WO2019038010A1

WO2019038010A1 - A washing machine comprising a detergent dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2019038010A1
Application number: PCT/EP2018/070164
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mutlu IPEK; Fatih KASAP; Mehmet Kaya; Varol KAYISDAG; Cagdas YALCIN; Erdem POSTOGLU
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2017-08-25
Filing date: 2018-07-25
Publication date: 2019-02-28
Also published as: TR201712732A2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry washing-drying machine (1) comprising a body (2); at least one mains line (3) through which the mains water taken from the mains is carried; a casing (4) that is disposed onto the body (2); a detergent dispenser (6) that is detachably placed into the casing (4), that has one or more than one compartment (5) wherein the cleaning agents such as the detergent and the softener is placed, and a flushing unit (7) that is positioned above the detergent dispenser (6) when the detergent dispenser (6) is in the casing (4) and that enables the mains water to be directed towards at least one compartment (5) of the detergent dispenser (6). The laundry washing-drying machine further comprises a compressor (8) that is arranged in the body (2) for generating pressurized air, an air line (9) through which the air provided by the compressor (8) is carried, and at least one fluid supply element (12) having a delivery line (10) that is fluidly connected to the air line (9) and a fluid oscillator (11) that is arranged in the casing (4) and that enables the air taken by means of the delivery line (10) to be directed to the detergent dispenser (6).

Description

A WASHING MACHINE COMPRISING A DETERGENT DISPENSER

The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a detergent dispenser wherein the cleaning agents are placed.

Washing machines, such as washing or washing/drying machines comprise detergent dispensers wherein cleaning agents such as detergent, softener etc. are placed. The cleaning agents placed in the detergent dispenser are transferred to the tub after being mixed with water received from the mains. To this aim, washing machines further comprise flushing units that are arranged on the detergent dispensers and that enable water to be taken from the mains and distributed into the different compartments of the detergent dispenser. However, bacteria that cause the formation of mold and unpleasant odors grow rapidly in the detergent dispenser that remains wet after the mains water is fed and cause hygiene issues, decreasing customer satisfaction.

In the United States Patent Document No. US2016089460, a washing machine wherein the detergent dispenser is sterilized is disclosed.

The aim of the present invention is the realization of a laundry washing-drying machine wherein the detergent dispenser is prevented from remaining wet.

Another aim of the present invention is the realization of a laundry washing-drying machine wherein the formation of bacteria in the detergent dispenser is prevented.

The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises at least one fluid supply element that enables the pressurized air generated by means of the compressor to be fed into the detergent dispenser after the cleaning agent in at least one compartment of the detergent dispenser is swept by means of the water coming from the flushing unit in order to dry the compartment. The fluid supply element comprises a fluid oscillator that enables the air to be sprayed into the detergent dispenser so as to sweep the interior of the respective compartment of the detergent dispenser, and a delivery line that extends between the air line wherein the air generated by the compressor is carried and the fluid oscillator and that transfers the air to the fluid oscillator. Thus, the air is enabled to be blown at a high flow rate so as to sweep almost all the inner surfaces of the respective compartment, and the moisture on the surfaces of the compartment is removed.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the fluid oscillator is attached to the base of the flushing unit so as to be positioned above a respective compartment of the detergent dispenser. Thus, the amount of air that reaches the side surfaces and the front wall that limit the compartment is increased, improving the drying performance.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the fluid oscillator is positioned in the casing so as to be behind the detergent dispenser and face the interior of the compartment through an opening provided on the rear wall that extends between the side walls of the compartment so as to close the rear side of the compartment. This embodiment is advantageous in that the fluid oscillator is placed into the gap that is already available between the casing and the detergent dispenser. Thus, since the need for creating an additional space for the placement of the fluid oscillator is eliminated, ease of production is provided.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the delivery tube is connected to both the air line and the mains line by means of a valve so as to enable the water or air to be selectively fed from the fluid oscillator to the detergent dispenser. Thus, the detergent dispenser is enabled to be cleaned effectively even when the flow rate of the mains water is low.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the fluid supply element is fed by means of a second mains line other than the mains line that supplies water to the flushing unit. Thus, the flushing unit and the fluid supply element can be supplied with water independent of each other. Thereby, the water is enabled to be selectively delivered to the detergent dispenser from only the fluid supply element. Consequently, the detergent dispenser can be rinsed without the need for supplying water from the flushing unit, preventing excessive water consumption.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the operation of the laundry washing-drying machine is controlled by a control unit, and the control unit operates the valve so that first the water taken from the mains line and then the air taken from the air line is sent to the fluid supply element. Thus, the detergent residues in the compartment is cleaned effectively before the drying process, and the detergent residues are prevented from drying.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a cover is provided on the detergent dispenser so as to prevent the fluid coming from the fluid supply element from leaving the dispenser. Thus, the air and the water delivered into the detergent dispenser by means of the fluid supply means are prevented from spreading into the casing and the effectiveness of the drying-rinsing process is increased.

