EP2633115B1 - A front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine - Google Patents
A front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2633115B1 EP2633115B1 EP11805189.5A EP11805189A EP2633115B1 EP 2633115 B1 EP2633115 B1 EP 2633115B1 EP 11805189 A EP11805189 A EP 11805189A EP 2633115 B1 EP2633115 B1 EP 2633115B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- dispenser
- washing
- housing
- washing machine
- laundry washing
- 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.)
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Links
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 129
- 238000010412 laundry washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 33
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 title claims description 14
- 239000003795 chemical substances by application Substances 0.000 claims description 67
- 239000011521 glass Substances 0.000 claims description 15
- 239000012780 transparent material Substances 0.000 claims description 3
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 12
- 239000000654 additive Substances 0.000 description 6
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 6
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 4
- 238000005325 percolation Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000008878 coupling Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000010168 coupling process Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000005859 coupling reaction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000000605 extraction Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000000996 additive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003599 detergent Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000000843 powder Substances 0.000 description 2
- -1 softener Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000007844 bleaching agent Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000003670 easy-to-clean Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000013013 elastic material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000004417 polycarbonate Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920000515 polycarbonate Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
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
- D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
- D06F37/26—Casings; Tubs
- D06F37/28—Doors; Security means therefor
-
- 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
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, according to the preamble of claim 1.
- WO 2004/055253 describes a washing machine with a removable container built-in in the upper central part of the plass of the door.
- the invention is applicable to the field of front-loading laundry washing machines for household use, in particular washing or washing/drying machines, wherein the dispenser of washing agents (detergent, softener, bleach, etc.) is located in the door that closes the load opening of the machine.
- washing agents detergent, softener, bleach, etc.
- a door is used for closing the load opening, through which the laundry to be washed is placed into a drum rotating inside a wash tub.
- the door usually includes a transparent porthole glass, which allows the user to see the internal portion of the rotary drum and the laundry loaded therein.
- Patent GB2029862 discloses a door for front-loading laundry washing machines for household use that comprises a porthole glass within which a washing agent dispenser is provided.
- the porthole glass is equipped with a housing wherein an extractable dispenser is inserted, which is shaped like a small basket open on top.
- washing agent dispenser built in the porthole glass may cause leakage of said washing agents onto the floor in front of the washing machine, especially when the user pours into the dispenser a quantity of washing agents in excess of the maximum allowable or recommended level. This drawback is particularly critical when liquid detergents or additives are used.
- washing agent dispenser built in the porthole glass does not allow the user to adequately see the internal portion of the rotary drum and the laundry loaded therein.
- washing machines described in the above-mentioned documents compel the user to stay in a rather uncomfortable position to pour the washing agents into the respective dispenser, since the latter is in a relatively low and/or ergonomically unfavourable position; in such washing machines, it is also quite difficult and uncomfortable to pour the exact dose of washing agent into the dispenser.
- Washing machines are also known wherein the washing agent dispenser is permanently associated with the washing machine; however, these washing machines have drawbacks as well, in that pouring the washing agents into the dispenser often turns out to be a difficult, time-consuming and uncomfortable task.
- said washing agent loading operation can only be carried out by keeping the door of the washing machine in the open position; this inevitably implies that much room is needed to be able to load the washing agents, which room is often lacking in modern homes.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, in particular a laundry washing machine, which comprises a dispenser of washing agents and/or additives which can be cleaned extremely easily by the user of the machine.
- the present invention provides a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, incorporating the features set out in the appended claims, which are intended as an integral part of the present description.
- Fig. 1 shows, designated as a whole by reference numeral 1, a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, according to the present invention.
- the washing machine 1 comprises a cabinet 2 within which a wash tub 3 is arranged in a known manner. Inside the latter, a drum 4 of a known type, in particular a perforated one, is rotated about a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis X.
- the laundry to be washed is placed inside the drum 4 through a load opening 5 associated with a front part 21 of the cabinet 2.
- the axis X of the drum 4 is preferably slightly inclined, in that it is raised towards the front part 21 of the cabinet; this allows a user to load the laundry into the drum 4 more easily.
- the load opening 5 is closed by a door 6 comprising a porthole glass 61 made of transparent material and a frame 62 supporting said porthole glass 61 (advantageously made of plastic material, such as, for example, ABS or SAN or polycarbonate), said porthole glass 61 preferably protruding in the direction of the axis X of the drum 4 with respect to the frame 62 in order to facilitate the upward movement of the laundry during the rotation steps of the drum 4.
- a door 6 comprising a porthole glass 61 made of transparent material and a frame 62 supporting said porthole glass 61 (advantageously made of plastic material, such as, for example, ABS or SAN or polycarbonate), said porthole glass 61 preferably protruding in the direction of the axis X of the drum 4 with respect to the frame 62 in order to facilitate the upward movement of the laundry during the rotation steps of the drum 4.
- a door 6 comprising a porthole glass 61 made of transparent material and a frame 62 supporting said porthole glass 61 (
- said frame 62 comprises a housing 8 adapted to receive a washing agent dispenser 7, said dispenser 7 being extractable from said housing 8.
- Said housing 8 is preferably obtained in the frame 62 of the door 6, above said porthole glass 61.
