[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine, in particular a laundry washer,
according to the preamble of claim 1.
[0002] As is known, a treatment cycle of a washing machine requires the use of detergent
substances, in powder or liquid form, and of possible additional substances, such
as, for example, softening and perfuming agents in the case of a laundry washer or
rinse-aids in the case of dishwashers, typically in the liquid form. Said substances
are herein defined as a whole as "washing agents".
[0003] For the above purpose, washing machines of the most common type are provided with
a dispenser device, designed to be loaded by a user with individual doses of the washing
agent or agents required according to the characteristics and the amount of clothes
or dishes that have to be washed, as well as to the washing cycle selected. For this
purpose, the washing agents, of the types and in the amounts recommended, are loaded
by the user into suitable receptacles of the dispenser, prior to start of the cycle.
[0004] In the case of front-loading laundry washers said receptacles are typically embodied
by compartments of a drawer-type container, which can be partially extracted from
the front area of the laundry washer. In the case of top-loading laundry washer, the
dispenser is, instead, usually conceived as static container, which is in any case
divided into compartments for the various washing agents and is integrated in the
door of the washing machine or else in the fixed part of its cabinet, in a position
corresponding to the top face thereof. In the case of dish-washers, the dispenser,
usually associated to the door of the appliance, comprises a compartment for the washing
detergent, provided with a mobile hatch, and a tank, provided with a cap, designed
to contain an amount of liquid rinse-aid sufficient for a number of washing cycles.
[0005] Also known are laundry washer provided with dispensers for liquid washing agents
that have a large storage capacity or a long operating autonomy.
[0006] The above machines, unlike the traditional ones - which must be supplied with washing
agents before each treatment - are able to contain, in one or more suitable receptacles
or tanks, total amounts of liquid washing agents (liquid detergent, softening agent,
bleaching agent, etc.) such as to be used for a plurality of washing cycles, as well
as to dispense dosed amounts of said agents in the course of each treatment carried
out by the machine (for example, at each cycle, the liquid detergent is delivered
into the washing tub in the washing phase, whilst the bleaching agent or softener
is released during a rinsing phase, in particular during the last but one rinse and
the last rinse, respectively).
[0007] GB-A-2214524 describes a front-loading laundry washer comprising elastic containers designed to
contain liquid washing agents, wherein to each container there are associated a flexible
tube for sucking in the corresponding washing agent and a pump for drawing it into
the tub of the machine. Said containers are arranged in a housing defined in the fixed
structure of the machine cabinet and are accessible after a panel positioned in the
lower part of the front wall of the cabinet has been removed. The laundry washer described
in
GB-A-2214524 has the drawback that loading of the washing agents requires the user to carry out
a plurality of operations, some of which are somewhat inconvenient. The elastic containers
have a limited capacity and cannot be cleaned, such that they must be replaced when
they undergo degradation.
[0008] EP-A-0449060 describes a front-loading laundry washer having a plurality of tanks for washing
agents, which are housed vertically in an area of the machine comprised between the
rear wall of its washing tub and the rear wall of the respective cabinet. Loading
of the washing agents is far from convenient, given that it is possible to perform
it only through suitable necks that project from the rear wall of the cabinet or else
through a hinged flap positioned on the upper wall of the cabinet. Clearly, this solution
cannot be adopted in the case of machines of the built-in type. Positioning of the
washing-agent tanks proves very disadvantageous, since it limits the space available
for the washing tub, and hence the loading capacity of the washing machine, in the
case where it is intended to maintain the standard dimensions of the cabinet of the
machine. Any possible maintenance interventions on the dispensing system are complicated.
[0009] US-B-6,401,499 describes a top-loading laundry washer in which, housed between the front wall of
the washing tub and the front wall of the cabinet there are tanks for containing washing
agents. When the user presses dedicated pushbuttons, the tanks are pressurized and
bring about transfer of dosed amounts of the washing agents into corresponding chambers,
from which said dosed amounts are then dispensed into the washing tub. The above arrangement
of the tanks as proposed in
US-B-6,401,499 can be pursued only in the case of top-loading washing machines and cannot hence
be adopted for front-loading washing machines. A disadvantage of the solution of
US-B-6,401,499 moreover lies in the fact that cleaning of the tanks cannot be carried out, given
that said tanks cannot be removed from inside the washing machine.
[0010] DE-A-3238529 discloses a laundry washer comprising a drum unit and a dispensing unit for liquid
detergents having a long operating autonomy. The dispensing unit is located beside
the drum unit. It is separated from the drum unit by a heat insulating wall and it
is supplied through the removal of the top of the housing of the washer.
