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US20090095031A1 - Washing machine with a dispenser unit - Google Patents

Washing machine with a dispenser unit Download PDF

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Publication number
US20090095031A1
US20090095031A1 US12/298,038 US29803807A US2009095031A1 US 20090095031 A1 US20090095031 A1 US 20090095031A1 US 29803807 A US29803807 A US 29803807A US 2009095031 A1 US2009095031 A1 US 2009095031A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
washing machine
machine according
circuit
dispenser unit
inductor
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.)
Abandoned
Application number
US12/298,038
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Daniele Favaro
Pietro Rizzetto
Dario Muzzolini
Giancarlo Arrigoni
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Original Assignee
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux Home Products Corp NV filed Critical Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Publication of US20090095031A1 publication Critical patent/US20090095031A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/0018—Controlling processes, i.e. processes to control the operation of the machine characterised by the purpose or target of the control
    • A47L15/0055—Metering or indication of used products, e.g. type or quantity of detergent, rinse aid or salt; for measuring or controlling the product concentration
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/44—Devices for adding cleaning agents; Devices for dispensing cleaning agents, rinsing aids or deodorants
    • 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
    • D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
    • D06F34/10—Power supply arrangements, e.g. stand-by circuits

Definitions

  • the present invention refers to a washing machine, such as a laundry washing machine or a dishwashing machine provided with an improved washing agent dispenser unit.
  • Washing machines of known type are normally provided with a washing agent dispenser unit having a plurality of compartments adapted to receive soap or other chemical substances, like softener or bleach, for washing or treating the objects contained in the washing chamber of the machine.
  • a washing agent dispenser unit having a plurality of compartments adapted to receive soap or other chemical substances, like softener or bleach, for washing or treating the objects contained in the washing chamber of the machine.
  • each of said compartments is dedicated to receive a specific kind of chemical agent to be introduced in the washing chamber therefore the user must be informed on which compartments must be filled depending on the washing program selected and the kind of treatment to be performed.
  • Such information is provided to the user by means of operating instruction printed on an operating panel or directly on the compartments and further instructions are provided in the user guide supplied with the washing machine. Even if the user can find the information about the correct choice of the chemical agent compartment to be filled in a plurality of places inside and outside the machine, such information is frequently not read or overlooked by the user. This causes errors in the washing procedure and it is particularly frustrating for the user that is forced to repeat the washing program to obtain the desired result.
  • a program-controlled washing machine comprises a dispenser unit having at least one light source associated with each compartment in order to provide visible indications on which compartment of the dispenser must be filled with the appropriate chemical agent according to the selected washing program.
  • the light sources are arranged to provide also indications on the quantity of chemical agent that must be supplied by the user in order to obtain good washing performance.
  • GB 2 128 640 is silent on how the light sources are powered. It is evident that a safety problem exists when electrical power must be supplied to an electrical load placed in a dispensing unit of a washing machine which is normally in contact with flushing water used to lead detergents/additives from the dispensing unit to the washing chamber.
  • a further problem to be solved is linked to the fact that the electrical energy shall be supplied to a dispensing unit that can be movable relative to the washing machine cabinet in order to allow the user to easily fill the chemical agent compartments. This is the case, in a laundry washing machine, of a dispenser in the form of a drawer.
  • the aim of the present invention is therefore to solve the noted problems and thus providing a washing machine in which a chemical agent dispensing unit is powered in a safe manner avoiding any risk of injury for the user.
  • Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine facilitating the user with respect to the selection of the correct dispensing compartment to be filled with a chemical agent and with respect to the right amount of said agent to be supplied in accordance with the selected washing program.
  • Still another purpose of the present invention is to provide a washing machine in which the electrical power is supplied in a reliable manner to a chemical agent dispenser that can be moved relative to the machine cabinet.
  • FIG. 1 shows a plan view of a dispensing unit provided with electric loads
  • FIG. 2 shows a sectional view taken along line II-II of the dispensing unit of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 3 shows a sectional view taken along line III-III of FIG. 2 ;
  • a dispenser unit 1 for a washing machine like a laundry washing machine, a clothes treating apparatus, a dishwasher and the like comprises a plurality of compartments 2 , each dedicated to receive a chemical agent useful for the washing/treating operations of objects to be washed or treated in a treating chamber provided in the washing machine.
  • FIG. 1 it is shown a dispenser unit particularly suitable for a laundry washing machine having a detergent wash and pre-wash compartments, a compartment for receiving a bleaching agent and one for receiving a softener.
