EP2519678B1

EP2519678B1 - A washing machine

Info

Publication number: EP2519678B1
Application number: EP10796061.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Onur Boztas; Atilla Sevli; Korhan Ozkalay
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2009-12-30
Filing date: 2010-12-22
Publication date: 2014-02-12
Anticipated expiration: 2030-12-22
Also published as: PL2519678T3; WO2011080175A1; EP2519678A1

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a detergent box wherein cleaning agents are placed.
The washing machines comprise detergent boxes wherein cleaning agents such as detergent, softener etc. are placed. The cleaning agents placed in the detergent box in separate compartments from each other are transferred to the washing tub after being mixed with the wash water. The covers are known in the technique that at least partially cover the compartments containing the cleaning agents not desired to be mixed with water at once, particularly during the main washing.
In the state of the art International Patent Application No. W02005116322 , a washing machine is explained that comprises covers covering the chambers allocated for filling in the cleaning agents such as softener and bleach.
In the embodiment explained in state of the art United States Patent No. US2007056329 , a washing machine is explained that comprises a single cover which covers the top surfaces of the compartments allocated for filling cleaning agents such as bleach and softener and at the same time serves as the siphon cover.
In the state of the art embodiments, the detergent box (D) can comprise side by side positioned compartments and can also comprise compartments that are positioned one in front of the other or at least partially positioned one above the other. In detergent box (D) embodiments comprising compartments, one in front of the other, when the user wants to add cleaning agent by pulling the detergent box (D) while water is being received into the front compartment (F), the problem of the water received to the front compartment (F) filling into the back compartment (B) and the cleaning agent in the back compartment (B) mixing with the wash water before the required time are encountered (Figure 3 and Figure 4). DE 9103 486 U discloses a washing machine comprising a detergent box according to the preamble of claim 1.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine wherein the cleaning agents loaded into the detergent box are provided to mix into the wash water at the right time.
The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a detergent box having a front compartment and a rear compartment, one in front of the other, wherein the cleaning agents are placed. The front compartment and the rear compartment are separated by means of an intermediate wall. The detergent box is opened by being pulled forward and the cleaning agents are placed into the compartments from above.
The rear compartment is wider than the front compartment. The portion of the rear compartment aligned with the front compartment is closed by means of a cover. Accordingly, if the detergent box is pulled forward by the user while water is received into the front compartment, the water, flowing through the first hole group on the flushing device providing water to be received into the front compartment, is prevented from filling into the rear compartment. The detergent box comprises an opening disposed on the portion of the rear compartment not aligned with front compartment in order to receive water into the rear compartment the portion aligned with the front compartment of which is closed by the cover when desired. A second hole group is provided on the flushing device aligned with the opening. Thus, when the cleaning agent filled into the rear compartment is desired to be mixed into the water, the water delivered through the second hole group is able to reach the rear compartment by passing through the opening.
A wall is provided on the cover between the portion thereof remaining behind the front compartment and the opening. The wall serves as a barrier preventing water coming over the cover from flowing towards the opening in case the user opens the cover while water is delivered through the first hole group.
Furthermore a channel is provided on the cover extending along the wall and adjacent to the wall wherein water can fill in case, it rises such as to overflow from the wall. The channel serves as a second safety means preventing the water from reaching the opening.
An extension is provided at the front side of the cover. The user can take out the cover from over the detergent box by holding from the extension.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the rear compartment comprises a siphon that provides water to be emptied and the cleaning agent placed therein when filled with water. The siphon cover seated on the siphon that provides siphon effect to be produced by surrounding the siphon is produced to be integrated with the cover. Thus, the cover is supported by the siphon when mounted on the detergent box.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the rear compartment is L shaped. In this embodiment, the portion of the rear compartment that is wider than the front compartment extends towards the side of the front compartment. Thus, it is possible to load cleaning agent into both of the compartments from the front.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a skirt is provided all around the sides of the cover, extending downwards and providing the cover to be seated on the walls of the rear compartment.
In an embodiment of the present invention, by the housings disposed on the surface of the skirt seated to the rear wall of the rear compartment being seated to the detent means on the rear wall of the rear compartments, the cover is mounted on the detergent box immovably. The detent means have preferably triangular cross sections. If the cover is moved in the upward direction by holding from the extension, at a certain angle the housing is released from the detent means and the cover becomes free.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the opening is formed all along between the cover and the side wall of the rear compartment. In this embodiment, the cover comprises a support that extends from over the opening toward over the detergent box in order to eliminate the created imbalance since the cover cannot be seated on the detergent box from the side thereof facing the opening.
In an embodiment of the present invention, a recess is formed at the portion of the cover covering the rear compartment. The recess has a base that slopes backwards. If the cover is aligned with the first hole group as a result of the user pulling the detergent box, the flowing water fills into the recess and moves towards the back of the detergent box by means of the sloping base of the recess.
The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 - is the schematic view of a washing machine.
Figure 2 - is the perspective view of the detergent box cover in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 3 - is the schematic view of a detergent box in the prior art.
Figure 4 - is the sideways cross sectional view of a detergent box in the prior art.
Figure 5 - is the front cross-sectional view of the detergent box in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 - is the sideways cross-sectional view of the detergent box in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 7 - is the perspective view of the cover in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 8 - is the rear view of the cover in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 - is the perspective view of the detergent box in an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 10 - is the perspective view of the flushing device in an embodiment of the present invention.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1. Washing machine
2. Detergent box
3. Front compartment
4. Rear compartment
5. Intermediate wall
6. Flushing Device
7. Cover
8. Opening
9. First hole group
10. Second hole group
11. Wall
12. Channel
13. Extension
14. Siphon
15. Siphon cover
16. Skirt
17. Housing
18. Detent means
19. Support means
20. Recess

