WO2014075847A1

WO2014075847A1 - A washing machine comprising a dispenser

Info

Publication number: WO2014075847A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/070911
Authority: WO
Inventors: Celal Vatansever
Original assignee: Arcelik AS
Current assignee: Arcelik AS
Priority date: 2012-11-13
Filing date: 2013-10-08
Publication date: 2014-05-22
Anticipated expiration: 2015-05-13

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a dispenser (2), a housing (3) wherein the dispenser (2) is placed, at least one cleaning member (4) that is situated on the dispenser (2), that at least partially contacts the housing (3) when the dispenser (2) is placed into the housing (3) and that provides the cleaning of the surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2) by rubbing against the dirt like detergent residues, mold, fungus etc. accumulated on the surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2) during the movement of the dispenser (2).

Description

A WASHING MACHINE COMPRISING A DISPENSER

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

In washing machines, the cleaning agents like detergent, softener etc required for the cleaning process are placed into a dispenser situated in the washing machine. The dispenser is disposed into a housing that can be accessed from the front surface of the washing machine. The wash water received from the mains is directed into the dispenser. The cleaning agent dissolved by mixing with water is transferred from the dispenser towards the washing tub.

Detergent residues accumulate on the housing in the course of time since the detergent from the said dispenser and housing cannot be entirely transferred into the tub. In the course of time, these residues cause formation of mold, fungus and bacteria in the housing.

In the state of the art, washing machines comprising the dispenser from which detergent residues are cleaned by delivering water therein are explained.

In the state of the art Chinese Patent Application No. CN101864655, a detergent distributor is explained which can be taken out of the washing machine for the purpose of cleaning.

The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine comprising a dispenser that has hygienic utilization conditions.

The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a cleaning member disposed on the dispenser, that at least partially contacts the housing when the dispenser is placed into the housing, that rubs against the dirt accumulated on the surfaces contacted while the dispenser is moved forwards/backwards and that provides the dirt to separate from the surface whereto they stick. While the dispenser is pulled out from the housing or pushed into the housing, the cleaning member mounted on the dispenser rubs against the surfaces of the housing that surround the dispenser. During this rubbing, the dirt on the surfaces of the housing separates from the surfaces whereto they stick.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member is mounted to the backside of the dispenser so as to contact the surface of the ceiling of the housing facing the interior of the dispenser when the dispenser is placed into the housing. After the dispenser is entirely placed into the housing, the cleaning member sweeps the surface of the ceiling entirely while the dispenser is pulled forwards from the housing.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member is mounted on the dispenser so as to be close to the upper side of the dispenser. The cleaning member is mounted to the dispenser so that a gap remains between the base of the dispenser and the cleaning member. During washing, the wash water reaches the washing tub by passing through this gap. The cleaning member does not prevent transfer of wash water from the dispenser to the washing tub.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing comprises a distributor disposed on the dispenser, enabling water received from the mains to be delivered to the dispenser, and whereto the cleaning member contacts when the dispenser is placed into the housing. Water reaches the dispenser by passing through orifices situated on the distributor. The cleaning member contacts the distributor when the dispenser is placed into the housing. The cleaning member cleans the surface of the distributor by rubbing against the surface of the distributor during forwards/backwards movement of the dispenser. Thus, the orifices on the distributor are prevented from being clogged with dried detergent residues.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member is detachably mounted on the dispenser. Thus, the user can detach the cleaning member when desired and clean the cleaning member itself.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member is mounted on the dispenser so as to rotate around its own axis during the forwards/backwards movement of the dispenser. Thus, the dirt is prevented from accumulating intensively at one point on the cleaning member. Consequently, the said cleaning member cleans the surface of the housing more effectively.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises two side walls situated on the dispenser, extending parallel to each other, and furthermore a shaft that extends between the side walls so as to be perpendicular to the side walls, mounted to holes arranged on the side walls and whereon the cleaning member is disposed. During the linear movement of the dispenser, the shaft, whereon the cleaning member is disposed, makes circular movement.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises a gear rack situated on the upper surface of the housing facing the dispenser, extending in the movement direction of the dispenser and a gear shaped roller disposed on the shaft, rotating around its own axis and enabling the shaft whereto the roller is connected to rotate as well while moving on the gear rack situated on the housing during the linear movement of the dispenser. Linear movement is converted into circular movement by means of the system known as rack-and-pinion movement in the technique. Thus, the roller makes the rotational movement of the cleaning member around its own axis easier.

