EP2048276B1 - Metering device for treatment agent for a washing machine and washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

Two supply containers (20,21) are arranged on a base unit (19) in a removable and secured manner to receive a powdered treating agent. A delivery device delivers the treating agent to a washing machine (1) through a hose (15,16). It has a mixing chamber that receives the treating agent so that the treating agent is flushed out by inflowing water and delivered to the washing machine via a detergent solution pump. The container includes an agitator drivable by an electric motor and an opening through which the powdered treating agent is admitted to the mixing chamber. An independent claim is included for a washing machine.

Description

The invention relates to a metering device for treatment agent for a washing machine, with at least two storage containers for receiving a respective treatment agent such as detergent or washing or rinsing additives, and a conveyor, with which the treatment agent can be promoted via a connecting hose to the washing machine.

The invention further relates to a washing machine, comprising a tub for receiving washing liquid and a control device, with a metering device, which can be arranged away from the washing machine, which is connected via two hose lines to the washing machine and is in operative connection with the control device of the washing machine.

In home washing machines, the detergent is usually added by hand to a chamber, which is rinsed with water into the tub after the start of the wash program. The user must comply with the dosing instructions for the detergent used in each case and make sure that he fills the correct amount in the chamber. In order to simplify the loading of detergent or other additives, such as fabric softener, automatic metering devices are used in which a larger amount of detergent is stored in a reservoir. When starting a washing program, the preset amount of detergent is then supplied to the washing liquid, so that the user does not have to pay attention to the amount of detergent to be filled in each wash cycle. Especially with commercially used washing machines such dosing devices are often used.

From the DE 33 02 893 C2 is a washing machine with a metering device for liquid detergents known, which is placed separately from the washing machine. The metering device comprises a separate housing in which two storage containers for the adding means are permanently installed and a control device and the metering pump are accommodated. By means of hose connections, water passes from the tub into the metering device, in which water the adding agent is added. The added water with the admixing agent is pumped into the washing machine via a second line in the area of the flushing channel for the fresh water inlet. The metering device disclosed here is designed as a separate Beistellgerät for which an additional fixed predetermined place must be provided laterally next to the washing machine. A connection of the metering device to the washing machine via two hoses or pipes and a cable to power the Pump and for signal, - or data transmission. The accessibility to the containers for filling or cleaning is hampered by the cramped arrangement.

Another metering device for liquid additives is from the DE 10 2005 050 083 A1 known. Here, a storage container for liquid detergent outside the washing machine is arranged and connected by means of a hose to the washing machine. Within the washing machine, the metering pump is arranged, which promotes the liquid or viscous detergent via a hose into the lower region of the tub. The metering pump is controlled by the control device of the washing machine, which determines the respective quantity of detergent to be metered on the basis of the switch-on time.

In these known metering devices, the user can only use liquid or viscous detergents.

From the EP 0 297 371 B1 or WO 03/023120 A1 is a metering device for powdered detergent known. From a reservoir, the washing powder is introduced into a mixing chamber and conveyed from there to the washing machine. An agitator comprising at least one rotating knife moves the powder within the container, the powder trickling through the movement through an opening into the mixing chamber. If the desired amount is present in the mixing chamber, the mixing chamber is rinsed with water, wherein the effluent, mixed with the washing powder water is passed through a line to the washing machine. In this metering device liquid detergent can not be used.

From the WO 2007/027779 A1 is a metering device for liquid additives for a dishwasher known. The liquid treatment agent is metered or admitted by means of a pump into the treatment room. The metering device comprises a base part into which a plurality of storage containers are inserted. To dose powdered treatment agent, another base part is provided which has an additional water supply, so that the powder can be mixed with the water and then pumped to the dishwasher. This metering device has the disadvantage that it is suitable either only for liquid treatment agent or only powdered treatment agent.

From the post-published WO 2007/146458 A2 According to Art 54 (3) EPC, a metering device is known, for which a separate base part is provided for each storage container, which is in each case connected with a separate line to a distributor. Several washing machines can be connected to the distributor, so that the selected adding agent is fed to the requesting washing machine.

The invention is thus based on the object of improving a metering device or a washing machine in such a way that it is suitable for a large number of types of detergents or treatment agents.

According to the invention the object is achieved by a metering device having the features of patent claim 1 and by a washing machine having the features of the patent claim 9 solved. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims 2 to 8 and 10 to 12.

The advantages attainable with the invention are that the comfort is increased and the reliability for the washing results is improved. The user no longer needs to estimate the amount of detergent at each wash and to fill by hand into a compartment of the Einspülkastens. Another advantage is that the user can continue to use his preferred type of detergent and that the most suitable laundry detergent is used for the majority of laundry to be washed. The metering device according to the invention is therefore designed so that both liquid treatment agent, such as colored laundry detergent or fabric softener and powdered detergent (powder, granules or beads) can be used, so that almost all washing cycles can be covered in a household. For this purpose, it comprises a base unit, on which the reservoirs are removably mounted and fixed, wherein the conveyor is arranged in the base unit, which is provided for both powdered and liquid treatment agent.

