schrägflächen (102, 103) einer in einer an den genannten Betätigungsmitteln (87, 88) befestigten Platte (105) vorgesehenen Ausnehmung (104) zusammewirken, so daß die genannten Stifte (96, 97) von ihrer druckausübenden zu ihrer nichtdruckausübenden Stellung gegen die Wirkung der genannten elastischen Mittel (101) in der genannten erstem bzw. zweiten Betriebsstellung der genannten Betätigungsmittel (87, 88) verstellt werden können.
  4. Automatische Wasch- und Spülpulverdosier- und Zugabeanordnung nach einem der vorangehenden Ansprüche, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß das genannte Quetschelement (85) und die genannten Betätigungsmittel (87, 88) mit einer getrennt außerhalb der Maschine angeordneten, aus dem genannten Vorratsbehälter (13) und den genannten pneumatischen Erzeugungsmitteln (14) bestehenden Baugruppe (107) über die genannte Leitung (80) verbindbar sind.
  5. Automatische Wasch- und Spülpulverdosier- und Zugabeanordnung nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, daß Heizelemente (19) in Verbindung mit den genannten pneumatischen Erzeugungsmitteln (14) zum Aufheizen des von den letzteren erzeugten Umluftstromes verwendet werden.
EP94102127A 1993-02-15 1994-02-11 Automatische Vorrichtung zur Abgabe und Dosierung von Pulverwaschmitteln in Waschmaschinen Expired - Lifetime EP0611843B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000022 IT1262071B (it) 1993-02-15 1993-02-15 Sistema erogatore e dosatore automatico di detersivo in polvere per lavabiancheria
IT000023 IT1262072B (it) 1993-02-15 1993-02-15 Sistema erogatore e dosatore automatico di detersivo in polvere per lavastoviglie
ITUD930023 1993-02-15
ITUD930022 1993-02-15
ITBL930028 1993-11-10
IT93BL000028A IT1268250B1 (it) 1993-11-10 1993-11-10 Sistema erogatore e dosatore automatico di detersivo in polvere per macchine lavatrici

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EP0611843A1 EP0611843A1 (de) 1994-08-24
EP0611843B1 true EP0611843B1 (de) 1998-05-20

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US8844325B2 (en) 2010-11-05 2014-09-30 General Electric Company Liquid additive dispensing apparatus for a washing machine
CN110485123A (zh) * 2018-05-15 2019-11-22 合肥美的洗衣机有限公司 洗衣机

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DE4434498C2 (de) * 1994-09-27 1996-12-12 Henkel Ecolab Gmbh & Co Ohg Verfahren zum Reinigen von Geschirr in gewerblichen Geschirrspülmaschinen und zur Durchführung des Verfahrens geeignete Geschirrspülmaschine
NL9500254A (nl) * 1994-11-18 1996-07-01 Epenhuysen Chem Nv Machinaal vaatwasproces.
ATE521272T1 (de) 2004-01-15 2011-09-15 Electrolux Home Prod Corp Vorrichtung und verfahren zur zuführung von hilfsstoffen in ein flüssigkeitsführendes haushaltsgerät
KR101384759B1 (ko) * 2007-04-02 2014-04-14 엘지전자 주식회사 세탁기
US8210188B2 (en) 2008-02-13 2012-07-03 Whirlpool Corporation Dishwasher with dispensing system
KR101491574B1 (ko) * 2008-10-31 2015-02-11 삼성전자 주식회사 세탁기
DE102014115512A1 (de) * 2014-10-24 2016-04-28 Miele & Cie. Kg Geschirrspülautomat, insbesondere Haushaltsgeschirrspülmaschine
DE102015109749B4 (de) * 2015-06-18 2017-01-12 Miele & Cie. Kg Dosiereinheit
DE102016210397A1 (de) * 2016-06-13 2017-12-14 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Haushalts-Geschirrspülmaschine mit einem Dosiersystem für Feststoff-Zugabemittel
DE102016116417A1 (de) 2016-09-02 2018-03-08 Miele & Cie. Kg Geschirrspülautomat, insbesondere Haushaltsgeschirrspülmaschine
WO2018192460A1 (zh) 2017-04-17 2018-10-25 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机自动投放系统及洗衣机
CN108729133B (zh) * 2017-04-17 2020-10-16 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机自动投放系统及洗衣机
CN109750454B (zh) * 2017-11-03 2022-08-30 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 衣物处理剂投放装置、洗衣机及其控制方法
KR20240110093A (ko) * 2018-12-05 2024-07-12 스마익스 게엠베하 조제할 매체의 투여 및/또는 조제를 위한 장치, 구성요소 수용/투여용 용기, 유체 수용/투여용 용기 및 이에 관한 시스템
CN114052616A (zh) * 2020-08-04 2022-02-18 佛山市顺德区美的洗涤电器制造有限公司 家用电器的控制方法、家用电器和计算机可读存储介质

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CN110485123A (zh) * 2018-05-15 2019-11-22 合肥美的洗衣机有限公司 洗衣机

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ES2118990T3 (es) 1998-10-01
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DE69410309T2 (de) 1999-02-11
DE69410309D1 (de) 1998-06-25

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