EP1647621A1 - Laundry washing and/or drying machine - Google Patents

Laundry washing and/or drying machine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1647621A1
EP1647621A1 EP05109400A EP05109400A EP1647621A1 EP 1647621 A1 EP1647621 A1 EP 1647621A1 EP 05109400 A EP05109400 A EP 05109400A EP 05109400 A EP05109400 A EP 05109400A EP 1647621 A1 EP1647621 A1 EP 1647621A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
elements
dragging
machine according
cavity
drum
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.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP05109400A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Roberto Vota
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Original Assignee
Indesit Co SpA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Indesit Co SpA filed Critical Indesit Co SpA
Publication of EP1647621A1 publication Critical patent/EP1647621A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • 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
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/04—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • D06F37/06—Ribs, lifters, or rubbing means forming part of the receptacle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a laundry washing and/or drying machine according to the preamble of claim 1.
  • the present invention concerns products being commercially called, depending on the functions they perform, "washing machines” or “washing/drying machines” or “clothes dryers”.
  • These machines comprise a drum for containing the laundry, which rotates about an axis during at least one operating phase of the machine; in a washing machine, the drum typically rotates during three operating phases (washing, rinsing and spinning), though in different ways and at different speeds; in a washing/drying machine, the drum typically rotates during four operating phases (washing, rinsing, spinning and drying).
  • the drum has a cylindrical outer shape and has a cylindrical cavity in which the laundry is loaded.
  • the drum cavity is provided with means adapted to drag the laundry when the drum is rotating; this allows, for instance, to lift the laundry, which is thus taken out from the wash water and then immersed again.
  • Such means generally consist of straight elements being located symmetrically on the cavity wall and arranged in a direction being parallel to the drum axis; usually, three or four ledges are provided. These elements are called “lifters”.
  • the present invention aims at providing a new solution compared to the state of the art as regards the shape and arrangement of the dragging elements.
  • the present invention is based on the idea of arranging the dragging elements at least partially in a radial direction relative to the rotation axis of the drum.
  • Fig. 1 shows a washing machine, indicated as a whole with reference number 1.
  • Such a machine comprises a drum 2 provided to contain laundry; the drum is the only component of the machine being shown in Fig. 1, in that it is the most important one for the purposes of the present invention.
  • the drum 2 has a cylindrical outer shape and has a cylindrical cavity in which the laundry to be washed is placed.
  • Fig. 1 the laundry is shown as a single mass 3 on the bottom of the cavity of the drum 2; the illustration therefore refers to an idle condition of the drum 2, which is typical of a switched-off or inactive machine 1.
  • the drum 2 rotates about an axis 20.
  • the axis 20 of the drum 2 of Fig. 1 is horizontal.
  • On front-loading machines recently it has been thought to tilt the drum rotation axis slightly (e.g. with an angle of 10° to 20°) in order to make it easier for the user to access the drum.
  • Machines fitted with a drum having a vertical rotation axis have also been known for many years; machines of this type are not at present widespread on the European market and actually the present invention has not been conceived expressly for such machines.
  • Figs. 2 are just explanatory, and therefore are schematic and simplified.
  • Figs. A to L refer to drums with a cavity having an exactly cylindrical shape; instead, Fig. 2M refers to a drum with a cavity having a substantially cylindrical shape: both flanks are equal and consist of two conical surfaces (being very flat), while the wall is slightly convex.
  • the illustrations partially show the side profile (being "U" shaped) of the surface of the drum cavity with its axis 20.
  • Figs. 2 show various embodiment examples of dragging elements, indicated with reference numbers 21 and 22; each of these illustrations shows one (Figs. A to E) or two (Figs. F to H) or three (Figs. L and M) dragging elements, which in these examples are grouped and aligned with one another.
  • the dragging elements are repeated and arranged evenly according to a sunburst pattern about the drum axis 20 in the drum cavity; the number of repetitions may for instance be two or three or four or five or six or seven or eight or ..., but it is typically three or four.
  • the dragging element 21 has a "U" shape and is arranged on both cavity flanks as well as on the cavity wall; the element 21 extends along the cavity flanks to the same extent.
  • the dragging element 21 has a "U" shape and is arranged on both cavity flanks as well as on the cavity wall; the element 21 extends more on one cavity flank, i.e. it is about three times longer on the right flank.
  • the dragging element 21 has an "L" shape and is arranged on the wall and on one flank of the cavity, i.e. on the right flank; the element 21 extends along the entire wall width.