In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises a plate disposed almost at the upper side of the dispenser and extending between the side walls so as to be perpendicular to the side walls, at least one opening arranged on the plate and at least one “U” shaped retainer providing the cleaning member to remain fixed inside the dispenser, having at least one claw thereon that is placed into the opening. That the plate extends over the dispenser, between the opposite side walls such that at least partially a gap remains between the base of the dispenser and the plate, provides the wash water to flow through this gap towards the washing tub. Additionally, the cleaning member is mounted into a “U” shaped retainer that compresses the cleaning member from both sides. The cleaning member can be detached from the retainer when desired. The retainer comprises at least one claw thereon that is fitted into the opening on the plate. The retainer is fixed to the dispenser by placing the claw into the said opening. Thus, the cleaning member can be kept more rigidly on the dispenser.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser comprises an intermediate wall parallel to the side walls and remaining between the side walls, and at least one groove arranged on the intermediate wall wherein the cleaning member is mounted. Thus, the cleaning member is provided to be kept in the dispenser in a more balanced manner.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the cleaning member is as much as the width of the housing. When the dispenser is placed into the housing, the cleaning member contacts the surface of the housing along the width of the housing. Thus, while the dispenser is being taken out of the housing, the cleaning member can entirely sweep the surface of the housing.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member is shaped as a brush. The cleaning member comprises semi-rigid and semi-flexible bristles. The bristles are flexible enough not to damage the surfaces contacted and at the same time rigid enough to remove the said detergent residues from the surface upon rubbing against the detergent residues accumulated on the surface.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser comprises a fixing means disposed under the dispenser wherein the cleaning member is placed. Thus, the cleaning member can be stored between the dispenser and the housing by being mounted to the fixing means when not in use.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member is produced as a single piece with the dispenser.

By means of the present invention, a washing machine is realized, the washing performance of which is increased with the housing surrounding the dispenser through which the wash water passes and of which the surfaces facing the dispenser are cleaned.

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

Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a washing machine.

Figure 2 – is the perspective view of the dispenser related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 – is the perspective view of the housing related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 4 – is the exploded view of the housing and the cleaning member related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 5 – is the exploded view of the cleaning member related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 6 – is the view of the retainer and the dispenser related to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 – is the view of detail A in Figure 6.

Figure 8 – is the perspective view of the dispenser and the partial view of the distributor in an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 9 – is the perspective view of the dispenser from a different angle in an embodiment of the present invention.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Washing machine
Dispenser
Housing
Cleaning member
Distributor
Side wall
Shaft
Hole
Gear rack
Roller
Plate
Claw
Retainer
Intermediate wall
Groove
Fixing means
Opening

The washing machine (1) comprises a dispenser (2) and a housing (3) wherein the dispenser (2) is placed. After loading the cleaning agents such as detergent, softener, etc., the user provides the dispenser (2) to be seated into the housing (3) by pushing the dispenser (2) forwards. During the washing process, the wash water mixing with the cleaning agents in the dispenser (2) is transferred into the washing tub wherein the washing process is performed.