  • other compartments may be provided on the dispensing unit according to the washing machine and the kind of treating programs that the machine can perform.
  • one or more electric loads 3 are provided in the dispenser unit 1 .
  • Such electric loads 3 can consist preferably in light sources that project their light on the compartment to be filled according to the working program selected by the user.
  • other signalling means like, for example, a buzzer or a vibrating means, can be used in the dispenser unit 1 .
  • the electric loads 3 are wirelessly powered by an electrical circuit 4 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
  • Said circuit 4 comprises a primary circuit 5 having a first inductor 6 which is connected to a main power supply.
  • the latter preferably comprises an oscillating circuit 11 able to provide the first inductor 6 with an alternate voltage at a pre-set frequency.
  • the oscillating circuit 11 can be provided in a known manner in the washing machine electronics.
  • the electrical circuit 4 further comprises a secondary circuit 7 electrically connected to the electric loads 3 and provided with a second inductor 8 .
  • Each inductor 6 , 8 can comprise a ferromagnetic element having an electric coil wrapped around it. Since the interaction between the inductors 6 , 8 is of a magnetic nature they can be placed encapsulated between walls or even embedded in a wall.
  • FIGS. 2 and 3 it is shown a first inductor 6 having a “U” shape and a second inductor 8 having an elliptic shape placed between the vertical arms of the “U” shaped inductor 6 .
  • the inductors 6 , 8 can be equivalently used provided that a they can be led to be facing each other.
  • the dispenser unit 1 can be of the kind comprising a stationary member 9 , which is fixed to the washing machine body, and a second member 10 movable relatively to the stationary member 9 .
  • the primary circuit 5 is associated to the stationary member and the secondary circuit 7 is carried by the movable member 10 .
  • the second member 10 can be movable between a first position in which the first and the second inductor 6 , 8 are facing each other and the electric load 3 is powered and a second position in which the inductors 6 , 8 are spaced apart and no power supply is transferred to the electric load 3 from the primary circuit 5 through the secondary circuit 7 .
  • the movable member 10 can be in the form of a drawer slidably mounted on the stationary member 9 .
  • This embodiment of the dispenser unit is particularly advantageous as detergent dispensing unit for a household laundry washing machine.
  • the electric loads 3 are powered only when the drawer is in an extracted position with respect to the washing machine cabinet. Such extracted position corresponds to the position in which the inductors 6 , 8 are facing each other.
  • a washing machine according to the invention can greatly reduce the possibility that the user makes errors in choosing the right dispenser unit compartment to be filled with a chemical agent.
  • the washing machine disclosed herein also avoids the user to be presented with a large amount of information with reference to the use of the washing machine.
  • the wireless power supply disclosed in the present invention for powering a generic electric load provided in a detergent dispenser of a washing machine.
  • Such electric load can be in the form of any power consuming device, like, for example, sensor means for monitoring the quantity of chemical agent introduced in the dispenser by the user.
  • the present invention can also be used for contactlessly powering a dosing screw provided in a cleaning agent dispensing unit of the kind including a compartment for storing a cleaning agent in powder form and a dosing device in the form of a screw that allows a dosed amount of cleaning agent to exit the compartment.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
  • Washing And Drying Of Tableware (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
US12/298,038 2006-04-27 2007-02-19 Washing machine with a dispenser unit Abandoned US20090095031A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP06113233.8 2006-04-27
EP06113233A EP1849909A1 (en) 2006-04-27 2006-04-27 Washing machine with a dispenser unit
PCT/EP2007/001404 WO2007124798A1 (en) 2006-04-27 2007-02-19 Washing machine with a dispenser unit

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20090095031A1 true US20090095031A1 (en) 2009-04-16

Family

ID=36673995

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US12/298,038 Abandoned US20090095031A1 (en) 2006-04-27 2007-02-19 Washing machine with a dispenser unit

Country Status (8)

Country Link
US (1) US20090095031A1 (ru)
EP (1) EP1849909A1 (ru)
KR (1) KR20090005401A (ru)
CN (1) CN101448997A (ru)
BR (1) BRPI0710983A2 (ru)
MX (1) MX2008013677A (ru)
RU (1) RU2008146764A (ru)
WO (1) WO2007124798A1 (ru)

Cited By (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20120222456A1 (en) * 2008-07-01 2012-09-06 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a dispensing system operable between a single use dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system
US20140190216A1 (en) * 2013-01-07 2014-07-10 General Electric Company Pedestal in dispenser cups of a washing machine
US9382655B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2016-07-05 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a single water flow path for both non-bulk and bulk dispensing
US9920468B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2018-03-20 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a non-bulk dispensing system convertible to a household cleaning appliance with a bulk dispensing system
US10100455B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2018-10-16 Whirlpool Corporation Method of indicating operational information for a bulk dispensing system
US10138587B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2018-11-27 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a dispensing system operable between a single use dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system

