EP3315651B1 - Distributeur pour lave-linge comprenant un déflecteur flottant - Google Patents

Distributeur pour lave-linge comprenant un déflecteur flottant Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3315651B1
EP3315651B1 EP17198653.2A EP17198653A EP3315651B1 EP 3315651 B1 EP3315651 B1 EP 3315651B1 EP 17198653 A EP17198653 A EP 17198653A EP 3315651 B1 EP3315651 B1 EP 3315651B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
float
diverter
liquid
treating chemistry
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.)
Active
Application number
EP17198653.2A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP3315651A1 (fr
Inventor
Prakash Amte
Mauro MANCINI
Marcos Javier Rios
Andrea Cesaroni
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.)
Whirlpool Corp
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Whirlpool Corp
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Publication date
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Publication of EP3315651A1 publication Critical patent/EP3315651A1/fr
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Publication of EP3315651B1 publication Critical patent/EP3315651B1/fr
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    • 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
    • D06F39/028—Arrangements for selectively supplying water to detergent compartments

Definitions

  • Laundry treating household appliances such as washing machines, refreshers, and non-aqueous systems, can have a configuration based on a rotating drum that at least partially defines a treating chamber in which laundry items are placed for treating.
  • the laundry treating household appliance can have a controller that implements a number of user-selectable, pre-programmed cycles of operation having one or more operating parameters. Hot water, cold water, or a mixture thereof, along with various treating chemistries, can be supplied to the treating chamber in accordance with the cycle of operation.
  • the laundry treating household appliance can have a dispenser for loading of treating chemistries into the appliance by the user and for supplying various treating chemistries to the treating chamber.
  • Document GB 2 104 109 A discloses a wash liquid feeding unit comprising a distributor for selectively distributing water to the tub or to one of several compartments of a drawer; a nozzle, carried by a rotary element controlled by a cam, selectively feeds water to one of five channels.
  • a rotating shaft rigidly connected to the rotary element is operated by way of a series of linkages from a cam rotating with the knob of the washing machine programmer.
  • Document DE 19 55 256 A1 discloses a detergent dispenser comprising a casing connected to a washing machine tub and partitioned into a plurality of compartments; a plate above the casing with a plurality of channels for supplying the compartments with water from respective openings in an open-ended housing containing a piston with one open end communicating with a side opening which aligns with the openings successively on rotation of a camshaft of a programmer.
  • a treating chemistry dispenser for a laundry washing machine is disclosed, as defined in independent claim 1.
  • Preferred embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.
  • Laundry treating household appliances can be provided with treating chemistry dispensers.
  • Such treating chemistry dispensers can have a plurality of reservoirs for containing different types of treating chemistries, non-limiting examples of which include a detergent, a fabric softener, or a bleaching agent.
  • Providing the structures and mechanisms for selectively providing liquid to each reservoir individually can require the use of additional space within the treating chemistry dispenser, as well as additional manufacturing costs.
  • the use of a distributor with at least one float diverter in accordance with the present disclosure enables efficient use of space within the treating chemistry dispenser and eliminates the need for additional actuators to selectively provide liquid to a desired reservoir of the treating chemistry dispenser. In one aspect, this is achieved by providing first and second float diverters being shaped such that liquid is selectively directed to flow in a straight flow path or a diverted flow path.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a laundry treating household appliance according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.
  • the laundry treating household appliance can be any appliance which performs an automatic cycle of operation to clean or otherwise treat items placed therein, non-limiting examples of which include a horizontal or vertical axis clothes washer; a combination washing machine and dryer; a tumbling or stationary refreshing/revitalizing machine; an extractor; a non-aqueous washing apparatus; and a revitalizing machine.
  • the laundry treating household appliance of FIG. 1 is illustrated as a horizontal axis washing machine 10, which can include a structural support system comprising a cabinet 12 which defines a housing within which a laundry holding system resides.
  • the cabinet 12 can be a housing having a chassis and/or a frame, to which decorative panels can or cannot be mounted, defining an interior enclosing components typically found in a conventional washing machine, such as motors, pumps, fluid lines, controls, sensors, transducers, and the like. Such components will not be described further herein except as necessary for a complete understanding of the present disclosure.