- the washing machine 1 comprises a single extractable dispenser 7
- the washing machine 1 comprises a plurality of extractable dispensers, in particular from two to four extractable dispensers, each one dedicated to a particular washing agent or additive to be loaded into the washing machine 1. It is also possible to combine the presence of the extractable dispenser 7 with the presence of other fixed dispensers inside the washing machine 1.
- washing agent dispenser 7 allows to provide a washing machine 1 that allows the user to adequately see the inner portion of the drum 4 and of the laundry loaded therein, since the porthole glass 61 does not house the washing agent dispenser 7.
- the special arrangement of the dispenser 7 according to the present invention allows the washing agents to be easily and comfortably poured into said dispenser 7; it should be noted, in fact, that this can also be done with the door 6 of the washing machine 1 closed, thus avoiding taking up much room when loading said washing agents.
- the washing agents can be poured into the dispenser 7 indifferently with the door 6 open or closed, because it is sufficient to extract the dispenser 7 from the housing 8 and then fill it with washing agents.
- the door 6 must be opened to extract and re-position the dispenser 7 after having filled it with washing agent or additive.
- the washing machine 1 also comprises a hydraulic system 9, preferably arranged in an upper part 22 of the cabinet 2, which is adapted to carry water from a solenoid valve (connected to the household water main) to a nozzle 91 adapted to precipitate the water into the dispenser 7.
- a solenoid valve connected to the household water main
- Figs. 2a and 2b show sectional views of the dispenser 7 and housing 8 in a first and a second operating conditions, respectively.
- the dispenser 7 and the housing 8 comprise junction means 71, 81 adapted to allow the dispenser 7 to be coupled to the housing 8 as well as to allow the washing agents contained in the dispenser 7 to pass through and reach the wash tub 3; the washing agents may be delivered into the tub 3 either directly or through a pipe (not shown in the drawings) starting from the housing 8 and ending into the tub 3, said pipe preferably comprising a first portion integral with the door 6 and a second portion integral with the cabinet 2, said first and second pipe portions being connected by means of a fitting located in correspondence of one of the hinges that link the door 6 to the cabinet 2.
- said junction means comprise a male element 81 associated with said housing 8 and a valve 71 associated with said dispenser 7; in particular, said male element 81 is associated with a lower portion 8A of said housing 8, and said valve 71 is associated with a bottom portion 7A of said dispenser 7.
- Said male element 81 comprises at least one aperture 82 (e.g. a pair of symmetrical apertures) that communicates with a duct 83 extending along the body of the male element 81.
- said male element 81 has a substantially truncated-cone shape.
- the valve 71 of the dispenser 7 comprises:
- the elastic element 76 allows the shutter 75 to remain in contact with the bottom portion 7A of said dispenser 7, thus shutting said at least one passage 73A obtained on said at least one wall 73.
- Fig. 2b schematically shows the condition of the junction means according to the present invention when the dispenser 7 is inside the housing 8.
- the male element 81 is inserted in the seat 72 and contacts the shutter 75, in particular a base 75A of the shutter 75, thus causing it to move towards the cover 74 by overcoming the resistance of the elastic element 76.
- the dispenser 7 and/or the housing 8 comprise means (not shown) for firmly holding the dispenser 7 within the housing 8, in the operating condition shown in Fig. 2b .
- Said movement of the shutter 75 opens the passage 73A and allows the washing agents, possibly mixed with water coming from the nozzle 91, to enter the duct 83 of the male element 81 through:
- said at least one passage 73A is positioned on the wall 73 so as to match at least partially said at least one aperture 82 in the condition shown in Fig. 2b .
- Fig. 2b the path followed by the washing agents when passing from the dispenser 7 to the duct 83 is shown by means of dashed arrows.
- said cover 74 is substantially U-shaped and faces the bottom portion 7A of the dispenser 7; the particular shape of the cover 74 allows it both to contain said elastic element 76 and to create a sort of guide for the movement of the shutter 75, when the dispenser 7 is inside the housing 8 and the male element 81 is inserted in the seat 72.
- the shape coupling between the shutter 75 and the cover 74 is such that it prevents or counters any leaks of washing agents seeping into the volume comprised between the shutter 75 and the cover 74, i.e. the action volume of the elastic element 76. Aiming at further improving the sealing against such leaks, the shutter 75 or the cover 74 may be fitted with a gasket (not shown in the drawings), e.g. a ring-type gasket.
- junction means 71, 81 allows to obtain an effective coupling between the dispenser 7 and the housing 8, so as to facilitate the introduction of the washing agents into the wash tub 3 and into the drum 4.
- the door 6 of the washing machine 1 comprises connection means (not shown in the drawings) for hydraulically connecting the washing agent dispenser 7 to the wash tub 3, said connection means being hydraulically connected to an intake hole (also not shown in the drawings) provided on the wash tub 3, e.g. through a duct preferably made of elastic material, e.g. rubber.
- Said connection means ensure a continuous connection between the dispenser 7 and the wash tub 3, both when the door 6 is closed and when the door 6 is open.
- said male element 81 comprises an extension 84 that allows establishing the connection between the housing 8 and said connection means.
- valve 71 shown by way of example in Figs. 2a and 2b must be intended as an non-limiting explanatory example of a valve adapted to retain the washing agent present in the dispenser 7 when the dispenser 7 is extracted from the housing, and to release the washing agent present in the dispenser 7 when the latter is inserted in the housing 8.
- the dispenser 7 it is for example conceivable to provide the dispenser 7 with a movable bottom driven by pressure against suitable strikers arranged in the housing.
- Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the dispenser 7 according to the present invention.
- said dispenser 7 comprises at least one handle 77 which allows a user to grip and move said dispenser 7 in a simple and effective manner.
- said handle 77 is positioned near an upper edge 7B of the dispenser 7.
- said dispenser 7 comprises measuring means 78, in particular a graduated scale, which allow the user to pour in an adequate quantity of washing agents. In such a case it is advantageous that the dispenser 7 is made of transparent material.
- the dispenser 7 may also comprise multiple graduated scales, e.g. in order to consider different types of washing agents and/or additives or different units of measure.
- the handle 77 may incorporate a magnifying lens to facilitate the reading of the measuring means 78.
- said dispenser 7 has a substantially semicylindrical shape and comprises a first side surface 7C which is substantially flat and a second side surface 7D which is curved; the particular shape of the dispenser 7 allows to provide a container that can be easily filled with washing agents while at the same time being associated with the door 6 of the washing machine 1, without taking up too much room inside the wash tub 3.
- washing agent dispenser 7 allows to provide a washing machine 1 that allows the user to adequately see the inner portion of the drum 4 and of the laundry loaded therein, since the porthole glass 61 does not house the washing agent dispenser 7.
- the special design of the dispenser 7 according to the present invention allows the washing agents to be easily and comfortably poured into said dispenser 7; in fact, in order to load washing agents into the machine 1 according to the present invention, it is sufficient to extract the dispenser 7 from the housing 8, fill it with washing agents, and then put it again into the housing 8.
- the shape of the dispenser 7 as shown in Fig. 3 offers the advantage that it is particularly suited to loading washing agents and/or additives of any type.
- the washing agent is a powder
- the user can extract the dispenser 7 from the machine 1 and use it to take a measured quantity of washing powder directly from the bin.
- the washing agent is a liquid
- the user can pour the liquid washing agent into the dispenser 7 from the bottle without extracting the dispenser 7 from the machine 1, or may extract the dispenser 7 from the machine 1 and then fill it by holding the dispenser 7 with one hand and the washing agent bottle with the other hand.
- Operations carried out with the door 6 open such as, for example, introducing the dispenser 7 into the housing 8 or loading liquid washing agents when the dispenser 7 is inside the housing 8, are particularly easy in the example shown in Fig. 1 , since the upper profile of the door 6 is shaped in such a manner as to not interfere with such operations.
- junction means 71, 81 ensures an effective coupling between the dispenser 7 and the housing 8, thus facilitating the introduction of the washing agents into the wash tub 3.
- a further advantage of the laundry washing machine 1 according to the present invention is that the arrangement of the washing agent dispenser 7 inside the housing 8 reduces the percolation or dripping of water from the door 6 when the latter is opened. Also, the height at which the housing 8 is located makes the interaction between the user of the washing machine 1 and the dispenser 7 particularly comfortable and ergonomical.
- connection means for hydraulically connecting the washing agent dispenser 7 to the wash tub 3 allow to eliminate any risk of washing agent leakage, e.g. compared with the washing machine described in patent EP1951947 .
- the provision of said connection means allows all the washing agent placed in the dispenser 7 to enter directly into the tub 3 even after opening the door 6. This prevents water, possibly with a washing agent dissolved therein, from percolating onto the floor in front of the washing machine, as opposed to what happens, especially at the end of a wash cycle, in prior-art washing machines such as, for example, the washing machine described in patent EP1951947 .
- the dispenser 7 is very easy to clean, thanks both to easiness of extraction and the small dimensions of the dispenser 7.
- front-loading laundry washing machine for household use described herein by way of example may be subject to many possible variations: in the practical implementation of the invention the illustrated details may have different shapes or be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
- Figs. 4a and 4b show a sectional view and a partial view, respectively, of the door 6 according to the present invention.
- Said door 6 comprises a frame 62' in which a recess-like housing 8' is obtained, which is adapted to receive the washing agent dispenser 7, said dispenser 7 being extractable from said recess-like housing 8' by subjecting the dispenser 7 to at least one turning movement (see arrow A in Fig. 4a and the dashed outline of the dispenser 7) and to at least one lifting movement (see arrow B in Fig. 4a ).
- sequence of said turning and lifting movements to extract the dispenser 7 from the recess-like housing 8' may vary, in particular depending on the depth of said recess-like housing 8' in said frame 62'.
- the depth of the recess-like housing 8' substantially corresponds to the height of the dispenser 7 (as shown in Fig. 4a )
- the extraction of the dispenser 7 will occur through a first turning movement A and a second lifting movement B.
- the extraction of the dispenser 7 will occur through a first lifting movement B, a second turning movement A, and possibly a third lifting movement B.
- the frame 62' may comprise at least one notch 63' in communication with the recess-like housing 8', which allows the dispenser 7 to be grasped more easily when it is inside said recess-like housing 8', the dispenser 7 being anyway easy to grip due to the presence of the handle 77.
