ES2781765T3 - Washing device - Google Patents

Abstract

Washing device comprising at least one interior chamber in which operations such as washing / rinsing / drying of articles are carried out, at least one door that provides access to the interior chamber, at least one network input line through starting from which at least one water source takes water and a washing machine drawer (C) comprising at least one body (1) in which cleaning agents are stored; at least one water line (H) through which water from a source, which may be main, is supplied to the body (1); with at least one first compartment (1a) being provided in the body (1) in which a first liquid cleaning agent is stored prior to a washing operation; being provided in the body (1) at least one second compartment (1b) in which a second liquid cleaning agent used during a rinsing operation of the items to be washed is stored, characterized in that the washing machine drawer further comprises: least one mixing line (H3), at least one end of which is connected to the water line (H); - at least one first pump (P1) that is arranged in the body (1) that provides the supply of the first cleaning agent from the first compartment (1a) to the mixing line (H3); - at least one second pump (P2) that is arranged in the body (1) that provides the supply of the second cleaning agent from the second compartment (1b) to said mixing line (H3); - at least one first line (H1) located between the first pump (P1) and the mixing line (H3); and - at least one second line (H2) located between the second pump (P2) and the mixing line (H3); - at least one mixing compartment (1c) provided in the body (1) and in which the first cleaning agent or the second cleaning agent mixed with water from the source is supplied from at least one other end of said mixing line (H3)), passing through it and then supplying to the inner chamber; - at least one sensor to measure parameters such as quantity, weight, amount of dirt, etc. of elements placed in the inner chamber; and at least one control element that adjusts the amount of water and / or cleaning agent to be used in the washing and / or rinsing operations to be carried out according to the measured values, and which is connected to the first pump ( P1)) and / or the second pump (P2) and / or to at least one main pump that provides the water supply to the body (1).

Description

DESCRIPTION

Washing device

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing device comprising a drawer in which operations such as washing / rinsing / drying of articles are carried out.

Previous technique

[0002] Today, washing machines, such as washing machines, dishwashers comprise drawers, where liquid or solid detergents, fabric softeners, other cleaning agents, etc., as part of the washing liquids used in washing operations washing and rinsing, they are stored and being extracted from said drawers when necessary and are supplied to the part (for example, drum) of the washing device where said operations are carried out. The drawers comprise a plurality of compartments for storing, separately, the cleaning agents, where the cleaning agent corresponding to an operation to be carried out on the articles is supplied to the chamber of the washing machine from the respective compartment to carry out that operation. To perform the operation, water is also supplied from a source, for example a municipal water system, into the chamber of the washing machine where said operation is performed. An example of a washing machine detergent drawer is described in patent document AU2014214033A1. According to that document, the water and the cleaning agent cannot be mixed homogeneously in the drawer, therefore, both the operations such as the washing / rinsing of the articles are not performed efficiently enough, and the residues of the agents Cleaning agents that can accumulate in the washer can cause clogs in the tubes of the washer. Another drawer structure of the washing machine is included in patent document EP2251481A1, which comprises at least one body in which the cleaning agents are stored; at least one water line; at least a first and a second compartments provided in the body, in which a first and a second liquid cleaning agent are stored. The included washer drawer further comprises a mixing compartment into which the first / second cleaning agent is supplied and mixed with water. Since the cleaning agent and water pass through different lines and mix only in the mixing chamber, the water and cleaning agent may not mix homogeneously. In patent document WO2015032656A1, a washing machine comprises a casing that extends from the outer surface of the body to the interior of the body, a dispenser that is arranged inside the casing and that has more than one division in which the agents are stored. cleaning, and a dosing unit that allows transferring the desired quantity of liquid cleaning agents to the tank. The washing machine delivers the required amount of cleaning agents, according to user preferences and parameters, to the bottom of the housing through the pipes, allowing them to mix with the wash water. The drawer structure included in this document does not provide a separate mixing compartment or mixing line for homogeneous mixing of cleaning agents with water. Furthermore, the cleaning agents are supplied to the washing machine in the required quantity determined with respect to the preferences and parameters of the user. No sensor and controller combination is required to detect some defined parameters and consequently provide the required amount of cleaning agents. In patent document EP2666900A1, a detergent feeding device is described. The feeding device comprises a detergent housing, a detergent box installed in the detergent housing for storing liquid detergent, and a detergent introduction module for introducing the stored liquid detergent into the detergent box of the detergent housing. However, the feeding device does not provide a compartment or a separate line for mixing the cleaning agent with water, nor sensors and an automatic detergent feeding function according to the detected parameters.

