WO2003022121A1

WO2003022121A1 - A household appliance

Info

Publication number: WO2003022121A1
Application number: PCT/TR2001/000043
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hakan GÜLER; Ertugrul Merter
Original assignee: Arçelik A.S.; Hasanreisoglu, A., Levent
Priority date: 2001-09-11
Filing date: 2001-09-11
Publication date: 2003-03-20
Also published as: EP1435821B1; DE60136972D1; ATE416665T1; TR200400483T1; EP1435821A1; TR200400482T1

Abstract

This invention relates to an automatic washing agent dosing device (1) used in household appliance (23) especially in washing machines. The invented dosing device(1) comprises a container (3) for storing and directing the washing agent a wheel paddle (4) connected to the container (3) for dosing the detergent and transmitting the driving force to the dosing device (1) a main body (5) connected to the wheel paddle (4) for housing, one or more electronic switches (2) for controlling the movement of the wheel paddle (4), a lower body (9) connected to the main body (5) for mixing the washing agent with the water, a mixer (6) for mixing the washing agent in the container (3), a motor (8) providing angular movement for activating the dosing device and adriving gear (7) for transmitting the movement from the motor (8) to the wheel paddle (4).

Description

A HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCE

FIELD OF INVENTION

The present invention is related to an automatic washing agent dosing system particularly for powder detergents to be used in household appliances.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The advantage of having an automatic washing agent dosing device on a washing machine is that it provides ease and comfort of use for the user. Instead of filling up the washing agent storage each time, the user fills up the washing agent storage once and uses it for several washing cycles.

In the known techniques, measuring the amount of the washing agent for each washing cycle could be done by different ways such as measuring the weight, the volume, and the time. In these techniques, the designated amount of the powder- washing agent is filled in a unit volume for dissolving it with water and the rest of the washing agent is insulated. But problems may arise while taking the perfect amount of washing agent at each dosing, and while insulating the dosing volume from the water effects, and keeping the washing agent for a suitable time period in the washing agent storage.

In EP 0297371, a device that has a receiving container and a rinsing-out space for the apportioned metering of, in particular, powder forms of cleaning material from the receiving container into the rinsing-out space for supplying industrial dishwashers or washing machines is defined. A solution is to be provided which allows the metering both of satisfactorily pourable powder cleaners and of powder cleaners with lumps and the like, whilst always achieving essentially the same metering capacity even with different levels of the powder cleaner in the receiving container and additionally reducing the risk of moisture entering the receiving container from the rinsing-out space. This is achieved by metering holes in the bottom of the receiving container and in each case a collection plate, arranged with spacing below the metering holes, and a scraping mechanism which is movable in the space between the underside of the bottom and the collection plates and essentially wipes over the plate surfaces.

In WO8200482, a device which is essentially composed of a feeding roller with compartments in a housing and a supply of detergent is defined. Since the detergent is highly hygroscopic it is important to prevent moisture from penetrating into the supply. The roller is therefore made of an elastic material and separates an intake opening and a discharge opening in the housing. The roller is rotated in portioning intervals by a motor controlled by a program control device.

In DEI 585892, a feeding apparatus for feeding granular washing products to a washing machine , comprising a reservoir having an outlet for discharging the washing products into the inlet of said washing machine is defined.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The object of the invention is to develop a device that automatically doses the powder detergents for washing in household appliances.

DRAWINGS OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

An embodiment of the automatic detergent dosing device, which is realised in order to attain said object of invention, is illustrated in the attached drawings, wherein; Figure 1, is the three dimensional, assembly view of the dosing device with a cover, a dehumidifier, heaters, a bellow, a connector and a baffle housing,

Figure 2a, is the three dimensional view of the dosing device,

Figure 2b, is the sectional view of the dosing device, Figure 3, is the exploded view of the dosing device,

Figure 4, is the three dimensional top view of the container,

Figure 5, is the three dimensional view of the main body,

Figure 6a, is the three dimensional top view of the wheel paddle,

Figure 6b, is the three dimensional, bottom view of the wheel paddle, Figure 6c, is the three dimensional, top view of the wheel paddle with cell cap,

Figure 6d, is the three dimensional, bottom view of the wheel paddle with cell cap,

Figure 7a, is the perspective, top view of the lower body, the wheel paddle with the switch and the driving gear,

Figure 7b, is the perspective view of the lower body, the wheel paddle without the driving gear and the switch,

