EP1974085A1 - A washing machine - Google Patents

A washing machine

Info

Publication number
EP1974085A1
EP1974085A1 EP06841541A EP06841541A EP1974085A1 EP 1974085 A1 EP1974085 A1 EP 1974085A1 EP 06841541 A EP06841541 A EP 06841541A EP 06841541 A EP06841541 A EP 06841541A EP 1974085 A1 EP1974085 A1 EP 1974085A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
cleaning agent
separator
washing machine
motor
agent dispenser
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP06841541A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1974085B1 (en
Inventor
Emre Ozturk
Gokhan Ozgurel
Erman Cevikkalp
Baris Unal
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.)
Arcelik AS
Original Assignee
Arcelik AS
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 Arcelik AS filed Critical Arcelik AS
Publication of EP1974085A1 publication Critical patent/EP1974085A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1974085B1 publication Critical patent/EP1974085B1/en
Not-in-force legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

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
    • 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

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a washing machine which comprises a cleaning agent dispenser.
  • the cleaning agent needed for the washing process is placed in a cleaning agent dispenser.
  • the user is informed about the recommended cleaning agent quantities pre-determined by the producer according to variables such as the specifications of the washing machine, the washing program, the type and the weight of the laundry.
  • the consumer may place more or less cleaning agent than needed as a result of such errors in estimating the type and the weight of the laundry, in measuring the quantity of the cleaning agent etc.. But, placing the exact amount of cleaning agent is of utmost importance in washing efficiency. Using less cleaning agent than needed results in poor cleaning of the laundry, while using more than necessary causes poor rinsing and the cleaning agent remainings on the laundry. Furthermore, the excessive use of cleaning agent is one of the factors causing problems such as overfoaming in the tub, degraded drum rotation performance as a result of the excessive foaming and overflowing of the foam through the cleaning agent dispenser.
  • the object of this invention is the realization of a washing machine comprising a cleaning agent dispenser that facilitates the placement of the cleaning agent.
  • the washing machine realized in order to fulfill the objectives of this invention is explicated in the attached claims.
  • the cleaning agent dispenser used in this washing machine comprises a separator which divides its inner volume into two sections by moving inside the dispenser.
  • the movement provided by a motor which is fixed on the body outside the cleaning agent dispenser is transmitted to the separator by a transmission means and thus the separator is adjusted to the right position in the chamber.
  • the transmission means and the motor are disconnected and the separator remains at the adjusted position.
  • the consumer is enabled to open the cleaning agent dispenser as much as needed and to place the cleaning agent easily into the related chamber.
  • the transmission means is a belt which rotates around two pulleys.
  • the separator is attached to the transmission means by means of a recess-extension connector.
  • the cleaning agent dispenser When the cleaning agent dispenser is pushed into its place, the belt gets caught between the pulley and the motor shaft. By means of friction, the rotational movement generated by the motor is conducted to the belt and then to the separator by means of the recess and the extension. Since the movement transmission between the motor shaft and the belt is provided only by surface contact, the cleaning agent dispenser and the motor are separated from each other with ease.
  • Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the washing machine when the cleaning agent dispenser is closed.
  • Figure 2 - is the schematic view of the washing machine when the cleaning agent dispenser is open.
  • Figure 3 - is the front perspective view of the cleaning agent dispenser
  • Figure 4 - is the rear perspective view of the cleaning agent dispenser
  • Figure 5 - is the front perspective view of the cleaning agent dispenser when the separator is detached
  • Figure 6 - is the front view of the separator.
  • the washing machine (1) comprises a body (11)
  • a cleaning agent dispenser located inside the body (11), which can be pulled out of the body (11) like a drawer, and which has at least one chamber (3) into which the cleaning agent is placed ( Figure 1 and Figure T).
  • the washing machine further comprises
  • the cleaning agent to be used is determined depending on the parameters such as the washing program preferred by the consumer, the quantity and the type of the laundry placed into the drum, the hardness of the tap water.
  • the motor (10) is actuated to move the separator (4) within the chamber (3) to a position suitable for the detected amount of cleaning agent to be placed.
  • the volume between the separator (4) and the front wall of the chamber (3) is equal to the volume of the detected amount of cleaning agent.
  • the consumer opens the cleaning agent dispenser (T) after the separator (4) is moved.
  • the cleaning agent dispenser (T) and the transmission means (12) are separated from the motor (10), and the separator (4) remains in the same adjusted position.
  • the consumer fills the space in front of the separator (4) in the chamber (3) with the cleaning agent and pushes the cleaning agent dispenser into back to its place (2).
  • the transmission means (12) contacts again to the shaft of the motor (10).
  • the separator (4) preferably, comprises at least one opening (not shown in the figures).
  • the cleaning agent dispenser (T) takes the water inside
  • the cleaning agent on one side of the separator (4) is mixed with the water and flows into the tub by passing through either under, above, besides the separator (4) or through an opening on the separator (4).
  • the transmission means (12) comprises two pulleys (8) within the chamber (3) and a belt (6) connected to the separator (4), rotating around these pulleys (8).
  • the transmission means (12) further comprises a belt (6) and a separator (4), one having a recess (7), and the other an extension (5) which fits into this recess (7) so as to transmit the motion between the two.
  • the transmission means (12) further comprises teeth (not shown in the figures) located on the belt (6) and the shaft of the motor (10), which fit into each other . By means of these teeth, the motion transmission between the belt (6) and the shaft of the motor (10) is provided more efficiently.
  • the washing machine (1) comprises at least one rail (9) within the chamber (3) and a second extension (15) on the separator
  • the rail (9) preferably, stands against the belt (6)1 and ies down parallel to the belt (6). A more regular movement of the separator (4) within the chamber (3) is provided by means of the rail (9).
  • the washing machine (1) comprises a lock (not shown in the figures) which prevents the consumer from opening the cleaning agent dispenser (2), after the laundry to be washed is loaded into the drum and the program is chosen, until the position of the separator (4) is adjusted. Thus, the consumer is prevented from opening the detergent dispenser before the time.
  • the washing machine (1) further comprises an audio and/or visual indicator which shows the user whether the adjustment process of the separator (4) is in progress and/or done. Thus, the consumer is informed about whether the adjustment process is in progress or done.
  • the consumer can easily place the necessary amount of cleaning agent into the cleaning agent dispenser (2).

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)

Abstract

This invention relates to a washing machine which comprises a cleaning agent dispenser. The cleaning agent dispenser (2) used in the said washing machine (1) comprises a separator (4) which divides the inner volume of the dispenser into two by moving inside the chamber (3).

Description

Description A WASHING MACHINE
[0001] This invention relates to a washing machine which comprises a cleaning agent dispenser.
[0002] In the washing machines, the cleaning agent needed for the washing process is placed in a cleaning agent dispenser. The user is informed about the recommended cleaning agent quantities pre-determined by the producer according to variables such as the specifications of the washing machine, the washing program, the type and the weight of the laundry.
[0003] However, the consumer may place more or less cleaning agent than needed as a result of such errors in estimating the type and the weight of the laundry, in measuring the quantity of the cleaning agent etc.. But, placing the exact amount of cleaning agent is of utmost importance in washing efficiency. Using less cleaning agent than needed results in poor cleaning of the laundry, while using more than necessary causes poor rinsing and the cleaning agent remainings on the laundry. Furthermore, the excessive use of cleaning agent is one of the factors causing problems such as overfoaming in the tub, degraded drum rotation performance as a result of the excessive foaming and overflowing of the foam through the cleaning agent dispenser.
[0004] In the prior art, there are various embodiments realized in order to solve this problem. In the cleaning agent dispenser explicated in the German patent application no. DE3607632, a separator is mentioned, which is slidably located in the dispenser and used to provide variable volumes in the dispenser.
[0005] In the German patent application No. DE10355671 of the prior art, a description is given of a detergent dispenser which can adjust the dosage by being moved by means of a motor with respect to the quantity of the laundry loaded. In this embodiment ,the motor and the cleaning agent dispenser are connected to each other. As a result, when there is a few quantity of the laundry, the cleaning agent dispenser is opened less. The user experiences problems, since the cleaning agent is put into the dispenser through a very narrow opening, and the cleaning agent could be dispersed out of the dispenser.
[0006] The object of this invention is the realization of a washing machine comprising a cleaning agent dispenser that facilitates the placement of the cleaning agent.
[0007] The washing machine realized in order to fulfill the objectives of this invention is explicated in the attached claims. The cleaning agent dispenser used in this washing machine comprises a separator which divides its inner volume into two sections by moving inside the dispenser. The movement provided by a motor which is fixed on the body outside the cleaning agent dispenser is transmitted to the separator by a transmission means and thus the separator is adjusted to the right position in the chamber. When the consumer opens the cleaning agent dispenser, the transmission means and the motor are disconnected and the separator remains at the adjusted position. Thus, the consumer is enabled to open the cleaning agent dispenser as much as needed and to place the cleaning agent easily into the related chamber.
[0008] In an embodiment of present invention, the transmission means is a belt which rotates around two pulleys. The separator is attached to the transmission means by means of a recess-extension connector. When the cleaning agent dispenser is pushed into its place, the belt gets caught between the pulley and the motor shaft. By means of friction, the rotational movement generated by the motor is conducted to the belt and then to the separator by means of the recess and the extension. Since the movement transmission between the motor shaft and the belt is provided only by surface contact, the cleaning agent dispenser and the motor are separated from each other with ease.
[0009] The washing machine realized in order to fulfill the objectives of this invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
[0010] Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the washing machine when the cleaning agent dispenser is closed.
[0011] Figure 2 - is the schematic view of the washing machine when the cleaning agent dispenser is open.
[0012] Figure 3 - is the front perspective view of the cleaning agent dispenser
[0013] Figure 4 - is the rear perspective view of the cleaning agent dispenser
[0014] Figure 5 - is the front perspective view of the cleaning agent dispenser when the separator is detached