According to the invention, the conveying device comprises a drain pump and a mixing chamber for receiving the treatment agent to be metered, wherein the treatment agent introduced into the mixing chamber can be flushed out by means of inflowing water and conveyed to the washing machine with the drain pump. As a result, the metering device can be set up optionally. Also, a list next to the washing machine or below is possible because it is ensured by the drain pump that regardless of gravity, the treated with treatment agent water enters the washing machine.

In an advantageous embodiment, the metering device has at least one reservoir for pulverulent treatment agent with an agitator, which is coupled to an electric motor and can be driven by this, wherein the powdery treatment agent can be introduced via an opening in the mixing chamber. With the stirrer, the powder is made free-flowing and thereby transported through the opening in the mixing chamber, so that the predetermined amount is dosed as accurately as possible.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the metering device has at least one reservoir for liquid treatment agent and a pump which is coupled to an electric motor and driven by this, wherein the liquid treatment agent is conveyed into the mixing chamber by the pump. With the pump, such as a peristaltic pump, the predetermined amount is timed promoted from the container into the mixing chamber, the dosage can be met very accurately.

In an expedient development, the pump is attached to the reservoir for liquid treatment agent. Thus, the assignment of the pump to the associated container for liquid processing agent is ensured.

It is advantageous to use a gear motor for driving the pump or the agitator. Here, a gear is coupled to the electric motor or designed as a unit to provide a higher torque at the output of the transmission. Thus, the engine can be made small in size with less power, and the necessary torque for crushing caked powder or for conveying viscous adding agent is still provided.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the geared motor for the agitator and the geared motor for the pump are arranged in the base unit. The engines each have a clutch on the transmission output, which provides the detachable connection with the agitator or the pump. In this way, the containers can be easily removed from the base unit, for example, to clean them.

Further, it is possible that the container or container type can be freely selected with the treatment agent to be used. In an advantageous development, the metering device comprises two storage containers, wherein in the base unit optionally a storage container for powdered treatment agent and a reservoir for liquid treatment agent or two reservoirs for powdered treatment agent or two reservoirs for liquid treatment agent are attached and attached. As a result, the user is provided with a multiplicity of possible combinations for equipping the metering device.

It is altogether expedient to adapt the washing machine for the metering device so that the control device of the washing machine communicates with the metering device. As a result, depending on the washing program, the container in the metering device can be selected, which contains the suitable detergent, and then the amount to be metered can be specified.

In this case, the washing machine comprises a connection which can be controlled via an inlet valve and / or a water switch and which is connected to the metering device, via which water can be conveyed to the metering device, and also a further connection for the liquor which can be conveyed out of the metering device. The connection for the lye is connected via a flexible line with the tub, so that the oscillating movements of the tub can be compensated during operation.

In an advantageous embodiment, the washing machine has a Waschmitteleinspülkasten arranged in the upper region, which is connected via a Wasserzuführleitung for flushing detergent or additive from the Waschmitteleinspülkasten in connection whose outlet is guided via a flexible connecting pipe in the tub, wherein the flexible conduit in the connecting pipe empties. Thus, the user can continue to use detergents or treating agents in a conventional manner. For example, in special treatments, such as the washing of curtains or functional textiles, in which the stored funds can not be used, the special agent is entered for a single wash over the Waschmitteleinspülkasten in the tub.

In general, the washing machine has a housing with a rear wall to which a connection for the water supply to the solenoid valve and / or the water separator is attached. In an expedient embodiment, the connection for the water to the metering device and the connection for the liquor that can be conveyed out of the metering device are also attached to the rear wall.

Fig. 1

die an eine Waschmaschine angeschossene Dosiereinrichtung in schematischer Darstellung;

Fig. 2, 3

die Dosiereinrichtung im Detail;

Fig. 4:

die Dosiereinrichtung in einer Schnittdarstellung;

Fig. 5 a - c:

Kombinationsmöglichkeiten für die Dosiereinrichtung und

Fig. 6:

einen Behälter für sich allein.

An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. Show it

Fig. 1

the metering device attached to a washing machine in a schematic representation;

Fig. 2, 3rd

the metering device in detail;

4:

the metering device in a sectional view;

Fig. 5 a - c:

Possible combinations for the dosing device and

Fig. 6:

a container on its own.

