EP3612673B1 - Washing machine with a flexible washing compartment having stain removal zones - Google Patents
Washing machine with a flexible washing compartment having stain removal zones Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP3612673B1 EP3612673B1 EP18809037.7A EP18809037A EP3612673B1 EP 3612673 B1 EP3612673 B1 EP 3612673B1 EP 18809037 A EP18809037 A EP 18809037A EP 3612673 B1 EP3612673 B1 EP 3612673B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- washing
- water
- compartment
- laundry
- flexible
- 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
Links
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 219
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 86
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 9
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000005086 pumping Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000012528 membrane Substances 0.000 description 15
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 8
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 6
- 239000004744 fabric Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000000835 fiber Substances 0.000 description 5
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000002203 pretreatment Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000008237 rinsing water Substances 0.000 description 5
- 239000002184 metal Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000009736 wetting Methods 0.000 description 4
- 238000004140 cleaning Methods 0.000 description 3
- 231100001261 hazardous Toxicity 0.000 description 3
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000033001 locomotion Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 3
- 239000007844 bleaching agent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 2
- 239000012535 impurity Substances 0.000 description 2
- 210000003127 knee Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000003809 water extraction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 229920001410 Microfiber Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229910052801 chlorine Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000000460 chlorine Substances 0.000 description 1
- 125000001309 chloro group Chemical group Cl* 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002979 fabric softener Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003205 fragrance Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000012510 hollow fiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 150000002500 ions Chemical class 0.000 description 1
- 238000010409 ironing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000004900 laundering Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000010412 laundry washing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003658 microfiber Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003134 recirculating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000002791 soaking Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003068 static effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000126 substance Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- 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
- D06F15/00—Washing machines having beating, rubbing or squeezing means in receptacles stationary for washing purposes
- D06F15/02—Washing machines having beating, rubbing or squeezing means in receptacles stationary for washing purposes wherein the articles being washed are squeezed by a flexible diaphragm or bag
-
- 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
- D06F17/00—Washing machines having receptacles, stationary for washing purposes, wherein the washing action is effected solely by circulation or agitation of the washing liquid
- D06F17/02—Washing machines having receptacles, stationary for washing purposes, wherein the washing action is effected solely by circulation or agitation of the washing liquid by pumps
-
- 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
- D06F17/00—Washing machines having receptacles, stationary for washing purposes, wherein the washing action is effected solely by circulation or agitation of the washing liquid
- D06F17/12—Washing machines having receptacles, stationary for washing purposes, wherein the washing action is effected solely by circulation or agitation of the washing liquid solely by gases, e.g. air or steam, introduced into the washing liquid
-
- 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
- D06F31/00—Washing installations comprising an assembly of several washing machines or washing units, e.g. continuous flow assemblies
-
- 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
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
-
- 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
- D06F39/12—Casings; Tubs
Definitions
- the invention relates to a washing machine and in particular to a washing machine in which the laundry is washed inside an especially adapted flexible washing device that is arranged in a fluid tight manner on the washing machine.
- Stain removal of laundry is often a trouble-some task, and some stains cannot easily be removed in a conventional washing machine of today. Therefore, typically, some kind of pre-treatment for stain-removal of the laundry before washing of the same in the washing machine is often required.
- a pre-treatment of the laundry's fabric with a so-called "stain remover” is required.
- pre-treatment with soaking the laundry in water is required alone or in addition to using the stain-remover.
- Some stain removers may typically bleach the fabric.
- a typical example is chlorine bleach, which is not safe for the fabric and hazardous to the environment.
- a conventional washing machine washes laundry, such as clothes, by wetting them, de-moisturizing them, wetting them again etc. until the laundry is clean.
- conventional washing machines typically comprise a cylindrical drum in which the laundry may be alternately soaked and dried without having to be transferred between different chambers.
- An object of the invention is to provide a washing machine without a conventional cylindrical drum that washes also stained laundry in a satisfying manner without the use of pre-treatment for stain-removal.
- the invention relates to a washing machine as defined by claim 1.
- WO 2017/138872 describes a washing machine for the washing of laundry such as clothes and textiles.
- the washing machine contains a housing, wherein the housing comprises: an inlet for supplying washing water, an outlet for disposal of washing water, a pump for pumping the washing water.
- the housing contains one, or a plurality of washing drawers.
- each washing drawer has a pair of conduits for fluid tight connection of a respective flexible washing compartment for washing laundry and arranged in the washing drawer.
- Each drawer of the housing is further arranged to lead water from the inlet of the housing via conduit to the respective washing compartment arranged therein and, by means of the pump and conduit, to pump air and water out from the respective flexible washing compartment in order to create a pressure difference inside the washing compartment with respect to the surrounding pressure and by that emptying the flexible washing compartment of washing water.
- US 6,219,871 shows an automatic laundry washing machine that is suitable for use in living units having no area set aside for laundry facilities is achieved by replacing the heavy bulky parts of the currently popular automatic washing machine design with a light flexible bag.
- a large portion of the volume of any washing machine is the vessel for containing the laundry solution and articles to be washed.
- That vessel is a flexible bag made of modern durable material so as to be collapsible both while in use and for storage.
- the method of use includes the complete process of washing, rinsing, and extracting excess water in an automatic cycle analogous to standard automatic washing machines popular today.
- the vessel containing the items being laundered is a waterproof laundry bag with automatic washing apparatus attached. Items are automatically washed in that bag.
- the automatic process includes cycles of filling, washing, rinsing and extracting such that the clothes are ready for a drying process such as hanging out to dry or putting into a tumble dryer.
- the agitating of the washing and rinsing cycles is accomplished without the familiar bulky agitator thereby reducing the volume requirements and the traditional wear and tear on the garments.
- the water extraction cycle is done in a much less violent way than the conventional spin cycle by allowing atmospheric pressure to collapse the washing vessel and press the water from the articles as the water and air are pumped from the vessel in the draining portion of the cycle.
- the cleaning ability of the water is enhanced by built in ionic processing of the water thereby reducing the required amount of laundry detergent.
- the agitating in the non-electrically conductive vessel generates static electric charges in the process and ions thus produced further enhance the cleaning ability of the water.
- Cavitation produced in a multi-frequency washing action further enhances the washing ability of the water.
