EP3517677A1

EP3517677A1 - Washing and/or drying machine

Info

Publication number: EP3517677A1
Application number: EP18153454.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mert Serdar BILGIN; Yusuf AK
Original assignee: Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Current assignee: Vestel Elektronik Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Priority date: 2018-01-25
Filing date: 2018-01-25
Publication date: 2019-07-31
Also published as: TR201802307A2

Abstract

There is disclosed a washing and/or drying machine (202). The washing and/or drying machine (202) comprises a pump assembly (232). The pump assembly (232) is constructed and arranged to generate a vacuum in the machine, so as to generate a suction force between an interface (240) of the machine and a surface supporting the machine.

Description

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to a washing and/or drying machine.

Background

Washing machines are used for washing garments such as clothes. Drying machines are used for drying garments. Combined washer/dryer machines may also be provided. Typically a user can select a suitable washing and/or drying cycle via an interface on a front face of the machine. A user places garments to be washed or dried in to a drum of the machine. The drum is caused to rotate during a washing or drying cycle. Rotation of the drum may cause the washing and/or drying machine to vibrate.

Summary

According to a first aspect disclosed herein, there is provided a washing and/or drying machine comprising: a pump assembly constructed and arranged to generate a vacuum in the machine, so as to generate a suction force between an interface of the machine and a surface supporting the machine.
According to an example, the pump assembly comprises a fan arranged to be driven by a motor of the machine, the motor arranged to drive a drum of the machine.
According to an example, the fan is attached to a drive shaft of the drum.
According to an example, the machine comprises one or more pipes between the pump assembly and the interface for drawing air from the interface.
According to an example, the one or more pipes comprise a flexible material.
According to an example, the interface is movable between an operative position and an inoperative position.
According to an example, the machine is configured to move the interface to the operative position in response to detection of initiation of a washing and/or drying cycle, or initiation of a stage of a washing and/or drying cycle.
According to an example, the machine is configured to move the interface to the inoperative position in response to detection of an end of a washing and/or drying cycle, or an end of a stage of a washing and/or drying cycle.
According to an example, the interface is located proximate to a base of the machine, and the interface is constructed and arranged to form a suction force between the interface and a floor supporting the machine.
According to an example, the machine comprises an aperture for enabling the interface to contact the surface supporting the machine.
According to a second aspect there is provided a method of operating a washing and/or drying machine comprising generating a vacuum in the machine, so as to generate a suction force between an interface of the machine and a surface supporting the machine.
According to an example, the method comprises moving the interface between an operative position and an inoperative position.
According to an example, the method comprises moving the interface to the operative position in response to detection of initiation of a washing and/or drying cycle, or initiation of a stage of a washing and/or drying cycle.
According to an example, the method comprises moving the interface to the inoperative position in response to detection of an end of a washing and/or drying cycle, or an end of a stage of a washing and/or drying cycle.

Brief Description of the Drawings

To assist understanding of the present disclosure and to show how embodiments may be put into effect, reference is made by way of example to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows schematically a washing machine according to an example;
Figure 2 shows schematically a washing machine according to an example;
Figure 3 is a flow chart of a method according to an example.