The washing machine (1) of the present invention furthermore comprises at least one cleaning member (4) that is situated on the dispenser (2), that at least partially contacts the housing (3) when the dispenser (2) is placed into the housing (3), and that provides the cleaning of the surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2) by rubbing against the dirt like detergent residues, mold, fungus etc. accumulated on at least one surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2) during the forwards/backwards movement of the dispenser (2). The cleaning member (4) rubs against the housing (3) surfaces while the user moves the dispenser (2), placed into the housing (3), forwards/backwards inside the housing (3). During this rubbing, the dirt accumulated on the surface of the housing (3) falls by being separated from the surface. Thus, more hygienic utilization conditions are obtained by providing the housing (3) to be cleaned (Figure 1, Figure 2).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member (4) is mounted to the rear part of the dispenser (2) so as to at least partially contact the upper surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2). Thus, while the dispenser (2), placed into the housing (3), is being taken out of the housing (3), the cleaning member (4) entirely sweeps the surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member (4) is mounted on the dispenser (2) so as to be close to the upper side of the dispenser (2). The cleaning member (4) is placed to the dispenser (2) such that a gap remains at least partially between the cleaning member (4) and the base of the dispenser (2). Consequently, the wash water is allowed to easily reach the washing tub through this gap.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the housing (3) comprises at least one distributor (5) that is disposed on the dispenser (2), that provides the water received from the mains to pass into the dispenser (2) and that at least partially contacts the cleaning member (4) when the dispenser (2) is placed into the housing (3). Orifices are arranged on the distributor (5), that allow the water coming from the distributor (5) to flow into the dispenser (2). The dirt accumulated on the surface of the distributor (5) is removed by the cleaning member (4) rubbing against the surface of the distributor (5), thus the orifices situated on the distributor (5) are prevented from being clogged. Consequently, the washing performance of the washing machine (1) is improved (Figure 3).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member (4) is detachably mounted on the dispenser (2). Thus, the user can detach the cleaning member (4) when desired and clean the cleaning member (4) itself.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member (4) is mounted on the dispenser (2) so as to rotate around its own axis. Thus, the same portion of the cleaning member (4) does not rub against the dirt continuously. Thus, the dirt is prevented from being collected and/or accumulated at one point on the cleaning member (4).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises two side walls (6) situated on the dispenser (2) and facing one another, at least one shaft (7) extending between the opposite side walls (6) so as to be perpendicular to the side walls (6) and whereon the cleaning member (4) is mounted, and furthermore at least two holes (8) arranged on the side walls (6), whereto the shaft (7) is mounted so as to rotate around its own axis. During the forwards/backwards movement of the dispenser (2), the shaft (7), whereon the cleaning member (4) is disposed, makes circular movement. Thus, a more effective cleaning is provided on the surface against which the cleaning member (4) rubs.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises at least one gear rack (9) situated on the upper surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2), extending in the movement direction of the dispenser (2), and at least one roller (10) in gear form, that is disposed on the shaft (7), that rotates around its own axis during the linear movement of the dispenser (2) while moving on the gear rack (9) and enabling the shaft (7), whereto the roller (10) is connected, to rotate as well. During the forwards/backwards linear movement of the dispenser (2), the roller (10) moves on the gear rack (9) situated on the surface of the housing (3). Thus, the linear movement of the dispenser (2) provides the roller (10) to make circular movement. The circular movement of the roller (10) makes the rotational movement of the shaft (7) around its own axis easier (Figure 5, Figure 8).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a plate (11) situated so as to be close to the upper side of the dispenser (2) and extending between the side walls (6), at least one opening (17) situated on the plate (11) and at least one “U” shaped retainer (13) providing the cleaning member (4) to remain fixed inside the dispenser (2), having at least one claw (12) that is seated into the opening (17). That the plate (11) extends over the dispenser (2), between the opposite side walls (6) such that a gap remains at least partially between the base of the dispenser (2) and the plate (11), provides the wash water to flow through this gap towards the washing tub. Additionally, the cleaning member (4) is placed into the “U” shaped retainer (13) that compresses the cleaning member (4) from both sides. The retainer (13) is fixed to the dispenser (2) by the claw (12) being placed into the said opening (17). Accordingly, the cleaning member (4) can be kept more rigidly on the dispenser (2) (Figure 6, Figure 7).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser (2) comprises at least one intermediate wall (14) that remains between the side walls (6), facing the side walls (6) and at least one groove (15) arranged on the intermediate wall (14), wherein the cleaning member (4) is mounted. Thus, the cleaning member (4) is provided to be kept in a balanced manner.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the length of the cleaning member (4) is as much as the width of the housing (3). The cleaning member (4) that is mounted between the side walls (6) facing one another, so as to extend almost perpendicularly to the side walls (6), sweeps the surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2) almost entirely during the forwards/backwards movement of the dispenser (2).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member (4) is configured as a brush. The cleaning member (4) comprises semi-rigid and semi-flexible brush bristles. Thus, the cleaning member (4) easily removes detergent residues on the surface without damaging the surface being rubbed.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the dispenser (2) comprises at least one fixing means (16) disposed under the dispenser (2), wherein the cleaning member (4) is placed, providing the cleaning member (4) to be concealed between the dispenser (2) and the housing (3) when the cleaning member (4) is not in use. The cleaning member (4) is kept fixed by being mounted to the said fixing means (16). Thus, the user can mount the cleaning member (4) to the said fixing means (16) and store the cleaning member (4) on the dispenser (2) when not in use (Figure 9).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning member (4) is produced as a single piece with dispenser (2). The cleaning member (4) is produced as a single piece with dispenser (2) by a method like overmolding. Thus, ease of production is provided. The cleaning member (4) that is integrated with the dispenser (2) is cleaned by taking the dispenser (2) out of the housing (3).