  • the dragging element 21 has an "L" shape and is arranged on the wall and on one flank of the cavity, i.e. on the right flank; the element 21 extends only along a portion of the wall width, i.e. about half the wall width.
  • the dragging element 21 has an "I" shape, i.e. it is straight, and is arranged on one cavity flank; the element 21 starts approximately from the cavity wall and ends almost at the cavity axis 20.
  • the dragging element 21 are two identical ones having an "I" shape, i.e. they are straight, and are arranged on the two cavity flanks, respectively; each of the two elements 21 starts approximately from the cavity wall and ends almost at the cavity axis 20.
  • the dragging elements 21 are two different ones having an "I" shape, i.e. they are straight, and are arranged on the two cavity flanks, respectively; each of the two elements 21 starts approximately from the cavity wall; the first one, i.e. the element on the right, ends almost at the cavity axis 20; the second one is shorter than the first one, i.e. its length is approximately a third of the length of the first one.
  • dragging elements being arranged on the cavity flanks (designated 21), i.e. radially relative to the axis 20, as well as dragging elements being arranged on the cavity wall (designated 22), i.e. being parallel to the axis 20; the illustration shows one element 21 and one element 22; the element 22 extends along the entire wall width; the element 21 starts just above the element 22 and ends almost at the cavity axis 20.
  • dragging elements being arranged on the cavity flanks (designated 21), i.e. radially relative to the axis 20, as well as dragging elements being arranged on the cavity wall (designated 22), i.e. being parallel to the axis 20; the illustration shows two elements 21 and one element 22; the element 22 extends along the entire wall width; each element 21 starts just above the element 22 and ends almost at the cavity axis 20.
  • dragging elements being arranged on the cavity flanks (designated 21), i.e. radially relative to the axis 20, as well as dragging elements being arranged on the cavity wall (designated 22), i.e. being parallel to the axis 20.
  • the arrangement of the dragging elements in the solution of Fig. 2M is similar to that of Fig. 2L, with some differences due to the different shape of the cavity.
  • Figs. 3 are just explanatory, and therefore are schematic and simplified. All illustrations refer to drums having cylindrical cavities. The illustrations partially show the (circular) front profile of the surface of the drum cavity with its axis 20.
  • Figs. 3 show various embodiment examples of dragging elements being arranged on one flank of the drum cavity (and not on the cavity wall), indicated with reference numbers 21; every illustration only shows one dragging element; in the illustrations there is also a dashed line representing a radial direction relative to the axis 20.
  • the dragging elements are repeated in the drum cavity according to a typically even sunburst pattern about the drum axis 20; the number of repetitions may for instance be two or three or four or five or six or seven or eight or ..., but it is typically three or four.
  • the element 21 is a ledge having a triangular cross-section; said element is straight and its axis follows a radial direction.
  • the element 21 is a ledge having a triangular cross-section; said element comprises two straight segments.
  • the element 21 is a ledge having a triangular cross-section; said element is straight and its axis is tilted with respect to a radial direction.
  • the element 21 is a ledge having a triangular cross-section; said element is curved.
  • Figs. 4 show cross-sections of various embodiment examples of ledge-shaped dragging elements according to the present invention. All illustrations refer to dragging elements 21 being arranged on the flank of the drum cavity; in the drawings, the flank of the drum is under the element 21.
  • the cross-section is rectangular in shape and therefore is symmetrical with respect to a radial direction (not shown).
  • the cross-section has the shape of an isosceles triangle and therefore is symmetrical with respect to a radial direction (not shown).
  • the cross-section has the shape of an isosceles trapezium and therefore is symmetrical with respect to a radial direction (not shown).
  • the cross-section has the shape of a rectangular triangle and therefore is not symmetrical with respect to a radial direction (not shown).
  • cross-section of the ledges may vary along their length in terms of both size and shape.
  • the protrusion of the dragging elements 21 of Fig. 2 from the surface of the drum cavity may change depending on the distance from the axis 20, so as to reduce the dimensions of the elements 21 in the central area of the drum cavity, where they are least useful; if the elements consist of ledges, this effect may be achieved by varying the cross-section of the ledge.
  • the machine according to the present invention is intended for washing and/or drying laundry, and comprises a drum for containing the laundry, which can rotate about a axis during at least one operating phase of the machine and which is fitted with elements being shaped and sized in such a way as to drag the laundry contained therein when the drum is rotating; the dragging elements are at least partially arranged radially relative to the drum axis.
