EP1435821B1

EP1435821B1 - A household appliance

Info

Publication number: EP1435821B1
Application number: EP01983071A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hakan GÜLER; Ertugrul Merter
Original assignee: Hasanreisoglu A Levent; Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Hasanreisoglu A Levent; Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2001-09-11
Filing date: 2001-09-11
Publication date: 2008-12-10
Anticipated expiration: 2021-09-11
Also published as: TR200400482T1; WO2003022121A1; EP1435821A1; DE60136972D1; TR200400483T1; ATE416665T1

Abstract

This invention relates to an automatic washing agent dosing device (1) used in household appliance (23) especially in washing machines. The invented dosing device(1) comprises a container (3) for storing and directing the washing agent a wheel paddle (4) connected to the container (3) for dosing the detergent and transmitting the driving force to the dosing device (1) a main body (5) connected to the wheel paddle (4) for housing, one or more electronic switches (2) for controlling the movement of the wheel paddle (4), a lower body (9) connected to the main body (5) for mixing the washing agent with the water, a mixer (6) for mixing the washing agent in the container (3), a motor (8) providing angular movement for activating the dosing device and adriving gear (7) for transmitting the movement from the motor (8) to the wheel paddle (4).

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is related to an automatic washing agent dosing system particularly for powder detergents to be used in household appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The advantage of having an automatic washing agent dosing device on a washing machine is that it provides ease and comfort of use for the user. Instead of filling up the washing agent storage each time, the user fills up the washing agent storage once and uses it for several washing cycles.
In the known techniques, measuring the amount of the washing agent for each washing cycle could be done by different ways such as measuring the weight, the volume, and the time. In these techniques, the designated amount of the powder-washing agent is filled in a unit volume for dissolving it with water and the rest of the washing agent is insulated. But problems may arise while taking the perfect amount of washing agent at each dosing, and while insulating the dosing volume from the water effects, and keeping the washing agent for a suitable time period in the washing agent storage.
In EP 0297371 , a device that has a receiving container and a rinsing-out space for the apportioned metering of, in particular, powder forms of cleaning material from the receiving container into the rinsing-out space for supplying industrial dishwashers or washing machines is defined. A solution is to be provided which allows the metering both of satisfactorily pourable powder cleaners and of powder cleaners with lumps and the like, whilst always achieving essentially the same metering capacity even with different levels of the powder cleaner in the receiving container and additionally reducing the risk of moisture entering the receiving container from the rinsing-out space. This is achieved by metering holes in the bottom of the receiving container and in each case a collection plate, arranged with spacing below the metering holes, and a scraping mechanism which is movable in the space between the underside of the bottom and the collection plates and essentially wipes over the plate surfaces.
In WO8200482 , a device which is essentially composed of a feeding roller with compartments in a housing and a supply of detergent is defined. Since the detergent is highly hygroscopic it is important to prevent moisture from penetrating into the supply. The roller is therefore made of an elastic material and separates an intake opening and a discharge opening in the housing. The roller is rotated in portioning intervals by a motor controlled by a program control device.
JP-A-2001078946 discloses a powder like detergent feeder. The detergent feeder comprises a reservoir and a mixer for mixing detergent with water, wherein detergent fed from the reservoir is mixed with feedwater supplied via a water supply pipe in such a manner that a laminar water layer flowing along the inner walls of the mixer is created. The pipe, which supplies water, is arranged so that the water supply opening may face sharply to the inner wall of the mixer. The feed water reaches the inner wall which the water supply opening meets, and than flows as whorl laminar flow. In the whorl laminar flow condition, the feed water supplied is continuously secured from the pipe for water supply. For this reason the powder-like detergent is not remaining in the mixer.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The object of the invention is to develop a device that automatically doses the powder detergents for washing in household appliances.

DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of the automatic detergent dosing device, which is realised in order to attain said object of invention, is illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein;