Detailed Description

The present disclosure has applicability to washing machines, drying machines, and combined washing/drying machines. Such machines are typically used for washing and/or drying garments such as clothes. In the foregoing description the term "washing machine" or simply "machine" may be used, however it will be understood that any such reference is also applicable to a drying machine (e.g tumble dryer) or a combined washer/dryer, unless specifically stated otherwise. The terms "garments" and "clothes" may also be used interchangeably.
Figure 1 shows an example washing and/or drying machine 102. The machine 102 comprises a main body portion or housing 104. Within the main body portion 104 there is located a drum 106. Typically the drum is cylindrical and is controlled to rotate during a washing and/or drying cycle. To this end a motor 122 is provided to provide the motive force to rotate the drum. The drum 106 is supported by a frame 108 within the main body portion 104. A window or door 110 is also provided to close off the drum during use of the machine 102, and to enable access to the drum 106.
A power connector is shown at 120. The power connector 120 enables the machine 102 to be connected to mains power for electrically powering the machine 102.
A user can place a garment to be washed or dried in to the drum 106 prior to a washing or drying cycle. The user can control functions of the washing machine via user interface 116, such as selecting a desired cycle. The user interface may comprise one or more buttons. A display 118 may also be provided. The display 118 may provide information to a user such as available cycles, time remaining of a cycle etc.
A controller, shown schematically at 124, controls operations of the machine.
As discussed above, in use the drum of the washing machine is controlled to rotate. The drum may rotate during a washing or drying cycle, and/or during a stage of a washing or drying cycle. Stages of a washing cycle may include (but are not limited to) one or more of: soak; wash; spin; dry; clothes separation etc. The speed of rotation may also be controlled. A motor, shown schematically at 122, is provided to provide the rotational force to the drum. When the drum 106 rotates, and especially when the drum 106 is rotating quickly, the washing machine 102 may be caused to vibrate. This may especially be the case if clothes are not evenly distributed in the drum. The unwanted vibration may cause undesirable noise and movement of the washing machine 102. For this reason washing and/or drying machines are often provided with a weight or counterweight 126. The weight may weigh in the region of 10 to 15kg, for example. The weight 126 presses the machine 102 in to the floor on which it is supported, and has a function of suppressing vibration and movement. A disadvantage of the weight 126 is that, of course, it increases the overall weight of the machine 102 making it more expensive and more difficult to transport and install.
Figure 2 is a side view of a washing and/or drying machine 202 according to an example. Aspects of the machine 102 of Figure 1 (as well as other well-known aspects of washing and/or drying machines) may also be incorporated in the machine 202 of Figure 2, unless explained otherwise. The machine 202 comprises a drum 206. The drum 206 is connected to motor 222 for driving the drum. In this example the motor 222 drives rotation of drum 206 via shaft 230.
In examples, the machine 202 comprises a pump assembly constructed and arranged to generate a vacuum in the machine, so as to generate a suction force between an interface of the machine and a surface supporting the machine. This suction force securely sticks the washing and/or drying machine to the surface supporting the machine, and may therefore prevent or reduce vibration of the machine. Such a machine does not require weight or counterweight 126, shown in the machine of Figure 1 (or a smaller weight can be used). This will be explained in more detail below.
An interface (which may also be termed an apparatus or component) 240 is constructed and arranged to form an interface between the washing machine 202 and a surface supporting the machine. In this example the interface 240 is comprised in or proximate base 203 of the machine. In some examples the base 203 comprises a cut-out portion or aperture enabling the interface 240 to directly contact the surface 201. Where the interface 240 is arranged to contact another surface (e.g. a wall) then a different portion of the machine 202 (e.g. side or back surface) may have an appropriately shaped aperture or cut-out. In some examples the interface 240 is located on an exterior of the machine 202, in which case no such cut-out may be required. In the example of Figure 2 the surface supporting the machine comprises a floor 201 of a room in which the machine 202 is located. In other examples the interface 240 may be arranged differently. For example the interface may be arranged to interface with a wall adjacent the machine 202. In some examples the interface 240 comprises a structure having an open end 244 where the interface 240 is arranged to meet the supporting surface 201. In some examples the open end 244 of the interface has a seal 246 about a periphery or perimeter of the open end 244. The seal 244 is arranged to form an air tight seal with the supporting surface 201. In some examples the interface 240 is generally box-like or cuboid in shape, having the open end for communicating with supporting surface 201, and a further opening or openings for receipt of one or more pipes or tubes 242 (explained in more detail below).
The interface 240 is in fluid communication with a pump assembly 232. The pump assembly 232 is arranged to act as a vacuum pump by sucking or withdrawing air from interface 240. In this example the pump assembly 232 is connected to the interface 240 via one or more pipes or tubes 242. In this example the pump assembly 232 comprises a fan 234 comprised in a casing 236. The fan 234 may comprise one or more vanes. The fan 234 may be considered an impeller fan. The casing 236 may comprise a suitable exhaust for exhausting air withdrawn from the interface 240. Once air is withdrawn or completely withdrawn from interface 240, a vacuum is formed in interface 240. The vacuum created in the interface 240 provides a suction force between the interface 240 and the surface 201. In some examples the interface 240 may be considered a vacuum chamber. In some examples the interface 240 comprises a plastic material. In some examples the interface comprises a metal material.
In the example of Figure 2 the fan 234 is mounted on shaft 230 which drives rotation of the drum 206. Therefore in this example the drum motor 222 also drives the pump assembly 232. Accordingly, in some examples, when a washing cycle is in progress and the drum 206 is rotating, then the pump 232 is automatically driven. In such examples a magnitude of the suction force between the interface 240 and the surface 201 is proportional to a speed at which the drum is rotating. So the faster the drum rotates, the greater the suction force. In some examples a clutch is provided between the fan 234 and the shaft 230, enabling the pump assembly 232 to be effectively decoupled from the motor 222.
In another example the pump assembly is not operatively connected to shaft 230 of drum 206. In such an example the pump assembly 232 may still use drum motor 222 for driving of pump assembly 232. In another example the pump assembly 232 may be a stand-alone pump assembly having its own motor.
In some examples the interface 240 has a first, or inoperative position, and a second, or operative position. In such examples the interface 240 is movable between the operative and inoperative positions. In Figure 2 the interface is labelled 240 in the operative position, and shown in phantom and labelled 240' in the inoperative position. A mechanism 248 is provided for moving the interface 240 from the inoperative position to the operative position (and vice versa). In some examples the mechanism 248 comprises a motor. In some examples power is provided to the mechanism 248 from another motor e.g. drum motor 222. In one example the mechanism 248 comprises a rack and pinion assembly for moving the interface 240. A suitable connection is provided between the interface 240 and the mechanism 248. The connection may, in an example, be a rod or the like. In some examples the interface is moved from the inoperative position to the operative position in response to detecting initiation of a washing cycle or a stage of a washing cycle. In some examples the interface is moved from the operative position to the inoperative position in response to detecting an end of a washing cycle or a stage of a washing cycle.
In some examples the one or more pipes 242 connecting the pump assembly 232 to the interface 240 are flexible. In examples where the interface 240 can be moved from the inoperative to the operative position the one or more flexible pipes 242 can change from a relatively coiled or inextended state (inoperative position) to a relatively uncoiled or extended state (operative position).
A controller is schematically shown at 226. The controller comprises a memory 227 and a processor 229. The controller 226 is arranged to control operations of the washing and/or drying machine 202. For example, the controller may control operations including (but not limited to): operations of the motor 222; operations of the pump assembly 232; operations of the interface 240; operations of the mechanism 248. Power may be provided to the machine 202 from a mains supply, in some examples.
Figure 3 is a flow chart showing a method according to an example, which will be described in conjunction with Figure 2.
At S 1, initiation of a washing or drying cycle (or stage of a washing or drying cycle) is detected.
In response to the detection at S1, at S2 the interface 240 is moved from the inoperative position to the operative position.
At S3, a vacuum is generated in interface 240.
At S4, the end of the washing or drying cycle (or stage of the washing or drying cycle) is detected.
In response to the determination at S4, at S5 the interface 240 is moved from the operative position to the inoperative position.
It will be understood that the processor or processing system or circuitry referred to herein may in practice be provided by a single chip or integrated circuit or plural chips or integrated circuits, optionally provided as a chipset, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), field-programmable gate array (FPGA), digital signal processor (DSP), graphics processing units (GPUs), etc. The chip or chips may comprise circuitry (as well as possibly firmware) for embodying at least one or more of a data processor or processors and a digital signal processor or processors, which are configurable so as to operate in accordance with the exemplary embodiments. In this regard, the exemplary embodiments may be implemented at least in part by computer software stored in (non-transitory) memory and executable by the processor, or by hardware, or by a combination of tangibly stored software and hardware (and tangibly stored firmware).
The examples described herein are to be understood as illustrative examples of embodiments of the invention. Further embodiments and examples are envisaged. Any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may be used alone or in combination with other features. In addition, any feature described in relation to any one example or embodiment may also be used in combination with one or more features of any other of the examples or embodiments, or any combination of any other of the examples or embodiments. Furthermore, equivalents and modifications not described herein may also be employed within the scope of the invention, which is defined in the claims.