Brief description of the invention

[0003] According to the present invention, a washing device is developed that comprises at least one inner chamber in which operations such as washing / rinsing / drying of articles are carried out, at least one door that provides access to the inner chamber, to the minus one network inlet line through which water is taken from at least one water source. The washing device developed according to the present invention also comprises a washing machine drawer having at least one body in which said cleaning agents are stored; at least one water line, through which water from a source, for example the municipal water system, is supplied to the body; at least one first compartment that is provided in the body and in which a first liquid cleaning agent is stored prior to a washing operation; at least one second compartment that is provided in the body and in which a second liquid cleaning agent used during a washing item rinsing operation is stored; at least one mixing compartment that is provided in the body and in which the first cleaning agent or the second cleaning agent mixed with water from the source, is supplied from at least one other end of a mixing line passing through it and then supplied to the inner chamber; at least one mixing line of which at least one end is connected to the water line and of which at least the other end is open to the mixing compartment; at least one first bomb that it is arranged in the body and provides the supply of the first cleaning agent from the first compartment to the mixing line; at least one second pump that is arranged in the body and provides the supply of the second cleaning agent from the second compartment to said mixing line; at least one first line arranged between the first pump and the mixing line, and at least one second line arranged between the second pump and the mixing line; and at least one sensor for measuring parameters such as the amount, weight, amount of dirt, etc., of articles placed in the inner chamber; and at least one control element that adjusts the amount of water and / or cleaning agent to be used in the washing and / or rinsing operations that will be carried out according to the measured values, and that is connected to the first pump and / or to the second pump and / or to at least one main pump providing the water supply to the body.

[0004] The washing operations are carried out in the washing device according to the present invention in an efficient manner as a result of supplying the cleaning agents used for washing and rinsing operations in mixed form in the inner chamber where the washing is carried out. Furthermore, by virtue of measuring the weights, the amount of dirt, etc., of the articles to be washed and adjusting the amount of cleaning agents / water accordingly, the washing device according to the present invention is both economical. and respectful with the environment.

Object of the invention

[0005] The object of the present invention is to provide a washing device having a washing machine drawer, in which cleaning agents such as detergents, fabric softeners, etc. are stored.

[0006] Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing device having a washing machine drawer, by means of which detergents, softeners, tap water and similar agents are first mixed therein and then supplied to a chamber interior where the washing is done.

[0007] A further object of the present invention is to provide a washing device having a washing machine drawer, by means of which the cleaning agents and / or water used are automatically adjusted according to the amount of dirt and / or the weight of the items to be washed.

[0008] Still another object of the present invention is to provide a washing device having a washing machine drawer, in which electronic components such as pumps that provide the supply of cleaning agents such as detergents, fabric softeners, etc., inside the inner chamber are located in a different location from the compartment where the cleaning agents are stored.

[0009] A further object of the present invention is to provide a washing device having a safe and durable washing machine drawer.

Description of the figures

[0010] Illustrative embodiments of a washing device with a washing machine drawer according to the present invention are given in the attached figures described below.

Figure 1 is a perspective representation of the washing machine drawer according to the present invention without the covers of the washing machine drawer.

Figure 2 is a perspective representation of the drawer of the washing machine according to the present invention in which an upper cover thereof has been removed.

Figure 3 is a perspective representation of the drawer of the washing machine according to the present invention in which its lids are present.

Figure 4 is a detailed perspective illustration from the top of the washing machine drawer according to the present invention.

[0011] All parts represented in the figures are individually assigned a reference number and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed as follows:

Washing machine drawer (C)

Water line (H)

First line (H1)

Second line (H2)

Mixing line (H3)

Third line (H4)

First pump (P1)

Second pump (P2)

Cap (K)

Body (1)

First compartment (1st)

First exit (11th)

Second compartment (1b)

Second exit (11b)

Mixing compartment (1c)

Third compartment (1d)

Top cover (1e)

Transfer zone (1f)

Hole (1g)

Opening (1h)

Description of the invention

[0012] Washing devices such as washing machines used to carry out the washing / rinsing / drying operations of articles use washing fluids which may comprise cleaning agents such as detergents, fabric softeners, etc. to carry out these operations. The water and cleaning agents comprised in the washing fluid are supplied from their sources to the washing device and transferred to an interior chamber where articles are present to carry out said operations thereon. To perform such operations effectively, the wash fluid must contain an adequate amount of cleaning agents. Accordingly, the present invention provides a washing device having a washing drawer that provides a homogeneous mixture of cleaning agents such as detergents, fabric softeners, etc., with tap water and the supply of the resulting mixture to the inner chamber. where the items are present.

