EP3692201A1

EP3692201A1 - A detergent dosing system for washing machines and a detergent saving method

Info

Publication number: EP3692201A1
Application number: EP18782394.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Hakan Amac; Caner GERMIYANLIOGLU; Kagan Kurtkaya; Florin Horea CORCHES
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2017-10-04
Filing date: 2018-10-02
Publication date: 2020-08-12
Also published as: TR201714957A2; WO2019068698A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a tub (2), a drum (3), and a detergent dosing system (25) having a detergent drawer (7) comprising a liquid detergent compartment (4) in which liquid detergent is stored, a softener compartment (5) in which softener is stored and a powder detergent compartment (6) in which powder detergent is placed, a detergent box (9) in which the detergent drawer (7) is placed, having a tub outlet (8) transmitting water to the tub (2), a dosing pump (10) enabling the liquid detergent and the softener stored in the detergent drawer (7) to be dosed so as to be sent to the washing environment in the tub (2) in predetermined amounts for main washing and rinsing processes, a liquid agent dosing chamber (12) provided at a cover (11) on the detergent box (9) or on the dosing pump (10), a first valve (13) enabling receiving water from outside for main washing processes in which liquid agent or powder detergent is used, and a first water inlet (14) enabling the water coming from the first valve (13) to be sent to the detergent box (9) in order to flush the powder detergent or the liquid agents.

Description

A DETERGENT DOSING SYSTEM FOR WASHING MACHINES AND A DETERGENT SAVING METHOD

The present invention relates to a detergent dosing system suitable for use in washing machines and a detergent saving method.
In washing machines, usage is becoming widespread of detergent dosing systems enabling automatic dosing for a plurality of washing cycles without requiring a user to load liquid detergent and auxiliary washing agents such as softener before each washing cycle. Detergent dosing systems are designed requirement-specific. Liquid detergent use is increasing due to reasons such as liquid detergents with varying features for various laundry types getting more common and rinsing thereof being easier. For liquid detergent, detergent dosing systems are used that don't have a powder detergent compartment. In addition, powder detergent is preferred particularly due to its better cleaning effect for white cotton laundry items. Therefore, in washing machines, an additional powder detergent compartment is demanded even when there is a liquid detergent dosing unit. In order to use powder detergent, a detergent box having both a liquid detergent compartment and a powder detergent compartment is disclosed in the patent application no. WO2015032658 (A1). Floating ball-valve systems are used in an interconnecting hose of a tub discharge pump at a tub outlet in order to use powder or liquid detergent efficiently. In a ball-valve system, the ball-valve in the interconnecting hose between the tub and discharge pump closes the outlet of the tub by being raised by the water in the interconnecting hose. When water with detergent is received while the ball-valve is raised, all of the detergent is enabled to be used during washing by being kept in the tub. If the ball-valve did not close the tub outlet well enough, part of the detergent reaches the interconnecting hose between the tub and discharge pump and to the discharge pump, wasting it without being involved in washing. In order to enable the ball-valve to close well, it should be raised up to the water outlet of the tub. In the patent no. DE10065404 (B4), a chamber is used at the interconnecting hose outlet between the tub and discharge pump, enabling the ball-valve to firmly close the outlet port by being raised by the water returning upon completion of pumping.
In classic type washing machines without a liquid detergent dosing system, there is a compartment is in which powder detergent is placed, and there is also a compartment for pre-washing in which detergent is not normally placed. Water without detergent is easily provided from a detergent-free pre-washing compartment when desired for operations such as for closing said ball-valve. However, since a detergent-free pre-washing compartment is not provided in washing machines with a liquid detergent dosing system, providing detergent-free water for closing the ball-valve or cleaning the detergent box is problematically.
The aim of the present invention is to realize a washing machine comprising a detergent dosing system enabling taking in detergent-free water, and a detergent saving method.
In the detergent box of the washing machine realized to achieve the aim of the present invention, three separate compartments are provided in which liquid detergent, softener, and, depending on a user's preference, powder detergent is placed. For main washing processes, water is received from outside by means of a first valve, and the received water is sent to the tub via the detergent box while flushing the detergents therein. The washing machine of the invention comprises a by-pass line provided between the detergent drawer and the detergent box, by-passing the powder detergent compartment and the liquid agent (liquid detergent or softener) dosing chamber, enabling the water received from outside to be sent directly through the detergent box to the tub without mixing with the powder detergent and/or the dosed liquid agents. The washing machine further comprises a second valve enabling directing the water received from outside to the by-pass line, and a second water inlet connected to the second valve.
In an embodiment of the invention, the first valve and the second valve are of integral structure and have a common water inlet connected to an external cold water tap, composing a dual valve group with a single inlet and two outlets, with the first valve's outlet connected to the first water inlet and the second valve's outlet connected to the second water inlet.
In another embodiment of the invention, the washing machine has an external hot water connection, and the second valve has a single inlet and a single outlet, with its inlet connected to the hot water tap out of the washing machine.
In the detergent saving method known as ball-valve closing algorithm, before washing process begins, “detergent-free” water is received in the tub for a short time such as a few seconds by way of second valve-second water inlet-by-pass line-tub outlet, the discharge pump is operated for a short time such as a few seconds and is then stopped, the water raising in the discharge hose returns due to gravity and fills the interconnecting hose, and the water in the interconnecting hose pushes the ball-valve upwards, enabling the ball-valve to firmly close the water outlet port of the tub.
The washing machine and the detergent saving method realized to achieve the aims of the present invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a washing machine.
Figure 2 is a schematic view of a detergent dosing system.
Figure 3 is a schematic view of the detergent dosing system and the tub discharge group in an embodiment of the invention.
Figure 4 is a schematic view of the detergent dosing system and the tub discharge group in another embodiment of the invention.
The elements in the figures are numbered individually and the correspondence of these numbers are given hereinafter.