  • the above definition comprises, for example, all elements 21 of Fig. 2, Fig. 3 and Fig. 4, as well as elements being shaped, sized and arranged in very different manners, as will become more apparent from the following; it is worth noting, for example, that the element 21 of Fig. 2C is arranged partly in the radial direction (vertical segment) and partly in the axial direction (horizontal segment); it is also worth noting, for example, that the element 21 of Fig. 2M is arranged for the most part in the radial direction and for the least part in the axial direction, in that it lies on a plane being slightly tilted with respect to the plane being perpendicular to the axis 20.
  • the arrangement according to the present invention i.e. the radial arrangement, also allows, among other things, to stir the laundry while the drum is rotating.
  • the radial arrangement also allows, among other things, to stir the laundry while the drum is rotating.
  • the items of the laundry 3 being on the right of the cavity will tend to be dragged, whereas the items of the laundry 3 being at the center of the cavity will not tend to be dragged; the laundry 3 will thus be stirred during the rotation of the drum 2; such stirring action is particularly advantageous during the wash phase.
  • dragging elements being arranged in the radial direction may provide both a stirring effect and a lifting effect, if appropriately shaped.
  • the dragging elements may be shaped as simple hollow or solid ledges.
  • the drum axis is substantially horizontal; the radial elements are equally effective with either perfectly horizontal drums or slightly tilted drums.
  • the present invention particularly applies to drums having a substantially cylindrical outer shape and, above all, being provided with a cavity having a substantially cylindrical inner shape; this is the case of all the examples shown in the drawings.
  • the radial dragging elements consist of protrusions projecting from the cavity surface, they will take up very little space and the various points of the cavity will be easily accessible, as is the case of all dragging elements shown in the drawings; preferably, said elements project from the cavity surface in the axial direction, as is particularly apparent for the elements 21 of Figs. 2E to 2M.
  • the dragging elements may be integrated with the surface of the cavity; for example, they may be obtained by appropriately shaping the drum flanks; in such a case, said elements are usually made of metal.
  • the dragging elements may be applied onto the cavity surface; in this way it is easier to shape and size the elements as appropriate; in such a case, said elements are usually made of a plastic material or partly of a plastic material and partly metal.
  • the radial dragging elements may be arranged at least partially on just one flank of the cylindrical cavity, as in the examples of Fig. 2C, Fig. 2D, Fig. 2E, Fig. 2H.
  • Such a choice is typically made for front-loading machines; as a matter of fact, in these machines there is little room available for mounting dragging elements beside the glass door bowl. Nonetheless, this choice is simple and very effective for any machine; in fact, the laundry stirring effect is obtained because the dragging effect is highest on one flank (the right one in Figs. 2) and lowest on the other one (the left flank in Figs. 2).
  • the radial dragging elements may be arranged at least partially on both flanks of the cylindrical cavity, as in the example of Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 2F, Fig. 2G,
  • the dragging elements according to the present invention may be simple straight ones and still be effective, as is the case of the elements 21 of Fig. 3A and Fig. 3C.
  • the dragging elements according to the present invention may be curved, as is the case of the element 21 of Fig. 3D.
  • the dragging elements according to the present invention may consist of two segments, each being either straight or curved; the element 21 of Fig. 3B consists of two equal, straight segments.
  • the dragging elements according to the present invention may be advantageously asymmetrical relative to a radial direction; this is the case of the elements 21 of Fig. 3B, Fig. 3C and Fig. 3D as far as their shape is concerned.
  • the asymmetry may however be given by the cross-section of the element rather than by its shape, as is the case of the element 21 of Fig. 4D.
  • the latter may be shaped and arranged in such a way that when the drum is rotating in a first direction they perform a high dragging action on the laundry, whereas when the drum is rotating in a second direction they perform a low dragging action or, at the theoretical limit, no dragging action at all on the laundry.
  • This effect is efficacious during both the washing and rinsing phases, but mostly during the washing phase; as known, during these two phases the drum is turned first in a direction and then in the opposite direction.
  • This effect may be achieved by using dragging elements being asymmetrical relative to a radial direction.
  • radial dragging elements may advantageously be combined with axial dragging elements; more specifically, according to the present invention the machine may comprise further dragging elements being arranged at least partially in a direction being parallel to said axis.
  • These further elements correspond, in the examples of Fig. 2, to the elements 22 being present in Fig. 2H, Fig. 2L and Fig. 2M.
  • Axial dragging elements also provide a lifting effect.
  • said further dragging elements are arranged at least partially on the wall of the cylindrical cavity of the drum, as in Fig. 2H, Fig. 2L and Fig. 2M.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
EP05109400A 2004-10-12 2005-10-10 Laundry washing and/or drying machine Withdrawn EP1647621A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITTO20040704 ITTO20040704A1 (it) 2004-10-12 2004-10-12 Macchina per lavaggio e/o asciugatura di biancheria