[0013] The washing device with a washing machine drawer (C) according to the present invention, illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, which can be a washing machine, comprising at least one inner chamber (not illustrated in the figures) in which operations such as washing / rinsing / drying of the articles are performed, at least one door (not illustrated in the figures) that provides access to the inner chamber, and at least one network input line (not shown in the figure) through which the water from at least one water source is brought into the washing device, where said washing machine drawer (C) comprises at least one body (1) in which said cleaning agents are stored. cleaning and preferably movable to remove from the washing device; preferably at least one handle so that the movement of the body (1) can be controlled by the user; at least one water line (H) through which water from a source, for example the municipal water system, is supplied to the body (1); at least one first compartment (1a) which is provided in said body (1) and in which a first liquid cleaning agent (eg detergent) is stored before a washing operation; at least one second compartment (1b) that is provided in the body (1) and in which is stored a second liquid cleaning agent (for example, fabric softener) used during a rinsing operation of articles being washed, and which preferably it has a smaller volume than that first compartment (1a); at least one mixing compartment (1c) which is provided in the body (1), preferably between the first compartment (1a) and the second compartment (1b), and in which the first or second cleaning agent is supplied and mixed cleaning agent with water from the water source; at least one mixing line (H3) of which, at least one end of which is connected to the water line (H) and at least the other end of which is open to the mixing compartment (1c); at least one first pump (P1) that is arranged in the body (1), preferably on an outer side of the body (1), and that allows the first cleaning agent to be supplied, preferably by dosing it (that is, adjusting the amount), from the first compartment (1a) to the mixing line (H3); at least one second pump (P2) that is arranged in the body (1), preferably on an outer side of the body (1), and allows the second cleaning agent to be supplied, preferably by dosing it (that is, adjusting the amount), from the second compartment (1b) to said mixing line (H3); and at least one first line (H1) located between the first pump (P1) and the mixing line (H3), and at least one second line (H2) located between the second pump (P2) and the mixing line (H3 ).

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the washing device with a washing machine drawer (C) according to the present invention, the first cleaning agent is loaded into the first compartment (1a) while the second cleaning agent is loaded into the second compartment (1b). While the items are being washed in the inner chamber, a certain amount of the first cleaning agent (detergent) is drawn from the first compartment (1a) by means of the first pump (P1) to the first line (H1), and then transferred from it to the mixing line (H3). During the time that the first cleaning agent is supplied to the mixing line (H3), the water from the water source is also supplied to the mixing line (H3) through the water line (H). The first cleaning agent and the water that flows through the mixing line (H3) and is supplied to the mixing chamber (1c) mixing with each other. Similarly, for example, during the stage of rinsing already washed items, a certain amount of the second cleaning agent (softener) stored in the second compartment (1b) is extracted from the second compartment (1b) by means of the second pump (P2) to the second line (H2), and then transferred from here to the mixing line (H3). During the time that the second cleaning agent is supplied to the mixing line (H3), the water from the water source is also supplied to said mixing line (H3) through the water line (H). The second cleaning agent and the water flowing through the mixing line (H3) and supplied to the mixing chamber (1c) mixing with each other. By virtue of the passage of the cleaning agents (first cleaning agent and second cleaning agent) together with water through the mixing line (H3), it is guaranteed that said cleaning agents and the water are mixed homogeneously and the mixture passes through the mixing compartment (1c), being then supplied to the inner chamber.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment as illustrated in figure 2, the washing machine drawer (C) comprises at least a third compartment (1d), which is provided in the body, preferably on the opposite side to the first compartment (1a) which is farthest from the second compartment (1b), in which a third cleaning agent is stored which can be a powder detergent, and which comprises at least one opening (1h) to allow the third cleaning agent to exit the drawer washer (C) (eg supplied to inner chamber). By virtue of the third compartment (1d), the washing machine drawer (C) can also be used in current washing devices using powdered detergents.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention illustrated in figure 1, the washing machine drawer (C) comprises at least one upper cover (1e) located on an upper side of the body (1). In this embodiment, the upper cover (1e) comprises, in a zone corresponding to the upper part of the mixing compartment (1c) when said cover (1e) is placed on the body (1), at least one transfer zone (1f ) provided with a plurality of holes (1g), where at least one end of said mixing line (H3) is connected to said transfer zone (1f). The cleaning agent from the first line (H1) or from the second line (H2) is combined in the mixing line (H3) with water from the water line (H) and delivered together to the transfer area (1f) . The cleaning agent and water mixture is passed through the holes (1g) of the transfer area (1f) and poured into the mixing compartment (1c). Therefore, better mixing of the mixture is guaranteed as it passes through the holes (1g). In one embodiment, the upper cover (1e) comprises, in a zone corresponding to the upper part of said third compartment (1d) when said cover (1e) is placed on the body (1), at least one transfer zone (1f ) provided with a plurality of holes (1g), where at least a third line (H4) in communication with a water source (for example, a municipal water system) is connected to said transfer zone (1f). The third cleaning agent is loaded into said third compartment (1d) before a washing operation and the water from the third line (H4) is poured through the holes (1g) provided in the transfer zone (1f) onto the cleaning agent present in the third compartment (1d). The mixture of the cleaning agent and the water leaves the washing machine drawer (C) through the opening (1h) provided in said third compartment (1d).