Figure 1, is the three dimensional, assembly view of the dosing device with a cover, a dehumidifier, heaters, a bellow, a connector and a baffle housing,
Figure 2a, is the three dimensional view of the dosing device,
Figure 2b, is the sectional view of the dosing device,
Figure 3, is the exploded view of the dosing device,
Figure 4, is the three dimensional top view of the container,
Figure 5, is the three dimensional view of the main body,
Figure 6a, is the three dimensional top view of the wheel paddle,
Figure 6b, is the three dimensional, bottom view of the wheel paddle,
Figure 6c, is the three dimensional, top view of the wheel paddle with a cell cap,
Figure 6d, is the three dimensional, bottom view of the wheel paddle with the cell cap,
Figure 7a, is the perspective, top view of the lower body, the wheel paddle with the switch and the driving gear,
Figure 7b, is the perspective view of the lower body, the wheel paddle without the driving gear and the switch,
Figure 8a, is the perspective detailed view of the wheel paddle and the switch, while the contact trigger is activate the switch,
Figure 8b, is the perspective detailed view of the wheel paddle and the switch, while the switch is inactivate,
Figure 9a, is the sectional view of the lower body
Figure 9b, is the sectional view of another embodiment of the lower body,
Figure 9c, is the sectional view of another embodiment of the lower body,
Figure 9d, is the sectional view of another embodiment of the lower body,
Figure 10, is the three dimensional view of the assembly of the connector, the baffle and the baffle housing, and
Figure 11, is the exploded view of the connector, the baffle and the baffle housing.

The components shown in the drawings have the following reference numbers;

1-: Dosing device
2-: Switch
3-: Container
4-: Wheel paddle
5-: Main body
6-: Mixer
7-: Driving gear
8-: Motor
9-: Lower body
10-: Shaft
11-: Separator
12-: Dosing cell
13-: Water inlet
14-: Water outlet
15-: Mixing inlet
16-: Mixing outlet
17-: Neck
18-: Arm
19-: Gate
20-: Mixing room
21-: Water room
22-: Baffle
23-: Door
24-: Frame
25-: Dosing gate
26-: Hinge
27-: Baffle housing
28-: Connector
29-: Connector gate
30-: Wheel gear
31-: Key
32-: Socket
33-: Vapour exit
34-: Bellow
35-: Cover
36-: Contact trigger
37-: Bulge
38-: Heater
39-: Cell cap
40-: Cleaner
41-: Gear protector
42-: Extra inlet
43-: Vapour exhaust
44-: Blade
45-: Holder
46-: Dehumidifier
47-: Detent
48-: Container exit
49-: Rib