Figure 8a, is the perspective detailed view of the wheel paddle and the switch, while the contact trigger is activate the switch, Figure 8b, is the perspective detailed view of the wheel paddle and the switch, while the switch is inactivate,

Figure 9a, is the sectional view of the lower body

Figure 9b, is the sectional view of another embodiment of the lower body, Figure 9c, is the sectional view of another embodiment of the lower body,

Figure 9d, is the sectional view of another embodiment of the lower body,

Figure 10, is the three dimensional view of the assembly of the comiector, the baffle and the baffle housing, Figure 11, is the exploded view of the connector, the baffle and tlie baffle housing,

The components shown in the drawings have the following reference numbers;

1- Dosing device

2- Switch

3- Container

4- Wheel paddle 5- Main body

6- Mixer

7- Driving gear

8- Motor

9- Lower body 10- Shaft

11- Separator

12- Dosing cell

13- ater inlet

14- Water outlet 15- Mixing inlet

16- Mixing outlet

17- Neck

18- Arm

19- Gate 20- Mixing room

21 -Water room

22- Baffle

23- Door

24- Frame 25- Dosing gate 26- Hinge

27- Baffle housing

28- Connector

29- Connector gate 30- Wheel gear

31- Key

32- Socket

33- Vapour exit

34- Bellow 35- Cover

36- Contact trigger

37- Bulge

38- Heater

39- Cell cap 40- Cleaner

41- Gear protector

42- Extra inlet

43- Vapour exhaust 44- Blade 45- Holder

46- Dehumidifier

47- Detent

48- Container exit

49- Rib

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Household appliances, especially washing machines, include a washing tub for washing, a control unit and an automatic washing agent dosing device (1) for storing and releasing the washing agent provided in the required amount for each washing cycle.

The household appliance comprises a bellow (34) for connecting tl e dosing device (1) to the washing tub. The bellow (34) acts as a damper and protects the dosing device (1) from the vibration caused by the washing tub. The bellow (34) is connected to a connector (28). The connector (28) includes one or more vapour exits (33) and one or more extra inlets (42) for water or other washing agents such as liquid softening agents. The connector (28) is connected to a baffle housing (27) mounted on tl e washing tub. A baffle (22) is mounted between the baffle housing (27) and the connector (28) to prevent the washing liquid from flowing back to the bellow (34) or to prevent the humidity in the washing tub from diffusing into tl e dosing device (1). The baffle (22) comprises a door (23) for opening or closing the washing tub inlet, a frame (24) that has a similar shape with the door (23) for holding the door (23), one or more hinges (26) for hanging the door (23) from the frame (24) to form a pendulum. Baffle housing (27) comprises a tub gate (25) that is bigger than the door (23) for providing an opening to the washing tub. The connector (28) comprises a connector gate (29) that is smaller than the door (23) for providing an opening to the dosing device (1). The baffle housing (27) is placed onto the lower parts of the washing tub. Therefore, the tub gate (25) and the frame (24) are inclined with respect to the ground. But the door (23) stays perpendicular to the ground and closes tl e connector gate (29) with natural pendulum effect. The humidity, steam, foam or splashing/spraying water in the washing tub forces the door (23) to the hinge (26) and closes the connector gate (29) more tightly. So steam, humidly, foam or splashing/spraying water cannot enter to the dosing device (1). The water and washing agent mixture coming from the dosing device (1) pushes the door (23) to the tub gate (25). Since the tub gate (25) is larger than the door (23), the door (23) moves inside the tub gate (25) and directs the mixture towards the washing tub. The dosing device (1), comprises a container (3) for storing the washing agent, a mixer (6) for mixing the washing agent in the container (3), a wheel paddle (4) for dosing tl e detergent and transmitting the driving force to the dosing device (1), a main body (5) where the wheel paddle (4) is housed, one or more electronic switch (2) for controlling the movement of the wheel paddle (4), a key (31) connected to the switch (2), a lower body (9) that is connected to the main body (5) in which the washing agent is mixed with the water, a motor (8) providing the movement for the dosing device (1) and a driving gear (7) for transmitting the movement from the motor (8) to the wheel paddle (4).

The container (3) has a cover (35) for protecting the washing agent placed in the container from environmental effects such as moisture by closing and opening, a container exit (48) and a dehumidifier (46) for absorbing the humidity occurred inside the container (3) where the dehumidifier (46) includes chemical additives that do not affect the washing agent. User opens the cover (35) for pouring the washing agent to the container (3) and closes it when it is not used. Since the dehumidifier (46) is suspended on the container (3) the user can remove it whenever she wants.

The wheel paddle (4), preferably with a cylindrical shape, comprises a paddle shaft (10) holding and turning the mixer (6) at the centre of the wheel paddle (4), one or more separators (11) connected to the shaft (10), one or more dosing cells (12) between the separators (11), one or more bulges (37) on each connection line between the separators (11) to avoid the accumulation of the washing agent and help it to slide down to the dosing cell (12), and the side walls of the wheel paddle (4) or on each connection border between the separators (11) and the shaft (10), one or more cell caps (39) that cover the upper side or lower side or both sides of one of the dosing cells (12) for protecting the washing agent placed in the container (3) from the moisture coming from the washing tub, one or more cleaner (40) to prevent the washing agent from accumulating between the wheel paddle (4) and the main body (5), a wheel gear (30) on tl e outer surface of the cylindrical side walls of the wheel paddle (4), one or more gear protectors (41) over and under the wheel gear (30) for protecting the wheel gear (30) from any residues of washing agents, one or more contact triggers (36) preferably with a trapezoidal shape for switching on the switch (2) by triggering a key (31), one or more blades (44) preferably with a curved shape on the outer side walls of the wheel paddle (4) for removing the particles of washing agents that obstruct the turning of the wheel gear (30).

In the preferred embodiment, the cell cap (39) covers the upper side of a dosing cell (12). When in rest, the dosing cell (12) with the cell cap (39) is engaged to the gate (19), and the possibility of humidity accumulation gathering on the surface is eliminated.

The top surface of the separator (11) is flat, suitable for cleaning the lower part of the container and preventing the gathering of the washing agent. The depth difference between the upper surface of the wheel paddle (4) and the separator (11) mounted inside the wheel paddle (4), enables pouring of the washing agents to the lower body (9) without adhering to any side surface. The depth difference between the lower surface of the separator (11) and lower surface of the wheel paddle (4) helps the cleaner (40) to sweep away the washing agents gathered at the corners.

The main body (5) comprises a detergent dosing gate (19) for pouring the washing agent to the lower body (9), a cylindrical detent (47) for holding and centring the shaft (10), one more holders (45) for holding the dosing device (1) to the washing machine, one or more sockets (32) for housing the switch (2). The wheel paddle (4) is placed in the main body (5) such that it can freely rotate in the main body (5). There is a depth difference in which the gate (19) is fit ted between the wheel paddle (4) and the main body (5) to facilitate the pouring of the washing agent only to the dosing cell (12).

The lower body (9) comprises, one or more water inlets (13) for supplying water, one or more water outlets (14) for providing a water flow layer on the inner surface of the lower body (9) in order to mix the washing agent with the water without splashing, a water room (21) between tl e water inlet (13) and water outlet (14) for distributing the water to the water outlet (14), a neck (17) in the water room (21) for regulating the water flow, a mixing inlet (15) for directing the washing agent to the water flow layer, a mixing outlet (16) for directing a perfect mixture of the washing agent and the water to the washing tub, a mixing room (20) between the mixing inlet (15) and the mixing outlet (16) for mixing the water and the washing agent, a rib (49) for increasing the strength of the structure and regulating the water flow and a vapour exhaust (43), that is placed so that it is not affected by the washing agent poured from the mixing inlet (15), and the water coming from the water inlet (13) for removing the moisture formed in the lower body (9)

The mixer (6) mixes and breaks the washing agent to avoid lumping. There are one or more extended arms (18) on the mixer (6). The arm (18) has slanted and/or curved forms for helping the washing agent to flow easily to the dosing gate (19).

When the motor (8) is run, the driving gear (7) is turned. Since the driving gear (7) is fitted to the wheel gear (30), the wheel gear (30) and also the wheel paddle (4) begin to turn around the shaft (10). Due to the conical shape of the container (3), the washing agent is pushed to the wheel paddle (4) by its gravitational force, passes through the container exit (48) and fills the dosing cells (12). When the shaft (10) turns, the dosing cells (12) move with the shaft (10). When the dosing cell (12) coincides with the gate (19), the washing agent is poured through the mixing inlet (15). The control unit controls the turning of the wheel paddle (4) by using the switch (2). Since wheel paddle (4) has a cylindrical form, the beginning of one of the dosing cell (12) is the end of the other dosing cell (12). While the wheel paddle (4) is turning, the key (31) moves over the side surfaces of the wheel paddle. When the key (31) reaches to the contact trigger (36), the contact trigger (36) pushes the key (31) to the switch (2). This activates the switch (2) and a signal is sent to the control unit. After leaving the contact trigger (36), the key (31) turns to its initial position and the switch (2) is inactivated. According to the signals sent from the switch, the control unit detects the position of the dosing cells (12), and according to the user requests, regulates the dosing amount necessary for washing.