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, to prevent water or a cleaning liquid-water mixture entering the transfer zone (1f) from leaking from said transfer area (1f) out of the body (1), the upper cover (1e) comprises at least one cover (K) located in the transfer zone (1f). When the cap (K) is placed over the transfer area (1f), sealing is ensured.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the body (1) comprises at least a first outlet (11a) that provides communication between the first compartment (1a) and the first pump (P1). Similarly, in a further preferred embodiment, the body (1) comprises at least one second outlet (11b) between the second compartment (1b) and the second pump (P2), providing communication between the second compartment (1b) and the second pump (P2). In these embodiments, the cleaning agents present in the first compartment (1a) and / or the second compartment (1b) are passed through the first outlet (11a) and / or the second outlet (11b) and delivered to the first pump (P1) and / or the second pump (P2). By virtue of the first outlet (11a) and the second outlet (11b), it is guaranteed to arrange the first pump (P1) and the second pump (P2) outside the body (1). Therefore, the electronic components generally present in the pump are prevented from being placed inside the body (1) containing a liquid. Therefore, a safe wash drawer (C) is obtained.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine drawer (C) comprises at least one sensor (not illustrated in the figures) to measure parameters such as the amount, weight, amount of dirt, etc., of articles placed in the inner chamber, and at least one control element (not shown in the figures) to adjust the amount of water and / or cleaning agents (first cleaning agent, second cleaning agent) used in cleaning operations. washing and / or rinsing according to the measured values. In a preferred embodiment, the control element is coupled to the first pump (P1) and / or the second pump (P2) and / or at least one main pump (not illustrated in the figures) that feeds water to the body (1 ). In an embodiment in which the washing machine drawer (C) comprises a first outlet (11a) and a second outlet (11b) (in other words, when the first pump (P1) and the second pump (P2) are arranged outside the body (1)), the first cleaning agent and / or the second cleaning agent are loaded into the first compartment (1a) and / or the second compartment (1b). Since the first pump (P1) and the second pump (P2) are arranged outside the body (1), the volume of the body (1) can store a larger amount of cleaning agent compared to a drawer body comprised of devices known washing machines. Therefore, the cleaning agent introduced into the body (1) can be used in more than one washing operation. In this embodiment, the first cleaning agent and the second cleaning agent respectively are introduced into the first compartment (1a) and the second compartment (1b), and the amount of water and / or the first cleaning agent and / or the The second cleaning agent fed to the mixing line (H3) in a washing and / or rinsing operation is adjusted according to the data received from said control element. Therefore, although it is not necessary to add cleaning agent to the washer drawer (C) each time a washing operation is started, excessive use of cleaning agent and water is avoided. Thus, an environmentally friendly and economical washing device is obtained.

