EP0096260B1 - Liquids metering and distributing device for a washing machine - Google Patents
Liquids metering and distributing device for a washing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0096260B1 EP0096260B1 EP83104970A EP83104970A EP0096260B1 EP 0096260 B1 EP0096260 B1 EP 0096260B1 EP 83104970 A EP83104970 A EP 83104970A EP 83104970 A EP83104970 A EP 83104970A EP 0096260 B1 EP0096260 B1 EP 0096260B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- chamber
- metering
- automatic valve
- valve means
- reservoir
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status 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 status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Images
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
- D06F39/022—Devices for adding soap or other washing agents in a liquid state
Definitions
- the invention relates to a liquid detergent and additive metering and distributing device for a washing machine, comprising a reservoir disposed in the lower portion of the machine and associated to at least one metering chamber, the connection between said reservoir and said chamber being adapted to be closed by automatic valve means, in dependency of the pressure difference between said reservoir and said chamber, said chamber being connected to the tub of the washing machine via a detergent powder distributor.
- One compartment is connected to the tub of the washing machine, whilst the other is connected to the tub and to the water supply circuit, respectively so as to be intermittently filled and emptied for displacing metered quantities of the liquids towards the tub.
- the operation of this known metering and distributing device is thus accomplished by means of hydraulically actuated control means.
- the described device operates satisfactorily, it presents structural complications in that it requires a three-way valve and an additional conduit for the water supply as well as a hermetically closed separation by a diaphragm for providing the two separate compartments within the metering chamber. Said three-way valve and/or said diaphragm are liable to cause malfunctions due to wear during long-time use.
- this embodiment does not allow for suitable utilization of the free jet section customarily required for safety reasons.
- a device of the type as stated above which is characterized therein that the metering chamber is connected to an air chamber via a conduit, said air chamber being provided with automatic valve means and associated via an opening to a free jet section connected to the water supply circuit so that the automatic valve means being actuated by the water of the supply circuit, said automatic valve means comprising first automatic valve means adapted to establish communication between said air chamber and said metering chamber and with second automatic valve means adapted to establish communication between said air chamber and ambient atmosphere.
- the drawing shows in diagrammatic form a conventional laundry washing machine comprising a washing tub 1, connected to which is the outlet of a detergent powder distributor 2 supplied with water from the water mains 3 through a solenoid valve 4, a free jet section 5 and a conduit 6.
- At least one reservoir 7 for containing liquid detergents and additives Disposed in the lower portion of the machine is at least one reservoir 7 for containing liquid detergents and additives, said reservoir 7 containing a metering chamber 8.
- the latter is connected to reservoir 7 through an automatic valve and is additionally connected to distributor 2 through a conduit 10.
- Metering chamber 8 is further connected to an air chamber 13 associated with free jet section 5 through a further conduit 11 and an automatic valve 12. Air chamber 13 is also provided with an automatic venting valve 14.
- valve 9 When the machine is at rest, or during operating phases which do not require the introduction of liquid detergents or additives into the tub, valve 9 is open, and metering chamber 8 is filled with a metered quantity of the liquid from reservoir 7. In this situation, air chamber 13 is not under pressure, and valves 12 and 14 are open. If it is required to introduce the metered liquid into the tub, the program unit (not shown) of the machine causes the water supply valve to be opened, so that the water from the water mains fills air chamber 13 via free jet section 5.
- venting valve 14 The pressure generated thereby within air chamber 13 causes venting valve 14 to close instantly, so that the air contained in chamber 13 is displaced towards metering chamber 8 through valve 12 and conduit 11.
- valve 9 causes valve 9 to close and the liquid contained in metering chamber 8 to be displaced towards washing tub 1 through conduit 10 and distributor 2.
- valve 12 is closed by the hydraulic pressure to prevent the water from entering conduit 11 and flowing into metering chamber 8.
- valves 12 and 14 open.
- valve 9 This results in a partial vacuum within metering chamber 8, causing valve 9 to open so as to admit a further metered quantity of the liquid detergent or additive into chamber 8.