When the motor (8) is run, at water is supplied to the dosing device (1) simultaneously. The water enters the dosing device (1) from the water inlet (13), and passes to the water room (21). Due to its kinetic and gravitational energy, it tries to pass over the neck (17). Since neck (17) has a constant cross sectional area, water flow is passed to the other part of the water room (21) by regulating its pressure. A second regulation is provided while the water is leaving from the water outlets (14). In all cases the water comes from a larger cross sectional area and leaves from a small cross sectional area. This provides a laminar water flow covering all the surfaces of the mixing room (20). While the water is flowing as a film layer, the washing agent is poured from the mixing inlet (15). Thus the washing agent is effectively dissolved. Then the water and the washing agent mixture is directed to the mixing outlet (16). The switch checks this operation and sends the obtained data to the control unit. The control unit decides to stop or continue the operation until the required dosing amount is poured. In the preferred embodiment first the water is fed then the washing agents are supplied. After the pouring of the washing agent is, completed the water flows for a certain period of time to prevent the washing agent from accumulating on the walls of the lower body (9).

The dosing device (1) further comprises a sheet heater (38) that covers the outer parts of the dosing device (1), especially the outer surfaces of the container (3) and the main body (5) for obstructing the humidity occurred. Preferably while working, the heater (38) heats them, with small resistance values without damaging their structure.

Since the dosing, driving and mixing are done with same parts of the dosing unit (1), the dosing device can work with a few numbers of parts. Thus the mounting and servicing of the dosing device (1) is facilitated.

Claims

- A household appliance, especially a washing machine, includes a washing tub, a control unit and an automatic washing agent dosing device (1) for storing and releasing the required amount of washing agent placed in for each washing cycle, comprising a container (3) for storing the washing agent, a wheel paddle (4) connected to the container (3) for dosing the detergent, and a main body (5) for housing the wheel paddle (4), characterised with; a lower body (9) that is connected to the main body (5) and the washing tub, and that comprises a mixing room (20) for mixing the washing agent with the water without splashing by passing the water from the different cross sectional areas to regulate the water flow and obtain a perfect laminar water flow layer that covers the whole im er surface of the mixing room (20).

- The household appliance as in claim 1, characterised in that, the lower body (9) comprises, one or more water inlets (13) for supplying water, one or more water outlets (14) for providing a water flow layer on the inner surface of the lower body (9) in order to mix the washing agent with the water without splashing, a water room (21) between the water inlet (13) and water outlet (14) for distributing the water to the water outlet (14), a neck (17) in the water room (21) for regulating the water flow, a mixing inlet (15) for receiving and directing the washing agent to the water flow layer, a mixing outlet (16) for sending a perfect mixture of the washing agent to the tub, a rib (49) for increasing the strength of the structure and regulating the water flow and a vapour exhaust (43) that is placed so that it is not affected by the washing agent poured from the mixing inlet (15) and the water coming from the water inlet (13), to remove the moisture formed in the lower body (9) - The household appliance as in claim 1, comprising a bellow (34) that is connected the dosing device (1) for acting as a damper and protecting the dosing device (1) from the vibration caused by the washing tub, comprising a connector (28) mounted to the bellow (34), a baffle housing (27) mounted on the washing tub and a baffle (22) mounted between the baffle housing (27) and the connector (28), for obstructing humidly, foam or splashing/spraying water occurring in the washing tub to penetrate to the dosing device (1).

- The household appliance as in claim 3, characterised in that, the baffle (22) comprises a door (23) for opening or closing the washing tub entrance, a frame (24) that has a similar shape with the door (23) for holding the door (23), one or more hinges (26) for suspending the door (23) from the frame (24) to form a pendulum.

- The household appliance as in claims 3 and 4, characterised in that, the baffle (22) is mounted between a baffle housing (27) that is connected to the washing tub, and a connector (28) that is connected to the mixing outlet (16).