Families Citing this family (8)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102008027284A1 (de) 2007-10-30 2009-05-07 Aweco Appliance Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg Dosiervorrichtung für die Dosierung von Reinigungs-, Wasch- oder Spülmitteln in Haushaltsmaschinen, insbesondere Geschirrspülmaschinen
WO2009146691A2 (de) * 2008-06-06 2009-12-10 Henkel Ag & Co. Kgaa Dosiervorrichtung und haushaltsmaschine, insbesondere geschirrspülmaschine
DE102009027876A1 (de) * 2009-07-21 2011-01-27 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät
DE102009027878A1 (de) * 2009-07-21 2011-01-27 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Wasserführendes Haushaltsgerät
US9035785B2 (en) 2010-09-27 2015-05-19 Whirlpool Corporation Graphic for use in determining a characteristic of a consumable
US8393548B2 (en) 2010-09-27 2013-03-12 Whirlpool Corporation Removable component for a consumable with identifying graphic
US8281621B2 (en) 2010-09-27 2012-10-09 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for determining a characteristic of a consumable
US8400638B2 (en) 2010-09-27 2013-03-19 Whirlpool Corporation Apparatus and method for determining a characteristic of a consumable

Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3397715A (en) * 1965-05-06 1968-08-20 Radson Engineering Corp Electronic level control

Family Cites Families (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3238540A1 (de) * 1982-10-18 1984-04-26 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart Programmgesteuerte waschmaschine
FR2652831B1 (fr) * 1989-10-10 1992-02-07 Eaton Sa Monaco Distributeur de produit liquide pour machine a laver le linge ou la vaisselle.
DE19652128A1 (de) * 1996-12-14 1998-06-18 Aeg Hausgeraete Gmbh Waschmittel-Einspülvorrichtung für eine programmgesteuerte Waschmaschine
DE102004018167A1 (de) * 2004-04-14 2005-11-24 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Energieübertragungseinrichtung für elektrische Verbraucher

Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3397715A (en) * 1965-05-06 1968-08-20 Radson Engineering Corp Electronic level control

Cited By (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10132023B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2018-11-20 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a dispensing system operable between a single use dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system
US10231597B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2019-03-19 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a single water flow path for both non-bulk and bulk dispensing
US12091802B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2024-09-17 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry treating apparatus and method of indicating operational information for a bulk dispensing system
US10138587B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2018-11-27 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a dispensing system operable between a single use dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system
US9382655B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2016-07-05 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a single water flow path for both non-bulk and bulk dispensing
US9481959B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2016-11-01 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a dispensing system operable between a single use dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system
US9920468B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2018-03-20 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a non-bulk dispensing system convertible to a household cleaning appliance with a bulk dispensing system
US10100455B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2018-10-16 Whirlpool Corporation Method of indicating operational information for a bulk dispensing system
US8468858B2 (en) * 2008-07-01 2013-06-25 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a dispensing system operable between a single use dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system
US20120222456A1 (en) * 2008-07-01 2012-09-06 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a dispensing system operable between a single use dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system
US11692297B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2023-07-04 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a dispensing system operable between a single use dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system
US10519588B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2019-12-31 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a dispensing system operable between a single use dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system
US10774459B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2020-09-15 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a non-bulk dispensing system convertible to a household cleaning appliance with a bulk dispensing system
US10907294B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2021-02-02 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry treating appliance and indicating operational information for a bulk dispensing system
US11035070B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2021-06-15 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a dispensing system operable between a single use dispensing system and a bulk dispensing system
US11564550B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2023-01-31 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry treating apparatus and method of indicating operational information for a bulk dispensing system
US11603621B2 (en) 2008-07-01 2023-03-14 Whirlpool Corporation Household cleaning appliance with a non-bulk dispensing system convertible to a household cleaning appliance with a bulk dispensing system
US9353472B2 (en) * 2013-01-07 2016-05-31 General Electric Company Pedestal in dispenser cups of a washing machine
US20140190216A1 (en) * 2013-01-07 2014-07-10 General Electric Company Pedestal in dispenser cups of a washing machine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP1849909A1 (en) 2007-10-31
CN101448997A (zh) 2009-06-03
BRPI0710983A2 (pt) 2011-05-31
RU2008146764A (ru) 2010-06-10
KR20090005401A (ko) 2009-01-13
MX2008013677A (es) 2009-01-15
WO2007124798A1 (en) 2007-11-08

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Legal Events

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STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION