RU2781563C2 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: household appliances.

SUBSTANCE: invention relates to laundry devices and concerns household washing machines with frontal laundry loading. The washing machine contains a case, a washing compartment with a frontal hole, which is closed with a door with sight glass. A system for feeding laundry detergents contains several compartments, while compartments are located in the door. At the same time, the feeding system contains an isolated dosing pump for each compartment. Isolated dosing pumps are connected to a common outlet hose connected to an ejector placed in a feeding hose. Moreover, the feeding hose is connected to a water loading system by means of a feeding electromagnetic valve, and it is made with the possibility of connection to an inner part of a reel or compartment.

EFFECT: improved system for dosing laundry detergents, simplification of interaction between a user and a washing machine, reduction in a number of operations of loading, cleaning, maintenance of a system for loading a laundry detergent.

18 cl, 31 dwg

Description

IMPLEMENTATION OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry washing apparatus and a laundry washing method, in particular, to a household washing machine.

[0002] Household washing machines include a base-body structure, inside which is a washing compartment having an opening in the front, which can be closed by a door with a hatch attached on the front panel to the body. The drum for placing the laundry to be washed is located inside the washing compartment with the possibility of its rotation around a horizontal or inclined axis. The drum also forms a loading opening in the front opening of the laundry compartment, allowing laundry to be loaded and unloaded.

[0003] The laundry compartment is configured to contain the laundry liquid during the washing steps of the laundry.

[0004] A water supply system that is connected to the water supply network is provided to allow the tank to be loaded with mains water, detergent and additives. At the bottom of the laundry compartment is a drain hose connected to a drain pump that allows you to remove the laundry from the tank and, together with the loading system, control the level of liquid inside it.

[0005] A dispenser is provided for adding a detergent or treatment agent to the laundry liquid, located in the flow path from the water loading system.

[0006] The dispenser may be in the form of a tray that can be removed from the housing and inserted into it, as well as manually filled for each wash with a detergent and/or treatment additive in an amount sufficient for one wash cycle.

[0007] Washing machines are also known with so-called ''multiple'' laundry detergent systems, configured to contain enough detergent for multiple wash cycles and automatically dispense a predetermined amount of detergent during each wash cycle.

[0008] It is also known to place the multiple feed system in the front door, namely in the hatch of the front door of the washing machine.

[0009] The washing liquid in the tub is heated by an electrical resistor located in the space between the tub wall and the laundry drum wall.

[0010] In order to reduce water and detergent consumption, washing machines are known to be equipped with recirculation systems that collect laundry liquid from the bottom of the compartment (where it accumulates before contact with the laundry in the drum) and reintroduce the collected liquid into the laundry drum, such Thus, less liquid is used repeatedly for the laundry to be washed.

[0011] Recirculation systems typically include a recirculation hose extending from the outside of the laundry compartment from an opening at its bottom (for draining liquid to be recirculated) to an opening at its top (for reintroducing recirculated liquid), as well as an electric recirculation pump or ejector .

[0012] The prior art washing machine features described herein may be fully or partially implemented in at least some embodiments of an improved washing machine in accordance with the present invention.

[0013] Known designs of washing machines, although acceptable from many points of view, still require intensive and very complex user interaction, in particular in relation to the selection of the amount and type or types of detergents for each wash, as well as in relation to the loading operation detergents into the washing machine and, last but not least, the operation, cleaning and maintenance of the detergent loading system or the multiple dosing system.

[0014] The main object of the present invention is to provide a front-loading washing machine with an improved detergent supply system.

[0015] Specific objectives of the embodiments of the invention are to facilitate the interaction of the user and the washing machine, to reduce the number of loading and/or cleaning operations, maintenance, control of the detergent dosing system, to assist the user in choosing the type and amount of detergents for each wash cycle.

[0016] Additional objects of the invention are to increase the efficiency of washing and processing laundry, as well as saving resources, in particular detergents and/or treatments, electricity, water, space occupied.

[0017] Yet another object of the invention is to overcome the problem of low processing efficiency of universal pre-packaged laundry detergent compositions.

[0018] Additional objects of the invention relate to ease of use for the user, as well as increasing the versatility and ability of the washing machine to regulate and influence a variety of conditions and parameters of washing and laundry treatment.

[0019] These and other tasks are solved when using a washing machine made in accordance with the independent claim. The dependent claims refer to preferred embodiments of the invention.

[0020] The washing machine comprises:

[0021] - housing,

[0022] - a laundry compartment located inside the case and having an opening in the front part, closed by a door with a hatch attached to the front panel of the case,

[0023] - a drum located inside the washing compartment and rotating around a horizontal or inclined axis, and the drum forms a loading hole in the front opening of the washing compartment, required for loading and unloading the laundry to be washed,

[0024] - a water loading system connected to the water supply network and with the possibility of connection with the washing compartment for the purpose of supplying water to the washing compartment,

[0025] - a drain hose connected to the washing compartment and to a drain pump for removing liquid from the washing compartment and regulating the liquid level inside the washing compartment in conjunction with a water loading system,

[0026] - a system for dispensing detergents, containing several compartments for said detergents, while said several compartments are located in a door with a hatch, and individual compartments are sized to provide the possibility of containing a detergent in an amount sufficient for several washing cycles.

[0027] According to a feature of the invention, the dosing system (17) comprises a dosing pump (36) fixed in the door (4) or outside the door (4), said dosing pump (36) comprising:

- a cylinder (37) that determines the dosing volume and forms an inlet (38) with an inlet check valve (39) and an outlet (40) with an outlet check valve (41),

- piston (42) driven by drive (43),

moreover, said compartments (18) are connected to the inlet (38) of the metering pump (36) through one or more adapter hoses (44) and one or more selective valves (45) to selectively open and disconnect the fluid supply connection between each of the compartments (18 ) and dosing pump (36).

[0028] This allows one volumetric metering pump (36) to be used to supply a given amount of several different detergents contained in several different compartments (18). Also, the location of the metering pump (36) in the door (4) and not in the washing machine body eliminates the need to use hoses with hydraulic connection and disconnection systems to move detergents from the movable hatch door towards the fixed part of the washing machine body.

[0029] In accordance with another feature of the invention, several compartments (18) contain a separate compartment (34) and a block (35) of several compartments, including several of the mentioned compartments (18) connected to each other, while the block (35) of of several compartments can be reversibly connected to the door (4) as a separate part, independent of a separate compartment (34), and at the same time, a separate compartment (34) can be reversibly connected to the door (4) independently of the block (35) of several compartments.

[0030] This allows you to simplify and speed up the operations of management, extraction, cleaning, filling and re-introduction into refillable (refillable, refillable) compartments (18). Indeed, not all wash cycles require the supply of all available types of detergent, and different wash cycles require the supply of different amounts of one or another detergent, as a result of which the consumption of some detergents differs from the consumption of others. For example, in some embodiments, enzyme intake is lower than soap and conditioner intake. The design of the compartments, either as a separate and independent multi-compartment unit or as a single compartment, allows the extraction and management of only strictly necessary compartments, that is, those that have been emptied, and not those that are not yet empty.

[0031] In accordance with another feature of the invention, the supply system (17) contains a separate dosing pump (36') for each compartment (18), while the compartments (18) are connected to the respective dedicated (dedicated) dosing pumps (36') through the corresponding dedicated adapter hoses (44'), each of which can be provided with a check valve (63).

[0032] This simplifies the piping system and avoids the need to use selective solenoid valves to control the supply of different detergents from several different compartments.

[0033] In accordance with another feature of the invention, several compartments (18) contain:

- the first compartment containing the first detergent for bleaching and removing stubborn dirt,

- a second compartment containing a second detergent for colored and delicate fabrics,

- the third compartment containing the fixative and/or conditioner,

- a fourth compartment containing enzymes and/or an additional reservoir containing stain removers other than enzymes.

[0034] This makes it possible to form a controlled ratio detergent blend or combination that can be optimized for a particular selected wash cycle, thereby improving washing efficiency and saving detergents.

[0035] In accordance with another feature of the invention, each of the compartments (18) has a dispensing opening (19) directed directly towards the drum (5).

[0036] This avoids the need to place pipes, valves and pumping systems on the outside of the compartments (18) within the dimensions of the hatch door. Thus, the design of the hatch door is simplified and the volume available to accommodate the compartments (18) is increased, leading to an increase in the number of wash cycles that can be performed without the need to fill the compartments. Also in accordance with all embodiments, the introduction of the detergent directly into the laundry drum is preferable, since it ensures that all the detergents supplied immediately come into direct contact with the laundry.

[0037] Additional advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description of several embodiments of the invention, provided solely as a non-limiting example with reference to the accompanying drawings, among which:

[0038] - figure 1 shows a front view of the washing machine in accordance with one of the embodiments of the invention;

[0039] Figure 2 is a sectional view of a detergent drawer according to a further embodiment of the invention;

[0040] - figure 3 shows a multiple dosing scheme for a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0041] - figure 4 shows an embodiment of the multiple dosing scheme shown in figure 3;

[0042] - figure 5 shows the supply and dosing scheme for a washing machine in accordance with one of the embodiments of the invention;

[0043] - figure 6 shows a multiple dosing system for a washing machine equipped with a unit with a single compartment and a unit with multiple compartments, in accordance with one embodiment of the invention,

[0044] - figures 7 and 8 show additional schemes of multiple dosing with alternative supply of washing powder in accordance with embodiments,

[0045] - figures 9 and 10 show several dispensing schemes in accordance with embodiments, in which the detergent tanks are located in the washing machine door, and the supply unit containing the dosing pump is located in the housing outside the washing machine door,

[0046] - figure 11A shows a multiple dosing scheme with a hose flushing system in accordance with a further embodiment of the invention,

[0047] - figure 11B shows a multiple dosing scheme with a hose flushing system in accordance with another additional embodiment of the invention,

[0048] - figures 12-14 show perspective views of a washing machine in accordance with one of the embodiments, in which the detergent tanks are located in the door of the washing machine, and the supply unit containing the metering pump is located in the housing outside the door of the washing machine cars,

[0049] - Figure 15 is a perspective view of a washing machine door according to one embodiment, said door being equipped with a multiple dosing unit with compartments removed and outer cover removed,

[0050] - figures 16-18 are views of the washing machine doors from the outside in accordance with embodiments,

[0051] - Figure 19 is a perspective view of a washing machine in accordance with one embodiment of the invention.

[0052] - Figures 20-22 show a washing machine door according to an embodiment with the detergent compartment assembly removed and installed,

[0053] - Figure 23 shows the detergent compartment assembly for the door shown in Figure 22,

[0054] - figure 24 shows a separate dispenser with a gripping part and a filling hole cover,

[0055] - Figure 25 shows a washing machine door according to an embodiment with a detergent drawer assembly or hard disposable cartridges,

[0056] - Figures 26 and 27 are views of the replaceable cartridge assembly shown in Figure 22,

[0057] - Figure 28 shows a washing machine door in accordance with one embodiment with a flexible-walled laundry detergent container assembly,

[0058] Figures 29 and 30 are views of flexible-walled removable laundry detergent containers.

