EP3169840B1

EP3169840B1 - A washing machine comprising a cleaning agent dispenser

Info

Publication number: EP3169840B1
Application number: EP15725312.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mehmet MUTLUDOGAN; Celal Vatansever; Emre AYAROGLU; Ali Levent Hasanreisoglu; Ersin Donmez; Ahmet Alptekin
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2014-07-18
Filing date: 2015-05-25
Publication date: 2018-04-25
Anticipated expiration: 2035-05-25
Also published as: TR201810718T4; EP3169840A1; WO2016008629A1

Description

The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a dispenser wherein the cleaning agents can be placed.
In washing machines, the cleaning agents like detergent, softener etc needed for the cleaning process are placed into a dispenser. The dispenser is disposed into a housing that can be accessed from the front surface of the washing machine. The washing water received from the mains is guided into the dispenser by means of a flushing device disposed on the upper side of the dispenser. The cleaning agent mixed with water is transferred from the dispenser towards the tub.
While water is transferred from the said flushing device into the dispenser, the detergent and softener remaining inside the dispenser splash and adhere to the lower surface of the flushing device and form a layer by solidifying in the course of time. These residues cause formation of mold, fungi and bacteria in the course of time due to the humid environment. This situation is unfavorable in terms of hygiene.
In the state of the art, there are embodiments related to washing and cleaning of the dispenser and the flushing device by removing from the housing wherein they are placed.
In the state of the art European patent application no. EP927784 , a dispenser and a flushing device are explained, that can be taken out of the washing machine for cleaning. Further, WO 2013/098005 A1 discloses 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), wherein 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).
The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine comprising a flushing device that can be mounted/dismounted easily and safely.
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 body; a dispenser wherein the cleaning agents like detergent, softener etc. are placed and the cleaning agents are mixed with water; a housing that is situated on the body, wherein the dispenser is placed; a flushing device that is mounted detachably to the housing so as to cover the upper surface of the dispenser and that enables the water received from the mains to be guided into the dispenser by means of the holes arranged at the base thereof; an opening that is arranged on the housing and that enables the dispenser and the flushing device to be placed into the housing, and a flange that surrounds the opening. The dispenser and the flushing device are placed by sliding into the said housing and taken out of the housing by pulling forwards.
The washing machine of the present invention comprises a locking means that is disposed at the front surface of the flange and that has a locking position wherein the locking means contacts the front surface of the flushing device in the housing and prevents the flushing device from being taken out of the housing and a free position whereto the locking means is brought from the locking position by being moved and wherein the locking means enables the flushing device to move so as to be taken out of the housing. When the user tries to take the flushing device out of the housing by pulling forwards in the locking position, the locking means creates a barrier in the movement direction of the flushing device and prevents the flushing device from being taken out.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the locking means is fixed so as to rotate around the axis whereto the locking means is attached on the flange. When the locking means is in the locking means, the free end of the locking means contacts the front surface of the flushing device. The locking means rotates around the axis whereto it is connected and changes to the free position wherein the free end thereof does not contact the flushing device. The end of the lock is connected to the flange by means of a fixing element.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the locking means prevents the placement of the dispenser by at least partially closing the opening through which the dispenser is placed into the housing. Thus, the dispenser is prevented from being placed into the housing without changing the position of the locking means.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a protrusion, that enables the locking means to remain fixed by preventing the latter from moving when the dispenser is mounted into the housing, is provided on the front surface of the dispenser. Thus, the locking means is prevented from moving without taking the dispenser out of the housing.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises at least one claw disposed on the front surface of the flushing device and at least one claw housing arranged on the claw, wherein the claw is seated. When the claw is seated into the claw housing, the connection established between the locking means and the flushing device enables the locking means to remain fixed in the locking position.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the claw is in the form of a ramp. Thus, while being changed from the free position to the locking position, the locking means moves over the ramp shape on the claw and reaches the point where the claw housing joins with the claw. After the locking means passes over the ramp on the claw, the claw is seated into the claw housing. Moreover, when the locking means is desired to be changed from the locking position to the free position, the locking means moves over the ramp shape and leaves the flushing device.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the surfaces of the claw and the claw housing wherein the claw is seated that contact with each other are positioned one above the other without any gap therebetween. Thus, when the claw is seated into the claw housing, all the surfaces of the claw contact the surfaces of the claw housing, thereby it becomes harder to break the connection. By means of the pressure occurring between the surfaces of the claw and the claw housing, a firm connection is established between the flushing device and the housing and between the flushing device and the water conduit without any gap therebetween and thus, possible water leaks are prevented.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a locking means opening surface is arranged on the surface of the flushing device at a region that the user can easily reach. While the claw is seated into the claw housing, the claw can be taken out of the claw housing by pressing onto the locking means opening surface.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises a biasing means that forces the locking means to remain in the free position. The biasing means enables the locking means to change to the free position after the rotational movement thereof. As the locking means moves away from the free position, the pressure that the biasing means applies onto the locking means increases. The biasing means, that is preferably a spring, is connected to the flange from one end and to the locking means from the other end.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the locking means is L-shaped. Thus, when the locking means is in the locking position, the surface area thereof that contacts the flushing device increases and the locking means creates a stronger barrier in front of the flushing device. When the locking means is in the free position, the end of the locking means extending towards the opening creates a better barrier in front of the dispenser. Moreover, it becomes easier to establish the connection between the claw and the claw housing that is formed on an arm of the locking means.
In this embodiment, when the locking means is in the locking position, one arm of the locking means extends over the flushing device and the other arm thereof over the flange. When the locking means is in the free position, the arms of the locking means extend over the opening. Thus, the locking means provides two different positions so that only the movement of the flushing device is prevented or only the movement of the dispenser is prevented.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises a sensor that detects the position of the locking means. The position data detected by the sensor is transmitted to the user by the control unit by using audio or light warning means. Thus, the position data of the locking means is transmitted to the user without requiring the user to bend and look inside the housing and user satisfaction is increased.
In another embodiment of the present invention, on the side walls of the housing, supports are provided, that bear against the base of the flushing device and hence at least partially support the flushing device when the flushing device is placed into the housing, as well as retainers that grasp the flushing device from above. Thus, a slider structure is formed wherein the flushing device moves and the flushing device is enabled to be held in a balanced manner inside the housing.
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 enabled to be removed and washed, and thereby more hygienic usage conditions are maintained. Furthermore, after the cleaning operation, the flushing device is enabled to be placed into the housing safely and by maintaining effective water-proofing.
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 dispenser, the flushing device and the housing when the locking means is in the locking position.
Figure 3 - is the perspective view of the housing while the locking means is in the free position.
Figure 4 - is the partial perspective view of the housing while the locking means is mounted.
Figure 5 - is the partial perspective view of the housing while the locking means is not mounted.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1. Washing machine
2. Body
3. Housing
4. Dispenser
5. Flushing device
6. Opening
7. Flange
8. Locking means
9. Protrusion
10. Claw
11. Claw housing
12. Locking means opening surface
13. Biasing means
14. Sensor
15. Control unit
16. Support
17. Retainer