- the metering of the liquid and the introduction thereof into the tub are thus accomplished by substantially pneumatic actuation, reducing to a minimum the number of components which are moreover of extreme simplicity and reliability.
- the device according to the invention permits the eventual problem of regulating the metered quantities of liquids to be solved in a simple manner.
- the immersion depth of conduit 10 into chamber 8 may be varied by employing a sliding sleeve 15 at the inflow end of conduit 10.
- Sleeve 15 is vertically displaceable by means for instance of a pull rod 16 actuated by a lever or control knob 17 mounted at the front of the machine.
- the device according to the invention thus accomplishes the stated objects and provides the additional advantage that the liquids employed may be metered with high accuracy independent of their density and viscosity.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
- Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a liquid detergent and additive metering and distributing device for a washing machine, comprising a reservoir disposed in the lower portion of the machine and associated to at least one metering chamber, the connection between said reservoir and said chamber being adapted to be closed by automatic valve means, in dependency of the pressure difference between said reservoir and said chamber, said chamber being connected to the tub of the washing machine via a detergent powder distributor.
- Such a device is described in the EP-A-0,077,463. This document is prior art in the terms of Art. 54(3), EPO. In this document, there are described laundry washing machines provided with a liquid detergent and additive distributor, comprising a reservoir for containing said liquids disposed in the lower portion of the machine and associated with at least one metering chamber located therebelow and connected thereto through automatic valve means adapted to permit or to interrupt the gravity flow of said liquids from the reservoir to the metering chamber. The latter is sub-divided into two hermetically separated compartments by means of a flexible diaphragm. One compartment is connected to the tub of the washing machine, whilst the other is connected to the tub and to the water supply circuit, respectively so as to be intermittently filled and emptied for displacing metered quantities of the liquids towards the tub. The operation of this known metering and distributing device is thus accomplished by means of hydraulically actuated control means. Although the described device operates satisfactorily, it presents structural complications in that it requires a three-way valve and an additional conduit for the water supply as well as a hermetically closed separation by a diaphragm for providing the two separate compartments within the metering chamber. Said three-way valve and/or said diaphragm are liable to cause malfunctions due to wear during long-time use.
- On the other hand, this embodiment does not allow for suitable utilization of the free jet section customarily required for safety reasons.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a liquid detergent and additive metering distributor for a washing machine which avoids the possible inconveniences of the hydraulically operated system by making use of a free jet section provided in the machine for obtaining the metering of said liquids and the introduction thereof into the tub by pneumatic actuation.
- This object is solved with a device of the type as stated above which is characterized therein that the metering chamber is connected to an air chamber via a conduit, said air chamber being provided with automatic valve means and associated via an opening to a free jet section connected to the water supply circuit so that the automatic valve means being actuated by the water of the supply circuit, said automatic valve means comprising first automatic valve means adapted to establish communication between said air chamber and said metering chamber and with second automatic valve means adapted to establish communication between said air chamber and ambient atmosphere. A preferred embodiment of the invention is claimed in the subclaim.
- The characteristics of the invention will become evident from the following description of an exemplary and non-limiting embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawing.