In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one diverter extending in the vertical direction into the detergent dispenser is provided on at least one edge of the cover. Thus, the air/water that impacts the cover is enabled to be directed downwards so as to return into the detergent dispenser.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the air is heated before being sent to the fluid supply element. Thus, the moisture on the surfaces of the compartment is enabled to be removed quickly.

By means of the present invention, after the detergent is swept with water, the detergent dispenser is dried effectively with the pressurized air sent by the fluid supply means, providing hygiene.

The laundry washing-drying machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the laundry washing-drying machine related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 - is the exploded view of the flushing element, the detergent dispenser and the fluid supply means related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 - is the cross-sectional view of the fluid oscillator related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 - is the partial view of the casing, the dispenser and the fluid oscillator related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 - is the partial view of the detergent dispenser, the fluid supply means and the cover related to an embodiment of the present invention.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Laundry washing-drying machine
Body
Mains line
Casing
Compartment
Detergent dispenser
Flushing unit
Compressor
Air line
Delivery line
Fluid oscillator
Fluid supply element
Opening
Water inlet
Air inlet
Outlet
Valve
Control unit
Cover
Diverter
Heater

The laundry washing-drying machine (1) comprises a body (2); at least one mains line (3) through which the mains water taken from the mains is carried; a casing (4) that is disposed onto the body (2); a detergent dispenser (6) that is detachably placed into the casing (4), that has one or more than one compartment (5) wherein the cleaning agents such as the detergent and the softener is placed, and a flushing unit (7) that is positioned above the detergent dispenser (6) when the detergent dispenser (6) is in the casing (4) and that enables the mains water to be directed towards at least one compartment (5) of the detergent dispenser (6). The flushing unit (7) is disposed onto the ceiling of the casing (4) so as to completely cover the top of the detergent dispenser (6) when the detergent dispenser (6) is placed into the casing (4), and enables the water taken from the mains line (3) to be directed into the compartments (5) of the detergent dispenser (6) by means of one or more than one channel (not shown in figures) through which the water flows and a plurality of holes (not shown in figures) arranged at the bases of the channels.

The laundry washing-drying machine (1) of the present invention comprises a compressor (8) that is arranged in the body (2) and that generates pressurized air; an air line (9) wherein the air provided by the compressor (8) is carried, and at least one fluid supply element (12) having a delivery line (10) that is fluidly connected to the air line (9) and a fluid oscillator (11) that is arranged in the casing (4) and that enables the air taken by means of the delivery line (10) to be directed to the detergent dispenser (6). After the delivery of the water into the detergent dispenser (6) by means of the flushing unit (7), the compressor (8) is activated and pressurized air is generated in the compressor (8). The delivery line (10) of the fluid supply means (12) is connected directly or via a valve (17) to the air line (9) through which the pressurized air supplied by the compressor (8) is carried. The delivery line (10) transmits the air taken from the air line (9) to the fluid oscillator (11), and the fluid oscillator (11) enables the air to be sent into at least one compartment (5) of the detergent dispenser (6) so as to make a sweeping motion. Thus, the air sent from the fluid oscillator (11) is enabled to reach almost all the surfaces of the compartment (5), and the compartment (5) that remains wet after the water is fed can be dried effectively without the need for a structure that enables the air to be diverted.