In the washing machine (1) of the present invention, formation of bacteria inside the housing (3) is prevented and a more hygienic utilization becomes possible by a cleaning member (4) that provides the cleaning of the surfaces of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2) during the forwards/backwards movement of the dispenser (2).

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above and a person skilled in the art can easily introduce different embodiments. These should be considered within the scope of the protection postulated by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

A washing machine (1) comprising a dispenser (2), a housing (3) wherein the dispenser (2) is placed, characterized by at least one cleaning member (4) that is situated on the dispenser (2), that at least partially contacts the housing (3) when the dispenser (2) is placed into the housing (3), that provides the cleaning of the surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2) by rubbing against the dirt like detergent residues, mold, fungus etc. accumulated on at least one surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2) during the forwards/backwards movement of the dispenser (2).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the cleaning member (4) that is mounted to the rear part of the dispenser (2) so as to at least partially contact the upper surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the Claims 1 or 2, characterized by the cleaning member (4) that is mounted on the dispenser (2) so as to be close to the upper side of the dispenser (2).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the housing (3) comprising at least one distributor (5) that is disposed on the dispenser (2), that provides the water received from the mains to pass into the dispenser (2) and that contacts the cleaning member (4) at least partially when the dispenser (2) is placed into the housing (3).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the cleaning member (4) that is detachably mounted to the dispenser (2).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the cleaning member (4) that is mounted to the dispenser (2) so as to rotate around its own axis.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by two side walls (6) situated on the dispenser (2) and facing one another, at least one shaft (7) extending between the opposite side walls (6) so as to be perpendicular to the side walls (6) and whereon the cleaning member (4) is mounted and by at least two holes (8) arranged on the opposite side walls (6), whereto the shaft (7) is mounted so as to rotate around its own axis.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 7, characterized by at least one gear rack (9) situated on the surface of the housing (3) facing the dispenser (2) and extending in the movement direction of the dispenser (2), and by at least one roller (10) in gear form, that is disposed on the shaft (7), that rotates around its own axis while moving on the gear rack (9) during linear movement of the dispenser (2) and that enables the shaft (7), whereto the roller (10) is connected, to rotate as well.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the Claims 1 to 5, characterized by a plate (11) situated so as to be close to the upper side of the dispenser (2) and extending between the side walls (6), at least one opening (17) arranged on the plate (11) and by at least one “U” shaped retainer (13) providing the cleaning member (4) to remain fixed inside the dispenser (2) and having at least one claw (12) that is seated into the opening (17).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one intermediate wall (14) that remains between the side walls (6) and facing the side walls (6) and by at least one groove (15) arranged on the intermediate wall (14), wherein the cleaning member (4) is mounted.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the cleaning member (4), the length of the which is as much as the width of the housing (3).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the cleaning member (4) configured as a brush.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one fixing means (16) disposed on the dispenser (2), wherein the cleaning member (4) is placed, providing the storing of the cleaning member (4) between dispenser (2) and the housing (3) when the cleaning member (4) is not in use.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the cleaning member (4) produced as a single piece with the dispenser (2).