[0015] Figure 6 - is the front view of the separator.
[0016] The elements shown in figures are numbered as follows :
1. Washing machine
2. Cleaning agent dispenser
3. Chamber
4. Separator
5. ., 15. Extention
6. Belt
7. Recess
8. Pulley 9. Rail
10. Motor
11. Body
12. Transmission means
[0017] The washing machine (1) comprises a body (11)
- a cleaning agent dispenser (T), located inside the body (11), which can be pulled out of the body (11) like a drawer, and which has at least one chamber (3) into which the cleaning agent is placed (Figure 1 and Figure T).
[0018] The washing machine further comprises
- a separator (4) which, moving in the chamber (3), divides its volume into two.
- a motor (10) placed outside the cleaning agent dispenser (2), and fixed to the body (11), and
- a transmission means (12), placed within the cleaning agent dispenser (2), which by contacting the exit- shaft of the motor (10) transmits the movement retained from the motor (10) to the separator (4) (Figure 1 and Figure T).
[0019] In this embodiment, the cleaning agent to be used is determined depending on the parameters such as the washing program preferred by the consumer, the quantity and the type of the laundry placed into the drum, the hardness of the tap water. Then, the motor (10) is actuated to move the separator (4) within the chamber (3) to a position suitable for the detected amount of cleaning agent to be placed. The volume between the separator (4) and the front wall of the chamber (3) is equal to the volume of the detected amount of cleaning agent. The consumer opens the cleaning agent dispenser (T) after the separator (4) is moved. The cleaning agent dispenser (T) and the transmission means (12) are separated from the motor (10), and the separator (4) remains in the same adjusted position. The consumer fills the space in front of the separator (4) in the chamber (3) with the cleaning agent and pushes the cleaning agent dispenser into back to its place (2). As the cleaning agent dispenser (T) is closed, the transmission means (12) contacts again to the shaft of the motor (10).
[0020] In this embodiment, the separator (4), preferably, comprises at least one opening (not shown in the figures). In a certain step of the washing program, as the cleaning agent dispenser (T) takes the water inside, the cleaning agent on one side of the separator (4) is mixed with the water and flows into the tub by passing through either under, above, besides the separator (4) or through an opening on the separator (4). [0021] In an embodiment of present invention, the transmission means (12) comprises two pulleys (8) within the chamber (3) and a belt (6) connected to the separator (4), rotating around these pulleys (8). The transmission means (12) further comprises a belt (6) and a separator (4), one having a recess (7), and the other an extension (5) which fits into this recess (7) so as to transmit the motion between the two. Thus, the position of the recess (7) on the belt (6) and the position of the separator (4) within the chamber
(3) changes as the belt (7) rotates (Figure 3, Figure 5 and Figure 6).
[0022] In this embodiment of present invention, the transmission means (12) further comprises teeth (not shown in the figures) located on the belt (6) and the shaft of the motor (10), which fit into each other . By means of these teeth, the motion transmission between the belt (6) and the shaft of the motor (10) is provided more efficiently.
[0023] In another embodiment of present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises at least one rail (9) within the chamber (3) and a second extension (15) on the separator
(4) which fits into the rail (9). The rail (9), preferably, stands against the belt (6)1 and ies down parallel to the belt (6). A more regular movement of the separator (4) within the chamber (3) is provided by means of the rail (9).
[0024] In another embodiment of present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a lock (not shown in the figures) which prevents the consumer from opening the cleaning agent dispenser (2), after the laundry to be washed is loaded into the drum and the program is chosen, until the position of the separator (4) is adjusted. Thus, the consumer is prevented from opening the detergent dispenser before the time.
[0025] In this embodiment, the washing machine (1) further comprises an audio and/or visual indicator which shows the user whether the adjustment process of the separator (4) is in progress and/or done. Thus, the consumer is informed about whether the adjustment process is in progress or done.
[0026] By way of the washing machine (1) of the present invention, the consumer can easily place the necessary amount of cleaning agent into the cleaning agent dispenser (2).