- the washing machine is light, compact and collapsible and is as portable as a piece of luggage.
- a washing detergent may be provided directly to the washing compartment or via a separate compartment in the washing machine to be distributed into the washing compartment together with the water. After that the water has been added to the washing compartment the pump is activated.
- the pump is used to suck air from the washing compartment to reduce the volume of the washing compartment, whereby the laundry is compressed and soaked in water. Gradually the water is sucked out, and the same water may be returned for instance via a filter to a reservoir provided in the washing machine to the washing compartment a couple of times before the water is exchanged and the cycle is repeated once again.
- the invention relates to a washing machine for the washing of laundry such as fabric, clothes and textiles.
- the washing machine has means, in particular zones, for stain-removal.
- An advantage of the at least one stain-removal zone having increased flow of water is that no time-consuming and/or hazardous pre-treatment will be required before washing in the washing machine. Washing is hence increased locally in each stain removal zone.
- An advantage compared to conventional washing machines is that the whole content of the laundry must be washed even if only part of the content of the laundry is stained. This is because one does not know where in relation to the rotating drum the stains are located.
- the laundry is always on the same location but only the water is flowing (moving). This implies that the satins are located in particular local areas and by preparing these local areas having a higher flow of water, higher degree of detergent or other extra treatment, it is possible to optimize the washing such that only parts of the laundry is subject to extra treatment, whereas the other parts of the content of the laundry is subject to a gentle treatment. This implies less wear, less micro-fiber, less use chemicals, and less energy required.
- the increased flow of water is arranged to be continuously through-flowing through the at least one stain removal zone.
- the increased flow of water is oscillating.
- stain removal zones are arranged in a set of stain removal zones. A particular set is then typically adapted for a particular washing compartment.
- An advantage is that a several different type of laundry can be washed at the same time in the different washing compartments; also having a plurality of different sets of stain-removal zones in case of a plurality of drawers. In this way,
- FIG. 1a A first embodiment of the washing machine according the invention is shown in FIG. 1a .
- the washing machine 1 is suitable for the washing of several types of laundry such as clothes and textiles at the same time or in any desired manner.
- the user has several sets of stain removal zones, e.g. one first set for one type of laundry such as a pair of trousers having one type of stain removal zones Z for instance at knees and pockets etc., one second set for shirts having another type of stain removal zones Z, such as at arm-ends, neck etc.
- FIG. 1a shows, in a perspective view, an embodiment of a washing machine comprising a housing with a plurality of washing drawers
- FIG. 1b shows yet an alternative embodiment of a washing machine having a plurality of drawers arranged side-by-side
- FIG. 1c shows an alternative embodiment of a washing machine comprising one drawer combined with a conventional washing machine having a perforated metal washing drum
- the housing may alternatively be embodied as an frame in all embodiments without departing from the invention.
- FIG. 1a Now is referred to Fig. 1a .
- the washing machine shown in Fig. 1a comprises a housing 1a.
- the housing 1a comprises a plurality of drawers 2 provided as a set of washing drawers 2 stacked onto each other in the housing 1a, each drawer 2 comprising a respective flexible washing compartment 10 having one or more stain removal zone(s) Z (schematically shown in the most upper drawer), such as an essentially flat washing compartment 10 having a zipper, or other water and air-tight closable seal, or comprising a pair of flexible membranes (not shown in Fig. 1a ), for washing laundry and arranged in the washing drawer 2 such that the one or more stain-removal zones) is/are located properly and adapted to locally treat stained areas of the laundry.
- a hard openable frame having a water- and/or air-tight seal can be provided instead of the zipper.
- the washing machine 1 comprises an inlet 4, for supplying clean washing water and an outlet 5, for disposal of used washing water.
- the washing machine 1 further comprises one or more pump(s) 6, in order to pump the used washing water out of the washing compartment.
- no pump is normally needed because the water will be provided from a pressurized and closed water system such as a public water supply system.
- Each washing compartment 10 in each drawer 2 is connected to a pair of conduits 4a, 5a arranged to lead water from the inlet 4 of via a conduit 4a to the respective washing compartment 10 arranged in each drawer 2 and to lead air and water away from the washing compartment 10 via a conduit 5a, by means of the pump 6.
- the pair of conduits 4a, 5a from each washing compartment 10 in each drawer 2 can be combined into one inlet 4 and outlet 5 for all washing compartments 10.
- the conduit 5a may also be connected to a reservoir 7 (schematically shown) inside the washing machine 1 for receiving used washing water and recirculating the washing water one or more times back to the washing compartment 10.
- the pump 6 is utilized to create a pressure difference between the washing compartment 10 and its surroundings (in the drawer 2), typically a negative pressure, normally referred to as vacuum in the washing compartment 10 and atmospheric pressure in the drawer 2.
- washing compartments 10 side-by-side as shown in FIG. 1b .
- Fig. 1a which comprises a plurality of drawers
- Fig. 1c a conventional washing machine
- FIG. 1c a conventional washing machine
- a side-by-side combination may be an advantage for instance for washing shirts hanging.
- a flexible washing compartment 10 embodied as a flexible bag having a openable and closable seal 13, or is alternatively arranged in an openable/closable air and water-tight frame (not shown), for opening and closing the washing compartment 10.
- the flexible washing compartment 10 may be made of any fluid-tight suitable material such as plastics and may be transparent such that a user easily can see if the washing compartment is empty or not.
- the washing compartment 10 is a flat transparent bag, shown filled with laundry 11, herein exemplified as a pair of trousers arranged in a flat manner in the flexible washing compartment 10.
- the laundry 11 is wetted in a longitudinal direction (schematically shown) when the pump is turned on.
- the laundry 11 can be arranged flat in that ironing can be avoided and some sensitive laundry may benefit from being washed flatly and without the laundry moving inside the washing compartment 10, thereby avoiding wearing of the laundry 11 against the walls of the washing compartment 10 as is typically the case in a conventional washing machine having a rotation perforated metal drum inside which the laundry wears against the drum.
- Stain removal in such a conventional washing machine implies that the whole laundry 11 is always washed, even no-stained parts. This provides unnecessary wear also to non-stained parts (not in stain removal zones Z not requiring increased flow of water.