  • the laundry holding system comprises a tub 14 dynamically suspended within the structural support system of the cabinet 12 by a suitable suspension system 28 and a drum 16 provided within the tub 14, the drum 16 defining at least a portion of a laundry treating chamber 18.
  • the drum 16 can include a plurality of perforations 20 such that liquid can flow between the tub 14 and the drum 16 through the perforations 20.
  • a plurality of baffles 22 can be disposed on an inner surface of the drum 16 to lift the laundry load received in the treating chamber 18 while the drum 16 rotates. It is also within the scope of the present disclosure for the laundry holding system to comprise only one receptacle with the receptacle defining the laundry treating chamber for receiving the load to be treated.
  • the laundry holding system can further include a door 24 which can be movably mounted to the cabinet 12 to selectively close both the tub 14 and the drum 16.
  • a bellows 26 can couple an open face of the tub 14 with the cabinet 12, with the door 24 sealing against the bellows 26 when the door 24 closes the tub 14.
  • the washing machine 10 can further include a liquid supply system for supplying water to the washing machine 10 for use in treating laundry during a cycle of operation.
  • the liquid supply system can include a source of water, such as a household water supply 40, which can include separate valves 42 and 44 for controlling the flow of hot and cold water, respectively.
  • Water can be supplied through an inlet conduit 46 directly to the tub 14 by controlling first and second diverter mechanisms 48 and 50, respectively.
  • the diverter mechanisms 48, 50 can be a diverter valve having two outlets such that the diverter mechanisms 48, 50 can selectively direct a flow of liquid to one or both of two flow paths.
  • Water from the household water supply 40 can flow through the inlet conduit 46 to the first diverter mechanism 48 which can direct the flow of liquid to a supply conduit 52.
  • the second diverter mechanism 50 on the supply conduit 52 can direct the flow of liquid to a tub outlet conduit 54 which can be provided with a spray nozzle 56 configured to spray the flow of liquid into the tub 14.
  • a spray nozzle 56 configured to spray the flow of liquid into the tub 14.
  • water from the household water supply 40 can be supplied directly to the tub 14.
  • valves 42, 44 and the conduit 46 are illustrated exteriorly of the cabinet 12, it will be understood that these components can be internal to the cabinet 12.
  • the washing machine 10 can also be provided with a dispensing system for dispensing treating chemistry to the treating chamber 18 for use in treating the laundry according to a cycle of operation.
  • the dispensing system can include a treating chemistry dispenser 62 which can be a single dose dispenser, a bulk dispenser, or an integrated single dose and bulk dispenser and is fluidly coupled to the treating chamber 18.
  • the treating chemistry dispenser 62 can be configured to dispense a treating chemistry directly to the tub 14 or mixed with water from the liquid supply system through a dispensing outlet conduit 64.
  • the dispensing outlet conduit 64 can include a dispensing nozzle 66 configured to dispense the treating chemistry into the tub 14 in a desired pattern and under a desired amount of pressure.
  • the dispensing nozzle 66 can be configured to dispense a flow or stream of treating chemistry into the tub 14 by gravity, i.e. a non-pressurized stream.
  • Water can be supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser 62 from the supply conduit 52 by directing the diverter mechanism 50 to direct the flow of water to a dispensing supply conduit 68.
  • the treating chemistry dispenser 62 can include multiple chambers or reservoirs for receiving doses of different treating chemistries.
  • the treating chemistry dispenser 62 can be implemented as a dispensing drawer that is slidably received within the cabinet 12, or within a separate dispenser housing 106 ( FIG. 3 ), which can be provided in the cabinet 12.
  • the treating chemistry dispenser 62 can be moveable between a fill position, where the treating chemistry dispenser 62 is exterior to the cabinet 12 and can be filled with treating chemistry, and a dispense position, where the treating chemistry dispenser 62 are interior of the cabinet 12.
  • the dispensing system described herein includes the treating chemistry dispenser 62 and the separate dispenser housing 106, it will be understood that the treating chemistry dispenser 62 and dispenser housing 106 could be integrated together.