Claims

Claims
[0001] A washing machine (1) comprising; -a body (11), -a cleaning agent dispenser (2) inside the body (11), which can be pulled out of the body (11) as in the movement of a drawer, and which has at least one chamber (3) into which the cleaning agent is placed, -a separator (4) which divides the volume of the chamber (3) into two by moving inside it, -and a motor (10) which is located outside the cleaning agent dispenser (2) and fixed to the body (11) -and characterized by, -a transmission means (12) placed within the cleaning agent dispenser (2), which by contacting the shaft of the motor (10) transmits the movement retained from the motor (10) to the separator (4), which keeps the separator (4) at its position after the adjusted position is provided, which loses contact with the motor (10) when the cleaning agent dispenser (2) is pulled out of the body (11) and which contacts the shaft of the motor (10) when pushed back into its place in the body (11).
[0002] A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the transmission means
(12) comprising two pulleys (8) located inside the chamber (3) and a belt (6) connected to the separator (4), rotating around the pulleys (8).
[0003] A washing machine (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the transmission means
(12) comprising a belt (6) and a separator (4), one of which having a recess (7), and the other an extension (5) which fits into this recess (7).
[0004] A washing machine (1) as in Claim 2 or 3, characterized by teeth which fit into each other and which are located on the belt (6) and the shaft of the motor (10).
[0005] A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by at least one rail (9) which is located within the chamber (3) and an extension (15) which is placed on the separator (4), fitting into the rail (9).
[0006] A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by a lock which prevents the user from opening the cleaning agent dispenser (2) after the laundry to be washed is loaded into the drum and the program is chosen, until the position of the separator (4) is adjusted.
[0007] A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by an audio and/or visual indicator which shows the consumer whether the adjustment process of the separator (4) is in progress and/or done.
EP06841541.3A 2005-12-30 2006-12-21 A washing machine Not-in-force EP1974085B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
TR200505409 2005-12-30
PCT/EP2006/070071 WO2007077146A1 (en) 2005-12-30 2006-12-21 A washing machine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1974085A1 true EP1974085A1 (en) 2008-10-01
EP1974085B1 EP1974085B1 (en) 2017-01-11

Family

ID=38001801

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP06841541.3A Not-in-force EP1974085B1 (en) 2005-12-30 2006-12-21 A washing machine

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1974085B1 (en)
WO (1) WO2007077146A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2284309B1 (en) * 2009-08-12 2017-04-12 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Home appliance having detergent compartment
EP4194603A1 (en) * 2021-12-07 2023-06-14 V-Zug AG Washing device with a washing detergent flap in a washing detergent drawer

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3607632A1 (en) * 1986-03-07 1987-09-17 Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Washing machine with a washing-agent flush-in tray
GB8703368D0 (en) * 1987-02-13 1987-03-18 Currys Group Plc Loading apparatus
DE10049316A1 (en) * 2000-10-05 2002-01-17 Henkel Kgaa Dosing unit introducing solid detergent into flushing chamber of washing machines, has perforated wall
TR200400739T1 (en) * 2001-11-08 2004-11-22 Arçeli̇k Anoni̇m Şi̇rketi̇ A household appliance
KR100460586B1 (en) * 2002-03-14 2004-12-09 삼성전자주식회사 Washing Machine Having Detergent Supply Apparatus
ITTO20021031A1 (en) * 2002-11-29 2004-05-30 Elbi Int Spa DEVICE FOR DISPENSING AT LEAST ONE AGENT OF

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO2007077146A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1974085B1 (en) 2017-01-11
WO2007077146A1 (en) 2007-07-12

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