[0011] Also in the case of dish-washers, long autonomy dispensers have been proposed, which
are, however, generally cumbersome so that arrangement thereof frequently reduces
the useful space of the washing tub.
[0012] In the light of the state of the art described above, a purpose of the present invention
is to provide a washing machine, in particular a laundry washer, which overcomes one
or more of the aforesaid drawbacks. In said framework, an aim of the invention is
to provide a machine of the type referred to above provided with a large storage capacity
dispenser system that includes at least one container for washing agents that is readily
accessible, both for the purposes of the operations of periodic loading of the washing
agents and for the purposes of possible cleaning operations, as well as in the case
where the need arises for maintenance interventions. A further aim of the invention
is to provide a washing machine, in particular a laundry washer, in which the above
arrangement of the aforesaid container is particularly advantageous in the light of
the increasingly greater attention that is paid to the ergonomics of electrical household
appliances.
[0013] These and other aims are achieved, according to the present invention, by a washing
machine having the features specified in the annexed claims, which are to be understood
as forming an integral part of the present description.
[0014] The characteristics of the present invention, as likewise the corresponding advantages,
will emerge clearly from the ensuing detailed description and the annexed plate of
drawings, which is provided purely by way of non-limiting example and wherein:
- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a washing machine according
to the present invention, in a first condition;
- Figure 2 is a lateral cross section of the machine of Figure 1;
- Figure 3 is a lateral cross section of the machine of Figure 1, in a second condition;
- Figure 4 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a washing machine according
to the present invention;
- Figure 5 is a schematic cross section of a large capacity or long autonomy container
belonging to a dispenser for liquid washing agents of the washing machine of Figure
1; and
- Figure 6 is a schematic cross section of a variant embodiment of the container of
Figure 5.
[0015] In Figures 1 to 3, reference number 1 designates as a whole a washing machine according
to a first embodiment of the present invention. The machine 1 is, by way of non-limiting
example, a front-loading laundry washer, but it should be borne in mind that the invention
is equally applicable to top-loading laundry washers, whether of the type prearranged
for just washing of laundry or else of the type prearranged for washing and subsequent
drying of laundry (the so-called "washer-driers"). The machine 1 comprises all the
elements necessary for its normal and proper operation, amongst which:
- a cabinet or fixed structure 2, having a front wall 3;
- an opening for loading of the clothes, made in the fixed structure 2, in particular
in the front wall 3;
- a so-called "oscillating assembly", comprising a washing tub 4, for containing water
or treatment liquid, and a basket or drum for containing the laundry; the drum (not
represented), is mounted so that it can turn in the washing tub 4 and can be set in
rotation about its own axis by means of a motor device (not represented either);
- a door 5, mounted in a position corresponding to the aforesaid loading opening and
aimed at enabling the user to gain access to the inside of the drum;
- a suspension system (not represented), which is designed to support and sustain the
oscillating assembly within the fixed structure 2;
- interface means 6, which are designed to enable the user to select at least one of
the programs and/or treatment parameters made available by the machine and/or to display
information useful to the user;
- a control system, preferably of the electronic type, which here is assumed as being
integrated in the interface means 6, configured for managing all the characteristic
functions of the machine, including its treatment cycles or programs.
[0016] The tub 4 is located in an upper region of the fixed structure 2, the machine being
possibly - as said- a laundry washer or a washer-drier.
[0017] The machine 1 further comprises a washing agent dispenser device, of the "large storage
capacity" or "long autonomy" type. Said expressions are used herein to designate a
dispenser having one or more containers that are able to retain each a liquid mass
of a respective washing agent that enables a number of treatment cycles to be carried
out by the machine, said device thus requiring just periodic loading by the user.
[0018] The aforesaid dispenser comprises, for each container, controllable delivery means,
operation of which is managed by the control system of the machine, in order to divide
up the aforesaid liquid mass, or to take from the respective container dosed amounts
of the washing agent, to supply them to the washing tub 4.
[0019] According to the main aspect of the invention, the aforesaid container is mounted
on a movable support structure, which can be displaced between a first position and
a second position, in the first position the container being accessible and in the
second position the container being inaccessible.
[0020] Preferably, the aforesaid movable support structure is adapted to slide between the
aforesaid two positions. For this purpose, in the preferential embodiment, the aforesaid
movable support structure can be embodied as a container shaped substantially like
a drawer, in which said at least one container is positioned, preferably in a removable
way.
[0021] An example of said drawer is designated by 8 in Figures 1-3. The drawer 8 is slidably
mounted in a respective seat or cavity 7, which is formed in the lower part of the
fixed structure 2 and, in particular, extends from the front wall 3 to the inside
of the structure itself. For example, the washing tub can be supported from beneath
via at least two opposed side shock-absorbing elements, with the cavity 7 that extends
in the space lying between the points of bottom anchorage of said shock-absorbing
elements.