  • Non-limiting examples of treating chemistries that can be dispensed by the dispensing system during a cycle of operation include one or more of the following: water, enzymes, fragrances, stiffness/sizing agents, wrinkle releasers/reducers, softeners, antistatic or electrostatic agents, stain repellants, water repellants, energy reduction/extraction aids, antibacterial agents, medicinal agents, vitamins, moisturizers, shrinkage inhibitors, and color fidelity agents, and combinations thereof.
  • the washing machine 10 can also include a recirculation and drain system for recirculating liquid within the laundry holding system and draining liquid from the washing machine 10.
  • Liquid supplied to the tub 14 through tub outlet conduit 54 and/or the dispensing supply conduit 68 typically enters a space between the tub 14 and the drum 16 and can flow by gravity to a sump 70 formed in part by a lower portion of the tub 14.
  • the sump 70 can also be formed by a sump conduit 72 that can fluidly couple the lower portion of the tub 14 to a pump 74.
  • the pump 74 can direct liquid to a drain conduit 76, which can drain the liquid from the washing machine 10, or to a recirculation conduit 78, which can terminate at a recirculation inlet 80.
  • the recirculation inlet 80 can direct the liquid from the recirculation conduit 78 into the drum 16.
  • the recirculation inlet 80 can introduce the liquid into the drum 16 in any suitable manner, such as by spraying, dripping, or providing a steady flow of liquid. In this manner, liquid provided to the tub 14, with or without treating chemistry can be recirculated into the treating chamber 18 for treating the laundry within.
  • the liquid supply and/or recirculation and drain system can be provided with a heating system which can include one or more devices for heating laundry and/or liquid supplied to the tub 14, such as a steam generator 82 and/or a sump heater 84.
  • Liquid from the household water supply 40 can be provided to the steam generator 82 through the inlet conduit 46 by controlling the first diverter mechanism 48 to direct the flow of liquid to a steam supply conduit 86.
  • Steam generated by the steam generator 82 can be supplied to the tub 14 through a steam outlet conduit 87.
  • the steam generator 82 can be any suitable type of steam generator such as a flow through steam generator or a tank-type steam generator.
  • the sump heater 84 can be used to generate steam in place of or in addition to the steam generator 82.
  • the steam generator 82 and/or sump heater 84 can be used to heat the laundry and/or liquid within the tub 14 as part of a cycle of operation.
  • the illustrated suspension system, liquid supply system, recirculation and drain system, and dispensing system are shown for exemplary purposes only and are not limited to the systems shown in the drawings and described above.
  • the liquid supply, dispensing, and recirculation and pump systems can differ from the configuration shown in FIG. 1 , such as by inclusion of other valves, conduits, treating chemistry dispensers, sensors, such as water level sensors and temperature sensors, and the like, to control the flow of liquid through the washing machine 10 and for the introduction of more than one type of treating chemistry.
  • the liquid supply system can include a single valve for controlling the flow of water from the household water source.
  • the recirculation and pump system can include two separate pumps for recirculation and draining, instead of the single pump as previously described.
  • the washing machine 10 also includes a drive system for rotating the drum 16 within the tub 14.
  • the drive system can include a motor 88, which can be directly coupled with the drum 16 through a drive shaft 90 to rotate the drum 16 about a rotational axis during a cycle of operation.
  • the motor 88 can be a brushless permanent magnet (BPM) motor having a stator 92 and a rotor 94. Alternately, the motor 88 can be coupled to the drum 16 through a belt and a drive shaft to rotate the drum 16, as is known in the art.
  • Other motors such as an induction motor or a permanent split capacitor (PSC) motor, can also be used.
  • the motor 88 can rotate the drum 16 at various speeds in either rotational direction.
  • the washing machine 10 also includes a control system for controlling the operation of the washing machine 10 to implement one or more cycles of operation.
  • the control system can include a controller 96 located within the cabinet 12 and a user interface 98 that is operably coupled with the controller 96.
  • the user interface 98 can include one or more knobs, dials, switches, displays, touch screens and the like for communicating with the user, such as to receive input and provide output.