[0020] The washing device having a washing machine drawer (C) developed according to the present invention provides the storage of cleaning agents such as a detergent, a fabric softener, etc., and further provides the mixture of cleaning agents and water, which is supplied from a water source, in the washing machine drawer before washing / rinsing operations and then supplying the resulting mixture to the inner chamber where said operations are carried out. Furthermore, the washing device according to the present invention provides an automatic adjustment of the cleaning agents and / or water to be used according to the weight and / or the amount of dirt of the items to be washed, and therefore the washing device becomes inexpensive.

Claims (14)

1. Washing device comprising at least one interior chamber in which operations such as washing / rinsing / drying of articles are carried out, at least one door that provides access to the interior chamber, at least one network input line through from which at least one water source takes water and a washing machine drawer (C) comprising at least one body (1) in which cleaning agents are stored; at least one water line (H) through which water from a source, which may be main, is supplied to the body (1); at least one first compartment (1a) being provided in the body (1) in which a first liquid cleaning agent is stored prior to a washing operation; with at least one second compartment (1b) being provided in the body (1) in which a second liquid cleaning agent used during a rinsing operation of the articles to be washed is stored, characterized in that the washing machine drawer further comprises: • at least one mixing line (H3), at least one end of which is connected to the water line (H); • at least one first pump (P1) that is arranged in the body (1) that provides the supply of the first cleaning agent from the first compartment (1a) to the mixing line (H3); • at least one second pump (P2) that is arranged in the body (1) that provides the supply of the second cleaning agent from the second compartment (1b) to said mixing line (H3); • at least one first line (H1) located between the first pump (P1) and the mixing line (H3); Y • at least one second line (H2) located between the second pump (P2) and the mixing line (H3); • at least one mixing compartment (1c) provided in the body (1) and in which the first cleaning agent or the second cleaning agent mixed with water from the source is supplied from at least one other end of said mixing line (H3)), passing through it and then supplying to the inner chamber; • at least one sensor to measure parameters such as quantity, weight, amount of dirt, etc. of elements placed in the inner chamber; and at least one control element that adjusts the amount of water and / or cleaning agent to be used in the washing and / or rinsing operations that will be carried out according to the measured values, and that is connected to the first pump ( P1)) and / or the second pump (P2) and / or to at least one main pump that provides the water supply to the body (1). Washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second compartment (1b) has a volume that is smaller than that of the first compartment (1a). Washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the mixing compartment (1c) is provided between the first compartment (1a) and the second compartment (1b). Washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first cleaning agent is supplied in doses from the first compartment (1a) to the mixing line (H3). 5. Washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the first pump (P1) is provided outside the body (1). Washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second cleaning agent is delivered by dose, from the second compartment (1b) to the mixing line (H3). 7. Washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the second pump (P2) is provided outside the body (1). Washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least a third compartment (1d), which is provided in the body (1), and in which a third cleaning agent is stored, which can be a powder detergent , and comprising at least one opening (1h) to allow the third cleaning agent to exit the washing machine drawer. Washing device according to claim 8, characterized in that the third compartment (1d) is located on the other side of the first compartment (1a) which is away from the second compartment (1b). Washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one upper cover (1e) arranged on an upper side of the body (1). Washing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the upper cover (1e) comprises, in an area corresponding to the upper part of the mixing compartment (1c) when the upper cover (1e) is placed on the body (1) , in at least one transfer zone (1f) provided with a plurality of holes (1g), wherein at least one end of said mixing line (H3) is connected to said transfer zone (1f). Washing device according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one upper cover (1e) arranged on an upper side of the body (1) in which said upper cover (1e) comprises, in an area corresponding to the upper part of said third compartment (1d) when the upper cover (1e) is placed on the body (1), at least one transfer area (1f) provided with a plurality of holes (1g), in where at least a third line (H4) in communication with a water source that can be the supply network, is connected to said transfer zone (1f). 13. Washing device according to claim 1 or 5, characterized in that the body (1) comprises at least one first outlet (11a) that provides communication between the first compartment (1a) and the first pump (P1). Washing device according to claim 1 or 7, characterized in that the body (1) comprises at least one second outlet (11b) between the second compartment (1b) and the second pump (P2), providing communication between the second compartment ( 1b) and the second pump (P2).