WO2007119170A2 - Machine à laver équipée d'un distributeur d'agents de lavage - Google Patents

Machine à laver équipée d'un distributeur d'agents de lavage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2007119170A2
WO2007119170A2 PCT/IB2007/001038 IB2007001038W WO2007119170A2 WO 2007119170 A2 WO2007119170 A2 WO 2007119170A2 IB 2007001038 W IB2007001038 W IB 2007001038W WO 2007119170 A2 WO2007119170 A2 WO 2007119170A2
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
container
drum
machine according
washtub
machine
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/IB2007/001038
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2007119170A3 (fr
Inventor
Dino Bongini
Original Assignee
Indesit Company S.P.A.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Indesit Company S.P.A. filed Critical Indesit Company S.P.A.
Publication of WO2007119170A2 publication Critical patent/WO2007119170A2/fr
Publication of WO2007119170A3 publication Critical patent/WO2007119170A3/fr

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/02—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents
    • D06F39/024—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents mounted on the agitator or the rotating drum; Free body dispensers
    • 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
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/12—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a vertical axis
    • D06F37/14—Ribs or rubbing means forming part of the receptacle

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a laundry washing machine with at least one dispenser of washing agents.
  • Carrying-out of a washing cycle by a laundry washing machine implies the use of detergent substances, in powder or liquid form, and possible further substances, such as softening agents, perfuming agents, or other additives. Said substances are herein generically defined as "washing agents”.
  • a dispensing device that comprises a drawer-type container, divided into a series of compartments set alongside one another, each of which is designed to be charged with a dose of a washing agent, to be supplied in a respective phase of a cycle of operation of the machine.
  • the drawer-type container is housed slidably in a space, which opens on the front part of the cabinet of the machine and has a hopper-like bottom in fluid (air and liquid) communication with the washtub, in which the laundry drum is rotatably mounted.
  • the drawer-type container is displaceable with respect to the aforesaid space between an extracted position, for recharging the various compartments with the desired washing agents, and a retracted position, in which each of the compartments can be traversed by a flow of water aimed at entraining the respective washing agent into the washtub.
  • the user selects a program or washing cycle and sees to recharging the various compartments of the drawer-type container with the recommended doses of the washing agents required.
  • the water to be introduced into the washtub of the machine is made to pass selectively through the various compartments, via systems comprising solenoid valves or a movable nozzle, controlled by means of the electronic control unit of the machine, of an electronic and/or electromechanical type.
  • the electronic control unit sees to taking at appropriate times the various washing agents from the corresponding compartments of the drawer- type container.
  • Dispensing devices of the type referred to are generally cumbersome on account of the dimensions of the drawer-type container, and hence of the corresponding hopper compartment.
  • the hopper compartment frequently occupies a space that is even twice that of the drawer-type container.
  • Said overall dimensions associated to the need for housing the dispenser in a possibly ergonomic position, limit the possibilities of optimal exploitation of the spaces within the cabinet, rendering problematical the above housing of other functional components of the machine.
  • Said problem is, for example, felt in machines that, given the same dimensions of the cabinet, have a washtub and drum of increased capacity with respect to the most common laundry washing machines in order to enable treatment of an amount of laundry greater than 5 kg.
  • the dispenser if formed by a at least a container, in a fixed position on a movable hatch for accessing the inside of the drum, or a movable flap of the circumferential wall of the drum itself.
  • the container is configured for receiving alternatively a liquid washing agent or else a powder washing agent.
  • each of the two movable flaps embodying the drum hatch is equipped with a respective container, the two container being of alternative use, one container being configured for receiving liquid washing agents and the other container being configured for receiving powder washing agents.
  • the purpose of the present invention is principally to solve the drawbacks referred to above, by means of a laundry washing machine provided with a dispenser of washing agents that is simple and convenient to use, precise and reliable in operation, and convenient to produce at contained costs.
  • An additional purpose of the invention is to indicate a laundry washing machine equipped with a washing agent dispenser being of minimal cumbersomeness.
  • the invention regards mainly the solution that envisages equipping a laundry washing machine, of the type having a drum rotating according to a substantially horizontal axis or else an axis inclined up to approximately 25° with respect to the horizontal, with at least one dispenser having a container for one or more washing agents, which container is movably mounted in a respective fixed housing of the laundry drum.
  • the container is in this way able to turn with the drum, particularly so as to be brought cyclically into contact with, and preferably at least partially immersed in, the treatment liquid, which, during operation of the machine, is located in the lower region of the washtub.
  • the aforesaid container is constrained in the respective housing in such a way that it is displaceable between an operative position, in which the container is retracted with respect to the washtub, in a blocked position, and an inoperative position, in which the container projects at least partially on the outside of the drum and the washtub.
  • the container can be advantageously associated to the drum in a slidable way and be shaped substantially as a drawer, to assume an extracted position and a retracted position with respect to the housing.
  • the container is mounted in a position corresponding to a circumferential wall of the drum, and the aforesaid housing is at least in part defined by a body that forms at least part of an element for dragging and/or agitating the laundry within the drum itself.
  • the housing for the container for instance a dragging member
  • the housing for the container is mounted to be angularly movable with respect to the drum, i.e., it is hinged to the drum to be displaceable between a respective horizontal position, or substantially parallel to the circumferential wall of the drum, and an inclined or angled position with respect to said circumferential wall, in which inclined position the front of the housing faces the drum opening: when in said inclined position, the container can be brought into the respective extracted position, through the front opening of the drum.
  • the container can comprise at least one of an open receptacle, to cause delivering in the washtub of the corresponding washing agent at least in part by gravity, following upon rotation of the drum, and a vessel to which a dispensing arrangement is functionally associated, which can be switched between an open condition and a closed condition in the course of an intermediate phase of the operating cycle of the machine.