- the washing compartment 10 is connected to a pair of conduits 4a, 5a, which are schematically shown only. Typically, the washing compartment 10 is permanently fixed into the drawer 2 and permanently connected to the conduits 4a, 5a.
- FIG. 2a Now is also in addition to FIG. 2a referred to FIG. 2b .
- FIG. 2b shows in a perspective view from the side, a flat flexible washing compartment 10 filled with a particular type of laundry 11, herein a pair of trousers,
- a means 12 for providing a set of stain removal zones Z is provided on the laundry 11.
- the means 12 is a solid flat screen member for instance made of plastics having through going holes providing the stain removal zones Z through which an increased flow of water can flow when the pump 6 is turned on.
- the screen member 12 may vary/look different providing a particular set of stain removal zones for particular laundry 11.
- the open stain removal zones Z provides increased flow of water through the laundry 11 and thereby removes stains locally and efficiently in particular areas of the 11 without negatively also washing other parts of the laundry not requiring stain-removal. This is schematically marked as in this Fig. 2a .
- This embodiment is suitable for removing stains from particular areas of the laundry 11 such as on the knees on a pair of trousers (or other parts of the laundry 11 known to be more stained than other parts known to be less stained.
- An advantage with the inventive solution is that it is simple and easy compared to today's known complicated and expensive sensor solutions.
- FIG. 2d shows, in a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2b , a set 12 of stain removal zones Z having increased flow of water, wherein water is oscillating (shown schematically by double-headed arrows), flowing through the stain removal zones Z.
- FIG. 2c shows, in a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG.2b , a set 12 of stain removal zones Z having increased flow of water, wherein the water is continuously through-flowing through the stain removal zones Z.
- Fig. 3 shows, in a perspective view, a washing drawer 2 having a pair of conduits 4a, 5a 4a,5a for fluid tight connection of a respective flexible washing compartment 10 for washing stained laundry and being arranged in the washing drawer 2.
- the washing compartment 10 having stain removal zones Z shown in this drawing comprise of two flexible membranes, herein an upper 10a, and a lower membrane (not shown), which washing compartment 10 can be opened or closed in a fluid-tight manner by moving the drawer 2 out from the housing 1a for opening, or into the housing 1a for closing the washing compartment 10.
- the membranes are mounted in a respective upper 10aa, and lower 10bb frame, of which the upper membrane 10a can be moved, opened or closed.
- the washing compartment 10 may alternatively comprise one or more membranes, such as one flexible membrane provided on a rigid plate.
- the upper frame having the upper membrane 10a is arranged to be automatically opened when the drawer 2 is pulled out. This can be provided by having the frames 10aa, 10bb provided at a rail, wherein a pressure roll is arranged to press the upper frame 10aa having the upper membrane 10a against the lower frame 10bb having the lower membrane against each other when the drawer is pushed in and releasing the frames 10aa, 10bb to each other when the drawer is pulled out.
- Other mechanisms such as parallelograms, excenters, tracs, manual doors etc. providing opening or closing the washing compartment are obvious for the skilled person and the invention is by no means limited to this particular embodiment.
- Fig. 3 shows the washing compartment 10 made of membranes and containing laundry and comprising two membranes 10a, 10b.
- An alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment 10 can be made up of two flexible membranes 10a, 10b is shown with laundry 11 inside.
- the two membranes 10a, 10b are arranged on a frame preventing the washing compartment 10 to restrict across and along the frame, but still providing flat compression due to the pressure difference between the pressure inside the flexible compartment 10 and its surroundings in the drawer 2, typically the pressure inside the flexible compartment is negative pressure and the pressure outside the flexible compartment is atmospheric pressure or positive pressure providing a pressure difference.
- the washing machine may also include an additional drying unit in order to dry the laundry by the supply of dry hot air in the flexible washing compartment 10.
- the washing machine 1 can operate as follows.
- One or more of the flexible washing compartments 10 are opened and filled with laundry 11. Subsequently, water is provided via the inlet 4, and/or the conduit 4a to the flexible washing compartment(s) 10. The water is heated to a desired temp. The heating can be provided by means of a conventional heater (not shown) arranged inside or outside the washing machine 1. Then the air is sucked out of the flexible washing compartment, followed by the water being sucked out.
- a washing detergent may be provided directly into the washing compartment or via a separate washing detergent compartment 2a provided centrally in the washing machine 1 or in the specific drawer 2 to be distributed into the washing compartment 10 together with the water.
- the pump 6 is activated. Firstly the pump 6 is used to suck air from the washing compartment, to minimize the volume that has to be wetted, whereby the laundry is compressed and soaked in water (See Fig. 2a , where the wetting of the pair of trousers inside a washing compartment 10 having a zipper 13 is indicated schematically by the marking "wetting"). Gradually the water is sucked out, and the same water may be returned for instance via the reservoir 7 and filter(s) provided in the washing machine to the washing compartment a couple of times before the water is exchanged and the cycle is repeated once again.
- the laundry 11 is placed in a washing compartment 10 of any of the types described above and in a drawer 2 of the washing machine 1.
- the laundry 11 is placed in the washing compartment 10 inside the drawer 2.
- the washing compartment 10 is closed.
- first air is sucked out, creating vacuum or under pressure in the fibers and/or textiles of the laundry 11 then, clean washing water is supplied via inlet 4 to the washing compartment 10 replacing the under pressure, or vacuum and normalizing pressure and any air remaining in the washing compartment 10 is pumped out via the pump 6 such that the laundry 11 is soaked and compressed by the walls of the washing compartment 10.
- the fiber will pump clean inside the fiber. At the lowest pressure, the air bubbles are as large as possible. Further, the laundry may be kneaded by the walls of the washing compartment which increases the washing efficiency.
- the rinsing water is supplied to the washing compartment. The purpose of the rinsing water is e.g. to perform a final cleaning of the laundry and to remove any remainders of the washing detergent. Further, rinsing fluid and/ or fabric softener, which softens and/ or gives the laundry a pleasant fragrance, may be supplied together with the rinsing water.
- the rinsing water is removed from the washing machine in the same manner as the washing water.
- any air that is left in the bag is pumped out such that the laundry is compressed and soaked, and subsequently the rinsing water is pumped out from the washing compartment, wherein a certain negative pressure is created in the washing compartment, and wherein the laundry is compressed by the atmospheric pressure outside of the washing compartment.