  • the user can enter different types of information including, without limitation, cycle selection and cycle parameters, such as cycle options.
  • the controller 96 can include the machine controller and any additional controllers provided for controlling any of the components of the washing machine 10.
  • the controller 96 can include the machine controller and a motor controller.
  • Many known types of controllers can be used for the controller 96.
  • the controller is a microprocessor-based controller that implements control software and sends/receives one or more electrical signals to/from each of the various working components to effect the control software.
  • proportional control (P), proportional integral control (PI), and proportional derivative control (PD), or a combination thereof, a proportional integral derivative control (PID control) can be used to control the various components.
  • the controller 96 can be provided with a memory 100 and a central processing unit (CPU) 102.
  • the memory 100 can be used for storing the control software that is executed by the CPU 102 in completing a cycle of operation using the washing machine 10 and any additional software. Examples, without limitation, of cycles of operation include: wash, heavy duty wash, delicate wash, quick wash, pre-wash, refresh, rinse only, and timed wash.
  • the memory 100 can also be used to store information, such as a database or table, and to store data received from one or more components of the washing machine 10 that can be communicably coupled with the controller 96.
  • the database or table can be used to store the various operating parameters for the one or more cycles of operation, including factory default values for the operating parameters and any adjustments to them by the control system or by user input.
  • the controller 96 can be operably coupled with one or more components of the washing machine 10 for communicating with and controlling the operation of the component to complete a cycle of operation.
  • the controller 96 can be operably coupled with the motor 88, the pump 74, the treating chemistry dispenser 62, the steam generator 82 and the sump heater 84 to control the operation of these and other components to implement one or more of the cycles of operation.
  • the controller 96 can also be coupled with one or more sensors 104 provided in one or more of the systems of the washing machine 10 to receive input from the sensors, which are known in the art and not shown for simplicity.
  • sensors 104 that can be communicably coupled with the controller 96 include: a treating chamber temperature sensor, a moisture sensor, a weight sensor, a chemical sensor, a position sensor and a motor torque sensor, which can be used to determine a variety of system and laundry characteristics, such as laundry load inertia or mass.
  • the treating chemistry dispenser 62 can be received within and defined by the dispenser housing 106.
  • a top cover 108 is provided to engage with the dispenser housing 106 to create a sealed receptacle for receiving the dispenser drawer body 110 of the treating chemistry dispenser 62.
  • the dispenser drawer body 110 can be slidably received within the dispenser housing 106.
  • the dispenser drawer body 110 defines a first treating chemistry reservoir 112.
  • the first treating chemistry reservoir 112 has a fill opening 113 provided at the front portion that can receive a first treating chemistry provided by a user, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a pre-wash agent.
  • a reservoir body 114 is nested within the dispenser drawer body 110, beginning behind the fill opening 113.
  • the reservoir body 114 defines a second treating chemistry reservoir 116.
  • the second treating chemistry reservoir 116 can receive a second treating chemistry provided by a user, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a detergent or wash agent.
  • the reservoir body 114 further defines a third treating chemistry reservoir 118 within which a softener plate 120 can be received.
  • the third treating chemistry reservoir 118 can receive a third treating chemistry provided by a user, such as, by way of non-limiting example, a fabric softening agent or bleach.
  • the third treating chemistry reservoir 118 of the reservoir body 114 includes a siphon tube 122.
  • the softener plate 120 defines both a softener fill opening 124, as well as a siphon cap 126.
  • the siphon cap 126 is positioned such that it can receive the siphon tube 122 of the third treating chemistry reservoir 118.
  • a distributor 128 is positioned above the nested dispenser drawer body 110, reservoir body 114, and softener plate 120.
  • the distributor 128 includes a first float chamber 130 and a second float chamber 132 that protrude from the lower surface 134 of the distributor 128.
  • the first float chamber 130 and second float chamber 132 protrude downwardly from the lower surface 134 of the distributor 128 into the second treating chemistry reservoir 116.
  • the upper surface 136 of the distributor 128 defines a liquid supply circuit for selectively supplying liquid to the first, second, or third treating chemistry reservoirs 112, 116, 118.