  • the dispensing arrangement can comprise valve means provided for assuming a respective open position when the drum reaches a speed of rotation higher than a substantially predetermined threshold, or else form part of an electromagnetically actuated arrangement, or yet again be based upon the use of an actuator sensitive to the temperature of the treatment liquid, such as a thermal actuator or a shape-memory actuator.
  • the container includes at least both the aforesaid open receptacle and vessel, or in any case is prearranged for being charged with at least two washing agents that have to be supplied in distinct operating phases of one and the same washing cycle carried out by the machine.
  • FIGS. 1 and 2 are schematic front views of a laundry washing machine according to the invention, with a loading door in the closed position and in the open position, respectively;
  • FIG. 3 is a perspective schematic view of the laundry washing machine in the condition of Figure 2, with a respective container of washing agents in the extracted position;
  • FIG. 4 is a perspective schematic view of a possible embodiment of an oscillating assembly of the laundry washing machine of Figures 1-3, with the door closed;
  • FIG. 5 and 6 are, respectively, a cross section according to the line V-V of Figure 1 and a perspective schematic view of the oscillating assembly of the machine, with the door open and the container of washing agents in the retracted position;
  • FIGS 7 and 8 are, respectively, a cross section according to the line VII-
  • FIG. 12 is a detail at an enlarged scale of Figure 9, in a condition of closing of valve means of the container of washing agents.
  • FIG. 13 is a detailed cross section similar to that of Figure 12, with the aforesaid valve means in an open condition;
  • FIG. 14 is a schematic front view of a laundry washing machine according to a second embodiment of the invention, with a loading door in the open position;
  • FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-section of a portion of the drum of the machine of Figure 14, with a washing agent container in a retracted position;
  • - Figures 16 and 17 are two enlarged details of Figure 16;
  • FIG. 18 is a view similar to the one of Figure 15, with the washing agent during an inclination movement;
  • FIG. 19 is a view similar to the one of Figure 18, at the end of the above said inclination movement and with the washing agent container in an extracted position.
  • number 1 designates as a whole a laundry washing machine according to the invention, having a cabinet 2, for example, made of sheet metal, which comprises a front wall 2a.
  • the wall 2a has a substantially vertical lower region and a slightly inclined upper region, in which an opening 3 is formed, having a slightly vertically oblong shape.
  • a control panel mounted on the wall 2a is a control panel, represented schematically just in Figures 1 and 2, where it is designated by 4, which comprises, for example, a display - possibly of a touch-screen type - and a number of keys.
  • a control unit of the machine particularly of the microprocessor type.
  • the oscillating assembly comprises a washtub 5, for example, made of plastic or stainless steel, having a respective base 5a or side flanges, for attachment of the upper ends of load-bearing shock- absorbers, represented schematically and designated by 6.
  • the lower ends of the shock-absorbers 6 are instead secured at a lower base of the cabinet 2 (not represented), of a conception in itself known.
  • the oscillating assembly further comprises a structural component 7, fixed in a position corresponding to the front wall of the washtub 5 and functioning as counterweight.
  • the element 7 has a generally annular shape, with a respective passage having a cross section consistent with a front opening of the washtub, described hereinafter.
  • the reference number 8 designates as a whole a door of the machine 1, which, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, belongs to the oscillating assembly.
  • the door 8 is associated to the component 7, by means of a hinge designated as a whole by 9.
  • the oscillating assembly moreover comprises a drum or basket for the washing, designated as a whole by 10 and illustrated, for example, in Figures 2 and 3, preferably made of stainless steel.
  • the drum 10 has a circumferential wall 10a provided with holes (not represented) for passage of the washing/rinsing liquid, a bottom end or rear wall 10b and a front wall 10c, made in which is a main access opening, designated by 10c', for loading and unloading of the laundry.
  • the front wall 1 Oc of the drum has a central region generally flared outwards so as to project within the front wall 5b of the washtub 5, which is also partially flared outwards and in which a respective opening (not shown) is formed.
  • the oscillating assembly further comprises an electric motor 11, anchored to the base 5a of the washtub 5 and operative for setting the drum 10 in rotation via a belt drive 12 and pulleys 13, 14 ( Figures 5 and 7).
  • the pulley 14 is fitted on a shaft 15, fixed with respect to a cross element 16 fixed to the bottom end 10b of the drum 10 and passing in a hub mounted in the rear wall of the washtub 5.
  • the motor means of the machine 1 can be represented by a direct-drive or "axially aligned" electric motor, i.e., having a rotor associated to the shaft of the drum and a stator carried by the rear wall of the washtub or by the corresponding cross element (see, purely by way of example of such a technique, document No. US2005146235).
  • the oscillating assembly is prearranged in such a way that the drum turns according to an axis, designated by X, which is only slightly inclined with respect to the horizontal.
  • the angle can be indicatively comprised between 0 and 25°, preferably between approximately 5° and 13°, and even more preferably of 8° ⁇ 2°, in order to facilitate the ergonomics of the machine as regards the operations of loading and unloading of the laundry with respect to the drum 10. Said characteristic must, however, be understood as a simple option, and hence the axis of rotation of the drum 10 could be horizontal.
  • dragging members designed to produce agitation of the laundry in the course of rotation of the drum itself.
  • three dragging members designated by 17 and 18, are provided, for example, as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 5-8.
  • the dragging members are provided within the drum 10, at the circumferential wall 10a, and have a substantially V-shaped profile, or in any case a profile comprising two opposite longitudinal walls that converge with respect to one another substantially in the direction of the centre of the drum.
  • the dragging member 17, 18 can be formed directly via shaping of the circumferential wall 10a or else configured as components fixed to the dram 10.
  • At least the dragging member 18 (and possibly each dragging member 17, 18) is made of moulded plastic material and is secured in a fixed position to the circumferential wall 10a and/or to the front and rear walls 10b, 10c of the drum, with modalities and means in themselves known.
  • the hollow dragging member 17, 18 extend preferably throughout the depth of the drum 10, i.e., between respective peripheral regions of the walls 10b and 10c of the dram 10.
  • the oscillating assembly then comprises a gasket, designated by 19, made, for example, of elastomer and associated to the front wall of the washtub 5.
  • the machine 1 further comprises a device for dispensing washing agents.
  • the dispenser comprises a container for washing agents that is mounted on the dram 10 and is able to turn therewith about the axis X.
  • the aforesaid container designated as a whole by 20 in the figures, is substantially configured as a drawer and is constrained to the drum to be able to assume an inoperative, or loading, position and an operative, or dispensing, position.
  • the container 20 illustrated is mounted slidably, i.e., linearly translatable, in a corresponding housing, which, in the currently preferred embodiment, is at least in part obtained in one of the dragging members, and precisely the dragging member designated by 18 in the figures.
  • the front wall 10c of the dram 10 has a respective passage, designated by 10c" in Figure 11, made in a position corresponding to the front end of the dragging member 18, which is open; the wall 10c of the dram is provided with an appropriate lip or rim at the passage 10c".
  • the dragging member is hollow inside and can hence house the container 20.
  • the container 20 can be at least partially extracted from the dragging member 18, through the passage 10c", to project at the front from the dram 10 and from the washtub 5.
  • the opening provided in the front wall 5b of the washtub 5 has a shape and/or dimensions such as to enable access both within the dram 10 and to the front part of the container 20.
  • the direction of sliding of the container 20 is substantially parallel or slightly inclined with respect to the axis of rotation X of the dram (note that, in the non-limiting example illustrated, the circumferential wall 20a of the dram to which the entraining member 18 is fixed is shaped slightly like a truncated cone, with the smaller diameter at the bottom end 10b, so that the direction of sliding of the container 20 is not exactly parallel to the axis X).
  • the container 20 comprises a main body 21, made advantageously of moulded plastic material.
  • the body 21 has a cross section consistent to that of the dragging member 18, and hence basically triangular or trapezial, or in any case featuring two longitudinally extended side walls, one of which designated by 21a, which converge basically in the direction of the centre of the drum 10.
  • the body 21 moreover has a front wall, designated by 21b, directly accessible by a user when the door 8 of the machine 1 is in the open position (see for reference Figure 6).
  • the walls 21a of the body 21 are provided with longitudinal guides, designated by 21c in Figure 11, operatively coupled with respective guides formed within the body of the dragging member 18; one of said guides is designated by 18a in Figures 9 and 10.
  • the body 21 has a length smaller than that of the corresponding dragging member 18 and is preferably conceived for containing at least two different washing agents, understood also as two doses of the same washing agent to be supplied in different operating phases of one and the same cycle of operation of the machine.
  • the body 21 defines a front receptacle 22, constituted by a simple cavity, open in the part of the body 21 facing the circumferential wall 10a of the drum 10.
  • a rear vessel, designated as a whole by 23 which comprises an access hatch, designated by 24.
  • the hatch 24 is hinged in a point 24a to the body 21.
  • a spring 25 which exerts a force on the hatch itself to bring it into a respective open position ( Figures 10 and 11).
  • Operatively associated to the vessel 23 is at least part of a dispensing arrangement, designated as a whole by 26 in Figures 9 and 10, which can be switched between an open condition and a closed condition in the course of operation of the machine 1, as will emerge from what follows.
  • the receptacle 22 is designed to be recharged with a washing detergent, in powder or liquid form, whilst the vessel 23 is designed to be recharged with a liquid additive, such as a softening agent.
  • the dispenser of the machine according to the invention is moreover provided with blocking means, which can be switched between an engaged condition and a released condition, where, in the engaged condition, the container 20 is kept in the retracted position within the dragging member 18 and, in the released condition, the container 20 can be displaced between said retracted position and the corresponding extracted position.
  • the aforesaid blocking means are not illustrated, in so far as they can be of any type known for the purpose, such as, for example, a simple catch or else a mechanism of engagement/release mounted on the body 21 and actuatable via a push-button.
  • said blocking means comprise a mechanism of the so-called push- push type, i.e., one that can be switched simply by pushing, by acting in particular on the front wall 21b of the body of the container 20.
  • the mechanisms of the type indicated are in themselves well known in many variants and do not require a specific description herein; it suffices to point out that the push-push mechanism can be, for example, of the type commonly used in combination with sliding drawers and comprises a spring, designated by 27 in Figures 9 and 10, tending to push the container 20 towards the respective extracted position.
  • the spring 27 causes it to come out partially of the container 20 through the passage 10c" of Figure 11.
  • the container 20 is then pulled manually by the user into the aforesaid extracted position, which is visible, for example, in Figure 10.
  • the action of the spring 25 causes opening of the hatch 24.
  • the hatch 24 has top projections, designated by 24b in Figures 9-11, which can co-operate slidably on the edge of the front opening of the washtub 5 or other fixed surface, for example, of the dragging member. In this way, the angular movement of opening of the hatch 24 occurs gradually, as the container 20 is being extracted from the dragging member 18.
  • sealing means such as a gasket.
  • the means for access to the vessel 23 can be of a type different from the one exemplified, for instance, a plug that can be screwed or one with bayonet coupling, as in the dispensers of rinsing agents for dish-washers.