[0059] As shown in the figures, a washing machine 1 or a washing machine with a drying function includes a frame structure 2, inside which is a washing compartment 3 having an opening in the front, which can be closed by a door 4 with a hatch attached on the front. panels to the body 2. The drum 5 for accommodating the laundry to be washed is located inside the washing compartment 3 with the possibility of its rotation around a horizontal or inclined axis. The drum 5 also forms a loading opening in the front opening of the washing compartment, allowing the laundry to be loaded and unloaded.

[0060] The laundry compartment 3 is configured to contain the laundry liquid during the washing steps of the laundry.

[0061] A water loading system connected to the water mains is provided to ensure that water is loaded from the mains into compartment 3. The loading system 20 may include several hoses extending from one or more, for example two, supply solenoid valves 6, 7 directly into compartment 3 for washing or through the detergent compartments located in the detergent tank 8 (optional).

[0062] The drain hose 10 is connected to the bottom of the laundry compartment 3 by means of a corresponding drain pump 11 which removes the laundry liquid from the compartment 3 and regulates, together with the supply solenoid valves 6, 7, the liquid level inside the compartment 3.

[0063] The washing liquid in the compartment 3 can be heated by means of an electrical resistor 12 located in the compartment 3, namely at the bottom of the tub 9, in the space between its wall and the wall of the laundry drum 5.

[0064] In order to mix and remix the laundry with the laundry liquid, the laundry drum 5 may be driven by the motor 13 and the drive 14, for example by means of a belt.

[0065] The operation of the washing machine 1 is controlled by an electronic control unit 15 that is operatively connected to a user control interface 16 located on the outer wall or door 4 of the housing 2 and allows selection of washing and/or drying cycles (in a broader sense, treatment cycles ) and their features. In response to the selection made by the user through the user interface 16, the control unit 15 controls the various components of the washing machine 1 to ensure that the laundry is automatically washed.

[0066] The washing machine 1 further comprises a 'multi-dosing' supply system 17 for supplying detergents.

[0067] As an addition or alternative to the detergent compartment 8, the supply system 17 includes several compartments 18 that contain detergents, for example, a detergent for bleaching and removing stubborn stains, a detergent for colored and delicate fabrics, a detergent for wool , perfumes, enzymes and/or stain removers other than enzymes, fixatives and/or conditioners. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, several compartments 18 are located in the door 4 with a hatch, and individual compartments 18 are sized to contain a volume of detergent sufficient for several wash cycles.

[0068] Multiple Dosing Compartments with Dispensing Ports and Built-in Pumps

[0069] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, each of the compartments 18 has a dispensing opening 19 directed directly into the drum 5 for loading detergent without the need for modification of the water loading system 20. In the most preferred embodiment of the invention, the hatch door 4 does not have water pipes.

[0070] In accordance with one of the embodiments of the invention, each of the compartments 18 includes an internal mechanism 21 for dispensing and feeding, located directly inside the compartment 18, but configured to interact with an external actuator 22 supply, located in the door 4 outside the compartment 18 .

[0071] The internal metering and feeding mechanism 21 and the external feeding drive 22 are magnetically interoperable, which is of particular advantage.

[0072] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the dosing and feeding mechanism 21 comprises:

[0073] - the supply chamber 23, limiting the dosed volume and made with the possibility of connection with the dispensing opening 19 due to the location between the check valve 24 and the interior of the compartment 18,

[0074] - at least one metering element 25 moved from a retracted position outside the metering chamber 23, in which it is possible to fill the supply chamber 23 with detergent, to a stop position in the metering chamber 23, in which it pushes a predetermined amount of detergent out of the chamber 23 dosing through check valve 24 and dispensing port 19.

[0075] In accordance with one of the embodiments, the chamber 23 is open on one side, has a cup-shaped or cylindrical shape, a check valve 24 is located in its lower wall 26, and the peripheral wall 27 limits, together with the lower wall 26, the mentioned (given) dosing volume .

[0076] When moving from the retracted to the abutment position, the dispensing element 25, for example, being a dispensing piston, hermetically comes into contact with the peripheral wall 27 to prevent the return of the detergent from the dispensing chamber 23 to the interior 29 of the compartment 18 and direct the detergent through check valve 24 and dispensing hole 19 into the drum 5. During the return of the dosing piston 25 from the retracted to the stop position, the liquid from the inner space 29 moves into the dosing chamber 23 due to the additional check valve 28 located between the dosing chamber 23 and the inner space 29 (for example, in the channel formed in the metering piston 25).

[0077] The metering element 25 includes a magnetically sensitive (in particular, attracted) element 30, such as a ferromagnetic or magnetic block, for moving the metering element 25 due to magnetic action from a space outside the compartment 18.

[0078] The flow control mechanism 22 may include an electromagnet 31 located outside the compartment 18 but adjacent to the metering and delivery mechanism 21 and may be powered by the control unit 15 to bias the metering element 25.

[0079] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the flow control mechanism 22 may include a magnetic or magnetically sensitive element 32 located outside the compartment 18, but adjacent to the dispensing and feeding mechanism 21, and moved (for example, using a motor or solenoid controlled by the block 15 control) in order to displace the dosing element 25.

[0080] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, compartment 18, or each compartment 18, contains a loading opening that can be closed with a plug 33, and the dosing and feeding mechanism 21 is built at least partially into said plug 21.

[0081] Single Dosing Pump Multiple Feed System

[0082] In accordance with a further embodiment, the delivery system 17 includes a metering pump 36 which is fixed in the door 4 (FIG. 15).

[0083] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention and taking into account the presence of several dispensing systems with one or more pumps (Fig.9-14) one or more dosing pumps 36, 36' are located in the housing 2 outside the door 4, while how the compartments 18 are formed or located in the door 4 and are connected to one or more dosing pumps 36, 36' by means of connecting hoses 59 passing through a hinge 61', 61'', which connects the door 4 to the front wall of the housing 2.

[0084] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the hinge 61', 61'' comprises a lower hinge 61' and an upper hinge 61'', and the connecting hoses 59 extend in the (protected) space between the lower hinge 61' and the upper hinge 61'' (FIG. .13).

[0085] According to one embodiment, the metering pump 36 includes a cylinder 37 that determines a predetermined metering volume and forms an inlet 38 with an inlet check valve 39 and an outlet 40 with an outlet check valve 41, as well as a piston 42 moved by an actuator 43 , such as a solenoid or actuator, which in turn is controlled by the control unit 15.

[0086] The compartments 18 are or may be connected to the inlet 38 of the metering pump 36 by respective adapter hoses 44, each equipped with a selective valve 45 to selectively open and disconnect the fluid supply connection between each of the compartments 18 and the metering pump 36.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, to prevent the formation of scale and deposits in the metering cylinder 37, a flush hose 46 can be provided, located in the door 4 and configured to be connected to an adapter hose 44. The flush hose 46 is connected to the water loading system 20 through a supply valve 6' and air gap 58 and with a portion of the adapter hose or hoses 44 upstream of the inlet check valve 39 of the metering pump 36.

[0088] Also in this embodiment, the compartments 18 may be fixed in the door 4 or may be removed from the door 4 in order to fill them.

[0089] In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the single outlets of the compartments 18 are arranged to be connected to a single transfer hose 44 through a plurality of respective selective valves 45 arranged in series (one after the other) along the transfer hose 44. Each selective valve 45 has a first an inlet 47 and an outlet 48 which connect the selective valve 45 to the adapter hose 44 (provides continuity) and a second inlet 49 which connects the selective valve 45 to the outlet of the respective compartment 18. The first 47 and second 49 inlets and outlet opening 48 of the selective valve 45 are interconnected, which provides:

[0090] flow (of the wash water and/or detergent introduced into the transfer hose 44 at a point upstream of the selection valve 45) from the first inlet 47 to the outlet 48, and

[0091] - inlet flow (detergent) from the second inlet 49 to the outlet 48.

[0092] The selective valve 45 also includes a damper 50 movable in:

[0093] - a passage position in which it closes the second inlet 49, thus leaving the first inlet 47 and the outlet 48 open to allow only the passage of the flow and prevent the entry of the detergent inlet,

[0094] the inlet position at which it closes the first inlet 47, thus leaving the second inlet 49 and the outlet 48 open to allow only the detergent inlet stream to enter and prevent the flow from passing through.

[0095] The flush hose 46 is connected to an adapter hose 44 upstream of the selection valves 45, and a connecting hose 44 is connected to a metering pump 36 downstream of the selection valve 45, as shown, for example, in Figures 3 and 4.

[0096] Thus, by setting the selection valve 45 associated with the selected compartment 18 to the inlet position and leaving the selection valves 45 of the remaining compartments 18 in the through position, the metering pump 36 can draw in and selectively dispense detergent from the selected compartment, while how the wash water flow at the selection valve 45 of the selected compartment is intercepted (blocked), and all other detergent inputs at the selection valves 45 of the other compartments 18 are intercepted (blocked).

[0097] Similarly, by moving the selective valves 45 of all compartments 18 to the pass position, the entire adapter hose 44, including all selective valves 45 and the metering pump 36, can be flushed and cleaned with a flush water stream, while at the selective valve 45 all the input streams of detergents are intercepted (blocked) (figure 3, 4, 5).

[0098] According to one embodiment (FIG. 9), a pumping unit 60 comprising:

[0099] - dosing pump 36,

[00100] - flush hose 46, 46', 66, 67, 68,

[00101] - selective valves 45 and

[00102] - part of the adapter hose 44, on which the selective valves 45 are located,

[00103] is located in the housing 2 outside the door 4 and is connected to the compartments 18 in the door 4 by said connecting hoses 59. This avoids the need to pass electrical wires from the housing 2 through the door 4.

[00104] In this embodiment, the outlet 40 of the metering pump 36 may be connected (with an internally located ejector 62) to a supply hose 65 connected to the water loading system 20 via a supply solenoid valve 6'' and configured to be connected to the interior of the drum 5 or compartment 3 for transferring (suction by ejector 62) the detergents supplied by the metering pump 36 to the drum 5 or to the washing compartment 3.

[00105] According to one embodiment (FIG. 11B), a transition hose 44 connects the selection valves 45 to each other and to the metering pump 36 in series, and a plurality of dedicated transition hoses 44' connect the selection valves 45 (which, for example, can be located outside the door 4) with the corresponding compartments 18 (inside the door 18).

[00106] To prevent the formation of scale and deposits in the selective valves 45 and adapter hoses 44, 44', a flush hose 46' may be provided, located completely outside the door 4. The flush hose 46' includes a distribution hose 66 connected to the water loading system 20 supply valve 6', and a plurality of dedicated hoses 67 extending from distribution hose 66. Each of the dedicated hoses 67 includes a backflush valve 68 and is connected, respectively, to one of the dedicated transition hoses 44' at a point upstream of the selection valve 45 and below downstream from check valve 63 of compartment 18 (FIG. 11B).

[00107] When the supply solenoid valve 6' is opened, the tap water fills the entire flush hose 46' and flushes the transfer hoses 44, 44' downstream of the check valves 63 and selective valves 45. During this flush, the tap water pressure in the dedicated transfer hoses 44' holds the check valves 63 in the closed position, thereby preventing tap water from entering the compartments 18.

[00108] At the end of the cleaning step, supply valve 6 closes and metering pump 36 is turned on to refill the dedicated transfer hoses 44' with liquid detergent from compartments 18.

[00109] In order to selectively dispense detergent from the selected compartment 18, the supply valve 6' is held in the closed position and the metering pump 36 and the selected selective valve 45 are operated, thereby creating a vacuum in the corresponding dedicated adapter hose 44', which provides opening the check valve 63 associated with the selected compartment 18 and drawing the selected detergent from the selected compartment 18. Due to the closed position of the supply valve 6' and flushing check valves 68, the vacuum in the dedicated adapter hose 44' does not cause the loading of tap water from the flushing hose 46' or detergents from other compartments 18.

[00110] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the pump assembly 60 can be located entirely inside the door 4, which allows the supply directly to the drum 5 and avoids the need for an additional hose with an ejector to move the dispensed detergents into the compartment 3 or drum 5.

[00111] Multiple Dedicated Pump System

[00112] According to a further embodiment, the supply system 17 comprises a dedicated dosing pump 36' (FIGS. 10, 11, 14), preferably a positive displacement pump, such as a piston-cylinder pump, for each detergent compartment 18.

[00113] Compartments 18 are or may be connected to respective dedicated metering pumps 36' by respective dedicated hoses 44', each of which may be provided with a check valve 63.

[00114] If the dedicated dosing pumps 36' are fixed in the door 4, their outlets may extend directly into the interior of the drum 5 or may be connected to a common outlet hose 64 leading into the drum 5.

[00115] In this embodiment of the invention, in which the dedicated metering pumps 36' are located in the housing 2 outside the door 4, the dedicated metering pumps 36' are connected to a common outlet hose 64 connected (with an internally located ejector 62) to a supply hose 65 connected with a water loading system 20 by means of a supply solenoid valve 6'' and configured to exit into the interior of the drum 5 or, at the request of the user, a compartment 3 for loading (suction using an ejector 62) of detergents supplied using a dosing pump 36, into drum 5 or compartment 3 for washing.

[00116] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, to prevent the formation of scale and deposits in the dedicated dosing pumps 36' and in the hoses 44', 64 of the supply system 17, a flush hose 46' can be provided, located in accordance with the embodiments at least partially in the door 4 or completely outside the door 4. Flushing hose 46' includes a distribution hose 66 connected to the water supply system 20 by a supply valve 6', and several dedicated hoses 67 extending from the distribution hose 66. Each of the dedicated hoses 67 contains a backwash valve 68 and connected to a corresponding dedicated adapter hose 44' at a point upstream of the dedicated metering valve 36' and downstream of the check valve 63 (FIG. 11A).

[00117] When the supply solenoid valve 6' is opened, tap water fills the entire flush hose 46' and flushes the dedicated transfer hoses 44' downstream of the check valves 63 and the dedicated metering valves 36'. During this flush, the pressure of the tap water in the dedicated adapter hoses 44' holds the check valves 63 in the closed position, thereby preventing tap water from entering the compartments 18.

[00118] At the end of the cleaning step, the supply valve 6' is closed and the dedicated dosing pumps 36' are turned on to refill the dedicated transfer hoses 44' with liquid detergent from the compartments 18.

[00119] To selectively dispense detergent from the selected compartment 18, the supply valve 6' is held closed and the selected dedicated dispensing valve 36 is actuated to create a vacuum in the corresponding dedicated transfer hose 44' which opens the check valve 63 associated with the selected compartment 18 and draws the selected detergent from the selected compartment 18. Due to the closed position of the supply valve 6' and flush check valves 68, the vacuum in the dedicated adapter hose 44' does not cause the loading of tap water from the rinse hose 46' or detergents from other compartments 18.

[00120] Also in embodiments with dedicated dosing pumps 36' (FIGS. 10, 11), the compartments 18 may be fixed in the door 4 or be removable from the door 4 for filling.

[00121] According to one embodiment, the pump unit 60', comprising:

[00122] - dosing pump 36',

[00123] - flush hose 46', 66, 67, 68,

[00124] - parts of dedicated adapter hoses 44 to which flush hose 46', 66, 67, 68 is connected,

[00125] is located in the housing 2 outside the door 4 and is connected to the compartments 18 in the door 4 by said connecting hoses 59. This avoids the need to pass electrical wires from the housing 2 through the door 4.

[00126] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the pump assembly 60 can be located entirely inside the door 4, which allows the supply directly to the drum 5 and avoids the need for an additional hose with an ejector to move the dispensed detergents into the compartment 3 or drum 5.

[00127] Multiple supply system with additional supply of washing powder

[00128] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 7, 8), the supply system 17 may comprise the following elements:

[00129] - an auxiliary compartment 51 located in the door 4 and configured to contain washing powder, and a channel 54 (for example, an overflow channel) also formed in the door 4 for draining (by rinsing) the washing powder from the auxiliary compartment 51 into the drum 5 or in compartment 3, as well as

[00130] - an auxiliary hose 52 connected to the water loading system 20, for example by means of a supply valve 6', 7' and an air gap 58, 58' and configured to be connected to the auxiliary compartment 51 to transfer the auxiliary water flow to the auxiliary compartment 51 and supplying the washing powder from the auxiliary compartment 51 to the drum 5 or compartment 3.

[00131] This further enhances the versatility of the supply system 17.

[00132] According to one embodiment (FIG. 7), auxiliary hose 52 departs from (or is connected to) flush hose 46 at a junction 53 downstream of air gap 58 (in flush hose 46) and upstream from the adapter hose 44 and forms a raised segment 55 (for example, in the form of an inverted siphon) located above the adapter hose 44, but below the air gap 58, due to which liquid detergent can be loaded from the compartment 18 while maintaining the water level in the auxiliary hose at the height of the segment 55 and, therefore, without loading detergent from the auxiliary compartment 51.

[00133] This allows the auxiliary hose 52 to operate without on/off valves.

[00134] The supply of washing powder from the auxiliary compartment 51 without simultaneously supplying liquid detergent from the compartments 18 can be accomplished by filling the flush hose 46 above the level of the raised segment 55 to provide said auxiliary flow in the auxiliary compartment 51, for example, blocking the entry of water into the transition hose 44 using check valves 39, 41 or one of the selective valves 45.

[00135] Alternatively or selectively, the supply of detergent from the auxiliary compartment 51 can be performed simultaneously with the supply of the treatment liquid from one of the compartments 18.

[00136] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary hose 52 may include an on/off valve 56 that can be actuated to control the supply of detergent from the auxiliary compartment 51. With this embodiment, the need to provide an elevated segment 55 can be avoided.

[00137] In accordance with one embodiment (FIG. 8), the auxiliary hose 52 is connected to the water loading system 20 via its own supply valve 7' and its own air gap 58', thereby providing a second water hose independent of the flush hose 46 , for supplying detergent from the auxiliary compartment 51 and for supplying water to the drum 5 or compartment 3.

[00138] According to one embodiment, the auxiliary compartment 51 and optionally the channel 54 may be provided in an auxiliary insert 57, which may be installed in the door 4 to control the operation of the washing machine 1 with the supply of detergent and may be able to be removed from door 4 to control the operation of washing machine 1 without supplying detergent from door 4.

[00139] In this embodiment, an insert 57 or an additional lid 57' not associated with the auxiliary compartment can, if necessary, be installed on the inside (facing the drum 5) of the door 4 and form an inner surface facing the drum 5 and directly contact with linen for washing (Fig.19).

[00140] System for detecting presence/level of detergent in compartments 18

[00141] In accordance with a further embodiment, the supply system 17 includes a detergent detection device capable of detecting the presence and absence of detergents within compartments 18 and generating an appropriate alert to the user.

[00142] In another embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 3, 4, 7, 8, 9), the detergent detection device may include an optical sensor 69, for example, a turbidity sensor, connected to the control unit 15 and associated with the detector transparent part of the hose formed by in the transition hose 44 downstream of the selective valves 45 and upstream of the metering pump 36 with the ability to generate a signal about the empty compartment in the event of aspiration of air in the detector portion of the hose.

[00143] In another embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 10, 11), the detergent detection device may comprise several optical sensors 69', such as turbidity sensors, connected to the control unit 15, each of which is associated with a detection transparent hose part formed in dedicated adapter hose 44' of each compartment 18 upstream of the dedicated metering pump 36' and, if provided, downstream of the check valve 63 (FIGS. 7, 8). Optical sensors 69' are configured to generate an empty compartment signal in case of aspiration of air into the detector part of the hose with which they are connected.

[00144] Determination of the filling level of the compartment 18 occurs during the supply of the selected detergent from the compartment 18, and the control unit 15 assigns to the selected compartment 18 the signal of the presence or absence of the detergent generated by the optical sensor 69, 69', and generates an empty compartment warning for the user .

[00145] Block 35 of several compartments

[00146] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the plurality of compartments 18 comprises a separate compartment 34 and a block 35 of said plurality of compartments 18 connected to each other. The multi-bay unit 35 is connectable/detachable to/from the door 4 as a unit independent of the individual compartment 34, and the individual compartment 34 can also be connected/detached to/from the door 4 independently of the multi-bay unit 35. This is particularly advantageous if different detergents are used with different amounts used and emptying times.

[00147] For example, a separate compartment 34 may contain enzymes and/or stain removers other than enzymes that require refilling at a very low frequency, while compartments 18 of a multi-compartment block 35 may separately contain a first bleach detergent. and remove stubborn stains, a second detergent for colored and delicate fabrics, as well as fixatives and/or conditioners that require more frequent refilling.

[00148] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, compartment 18 containing enzymes and/or stain removers other than enzymes is positioned so as to be separated from other compartments 18 and the interior of drum 5 by an air gap that is thermal insulation adapted to protect enzymes and/or stain removers other than enzymes against thermal degradation.

[00149] In order to enable selective control of each compartment 18 in accordance with one embodiment, each compartment 18 can be attached/detachable to/from door 4 independently of other compartments 18.

[00150] 18 Compartment Access System, 18 Compartment Replacement

[00151] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the compartments 18 and possibly the pump unit 60, 60' are located in the lower part 70 of the door 4, which may have a vertical extension of at least or more than half, preferably between 1/2 and 2/ 3 of the overall height of the door 4 which is covered by an outer cover 71, preferably opaque, in order to hide the supply system 17 from the user.