- electronic equipment of the washing machine comprises a control with which it is possible to control the dryness of the laundry.
- the dryness may also be one of the parameters that are controlled by means of different washing programs, such that every washing program is connected to a certain dryness, which naturally also may be the same for several different washing programs.
- air should be let in, in order to facilitate the opening of the bag.
- the washing machine 1 also comprises a heater unit with which the inlet water in inlet 4 may be heated to the desired temperature regardless of the inlet temperature.
- the washing machine 1 could also include a small tank in which the heating unit may be arranged.
- the tank makes it possible to re-utilize the washing water. Due to environmental friendly reasons it is advantageous that the laundry is washed several times with the same water, because it saves both water and heating energy. Further, the washing efficiency is not drastically worsened because the same washing water can be used several times, since the washing water very rarely is saturated in impurities. Hence, a prewash with a first water change is only necessary when very dirty laundry is to be washed. A water exchange should however always be made for the rinsing of the laundry.
- Parts of the inner walls of the washing compartment can be provided with fluid leading means such as concavities- and/or convexities in order for the walls not to get stuck towards each other without letting water and air pass when a negative pressure of a certain magnitude has been created inside the washing compartment.
- the maximum flow of water through the laundry can be achieved.
- the washing effect is on the contrary achieved when the fluid flows through the laundry, preferably at the same time as they are kneaded by the walls as they are being sucked towards each other.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
Description
- The invention relates to a washing machine and in particular to a washing machine in which the laundry is washed inside an especially adapted flexible washing device that is arranged in a fluid tight manner on the washing machine.
- Stain removal of laundry is often a trouble-some task, and some stains cannot easily be removed in a conventional washing machine of today. Therefore, typically, some kind of pre-treatment for stain-removal of the laundry before washing of the same in the washing machine is often required.
- As an example, a pre-treatment of the laundry's fabric with a so-called "stain remover" is required. As another example, pre-treatment with soaking the laundry in water is required alone or in addition to using the stain-remover.
- Some stain removers may typically bleach the fabric. A typical example is chlorine bleach, which is not safe for the fabric and hazardous to the environment.
- Thus, stain-removal in addition to being time-consuming, is often not safe for the fabric or hazardous to the environment
- Today, there are known sensor controlled washing machines for stain removal. Complicated and expensive sensor technology controls the washing machine such that more (stain removal) or dirty laundry or less intense (no stain removal) washing is provided. Typically, the rotating drum's movement is controlled. Typically, the whole laundry is washed, not just a stained part thereof. This may cause unnecessary wear to the laundry not requiring stain removal.
- Based on the above knowledge and related problems, it is a need to find a solution to the problems with stain-removal.
- A conventional washing machine washes laundry, such as clothes, by wetting them, de-moisturizing them, wetting them again etc. until the laundry is clean. In order to accomplish this laundering conventional washing machines typically comprise a cylindrical drum in which the laundry may be alternately soaked and dried without having to be transferred between different chambers.
- A less conventional washing machine without a conventional cylindrical drum is described in
EP-B1-2633 113 . - An object of the invention is to provide a washing machine without a conventional cylindrical drum that washes also stained laundry in a satisfying manner without the use of pre-treatment for stain-removal.
- The invention relates to a washing machine as defined by
claim 1. -
WO 2017/138872 describes a washing machine for the washing of laundry such as clothes and textiles. The washing machine contains a housing, wherein the housing comprises: an inlet for supplying washing water, an outlet for disposal of washing water, a pump for pumping the washing water. The housing contains one, or a plurality of washing drawers. Here, each washing drawer has a pair of conduits for fluid tight connection of a respective flexible washing compartment for washing laundry and arranged in the washing drawer. Each drawer of the housing is further arranged to lead water from the inlet of the housing via conduit to the respective washing compartment arranged therein and, by means of the pump and conduit, to pump air and water out from the respective flexible washing compartment in order to create a pressure difference inside the washing compartment with respect to the surrounding pressure and by that emptying the flexible washing compartment of washing water. -
US 6,219,871 shows an automatic laundry washing machine that is suitable for use in living units having no area set aside for laundry facilities is achieved by replacing the heavy bulky parts of the currently popular automatic washing machine design with a light flexible bag. A large portion of the volume of any washing machine is the vessel for containing the laundry solution and articles to be washed. That vessel is a flexible bag made of modern durable material so as to be collapsible both while in use and for storage. The method of use includes the complete process of washing, rinsing, and extracting excess water in an automatic cycle analogous to standard automatic washing machines popular today. The vessel containing the items being laundered is a waterproof laundry bag with automatic washing apparatus attached. Items are automatically washed in that bag. The automatic process includes cycles of filling, washing, rinsing and extracting such that the clothes are ready for a drying process such as hanging out to dry or putting into a tumble dryer. The agitating of the washing and rinsing cycles is accomplished without the familiar bulky agitator thereby reducing the volume requirements and the traditional wear and tear on the garments. By eliminating the bulky agitator and the spin water extraction method, the heavy transmission is also eliminated. The water extraction cycle is done in a much less violent way than the conventional spin cycle by allowing atmospheric pressure to collapse the washing vessel and press the water from the articles as the water and air are pumped from the vessel in the draining portion of the cycle. The cleaning ability of the water is enhanced by built in ionic processing of the water thereby reducing the required amount of laundry detergent. The agitating in the non-electrically conductive vessel generates static electric charges in the process and ions thus produced further enhance the cleaning ability of the water. Cavitation produced in a multi-frequency washing action further enhances the washing ability of the water. The washing machine is light, compact and collapsible and is as portable as a piece of luggage. - A washing detergent may be provided directly to the washing compartment or via a separate compartment in the washing machine to be distributed into the washing compartment together with the water. After that the water has been added to the washing compartment the pump is activated.
- Firstly the pump is used to suck air from the washing compartment to reduce the volume of the washing compartment, whereby the laundry is compressed and soaked in water. Gradually the water is sucked out, and the same water may be returned for instance via a filter to a reservoir provided in the washing machine to the washing compartment a couple of times before the water is exchanged and the cycle is repeated once again.