[0022] The drawer 8 can be displaced manually by the user between at least a first position,
represented in Figure 3, in which it is in a closed position and is located prevalently
within the volume of the structure 2, and a second position, represented in Figures
1 and 2, in which it is in an open position and is located partially on the outside
of the volume of the structure 2, it hence being accessible to the user, who can thus
put in or take out therefrom objects of various nature.
[0023] In the embodiment represented in Figures 1-3, the machine 1 comprises three distinct
containers 9, 10 and 11, suitable for containing three different liquid washing agents,
each of which must be released in a particular phase of the selected washing treatment.
Said washing agents can be, for example, a liquid detergent (in the container 9),
a softening agent (in the container 10) and a bleaching agent (in the container 11).
Obviously, other embodiments of the present invention are possible, whereby, for instance,
the machine 1 comprises only two distinct containers (for example, one for the liquid
detergent and one for the softening agent), or else a single container (for example,
for the liquid detergent), or once again four containers (for example, one of which
for a perfuming liquid substance).
[0024] As may be seen in Figure 1, the set of the three containers 9-11 occupies preferably
only a portion of the drawer 8 - in the example the rear part - so as to allow the
user the possibility of having available useful space in the drawer, in which he can
put away other objects of various nature.
[0025] Each of the three containers 9-11 is made of rigid material, preferably plastic rigid
material, and has a shape and a capacity such as to contain a respective mass of liquid
washing agent sufficient for a plurality of washing treatments. Advantageously, each
container 9-11 is provided with a reserve volume, in the sense that it has a capacity
slightly greater than that of the bottles of washing agents currently available on
the market. For example, in the particular case of the container 9 designed to contain
the liquid detergent, the total capacity can appropriately be of approximately 1.5
1 or else approximately 4 l, given that on the market there are prevalently available
bottles containing 1 l and 3.5 1 of liquid detergent.
[0026] According to a further advantageous characteristic, the containers 9-11 are housed
stably in the drawer 8, but in a removable way. Thanks to said characteristic, the
user of the machine 1 has the possibility of taking out conveniently the containers
9-11 from the drawer 8, if need be, for example for carrying out a cleaning operation
(either manually or in a dish-washer), aimed at removing any possible deposits of
washing agents on the internal walls of the containers themselves and/or any possible
solid impurities present therein.
[0027] Figure 4 represents a laundry washer 12 in accordance with a second embodiment of
the present invention. The washing machine 12 is, by way of non-limiting example,
a front-loading laundry washes, but it should be taken into account that also for
this embodiment the machine could be of the top-loading type, and indifferently designed
for just washing or else both for washing and drying of laundry.
[0028] The machine 12 is prearranged for association to a structured accessory 14, designed
to raise the machine's fixed structure 13, the washing tub 4 (and hence the oscillating
assembly), the door 15, and the interface means 16; said raising advantageously enables
an improved ergonomics of the washing machine 12 to be obtained.
[0029] According to the embodiment of Figure 4, the structured accessory 14, which can be
fixed to the structure 13 in any known way, is essentially configured as a base, located
in the internal space of which there are the containers for the liquid washing agents,
designated by 17, 18 and 19, with the corresponding controllable delivery means, housed
in the drawer designated by 20. Said base can, for example, have an as a whole C-shaped
conformation so as to define a cavity or a seat open at least at the front, within
which the drawer 20 is slidably mounted.
[0030] The machine 12 can integrate right from the beginning (i.e., in the production stage)
the structured accessory 14 with the corresponding drawer 20, containers 17-19, and
delivery means, or else can be just prearranged for this integration. In the latter
case, the integration of the structured accessory 14 can occur at any moment of the
working life of the machine 12, the latter being appropriately prearranged for connection
- both electrical and hydraulic - to the containers 17-19 and the corresponding delivery
means. It should be noted, in any case, that also the machine 1 of the first embodiment
can integrate right from the beginning the containers 9-11, or else can be made such
as to enable subsequent integration of the large storage capacity dispenser, at any
moment of the working life of the machine 1.
[0031] Amongst the particularly advantageous characteristics of the present invention, there
should be emphasized the possibility of convenient removal of the containers, which
enables the user, among other things, to carry out conveniently the corresponding
cleaning operations, if necessary. The possibility of removal of the containers from
the movable structure that supports them must not, however, jeopardize either the
stability of the housing of the containers or proper operation of the system. For
this reason, the Applicant has devised, for the aforesaid containers, some possible
embodiments illustrated in Figures 5 and 6, which constitute examples having a purely
explanatory and non-limiting value.