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Household appliances, especially washing machines, include a washing tub for washing, a control unit and an automatic washing agent dosing device (1) for storing and releasing the washing agent provided in the required amount for each washing cycle.
The household appliance comprises a bellow (34) for connecting the dosing device (1) to the washing tub. The bellow (34) acts as a damper and protects the dosing device (1) from the vibration caused by the washing tub. The bellow (34) is connected to a connector (28). The connector (28) includes one or more vapour exits (33) and one or more extra inlets (42) for water or other washing agents such as liquid softening agents. The connector (28) is connected to a baffle housing (27) mounted on the washing tub. A baffle (22) is mounted between the baffle housing (27) and the connector (28) to prevent the washing liquid from flowing back to the bellow (34) or to prevent the humidity in the washing tub from diffusing into the dosing device (1).
The baffle (22) comprises a door (23) for opening or closing the washing tub inlet, a frame (24) that has a similar shape with the door (23) for holding the door (23), one or more hinges (26) for hanging the door (23) from the frame (24) to form a pendulum. Baffle housing (27) comprises a tub gate (25) that is bigger than the door (23) for providing an opening to the washing tub. The connector (28) comprises a connector gate (29) that is smaller than the door (23) for providing an opening to the dosing device (1). The baffle housing (27) is placed onto the lower parts of the washing tub. Therefore, the tub gate (25) and the frame (24) are inclined with respect to the ground. But the door (23) stays perpendicular to the ground and closes the connector gate (29) with natural pendulum effect. The humidity, steam, foam or splashing/spraying water in the washing tub forces the door (23) to the hinge (26) and closes the connector gate (29) more tightly. So steam, humidity, foam or splashing/spraying water cannot enter to the dosing device (1). The water and washing agent mixture coming from the dosing device (1) pushes the door (23) to the tub gate (25). Since the tub gate (25) is larger than the door (23), the door (23) moves inside the tub gate (25) and directs the mixture towards the washing tub.
The dosing device (1), comprises a container (3) for storing the washing agent, a mixer (6) for mixing the washing agent in the container (3), a wheel paddle (4) for dosing the detergent and transmitting the driving force to the dosing device (1), a main body (5) where the wheel paddle (4) is housed, one or more electronic switches (2) for controlling the movement of the wheel paddle (4), a key (31) connected to the switches (2), a lower body (9) that is connected to the main body (5) in which the washing agent is mixed with the water, a motor (8) providing the movement for the dosing device (1) and a driving gear (7) for transmitting the movement from the motor (8) to the wheel paddle (4).
The container (3) has a cover (35) for protecting the washing agent placed in the container (3) from environmental effects such as moisture by closing and opening, a container exit (48) and a dehumidifier (46) for absorbing the humidity occurred inside the container (3) wherein the dehumidifier (46) includes chemical additives that do not affect the washing agent. User opens the cover (35) for pouring the washing agent to the container (3) and closes it when it is not used. Since the dehumidifier (46) is suspended on the container (3) the user can remove it whenever the user wants.
The wheel paddle (4), preferably with a cylindrical shape, comprises a paddle shaft (10) holding and turning the mixer (6) at the centre of the wheel paddle (4), one or more separators (11) connected to the shaft (10), one or more dosing cells (12) between the separators (11), one or more bulges (37) on each connection line between the separators (11) to avoid the accumulation of the washing agent and help it to slide down to the dosing cell (12), and the side walls of the wheel paddle (4) or on each connection border between the separators (11) and the shaft (10), one or more cell caps (39) that cover the upper side or lower side or both sides of one of the dosing cells (12) for protecting the washing agent placed in the container (3) from the moisture coming from the washing tub, one or more cleaner (40) to prevent the washing agent from accumulating between the wheel paddle (4) and the main body (5), a wheel gear (30) on the outer surface of the cylindrical side walls of the wheel paddle (4), one or more gear protectors (41) over and under the wheel gear (30) for protecting the wheel gear (30) from any residues of washing agents, one or more contact triggers (36) preferably with a trapezoidal shape for switching on the switch (2) by triggering a key (31), one or more blades (44) preferably with a curved shape on the outer side walls of the wheel paddle (4) for removing the particles of washing agents that obstruct the turning of the wheel gear (30).
In the preferred embodiment, the cell cap (39) covers the lower side of a dosing cell (12). When in rest, the dosing cell (12) with the cell cap (39) is engaged to a gate (19), and the possibility of humidity accumulation gathering on the surface is eliminated.