- Specifically, the invention relates to a washing machine for the washing of laundry such as fabric, clothes and textiles. The washing machine has means, in particular zones, for stain-removal. An advantage of the at least one stain-removal zone having increased flow of water is that no time-consuming and/or hazardous pre-treatment will be required before washing in the washing machine. Washing is hence increased locally in each stain removal zone.
- An advantage compared to conventional washing machines is that the whole content of the laundry must be washed even if only part of the content of the laundry is stained. This is because one does not know where in relation to the rotating drum the stains are located. In the inventive washing machine, the laundry is always on the same location but only the water is flowing (moving). This implies that the satins are located in particular local areas and by preparing these local areas having a higher flow of water, higher degree of detergent or other extra treatment, it is possible to optimize the washing such that only parts of the laundry is subject to extra treatment, whereas the other parts of the content of the laundry is subject to a gentle treatment. This implies less wear, less micro-fiber, less use chemicals, and less energy required.
- According to one embodiment the increased flow of water is arranged to be continuously through-flowing through the at least one stain removal zone.
- According to another embodiment the increased flow of water is oscillating.
- Typically the stain removal zones are arranged in a set of stain removal zones. A particular set is then typically adapted for a particular washing compartment.
- An advantage is that a several different type of laundry can be washed at the same time in the different washing compartments; also having a plurality of different sets of stain-removal zones in case of a plurality of drawers. In this way,
- Further advantages of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description and the dependent claims.
-
-
FIG. 1a shows, in a perspective view, an embodiment of a washing machine comprising a housing with a plurality of washing drawers each drawer comprising a flexible washing compartment embodied having a set of stain removal zones,FIG. 1b shows yet an alternative embodiment of a washing machine having a plurality of drawers arranged side-by-side, andFIG. 1c shows an alternative embodiment of a washing machine comprising one drawer combined with a conventional washing machine having a perforated metal washing drum. -
FIG. 2a shows 2b shows, in a view from above, a washing compartment embodied as a flexible bag having a set of stain removal zones. -
FIG. 2b shows, in a perspective view from above, a flexible washing compartment embodied as a flexible bag having a set of stain removal zones. The flexible washing compartment can be arranged in a drawer as illustrated inFIG. 3 (to which is later referred). -
FIG. 2b shows, in a perspective view from the side, a flat flexible washing compartment filled with a particular type of laundry, herein a pair of trousers, -
FIG. 2c shows, in a sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 2b , a set of stain removal zones having increased flow of water, wherein water is oscillating, -
FIG. 2d shows, in a sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG.2b , a set of stain removal zones having increased flow of water, wherein the water is continuously through-flowing through the at least one stain removal zone ; and -
Fig. 3 shows, in a perspective view, a washing drawer, having a washing compartment of membrane type. - A first embodiment of the washing machine according the invention is shown in
FIG. 1a . In this figure, the components of the washing machine are only schematically shown, but will be shown in more detail inFIGS. 2-3 . Thewashing machine 1 is suitable for the washing of several types of laundry such as clothes and textiles at the same time or in any desired manner. In such an embodiment it is suitable that the user has several sets of stain removal zones, e.g. one first set for one type of laundry such as a pair of trousers having one type of stain removal zones Z for instance at knees and pockets etc., one second set for shirts having another type of stain removal zones Z, such as at arm-ends, neck etc. -
FIG. 1a shows, in a perspective view, an embodiment of a washing machine comprising a housing with a plurality of washing drawers,FIG. 1b shows yet an alternative embodiment of a washing machine having a plurality of drawers arranged side-by-side, andFIG. 1c shows an alternative embodiment of a washing machine comprising one drawer combined with a conventional washing machine having a perforated metal washing drum, The housing may alternatively be embodied as an frame in all embodiments without departing from the invention. - Now is referred to
Fig. 1a . - The washing machine shown in
Fig. 1a comprises ahousing 1a. Thehousing 1a comprises a plurality ofdrawers 2 provided as a set ofwashing drawers 2 stacked onto each other in thehousing 1a, eachdrawer 2 comprising a respectiveflexible washing compartment 10 having one or more stain removal zone(s) Z (schematically shown in the most upper drawer), such as an essentiallyflat washing compartment 10 having a zipper, or other water and air-tight closable seal, or comprising a pair of flexible membranes (not shown inFig. 1a ), for washing laundry and arranged in thewashing drawer 2 such that the one or more stain-removal zones) is/are located properly and adapted to locally treat stained areas of the laundry. - Alternatively, a hard openable frame having a water- and/or air-tight seal can be provided instead of the zipper.