- the washing machine 1 comprises a hydraulic system 9 (not shown in Figs. 4a and 4b because it substantially corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1 ), which is preferably positioned in said upper part 22 of the cabinet 2 and which is adapted to carry water from the household water main to a nozzle (also not shown in Figs. 4a and 4b ) placed in the door 6 of the washing machine 1, above the housing 8', and adapted to precipitate the water into the dispenser 7.
- a hydraulic system 9 (not shown in Figs. 4a and 4b because it substantially corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1 )
- a hydraulic system 9 not shown in Figs. 4a and 4b because it substantially corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1 )
- a nozzle also not shown in Figs. 4a and 4b
- the washing machine 1 according to Figs. 4a and 4b comprises a system (not shown in the drawings) for automatically moving the dispenser 7 with respect to the housing 8', so that the above-described turning movement A is executed automatically when opening or closing the door 6, said moving system being preferably mechanical and comprising a fixed or mobile striker on the wall of the cabinet 2 in front of the dispenser 7.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
- Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
Description
- The present invention relates to a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, according to the preamble of
claim 1.WO 2004/055253 describes a washing machine with a removable container built-in in the upper central part of the plass of the door. - The invention is applicable to the field of front-loading laundry washing machines for household use, in particular washing or washing/drying machines, wherein the dispenser of washing agents (detergent, softener, bleach, etc.) is located in the door that closes the load opening of the machine.
- In the front-loading laundry washing machines for household use known in the art, a door is used for closing the load opening, through which the laundry to be washed is placed into a drum rotating inside a wash tub. The door usually includes a transparent porthole glass, which allows the user to see the internal portion of the rotary drum and the laundry loaded therein.
-
Patent GB2029862 - In patent
GB2260770 - In the washing agent dispensers known from patents
GB2029862 GB2260770 - Besides posing the risk of considerable percolation or dripping, a further problem suffered by the washing machines known from the above-mentioned documents is that the washing agent dispenser built in the porthole glass may cause leakage of said washing agents onto the floor in front of the washing machine, especially when the user pours into the dispenser a quantity of washing agents in excess of the maximum allowable or recommended level. This drawback is particularly critical when liquid detergents or additives are used.
- It is also apparent that the washing agent dispenser built in the porthole glass does not allow the user to adequately see the internal portion of the rotary drum and the laundry loaded therein.
- Moreover, the washing machines described in the above-mentioned documents (see also, for example, patent
EP1951947 ) compel the user to stay in a rather uncomfortable position to pour the washing agents into the respective dispenser, since the latter is in a relatively low and/or ergonomically unfavourable position; in such washing machines, it is also quite difficult and uncomfortable to pour the exact dose of washing agent into the dispenser. Washing machines are also known wherein the washing agent dispenser is permanently associated with the washing machine; however, these washing machines have drawbacks as well, in that pouring the washing agents into the dispenser often turns out to be a difficult, time-consuming and uncomfortable task. Furthermore, said washing agent loading operation can only be carried out by keeping the door of the washing machine in the open position; this inevitably implies that much room is needed to be able to load the washing agents, which room is often lacking in modern homes. - In this frame, it is one object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, which is so designed as to eliminate or significantly reduce water percolation from the door.
- It is another object of the present invention to provide a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, which allows the user to adequately see the internal portion of the rotary drum and the laundry loaded therein.
- It is yet another object of the present invention to provide a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, which allows the user to pour the washing agents comfortably into a suitable dispenser.
- It is a further object of the present invention to provide a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, which facilitates the task of pouring the washing agents into the dispenser regardless of whether the door of the washing machine is closed or open, thus not taking up much room when loading said washing agents into the appropriate dispenser, unlike the washing machines known in the art, wherein the washing agents can only be poured into the dispenser with the door open.
- Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine, in particular a laundry washing machine, which comprises a dispenser of washing agents and/or additives which can be cleaned extremely easily by the user of the machine.
- In order to achieve these objects, the present invention provides a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, incorporating the features set out in the appended claims, which are intended as an integral part of the present description.
- Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and from the annexed drawings, which are supplied by way of non-limiting example, wherein:
-
Fig. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, according to the present invention; -
Figs. 2a and 2b are sectional views of a detail of the laundry washing machine ofFig. 1 , respectively in a first and a second operating conditions; -
Fig. 3 is a perspective view of an element of the front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, according to the present invention; -
Figs. 4a and 4b show a sectional view and a partial view, respectively, of a variant of a door of the laundry washing machine according to the present invention. - Referring now to the annexed drawings,
Fig. 1 shows, designated as a whole byreference numeral 1, a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, according to the present invention. - The
washing machine 1 comprises acabinet 2 within which awash tub 3 is arranged in a known manner. Inside the latter, adrum 4 of a known type, in particular a perforated one, is rotated about a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis X. - The laundry to be washed is placed inside the
drum 4 through a load opening 5 associated with afront part 21 of thecabinet 2. - As can be seen in particular in
Fig. 1 , the axis X of thedrum 4 is preferably slightly inclined, in that it is raised towards thefront part 21 of the cabinet; this allows a user to load the laundry into thedrum 4 more easily. - The
load opening 5 is closed by adoor 6 comprising aporthole glass 61 made of transparent material and aframe 62 supporting said porthole glass 61 (advantageously made of plastic material, such as, for example, ABS or SAN or polycarbonate), saidporthole glass 61 preferably protruding in the direction of the axis X of thedrum 4 with respect to theframe 62 in order to facilitate the upward movement of the laundry during the rotation steps of thedrum 4. As to thedoor 6, reference should be made, for an explanatory but non-limiting example thereof, to the description of patent applicationWO2007/000645 . When thedoor 6 is closed, theporthole glass 61 is inserted into the load opening 5 and enters at least partially into thewash tub 3 and possibly also into thedrum 4; theframe 62 abuts on thefront part 21 of thecabinet 2, adjacent to the load opening 5 of saidcabinet 2. According to the present invention, saidframe 62 comprises ahousing 8 adapted to receive awashing agent dispenser 7, saiddispenser 7 being extractable from saidhousing 8. - Said
housing 8 is preferably obtained in theframe 62 of thedoor 6, above saidporthole glass 61. - Furthermore, although in the present description reference will be made to particular examples of the invention in which the
washing machine 1 comprises a singleextractable dispenser 7, it is however possible to conceive an embodiment of the invention wherein thewashing machine 1 comprises a plurality of extractable dispensers, in particular from two to four extractable dispensers, each one dedicated to a particular washing agent or additive to be loaded into thewashing machine 1. It is also possible to combine the presence of theextractable dispenser 7 with the presence of other fixed dispensers inside thewashing machine 1. - The particular design and position of the
washing agent dispenser 7 according to the present invention allow to provide awashing machine 1 that allows the user to adequately see the inner portion of thedrum 4 and of the laundry loaded therein, since theporthole glass 61 does not house thewashing agent dispenser 7. - In addition, the special arrangement of the
dispenser 7 according to the present invention allows the washing agents to be easily and comfortably poured into saiddispenser 7; it should be noted, in fact, that this can also be done with thedoor 6 of thewashing machine 1 closed, thus avoiding taking up much room when loading said washing agents. As a matter of fact, the washing agents can be poured into thedispenser 7 indifferently with thedoor 6 open or closed, because it is sufficient to extract thedispenser 7 from thehousing 8 and then fill it with washing agents. - The
door 6 must be opened to extract and re-position thedispenser 7 after having filled it with washing agent or additive. - As shown in
Fig. 1 , thewashing machine 1 also comprises ahydraulic system 9, preferably arranged in an upper part 22 of thecabinet 2, which is adapted to carry water from a solenoid valve (connected to the household water main) to anozzle 91 adapted to precipitate the water into thedispenser 7. -
Figs. 2a and 2b show sectional views of thedispenser 7 and housing 8 in a first and a second operating conditions, respectively. - As can be seen in said
Figs. 2a and 2b , thedispenser 7 and thehousing 8 comprise junction means 71, 81 adapted to allow thedispenser 7 to be coupled to thehousing 8 as well as to allow the washing agents contained in thedispenser 7 to pass through and reach thewash tub 3; the washing agents may be delivered into thetub 3 either directly or through a pipe (not shown in the drawings) starting from thehousing 8 and ending into thetub 3, said pipe preferably comprising a first portion integral with thedoor 6 and a second portion integral with thecabinet 2, said first and second pipe portions being connected by means of a fitting located in correspondence of one of the hinges that link thedoor 6 to thecabinet 2. - In a preferred embodiment, said junction means comprise a
male element 81 associated with saidhousing 8 and avalve 71 associated with saiddispenser 7; in particular, saidmale element 81 is associated with alower portion 8A of saidhousing 8, and saidvalve 71 is associated with abottom portion 7A of saiddispenser 7. - Said
male element 81 comprises at least one aperture 82 (e.g. a pair of symmetrical apertures) that communicates with aduct 83 extending along the body of themale element 81. Preferably, saidmale element 81 has a substantially truncated-cone shape. - The
valve 71 of thedispenser 7 comprises: - a