The washing machine (1) comprises a body (2); a dispenser (4) wherein the cleaning agents like detergent, softener etc. are placed; a housing (3) that is situated on the body (2), wherein the dispenser (4) is placed; a flushing device (5) that is mounted detachably to the housing (3) so as to cover the upper surface of the dispenser (4) and that enables the water received from the mains to pass into the dispenser (4); an opening (6) that is arranged on the housing (3) and that enables the dispenser (4) and the flushing device (5) to be placed into the housing (3), and a flange (7) that surrounds the opening (6) (Figure 1).
The washing machine (1) of the present invention comprises a locking means (8) that is disposed on the flange (7) and that has a locking position wherein the locking means (8) bears against the front surface of the flushing device (5) and prevents the flushing device (5) from being taken out of the housing (3) and a free position whereto the locking means (8) is brought from the locking position by being moved and wherein the locking means (8) enables the flushing device (5) to be taken out of the housing (3). Thus, the movement of the flushing device (5) is prevented while the locking means (8) is in the locking position and the flushing device (5) cannot be taken out of the housing (3). The locking means (8) does not extend towards the front surface of the flushing device (5) when brought from the locking position to the free position and the flushing device (5) can be taken out of the housing (3) wherein it is located (Figure 2 and Figure 3).
In an embodiment of the present invention, the locking means (8) is fixed so as to rotate around the axis whereto the locking means (8) is attached on the flange (7). While the locking means (8) is connected to the flange from one end, the other end thereof is free and the locking means (8) can rotate around its axis.
In another embodiment of the present invention, while in the free position, one end of the locking means (8) extends towards the opening (6) and the locking means (8) prevents the dispenser (4) from being placed into the housing (3). Thus, the user cannot place the dispenser (4) into the housing (3) without first placing the flushing device (5) into the housing (3) and changing the locking means (8) to the locking position. Thus, the user is prevented from operating the washing machine (1) without placing the flushing device (5) into position.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a protrusion (9) that is arranged on the dispenser (4) and that prevents the locking means (8) from changing from the locking position to the free position. While the locking means (8) is in the locking position, the protrusion (9) creates a barrier in the rotational direction of the locking means (8) and thus, when the dispenser (4) is mounted, the locking means (8) is prevented from rotating and changing from the locking position to the free position. Thus, the user is prevented from taking out the flushing device (5) without taking out the dispenser (4) (Figure 2 and Figure 4).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises at least one claw (10) that is arranged on the flushing device (5) and at least one claw housing (11) that is arranged on the locking means (8), wherein the claw (10) is seated. When the locking means (8) is changed to the locking position, the claw (10) is seated into the claw housing (11), thus providing the connection between the locking means (8) and the flushing device (5). Thus, the user makes sure that the flushing device (5) is properly placed into position, the locking means (8) remains fixed in the locking position and the flushing device (5) is prevented from dislodging from inside the housing (3) during the operation of the washing machine (1).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the claw (10) has an inclined surface. Thus, while being changed from the free position to the locking position, the locking means (8) moves over the inclined surface of the claw (10) and reaches the point where the claw (10) and the claw housing (11) joins with each other and are positioned oppositely. After the locking means (8) passes over the inclined surface on the claw (10), the claw (10) is seated into the claw housing (11). When the locking means (8) is desired to be changed from locking position to the free position, the locking means (8) is enabled to slide over the inclined surface and to be separated from the flushing device (5) (Figure 4 and Figure 5).