  • the distributor 128 defines a first branch 138 that is fluidly coupled to the first treating chemistry reservoir 112.
  • the distributor 128 further defines a second branch 140 that is fluidly coupled to the second treating chemistry reservoir 116.
  • the distributor 128 yet further defines a third branch 142 that is fluidly coupled to the third treating chemistry reservoir 118.
  • a first float diverter 144 is received within the first float chamber 130 to selectively supply liquid to either the first branch 138 or the second branch 140.
  • a second float diverter 146 is received within the second float chamber 132, upstream of the first float diverter 144, to selectively supply liquid to either the first float diverter 144, and thus to at least one of the first branch 138 or the second branch 140, or the third branch 142.
  • the upper surface 136 of the distributor 128 is designed with patterns or mazes to prevent leaking between the first branch 138, the second branch 140, and the third branch 142.
  • FIG. 4A is a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser 62 with the top cover 108 removed for clarity. Both the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146 are shown in a first, or non-floating, position in FIG. 4A , such that liquid supplied to the distributor 128 follows a flow path as indicated by an arrow 148.
  • the arrow 148 shows that the flow path extends straight through a top flow control channel 154 of the second float diverter 146 and also straight through a top flow control channel 156 of the first float diverter 144 to the first branch 138 and into the first treating chemistry reservoir 112.
  • FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view along line IV B of FIG. 4A .
  • the first float diverter 144 is shown in the first, or non-floating, position. In the non-floating position, a plug portion 150 of the first float diverter 144 is received within a drain opening 152 of the first float chamber 130.
  • the top flow control channel 156 is vertically aligned with the distributor 128 such that liquid provided to the distributor 128 is directed through the top flow control channel 156.
  • FIG. 5A is a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser 62, with the top cover 108 removed for clarity, in which the first float diverter 144 is shown in a second, floating position, while the second float diverter 146 remains in the first, non-floating position as shown in FIG. 4A .
  • liquid supplied to the distributor 128 follows a flow path as indicated by an arrow 160.
  • the arrow 160 shows that the flow path extends straight through the top flow control channel 154 of the second float diverter 146 and angles through the side flow control channel 158 of the first float diverter 144 into the second branch 140 and then into the second treating chemistry reservoir 116.
  • FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view along line V B of FIG. 5A .
  • the first float diverter 144 is shown in the second, floating position. In the floating position, the first float diverter 144 is raised upwards at least partially out of the first float chamber 130. The plug portion 150 of the first float diverter 144 is removed from the drain opening 152 of the first float chamber 130.
  • the side flow control channel 158 is vertically aligned with the distributor 128 such that liquid provided to the distributor 128 is directed through the side flow control channel 158 to the second branch 140.
  • FIG. 6A is a top view of the treating chemistry dispenser 62, with the top cover 108 removed for clarity, in which the first float diverter 144 is shown in the first, non-floating position, while the second float diverter 146 is shown in a second, floating position.
  • liquid supplied to the distributor 128 follows a flow path as indicated by an arrow 164.
  • the arrow 164 shows that the flow path extends at an angle through the side flow control channel 162 of the second float diverter 146, into the third branch 142, and then into the third treating chemistry reservoir 118.
  • FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view along line VIB of FIG. 6A .
  • the second float diverter 146 is shown in the second, floating position. In the floating position, the second float diverter 146 is raised upwards at least partially out of the second float chamber 132. A plug portion 166 is removed from a drain opening 168 of the second float chamber 132.
  • the side flow control channel 162 is vertically aligned with the distributor 128 such that liquid provided to the distributor 128 is directed through the side flow control channel 162 to the third branch 142.
  • FIG. 7A is a top perspective view of the first float diverter 144. While the subsequent discussion ( FIGS. 7A-7C ) will refer to the first float diverter 144, it will be understood that the same description also applies to the structure of the second float diverter 146, as both the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146 can have identical shape. It will also be understood that, while the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146 can have identical shape, it is also within the scope of the disclosure that the first and second float diverters 144, 146 can vary from one another in scale and/or diameter. In an exemplary embodiment, the second float diverter 146 can have a larger diameter than the first float diverter 144.
