EP2798113A1

EP2798113A1 - A washing machine comprising a cleaning agent dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP2798113A1
Application number: EP12790571.9A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Serdar Ayten; Ismet Bayhan; Hakan Amac; Korhan Ozkalay
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2011-12-26
Filing date: 2012-11-26
Publication date: 2014-11-05
Also published as: WO2013098005A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a dispenser (2) wherein cleaning agents such as detergent, softener, etc. are placed and wherein the cleaning agents are mixed with water, a housing (3) wherein the dispenser (2) is placed, at least one water conduit (4) that conveys water from the mains to the dispenser (2) and a flushing device (6) disposed on the dispenser (2), providing the water to be directed into the dispenser (2), having more than one hole (5) that is disposed at the base thereof and that provides the water to pass into the dispenser (2). The flushing device (6) is able to be taken out of the housing (3) by being pulled forward.

Description

A WASHING MACHINE COMPRISING A CLEANING AGENT DISPENSER

The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a dispenser wherein the cleaning agents are placed.
In the washing machines, the cleaning agents like detergent, softener etc needed for the washing process are loaded into a cleaning agent dispenser. The washing water received from the mains is directed into the drawer. The cleaning agent dissolved by mixing with water is delivered into the washing tub together with the water. Cleaning agent dispensers mostly comprise a drawer having compartments wherein the powder and/or liquid washing agents are loaded and a flushing device covering the drawer that provides the water received from the mains to pass into the drawer.
The said compartments and flushing device remaining wet after the washing causes dirt to accumulate on the compartment and the flushing device in the course of time. The accumulated dirt causes mold formation if not cleaned and this creates inconvenience in terms of hygiene.
In the state of the art embodiments, the dispenser is washed and cleaned by being removed from the housing wherein it is placed.
In the state of the art Chinese Patent Application No. CN101864655, a dispenser that can be taken out of the washing machine for cleaning and an upper cover that is mounted thereon are described.
However, in the state of the art embodiments since the water received from the mains is delivered to the dispenser by means of the pipes connected to the flushing device, the flushing device is stationary in the housing.
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine comprising a cleaning agent dispenser having more hygienic utilization conditions.
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 flushing device that provides the water to be directed into the dispenser. The flushing device provides the water sent thereon to be transferred into the dispenser by means of the holes arranged at the base thereof.
The washing machine of the present invention comprises at least one connector disposed on the rear wall of the housing wherein the dispenser and the flushing device are placed. The connector is shaped as a short, rigid pipe and the water conduit is connected to its rear end. At the rear side of the flushing device, at least one pipe-shaped water inlet is arranged, that is detachably seated onto the connector and that allows water coming from the water conduit to pass to the flushing device through the connector. By means of the water inlet being detachable, the water inlet can be detached from the connector by pulling the flushing device forward and the flushing device can be entirely taken out of the housing.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the flushing device is covered by a cover. Thus, the water transferred onto the flushing device is taken into the dispenser flowing through the channels formed between the flushing device and the cover.
In a derivative of this embodiment, the cover and the flushing device are produced as a single piece. Thus, by providing that the flushing device and the cover are in form of a detachable cartridge, ease of transportation is provided when the flushing device is removed for cleaning.
In another derivative of this embodiment, the cover is detachably mounted onto the flushing device. Thus, during cleaning the user is enabled to wash all the surfaces of the flushing device and the cover by separating them from each other.
In an embodiment of the present invention, supports are disposed, that are formed on the side walls of the housing in form of an emboss and that bear against the base of the flushing device when the flushing device is placed into the housing, thereby at least partially supporting the flushing device. Thus, the flushing device is provided to be kept in a balanced manner in the housing.
In an embodiment of the present invention, L-shaped holders are disposed on the side walls of the housing. When the flushing device is placed into the housing, the supports grasp the flushing device from below and the holders from above, thus forming a slide structure wherein the flushing device moves.
In a derivative of this embodiment, a recess is arranged on the holder and a protrusion that aligns with the recess when the flushing device is placed into the housing is disposed on the flushing device. Thus, the flushing device is provided to be locked in the housing.
In an embodiment of the present invention, on the surface of the flushing device accessible by the user, a handle is disposed, that enables the user to pull the flushing device forward by grasping it. Thus, the user can easily take the flushing device out of the housing.
In a derivative of this embodiment, the handle is shaped as a cut-out formed at the lower surface of the flushing device. Thus, while providing the user to easily take the flushing device out of the housing, an esthetic appearance is also obtained.
In an embodiment of the present invention, channels are formed between the supports and the side wall of the housing. On the sides of the flushing device, skirts are disposed, that are seated into the channel when the flushing device is mounted into the housing and that continue along the channel. Thus, the balanced movement of the flushing device during its placement into and removal out of the housing is provided.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the front wall of the dispenser entirely covers the front of the flushing device, when the dispenser is closed. Thus, it is not possible for the user to access the flushing device without opening the dispenser.
By means of the present invention, the flushing device that contacts the water in the washing machine and that mostly remains wet after the washing is provided to be removed and washed, and thereby more hygienic use conditions are maintained.
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 schematic view of a washing machine when the dispenser is taken out.
Figure 3 – is the view of detail A in Figure 2.
Figure 4 – is the schematic view of a washing machine when the dispenser and the flushing device are taken out.
Figure 5 – is the view of detail B in Figure 4.
Figure 6 – is the schematic view of a washing machine when the dispenser is taken out.
Figure 7 – is the view of detail C in Figure 6.
Figure 8 – is the top perspective view of the flushing device and the cover.
Figure 9 – is the bottom perspective view of the flushing device and the cover.
The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Washing machine
Dispenser
Housing
Water conduit
Hole
Flushing Device
Connector
Inlet port
Cover
Support
Holder
Protrusion
Recess
Handle
Channel
Skirt
Front wall