In an embodiment of the present invention, when the claw (10) is seated into the claw housing (11), almost all the outer surfaces of the former contact the inner surface of the claw housing (11). Thus, the surfaces of the claw (10) form-fit the surfaces of the claw housing (11) and the claw housing (11) applies surface-to-surface pressure to the claw (10), thus enabling the flushing device (5) to be leak-proofingly seated into the housing (3). By means of the firm connection between the claw (10) and the claw housing (11), the locking means (8) is prevented from changing from the locking position to the free position except for the intention of the user.
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a locking means opening surface (12) that is disposed at the front surface of the flushing device (5) and that enables the claw (10) to be released from the claw housing (11) wherein the former is placed. Thus, when the user applies pressure onto the locking means opening surface (12), the surface whereon the claw (10) and the locking means opening surface (12) are located stretches, the claw (10) dislodges from the claw housing (11) and the locking means (8) is separated from the flushing device (5) (Figure 4 and Figure 5).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a biasing means (13) that is connected to the locking means (8) from one end and to the flange (7) from the other end and that forces the locking means (8) to remain in the free position. The biasing means (13) becomes active from the moment the locking means (8) starts moving towards the locking position and exerts pressure on the locking means (8) in the opposite direction of its movement and tries to change the locking means (8) back to the free position. Thus, the locking means (8) that becomes free by passing over the claw (10) returns to the free position from the locking position. Moreover, when the flushing device (5) is not in the housing (3) or is not completely placed into the housing (3), the claw (10) is not seated into the claw housing (11) and the biasing means (13) returns the locking means (8) to the free position. Thus, the user is enabled to understand that the flushing device (5) is not placed properly into the housing (3) and the locking means (8) is prevented from changing to the locking position without proper placement (Figure 5).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the locking means (8) is L-shaped. Thus, when the locking means (8) is in the locking position, the contact surface between the front surface of the flushing device (5) and the locking means (8) is increased and when changed to the free position, the locking means (8) creates a better barrier in front of the dispenser (4). In this embodiment, in the locking position, one arm of the locking means (8) extends over the flushing device (5) and the other arm thereof over the flange (7). The locking means (8) is connected to the flange (7) from the lower end of the arm thereof extending over the flange (7) and in the free position whereto the locking means (8) is changed by rotating around its axis, both arms of the locking means extend towards the opening (6). Thus, when the locking means (8) is in the locking position, the arm of the locking means (8) extending over the flushing device (5) prevents the movement of the flushing device (5), when the locking means (8) is in the free position, both arms of the locking means (8) prevents the dispenser (4) from being placed into the housing (3).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a sensor (14) that detects if the locking means (8) is in the locking position or in the free position and a control unit (15) that enables the data received from the sensor (14) to be delivered to the user by means of audio or light warning. Thus, the user can learn the position of the locking means (8) from the control unit (15) without checking the inside of the housing (3).
In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises at least two opposite supports (16) that are disposed on the side walls of the housing (3), that guide the movement of the flushing device (5) inside the housing (3) by supporting the flushing device (5) from below, and at least one retainer (17) that guides the movement of the flushing device (5) inside the housing (3) by grasping the flushing device (5) from above. Thus, the forwards/backwards movement of the flushing device (5) inside the housing (3) is performed controllably, the flushing device (5) is prevented from bending forward due to its own weight while being pulled forwards and the flushing device (5) is enabled to move easily inside the housing (3) (Figure 2 and 3).
In the washing machine (1) of the present invention, bacteria formation at the dispenser (4) region is minimized by providing the removal and cleaning of the flushing device (5), thereby providing more hygienic use conditions. Furthermore, by means of the locking means (8) that is disposed on the front surface of the housing (3), the flushing device (5) is enabled to be placed into the housing (3) more properly and thus an effective leak-proofing is provided.