The washing machine (1) comprises a detergent box (2) that is opened by being pulled forward, having a front compartment (3) wherein cleaning agents are placed, at least one rear compartment (4) situated behind the front compartment (3) in the direction of pulling, wherein cleaning agents are placed and an intermediate wall (5) separating the front compartment (3) and the rear compartment (4) from each other and a flushing device (6) disposed over the detergent box (2) that provides water to be directed into the appropriate compartments (3, 4) in the detergent box (2) (Figure 1 and Figure 2).
The rear compartment (4) is wider than the front compartment (3).
The washing machine (1) of the present invention furthermore comprises,

a cover (7) that completely covers the portion of the rear compartment (4) aligned with the front compartment (3), preventing water from passing to the portion remaining under the rear compartment (4) and
an opening (8) situated at the portion of the rear compartment (4) not aligned with the front compartment (3), allowing water to be transferred to the rear compartment (4) when desired.

Consequently, even in case the user pulls the detergent box (2) during water intake into the front compartment (3), water transfer to the rear compartment (4) is prevented, providing the cleaning agent filled into the rear compartment (4) to be mixed with water only at the right step of the washing.
The flushing device (6) comprises a first hole group (9) that provides water to be transferred to the front compartment (3) and a second hole group (10) providing water to be transferred to the rear compartment (4) by being aligned with the opening (8) while the detergent box (2) is inside the washing machine (1) (Figure 3, Figure 4 and Figure 10).
When water is desired to be received into the front compartment (3), water is delivered over the flushing device (6) such as to reach the first hole group (9). The water passing through the first hole group (9) fills into the front compartment (3). In the case the detergent box (2) is pulled during this time, water continuing to flow through the first hole group (9) flows over the cover (7) and cannot reach to the rear compartment (4) since the rear compartment (4) is closed by the cover (7) (Figure 5 and Figure 6).
When water is desired to be received into the rear compartment (4), water is delivered over the flushing device (6) such as to reach the second hole group (10). Water passing through the second hole group (10) fills into the rear compartment (4) by passing through the opening (8).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the cover (7) comprises a recess (20) disposed on the portion thereof aligned with the rear compartment (4), the base of which is configured to be sloping that gets gradually deeper from the front to the back. Consequently, when the detergent box (2) is pulled forward while water is delivered from the first hole group (9), the water flowing on the cover (7) is provided to fill in the recess (20) and to easily flow toward behind the detergent box (2) (Figure 7).
In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the cover (7) comprises a wall (11) that extends between the opening (8) and the cover (7), preventing water coming over the cover (7) from reaching the opening (8) (Figure 7). Thus, the accumulated water is prevented from reaching the opening (8) in the case the user opens the detergent box (2) while water is delivered through the first hole group (9) and water is accumulated on the cover (7).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the cover (7) comprises a channel (12) that extends parallel to the wall (11) which prevents water coming over the cover (7) from reaching the opening (8) in case water overflows from the wall (11). Thus, the accumulated water is prevented from reaching the opening (8) in case the user keeps the detergent box (2) open for a long time while water is delivered through the first hole group (9) and water accumulated on the cover (7) overflows from the wall (11).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the cover (7) comprises an extension (13) disposed on the front side thereof, allowing the user to hold the cover (7) and dislodge when desired (Figure 7). Thus, it becomes possible to easily dislodge and clean the cover (7) when desired.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the rear compartment (4) comprises a siphon (14), shaped as a hollow cylinder, that provides the cleaning agent to be emptied together with water when the water filled therein reaches a certain level. In this embodiment, the cover (7) comprises a siphon cover (15) the base of which is shaped as an open cylinder, that is mounted on the siphon (14) (Figure 7 and Figure 8). The siphon cover (15) provides the water in the rear compartment (4) to be completely emptied by creating the siphon effect. The siphon cover (15) and the cover (7) being one piece enables both the cover (7) to be positioned in a balanced manner and also both of the functions to be performed by a single element.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the detergent box (2) is L shaped and comprises a rear compartment (4) the short arm of which extends behind the front compartment (3) and the long arm extending to be adjacent to the front compartment (3) (Figure 9). In this embodiment, the cover (7) does not cover the portion of the rear compartment (4) that is adjacent to the front compartment (3). Thus, it is possible to fill the cleaning agent into the rear compartment (4) from the side of the front compartment (3) without opening the cover (7).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the cover (7) comprises a skirt (16) providing the cover (7) to be mounted on the intermediate wall (5), the rear wall and the side wall of the rear compartment (4) (Figure 7). Thus, it is possible to mount the cover (7) over the detergent box (2) in a balanced manner.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the cover (7) comprises at least one housing (17) at the portion of the skirt (16) surrounding the rear wall of the rear compartment (4) and the detergent box (2) comprises at least one detent means (18) disposed at the rear wall of the rear compartment (4) and which is seated in the housing (17) when the cover (7) is mounted over the detergent box (2) (Figure 6 and Figure 8). Accordingly, the cover (7) is provided to be secured on the detergent box (2). The detent means (18) have a triangular cross section that gets wider downwards so that the cover (7) is prevented from falling off the detergent box (2) when the detergent box (2) is dislodged for example for the aim of cleaning. Only when the cover (7) is held from the extension (13) and lifted by rotating, after a certain angle the detent means (18) are dislodged from the housing (17) and the cover (7) is released.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the cover (7) comprises at least one support mean (19) disposed on the side thereof facing the opening (8), providing the cover (7) to be supported from that side by extending to the side wall of the rear compartment (4) over the opening (8) (Figure 7). Thus, the cover (7) is provided to bear against both side walls of the rear compartment (4) and to be mounted on the detergent box (2) properly.
By means of the cover (7) used in the washing machine (1) of the present invention, water is provided not to be received into the rear compartment (4) even if the detergent box (2) is taken outside by pulling during water intake into the front compartment (3).
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above and a person skilled in the art can easily introduce different embodiments. These different embodiments should also be considered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