The fluid oscillator (11) is a device having a specially-designed flow chamber that generates a fluid jet with a high exit velocity and enables the fluid discharged due to the vortex created in the fluid chamber to oscillate. Thus, the fluid is oscillated without the need for electronic control and is enabled to create impacts and sweep a wide surface area.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the fluid oscillator (11) is placed into the casing (4) so as to remain between the detergent dispenser (6) and the flushing unit (7). The fluid oscillator (11) is positioned just below the flushing unit (7) so as to be above a respective compartment (5) of the detergent dispenser (6). Thus, the fluid oscillator (11) and the compartment (5) face each other, and the air sprayed from the fluid oscillator (11) is enabled to sweep almost the entire inner volume of the compartment (5). Consequently, the compartment (5) is enabled to be dried more effectively.

In another embodiment of the present invention, an opening (13) is provided on the rear wall of the compartment (5), and the fluid oscillator (11) is placed into the casing (4) so as to face the opening (13) when the detergent dispenser (6) is in the casing (4). The opening (13) is provided on the vertical rear wall at the rear side of the compartment (5), and the fluid generator (11) is aligned with the opening (13) so as to extend into the compartment (5) when the detergent dispenser (6) is in the casing (4). The air jet sent from the fluid oscillator (11) passes through the opening (13) and reaches the interior of the compartment (5). This embodiment is advantageous in that the fluid supply element (12) is enabled to be placed so as not to occupy additional space in the casing (4).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the laundry washing-drying machine (1) comprises a valve (17) having a water inlet (14) for receiving the water coming from the mains line (3), an air inlet (15) for receiving the air coming from the air line (9) and an outlet (16) to which the delivery line (10) is connected, the valve (17) enabling the water or air to be selectively fed into the detergent dispenser (6) by means of the fluid supply element (12). The valve (17) selectively enables the mains water to be taken through the water inlet (14) connected to the mains line (3) or the pressurized air to be taken through the air inlet (15) connected to the air line (9), and thus, enables the water or the air to be sent to the fluid supply element (12) through the outlet (16). Thereby, in addition to the air, the water can be fed into the detergent dispenser (6) by means of the fluid supply element (12). Consequently, the residues in the detergent dispenser (6) are removed effectively by enabling the water sprayed from the fluid oscillator (11) to sweep the surfaces of the compartment (5).

In another embodiment of the present invention, the flushing unit (7) and the fluid supply means (12) are each fed by means of a separate mains line (3) so as to supply water into the detergent dispenser (6) separately. One of the mains lines (3) through which the mains water is received is connected to the flushing unit (7) so as to enable the mains water to be delivered directly to the flushing unit (7) and the other is connected to the valve (17) so as to enable the supply element (12) to be fed. Thus, the flushing unit (7) and the fluid supply element (12) are enabled to supply water into the detergent dispenser (6) at different times, and the water flows provided by the flushing unit (7) and the fluid supply element (12) are prevented from mixing with each other. Consequently, formation of an irregular water flow in the detergent dispenser (6) is prevented.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the laundry washing-drying machine (1) comprises a control unit (18) that enables the valve (17) to be operated such that first the water inlet (14) is opened followed by the opening of the air inlet (15) in order to send first water and then air into the detergent dispenser (6) by means of the fluid supply element (12). The control unit (18) enables the water to be received through the water inlet (14) such that water is fed into the detergent dispenser (6) by means of the fluid supply means (12) after the mains water is fed into the detergent dispenser (6) from the flushing unit (7). Thus, if the water sent from the flushing unit (7) cannot sweep the detergent thoroughly, the remaining detergent, especially the detergent clinging on the vertical wall of the compartment, (5) is enabled to be swept by means of the water jet supplied by the fluid supply means (12), and the compartment (5) is optimally rinsed. After the compartment (5) is rinsed, the control unit (18) enables the air to be taken through the air inlet (15) such that the air jet is sent into the detergent dispenser (6) by means of the fluid supply means (12), and the surfaces of the compartment (5) are dried. Thus, the need for manual cleaning is eliminated.