- The household appliance as in claims 3 to 5 characterised in that, the baffle housing (27) comprises a tub gate (25) that is larger than the door (23) for providing an opening to the washing tub.

- The household appliance as in claims 3 to 6 characterized in that, the connector (28) comprises a connector gate (29) that is smaller than the door (23) for providing an opening to the dosing device (1). - The household appliance as in claims 3 to 7 characterised in that, the baffle housing (27) is placed onto the lower parts of the washing tub for mounting the tub gate (25) and the frame (24) is inclined with respect to the ground, and the door (23) stays perpendicular to the ground and closes the connector gate (29) with natural pendulum effect.

- The household appliance as in claim 1 characterised with a cover (35) for closing and opening the container (3), and protecting the washing agent placed in the container (3) from environmental effects such as moisture,

0- The household appliance as in claim 1 characterised with a dehumidifier (46) for absorbing the humidity occurring inside the container (3) where the dehumidifier (46) includes chemical additives that do not effect the washing agent.

1- The household appliance as in claim 1 characterised with a mixer (6) for mixing and breaking the washing agent in the container (3) to avoid lumping,

2- The household appliance as in claim 11 characterised in that, the mixer (6) comprises one or more extended arms (18) that have slanted and/or curved forms to enable the washing agent to flow easily to the wheel paddle (4).

3- The household appliance as in claim 1 characterised with, one or more electronic switches (2) for controlling the movement of the wheel paddle

(4), preferably by the contact trigger (36).

4- The household appliance as in claim 1 characterised with, a motor (8) providing movement for the dosing device (1) and a driving gear (7) for transmitting the movement from the motor (8) to the wheel paddle (4). - The household appliance as in claim 1, characterised in that, a sheet heater (38) covers the outer parts of the dosing device (1) especially the outer surfaces of the container (3) and the main body (5), for preventing the humidity occurring inside the dosing device (1) by heating.

- The household appliance as in claim 1, characterised in that, the main body (5) comprises a detergent dosing gate (19) for pouring the washing agent to the lower body (4), a cylindrical detent (47) for holding and centring tlie shaft (10), one or more holders (45) for holding the dosing device (1) to the washing machine and one or more sockets (32) for housing the switch (2).

- The household appliance as in claim 1 and 11, characterised in that, the wheel paddle (4), preferably with a cylindrical shape, comprises a paddle shaft (10) holding and turning the mixer (6) at the centre of the wheel paddle (4), one or more separators (11) connected to the shaft (10), one or more dosing cells (12) between the separators (11), one or more bulges (37) on each connection line between the separators (11) for protecting the gathering of the washing agent and helping it slide down to the dosing cell

(12), and the side walls of the wheel paddle (4) or on each connection border between the separators (11) and the shaft (10), one or more cell caps (39) that cover the upper side or lower side or both sides of one of the dosing cells (12) for protecting the washing agent placed in the container (3) from the moisture coming from the washing tub, one or more cleaners

(40) for preventing the washing agent from accumulating between the wheel paddle (4) and the main body (5), a wheel gear (30) on the outer surface of the cylindrical side walls of the wheel paddle (4), one or more gear protectors (41) over and under the wheel gear (30) for protecting the wheel gear (30) from any residues of washing agents, one or more contact triggers (36) preferably with a trapezoidal shape for switching on the switch (2) by triggering (activating) a key (31) and one or more blades (44) preferably with a curved shape on the outer side walls of the wheel paddle (4) for removing the particles of washing agents that obstruct the turning of the wheel gear (30).

- The household appliance as in claims 16 and 17, characterized in that the cell cap (39) covers the upper side of the dosing cell (12) and when the dosing device (1) is in resting position, the dosing cell (12) with the cell cap (39) is engaged to the gate (19), and the possibility of humidity accumulation gathering on the surface is eliminated.

- The household appliance as in claims 16 and 18, characterised in that, the top surface of the separator (11) is flat for cleaning the lower part of the container and preventing the gathering of the washing agent, there is a depth difference between the upper surface of the wheel paddle (4) and the separator (11) mounted inside the wheel paddle (4), that enables the washing agents to be poured into the lower body (9) without adhering to any side surface and there is a depth difference between the lower surface of the separator (11) and lower surface of the wheel paddle (4) that helps the cleaner (40) to sweep away the washing agents gathered at the corners.