The washing machine (1) comprises a dispenser (2) wherein cleaning agents such as detergent, softener, etc. are placed and wherein the cleaning agents are mixed with water, a housing (3) wherein the dispenser (2) is placed, at least one water conduit (4) that conveys water from the mains to the dispenser (2) and a flushing device (6) disposed on the dispenser (2), providing the water to be directed into the dispenser (2), having more than one hole (5) disposed at the base thereof, providing the water to pass into the dispenser (2).
The washing machine (1) of the present invention furthermore comprises a connector (7) to which the water conduit (4) is connected, that is disposed at the rear wall of the housing (3) and that provides the water coming from the water conduit (4) to be transferred to the flushing device (6) by passing therethrough. The flushing device (6) used in the washing machine (1) of the present invention can be taken out of the housing (3) by being pulled forward and has an inlet port (8) that is disposed at the rear wall of the flushing device (6), that is detachably seated to the connector (7) and that provides the water coming from the water conduit (4) to be taken into the flushing device (6) by passing through the connector (7). Thus, it is possible for the user to easily dislodge and clean the flushing device (6) when desired.
When the user desires to clean the flushing device (6), he/she pulls the flushing device (6) forward and provides the inlet port (8) to be separated from the connector (7). Thus, the flushing device (6) remaining free can be taken out of the housing (3) and cleaned. After the cleaning is completed, the flushing device (6) is again slid to be placed into the housing (3) and it is pushed when the inlet port (8) bears against the connector (7), thus providing the inlet port (8) to be mounted to the connector (7). Thus, the connection between the water conduit (4) and the flushing device (6) is reconstituted, enabling water transfer into the flushing device (6).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a cover (9) that is mounted onto the flushing device (6) and that covers the upper surface of the flushing device (6). Thus, the controlled and regular flow of the water transferred onto the flushing device (6) is provided.
In a derivative of this embodiment, the cover (9) is integrated with the flushing device (6). Thus, when the user dislodges the flushing device (6), it is possible to transport and clean it together with the cover (9), thereby providing ease of utilization.
In another derivative of this embodiment, the cover (9) is detachably mounted onto the flushing device (6). Thus, when the user dislodges the flushing device (6), it is possible to efficiently clean all the surfaces of both the flushing device (6) and the cover (9).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises at least two supports (10) that are located at the side walls of the housing (3) and that guide the movement of the flushing device (6) in the housing (3) by supporting the flushing device (6) from below. Thus, the flushing device (6) is provided to move easily in the housing (3).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises at least one holder (11) that is located at the side walls of the housing (3) and that guides the movement of the flushing device (6) in the housing (3) by supporting the flushing device (6) from above. Thus, the forward-backward movement of the flushing device (6) in the housing (3) is provided to be realized in a controlled manner and the flushing device (6) is prevented from bending downward by its own weight while being pulled forward.
In a derivative of this embodiment, the flushing device (6) comprises one protrusion (12) on each side wall of the upper surface thereof and the holder (11) comprises a recess (13) that provides the flushing device (6) to be locked with the housing (3) by being seated onto the protrusion (12) when the inlet port (8) is seated to the connector (7). Thus, when the flushing device (6) is placed into the housing (3), the protrusion (12) is also placed into the recess (13) and the user is enabled to feel the placement of the flushing device (6) into its place.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a handle (14) that is disposed at the front surface of the flushing device (6) and that enables the flushing device (6) to be taken out of the housing (3) by being grasped by the user. Thus, it is possible for the user to easily take the flushing device (6) out of the housing (3).
In a derivative of this embodiment, the handle (14) is shaped as a recess allowing the user to place his/her hand from below. Thus, the accumulation of dust, dirt, etc. on the handle (14) is prevented, providing an esthetic appearance.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises channels (15) formed longitudinally between the supports (10) and the side wall of the housing (3), and skirts (16) that extend downwards from the lateral sides of the flushing device (6) and that goes into the channel (15) to be borne by the channel (15) during the movement of the flushing device (6) in the housing (3). Thus, the balanced movement of the flushing device (6) during its placement into the housing (3) and removal out of the housing (3) is provided.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser (2) comprises a front wall (17) that extends towards the front of the flushing device (6) so as to prevent access to the flushing device (6) by closing the front of the flushing device (6) when the dispenser (2) is closed. Thus, the user is prevented from accessing the flushing device (6) when the dispenser (2) is closed.
In the washing machine (1) of the present invention, bacteria formation at the dispenser (2) region is minimized by providing the removal and cleaning of the flushing device (6), thereby providing more hygienic use conditions.
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 should be considered within the scope of the protection postulated by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