[0032] Figure 5 illustrates a first container, sectioned according to a plane orthogonal
to the front wall 3 of the cabinet 2 of Figure 1. In the specific case the container
9 is illustrated, but it should be borne in mind that the containers 10 and 11 (or
17-19) can be made in a similar way.
[0033] The containers 9 illustrated has a conformation such as to guarantee a stable and
at the same time removable housing thereof in the movable structure represented by
the drawer 8 or 20. Said container 9 is hollow, and identified in its internal space
are a first cavity portion 21 and a second cavity portion 22, positioned at a lower
level with respect to the first portion 21, the two portions communicating with one
another. The second portion 22 is designed to contain the aforesaid reserve amount
of liquid washing agent (for example, a quantity of liquid detergent sufficient to
carry out three washing treatment by means of the machine 1, 12) and has a capacity
notably smaller than that of the first portion 21. Purely by way of indication, the
useful volume of the second portion 22 may be approximately of between 10% and 35%
of the total volume of the container.
[0034] The first and second portions 21, 22 are obtained starting from a substantially parallelepipedal
shape, given that the characteristic dimension of the first portion 21 (the depth
designated by P1) is greater than the characteristic dimension of the second portion
22 (the depth P2). In this way, the second portion 22 of the container 9 can be at
least partially inserted in a stable way in a respective seat or housing defined on
the bottom of the drawer 8, 20. The aforesaid housing, which is not designated by
any reference number but may be seen in Figures 2-3, preferably has a depth P3 slightly
greater than the depth P2 of the second portion 22.
[0035] The container 9 has two openings for access to its internal space, preferably made
in its top wall, and namely:
- a first opening, suitable for enabling the user to load the container 9 with the liquid
washing agent; and
- a second opening, suitable for enabling outlet of the liquid washing agent from the
container 9, when said agent, during a washing treatment, is drawn off by the corresponding
delivery means, to be delivered to the washing tub 4.
[0036] Associated to the first opening, which constitutes the loading mouth for the washing
agent, is a closing cap, designated by 23 in Figure 1, which prevents any solid impurities
from entering the container 9 and which is removed by the user in order to load the
container with the washing agent. Associated, instead, to the second opening are fixing
means, designed to constrain the respective delivery means, designated by 24 in Figures
1 and 5, to the container 9, said delivery means being connected to a squirter tube
25, through which the washing agent is delivered into the washing tub 4. The delivery
means 24 are fixed to the corresponding container 9 in a removable way (for example,
with a snap-coupling, or a bayonet coupling, or a threaded coupling, or the like),
in such a way that they can be disconnected when the user wishes to carry out cleaning
of the container 9.
[0037] Figure 6 represents a possible variant embodiment of a container for liquid washing
agents that can be used in the machine according to the invention, sectioned according
to a plane passing through its axis. The container of Figure 6, designated as a whole
by 26, has a shape different from the one of Figure 5, which enables, in any case,
the same characteristics of stability and possibility of removal to be achieved. According
to said conformation, the container 26 comprises a first portion 27 of a substantially
axisymmetrical shape and a second portion 28, which is also of a substantially axisymmetric
shape, the two portions 27 and 28 communicating with one another. The first portion
27 is located at a higher level than the second portion 28, designed for containing
the reserve amount of liquid washing agent. The first portion 27 has a characteristic
dimension, i.e., the external diameter designated by D1, which is greater than the
characteristic dimension of the second portion 28, i.e., the external diameter designated
by D2.
[0038] As for the previous embodiment, also the container 26 - or rather its portion 28
- is suited to being stably located in a seat or housing, which is defined in the
drawer 8, 20 and has the respective characteristic dimension (for example, the internal
diameter of the housing, in the case where this has a substantially axisymmetrical
shape) comprised between the characteristic dimension of the second portion 28 of
the container 26 and the characteristic dimension of the first portion 27. In this
way, part of the flared annular surface 29 that delimits at the bottom the portion
27 remains in contact with the surface surrounding the housing made in the drawer.
[0039] Also the container 26, which is hollow, has two openings for access to the corresponding
internal space, which are both set in its top part, namely:
- a first opening 30 for loading the container with the washing agent, associated to
which is a closing cap 31; and
- a second opening 32 for outlet of the washing agent, constrained to which are, preferably
in a removable way, the delivery means, here designated by 33, designed to deliver,
during a washing treatment, the liquid washing agent into the washing tub 4, through
the squirter tube, here designated by 34.