  • the front wall 21b of the container 20 is accessible only when the drum 10 is located in a substantially pre- defined angular position within the washtub 5.
  • the front opening of the washtub 5 has a prevalent part that is substantially circular and is coaxial to the opening of the drum, and a side extension, which develops in a substantially radial direction, precisely to enable access to the front of the container 20 and allow displacement thereof between the respective extracted and retracted positions (the shape of the opening of the washtub 5 corresponds substantially to the one defined by the gasket designated by 19).
  • the aforesaid extension of the opening of the washtub 5 is located, substantially, in a position corresponding to the top dead centre of the drum 10, but said position is not to be understood as limiting.
  • the gasket 19 substantially circumscribes the region of the front wall 5b wherein the opening of the washtub 5 is formed, which enables access to the drum 10 and to the container 20.
  • Said gasket 19 is designed to operate as a seal with respect to the door 8, fixed therein with respect to the oscillating assembly, in order to prevent the treatment liquid from coming out of the washtub 5.
  • the door 8 can have a main part, designated by 8a in the figures, which is substantially circular and coaxial to the opening of the drum 10, and a radial extension, designated by 8b.
  • the machine 1 according to the invention is used and functions in a generally known way, except for the modalities of recharging and dispensing of the washing agents. A non-limiting example of said modalities is given in what follows, with reference to a cycle that comprises:
  • the electronic control unit then enables entry of the water into the washtub 5, the water coming from the water mains to which the machine 1 is connected, until a pre-defined level is reached, controlled in a known way, for example, with a pressure switch (not represented).
  • the means for loading the washtub with water which comprise, for example, at least one solenoid valve and one flexible hose, have been represented only schematically in Figures 5 and 7, where they are designated as a whole by 28.
  • the electronic control unit controls the motor 11 so as to bring about rotation of the drum 10.
  • the detergent In the course of rotation of the drum 10, the detergent is free to come out of the receptacle 22, prevalently by gravity.
  • the circumferential wall 1 Oa of the drum has holes or passages also in a position corresponding to the region in which the dragging member 18 is fixed, and that the same dragging member 18 can be provided with holes and passages in its walls facing towards the inside of the drum: in this way the detergent is free to pass into the washtub in order to mix with the water that has been taken in.
  • the entraining member 18 and the container 20 are temporarily immersed, at least partially, in the liquid present on the lower part of the washtub 5: in this way, complete removal of the detergent from within the entraining member and from the receptacle 22 is ensured, as well as the corresponding cleaning.
  • the washing step of the cycle proceeds in a known way, for example, with alternating rotations of the drum at a relatively low speed, for example, comprised between 40-60 r.p.m. and possible pauses.
  • the liquid is discharged from the washtub 5, and the electronic control unit controls the motor 11 in order to carry out a step of distribution of the load, followed by a spinning step at medium speed, for example 700 r.p.m., with concomitant activation of the discharge pump (not represented).
  • a spinning step at medium speed, for example 700 r.p.m., with concomitant activation of the discharge pump (not represented).
  • This is followed by supply of clean water into the washtub and subsequent carrying-out of a first rinsing step, with modalities in themselves known, without use of washing agents.
  • the water is discharged, a step of distribution is performed, and this is followed by a spinning step at a speed faster than the previous one, for example, at 800 r.p.m., once again with the discharge pump active.
  • this step of rotation at a speed higher than a substantially predefined threshold is aimed at bringing about switching of the arrangement designated by 26 in Figures 9 and 10, i.e., to cause delivery of the softening agent.
  • the arrangement 26 basically comprises a chamber, designated as a whole by 30 in Figure 13, made in the body of the container 20.
  • the chamber 30 has an inlet 31, which forms a valve seat, in fluid communication with the inside of the vessel 23, and an outlet 32, which sets the chamber itself in communication with the outside of the container 20.
  • a mass which in the example illustrated is represented by an open/close member 33 of spherical shape, designed to cooperate with the valve seat constituted by the inlet 31.
  • a spring 34 operative for biasing the open/close member 33 in the closing position of the inlet 31 ( Figure 12), in the direction opposite to the centrifugal force acting on the open/close member itself in the course of rotation of the drum.
  • the spring 34 is compressed when the centrifugal force acting on the open/close member 33 is greater than the force of elastic reaction of the spring; for this purpose, the spring 34 is clearly calibrated as a function of the mass represented by the open/close member 33, in the design stage.
  • the condition of compression of the spring 33 is obtained when the drum 10 reaches a speed higher than the aforesaid substantially pre-defined threshold, which, as has been said, in the example cited is equal to approximately 850 r.p.m.
  • the dispensing arrangement associated to the vessel 23 can comprise a bistable mechanism or a system of release of an occlusion means, such as a hatch or the like.
  • the softening agent supplied passes then into the cavity of the dragging member 18, and is then mixed, in the course of rotation of the drum 10, with the water to be used for the second rinsing step. That part of softening agent that possibly is "sprayed" by centrifugal force on the peripheral wall of the washtub 5 tends of course to flow towards the lower region of the washtub itself.
  • short pulses of rotation of the drum at a relatively high speed can be envisaged in the course of rinsing, in order to bring about formation of a ring of water, between the drum and the washtub, which guarantees exploitation of the entire quantity of softening agent supplied.
  • the second rinse proceeds with known modalities and terminates with discharging of the liquid used. This is followed by at least one step of distribution and a final step of centrifugation at high speed, for example, 1 200 r.p.m. or higher, with the discharge pump active, which concludes the cycle of treatment in the strict sense of the laundry.