According to Fig. 1 includes the sketched washing machine 1 a tub 2 with a rotatably mounted therein drum 3, which is driven by an electric motor, not shown. The metering device 18 is arranged outside the washing machine 1 and connected via connecting tubes 15, 16 with this. For example, liquid detergents, washing additives or flushing additives, such as fabric softeners, are used as adding agents. The metering device 18, which is designed separately from the washing machine 1, can optionally be set up or fastened at different locations. Depending on the setup conditions for the washing machine 1, it can for example be placed or fastened on the housing 4 of the washing machine 1, laterally beside or behind it. The washing machine 1 further comprises a dispenser 6, in which, for example, a detergent compartment 9 for receiving the detergent for a washing cycle is arranged, which is connected via a flexible pipe 8 with the tub 2. The Einspülkasten 6 stands with a water supply 12 with the interposition of a solenoid valve 10 and / or a water gate 11 in connection, which can be controlled by a control device 7 and provides the flushing of detergent in the tub 2 for a single wash when the metering device 18 is not used.

For the addition of detergent from the external metering device 18, this is supplied via the feed tube 15 with water. The mixed with detergent water or alkali concentrate is conveyed through the lye line 16 to the washing machine 1, wherein on the rear wall 5 of the washing machine 1 each have a connection 13a for the coupling piece 13b of the water pipe 15 and a connection 14a for the coupling piece 14b of the liquor line 16 is. The guided inside the washing machine lye line 17 opens into the flexible tube 8 on the tub 2. The solenoid valve 10, the water switch 11 and the metering device 18 are controlled by the controller 7 of the washing machine 1, which also provides the flow of the washing programs. Via a signal connection 32, the metering device 18 is in operative connection with the control device 7. The metering device 18 in this embodiment comprises a base unit 19 and in each case a container 20 for powdered or granular detergent and a container 21 for liquid or viscous washing, - or treatment agent.

In Fig. 2 the metering device 18 is shown in detail. On the base part 19, a powder processing agent container 20P and a liquid processing agent container 21L are attached. The connecting tubes 15, 16 are led out of the base part 19 and provided at their free ends with coupling pieces 13b, 14b, which in the respectively provided connection 13a, 13b (FIG. Fig. 1 ) are attached to the washing machine 1 and fastened. The containers 20P and 21L are each provided with a detachable lid 20D, 21D so that the treating agent filled in the containers 20P, 21L does not stain, absorb moisture or dry out.

In the side view according to Fig. 3 Furthermore, the details can be seen, which are located in the base part 19. Below the first container 20P is mounted the electric motor 25a with coupled gear 26a, which controls the agitator 24 (FIG. Fig. 4 ) drives. The conveyor 30 comprises a mixing chamber 22 and a drain pump 23, with which the flushed out in the mixing chamber 22 treatment agent is conveyed together with the rinsing water to the liquor line 16. Below the container 21 L for liquid additive, the pump 28, for example, a peristaltic pump, arranged, which promotes the agent quantity in the mixing chamber 22 and metered. The pump 28 is driven by an electric motor 25b with a gear 26b, a so-called geared motor.

In the sectional view according to Fig. 4 the connection of the individual parts of the metering device 18 is illustrated. In the container 20P for powdered treatment agent is a stirrer 24, which has a vertical axis rotating knives or rods. Via an opening at the bottom of the container 20P, the treatment agent 29 is introduced into the mixing chamber 22 via the opening 27. The rotating blades let the powdery treatment agent 29 trickle through the opening 27. The agitator 24 is separably connected via a coupling 34 with an electric motor 25a and with the output of the transmission 26a. Thereby, the container 20P can be removed with the agitator 24 from the base part 19, wherein the electric motor 25a and the gear 26a remain in the base part 19. The metered in the mixing chamber 22 treatment agent 29 is flushed out via the water inlet 15 a, which opens into nozzles 33, which are directed from the top into the interior of the chamber 22. When the water is introduced into the mixing chamber 22, the water or liquor, which is usually concentrated, is passed through the drain 16a into the lower region of the chamber 22, which is connected to the drain pump 23 via the line 16b to the liquor line 16 is pumped.

The drive for the second container 21 L is similar. When using a container 21 L with liquid treatment agent, a metering pump 28 is mounted in the base part, with which the treatment agent can be pumped through a further opening in the mixing chamber 22. The pump 28 is driven by an electric motor 25b with a downstream gear 26b. The container 21 L can be removed from the base part, wherein the gear motor 25 b, 26 b and the pump 28 remain in the base part.

In a further development, the metering pump 28 is mounted on the underside of the container 21 L and coupled via a coupling piece with the output of the transmission 26b. With the same configuration of the coupling pieces and inlet openings in the mixing chamber 22, the container 20, 21 can be optionally included in the base part 19. According to Fig. 5a the combination with a container 20P for powdery and a container 21 L for liquid treatment agent is shown. In the container 20P for powdered treatment agent, the agitator 24 can be seen with the rotating knives 24a. The opening 27P and the opening 27L on the underside of the containers 20P, 21 L point towards the middle region of the base part 19, since in this area below the containers the mixing chamber 22 (FIG. Fig. 3 . 4 ) is located. In Fig. 5b the possibility is shown, the base member 18 with two containers 20L, 21 L for liquid treatment agent to equip. In Fig. 5c the possibility is shown to equip the base part 18 with two containers 20P, 21P for powdered treatment agent.