- The drawing shows in diagrammatic form a conventional laundry washing machine comprising a
washing tub 1, connected to which is the outlet of adetergent powder distributor 2 supplied with water from thewater mains 3 through a solenoid valve 4, afree jet section 5 and aconduit 6. - Disposed in the lower portion of the machine is at least one
reservoir 7 for containing liquid detergents and additives, saidreservoir 7 containing ametering chamber 8. - The latter is connected to
reservoir 7 through an automatic valve and is additionally connected todistributor 2 through aconduit 10. -
Metering chamber 8 is further connected to anair chamber 13 associated withfree jet section 5 through afurther conduit 11 and anautomatic valve 12.Air chamber 13 is also provided with anautomatic venting valve 14. - The operation of the described device appears simple and evident. When the machine is at rest, or during operating phases which do not require the introduction of liquid detergents or additives into the tub,
valve 9 is open, andmetering chamber 8 is filled with a metered quantity of the liquid fromreservoir 7. In this situation,air chamber 13 is not under pressure, andvalves fills air chamber 13 viafree jet section 5. - The pressure generated thereby within
air chamber 13 causesventing valve 14 to close instantly, so that the air contained inchamber 13 is displaced towardsmetering chamber 8 throughvalve 12 andconduit 11. - The pressurized air causes
valve 9 to close and the liquid contained inmetering chamber 8 to be displaced towardswashing tub 1 throughconduit 10 anddistributor 2. - After the water has completely filled
air chamber 13,valve 12 is closed by the hydraulic pressure to prevent the water from enteringconduit 11 and flowing intometering chamber 8. - Subsequently the water supplied from
water mains 3 and passing throughfree jet section 5 is introduced intowashing tub 1 throughconduit 6 anddistributor 2 for completing the required charge for the following washing or rinsing phase. - As soon as the water supply from the water mains stops,
chamber 13 is emptied, whereuponvalves - This results in a partial vacuum within
metering chamber 8, causingvalve 9 to open so as to admit a further metered quantity of the liquid detergent or additive intochamber 8. - According to the invention, the metering of the liquid and the introduction thereof into the tub are thus accomplished by substantially pneumatic actuation, reducing to a minimum the number of components which are moreover of extreme simplicity and reliability.
- The device according to the invention permits the eventual problem of regulating the metered quantities of liquids to be solved in a simple manner. To this effect, the immersion depth of
conduit 10 intochamber 8 may be varied by employing a slidingsleeve 15 at the inflow end ofconduit 10. -
Sleeve 15 is vertically displaceable by means for instance of apull rod 16 actuated by a lever orcontrol knob 17 mounted at the front of the machine. - The device according to the invention thus accomplishes the stated objects and provides the additional advantage that the liquids employed may be metered with high accuracy independent of their density and viscosity.
Claims (2)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
AT83104970T ATE21709T1 (en) | 1982-06-09 | 1983-05-19 | DOSING AND FEED DEVICE FOR WASHING MACHINES. |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT8234023U IT8234023V0 (en) | 1982-06-09 | 1982-06-09 | DISPENSER DISPENSER DEVICE FOR WASHING MACHINE. |
IT3402382U | 1982-06-09 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0096260A1 EP0096260A1 (en) | 1983-12-21 |
EP0096260B1 true EP0096260B1 (en) | 1986-08-27 |
Family
ID=11238755
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP83104970A Expired EP0096260B1 (en) | 1982-06-09 | 1983-05-19 | Liquids metering and distributing device for a washing machine |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0096260B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE21709T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE3365605D1 (en) |
IT (1) | IT8234023V0 (en) |
Families Citing this family (14)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3704296A1 (en) * | 1987-02-12 | 1988-08-25 | Bauknecht Hausgeraete | DOSING DEVICE FOR LIQUIDS |
DE3901686A1 (en) * | 1989-01-21 | 1990-07-26 | Miele & Cie | WASHING MACHINE OR WASHING DRYER WITH A DOSING DEVICE |
IT1241426B (en) * | 1990-02-12 | 1994-01-17 | Elbi Int Spa | SYSTEM FOR THE SUPPLY OF WATER AND DETERGENT TO A DISHWASHER MACHINE. |
EP1770379A1 (en) * | 2005-09-29 | 2007-04-04 | JohnsonDiversey, Inc. | Device and method for detecting the presence of a gas in a liquid flow |
PL2011913T3 (en) * | 2007-07-03 | 2011-11-30 | Electrolux Home Products Corp Nv | Laundry washing machine |
EP2241241A1 (en) * | 2009-04-14 | 2010-10-20 | Chemische Fabrik Dr. Weigert GmbH & Co. KG | Device to remove liquid from a container |