  • the electronic control unit of the machine is prearranged for carrying out the aforesaid step at 900 r.p.m., aimed at bringing about supply of the softening agent, at the right moment, even in the case where the cycle selected by the user does not envisage steps of high-speed centrifugation and even in the case where the user has initially set the option of exclusion of centrifugation or reduction of the speeds of centrifugation envisaged by the standard cycle.
  • the speeds referred to above have only the purpose of providing a non-limiting example of operation of the arrangement 26.
  • the machine 1 is prearranged in such a way that, at the end of the treatment cycle, the drum 10 is brought automatically into the pre-defined angular position that enables access to the container 20.
  • Automatic positioning can be obtained with modalities and means similar to the ones used on certain top-loading laundry washing machines with horizontal- axis drum.
  • sensor means for detecting the angular position of the drum can be provided, for example, of an optical type (see, purely by way of example of such a technique, the document No. EP-A-0401734) or of a Hall-effect type, possibly integrated in the motor.
  • the electronic control unit of the machine 1 controls a very slow rotation of the drum (just a few r.p.m.) and, when the sensor means detects that the pre-defined angular position for the drum 10 has been reached, the motor 11 is deactivated.
  • the system of automatic positioning can comprise an electromechanical device prearranged for blocking the drum when this reaches the pre-defined angular position (see, purely by way of example of such a technique, the document No. EP-A-1041186).
  • the electronic control unit of the machine 1 controls a very slow rotation of the drum and at the same time takes away electrical supply from an actuator of the aforesaid electromechanical device, in such a way that a pin of the device itself can be pressed by a spring on the surface of a member that is external to the washtub but is connected to the drum 10 and is able to turn therewith (for example, the pulley 14).
  • Said rotary member is provided with a notch, in which the aforesaid pin engages when the drum 10 reaches the pre-defined angular position, blocking rotation thereof.
  • the movement of the pin moreover causes switching of a microswitch or the like, with the electronic control unit that consequently removes supply from the motor 11.
  • the electronic control unit then sees to supplying again the actuator of the electromechanical device, which causes retraction of the aforesaid pin against the action of the respective spring: in this way, the pin is free from the aforesaid notch so as to enable subsequent rotation of the drum, when the motor 11 is supplied for the purposes of washing.
  • the drum 10 is brought into a condition resembling the one visible in Figure 6, in which the front wall of the container 20 is accessible after opening of the door 8.
  • the user can then unload the laundry from the machine 1, and possibly load in new laundry to be washed.
  • the user simply has to press at the front on the container 20 in order to cause switching of the of the blocking push-push mechanism.
  • the container is then extracted, in part via the spring 27 and in part manually: the condition of Figure 3 is again reached.
  • the washing agent container is housed in a movable way in a housing which is mounted in a tilting manner within the respective basket.
  • the housing can be embodied by a dragging member of the dram, with the container slidable within it.
  • the housing is preferably hinged to the drum in the rear region thereof, to be displaced between a position which is substantially parallel to the circumferential wall of the drum and an inclined or angled position with respect to said circumferential wall. In the inclined position the front of the housing and of the container face directly the dram opening, such that the container can be brought in the respective extracted position, just through the front opening of the dram.
  • the body of the dragging member 18' preferably made of thermoplastic material, has a general configuration which is substantially similar to the previous one, but presents in its rear part a hinge element 18b, which is mounted to co- operate with a respective hinge element 40a, belonging to a support 40 ( Figures 18 and 19); elements 18b and 40a are coupled such that the dragging member 18' can be displaced angularly about the axis indicated with Y, that is substantially perpendicular or transverse to the rotation axis X of the dram 10'.
  • the support 40 for instance made of thermoplastic material, is fixed within the dram 10', such that the hinge element 40a is close and/or substantially parallel to the bottom wall 10b' of the dram 10'; the support 40 also has a longitudinal portion 40b which is fixed, for example via snap couplings, to the circumferential wall 10a' of the drum, and a front portion 40c, close to the front wall of the dram 10', here indicated by 1Of.
  • the container 20' is slidably mounted within the dragging member 18', whose side walls have guides (one of which being indicated with 18a' in Figure 19) co-operating with respective longitudinal guides - not visible - formed in the side wall of the body 21' of the container.
  • the frontal wall 21b' of body 21' has a hooking tooth D, capable of engaging a respective seat 4Od formed in the portion 40c of the support 40; the front wall 21b' has also a lower grip wing, indicated with W (which is partially visible also in Figure 14).
  • the body of the container 20' define a front receptacle 22' and a rear vessel 23'.
  • the vessel 23' has an upper wall with a passage 23 a, formed in correspondence of a respective mouth 23b substantially funnel-shaped.
  • the upper wall of the vessel 23' could be possibly removable, to allow for easing the loading operations of the washing agent.
  • the dispenser of the second embodiment has a dispensing arrangement 26', conceptually similar to the arrangement previously indicated with 26, but being mounted on the dram 10'.
  • the arrangement 26' has a body 26a, hooked to portion 40b of support 40, defines the chamber 30' with the inlet 31' and the outlet 32', the latter being preferably in correspondence of a hole of the circumferential wall 10a' of the drum.
  • the open/close member 33' is provided, designed to co-operate with the valve seat constituted by the inlet 31'; within the chamber 30' there is then provided the spring 34', operating to bias the open/close member 33' in the closing position of the inlet 31'.
  • operation of the arrangement 26' is analogous to the previously described one.
  • the lower portion of the body 26a comprises a resilient element 26b, such as a gasket made of elastomer material, defining the inlet 31 '.