  • the first float diverter 144 has a generally cylindrical shape, but can also be provided with a flat surface 170 on at least one side of the first float diverter 144.
  • the first float chamber 130 can be provided with a corresponding flat surface (not shown), wherein, together with the flat surface 170 of the first float diverter 144, the structural features can cooperatively act as an index to fix the position of the first float diverter 144 within the first float chamber 130 and prevent rotation of the first float diverter 144 within the first float chamber 130.
  • the flat surface 170 of the first float diverter 144 ensures that the first float diverter 144 does not rotate more than, by way of non-limiting example, 3 degrees within the first float chamber 130.
  • first float diverter 144 is illustrated herein as having a generally cylindrical shape, it will be understood that the first float diverter 144 can have any suitable shape, such as, by way of non-limiting example, rectangular, trapezoidal, or oval.
  • the shape of the first float diverter 144, including the flat surface 170, can be designed to create an optimal amount of surface tension between the first float diverter 144 and the first float chamber 130 by reducing the contact surface between the two as necessary. This ensures that the buoyance of the first float diverter 144 is not undesirably counteracted by friction and/or surface tension.
  • the top flow control channel 156 of the first float diverter 144 defines a flow path such that liquid flows straight through the top flow control channel 156.
  • the side flow control channel 158 is provided vertically downward from the top flow control channel 156 such that liquid flows through only one or the other of the top flow control channel 156 or the side flow control channel 158 depending on the vertical position of the first float diverter 144.
  • FIG. 7B is a sectional view of the first float diverter 144 along the line VII C of FIG. 7A .
  • the profile of the side flow control channel 158 can be viewed herein.
  • the side flow control channel 158 directs liquid flow along an angled path such that the flow path of liquid is diverted from a straight directional flow.
  • FIG. 7C is a bottom view of the first float diverter 144.
  • the first float diverter 144 can be provided with a plurality of cavities 172 in its lower surface.
  • the cavities 172 are provided such that they can act as an air trap so the first float diverter 144 can achieve a desired density and buoyancy. While the first float diverter 144 is illustrated as having four cavities 172, it will be understood that any suitable number of cavities 172 can be provided, including only a single cavity 172.
  • the cavities 172 can also have any suitable shape.
  • FTG. 8 is a cross-sectional side view of the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146, both in the first, non-floating position.
  • the top flow control channel 156 of the first float diverter 144 is vertically aligned with the distributor 128.
  • a backflow portion 174 is provided within the surface of the distributor 128. The backflow portion 174 angles downwardly towards the first float chamber 130 and is fluidly coupled to the first float chamber 130.
  • the top flow control channel 154 of the second float diverter 146 is vertically aligned with the distributor 128.
  • a backflow reservoir 176 is provided in the surface of the distributor 128 and positioned between the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146.
  • the distributor 128 also includes a second backflow portion 178 adjacent the second float diverter 146. The second backflow portion 178 angles downwardly towards the second float chamber 132 from the backflow reservoir 176 and is fluidly coupled with the second float chamber
  • both the first float diverter 144 and the second float diverter 146 are in the first, non-floating position.
  • liquid flows straight through the top flow control channels 154, 156 and is supplied to the first branch 138 and into the first treating chemistry reservoir 112. As long as the liquid supply rate remains constant, liquid continues to flow to the first branch 138.
  • liquid that remains in the distributor 128 downstream of the first float diverter 144 backflows down the backflow portion 174 and into the first float chamber 130.
  • the liquid filling the first float chamber 130 causes the first float diverter 144 to be floated upward into the second, floating position.
  • liquid is free to flow out of the first float chamber 130 through the drain opening 152.
  • the drain opening 152 is sized such that the rate of draining the liquid through the drain opening 152 is less than the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the first float chamber 130.
  • the rate of draining the liquid through the drain opening 152 can be not greater than half of the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the first float chamber 130.
