WO2019037985A1

WO2019037985A1 - A washing machine comprising a drawer

Info

Publication number: WO2019037985A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/069856
Authority: WO
Inventors: Fatih KASAP; Selahattin CORAK; Mehmet Kaya; Cagdas YALCIN; Erdem POSTOGLU
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2017-08-24
Filing date: 2018-07-23
Publication date: 2019-02-28
Also published as: TR201712667A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a body (2), a tub (3) in which washing process is performed, a seat (4) provided on the body (2), a drawer (6) placed in the seat (4), having a plurality of compartments (5) in which cleaning agents such as detergent and softener are loaded, and a dispenser (10) disposed in the seat (4) so as to be above the drawer (6), having at least one main channel (8) in which water is circulated received from the mains by means of at least one mains line (7) and a plurality of holes (9) enabling water flowing in the main channel (8) to be sent into the drawer (6), wherein an auxiliary channel (13) is provided on the dispenser (10), having a water inlet (12) connected to a transmission line (11) conveying water, through which water flows received by means of the water inlet (12) from the transmission line (11) so as to obtain therein a flow independent of the main channel (8), and at least one opening (14) is provided on the dispenser (10), enabling water flowing in the auxiliary channel (13) to be sent into the compartment (5).

Description

A WASHING MACHINE COMPRISING A DRAWER

The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a drawer in which cleaning agents are loaded.

In washing machines, it is needed to introduce the cleaning agents required for cleaning process such as detergent, softener, etc. into a drawer. Said drawers usually comprise a plurality of compartments into which different cleaning agents such as powder detergent, liquid detergent, etc. are introduced, and are placed into a seat accessible from the front face of a washing machine. The washing water received from the mains is directed into the drawer by means of a dispenser provided on the ceiling of said seat, and the cleaning agents dissolving by mixing with water are sent to a washing tub through an opening on the base of the seat together with water. However, due to detergent residue forming in cases when the detergent in the drawer is not completely flushed, dirty regions form on the drawer in time, subsequently causing mold formation. This in turn generates malodors and creates a hygienic disadvantage in the washing machine. Applications in which a drawer is washed by being removed from the seat for providing its hygiene are known in the art.

State of the art European patent application no. EP1688529 describes a washing machine having a drawer that does not require manual cleaning process.

State of the art European patent application no. EP2519676 discloses a washing machine comprising a dispenser having channels enabling water from the mains to be directed into compartments.

The aim of the present invention is to realize a washing machine in which detergent residue collection in a drawer is prevented.

The washing machine realized to achieve the aim of the present invention and disclosed in the first claim and the dependent claims, comprises a drawer placed in a seat provided on a body so as to be accessible from the front side of the washing machine, having a plurality of compartments placed side by side in which cleaning agents are loaded, and a dispenser placed in the ceiling of the seat so as to be above the drawer, having at least one main channel in which water received from the mains is circulated and a plurality of holes enabling water in the main channel to be fed into the drawer. The washing machine further comprises an auxiliary channel provided on the dispenser, having the water inlet into which water conveyed by means of a transmission line is received so as to be independent of the main channel, in which water received through a water inlet advances; and at least one opening provided on the dispenser, allowing water in the auxiliary channel to flow into at least one compartment. By this, after dosing of the detergent in the compartment by flushing it with water from the main channel, the drawer is rinsed by way of douching the water flowing in the auxiliary channel on the drawer by means of the openings. Thanks to the auxiliary channel, water received through the water inlet can be directed in an advantageous manner and without being circulated in the main channel, to the region where residue collection and dirt formation are the most intense, effectively eliminating residue formation in the drawer.

In an embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary channel transversely extends from an edge of the dispenser to another edge so as to allow water to be fed simultaneously into more than one compartment. The auxiliary channel is disposed so as to extend on the dispenser along adjacent compartments, and a plurality of compartments can be rinsed simultaneously by means of the openings opening to separate compartments.

In another embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary channel is a linear channel extending from one edge of the dispenser to another edge, and the water inlet is disposed on an end of the auxiliary channel. Water fed from an end of the auxiliary channel by means of the water inlet is thus enabled to flow to the other end without changing direction, thereby preventing decreasing of the flow rate of water directed to the compartments.

In another embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary channel has a shape tapering in water flow direction. By this, water flow rate is prevented from decreasing towards the end of the auxiliary channel, and water is enabled to reach with high flow rate even to the compartment farthest to the second inlet, enabling effective rinsing of said compartment.

In another embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary channel extends on the front half of the dispenser. By this, water sent into a compartment through an opening is enabled to flow along the entirety of the compartment's base, effectively flushing detergent residue.

In another embodiment of the invention, a guide is placed on the lip of the opening, enabling water from the auxiliary channel to be sent right angled to the side walls of the compartment. Detergent adhering to the side walls of a compartment is thus flushed.