[0040] In both of the embodiments provided by way of non-limiting example in Figures 5 and
6, the delivery means 24, 33 are of an electromechanical type, of a conception in
itself known, housed at least partially within the container and fixed in a stable
but removable way to the container itself, in a position corresponding to the outlet
opening. Said dispensing means 24, 33 can comprise:
- a dosing pump 35, 36 (such as, for example, a volumetric pump, a peristaltic pump,
a centrifugal pump, or an axial pump), preferably associated to which is a system
for precise evaluation or metering of the amount of liquid washing agent processed
by the pump itself;
- a motor-driven actuator 37, 38, electrically supplied by the power board of the machine
1 or 12, and suitable for actuating the pump 35, 36;
- a suction tube 39, 40, which extends within the container 9, 26, in particular as
far as in the proximity of the bottom wall of the portion 22, 28 of the container
9, 26 that contains the reserve amount of washing agent;
- means for connection 41, 42 to the squirter tube 25, 34, aimed at enabling the amount
of washing liquid, taken in through the suction tube 39, 40 and processed by the dosing
pump 35, 36, to be conveyed into the squirter tube 25, 34, to enable its subsequent
release into the washtub 4; and
- possible sensor means, electrically supplied by the electronic control system of the
machine 1, 12 and designed for detecting the value of one or more physical quantities
of the liquid washing agent.
[0041] Said sensor means can comprise sensor devices of different types, in themselves known,
amongst which, for example:
- level sensor means, of a type suitable for detecting the level of the liquid washing
agent within the container 9, 26; according to a possible embodiment, said sensor
means detect whether the level reached by the liquid washing agent in the container
9, 26 is higher than or else lower than a pre-set threshold level (the beginning of
the reserve volume may be chosen as threshold level); should the level detected be
lower than the threshold level, the sensor means generate a signal that is transmitted
to the electronic control system of the machine 1, 12, which, on the basis of said
signal, can issue a control for activation of a signalling device (for example, a
warning light forming part of the interface means 6, 16), purposely dedicated for
warning the user of the need to load the container 9, 26 as soon as possible;
- viscosity and/or turbidity sensor means, designed to measure the viscosity and/or
turbidity of the liquid washing agent contained within the container 9, 26; from said
measurements it is possible to trace back the type of liquid washing agent and it
is also possible to highlight any degradation of the washing agent itself; and
- flowrate sensor means, for example a flowmeter, designed to measure the flowrate of
liquid washing agent processed by the dosing pump 35, 36.
[0042] Control of the actuator 37, 38 for actuation of the pump is aimed at achieving supply
into the washing tub 4 of an optimal amount of liquid washing agent and occurs by
means of the control system of the machine 1, 12. In particular, said control can
be carried out on the basis of the signals that the control system receives from some
of the sensor means listed previously (for example, on the basis of the value of turbidity
or on the basis of the value of flowrate) and/or from other sensor means possibly
applied to the machine 1 (which detect parameters, such as the conductivity or temperature
of the washing liquid, or else the weight or type or level of dirt of the clothing
loaded into the tumbler, etc.).
[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the machine 1, 12 further
comprises a sensor device of the type described in
EP-A-0 582 329, for measuring the conductivity of the treatment liquid contained in the tub 4, and
the electronic control system of the machine 1, 12 avails itself of the information
obtained via the aforesaid conductivity sensor for controlling the pump 35, 36, in
such a way that, within the tub 4, the concentration of washing agent deemed optimal
will be maintained.
[0044] In particular, said conductivity sensor device enables the control system of the
machine 1 - prearranged for this purpose - to regulate the amount of liquid washing
agent supplied by the pump 35, 36 at the start of a washing phase, interrupting the
flow of liquid agent - by deactivation of the motor-driven actuator 37, 38 - when
the concentration of liquid agent in the washing tub deemed to be optimal is reached.
The value of concentration deemed to be optimal is calculated or generated automatically
by the electronic control system, on the basis of information such as the amount,
type and level of dirt of the laundry, the water hardness, and the type of washing
treatment selected by the user.
[0045] During a washing treatment, moreover, should the concentration of liquid agent drop
below a pre-set threshold, the electronic control system - prearranged for this purpose
- activates the actuator 37, 38 associated to the pump 35, 36 so as to bring the aforesaid
concentration back to the desired level.
[0046] Clearly visible in Figures 2 and 3 is the path of a squirter tube 25, conveniently
of a flexible type, suitable for setting in hydraulic connection the respective container,
for example the container 9, with the point of release into the washing tub (obviously,
tubes of this kind are provided for the containers 10-11, and the tube or tubes 34
of Figure 6 are of a similar construction).
[0047] The liquid detergent can be conveyed, by means of the tube 25, directly from the
container 9 to the washing tub 4. Said way of delivering the liquid washing agent
is well suited to being used in the case where the laundry washer does not comprise
a dispenser device of the traditional type (where by "dispenser device of a traditional
type" is meant a dispenser device that is to be recharged with single doses of washing
agents before each washing treatment carried out by the laundry washer).