seat 72 adapted to receive saidmale element 81, saidseat 72 being delimited by at least onewall 73 and acover 74, said at least onewall 73 including at least onepassage 73A in the proximity of saidbottom portion 7A of thedispenser 7; - a
shutter 75, slidable relative to thecover 74 in a direction defined by the contact between a first surface (e.g. a cylindrical inner surface) integral with thecover 74 and a second surface (e.g. a cylindrical outer surface) integral with theshutter 75; - an
elastic element 76, e.g. a spring, positioned between saidcover 74 and saidshutter 75 and constrained to a groove integral with theshutter 75. - As can be seen in
Fig. 2a , when thedispenser 7 is at least partially extracted from thehousing 8, theelastic element 76 allows theshutter 75 to remain in contact with thebottom portion 7A of saiddispenser 7, thus shutting said at least onepassage 73A obtained on said at least onewall 73. -
Fig. 2b schematically shows the condition of the junction means according to the present invention when thedispenser 7 is inside thehousing 8. In this situation, themale element 81 is inserted in theseat 72 and contacts theshutter 75, in particular abase 75A of theshutter 75, thus causing it to move towards thecover 74 by overcoming the resistance of theelastic element 76. Preferably, thedispenser 7 and/or thehousing 8 comprise means (not shown) for firmly holding thedispenser 7 within thehousing 8, in the operating condition shown inFig. 2b . Said movement of theshutter 75 opens thepassage 73A and allows the washing agents, possibly mixed with water coming from thenozzle 91, to enter theduct 83 of themale element 81 through: - said at least one
passage 73A of said at least onewall 73, and - said at least one
aperture 82 of themale element 81. - In fact, said at least one
passage 73A is positioned on thewall 73 so as to match at least partially said at least oneaperture 82 in the condition shown inFig. 2b . - In
Fig. 2b , the path followed by the washing agents when passing from thedispenser 7 to theduct 83 is shown by means of dashed arrows. - Preferably, said
cover 74 is substantially U-shaped and faces thebottom portion 7A of thedispenser 7; the particular shape of thecover 74 allows it both to contain saidelastic element 76 and to create a sort of guide for the movement of theshutter 75, when thedispenser 7 is inside thehousing 8 and themale element 81 is inserted in theseat 72. - The shape coupling between the
shutter 75 and thecover 74 is such that it prevents or counters any leaks of washing agents seeping into the volume comprised between theshutter 75 and thecover 74, i.e. the action volume of theelastic element 76. Aiming at further improving the sealing against such leaks, theshutter 75 or thecover 74 may be fitted with a gasket (not shown in the drawings), e.g. a ring-type gasket. - From the above description, it clearly emerges that the particular provision of the junction means 71, 81 allows to obtain an effective coupling between the
dispenser 7 and thehousing 8, so as to facilitate the introduction of the washing agents into thewash tub 3 and into thedrum 4. - In a preferred embodiment, the
door 6 of thewashing machine 1 according to the present invention comprises connection means (not shown in the drawings) for hydraulically connecting thewashing agent dispenser 7 to thewash tub 3, said connection means being hydraulically connected to an intake hole (also not shown in the drawings) provided on thewash tub 3, e.g. through a duct preferably made of elastic material, e.g. rubber. Said connection means ensure a continuous connection between thedispenser 7 and thewash tub 3, both when thedoor 6 is closed and when thedoor 6 is open. - As can be seen in
Figs. 2a and 2b , saidmale element 81 comprises anextension 84 that allows establishing the connection between thehousing 8 and said connection means. - It must be underlined that the
valve 71 shown by way of example inFigs. 2a and 2b must be intended as an non-limiting explanatory example of a valve adapted to retain the washing agent present in thedispenser 7 when thedispenser 7 is extracted from the housing, and to release the washing agent present in thedispenser 7 when the latter is inserted in thehousing 8. In fact, it is for example conceivable to provide thedispenser 7 with a movable bottom driven by pressure against suitable strikers arranged in the housing. It is also possible, by means of design modifications accessible to a man skilled in the art of dispenser devices for washing machines, all of which will still fall within the scope of the present invention, to associate themale element 81 with thedispenser 7 and thevalve 71 with thehousing 8. -
Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of thedispenser 7 according to the present invention. - In this drawing one can see that said
dispenser 7 comprises at least onehandle 77 which allows a user to grip and move saiddispenser 7 in a simple and effective manner. Preferably, saidhandle 77 is positioned near anupper edge 7B of thedispenser 7. Furthermore, saiddispenser 7 comprises measuring means 78, in particular a graduated scale, which allow the user to pour in an adequate quantity of washing agents. In such a case it is advantageous that thedispenser 7 is made of transparent material. - The
dispenser 7 may also comprise multiple graduated scales, e.g. in order to consider different types of washing agents and/or additives or different units of measure. Thehandle 77 may incorporate a magnifying lens to facilitate the reading of the measuring means 78. - Preferably, said
dispenser 7 has a substantially semicylindrical shape and comprises afirst side surface 7C which is substantially flat and asecond side surface 7D which is curved; the particular shape of thedispenser 7 allows to provide a container that can be easily filled with washing agents while at the same time being associated with thedoor 6 of thewashing machine 1, without taking up too much room inside thewash tub 3. - The advantages offered by a front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, according to the present invention are apparent from the above description.