In another embodiment of the invention, the openings extend longitudinally on the dispenser. By this, water flow parallel to the side walls of the compartment is obtained, increasing the surface area scanned on the sides of the compartment by water fed through the opening.

In another embodiment of the invention, the transmission line feeding water to the second water inlet is connected to the tub, and enables feeding washing water to the auxiliary channel. By this, washing water heated for use in washing process is sent into the compartment through the auxiliary channel, enabling the detergent residue dissolving to a high extent in hot water effectively removing from compartment walls.

In an embodiment of the invention, the flow rate of mains water is measured by means of a flow detector provided on the mains line, and water is fed to the auxiliary channel by means of a valve opened when the flow rate is extremely low. By this, when part of the detergent in the compartment cannot be flushed due to low mains water flow rate, water is sent to the compartment through the auxiliary channel, flushing the remaining detergent from the compartment.

A washing machine with facilitated usage is obtained by means of the present invention, having a drawer not requiring manual cleaning.

The washing machine realized to achieve the aims of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:

Figure 1 is a schematic view of the washing machine of an embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is a perspective view from above, of the dispenser and the drawer of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 3 is a perspective view from below, of the seat and the dispenser of another embodiment of the invention.

The elements in the figures are numbered individually and the correspondence of these numbers are given hereinafter.

Washing machine
Body
Tub
Seat
Compartment
Drawer
Mains line
Main channel
Hole
Dispenser
Conduit
Water inlet
Auxiliary channel
Opening
Guide
Flow detector
Valve
Control unit

The washing machine (1) comprises a body (2), a tub (3) in which washing process is performed, a seat (4) provided on the body (2), a drawer (6) placed in the seat (4), having a plurality of compartments (5) in which cleaning agents such as detergent and softener are loaded, and a dispenser (10) disposed in the seat (4) so as to be above the drawer (6), having at least one main channel (8) in which water is circulated, received from the mains by means of at least one mains line (7) and a plurality of holes (9) enabling water flowing in the main channel (8) to be sent into the drawer (6). Water received from the mains by means of the mains line (7) is transmitted to the main channel (8), advances through the main channel (8) and flows into the drawer (6) through the holes (9). Detergent in the compartment (5) is thus flushed out of the drawer (6) in order to be used in washing process.

The washing machine (1) of the invention comprises an auxiliary channel (13) provided on the dispenser (10), having a water inlet (12) connected to a transmission line (11) conveying water, through which water flows received by means of the water inlet (12) from the transmission line (11) so as to obtain therein a flow independent of the main channel (8), and at least one opening (14) provided on the dispenser (10), enabling water flowing in the auxiliary channel (13) to be sent into the compartment (5). The auxiliary channel (13) is not in communication with the main channel (8), and allows water received through the water inlet (12) to be sent into the drawer (6) through the openings (14), without being mixed with the water in the main channel (8). The openings (14) are disposed on the dispenser (10) so as to be above the compartments (5) which have the most intense formation of cleaning agent residue, for example above the compartment (5) in which liquid cleaning agent is placed. Water received through the water inlet (12) is thus conveyed by means of the auxiliary channel (13) to the openings (14) without curving along the drawer (6), and is directed to the regions with the highest amount of detergent residue in the drawer (6), thereby avoiding residue formation in the drawer (6).

In an embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary channel (13) extends at least partially transversely on the dispenser (10), from one side of the dispenser (10) to the other side. The auxiliary channel (13) extends from one edge of the dispenser (10) to the other in a direction vertical to the movement direction of the drawer (6) so as to extend above almost all of the compartments (5) when the drawer (6) is in the seat (4). By this, water is fed simultaneously to each one of the compartments (5) by means of at least one opening (14) for each, and all of the compartments (5) are cleaned effectively and simultaneously with water received through the water inlet (12).

In another embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary channel (13) has a straight shape so as to enable a linear flow therein. Unlike the main channel (8), the auxiliary channel (13) is configured to be almost completely straight, and allows water received through the water inlet (12) to flow without changing direction therein. By this, a decrease in water flow rate due to curves and arcs is minimized, enabling water to reach into the drawer (6) through the openings (14) with a high flow rate. Cleaning agent residue is thus effectively dispelled from drawer (6) surfaces.

In another embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary channel (13) has a cross-section tapering by diverging from the water inlet (12). The auxiliary channel (13) has a wedge shape tapering by diverging from the water inlet (12). By this, water entering through the water inlet (12) is forced to pass through a narrower cross-section as it advances through the auxiliary channel (13), preventing its flow rate from decreasing as it advances farther from the water inlet (12). The flow rate of the water received through the water inlet (12) is thus maintained throughout the auxiliary channel (13), enabling conveying high flow rate water until the farthest compartment (5). Homogeneous cleaning in the compartments (5) is thus provided.