- The
washing machine 1 comprises aninlet 4, for supplying clean washing water and anoutlet 5, for disposal of used washing water. Thewashing machine 1 further comprises one or more pump(s) 6, in order to pump the used washing water out of the washing compartment. In order to supply clean water via theinlet 4 no pump is normally needed because the water will be provided from a pressurized and closed water system such as a public water supply system. Eachwashing compartment 10 in eachdrawer 2 is connected to a pair ofconduits inlet 4 of via aconduit 4a to therespective washing compartment 10 arranged in eachdrawer 2 and to lead air and water away from thewashing compartment 10 via aconduit 5a, by means of thepump 6. The pair ofconduits washing compartment 10 in eachdrawer 2 can be combined into oneinlet 4 andoutlet 5 for all washing compartments 10. Theconduit 5a may also be connected to a reservoir 7 (schematically shown) inside thewashing machine 1 for receiving used washing water and recirculating the washing water one or more times back to thewashing compartment 10. - The
pump 6 is utilized to create a pressure difference between thewashing compartment 10 and its surroundings (in the drawer 2), typically a negative pressure, normally referred to as vacuum in thewashing compartment 10 and atmospheric pressure in thedrawer 2. - According to another embodiment, it is alternatively possible to arrange the washing compartments 10 side-by-side as shown in
FIG. 1b . - Alternatively, to the embodiment shown in
Fig. 1a , which comprises a plurality of drawers, it is possible to just have onedrawer 2, potentially in combination with a conventional washing machine as shown inFig. 1c , but not limited thereto. Alternative embodiments, combinations of one or more drawer(s) 2 with a conventional washing machine having a perforated metal washing drum at any side of the conventional washing machine are also possible without departing from the invention. A side-by-side combination may be an advantage for instance for washing shirts hanging. - Now is referred to
Fig. 2a , which in a view from above shows aflexible washing compartment 10 embodied as a flexible bag having a openable andclosable seal 13, or is alternatively arranged in an openable/closable air and water-tight frame (not shown), for opening and closing thewashing compartment 10. Theflexible washing compartment 10 may be made of any fluid-tight suitable material such as plastics and may be transparent such that a user easily can see if the washing compartment is empty or not. InFig. 2a , thewashing compartment 10 is a flat transparent bag, shown filled withlaundry 11, herein exemplified as a pair of trousers arranged in a flat manner in theflexible washing compartment 10. According to aspect, but not limited thereto, thelaundry 11 is wetted in a longitudinal direction (schematically shown) when the pump is turned on. - It is an advantage that the
laundry 11 can be arranged flat in that ironing can be avoided and some sensitive laundry may benefit from being washed flatly and without the laundry moving inside thewashing compartment 10, thereby avoiding wearing of thelaundry 11 against the walls of thewashing compartment 10 as is typically the case in a conventional washing machine having a rotation perforated metal drum inside which the laundry wears against the drum. Stain removal in such a conventional washing machine implies that thewhole laundry 11 is always washed, even no-stained parts. This provides unnecessary wear also to non-stained parts (not in stain removal zones Z not requiring increased flow of water. - The
washing compartment 10 is connected to a pair ofconduits washing compartment 10 is permanently fixed into thedrawer 2 and permanently connected to theconduits - Now is also in addition to
FIG. 2a referred toFIG. 2b . -
FIG. 2b shows in a perspective view from the side, a flatflexible washing compartment 10 filled with a particular type oflaundry 11, herein a pair of trousers, - A means 12 for providing a set of stain removal zones Z is provided on the
laundry 11. The means 12 is a solid flat screen member for instance made of plastics having through going holes providing the stain removal zones Z through which an increased flow of water can flow when thepump 6 is turned on. Thescreen member 12 may vary/look different providing a particular set of stain removal zones forparticular laundry 11. The open stain removal zones Z provides increased flow of water through thelaundry 11 and thereby removes stains locally and efficiently in particular areas of the 11 without negatively also washing other parts of the laundry not requiring stain-removal. This is schematically marked as in thisFig. 2a . This embodiment is suitable for removing stains from particular areas of thelaundry 11 such as on the knees on a pair of trousers (or other parts of thelaundry 11 known to be more stained than other parts known to be less stained. An advantage with the inventive solution is that it is simple and easy compared to today's known complicated and expensive sensor solutions. -
FIG. 2d shows, in a sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 2b , aset 12 of stain removal zones Z having increased flow of water, wherein water is oscillating (shown schematically by double-headed arrows), flowing through the stain removal zones Z. -
FIG. 2c shows, in a sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG.2b , aset 12 of stain removal zones Z having increased flow of water, wherein the water is continuously through-flowing through the stain removal zones Z. - Now is referred to
Fig. 3 , which shows, in a perspective view, awashing drawer 2 having a pair ofconduits 5a flexible washing compartment 10 for washing stained laundry and being arranged in thewashing drawer 2. Thewashing compartment 10 having stain removal zones Z shown in this drawing comprise of two flexible membranes, herein an upper 10a, and a lower membrane (not shown), whichwashing compartment 10 can be opened or closed in a fluid-tight manner by moving thedrawer 2 out from thehousing 1a for opening, or into thehousing 1a for closing thewashing compartment 10. This can be achieved since, the membranes are mounted in a respective upper 10aa, and lower 10bb frame, of which theupper membrane 10a can be moved, opened or closed. According to various embodiments, thewashing compartment 10 may alternatively comprise one or more membranes, such as one flexible membrane provided on a rigid plate. The upper frame having theupper membrane 10a is arranged to be automatically opened when thedrawer 2 is pulled out. This can be provided by having the frames 10aa, 10bb provided at a rail, wherein a pressure roll is arranged to press the upper frame 10aa having theupper membrane 10a against the lower frame 10bb having the lower membrane against each other when the drawer is pushed in and releasing the frames 10aa, 10bb to each other when the drawer is pulled out. Other mechanisms such as parallelograms, excenters, tracs, manual doors etc. providing opening or closing the washing compartment are obvious for the skilled person and the invention is by no means limited to this particular embodiment. -
Fig. 3 shows thewashing compartment 10 made of membranes and containing laundry and comprising twomembranes 10a, 10b. - An alternative embodiment of the
flexible washing compartment 10 can be made up of twoflexible membranes 10a, 10b is shown withlaundry 11 inside. The twomembranes 10a, 10b are arranged on a frame preventing thewashing compartment 10 to restrict across and along the frame, but still providing flat compression due to the pressure difference between the pressure inside theflexible compartment 10 and its surroundings in thedrawer 2, typically the pressure inside the flexible compartment is negative pressure and the pressure outside the flexible compartment is atmospheric pressure or positive pressure providing a pressure difference. - The washing machine may also include an additional drying unit in order to dry the laundry by the supply of dry hot air in the
flexible washing compartment 10. - The
washing machine 1 can operate as follows. - One or more of the flexible washing compartments 10 are opened and filled with