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1647621A1 true EP1647621A1 (en) 2006-04-19

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ID=35519779

Family Applications (1)

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EP05109400A Withdrawn EP1647621A1 (en) 2004-10-12 2005-10-10 Laundry washing and/or drying machine

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EP (1) EP1647621A1 (it)
IT (1) ITTO20040704A1 (it)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015101890A1 (en) 2013-12-31 2015-07-09 Indesit Company S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with a system for preventing an air filter from getting clogged
WO2015101892A1 (en) 2013-12-31 2015-07-09 Indesit Company S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with cleaning device for a drying air filter
WO2015159173A1 (en) 2014-04-17 2015-10-22 Indesit Company S.P.A. Method for cleaning an air filter in a washing/drying machine and machine for its execution
WO2016108102A1 (en) 2014-12-30 2016-07-07 Indesit Company S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with a spider-shaped device for cleaning an air filter
WO2016108101A1 (en) 2014-12-30 2016-07-07 Indesit Company S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with a device for cleaning an air filter

Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2574985A (en) * 1948-04-14 1951-11-13 Crosley Division Avco Mfg Corp Clothes-washing machine utilizing a tumbling drum
US2575691A (en) * 1947-01-21 1951-11-20 Maytag Co Clothes-washing machine
DE906926C (de) * 1951-11-20 1954-03-18 Licentia Gmbh Strudelrad fuer Waschmaschinen zum Bewegen des Waschwassers
US3736775A (en) * 1972-03-09 1973-06-05 Maytag Co Oscillatable tub with flexible blade
US4207760A (en) * 1978-09-29 1980-06-17 General Electric Company Vane arrangement for clothes washing machine
US4920661A (en) * 1987-10-09 1990-05-01 Hitachi, Ltd. Dehydrating machine
US6543074B1 (en) * 2001-11-13 2003-04-08 Maytag Corporation Spinner basket having labyrinth ring and method for using same

Patent Citations (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2575691A (en) * 1947-01-21 1951-11-20 Maytag Co Clothes-washing machine
US2574985A (en) * 1948-04-14 1951-11-13 Crosley Division Avco Mfg Corp Clothes-washing machine utilizing a tumbling drum
DE906926C (de) * 1951-11-20 1954-03-18 Licentia Gmbh Strudelrad fuer Waschmaschinen zum Bewegen des Waschwassers
US3736775A (en) * 1972-03-09 1973-06-05 Maytag Co Oscillatable tub with flexible blade
US4207760A (en) * 1978-09-29 1980-06-17 General Electric Company Vane arrangement for clothes washing machine
US4920661A (en) * 1987-10-09 1990-05-01 Hitachi, Ltd. Dehydrating machine
US6543074B1 (en) * 2001-11-13 2003-04-08 Maytag Corporation Spinner basket having labyrinth ring and method for using same

Cited By (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2015101890A1 (en) 2013-12-31 2015-07-09 Indesit Company S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with a system for preventing an air filter from getting clogged
WO2015101892A1 (en) 2013-12-31 2015-07-09 Indesit Company S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with cleaning device for a drying air filter
WO2015159173A1 (en) 2014-04-17 2015-10-22 Indesit Company S.P.A. Method for cleaning an air filter in a washing/drying machine and machine for its execution
US10982379B2 (en) 2014-11-30 2021-04-20 Whirlpool Emea S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with a device for cleaning an air filter
WO2016108102A1 (en) 2014-12-30 2016-07-07 Indesit Company S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with a spider-shaped device for cleaning an air filter
WO2016108101A1 (en) 2014-12-30 2016-07-07 Indesit Company S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with a device for cleaning an air filter
US10443181B2 (en) 2014-12-30 2019-10-15 Whirlpool Emea S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with a spider-shaped device for cleaning an air filter
US10801157B2 (en) 2014-12-30 2020-10-13 Whirlpool Emea S.P.A. Washing/drying machine with a device for cleaning an air filter

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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