[0048] Alternatively, as exemplified in the case of the laundry washing machine 1 represented
in Figures 2-3, a different mode of supply of the liquid agents may be adopted. The
machine 1 comprises, in addition to the containers 9-11, also a dispenser device of
the traditional type, designated by 43 only in Figures 2-3. In this case, the delivery
of the liquid washing agent drawn from the container 9 occurs conveniently in a hopper
44, i.e., in the element designed to deliver the washing agents contained in the dispenser
43 into the washing tub. The liquid detergent, conveyed from the container 9 to the
hopper 44, thanks to the head supplied thereto by the dosing pump 35, is then removed
from the hopper 44 and released into the washing tub 4 by means of the usual flow
of entrainment water coming from the tube designated by 45, pre-arranged for introducing
the water into the laundry washer 1.
[0049] The above variant of laundry washer 1, comprising both a large storage capacity dispenser
device and a dispenser device of the traditional type, is particularly advantageous
in the case where the machine is provided with a conductivity sensor device, of the
type described in the aforementioned
EP-A-0 582 329. A sensor of this sort is in fact able to detect automatically a possible delivery
into the washing tub of a washing agent performed by the dispenser 43, and to evaluate
the amount of said washing agent as a function of the concentration deemed optimal.
According to the detection made by the conductivity sensor device, the electronic
control system of the machine excludes activation of the actuator 37, in the case
where the amount of washing agent supplied via the dispenser 43 has been sufficient
to reach the desired concentration, or else activates the actuator 37 so that the
amount of liquid agent that is missing for obtaining the concentration of washing
agent considered optimal will be supplied by the container 9.
[0050] Located adjacent to the squirter tubes are the cables for electrical connection,
not represented, through which the supply voltage is supplied to the delivery means
24 - in particular to the motor-driven actuator 37 and to the possible sensor means
- and through which the signals generated by the possible sensor means reach the control
system of the machine.
[0051] The materials with which the elements for hydraulic and electrical connection are
made (squirter tubes 25 and electrical-connection cables) and the path followed by
said elements are advantageously chosen in such a way that the container or containers
(9-11, 17-19, 26) envisaged remain in any case associated to the drawer 8, 20 of the
machine 1, 12 during opening and closing of the drawer itself. In this way, when the
tube or tubes 25 and the electrical-connection cables are connected to the delivery
means 24, 33, the possibility is not ruled out of the respective container being brought,
by opening of the drawer, outside of the volume of the fixed structure, whether this
be represented by the cabinet 2 or by the base 14, so as to be thus accessible to
the user for operations such as loading of the washing agent or else removal of the
container from its own housing in the drawer. Hence, the aforesaid connection elements
are made, entirely or else at least in the part adjacent to the respective container,
of flexible materials and have a portion shaped in such a way as to enable it to be
freely folded over on itself when the drawer 8, 20 is opened, varying appropriately
its own curvature during the displacements of the container in the horizontal direction
of opening of the drawer itself.
[0052] From the present description, it may be readily understood how the invention enables
the drawbacks of the state of the art to be overcome, achieving numerous advantages.
[0053] As a first advantage, the invention makes available to the user a machine with at
least one large storage capacity container for liquid washing agents featuring a considerable
easiness of loading. In fact, with the solution according to the present invention,
the container or containers for liquid washing agents can be removed from the machine
by means of a convenient operation, represented, in the case exemplified, by opening
of the drawer, which does not require access to functional elements of the machine
or removal of parts of the corresponding cabinet.
[0054] Additionally, since the housing of the container or containers in the drawer is a
preferably removable housing, the present invention features the ease and effectiveness
with which the containers can undergo cleaning treatments for removal of any possible
impurities and/or encrustations. The possibility of removal of the connection between
the containers and the drawer, which in no way jeopardizes the stability of the housing
of the former in the latter, also enables the user to correct very easily any erroneous
loading of one of the containers (for example, a load with softening agent made by
mistake in the container dedicated to the liquid detergent): in this case, the container
is removed from its own place of installation, emptied of its content, possibly cleaned,
and then loaded with the right liquid washing agent.
[0055] A further important advantage of the present invention is that it makes available
to the user a laundry washer with a large storage capacity dispenser for washing agents
featuring a high ergonomic level, in which the oscillating assembly and the opening
for loading the laundry are favourably located in a raised position, and in which
in the lower part space is left for housing the containers for the liquid washing
agents. With an arrangement of this sort of the functional assemblies of the machine,
the operations of loading and unloading of the laundry are highly convenient, given
that these operations are carried out at each washing treatment, and hence much more
frequently than the operations of loading the containers with the liquid washing agents,
which are reasonably carried out more or less once a month.