laundry 11. Subsequently, water is provided via theinlet 4, and/or theconduit 4a to the flexible washing compartment(s) 10. The water is heated to a desired temp. The heating can be provided by means of a conventional heater (not shown) arranged inside or outside thewashing machine 1. Then the air is sucked out of the flexible washing compartment, followed by the water being sucked out. - A washing detergent may be provided directly into the washing compartment or via a separate
washing detergent compartment 2a provided centrally in thewashing machine 1 or in thespecific drawer 2 to be distributed into thewashing compartment 10 together with the water. After that the water has been provided to the washing compartment, thepump 6 is activated. Firstly thepump 6 is used to suck air from the washing compartment, to minimize the volume that has to be wetted, whereby the laundry is compressed and soaked in water (SeeFig. 2a , where the wetting of the pair of trousers inside awashing compartment 10 having azipper 13 is indicated schematically by the marking "wetting"). Gradually the water is sucked out, and the same water may be returned for instance via thereservoir 7 and filter(s) provided in the washing machine to the washing compartment a couple of times before the water is exchanged and the cycle is repeated once again. - An example of the operation of the invention according to various embodiments will now be given. First, the
laundry 11 is placed in awashing compartment 10 of any of the types described above and in adrawer 2 of thewashing machine 1. In the shown embodiment, thelaundry 11 is placed in thewashing compartment 10 inside thedrawer 2. Then thewashing compartment 10 is closed. After these measures, first air is sucked out, creating vacuum or under pressure in the fibers and/or textiles of thelaundry 11 then, clean washing water is supplied viainlet 4 to thewashing compartment 10 replacing the under pressure, or vacuum and normalizing pressure and any air remaining in thewashing compartment 10 is pumped out via thepump 6 such that thelaundry 11 is soaked and compressed by the walls of thewashing compartment 10. Once thelaundry 11 is soaked it is possible to pump out the washing water from the washing compartment via thepump 6, wherein a certain negative pressure again is created in the washing compartment, and wherein thelaundry 11 is further compressed by the atmospheric pressure (or alternatively positive over-pressure) outside the bag. The washing becomes efficient thanks to the combination of pressure towards the laundry and the movement of the washing water and air bubbles, which penetrate in between the fibers of the laundry and deeply remove impurities. Pressure differences acting on air bubbles influences the air bubbles to change in size, which implies that the air-bubbles on a micro-level "pump" the water back and forth inside the fibers. Air is elastic contrary to water, such that water is transferred when the air bubbles grow or shrink. If a micro-bubble is stuck inside a hollow fiber, the fiber will pump clean inside the fiber. At the lowest pressure, the air bubbles are as large as possible. Further, the laundry may be kneaded by the walls of the washing compartment which increases the washing efficiency. Once the washing water has been re-circulated via filter a number of times, the water sucked out to the desired degree, the rinsing water is supplied to the washing compartment. The purpose of the rinsing water is e.g. to perform a final cleaning of the laundry and to remove any remainders of the washing detergent. Further, rinsing fluid and/ or fabric softener, which softens and/ or gives the laundry a pleasant fragrance, may be supplied together with the rinsing water. The rinsing water is removed from the washing machine in the same manner as the washing water. Hence, any air that is left in the bag is pumped out such that the laundry is compressed and soaked, and subsequently the rinsing water is pumped out from the washing compartment, wherein a certain negative pressure is created in the washing compartment, and wherein the laundry is compressed by the atmospheric pressure outside of the washing compartment. Preferably, electronic equipment of the washing machine comprises a control with which it is possible to control the dryness of the laundry. The dryness may also be one of the parameters that are controlled by means of different washing programs, such that every washing program is connected to a certain dryness, which naturally also may be the same for several different washing programs. Before the washing compartment is opened air should be let in, in order to facilitate the opening of the bag. - Preferably, the
washing machine 1 also comprises a heater unit with which the inlet water ininlet 4 may be heated to the desired temperature regardless of the inlet temperature. - The
washing machine 1 could also include a small tank in which the heating unit may be arranged. The tank makes it possible to re-utilize the washing water. Due to environmental friendly reasons it is advantageous that the laundry is washed several times with the same water, because it saves both water and heating energy. Further, the washing efficiency is not drastically worsened because the same washing water can be used several times, since the washing water very rarely is saturated in impurities. Hence, a prewash with a first water change is only necessary when very dirty laundry is to be washed. A water exchange should however always be made for the rinsing of the laundry. - Parts of the inner walls of the washing compartment can be provided with fluid leading means such as concavities- and/or convexities in order for the walls not to get stuck towards each other without letting water and air pass when a negative pressure of a certain magnitude has been created inside the washing compartment.
- By creating islands of fluid leading surfaces surrounded by areas preventing fluid motion, the maximum flow of water through the laundry can be achieved. The washing effect is on the contrary achieved when the fluid flows through the laundry, preferably at the same time as they are kneaded by the walls as they are being sucked towards each other.
Claims (5)
- Washing machine (1) for the washing of laundry such as clothes and textiles, wherein washing machine comprises a housing (1a), wherein the housing (1a) comprises:an inlet (4), for supplying washing water,an outlet (5), for disposal of washing water,a pump (6), for pumping the washing water and air, wherein the housing (1a) comprises: at least one, preferably a plurality of washing drawers (2) having a respective flexible washing compartment, each washing drawer (2) having a pair of conduits comprising first and second conduits respectively (4a, 5a) for fluid tight connection of the respective flexible washing compartment (10) for washing laundry (L) and arranged in the washing drawer (2), wherein each drawer (2) of the housing (1a) is arranged to lead water from the inlet (4) of the housing (1a) via the first conduit (4a) to the respective flexible washing compartment (10) arranged therein and, by means of the pump (6) and the second conduit (5a), to pump air and water out from the respective flexible washing compartment (10) in order to create a pressure difference inside the flexible washing compartment (10) with respect to the surrounding pressure and by that emptying the flexible washing compartment (10) of washing water and air, characterized in that the one or more flexible washing compartments (10) each also comprises stain-removal zones (Z), and a flow of water is arranged to be increased in the stain-removal zones (Z) compared to other zones of the one or more flexible washing compartment (10),wherein the stain removal zones (Z) are arranged in a member (12) for stain removal having a particular set of stain removal zones (Z), andwherein the member (12) is a solid flat screen member having through going holes providing the stain removal zones (Z) through which an increased flow of water can flow when the pump (6) is turned on.
- The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the increased flow of water is arranged to be continuously through the stain removal zones (Z).
- The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the increased flow of water is arranged to be oscillating flowing through the stain removal zones (Z).
- The washing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein a particular set (12) of stain removal zones (Z) is then typically adapted for a particular flexible washing compartment (10).