A washing machine (1) comprising a detergent box (2) that is opened by being pulled forward having
- a front compartment (3) wherein cleaning agents are placed,

- at least one rear compartment (4) situated behind the front compartment (3) in the direction of pulling, wherein cleaning agents are placed and

- the rear compartment (4) being wider than the front compartment (3),

- an intermediate wall (5) separating the front compartment (3) and the rear compartment (4) from each other,
and a flushing device (6) disposed over the detergent box (2) that provides water to be directed into the appropriate compartments (3, 4) in the detergent box (2),
characterized by

- a cover (7) that completely covers the portion of the rear compartment (4) aligned with the front compartment (3), preventing water from passing to the portion remaining under the rear compartment (4) and

- an opening (8) situated at the portion of the rear compartment (4) not aligned with the front compartment (3), allowing water to be transferred to the rear compartment (4) when desired.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the flushing device (6) that comprises a first hole group (9) providing water to be transferred to the front compartment (3) and a second hole group (10) providing water to be transferred to the rear compartment (4) by being aligned with the opening (8).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the cover (7) that comprises a recess (20) disposed on the portion thereof aligned with the rear compartment (4), the base of which is configured to be sloping that gets gradually deeper from the front to the back.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the cover (7) comprising a wall (11) that extends between the opening (8) and the cover (7), preventing water coming thereon from reaching the opening (8)
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by the cover (7) comprising a channel (12) that extends parallel to the wall (11) which prevents water coming over the cover (7) from reaching the opening (8) in case water overflows from the wall (11).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the cover (7) comprising an extension (13) disposed on the front side thereof, allowing the user to dislodge when desired by holding.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the rear compartment (4) having a siphon (14), shaped as a hollow cylinder, that provides the cleaning agent to be emptied together with the water when water filled therein reaches a certain level and the cover (7) having a siphon cover (15) the base of which is shaped as an open cylinder, that is mounted on the siphon (14).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the detergent box (2) which is L-shaped, comprising a rear compartment (4) the short arm of which extends behind the front compartment (3) and the long arm extending to be adjacent to the front compartment (3) and the cover (7) that does not cover the portion of the rear compartment (4) that remains adjacent to the front compartment (3).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the cover (7) comprising a skirt (16) providing the cover (7) to be mounted on the intermediate wall (5), the rear wall and the side wall of the rear compartment (4).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 9, characterized by the cover (7) having at least one housing (17) at the portion of the skirt (16) surrounding the rear wall of the rear compartment (4) and the detergent box (2) having at least one detent means (18) disposed at the rear wall of the rear compartment (4) and which is seated in the housing (17) when the cover (7) is mounted over the detergent box (2).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 10, characterized by the detergent box (2) comprising the detent means (18) having triangular cross section that gets wider downwards.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the cover (7) comprising at least one support mean (19) disposed on the side thereof facing the opening (8), providing the cover (7) to be supported from that side by extending to the side wall of the rear compartment (4) from over the opening (8).