Claims

A washing machine (7) comprising a body (2); a dispenser (4) wherein the cleaning agents like detergent, softener etc. are placed; a housing (3) that is situated on the body (2), wherein the dispenser (4) is placed; a flushing device (5) that is mounted detachably to the housing (3) so as to cover the upper surface of the dispenser (4) and that enables the water received from the mains to pass into the dispenser (4); an opening (6) that is arranged on the housing (3) and that enables the dispenser (4) and the flushing device (5) to be placed into the housing (3), and a flange (7) that surrounds the opening (6), characterized by a locking means (8) that is disposed on the flange (7) and that has a locking position wherein the locking means (8) bears against the front surface of the flushing device (5) and prevents the flushing device (5) from being taken out of the housing (3) and a free position whereto the locking means (8) is brought from the locking position by being moved and wherein the locking means (8) enables the flushing device (5) to be taken out of the housing (3).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the locking means (8) that is mounted onto the flange (7) so as to rotate around its axis.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the locking means (8) that extends towards the opening (6) in the free position.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a protrusion (9) that is arranged on the dispenser (4) and that prevents the locking means (8) changing from the locking position to the free position.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one claw (10) that is disposed on the flushing device (5) and at least one claw housing (11) that is arranged on the locking means (8), wherein the claw (10) is placed.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 5, characterized by the claw (10) that has an inclined surface.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 5 or 6, characterized by the claw (10), almost all the outer surfaces of which contact the inner surface of the claw housing (11) when the claw (10) is seated into the claw housing (11).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the claims 5 to 7, characterized by a locking means opening surface (12) that is arranged at the front surface of the flushing device (5) and that enables the claw (10) to be released from the claw housing (11) wherein the former is placed.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a biasing means (13) that is connected to the locking means (8) from one end and to the flange (7) from the other end and that forces the locking means (8) to remain in the free position.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, wherein the locking means is L-shaped.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 10, characterized by the locking means (8) one arm of which extends over the flushing device (5) and the other arm over the flange (7) when in the locking position.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a sensor (14) that detects if the locking means (8) is in the locking position or in the free position and by a control unit (15) that enables the result of the detection received from the sensor (14) to be delivered to the user.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least two opposing supports (17) that are located at the side walls of the housing (3) and that supports the flushing device (5) from below and by at least one retainer (17) that grips the flushing device (5) from above.