  • a resilient element 26b such as a gasket made of elastomer material
  • the resilient element 26b in contact with the surface of the mouth 23b, with the inlet 31 ' which is substantially co-axial with the opening 23 a of vessel 23', to assure a seal; the body 26a with the resilient element also operates for keeping the upper wall of the vessel 23 in un corresponding seat, in case said wall is removable, when the dispenser is in the operating position.
  • a seat is present, for an actuation device, indicated with 50 as a whole.
  • the device 50 comprises a toothed wheel or pinion 51, whose teeth (only some teeth are represented) are engaged with a rack formation 18c, defined in the lower inner part of the body of the dragging member 18'.
  • the device 50 further comprises a means for accumulating mechanical energy, being not visible, which is preferably constituted by a spiral spring having an end thereof constrained in a fixed position and the other end fixed to a shaft 51a keyed to the pinion 51.
  • the above said spring is in elastic loaded or wound up condition, and tends to make the pinion 51 to rotate on the rack 18 c, in the sense of causing exit of the container from the dragging member.
  • a part of a bistable mechanism having spring means is indicated, protruding upwards from the body of the dragging member 18', to which is fixed. As is visible, particularly from Figure 17, the part of the body of the mechanism 18d is received in a relevant seat 4Oe formed in the portion 40b of the support 40.
  • Figure 15 shows the normal operating condition of the dragging member 18', and thus of the container 20' (retracted condition).
  • the dragging member and the container are substantially parallel to the circumferential wall 10a' of the drum 10'.
  • the actuation device 50 bias the container 20' toward the outside of the dragging member 18', i.e., toward the left side, with reference to the figure.
  • the thrust caused by the device 50 assures engagement of tooth D of the front wall of the container 20' into seat 4Od of the support, and therefore the dragging member 18' cannot angularly move about the axis Y.
  • the centrifugal force due to the rotation of the drum 10' during operation of the machine co-operates in assuring maintenance of the position adjacent to the wall 10a'.
  • the drum When washing agents have to be loaded, after opening of the door 8', the drum is preferably brought in the position wherein the dragging member 18' is in the region of the top dead centre. Also in this embodiment there can be provided means for automated positioning of the of the drum 10' at the end of the operating cycle, though they are not essential. In said position, the user makes slightly pushes the wing W, in the direction of pushing the container 20' toward the inside of the dragging member 18' (toward the right side, with reference to Figure 15), against the elastic reaction developed by the device 50.
  • Mechanism 18d is configured such that, when a given degree of inclination of the dragging member 18' has been overcome, the spring means thereof bias the dragging member itself toward the position of Figure 19; by contrast, when the inclination of the dragging member 18' does not exceed the above said give degree, the spring means of the mechanism 18d bias the dragging member itself toward the Ia position of Figure 15. It should be noticed that provision of the mechanism 18d, which can be made in any known manner, is purely optional.
  • the hinge parts 18b and 40a are shaped, in a manner known per se, to obtain a stop to the angular movement being allowed to the dragging member.
  • the end-of-travel means for the angular movement of the dragging member 18' could be configured in a different manner.
  • the front of the dragging member 18', and thus the front wall 21b' of the container 20' face directly the opening of the drum, here indicated with 1Og; the user can then release the wing W.
  • the device 50 carried by the container 20' is allowed to run down the elastic reaction of the respective spring on the pinion 51, which can rotate on the rack 18c, and thus obtain in an assisted or “automated” way passing of the container 20' in the respective extracted condition, as is visible in Figure 19.
  • the device 50 is equipped with a rotational dumper, of any known type, to cause a "slackened” rotation of pinion 51, and thus a slow movement of the container 20' toward the extracted position.
  • the container 20' protrudes outside the drum 10' through the opening 1Og for loading/unloading the laundry.
  • the user After the washing agent or washing agents has/have been loaded in the receptacle 22' and/or the vessel 23', the user has only to push the container into the dragging member 18'. hi this way, the spiral spring or other mechanical energy accumulating means of the device 50 is newly wound up.
  • the container 20' When the container 20' is in a retracted condition within the dragging member 18', the user makes the dragging member itself to rotate upwards, according to the axis Y, until switching the bistable mechanism 18d, if provided; the container is brought in the position substantially parallel or close to the wall 10a' of the drum 10' and the re- engagement of the blocking means represented by the tooth D and the seat 4Od is caused.
  • an arrangement for the assisted actuation of the washing agent container - comprising for instance a mechanism 50, a rack 18c and a push-push system - can also be provided for in the dispenser according to the first embodiment.
  • the installation of the container for the washing agents on the drum enables recovery of useful space within the cabinet of the machine, which can thus be made available for accommodating other functional components.
  • the container can be housed in a member (a dragging member) that must in any case be provided, avoids subtraction of space also within the drum.
  • the dispenser described is simple and economically advantageous to produce, and use thereof is convenient for the user, given that said use substantially resembles that of drawers of traditional devices, as regards the loading operations of the washing agents.
  • the dispenser is in a position that is advantageous from the ergonomic standpoint.
  • the position of the dispenser with respect to the opening of the washtub and drum is such that any overflowing or the like of the softening agent - caused by errors by the user in the course of the corresponding loading - drop back into the drum itself.
  • a further additional advantage of the invention is represented by the fact that the dispenser described is of a perfectly self-cleaning type, by virtue of the repeated passages of at least part of the dragging member and of the container into the liquid present on the lower part of the washtub (it should be considered that, in a washing cycle of average duration, the number of rotations performed by the drum is higher than 2000, for the most part carried out with liquid in the washtub).
  • Said hatch typically comprises at least one flap, hinged so as to open towards the outside of the drum.
  • a plastic body can then be fixed to an internal part of the hatch of the drum, for example, of a shape similar to the dragging member 18, for housing the container 20.