The top surface of the separator (11) is flat, suitable for cleaning the lower part of the container (3) and preventing the gathering of the washing agent. The depth difference between the upper surface of the wheel paddle (4) and the separator (11) mounted inside the wheel paddle (4) enables pouring of the washing agents to the lower body (9) without adhering to any side surface. The depth difference between the lower surface of the separator (11) and lower surface of the wheel paddle (4) helps the cleaner (40) to sweep away the washing agents gathered at the corners.
The main body (5) comprises said detergent dosing gate (19) for pouring the washing agent to the lower body (9), a cylindrical detent (47) for holding and centering the shaft (10), one more holders (45) for holding the dosing device (1) to the washing machine and one or more sockets (32) for housing the switch (2).
The wheel paddle (4) is placed in the main body (5) such that it can freely rotate in the main body (5). There is a depth difference in which the gate (19) is fitted between the wheel paddle (4) and the main body (5) to facilitate the pouring of the washing agent only to the dosing cell (12).
The lower body (9) comprises one or more water inlets (13) for supplying water, one or more water outlets (14) for providing a water flow layer on the inner surface of the lower body (9) in order to mix the washing agent with the water without splashing, a water room (21) between the water inlet (13) and water outlet (14) for distributing the water to the water outlet (14), a neck (17) in the water room (21) for regulating the water flow, a mixing inlet (15) for directing the washing agent to the water flow layer, a mixing outlet (16) for directing a perfect mixture of the washing agent and the water to the washing tub, a mixing room (20) between the mixing inlet (15) and the mixing outlet (16) for mixing the water and the washing agent, a rib (49) for increasing the strength of the structure and regulating the water flow and a vapour exhaust (43), that is placed so that it is not affected by the washing agent poured from the mixing inlet (15) and the water coming from the water inlet (13) for removing the moisture formed in the lower body (9).
The mixer (6) mixes and breaks the washing agent to avoid lumping. There are one or more extended arms (18) on the mixer (6). The arm (18) has slanted and/or curved forms for helping the washing agent to flow easily to the dosing gate (19).
When the motor (8) is run, the driving gear (7) is turned. Since the driving gear (7) is fitted to the wheel gear (30), the wheel gear (30) and also the wheel paddle (4) begin to turn around the shaft (10). Due to the conical shape of the container (3), the washing agent is pushed to the wheel paddle (4) by its gravitational force, passes through the container exit (48) and fills the dosing cells (12). When the shaft (10) turns, the dosing cells (12) move with the shaft (10). When the dosing cell (12) coincides with the gate (19), the washing agent is poured through the mixing inlet (15). A control unit controls the turning of the wheel paddle (4) by using the switch (2). Since wheel paddle (4) has a cylindrical form, the beginning of one of the dosing cells (12) is the end of the other dosing cell (12). While the wheel paddle (4) is turning, the key (31) moves over the side surfaces of the wheel paddle. When the key (31) reaches to the contact trigger (36), the contact trigger (36) pushes the key (31) to the switch (2). This activates the switch (2) and a signal is sent to the control unit. After leaving the contact trigger (36), the key (31) turns to its initial position and the switch (2) is inactivated. According to the signals sent from the switch (2), the control unit detects the position of the dosing cells (12), and, according to the user requests, regulates the dosing amount necessary for washing.
When the motor (8) is run, water is supplied to the dosing device (1) simultaneously. The water enters the dosing device (1) via the water inlet (13) and passes to the water room (21). Due to its kinetic and gravitational energy, it tries to pass over the neck (17). Since neck (17) has a constant cross sectional area, water flow is passed to the other part of the water room (21) by regulating its pressure. A second regulation is provided while the water is leaving from the water outlets (14). In all cases, the water comes from a larger cross sectional area and leaves from a smaller cross sectional area. This provides a laminar water flow covering all the surfaces of the mixing room (20). While the water is flowing as a film layer, the washing agent is poured from the mixing inlet (15). Thus the washing agent is effectively dissolved. Then the water and the washing agent mixture is directed to the mixing outlet (16). The switch (2) checks this operation and sends the obtained data to the control unit. The control unit decides to stop or continue the operation until the required dosing amount is poured. In the preferred embodiment, first the water is fed, then the washing agents are supplied. After the pouring of the washing agent is completed, the water flows for a certain period of time to prevent the washing agent from accumulating on the walls of the lower body (9).
The dosing device (1) further comprises a sheet heater (38) that covers the outer parts of the dosing device (1), especially the outer surfaces of the container (3) and the main body (5), for obstructing the humidity occurred. Preferably while working, the heater (38) heats them, with small resistance values, without damaging their structure.
Since the dosing, driving and mixing are done with same parts of the dosing unit (1), the dosing device (1) can work with a small numbers of parts. Thus the mounting and servicing of the dosing device (1) is facilitated.