Claims

A washing and/or drying machine comprising:
a pump assembly constructed and arranged to generate a vacuum in the machine, so as to generate a suction force between an interface of the machine and a surface supporting the machine.
A washing and/or drying machine according to claim 1, the pump assembly comprising a fan arranged to be driven by a motor of the machine, the motor arranged to drive a drum of the machine.
A washing and/or drying machine according to claim 2, the fan attached to a drive shaft of the drum.
A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising one or more pipes between the pump assembly and the interface for drawing air from the interface.
A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 4, the one or more pipes comprising a flexible material.
A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 5, the interface being movable between an operative position and an inoperative position.
A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 6, the machine configured to move the interface to the operative position in response to detection of initiation of a washing and/or drying cycle, or initiation of a stage of a washing and/or drying cycle.
A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 7, the machine configured to move the interface to the inoperative position in response to detection of an end of a washing and/or drying cycle, or an end of a stage of a washing and/or drying cycle.
A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 8, the interface located proximate to a base of the machine, and the interface constructed and arranged to form a suction force between the interface and a floor supporting the machine.
A washing and/or drying machine according to any of claims 1 to 9, the machine comprising an aperture for enabling the interface to contact the surface supporting the machine.
A method of operating a washing and/or drying machine comprising generating a vacuum in the machine, so as to generate a suction force between an interface of the machine and a surface supporting the machine.
A method according to claim 11, comprising moving the interface between an operative position and an inoperative position.
A method according to claim 11 or claim 12, comprising moving the interface to the operative position in response to detection of initiation of a washing and/or drying cycle, or initiation of a stage of a washing and/or drying cycle.
A method according to any of claims 11 to 13, comprising moving the interface to the inoperative position in response to detection of an end of a washing and/or drying cycle, or an end of a stage of a washing and/or drying cycle.