Washing machine
Tub
Drum
Liquid detergent compartment
Softener compartment
Powder detergent compartment
Detergent drawer
Tub outlet
Detergent box
Dosing pump
Cover
Liquid agent dosing chamber
First valve
First water inlet
By-pass line
Second valve
Second water inlet
Water outlet port
Discharge pump
Discharge hose
Interconnecting hose
Ball-valve
Cold water tap
Hot water tap
Detergent dosing system

The washing machine (1) comprises a tub (2) in which washing-drying processes are performed, a drum (3) rotating in the tub (2), in which laundry items are placed, and a detergent dosing system (25) having a detergent drawer (7) comprising a liquid detergent compartment (4) in which liquid detergent is stored, a softener compartment (5) in which softener is stored and a powder detergent compartment (6) in which powder detergent is placed depending on a user's preference, a detergent box (9) in which the detergent drawer (7) is placed, having a tub outlet (8) transmitting water to the tub (2), a dosing pump (10) enabling the liquid detergent and the softener (hereinafter both referred to as the "liquid agents") stored in the detergent drawer (7) to be dosed so as to be sent to the washing environment in the tub (2) in predetermined amounts for main washing and rinsing processes, a liquid agent dosing chamber (12) provided at a cover (11) on the detergent box (9) or on the dosing pump (10), a first valve (13) enabling receiving water from outside for main washing processes in which liquid agent or powder detergent is used, and a first water inlet (14) enabling the water coming through the first valve (13) to be sent to the detergent box (9) in order to flush the powder detergent or the liquid agents.
The washing machine (1) of the invention comprises,
- a by-pass line (15) provided between the detergent drawer (7) and the detergent box (9), by-passing the powder detergent compartment (6) and the liquid agent dosing chamber (12), enabling the water received from outside to be sent directly through the detergent box (9) to the tub outlet (8) without mixing with the powder detergent and/or the dosed liquid agents, and
- a second valve (16) enabling directing the water received from outside to the by-pass line (15), and a second water inlet (17) connected to the second valve (16).
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first valve (13) and the second valve (16) are of integral structure and have a common water inlet connected to an external cold water tap (23), composing a dual valve group with a single inlet and two outlets, with the first valve's (13) outlet connected to the first water inlet (14) and the second valve's (16) outlet connected to the second water inlet (17).
In an embodiment of the invention, the second valve (16) has a single inlet and a single outlet, and is controlled independent of the first valve (13).
In another embodiment of the invention, the washing machine (1) has an external hot water connection, and the second valve (16) has a single inlet and a single outlet, with its inlet connected to a hot water tap (24) out of the washing machine (1).
In an embodiment of the invention, the washing machine (1) comprises
- a water outlet port (18) provided on the lower portion of the tub (2),
- a discharge pump (19) enabling discharging the water in the tub (2),
- a discharge hose (20) enabling discharging the water pumped by the discharge pump (19),
- an interconnecting hose (21) whose one end connected to the water outlet port (18) and the other end to the discharge pump (19), enabling the water in the tub (2) to be transmitted to the discharge pump (19), and
- a ball-valve (22) provided in the interconnecting hose (21), opening and closing the water outlet port (4) due to water pressure.
In this embodiment, in the washing machine (1), a detergent saving method (or a detergent escape prevention method) known as “ball-valve (22) closing algorithm” is applied in order to enable the ball-valve (22) to firmly press on the water outlet port (18) before washing process begins, and to prevent powder detergent or liquid detergent to be transmitted to the tub (2) from being wasted without being used in washing by escaping from the water outlet port (18).
Said detergent saving method comprises the steps of:
- before washing process begins, receiving “detergent-free” water in an amount of about 1 lt. to the tub (2) for a short time such as a few seconds by way of second valve (16)-second water inlet (17)-by-pass line (15)-tub outlet (8),
- operating the discharge pump (19) for a short time such as a few seconds and stopping it,
- returning due to gravity of the water raising in the discharge hose (20) and filling the interconnecting hose (21), and
- enabling the ball-valve (22) to firmly close the water outlet port (18) by the water in the interconnecting hose (21) pushing the inflated ball-valve (22) upwards.
In said detergent saving method in a washing machine, “ball-valve (22) closing algorithm” is applied by receiving “detergent-free” water to the tub (2) before washing process begins, by way of second valve (16)-second water inlet (17)-by-pass line (15)-tub outlet (8).
In an embodiment of the invention, the water received from outside by way of second valve (16)-second water inlet (17)-by-pass line (15), is used for cleaning the detergent box (9).
In another embodiment of the invention, the water received from outside by way of second valve (16)-second water inlet (17)-by-pass line (15)-tub outlet (8), is used for complementing the water level decreasing due to being sucked by the laundry items. The decreasing water level in the tub (2) may also be complemented with the water received from the first valve (13).
In the washing machine (1) of the invention, in the detergent dosing system (25) having a liquid detergent compartment (4), softener compartment (5), liquid agent dosing chamber (12) and further a powder detergent compartment (6) but not a “separate compartment for receiving detergent-free water,” the detergent-free water in an amount required for the ball-valve (22) in the interconnecting hoe (21) to sufficiently firmly close the water outlet port (18) before powder detergent or liquid detergent is received in the tub (2), is also received via the detergent box (9) by way of second valve (16)-second water inlet (17)-by-pass line (15)-tub outlet (8). Along with enabling the ball-valve (22) to close firmly, another advantage of the water received by the second valve (16) is cleaning the detergent box (9). The duration of a washing program can be shortened by increasing the flow rate of the second valve (16) because the receive water with high flow rate by-passes the liquid agent dosing chamber (12) or the powder detergent compartment (6), eliminating the risks of foaming or overflowing of the detergent from the detergent box (9). In addition, the water intake sound disturbing the user can be decreased by decreasing the flow rate of the second valve (16).