In another embodiment of the present invention, a cover (19) is provided so as to at least partially cover the top of the compartment (5). The cover (19) preferably enables the top of the respective compartment (5) fed with air/water by means of the fluid oscillator (11) to be completely covered. Thus, the air/water that is directed upwards during the oscillation of the fluid oscillator (11) is enabled to hit the cover (19) and return into the compartment (5). Thereby, the fluid fed into the detergent dispenser (6) by the fluid supply element (12) is prevented from leaving the detergent dispenser (6). Consequently, the air/water is kept in the compartment (5) and the effectiveness of the drying/rinsing process is increased.

In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one diverter (20) is provided on the cover (19) so as to extend into the compartment (5). The diverter (20) is in the form of a vertical extension arranged on the edge of the cover (19) so as to extend over the vertical walls of the compartment (5) when the cover (19) is placed onto the respective compartment (5). Thus, the fluid sent through the fluid oscillator (11) is prevented from leaking between the cover (19) and the walls of the compartment (5).

In another embodiment of the present invention, a heater (21) that enables the air in the air line (9) to be heated is provided on the air line (9). The heater (21) is arranged in the air line (9) so as to be positioned before the valve (17) in the direction of the flow. The air in the air line (9) is heated by being passed over the heater (21). Thus, the drying process is expedited by sending hot air into the detergent dispenser (6) and sterilization is provided thanks to the high temperature.

By means of the present invention, the air is directed without the need for using an actuator comprising electromechanical components, and thus, the interior of the detergent dispenser (6) can be optimally dried. Furthermore, ease of utilization and safety of usage are provided as the fluid supply means (12) does not require maintenance and the use of an actuator is not necessary for the operation thereof.

Claims

A laundry washing-drying machine (1) comprising body (2); at least one mains line (3) through which the mains water taken from the mains is carried; a casing (4) that is disposed onto the body (2); a detergent dispenser (6) that is detachably placed into the casing (4), that has one or more than one compartment (5) wherein the cleaning agents such as the detergent and the softener is placed, and a flushing unit (7) that is positioned above the detergent dispenser (6) when the detergent dispenser (6) is in the casing (4) and that enables the mains water to be directed towards at least one compartment (5) of the detergent dispenser (6), characterized by

- a compressor (8) that is arranged in the body (2) for generating pressurized air,

- an air line (9) through which the air provided by the compressor (8) is carried, and

- at least one fluid supply element (12) having a delivery line (10) that is fluidly connected to the air line (9) and a fluid oscillator (11) that is arranged in the casing (4) and that enables the air taken by means of the delivery line (10) to be directed to the detergent dispenser (6).
A laundry washing-drying machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the fluid oscillator (11) arranged in the casing (4) so as to remain between the detergent dispenser (6) and the flushing unit (7).
A laundry washing-drying machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by an opening (13) that is provided on the rear wall of the compartment (5), and the fluid oscillator (11) that is placed into the casing (4) so as to face the opening (13) when the detergent dispenser (6) is in the casing (4).
A laundry washing-drying machine (1) as in any one of the Claims 1 to 3, characterized by a valve (17) having a water inlet (14) for receiving the water coming from the mains line (3), an air inlet (15) for receiving the air coming from the air line (9) and an outlet (16) to which the delivery line (10) is connected, the valve (17) enabling the water or air to be selectively fed into the detergent dispenser (6) by means of the fluid supply element (12).
A laundry washing-drying machine (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by the flushing unit (7) and the fluid supply means (12) that are each fed by means of a separate mains line (3) so as to supply water into the detergent dispenser (6) separately.
A laundry washing-drying machine (1) as in Claim 4 or Claim 5, characterized by a control unit (18) that enables the valve (17) to be operated such that first the water inlet (14) is opened followed by the opening of the air inlet (15) in order to send first water and then air into the detergent dispenser (6) by means of the fluid supply element (12).
A laundry washing-drying machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a cover (19) that is placed onto the detergent dispenser (6) so as to at least partially cover the top of the compartment (5).
A laundry washing-drying machine (1) as in Claim 7, characterized by at least one diverter (20) arranged on the cover (19) so as to extend into the compartment (5).
A laundry washing-drying machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a heater (21) that is disposed on the air line (9) and that enables the air in the air line (9) to be heated.