  • Said body and container have preferably a smaller length than the homologous components of the machine 1 illustrated herein, but they are conceptually similar thereto.
  • the switchable dispensing arrangement associated to the vessel 23 or 23' could be of a type different from the one exemplified.
  • the valve can comprise an open/close member kept in a closed position by a spring, and associated to the open/close member is a ferromagnetic element that can be attracted by the aforesaid electromagnet, overcoming the reaction of the spring.
  • the drum when it is desired to dispense the contents of the Vessel 23 or 23', the drum is made to assume an angular position in which the dragging member 18 or 18' is substantially aligned to the electromagnet (the means for obtaining said positioning are conceptually similar to the ones described previously).
  • the electromagnet Once said position of the electromagnet is reached, the latter is supplied so as to attract the ferromagnetic element and hence bring about passage of the open/close member into a respective opening position, which enables the contents of the vessel 23 or 23' to come out.
  • the electromagnet can be disabled.
  • the ferromagnetic element can be replaced by a permanent magnet.
  • the arrangement can also be implemented by exploiting the phenomenon of magnetic repulsion, instead of attraction. It is likewise clear that the ferromagnetic element or the permanent magnet could be operatively associated to a switching member of a bistable mechanism; i.e., adapted to maintain two stable positions. In this case, a brief pulse of supply of the electromagnet, even during a relatively slow rotation of the drum, is sufficient for enabling the mechanism to pass from its first position (for example, in which a valve is kept closed) to the second position (in which the valve is instead kept open).
  • the ferromagnetic element or the magnet can be associated to a device other than a valve, such as a system of engagement of a slidable hatch, forced into the open position by a spring, which replaces the liftable hatch 24 described previously.
  • a device other than a valve such as a system of engagement of a slidable hatch, forced into the open position by a spring, which replaces the liftable hatch 24 described previously.
  • the brief pulse of supply of the electromagnet brings about release of the hatch, which slides open thanks to the action of the respective spring, enabling dispensing of the contents of the vessel 23.
  • the vessel 23 can be provided for containing also a washing agent in solid or powder form. It is likewise clear that a system of release of the type referred to, for a sliding or liftable hatch, can be switched by exploiting the centrifugal force, according to the principle described previously with reference to Figures 12 and 13.
  • the same principle can also be used to bring about switching of a bistable mechanism, for the purposes referred to just above.
  • the use of a bistable mechanism or of a system of release of the types mentioned enables the vessel 23 to be kept open after dispensing of the washing agent and hence cleaning of the vessel itself by the liquid present in the washtub, in the course of rotation of the drum.
  • switching of a dispensing arrangement for the vessel 23 or 23' can be obtained via an actuator in a fixed position on the outside of the washtub and a mechanism, which can be switched simply by pushing, associated to the container 20 or to the body 26a.
  • thermo-electric actuator having an axially moving shaft or pin that can project within the washtub 5 or 5', in a corresponding passage provided with suitable sealing means.
  • the actuator is supplied in such a way that the respective shaft moves axially until it brings about switching or release of the aforesaid mechanism, which enables opening of the corresponding vessel.
  • recession of the aforesaid shaft the drum is then driven in normal rotation to obtain dispensing of the washing agent and cleaning of the receptacle.
  • the body 20 or 20' can be equipped with a dispensing arrangement which can be switched via actuator means sensitive to the temperature of a fluid present in the washtub, such as, for example, an actuator made of shape-memory material, a bi-metallic actuator, or an actuator of a thermal type, all of which are in themselves well known.
  • actuator means sensitive to the temperature of a fluid present in the washtub such as, for example, an actuator made of shape-memory material, a bi-metallic actuator, or an actuator of a thermal type, all of which are in themselves well known.
  • a thermal actuator see just for reference the document No. EP-A-O 940 577 mounted on the container 20 or 20', the heat of the washing liquid can be exploited to vary the volume of a material present in a body of the actuator itself (such as a wax or an alcohol) so as to cause displacement of a piston or similar actuating member.
  • thermo-sensitive actuator of the aforementioned type can then be used to bring about opening of a valve or a system for release of a hatch or the like, associated to the vessel of interest.
  • the actuator will be evidently designed to intervene upon overstepping of a certain temperature threshold of the fluid, certainly reached in the course of the phase of the cycle in which dispensing is to be performed (for example, during the washing step in the strict sense, in the course of which hot water is used).
  • the container 20 or 20' could be provided without the receptacle 22 or 22' and with a single vessel 23 or 23', or else with at least two vessels 23 or 23' for respective washing agents (understood also as doses of one and the same washing agent to be dispensed in different operating steps of one and the same cycle of operation of the machine) or again with combinations of a receptacle 22 or 22' and more than one vessel 23 or 23'.
  • a dose of powder detergent for carrying out a pre-washing step in a first vessel 23 or 23' with a sliding hatch there could be contained a dose of the same powder detergent, but for carrying out the washing phase in the strict sense, and in a second vessel 23 or 23', once again with sliding hatch or with the dispensing arrangement 26 or 26', there could be contained a liquid softening agent.
  • the corresponding mechanisms of hatch release or the valve means will be switchable in a different way: for example, the arrangement of the first vessel 23 or 23' may be provided with a thermo-sensitive actuator, whilst the arrangement of the second vessel 23 or 23' may be actuated via centrifugal force or with an electromagnet system.
  • the speeds of rotation of the drum will be different to produce the two deliveries of washing agents (the speed threshold that brings about dispensing of the softening agent will evidently be higher than the threshold that must be overstepped to cause dispensing of the washing detergent).
  • the drum could possibly comprise only the dragging member 18 or 18', with the corresponding container 20 or 20'.