In another embodiment of the invention, the auxiliary channel (13) is disposed on the front portion of the dispenser (10). The auxiliary channel (13) extends on the front portion of the dispenser (10) so as to extend above the front side of the compartments (5) when the drawer (6) is in the seat (4). This embodiment is advantageous since the users tend to heap detergent in the front portion of the compartments (5), and enables effective cleaning of the front portions of the compartments (5) where the highest amount of residue formation is observed.

In another embodiment of the invention, at least one guide (15) is provided in front of the opening (14), enabling water flowing through the opening (14) to be directed to the vertical walls of the compartment (4). The guide (15) directs water to the walls of the compartment (5) so as to enable changing the flow direction of water coming from the opening (14). Water thus collides to the wall of the compartment (5), and enables the residue adhered to the wall to be flushed by draining downwards on the vertical wall.

In another embodiment of the invention, the opening (14) has the shape of a slit extending in vertical direction to water flow in the auxiliary channel (13). The opening (14) is shaped as a straight slit extending almost along the full width of the auxiliary channel (13). A water curtain is thus formed by passing the water in the auxiliary channel (13) through the slit shaped openings (14), increasing the surface area contacted by water. Efficiency of cleaning is thereby enhanced by creating a waterfall effect on the compartment (5) surfaces.

In another embodiment of the invention, the transmission line (11) extends between the tub (3) and the water inlet (12) so as to convey washing water received from the tub (3). The transmission line (11) enables the washing water used in washing the laundry in the tub (3) to be conveyed to the water inlet (12). By this, the already dissolved cleaning agents such as detergent or bleach contained in water fed through the auxiliary channel (13) to the drawer (6), enables chemical cleaning of the compartment (5) surfaces, preventing thanks to their chemical effect bacteria and microorganism formation on the portions of the drawer (6) remaining humid.

In another embodiment of the invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a flow detector (16) provided on the mains line (7), enabling measuring the mains water flow rate, a valve (17) provided on the transmission line (11), and a control unit (18) enabling the valve (17) to be turned on and off so as to provide/inhibit a water flow into the auxiliary channel (13) according to the mains water flow rate determined by means of the flow detector (16). Upon detecting the mains water flow rate measured by means of the flow detector (16) to be lower than a critical flow rate pre-saved to its memory, the control unit (18) turns the valve (17) on after douching of the mains water from the main channel (8) into the drawer (6), and enables water to be fed into the drawer (6) through the auxiliary channel (13). Problems such as residue formation and reduced washing performance likely to arise due to not being able to completely flush detergent when the mains water pressure is extremely low, are thus averted.

By means of the invention, the drawer (6) is enabled to be cleaned effectively by water with high flow rate supplied through the auxiliary channel (13), and the need for manual cleaning process is eliminated, enhancing customer satisfaction.

Claims

A washing machine (1) comprising a body (2), a tub (3) in which washing process is performed, a seat (4) provided on the body (2), a drawer (6) placed in the seat (4), having a plurality of compartments (5) in which cleaning agents such as detergent and softener are loaded, and a dispenser (10) disposed in the seat (4) so as to be above the drawer (6), having at least one main channel (8) in which water is circulated, received from the mains by means of at least one mains line (7) and a plurality of holes (9) enabling water flowing in the main channel (8) to be sent into the drawer (6), characterized by

- an auxiliary channel (13) provided on the dispenser (10), having a water inlet (12) connected to a transmission line (11) conveying water, through which water flows received by means of the water inlet (12) from the transmission line (11) so as to obtain therein a flow independent of the main channel (8), and by

- at least one opening (14) provided on the dispenser (10), enabling water flowing in the auxiliary channel (13) to be sent into the compartment (5).
A washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the auxiliary channel (13) extending at least partially transversely on the dispenser (10), from one side of the dispenser (10) to the other side.
A washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the auxiliary channel (13) with a straight shape so as to enable a linear flow therein.
A washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the auxiliary channel (13) with a cross-section tapering by diverging from the water inlet (12).
A washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the auxiliary channel (13) disposed on the front portion of the dispenser (10).
A washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one guide (15) provided in front of the opening (14), enabling water flowing through the opening (14) to be directed to the vertical walls of the compartment (4).
A washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the slit shaped opening (14) extending in vertical direction to water flow in the auxiliary channel (13).
A washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the transmission line (11) extending between the tub (3) and the water inlet (12) so as to convey the washing water received from the tub (3).
A washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by a flow detector (16) provided on the mains line (7), enabling measuring the mains water flow rate, by a valve (17) provided on the transmission lie (11), and by a control unit (18) enabling the valve (17) to be turned on and off so as to provide/inhibit a water flow into the auxiliary channel (13) according to the mains water flow rate determined by means of the flow detector (16).