- In particular, such advantages consist in the fact that the particular positioning of the
washing agent dispenser 7 allows to provide awashing machine 1 that allows the user to adequately see the inner portion of thedrum 4 and of the laundry loaded therein, since theporthole glass 61 does not house thewashing agent dispenser 7. - In addition, the special design of the
dispenser 7 according to the present invention allows the washing agents to be easily and comfortably poured into saiddispenser 7; in fact, in order to load washing agents into themachine 1 according to the present invention, it is sufficient to extract thedispenser 7 from thehousing 8, fill it with washing agents, and then put it again into thehousing 8. - Furthermore, the shape of the
dispenser 7 as shown inFig. 3 offers the advantage that it is particularly suited to loading washing agents and/or additives of any type. If the washing agent is a powder, the user can extract thedispenser 7 from themachine 1 and use it to take a measured quantity of washing powder directly from the bin. If the washing agent is a liquid, the user can pour the liquid washing agent into thedispenser 7 from the bottle without extracting thedispenser 7 from themachine 1, or may extract thedispenser 7 from themachine 1 and then fill it by holding thedispenser 7 with one hand and the washing agent bottle with the other hand. - Operations carried out with the
door 6 open, such as, for example, introducing thedispenser 7 into thehousing 8 or loading liquid washing agents when thedispenser 7 is inside thehousing 8, are particularly easy in the example shown inFig. 1 , since the upper profile of thedoor 6 is shaped in such a manner as to not interfere with such operations. - The special design of the junction means 71, 81 then ensures an effective coupling between the
dispenser 7 and thehousing 8, thus facilitating the introduction of the washing agents into thewash tub 3. - A further advantage of the
laundry washing machine 1 according to the present invention is that the arrangement of thewashing agent dispenser 7 inside thehousing 8 reduces the percolation or dripping of water from thedoor 6 when the latter is opened. Also, the height at which thehousing 8 is located makes the interaction between the user of thewashing machine 1 and thedispenser 7 particularly comfortable and ergonomical. - Another advantage is that the connection means for hydraulically connecting the
washing agent dispenser 7 to thewash tub 3 allow to eliminate any risk of washing agent leakage, e.g. compared with the washing machine described in patentEP1951947 . In fact, the provision of said connection means allows all the washing agent placed in thedispenser 7 to enter directly into thetub 3 even after opening thedoor 6. This prevents water, possibly with a washing agent dissolved therein, from percolating onto the floor in front of the washing machine, as opposed to what happens, especially at the end of a wash cycle, in prior-art washing machines such as, for example, the washing machine described in patentEP1951947 . - It should also be pointed out that the
dispenser 7 is very easy to clean, thanks both to easiness of extraction and the small dimensions of thedispenser 7. - The front-loading laundry washing machine for household use described herein by way of example may be subject to many possible variations: in the practical implementation of the invention the illustrated details may have different shapes or be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.
-
Figs. 4a and 4b show a sectional view and a partial view, respectively, of thedoor 6 according to the present invention. - Said
door 6 comprises a frame 62' in which a recess-like housing 8' is obtained, which is adapted to receive thewashing agent dispenser 7, saiddispenser 7 being extractable from said recess-like housing 8' by subjecting thedispenser 7 to at least one turning movement (see arrow A inFig. 4a and the dashed outline of the dispenser 7) and to at least one lifting movement (see arrow B inFig. 4a ). - It is clear that the sequence of said turning and lifting movements to extract the
dispenser 7 from the recess-like housing 8' may vary, in particular depending on the depth of said recess-like housing 8' in said frame 62'. In particular, when the depth of the recess-like housing 8' substantially corresponds to the height of the dispenser 7 (as shown inFig. 4a ), the extraction of thedispenser 7 will occur through a first turning movement A and a second lifting movement B. - Instead, if the depth of the recess-like housing 8' is greater than the height of the
dispenser 7, then the extraction of thedispenser 7 will occur through a first lifting movement B, a second turning movement A, and possibly a third lifting movement B. - To insert the
dispenser 7 into the housing 8', the above-mentioned movements are executed in the reverse order. - It can also be observed in
Fig. 4b that the frame 62' may comprise at least one notch 63' in communication with the recess-like housing 8', which allows thedispenser 7 to be grasped more easily when it is inside said recess-like housing 8', thedispenser 7 being anyway easy to grip due to the presence of thehandle 77. - Furthermore, in the variant represented in
Figs. 4a and 4b thewashing machine 1 comprises a hydraulic system 9 (not shown inFigs. 4a and 4b because it substantially corresponds to the one shown inFig. 1 ), which is preferably positioned in said upper part 22 of thecabinet 2 and which is adapted to carry water from the household water main to a nozzle (also not shown inFigs. 4a and 4b ) placed in thedoor 6 of thewashing machine 1, above the housing 8', and adapted to precipitate the water into thedispenser 7. - Advantageously, the
washing machine 1 according toFigs. 4a and 4b comprises a system (not shown in the drawings) for automatically moving thedispenser 7 with respect to the housing 8', so that the above-described turning movement A is executed automatically when opening or closing thedoor 6, said moving system being preferably mechanical and comprising a fixed or mobile striker on the wall of thecabinet 2 in front of thedispenser 7. - It can therefore be easily understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, but may be subject to many modifications, improvements or replacements of equivalent parts and elements without departing from the inventive idea, as clearly specified in the following claims.
Claims (13)
- A front-loading laundry washing machine (1) for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine, comprising a cabinet (2) within which a wash tub (3) is arranged and having a load opening (5) that can be closed by a door (6) constrained to said cabinet (2), said door (6) comprising a porthole glass (61) and a frame (62; 62') supporting said porthole glass (61),
said frame (62) comprising a housing (8; 8'), a washing agent dispenser (7) being received in said housing (8; 8') and being extractable from said housing (8; 8')
characterized in that
a recess-like housing (8') is obtained in said frame (62') for receiving the washing agent dispenser (7), said dispenser (7) being extractable from said recess-like housing (8') by subjecting said dispenser (7) to at least one turning movement (A) and at least one lifting movement (B). - A laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said recess-like housing (8; 8') is obtained in the frame (62; 62') of the door (6), above said porthole glass (61).
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the dispenser (7) and the recess-like housing (8; 8') comprise junction means (71, 81) adapted to allow the dispenser (7) to be coupled to the recess-like housing (8; 8') while at the same time also allowing the washing agents contained in the dispenser (7) to pass through and be supplied into the wash tub (3) and into the drum (4).
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said junction means comprise a male element (81) associated with said recess-like housing (8; 8') and a valve (71) associated with said dispenser (7).