Claims

A washing machine (1) comprising a tub (2) in which washing-drying processes are performed, a drum (3) rotating in the tub (2), in which laundry items are placed, and a detergent dosing system (25) having a detergent drawer (7) comprising a liquid detergent compartment (4) in which liquid detergent is stored, a softener compartment (5) in which softener is stored and a powder detergent compartment (6) in which powder detergent is placed, a detergent box (9) in which the detergent drawer (7) is placed, having a tub outlet (8) transmitting water to the tub (2), a dosing pump (10) enabling the liquid detergent and the softener stored in the detergent drawer (7) to be dosed so as to be sent to the washing environment in the tub (2) in predetermined amounts for main washing and rinsing processes, a liquid agent dosing chamber (12) provided at a cover (11) on the detergent box (9) or on the dosing pump (10), a first valve (13) enabling receiving water from outside for main washing steps in which liquid agent or powder detergent is used, and a first water inlet (14) enabling the water coming through the first valve (13) to be sent to the detergent box (9) in order to flush the powder detergent or the liquid agents, characterized by

- a by-pass line (15) provided between the detergent drawer (7) and the detergent box (9), by-passing the powder detergent compartment (6) and the liquid agent dosing chamber (12), enabling the water received from outside to be sent directly through the detergent box (9) to the tub outlet (8) without mixing with the powder detergent and/or the dosed liquid agents, and

- a second valve (16) enabling directing the water received from outside to the by-pass line (15), and a second water inlet (17) connected to the second valve (16).
A washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the first valve (13) and the second valve (16) being a dual valve group with a single inlet and two outlets, having a common water inlet connected to an external cold water tap (23), with the first valve's (13) outlet connected to the first water inlet (14) and the second valve's (16) outlet connected to the second water inlet (17).
A washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the second valve (16) having a single inlet and a single outlet, controllable independent of the first valve (13).
A washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 3, characterized by the second valve (16) with a single inlet and a single outlet, having an external hot water connection, whose inlet is connected to a hot water tap (24).
A washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized by the second valve (16)-second water inlet (17) and the by-pass line (15) enabling with the water received from outside, cleaning the detergent box (9) or complementing the water level decreasing in the tub (2).
A washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized by a water outlet port (18) provided on the lower portion of the tub (2), a discharge pump (19) enabling discharging the water in the tub (2), a discharge hose (20) enabling discharging the water pumped by the discharge pump (19), an interconnecting hose (21) whose one end connected to the water outlet port (18) and the other end to the discharge pump (19), enabling the water in the tub (2) to be transmitted to the discharge pump (19), and a ball-valve (22) provided in the interconnecting hose (21), opening and closing the water outlet port (4) due to water pressure.
A detergent saving method applied in a washing machine (1) according to claim 6, known as “ball-valve (22) closing algorithm,” enabling the ball-valve (22) to firmly press on the water outlet port (18) before washing process begins and preventing powder detergent or liquid detergent to be transmitted to the tub (2) from escaping through the water outlet port (18) without being used in washing.
A detergent saving method according to claim 7, comprising the steps of

- before washing process begins, receiving “detergent-free” water in an amount of about 1 lt. to the tub (2) for a short time such as a few seconds by way of second valve (16)-second water inlet (17)-by-pass line (15)-tub outlet (8),

- operating the discharge pump (19) for a short time such as a few seconds and stopping it,

- returning due to gravity of the water raising in the discharge hose (20) and filling the interconnecting hose (21), and

- enabling the ball-valve (22) to firmly close the water outlet port (18) by the water in the interconnecting hose (21) pushing the inflated ball-valve (22) upwards.