Claims

A household appliance, especially washing machine, includes a washing tub, a control unit and an automatic washing agent dosing device (1) for storing a washing agent therein and releasing the required amount thereof for each washing cycle; the dosing device (1) comprising a container (3) for storing the washing agent, a wheel paddle (4) connected to the container (3) for dosing the washing agent, a main body (5) for housing the wheel paddle (4) and a lower body (9) connected to the main body (5) and the washing tub and comprising a mixing room (20) for mixing the washing agent with the water, characterised in that the lower body (9) further comprises a water room (21) for distributing the water, one or more water inlets (13) for supplying water into the water room (21), a neck (17) in the water room (21) for regulating the water flow and one or more water outlets (14) for providing a water flow layer from the water room (21) the water room (21) being between the water inlet (13) and water outlet (14) for distributing the water to the water outlet (14), on to the inner surface of the mixing room (20), whereby said mixing is without splashing by passing the water from different cross sectional areas to regulate the water flow and obtain a laminar water flow layer that covers the whole inner surface of the mixing room (20).
The household appliance as in claim 1, characterised in that the lower body (9) comprises a mixing inlet (15) for receiving and directing the washing agent to the water flow layer, a mixing outlet (16) for sending a mixture of the washing agent to the tub, a rib (49) for increasing the strength of the structure and regulating the water flow and a vapour exhaust (43) that is placed so that it is not affected by the washing agent poured from the mixing inlet (15) and the water coming from the water inlet (13), to remove the moisture formed in the lower body (9).
The household appliance as in claim 1, comprising a bellow (34) that is connected to the dosing device (1) for acting as a damper and protecting the dosing device (1) from the vibration caused by the washing tub, a connector (28) mounted to the bellow (34), a baffle housing (27) mounted on the washing tub and a baffle (22) mounted between the baffle housing (27) and the connector (28), for obstructing humidity, foam or splashing/spraying water in the washing tub to penetrate in to the dosing device (1).
The household appliance as in claim 3, characterised in that the baffle (22) comprises, a door (23) for opening or closing the washing tub entrance, a frame (24) that has a similar shape as the door (23) for holding the door (23) and one or more hinges (26) for suspending the door (23) from the frame (24) to form a pendulum.
The household appliance as in claims 2 and 4, characterised in that the baffle (22) is mounted between the baffle housing (27) that is connected to the washing tub and the connector (28) that is connected to the mixing outlet (16).
The household appliance as in claim 5, characterised in that the baffle housing (27) comprises a tub gate (25) that is bigger than the door (23), for providing an opening to the washing tub.
The household appliance as in claim 6, characterised in that the connector (28) comprises a connector gate (29) that is smaller than the door (23), for providing an opening to the dosing device (1).
The household appliance as in claim 7, characterised in that the baffle housing (27) is placed onto the lower parts of the washing tub for mounting the tub gate (25) and the frame (24) inclined with respect to the ground, and the door (23) stays perpendicular to the ground and closes the connector gate (29) with natural pendulum effect.
The household appliance as in claim 1, characteised by a cover (35) for closing and opening the container (3) and protecting the washing agent placed in the container (3) from environmental effects such as moisture.
The household appliance as in claim 1, characterised by a dehumidifier (46) for absorbing the humidity occurring inside the container (3), whereby the dehumidifier (46) includes chemical additives that do not effect the washing agent.
The household appliance as in claim 1, characterised by a mixer (6) for mixing and breaking the washing agent in the container (3) to avoid lumping.
The household appliance as in claim 11 characterised in that the mixer (6) comprises one or more extended arms (18) that have slanted and/or curved forms to enable the washing agent to flow easily to the wheel paddle (4).
The household appliance as in claim 1, characterised by one or more electronic switches (2) for controlling the movement of the wheel paddle (4), preferably by a contact trigger (36).
The household appliance as in claim 1, characterised by a motor (8) providing movement for the dosing device (1) and a driving gear (7) for transmitting the movement from the motor (8) to the wheel paddle (4).
The household appliance as in claim 1, characterised in that a sheet heater (38) covers the outer parts of the dosing device (1), especially the outer surfaces of the container (3) and the main body (5), for preventing the humidity occurring inside the dosing device (1) by heating.
The household appliance as in claim 1, characterised in that the main body (5) comprises a detergent dosing gate (19) for pouring the washing agent to the lower body (9), a cylindrical detent (47) for holding and centring the shaft (10), one more holders (45) for holding the dosing device (1) to the washing machine and one or more sockets (32) for housing the switch (2).
The household appliance as in claims 11 and 13, characterised in that the wheel paddle (4), preferably of cylindrical shape, comprises a paddle shaft (10) holding and turning the mixer (6) at the centre of the wheel paddle (4), one or more separators (11) connected to the shaft (10), one or more dosing cells (12) between the separators (11), one or more bulges (37) on each connection line between the separators (11) and the side walls of the wheel paddle (4) or on each connection border between the separators (11) and the shaft (10), for protecting the gathering of the washing agent and helping it slide down to the dosing cell (12) one or more cell caps (39) that cover the upper side or lower side or both sides of one of the dosing cells (12) for protecting the washing agent placed in the container (3) from the moisture coming from the washing tub, one or more cleaners (40) for preventing the washing agent from accumulating between the wheel paddle (4) and the main body (5), a wheel gear (30) on the outer surface of the cylindrical side walls of the wheel paddle (4), one or more gear protectors (41) over and under the wheel gear (30) for protecting the wheel gear (30) from any residues of washing agents, one or more contact triggers (36), preferably of trapezoidal shape, for switching on the switch (2) by triggering a key (31) and one or more blades (44), preferably of curved shape, on the outer side walls of the wheel paddle (4) for removing particles of washing agent that obstruct the turning of the wheel gear (30).
The household appliance as in claims 16 and 17, characterised in that the cell cap (39) covers the lower side of the dosing cell (12), so that when the dosing device (1) is in resting position, the dosing cell (12) with the cell cap (39) is engaged to the gate (19) and the possibility of humidity accumulation gathering on the surface is eliminated.
The household appliance as in claim 18, characterised in that the top surface of the separator (11) is flat for cleaning the lower part of the container (3) and preventing the gathering of washing agent, in that there is a depth difference between the upper surface of the wheel paddle (4) and the separator (11) mounted inside the wheel paddle (4) that enables the washing agent to be poured into the lower body (9) without adhering to any side surface and there is a depth difference between the lower surface of the separator (11) and lower surface of the wheel paddle (4) that helps the cleaner (40) to sweep away the washing agent gathered at the corners.