RU2596106C1 (en) | 2012-09-17 | 2016-08-27 | ЭлДжи ЭЛЕКТРОНИКС ИНК. | Linen processing device |
US10415173B2 (en) * | 2014-03-04 | 2019-09-17 | Lg Electronics Inc. | Washing machine |
USD866887S1 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2019-11-12 | Whirlpool Corporation | Pedestal |
USD865306S1 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2019-10-29 | Whirlpool Corporation | Laundry treating appliance door |
USD899720S1 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2020-10-20 | Whirlpool Corporation | Laundry treating appliance |
USD874764S1 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2020-02-04 | Whirlpool Corporation | User interface |
USD848692S1 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2019-05-14 | Whirlpool Corporation | Bulk dispensing drawer |
USD877431S1 (en) | 2017-12-21 | 2020-03-03 | Whirlpool Corporation | User interface |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3021702A (en) * | 1960-06-23 | 1962-02-20 | Gen Electric | Treating agent dispenser system for laundry machines |
FR2228129B1 (en) * | 1973-05-03 | 1977-09-02 | Europe Mfg Trust | |
FR2475079A1 (en) * | 1980-02-01 | 1981-08-07 | Thomson Brandt | LIQUID PRODUCT DISPENSER, AND WASHING MACHINE HAVING SUCH A DISPENSER. |
IT1147142B (en) * | 1981-10-15 | 1986-11-19 | Zanussi A Spa Industrie | DISPENSER OF LIQUIDS FOR WASHING MACHINES |
-
1982
- 1982-06-09 IT IT8234023U patent/IT8234023V0/en unknown
-
1983
- 1983-05-19 EP EP83104970A patent/EP0096260B1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-05-19 DE DE8383104970T patent/DE3365605D1/en not_active Expired
- 1983-05-19 AT AT83104970T patent/ATE21709T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0096260A1 (en) | 1983-12-21 |
DE3365605D1 (en) | 1986-10-02 |
IT8234023V0 (en) | 1982-06-09 |
ATE21709T1 (en) | 1986-09-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
EP0096260B1 (en) | Liquids metering and distributing device for a washing machine | |
US4467627A (en) | Pump for a dispensing system for an automatic washer | |
US5870906A (en) | Automatic dispensing device | |
US2885879A (en) | Control system for washing machines | |
US5063757A (en) | Detergent dispenser for clothes washing machines or the like | |
US2578994A (en) | Metering device | |
US2912143A (en) | Dispensing machine | |
GB2214524A (en) | Liquid detergents distributor-container for washing machines | |
US5341585A (en) | Steam iron with pump and pressure reservoir | |
US3021863A (en) | Dispensing mechanism | |
EP0077463A2 (en) | Liquids distributor for a washing machine | |
GB2302881A (en) | Steam iron | |
US2838208A (en) | Dispensing system | |
US1999439A (en) | Liquid or water level control | |
US3027908A (en) | Domestic appliance | |
US2892272A (en) | Balanced pressure steam iron | |
US3996628A (en) | Water closets | |
USRE23951E (en) | graham | |
US3223285A (en) | Air-controlled liquid dispensing mechanism for washing machines | |
US3049132A (en) | Washing machine | |
US2910075A (en) | Pressurized device for injecting drying agent into rinse spray system | |
US4630753A (en) | Device for dispensing doses of liquid | |
US3918457A (en) | Water level control for washing machines | |
US3187769A (en) | Mixing apparatus | |
GB2028160A (en) | Water softening apparatus |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19840516 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): AT BE CH DE FR GB IT LI LU NL SE |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 21709 Country of ref document: AT Date of ref document: 19860915 Kind code of ref document: T |
|
ITF | It: translation for a ep patent filed |
Owner name: INDUSTRIE ZANUSSI S.P.A. |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 3365605 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19861002 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: AT Effective date: 19870519 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Effective date: 19870520 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LU Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19870531 Ref country code: LI Effective date: 19870531 Ref country code: CH Effective date: 19870531 |
|
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed | ||
BERE | Be: lapsed |
Owner name: INDUSTRIE ZANUSSI S.P.A. Effective date: 19870531 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: NL Effective date: 19871201 |
|
NLV4 | Nl: lapsed or anulled due to non-payment of the annual fee | ||
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Effective date: 19890519 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: BE Effective date: 19890531 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee | ||
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19900131 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Effective date: 19900201 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |
|
EUG | Se: european patent has lapsed |
Ref document number: 83104970.5 Effective date: 19880616 |