- The washing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the member (12) is made of plastics.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
SE1750697A SE542836C2 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2017-06-02 | Washing machine with plurality of washing drawers |
PCT/SE2018/050561 WO2018222127A1 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2018-06-01 | Washing machine with a flexible washing compartment having one or more stain removal zone(s) |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP3612673A1 EP3612673A1 (en) | 2020-02-26 |
EP3612673A4 EP3612673A4 (en) | 2020-08-19 |
EP3612673B1 true EP3612673B1 (en) | 2023-09-13 |
Family
ID=64456031
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP18809037.7A Active EP3612673B1 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2018-06-01 | Washing machine with a flexible washing compartment having stain removal zones |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210131005A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3612673B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN110770383A (en) |
SE (1) | SE542836C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018222127A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11873598B2 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2024-01-16 | Wade Chapman | Cartridge bin for a rotatable drum |
US11608578B1 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2023-03-21 | Wade Chapman | Automated laundry system and method |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2153395B (en) * | 1984-02-01 | 1987-02-25 | Richard Anthony Morton Maskell | Pressure washing machine |
WO1998004771A1 (en) * | 1996-07-26 | 1998-02-05 | Otmar Berghaus | Process and device for removing stains from textile goods |
US6219871B1 (en) | 1997-04-14 | 2001-04-24 | Max B. Frederick | Washing apparatus and method utilizing flexible container to improve cleaning efficiency and minimize space occupancy |
JP2002282573A (en) * | 2001-03-23 | 2002-10-02 | Yasushi Ito | Washing machine and its using method |
US20170073867A1 (en) * | 2015-09-15 | 2017-03-16 | Herve Borrel | Stain removing device and method therefor |
SE539513C2 (en) * | 2016-02-09 | 2017-10-03 | Roderinno Ab | Washing machine |
SE540050C2 (en) * | 2016-03-23 | 2018-03-06 | Roderinno Ab | Washing machine |
US10584434B2 (en) * | 2016-11-18 | 2020-03-10 | Midea Group Co., Ltd. | Stain removal tool for a laundry washing machine |
-
2017
- 2017-06-02 SE SE1750697A patent/SE542836C2/en unknown
-
2018
- 2018-06-01 US US16/617,008 patent/US20210131005A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-06-01 EP EP18809037.7A patent/EP3612673B1/en active Active
- 2018-06-01 CN CN201880036668.8A patent/CN110770383A/en active Pending
- 2018-06-01 WO PCT/SE2018/050561 patent/WO2018222127A1/en unknown
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
SE542836C2 (en) | 2020-07-14 |
WO2018222127A1 (en) | 2018-12-06 |
EP3612673A1 (en) | 2020-02-26 |
US20210131005A1 (en) | 2021-05-06 |
SE1750697A1 (en) | 2018-12-03 |
EP3612673A4 (en) | 2020-08-19 |
CN110770383A (en) | 2020-02-07 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP3414384B1 (en) | Washing machine with drawers and flexible washing compartment | |
US11162202B2 (en) | Washing machine with a flexible washing compartment having one progressive intensity washing zone | |
EP2633113B1 (en) | Washing machine having a washing bag | |
EP1861540B1 (en) | Laundry machine | |
CN110691871A (en) | Washing machine with flexible washing compartment | |
EP3433407B1 (en) | Washing machine with drawers and flexible washing compartment | |
KR20100075577A (en) | Machine for cleaning, washing, drying and ironing clothes and garments | |
EP3612673B1 (en) | Washing machine with a flexible washing compartment having stain removal zones | |
EP2578739A1 (en) | Method for washing laundry in a laundry washing machine | |
JPWO2005033398A1 (en) | Ultrasonic cleaning method for clothing, etc. | |
JP6064167B2 (en) | Washing machine | |
WO2013080137A2 (en) | Equipment for stain removing, washing, drying and ironing clothes | |
CN116289071A (en) | Local washing and protecting equipment for clothes | |
JP2004159974A (en) | Washing machine | |
JP2017121397A (en) | Clothing treatment apparatus | |
GB2340846A (en) | Reduced Pressure Washing Machine and Method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE INTERNATIONAL PUBLICATION HAS BEEN MADE |
|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: REQUEST FOR EXAMINATION WAS MADE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 20191121 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: A1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
AX | Request for extension of the european patent |
Extension state: BA ME |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R079 Ref document number: 602018057594 Country of ref document: DE Free format text: PREVIOUS MAIN CLASS: D06F0015020000 Ipc: D06F0017020000 Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R079 Ipc: D06F0017020000 |
|
A4 | Supplementary search report drawn up and despatched |
Effective date: 20200721 |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: D06F 17/02 20060101AFI20200715BHEP Ipc: D06F 39/08 20060101ALN20200715BHEP Ipc: D06F 39/12 20060101ALN20200715BHEP Ipc: D06F 17/12 20060101ALN20200715BHEP |
|
DAV | Request for validation of the european patent (deleted) | ||
DAX | Request for extension of the european patent (deleted) | ||
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: EXAMINATION IS IN PROGRESS |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 20210802 |
|
GRAP | Despatch of communication of intention to grant a patent |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR1 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: GRANT OF PATENT IS INTENDED |
|
RIC1 | Information provided on ipc code assigned before grant |
Ipc: D06F 39/12 20060101ALN20230419BHEP Ipc: D06F 39/08 20060101ALN20230419BHEP Ipc: D06F 17/12 20060101ALN20230419BHEP Ipc: D06F 17/02 20060101AFI20230419BHEP |
|
INTG | Intention to grant announced |
Effective date: 20230515 |
|
GRAS | Grant fee paid |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: EPIDOSNIGR3 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: THE PATENT HAS BEEN GRANTED |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: EP |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R096 Ref document number: 602018057594 Country of ref document: DE |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: IE Ref legal event code: FG4D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: LT Ref legal event code: MG9D |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: NL Ref legal event code: MP Effective date: 20230913 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231214 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: RS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: NO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231213 Ref country code: LV Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: LT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: HR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: GR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20231214 Ref country code: FI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: AT Ref legal event code: MK05 Ref document number: 1611397 Country of ref document: AT Kind code of ref document: T Effective date: 20230913 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20240113 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SM Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: RO Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: IS Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20240113 Ref country code: ES Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: EE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: CZ Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: AT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: PT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20240115 Ref country code: SK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: PL Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 Ref country code: IT Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: DE Ref legal event code: R097 Ref document number: 602018057594 Country of ref document: DE |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 20240509 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 20240523 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DK Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF FAILURE TO SUBMIT A TRANSLATION OF THE DESCRIPTION OR TO PAY THE FEE WITHIN THE PRESCRIBED TIME-LIMIT Effective date: 20230913 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 20240508 Year of fee payment: 7 |
|
26N | No opposition filed |
Effective date: 20240614 |