[00152] In one of the embodiments of the invention (Fig.12, 18) compartments 18 are inserted into or formed in the oscillation tray 72', while the tray is made with the possibility of partial removal from the door 4 and installation in it by a rotary movement around a horizontal axis for providing access to the compartments 18 outside the door 4 (on the opposite side of the drum 5) and from above (Fig.18) for filling, removing and installing or replacing the compartments 18, for example, for servicing or cleaning the compartments 18.

[00153] In a further embodiment of the invention (FIG. 17), the compartments 18 are inserted into or formed in a movable tray 72, the tray being partially removed from and inserted into the door 4 in a translational motion along a horizontal axis to provide access to the compartments. 18 on the outside of the door 4 (on the opposite side of the drum 5) and on top for filling, removing and installing, as well as for replacing compartments 18, for example, when servicing or cleaning compartments 18.

[00154] To enable movement of the tray 72, 72', as well as the extraction and reinstallation of the compartments 18, the adapter hoses 44, 44' of the pump units 60, 60' and the compartments 18 are connected via hydraulic male-female connectors 73 (Fig.15, 20 , 21), which, when disconnected, close both the compartment and the adapter hose 44, 44', and when connected, open a fluid passage between the compartment 18 and the adapter hose 44, 44'.

[00155] In the preferred embodiment, the top 74 of the door 4, located above the bottom 70 containing the compartments 18, is transparent and forms a hatch area allowing the interior of the drum 5 to be seen from the outside of the door 4.

[00156] In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary insert 57, which forms the auxiliary compartment 51 for detergent powder, and the auxiliary device 57' (if provided) are located in the upper part 74 of the door 4 (Fig.15, 19).

[00157] Refillable hard compartments 18

[00158] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 20-24), compartments 18 comprise refillable, shaped, rigid or semi-rigid containers that can be inserted into and removed from door 4 through a front opening on the outside of door 4, which can be covered by an outer cover 71 (preferably rotatable) which can be opened by tilting downwards.

[00159] The refillable containers have a refill opening with a lid 75 and a hand grip portion 76 to facilitate removal from the door 4 (FIG. 24).

[00160] Fluid connection of the compartments 18 to the pump unit 60, 60' is achieved using hydraulic male/female connectors 73.

[00161] Interchangeable rigid or semi-rigid compartments 18

[00162] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention (FIGS. 25-27), compartments 18 comprise replaceable, shaped, rigid or semi-rigid containers that can be inserted into and removed from door 4 through a front opening on the outside of door 4, which can be covered by an outer cover 71 (preferably rotatable) which can be opened by tilting downwards.

[00163] In order to maximize the volume of the compartments 18 within the circular door 4, refillable or replaceable compartments may comprise one or more first arcuate containers with a circumferential arc-shaped surface and one or more second containers shaped to complement the shape of the first containers for jointly forming a volume in the form of a semi-disk, compatible with the round shape of the door 4 (Fig.22, 23, 25-27). In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the volume of the first containers is larger than the volume of the second containers in order to adapt their capacity to different consumption of detergents.

[00164] Interchangeable flexible pouch compartments 18

[00165] In accordance with another additional embodiment of the invention (Fig.28, 29, 30) compartments 18 contain replaceable containers with flexible walls (elastic bags) that can be inserted into and removed from the door 4 through the front opening on the outside door 4, which can be closed by an outer cover 71 (preferably hinged), which can be opened by tilting down.

[00166] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, compartments 18 comprise disposable containers, particularly flexible plastic bags for soap and conditioner (which are notoriously high in consumption), as well as a separate refillable compartment with a stable shape and a smaller volume than the volumes of replaceable compartments for containing enzymes. (consumption of which is very low) and/or stain removers other than enzymes.

[00167] The interchangeable flexible bag-like containers are generally of an elongated prismatic shape, and possibly form together a trapezoidal shape, tapering downwards, which provides good filling of the bottom of the semi-circular portion of the door 4 (FIG. 28).

[00168] The exchangeable compartments 18 may be hydraulically connected to the pump unit 60, 60' via hydraulic male/female connectors 73 or hydraulic connectors configured to pierce and seal the exchangeable containers.

[00169] The washing machine 1 may further comprise a system for recycling laundry liquid from the bottom of the tub to the laundry drum, similar to the recycling systems described with reference to the prior art.

[00170] Finally, the present invention also relates to the washing method described with reference to the washing machine 1, the features of which, for the sake of brevity, will not be re-described herein.

[00171] Obviously, a person skilled in the art can make further changes and modifications to the washing method corresponding to the present invention, without deviating from the scope of protection of the invention defined in the following claims.

Claims (52)