  • the position of the first float diverter 144 is selectively controlled by both the status of liquid being supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser 62, as well as the liquid supply rate. It will also be understood that the position of the first float diverter 144 is selectively controlled by the sequence of the liquid supply being provided or not provided, by the duration of time the liquid supply is provided or not provided, and/or by the spacing between bursts of liquid that are supplied to the treating chemistry dispenser 62.
  • the liquid supply when the liquid supply has been stopped and the first float diverter 144 is in the floating position, the liquid supply must be resumed before the liquid is able to drain out of the first float chamber 130 in order for the first float diverter 144 to remain in the floating position and direct the liquid supply accordingly.
  • the drain opening 168 is sized such that the liquid drain rate through the drain opening 168 is less than the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the second float chamber 132.
  • the liquid drain rate through the drain opening 168 can be not greater than half of the liquid supply rate at which liquid is entering the second float chamber 132.
  • the liquid supply being provided or not provided, as well as the duration of the liquid supply being provided or not provided and/or the liquid supply rate, serve to selectively control the position of the second float diverter 146 in the same way as was discussed previously relating to the first float diverter 144.
  • the embodiments disclosed herein provide a treating chemistry dispenser for a laundry treating household appliance that can selectively provide liquid to each of a plurality of reservoirs individually using no additional machinery or parts beyond floating diverters that are actuated to change position when the supply flow of liquid is reduced or stopped.
  • One advantage that can be realized in the above embodiments is that the above described embodiments are configured to provide a treating chemistry dispenser that eliminates the need for multiple water supply points, and the valves and conduits that would be required therewith. This results in decreased manufacturing requirements and decreased cost.
  • the float mechanism provides a simple and robust solution. By employing the embodiments disclosed herein, ease of operation is improved, as well as simplification of the manufacturing of only a single water supply point for the plurality of reservoirs within the treating chemistry dispenser.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)

Claims (12)

  1. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) pour une machine à laver le linge (10), la machine à laver le linge (10) comprenant :
    au moins des premier (112) et deuxième (116) réservoirs de produit chimique de traitement ;
    un distributeur (128) fournissant sélectivement un liquide aux premier (112) et deuxième (116) réservoirs comprenant :
    un circuit d'alimentation en liquide, pour fournir de l'eau provenant d'une alimentation en eau domestique (40), ayant un premier branchement (138) couplé de manière fluidique au premier réservoir de produit chimique de traitement (112), et un deuxième branchement (140) couplé de manière fluidique au deuxième réservoir de produit chimique de traitement (116) ;
    caractérisé en ce que ledit distributeur (128) comprend
    un premier déflecteur flottant (144) situé à l'intérieur du circuit d'alimentation et pouvant fonctionner entre une première position de non-flottement, où le liquide est fourni au premier branchement (138), et une seconde position de flottement, où le liquide est fourni au deuxième branchement (140),
    dans lequel la position du premier déflecteur flottant (144) est sélectivement commandée par la séquence de l'alimentation en liquide étant prévue ou non prévue, par la durée pendant laquelle l'alimentation en liquide est prévue ou non prévue, et/ou par l'espacement entre des quantités importantes de liquide qui sont fournies au distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62).
  2. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon la revendication 1 comprenant en outre un troisième réservoir de produit chimique (118), un troisième branchement (142), et un second déflecteur flottant (146) pouvant fonctionner entre une première position, où le liquide est fourni à au moins l'un des premier (138) et deuxième (140) branchements, et une seconde position, où le liquide est fourni au troisième branchement (142).
  3. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon la revendication 2 dans lequel le second déflecteur flottant (146) est situé dans le circuit d'alimentation en amont du premier déflecteur flottant (144).
  4. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-3 dans lequel le distributeur (128) comprend une chambre de flotteur (130) couplée de manière fluidique au circuit d'alimentation en liquide et le premier déflecteur flottant (144) réside dans la chambre de flotteur (130), dans lequel le liquide remplissant la première chambre de flotteur (130) amène le premier déflecteur flottant (144) à être mis à flotter vers le haut dans la seconde position de flottement.
