US20210131005A1 - Washing machine with a flexible washing compartment having one or more stain removal zone(s) - Google Patents
Washing machine with a flexible washing compartment having one or more stain removal zone(s) Download PDFInfo
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- US20210131005A1 US20210131005A1 US16/617,008 US201816617008A US2021131005A1 US 20210131005 A1 US20210131005 A1 US 20210131005A1 US 201816617008 A US201816617008 A US 201816617008A US 2021131005 A1 US2021131005 A1 US 2021131005A1
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- Prior art keywords
- washing
- water
- compartment
- laundry
- flexible
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- 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
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- 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
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F31/00—Washing installations comprising an assembly of several washing machines or washing units, e.g. continuous flow assemblies
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
- D06F39/085—Arrangements or adaptations of 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
- 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 that comprises housing, or an open frame, and having an inlet and outlet for water, and at least one pump.
- the laundry is washed in at least one, or a plurality of flexible washing compartments arranged stacked onto each other, or side-to-side to each other, inside the housing, or the frame, of the washing machine.
- the flexible washing compartment(s) typically comprises one flexible and a hard plate, or alternatively two flexible membranes together making up a washing compartment, or is provided as a washing compartment.
- the plurality of flexible washing compartments is provided adjacent to each other in a plurality of drawers.
- the flexible washing compartments are each provided in the drawers by means of a respective suitable fluid tight connection for inlet and outlet of water and air.
- One or more of the flexible washing compartments also comprises one or more stain-removal zone(s), in which at least one stain-removal zone, a flow of water is arranged to be increased compared to other zones of the washing compartment.
- the increased flow of water in the one or more stain removal zone(s) has the effect that stains are removed in the washing compartment by the washing machine alone.
- 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. 1 a 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. 1 b shows yet an alternative embodiment of a washing machine having a plurality of drawers arranged side-by-side
- FIG. 1 c shows an alternative embodiment of a washing machine comprising one drawer combined with a conventional washing machine having a perforated metal washing drum.
- FIG. 2 a shows 2b shows, in a view from above, a washing compartment embodied as a flexible bag having a set of stain removal zones.
- FIG. 2 b 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 in FIG. 3 (to which is later referred).
- FIG. 2 b 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. 2 c shows, in a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 b , a set of stain removal zones having increased flow of water, wherein water is oscillating,
- FIG. 2 d shows, in a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 b , 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;
- FIG. 3 shows, in a perspective view, a washing drawer, having a washing compartment of membrane type.
- FIG. 1 a A first embodiment of the washing machine according the invention is shown in FIG. 1 a .
- 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. 1 a shows, in a perspective view, an embodiment of a washing machine comprising a housing with a plurality of washing drawers
- FIG. 1 b shows yet an alternative embodiment of a washing machine having a plurality of drawers arranged side-by-side
- FIG. 1 c 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. 1 a Now is referred to FIG. 1 a.
- the washing machine shown in FIG. 1 a comprises a housing 1 a .
- the housing 1 a comprises a plurality of drawers 2 provided as a set of washing drawers 2 stacked onto each other in the housing 1 a , 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. 1 a ), 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 4 a , 5 a arranged to lead water from the inlet 4 of via a conduit 4 a 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 5 a , by means of the pump 6 .
- the pair of conduits 4 a , 5 a 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 5 a may also be connected to a reservoir 7 (schematically shown) inside the washing machine 1 for receiving used washing water and re-circulating 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. 1 b.
- FIG. 1 a which comprises a plurality of drawers
- FIG. 1 c which comprises a plurality of drawers
- FIG. 1 c it is possible to just have one drawer 2 , potentially in combination with a conventional washing machine as shown in FIG. 1 c , 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.
- FIG. 2 a shows 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 4 a , 5 a , which are schematically shown only. Typically, the washing compartment 10 is permanently fixed into the drawer 2 and permanently connected to the conduits 4 a , 5 a.
- FIG. 2 a Now is also in addition to FIG. 2 a referred to FIG. 2 b.
- FIG. 2 b 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 can be 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. 2 a .
- 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. 2 d shows, in a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 b , 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. 2 c shows, in a sectional view taken along line A-A in FIG. 2 b , 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 4 a , 5 a 4 a , 5 a 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 10 a , 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 1 a for opening, or into the housing 1 a for closing the washing compartment 10 .