  • the motor-driven positioning of the drum in the position that enables access to the container 20 or 20' could also be activatable manually by the user, for example, via a control means provided on the panel 4.
  • the pre-defined position that enables access to the container 20 is substantially in a position corresponding to the top dead centre of the drum 10, but, as has been said, this characteristic is not to be understood as limiting.
  • the predefined position is displaced laterally, for example, by up to approximately -45° or else +45° with respect to the top dead centre, with simple modifications of shape of the container 20 and position of the passage 10c".
  • the door 8 could have a substantially rectangular shape, and the user-interface means, represented by the control panel 4, could be in a central position, in the upper region of the wall 2a of the cabinet 2.
  • the washing agent container could be possibly mounted on the lower part of the circumferential wall of the drum.
  • the circumferential wall has a drawing extending between the front and the rear part of the drum, shaped substantially as a dragging member, preferably with a substantially V-shaped profile.
  • a body is fixed, defining the seat for slidingly receiving the container; said body has conveniently a part whose shape is substantially consistent with or complementary to the drawing, to be fixed into the drawing itself, and an upper wall with a slightly curved profile, consistent with the profile of the circumferential wall of the drum.
  • the container can be substantially similar to the container 20 and the above said body will have functional elements similar to those of the dragging member 18.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une machine à laver (1) pourvue d'une carrosserie (2) qui renferme un ensemble oscillant comprenant une cuve (5) et un tambour (10) pour le linge, ce tambour pouvant tourner dans la cuve. Cette machine à laver (1) comprend par ailleurs un dispositif de distribution qui présente un réservoir (20) pour agents de lavage monté sur le tambour (10). Ledit réservoir (20) se présente sous la forme d'un tiroir pouvant coulisser vers l'extérieur du tambour (10) et de la cuve (5) et le siège de ce réservoir (20) est formé au moins en partie par un élément (18) servant à entraîner et/ou agiter le linge à l'intérieur du tambour (10).
PCT/IB2007/001038 2006-04-13 2007-04-11 Machine à laver équipée d'un distributeur d'agents de lavage WO2007119170A2 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000280A ITTO20060280A1 (it) 2006-04-13 2006-04-13 Macchina lavabiancheria con dispensatore di agenti di lavaggio
ITTO2006A000280 2006-04-13

Publications (2)

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WO2007119170A2 true WO2007119170A2 (fr) 2007-10-25
WO2007119170A3 WO2007119170A3 (fr) 2007-12-21

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PCT/IB2007/001038 WO2007119170A2 (fr) 2006-04-13 2007-04-11 Machine à laver équipée d'un distributeur d'agents de lavage

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IT (1) ITTO20060280A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO2007119170A2 (fr)

Cited By (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110894664A (zh) * 2018-09-12 2020-03-20 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机提升装置及洗衣机
WO2020085695A1 (fr) * 2018-10-24 2020-04-30 Lg Electronics Inc. Appareil de traitement de linge
EP3736371A1 (fr) * 2019-05-08 2020-11-11 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Dispositif entraîneur pour un lave-linge et lave-linge pourvu de dispositif entraîneur
CN112111931A (zh) * 2019-06-19 2020-12-22 青岛海尔智能技术研发有限公司 洗衣机
CN112111943A (zh) * 2019-06-19 2020-12-22 青岛海尔智能技术研发有限公司 洗衣机的提升筋及洗衣机

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0351671A1 (fr) * 1988-07-16 1990-01-24 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien Conteneur-doseur
EP0503999A1 (fr) * 1991-03-08 1992-09-16 Ciapem Lave-linge muni d'un distributeur de produits lessiviels
EP1445368A2 (fr) * 2003-02-04 2004-08-11 Merloni Elettrodomestici S.p.A. Machine à laver le linge, en particulier une machine à laver à chargement frontal, avec un dispositif distributeur de produits de lavage

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP0351671A1 (fr) * 1988-07-16 1990-01-24 Henkel Kommanditgesellschaft auf Aktien Conteneur-doseur
EP0503999A1 (fr) * 1991-03-08 1992-09-16 Ciapem Lave-linge muni d'un distributeur de produits lessiviels
EP1445368A2 (fr) * 2003-02-04 2004-08-11 Merloni Elettrodomestici S.p.A. Machine à laver le linge, en particulier une machine à laver à chargement frontal, avec un dispositif distributeur de produits de lavage

Cited By (9)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN110894664A (zh) * 2018-09-12 2020-03-20 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机提升装置及洗衣机
CN110894664B (zh) * 2018-09-12 2023-08-01 青岛海尔洗涤电器有限公司 一种洗衣机提升装置及洗衣机
WO2020085695A1 (fr) * 2018-10-24 2020-04-30 Lg Electronics Inc. Appareil de traitement de linge
US11920273B2 (en) 2018-10-24 2024-03-05 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry treating apparatus
EP3736371A1 (fr) * 2019-05-08 2020-11-11 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Dispositif entraîneur pour un lave-linge et lave-linge pourvu de dispositif entraîneur
CN112111931A (zh) * 2019-06-19 2020-12-22 青岛海尔智能技术研发有限公司 洗衣机
CN112111943A (zh) * 2019-06-19 2020-12-22 青岛海尔智能技术研发有限公司 洗衣机的提升筋及洗衣机
CN112111943B (zh) * 2019-06-19 2022-11-04 青岛海尔智能技术研发有限公司 洗衣机的提升筋及洗衣机
CN112111931B (zh) * 2019-06-19 2023-06-30 青岛海尔智能技术研发有限公司 洗衣机

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
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WO2007119170A3 (fr) 2007-12-21

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