1. Washing machine (1), containing: - Pavilion 2), - a compartment (3) for washing, located inside the body (2) and having an opening in the front part, closed by a door (4) with a hatch attached to the front panel of the body (2), - a drum (5) located inside the washing compartment (3) and rotating around a horizontal or inclined axis, the drum (5) forming a loading hole in the front opening of the washing compartment (2) for loading and unloading the laundry to be washed, - a water loading system (20) connected to the water supply network and configured to be connected to the washing compartment (3) in order to supply water to the washing compartment (3), - a system (17) for supplying detergents, containing several compartments (18) for said detergents, while said several compartments (18) are located in the door (4) with a hatch, and individual compartments (18) are sized to allow the content of the detergent in an amount sufficient for several washing cycles, wherein - supply system (17) contains a dedicated dosing pump (36') for each compartment (18), - the compartments (18) are connected to the respective dedicated dosing pumps (36') by means of the respective dedicated adapter hoses (44'), characterized in that: - dedicated dosing pumps (36') are connected to a common outlet hose (64) connected to an ejector (62) placed in the supply hose (65), - the supply hose (65) is connected to the water loading system (20) by means of the supply solenoid valve (6'') and is configured to be connected to the inside of the drum (5) or compartment (3). 2. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which each of the dedicated adapter hoses (44') is equipped with a check valve (63), and the supply system (17) contains a flush hose (46') forming: - a distribution hose (66) connected to the water loading system (20) by means of a supply valve (6'), and - several dedicated hoses (67) extending from the distribution hose (66), with each of the dedicated hoses (67) containing a backwash valve (68) and connected respectively to one of the dedicated adapter hoses (44') at a point upstream from the dedicated metering pump (36') and downstream from the check valve (63). 3. Washing machine (1) according to claim 2, in which: - during the cleaning phase, the solenoid supply valve (6') is open and tap water fills the entire flush hose (46') and flushes the dedicated transfer hoses (44') downstream of the dedicated check valves (63) and dosing pumps (36') , while the mains water pressure in the dedicated adapter hoses (44') keeps the check valves (63) in the closed position, thus preventing the ingress of mains water into the compartments (18), - at the stage of supplying detergent from the compartment (18), the supply valve (6') closes, and the operation of one of the dedicated dosing pumps (36') creates a zone of reduced pressure in the corresponding adapter hose (44'), which leads to the opening of the check valve ( 63) associated with the compartment (18) and the suction of the detergent from the compartment (18), while the supply valve (6') and the backwash valves (68) are closed, preventing the dedicated adapter hose (44') from being sucked into the reduced pressure zone. ) water from the rinsing hose (46') or detergents from other compartments (18). 4. Washing machine (1) according to claim 2, in which the pump unit (60') contains: - dedicated dosing pumps (36'), - flush hose (46', 66, 67, 68), - parts of the dedicated adapter hoses (44) to which the flushing hose (46', 66, 67, 68) is connected, located in the housing (2) outside the door (4) and connected to the compartments (18) in the door (4) by connecting hoses (59). 5. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which the dosing pump (36) is located in the door (4). 6. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which the feed system (17) comprises: - an auxiliary compartment (51) located in the door (4) and configured to contain washing powder, - an overflow channel (54) formed in the door (4) for removing the washing powder from the auxiliary compartment (51) into the drum (5) by rinsing, - an auxiliary hose (52) connected to the water loading system (20) using a supply valve (6', 7') and an air gap (58, 58') and configured to be connected to the auxiliary compartment (51) to move the auxiliary flow water into the auxiliary compartment (51) and supplying the washing powder from the auxiliary compartment (51) to the drum (5). 7. Washing machine (1) according to claim 6, in which the auxiliary compartment (51) is made in an auxiliary insert (57) inserted into the door (4) and detachable from it. 8. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which the supply system (17) contains a detergent detection device with the ability to detect the presence and absence of detergents inside the compartments (18) and generate an appropriate warning to the user, wherein said detergent detection device comprises an optical sensor (69) connected to the control unit (15) and connected to the detector transparent part of the hose formed in the adapter hose (44') upstream of the dosing pump (36') and made with the possibility of generating a signal about the emptiness of the compartment in case of aspiration of air in the detector part of the hose. 9. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which the compartments (18) are located in a hinged tray (72'), made with the possibility of partial extraction from the door (4) and installation in it by a rotary movement around a horizontal axis to provide access to compartments (18) on the outside of the door (4) and on top. 10. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which the compartments (18) are located in a movable tray (72), made with the possibility of partial extraction from the door (4) and installation in translational movement along the horizontal axis to provide access to the compartments (18) on the outside of the door (4) and on top. 11. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which the compartments (18) contain rigid refillable containers of a stable shape, installed in the door (4) and removed from it through the front opening on the outside of the door (4), which can be closed external lid (71), said refillable containers have a filling opening (75) with a plug and a hand grip part (76) to facilitate their removal from the door (4). 12. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which the compartments (18) contain rigid replaceable containers of a stable shape, installed in the door (4) and removed from it through the front opening on the door (4), which can be closed with an external cover (71). 13. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which the compartments (18) contain: - one or more first arcuate containers with a peripheral surface of a circular arcuate shape and - one or more second containers having a shape complementary to the shape of the first containers, to form together a volume in the form of a half-disk, compatible with the round shape of the door (4), and the volume of the first containers is greater than the volume of the second containers. 14. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which the compartments (18) contain replaceable containers, made in the form of bags with flexible walls, installed in the door (4) and removed from it through the front opening on the door (4), which can be covered with an external cover (71). 15. Washing machine (1) according to claim 14, in which the compartments (18) contain: - flexible replaceable bag-shaped plastic containers for soap and conditioner, as well as - a separate refillable compartment of a stable shape, having a smaller volume than replaceable containers, for containing enzymes and/or an additional compartment for containing substances for removing stains other than enzymes. 16. The washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which several compartments (18) contains a separate compartment (34) and a block (35) of several compartments, including a plurality of said compartments (18) connected to each other, while the block (35) of several compartments can be reversibly connected to the door (4) as a separate part, independent of a separate compartment (34), and while a separate compartment (34) can be reversibly connected to the door (4) independently of the block (35) of several compartments. 17. Washing machine (1) according to claim 16, in which a separate compartment (34) contains enzymes, and compartments (18) of the block (35) of several compartments contain soap and conditioner. 18. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, in which several compartments (18) contain: - the first compartment containing the first detergent for white and durable fabrics, - a second compartment containing a second detergent for colored and delicate fabrics, - the third compartment containing the fixative and/or conditioner, a fourth compartment containing enzymes and/or stain removers other than enzymes.

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