- the membranes are mounted in a respective upper 10 aa , and lower 10 bb frame, of which the upper membrane 10 a 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 10 a is arranged to be automatically opened when the drawer 2 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 10 a , 10 b.
- An alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment 10 can be made up of two flexible membranes 10 a , 10 b is shown with laundry 11 inside.
- the two membranes 10 a , 10 b 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 4 a 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 2 a 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. 2 a , 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.
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- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
Abstract
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-B1-2 633 113.
- 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 that comprises housing, or an open frame, and having an inlet and outlet for water, and at least one pump. In contrast to conventional washing machines, the laundry is washed in at least one, or a plurality of flexible washing compartments arranged stacked onto each other, or side-to-side to each other, inside the housing, or the frame, of the washing machine. The flexible washing compartment(s) typically comprises one flexible and a hard plate, or alternatively two flexible membranes together making up a washing compartment, or is provided as a washing compartment. The plurality of flexible washing compartments is provided adjacent to each other in a plurality of drawers. The flexible washing compartments are each provided in the drawers by means of a respective suitable fluid tight connection for inlet and outlet of water and air. One or more of the flexible washing compartments also comprises one or more stain-removal zone(s), in which at least one stain-removal zone, a flow of water is arranged to be increased compared to other zones of the washing compartment. The increased flow of water in the one or more stain removal zone(s) has the effect that stains are removed in the washing compartment by the washing machine alone.
- 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. 1 a. - The washing machine shown in
FIG. 1a comprises ahousing 1 a. Thehousing 1 a comprises a plurality ofdrawers 2 provided as a set ofwashing drawers 2 stacked onto each other in thehousing 1 a, 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 4 a to therespective washing compartment 10 arranged in eachdrawer 2 and to lead air and water away from thewashing compartment 10 via aconduit 5 a, 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 5 a may also be connected to a reservoir 7 (schematically shown) inside thewashing machine 1 for receiving used washing water and re-circulating 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. 1 b. - 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, the
laundry 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. 2 b. -
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 can be 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 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 10 a, 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 1 a for opening, or into thehousing 1 a for closing thewashing compartment 10. This can be achieved since, the membranes are mounted in a respective upper 10 aa, and lower 10 bb frame, of which theupper membrane 10 a 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 10 a is arranged to be automatically opened when thedrawer 2 is pulled out. This can be provided by having theframes 10 aa, 10 bb provided at a rail, wherein a pressure roll is arranged to press theupper frame 10 aa having theupper membrane 10 a against thelower frame 10 bb having the lower membrane against each other when the drawer is pushed in and releasing theframes 10 aa, 10 bb 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 10 a, 10 b. - An alternative embodiment of the
flexible washing compartment 10 can be made up of twoflexible membranes 10 a, 10 b is shown withlaundry 11 inside. The twomembranes 10 a, 10 b 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 4 a 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 2 a 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 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. - 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 (7)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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SE1750697-3 | 2017-06-02 | ||
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 (1)
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US20210131005A1 true US20210131005A1 (en) | 2021-05-06 |
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US16/617,008 Abandoned US20210131005A1 (en) | 2017-06-02 | 2018-06-01 | Washing machine with a flexible washing compartment having one or more stain removal zone(s) |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20210131005A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP3612673B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN110770383A (en) |
SE (1) | SE542836C2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2018222127A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11608578B1 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2023-03-21 | Wade Chapman | Automated laundry system and method |
US11873598B2 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2024-01-16 | Wade Chapman | Cartridge bin for a rotatable drum |
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 EP EP18809037.7A patent/EP3612673B1/en active Active
- 2018-06-01 CN CN201880036668.8A patent/CN110770383A/en active Pending
- 2018-06-01 US US16/617,008 patent/US20210131005A1/en not_active Abandoned
- 2018-06-01 WO PCT/SE2018/050561 patent/WO2018222127A1/en unknown
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US11608578B1 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2023-03-21 | Wade Chapman | Automated laundry system and method |
US11873598B2 (en) * | 2019-12-17 | 2024-01-16 | Wade Chapman | Cartridge bin for a rotatable drum |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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EP3612673A4 (en) | 2020-08-19 |
SE542836C2 (en) | 2020-07-14 |
EP3612673B1 (en) | 2023-09-13 |
WO2018222127A1 (en) | 2018-12-06 |
CN110770383A (en) | 2020-02-07 |
SE1750697A1 (en) | 2018-12-03 |
EP3612673A1 (en) | 2020-02-26 |
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