A washing machine (1) comprising a dispenser (2) wherein cleaning agents such as detergent, softener, etc. are placed and wherein the cleaning agents are mixed with water, a housing (3) wherein the dispenser (2) is placed, at least one water conduit (4) that conveys water from the mains to the dispenser (2) and a flushing device (6) disposed on the dispenser (2), providing the water to be directed into the dispenser (2), having more than one hole (5) disposed at the base thereof, providing the water to pass into the dispenser (2),

characterized by

- a connector (7) to which the water conduit (4) is connected, that is disposed at the rear wall of the housing (3) and that provides the water coming from the water conduit (4) to be transferred to the flushing device (6) by passing therethrough and

- the flushing device (6) that can be taken out of the housing (3) by being pulled forward and that has an inlet port (8) that is disposed at the rear wall thereof, that is detachably seated to the connector (7) and that provides the water coming from the water conduit (4) to be taken into the flushing device (6) by passing through the connector (7).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by a cover (9) mounted onto the flushing device (6) and that covers the upper surface of the flushing device (6).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the cover (9) that is integrated with the flushing device (6).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by the cover (9) that is detachably mounted onto the flushing device (6).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least two opposite supports (10) that are located at the side walls of the housing (3) and that guide the movement of the flushing device (6) in the housing (3) by supporting the flushing device (6) from below.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one holder (11) that is located at the side walls of the housing (3) and that guides the movement of the flushing device (6) in the housing (3) by supporting the flushing device (6) from above.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one protrusion (12) on each of the lateral sides of the upper surface of the flushing device (6), and the holder (11) having a recess (13) that is arranged on the holder (11) and that provides the flushing device (6) to be locked with the housing (3) by being seated onto the protrusion (12) when the inlet port (8) is seated to the connector (7).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a handle (14) that is disposed at the front surface of the flushing device (6) and that enables the flushing device (6) to be taken out of the housing (3) by being grasped by the user.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 8, characterized by the handle (14) that is shaped as a recess allowing the user to place his/her hand from below.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the claims 5 to 7, characterized by channels (15) formed longitudinally between the supports (10) and the side wall of the housing (3), and skirts (16) that extend downwards from the lateral sides of the flushing device (6) and that goes into the channel (15) to be borne by the channel (15) during the movement of the flushing device (6) in the housing (3).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the dispenser (2) that comprises a front wall (17) that extends towards the front of the flushing device (6) so as to prevent access to the flushing device (6) by closing the front of the flushing device (6) when the dispenser (2) is closed.