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that said male element (81) comprises at least one aperture (82) that communicates with a duct (83) extending along the body of the male element (81).
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to one or more of claims 4 to 5, characterized in that said male element (81) has a substantially truncated-cone shape.
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to one or more of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that said valve (71) of the dispenser (7) comprises:- a seat (72) adapted to receive said male element (81), said seat (72) being delimited by at least one wall (73) and a cover (74), said at least one wall (73) including at least one passage (73A) in the proximity of said bottom portion (7A) of the dispenser (7);- a shutter (75);- an elastic element (76) positioned between said cover (74) and said shutter (75).
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that said cover (74) is substantially U-shaped and faces the bottom portion (7A) of the dispenser (7).
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said door (6) comprises connection means providing a hydraulic connection between the washing agent dispenser (7) and the wash tub (3), said connection means being hydraulically connected to an intake hole provided on the wash tub (3).
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized by comprising a system for automatically moving the dispenser (7) with respect to the recess-like housing (8').
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims wherein the washing agent dispenser (7) comprises, a handle (77) which allows a user to grip and move said dispenser (7) in a simple and effective way, in particular said handle (77) being positioned near an upper edge (7B) of the dispenser (7).
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to the preceding claim, wherein the washing agent dispenser (7) is characterized by being made of transparent material and by comprising measuring means (78), in particular a graduated scale, which allows the user to pour in an adequate quantity of washing agents.
- A laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the washing agent dispenser (7) is characterized by having a substantially semicylindrical shape and by comprising a first side surface (7C) which is substantially flat and a second side surface (7D) which is curved.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT000862A ITTO20100862A1 (en) | 2010-10-27 | 2010-10-27 | WASHING MACHINE WITH FRONTAL HOUSEHOLD USE, IN PARTICULAR WASHING MACHINE OR WASHING MACHINE. |
PCT/IB2011/054762 WO2012056400A1 (en) | 2010-10-27 | 2011-10-25 | A front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2633115A1 EP2633115A1 (en) | 2013-09-04 |
EP2633115B1 true EP2633115B1 (en) | 2016-02-24 |
Family
ID=43738401
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP11805189.5A Active EP2633115B1 (en) | 2010-10-27 | 2011-10-25 | A front-loading laundry washing machine for household use, in particular a washing or washing/drying machine |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2633115B1 (en) |
IT (1) | ITTO20100862A1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2012056400A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10253443B2 (en) | 2016-04-25 | 2019-04-09 | Whirlpool Corporation | Laundry treating appliance with closure mounted dispenser |
Family Cites Families (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ES238080Y (en) | 1978-09-09 | 1979-05-01 | PERFECTED WASHER DOOR WITH DRAWER CARRIER FOR DETERGENT. | |
IT1256272B (en) | 1991-10-22 | 1995-11-29 | Zanussi Elettrodomestici | WASHING MACHINE WITH DETERGENT CONTAINER RECOVERED IN THE PORTHOLE |
ES2226550B1 (en) * | 2002-12-18 | 2006-06-01 | Incaelec, S.L. | LOADING DOOR OF WASHER CARRIER OF THE RECEIVING BUCKET OF WASHING PRODUCTS. |
ITTO20050453A1 (en) | 2005-06-29 | 2006-12-30 | Indesit Co Spa | DOOR FOR ELECTRIC APPLIANCES IN PARTICULAR FOR MACHINE, WASHING MACHINE OR TOWEL DRYER WITH FRONTAL OR FRONTAL CHARGE |
ITTO20060297A1 (en) * | 2006-04-21 | 2007-10-22 | Indesit Co Spa | METHOD TO DISMISS WASHING AGENTS IN A WASHING MACHINE AND ITS WASHING MACHINE |
ITTO20060740A1 (en) * | 2006-10-13 | 2008-04-14 | Indesit Co Spa | WASHING MACHINE WITH FRONTAL CHARGE |
ITTO20060739A1 (en) | 2006-10-13 | 2008-04-14 | Indesit Co Spa | WASHING MACHINE WITH FRONTAL CHARGE |
IT1394005B1 (en) * | 2009-04-30 | 2012-05-17 | Indesit Co Spa | WASHING MACHINE WITH FRONTAL HOUSEHOLD USE, IN PARTICULAR WASHING MACHINE OR WASHING MACHINE |
-
2010
- 2010-10-27 IT IT000862A patent/ITTO20100862A1/en unknown
-
2011
- 2011-10-25 WO PCT/IB2011/054762 patent/WO2012056400A1/en active Application Filing
- 2011-10-25 EP EP11805189.5A patent/EP2633115B1/en active Active
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10253443B2 (en) | 2016-04-25 | 2019-04-09 | Whirlpool Corporation | Laundry treating appliance with closure mounted dispenser |
US11111622B2 (en) | 2016-04-25 | 2021-09-07 | Whirlpool Corporation | Laundry treating appliance with closure mounted dispenser |
US11834769B2 (en) | 2016-04-25 | 2023-12-05 | Whirlpool Corporation | Laundry treating appliance with dispenser having a siphon cap |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2012056400A1 (en) | 2012-05-03 |
ITTO20100862A1 (en) | 2012-04-28 |
EP2633115A1 (en) | 2013-09-04 |
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