In Fig. 6 the container 20P is shown in the detached state. On the underside projections 31 are formed, which is an attachment in the base part 19 (FIG. Fig. 3 . 4 ) in the manner of a bayonet.

Claims (12)

1. A treating agent dispensing system (18) for a washing machine (1), comprising at least two supply containers (20, 21) for respectively holding a treating agent, such as detergent or washing or rinse additives, and further comprising a delivery device (30) adapted to deliver the treating agent through a connecting hose (16) to the washing machine (1), comprising a base unit (19) on which the supply containers (20, 21) are removably placed and secured,
   characterised in that the delivery device (30) is disposed within the base unit (19) and is designed for use with both powdered and liquid treating agents,
   and wherein the delivery device (30) includes a detergent solution pump (23) and a mixing chamber (22) for receiving the treating agent to be dispensed, it being possible for the treating agent that is released into mixing chamber (22) to be flushed out by inflowing water into the mixing chamber (22) and be delivered by detergent solution pump (23) to the washing machine (1).
2. The dispensing system (18) as recited in claim 1,
   wherein the dispensing system (18) includes at least one supply container (20P) for powdered treating agent, said supply container having an agitator (24) which is coupled to and drivable by an electric motor (25a), it being possible for the powdered treating agent (29) to be released through an opening (27) into the mixing chamber (22).
3. The dispensing system (18) as recited in claim 1,
   wherein the dispensing system (18) includes at least one supply container (21L) for liquid treating agent and a pump (28) which is coupled to and drivable by an electric motor (25b), the pump (28) being capable of delivering the liquid treating agent into the mixing chamber (22).
4. The dispensing system (18) as recited in claim 3,
   wherein the pump (28) is secured to the supply container (21L) for liquid treating agent.
5. The dispensing system (18) as recited in claim 2 or 4,
   wherein the electric motor (25a, 25b) has a gear mechanism (26a, 26b) attached thereto to provide a gear motor (25a, 25b, 26a, 26b).
6. The dispensing system (18) as recited in claim 5,
   wherein the gear motor (25a, 26a) for the agitator (24) and the gear motor (25b, 26b) for the pump (28) are disposed in the base unit (19); and
   the gear outputs are each provided with a coupling (34) providing for detachable connection to the agitator (24) or to the pump (28).
7. The dispensing system (18) as recited in claim 1,
   wherein the dispensing system (18) includes two supply containers (20, 21), it being possible to place and secure in the base unit (19) one supply container (20P) for powdered treating agent and one supply container (21L) for liquid treating agent or, alternatively, two supply containers (20P, 21P) for powdered treating agent or, alternatively, two supply containers (20L, 21L) for liquid treating agent.
8. The dispensing system (18) as recited in claim 1,
   wherein the supply containers (20, 21) are inserted and secured in the base unit (19) in the manner of a bayonet (31) or a threaded connection.
9. A washing machine (1) comprising a suds container (2) for receiving wash liquid, a controller (7), and further comprising a dispensing system (18) according to one of claims 1 through 8 which may be located remotely from the washing machine (1) and which is connected to the washing machine (1) via two hose lines (15, 16) and is in operative connection with the controller (7) of the washing machine (1),
   characterized by a connection (13a) which is controllable by an inlet valve (10) and/or a water distributor (11) and is connected to the dispensing system (18), and through which water can be delivered to the dispensing system (18); and
   an additional connection (14a) for the detergent solution that is deliverable from the dispensing system (18).
10. The washing machine (1) as recited in claim 9,
    wherein the connection (14a) for the detergent solution is connected to the suds container (2) via a flexible conduit (17).
11. The washing machine (1) as recited in claim 10,
    characterized by a detergent dispensing drawer (6) disposed in the upper portion of the washing machine (1), said detergent dispensing drawer (6) being in communication with a water feed line (12a) for flushing detergents or additives out therefrom, the outlet of said detergent dispensing drawer being connected to the suds container (2) via a flexible connecting tube (8), and the flexible conduit (17) opening into said connecting tube (8).
12. The washing machine (1) as recited in one of claims 9 through 11,
    characterized by a housing (4) including a rear wall (5) which is provided with a connection (12) for water supply to the solenoid valve (10) and/or to the water distributor (11), the connection (13a) for the water to the dispensing system, and the connection (14a) for the detergent solution that is deliverable from the dispensing system (18).

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