  5. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon la revendication 4 dans lequel le circuit d'alimentation comprend une partie de refoulement (174) couplée de manière fluidique à la chambre de flotteur (130) moyennant quoi le liquide dans le circuit d'alimentation refoulera dans la chambre de flotteur (130) à l'arrêt de la fourniture de liquide dans le circuit d'alimentation.
  6. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4-5 dans lequel la chambre de flotteur (130) comprend une ouverture de drain (152), dans lequel le liquide est libre de s'écouler hors de la première chambre de flotteur (130) à travers l'ouverture de drain (152) tandis que le premier déflecteur flottant (144) est mis à flotter jusqu'à la seconde position de flottement.
  7. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon la revendication 6 dans lequel l'ouverture de drain (152) est dimensionnée de telle manière que le taux de drainage de liquide à travers l'ouverture de drain (152) est inférieur au taux d'alimentation en liquide à travers le circuit d'alimentation.
  8. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon la revendication 7 dans lequel le taux de drainage de liquide n'est pas supérieur à la moitié du taux d'alimentation en liquide.
  9. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4-8 comprenant un indice fixant la position du premier déflecteur flottant (144) à l'intérieur de la première chambre de flotteur (130) de façon à prévenir la rotation du premier déflecteur flottant (144) à l'intérieur de la première chambre de flotteur (130).
  10. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon la revendication 9 dans lequel l'indice comprend des éléments structurels coopérants (170) sur le premier déflecteur flottant (144) et la chambre de flotteur (130).
  11. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1-10 dans lequel le premier déflecteur flottant (144) comprend en outre au moins un canal de commande d'écoulement (156, 158) qui est sur l'un d'une partie supérieure ou d'un côté du premier déflecteur flottant (144).
  12. Distributeur de produit chimique de traitement (62) selon la revendication 11 dans lequel le canal de commande d'écoulement (158) est situé sur un côté du premier déflecteur flottant (144) et confronte le circuit d'alimentation lorsque le premier déflecteur flottant (144) est dans la seconde position.
EP17198653.2A 2016-10-30 2017-10-26 Distributeur pour lave-linge comprenant un déflecteur flottant Active EP3315651B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US15/338,395 US20180119328A1 (en) 2016-10-30 2016-10-30 Dispenser for a laundry treating household appliance having a float diverter

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EP3315651A1 EP3315651A1 (fr) 2018-05-02
EP3315651B1 true EP3315651B1 (fr) 2021-03-03

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Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11242642B2 (en) 2019-12-19 2022-02-08 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry treating appliance having a treating chemistry dispenser
EP4350069A1 (fr) * 2021-05-24 2024-04-10 Qingdao Haier Drum Washing Machine Co., Ltd. Commutateur, appareil de distribution et équipement de traitement de linge

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AT291900B (de) * 1969-05-17 1971-08-10 Zanussi A Spa Industrie Wasch- und Zusatzmittel-Einspülvorrichtung für Waschmaschinen
IT8122422V0 (it) * 1981-07-21 1981-07-21 San Giorgio Elettrodomesti Gruppo per l'immissione di liquido lavante selezionato alla vasca di una macchina lavatrice.
GB2161838A (en) * 1984-07-16 1986-01-22 Philips Electronic Associated Detergent dispenser for a washing machine
US5791168A (en) * 1996-10-30 1998-08-11 Emerson Electric Co. Apparatus for diverting a flow of water in a washing machine
DE102004047994A1 (de) * 2004-09-07 2006-03-09 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Rohrbelüftungsanordnung für eine Abflussleitung in einem wasserführenden Haushaltsgerät
PL2865801T3 (pl) * 2013-10-25 2017-07-31 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Pralka do materiałów pranych zawierająca zespół wydający detergent
EP3145875B1 (fr) * 2014-05-23 2021-09-22 Hydrus Technology Pty. Ltd. Procédé de traitement électrochimique
US9587339B2 (en) * 2014-10-06 2017-03-07 Whirlpool Corporation Methods and apparatus to detect treating chemistries in laundry appliances
US10280544B2 (en) * 2015-07-20 2019-05-07 Whirlpool Corporation Fabric treating appliance
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US20180119328A1 (en) 2018-05-03

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