[0056] Finally, the variant of machine that comprises both a large storage capacity dispenser
device and a dispenser device of the traditional type proves advantageous. Said variant
ensures for the user availability of a machine that enables him to choose from among
an automatic-loading system, a manual-loading system, and a mixed-loading system,
in which the machine itself, being provided with appropriate electronic control means,
is able to cause release into the washing tub of an always optimal amount of washing
agents, even starting from an insufficient load of washing agents in the dispenser
device of the traditional type.
[0057] The present invention, which is clearly susceptible of industrial application, has
been described with reference to a particular embodiment, but it is evident that numerous
variants, all falling within the scope of the same inventive idea, are possible in
the light of the knowledge of the people skilled in the art, and that all the mentioned
components can be replaced by technically equivalent elements.
[0058] In addition to the embodiments represented in Figures 1 and 4, it is possible to
provide also a third embodiment of the present invention, in which the machine comprises
a lower cavity and is set on a base being internally hollow, where the lower cavity
of the machine and the internal space of the base are in communication with one another,
so as to form a housing of large dimensions, housed in which is a drawer of enlarged
capacity as compared to the cases illustrated in the aforesaid figures, with the possibility
of having hence also container for liquid washing agents of higher capacity.
[0059] The invention has been described with reference to a machine for treating clothes,
but it will be appreciated that the idea of solution is equally applicable with the
same advantages also in the case of dish-washers.
1. A washing machine, in particular a laundry washer, having a fixed structure (2; 13,
14), a washing tub (4) in said structure (2; 13, 14), loading means (45) for conveying
a treatment liquid into said tub (4), a control system (6; 16), prearranged for managing
treatment cycles that can be carried out by the machine (1; 12) and a washing agent
dispenser device having a long operating autonomy, the dispenser device comprising:
- at least one container (9-11 ; 17-19; 26) adapted to contain a mass of a liquid
washing agent sufficient for carrying out a plurality of treatment cycles; and
- delivering means (24; 33), which can be controlled for taking dosed amounts of the
washing agent from said at least one container (9-11; 17-19; 26), in order to deliver
said dosed amounts into the washing tub (4), characterized in that it further comprises a movable support (8; 20) for said at least one container (9-11;
17-19; 26), the movable support (8; 20) being displaceable, with respect to a corresponding
seat (7), between an extracted position and a retracted position, in the extracted
position said at least one container (9-11 ; 17-19; 26) being accessible and in said
retracted position said at least one container (9-11 ; 17-19; 26) being inaccessible,
wherein said seat (7) is defined in a lower region of said fixed structure (2; 13,
14), or underneath said tub (4) and said movable support (8; 20) is configured substantially
as a drawer.
2. The machine according to Claim 1, wherein said fixed structure (13, 14) comprises
an upper part (13), in which said tub (4) is housed, and a lower part, configured
as base (14) that is associated to the upper part (13), said seat (7) being defined
in said lower part (14) of the fixed structure (13, 14).
3. The machine according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least
one container (9-11; 17-19; 26) supports respective delivering means (24; 33).
4. The machine according to Claim 1, wherein said at least one container (9-11 ; 17-19;
26) is provided with a reserve volume (22; 28).
5. The machine according to Claim 1, wherein said at least one container (9-11 ; 17-19;
26) is removably mounted on said movable support (8; 20), where in particular said
at least one container (9-11 ; 17-19; 26) and said movable support (8; 20) are configured
for enabling a quick coupling of the former with respect to the latter and the container
has a respective portion which can be engaged with a corresponding housing made in
the movable support.
6. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one
container (9; 26) defines an internal space having an upper portion (21; 27) and a
lower portion (22; 28), the upper portion (21; 27) having a characteristic dimension
(P1; D1) greater than a homologous characteristic dimension (P2; D2) of the lower
portion (22; 28), where in particular said lower forms a reserve volume.
7. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said delivering
means (24; 33) comprise a pump (35; 36) and an actuator (37; 38) configured for actuating
said pump.
8. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising sensor
means operatively connected to said control system (6; 16) and designed to detect
one or more quantities regarding the washing agent contained in, and/or supplied by,
said at least one container (9-11; 17-19; 26), said sensor means comprising in particular
one or more sensors selected from among level sensors, viscosity sensors, turbidity
sensors, flowrate sensors.
9. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising means
for measuring presence and/or concentration of a washing agent in the treatment liquid
contained in said tub (4), said means for measuring comprising in particular a conductivity
sensor.
10. The machine according to Claims 7 and 9, wherein said actuator (37; 38) is controlled
by said control system on the basis of signals received from said means for measuring,
in order to enable supply of an amount deemed to be optimal of the liquid washing
agent in said tub (4).
11. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a single-doses
dispenser device (43) of washing agents.
12. The machine according to Claim 11, wherein said single-doses dispenser device (43)
comprises a hopper container (44) in communication with said loading means (45) and
said tub (4), where in particular said at least one container (9-11; 17-19; 26) is
in fluid communication with said hopper container (44), in order to enable supply
of the washing agent contained in the container itself into said tub.
13. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one
container (9-11; 17-19; 26) is made of rigid material, preferably plastic rigid material.
14. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said at least one
container (9; 26) comprises at least one first opening (30) and one second opening
(32), designed to enable, respectively, loading and drawing-off of the washing agent,
where in particular said dispensing means (24; 33) are removably fixed to said at
least one container (9; 26) in a position corresponding to said second opening (33).
15. The machine according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the dispenser
device having long operating autonomy comprises two or more of said container (9-11;
17-19; 26), provided for containing different liquid washing agents, said washing
agents being in particular selected from amongst liquid detergents, softening agents,
bleaching agents, perfuming agents, and rinse-aids.
1. Waschmaschine, insbesondere Wäschewaschmaschine, welche eine feste Struktur (2; 13,
14), eine Waschwanne (4) in der Struktur (2; 13, 14), Lademittel (45) zur Förderung
einer Behandlungsflüssigkeit in die Wanne (4), ein Steuerungs-/ Regelungssystem (6;
16), welches zum Verwalten von Behandlungszyklen, die durch die Maschine (1; 12) ausgeführt
werden können, voreingestellt ist, und eine eine lange Betriebsautonomie aufweisende
Waschmitteldispensiervorrichtung aufweist, wobei die Dispensiervorrichtung umfasst:
- mindestens einen Behälter (9-11; 17-19; 26), welcher dazu eingerichtet ist, eine
zum Ausführen einer Mehrzahl von Behandlungszyklen ausreichende Masse von flüssigem
Waschmittel zu enthalten; und
- Abgabemittel (24; 33), welche zur Entnahme dosierter Mengen von Waschmittel von
dem mindestens einen Behälter (9-11; 17-19; 26) geregelt/ gesteuert werden können,
um die dosierten Mengen in die Waschwanne (4) abzugeben, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass sie ferner einen beweglichen Halter (8; 20) für den mindestens einen Behälter (9-11;
17-19; 26) umfassen, wobei der bewegliche Halter (8; 20) bezüglich eines korrespondierenden
Sitzes (7) zwischen einer ausgezogenen Position und einer eingezogenen Position verlagerbar
ist, wobei in der ausgezogenen Position der mindestens eine Behälter (9-11; 17-19;
26) zugänglich ist und in der eingezogenen Position der mindestens eine Behälter (9-11;
17-19; 26) nicht zugänglich ist, wobei der Sitz (7) in einem unteren Bereich der festen
Struktur (2; 13, 14) oder unterhalb der Wanne (4) definiert ist, und wobei der bewegliche
Halter (8; 20) im Wesentlichen als eine Schublade konfiguriert ist.
2. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei die feste Struktur (13, 14) einen oberen Teil (13),
in welchem die Wanne (4) aufgenommen ist, und einen unteren Teil umfasst, welcher
als dem oberen Teil (13) zugeordnete Basis (14) eingerichtet ist, wobei der Sitz (7)
in dem unteren Teil (14) der festen Struktur (13, 14) definiert ist.
3. Maschine nach mindestens einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der mindestens
eine Behälter (9-11; 17-19; 26) jeweilige Abgabemittel (24; 33) haltert.
4. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei der mindestens eine Behälter (9-11; 17-19; 26) mit
einem Reservevolumen (22; 28) versehen ist.
5. Maschine nach Anspruch 1, wobei der mindestens eine Behälter (9-11; 17-19; 26) an
dem beweglichen Halter (8; 20) bewegbar angebracht ist, wobei insbesondere der mindestens
eine Behälter (9-11; 17-19; 26) und der bewegliche Halter (8; 20) dazu eingerichtet
sind, eine schnelle Kopplung des Erstgenannten bezüglich des Letztgenannten zu ermöglichen
und der Behälter einen jeweiligen Abschnitt aufweist, welcher mit einer korrespondierenden,
in dem beweglichen Halter hergestellten Aufnahme in Eingriff gebracht werden kann.
6. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der mindestens eine Behälter
(9; 26) einen Innenraum definiert, welcher einen oberen Abschnitt (21; 27) und einen
unteren Abschnitt (22; 28) aufweist, wobei der obere Abschnitt (21; 27) eine charakteristische
Abmessung (P1; D1) aufweist, welche größer als eine homologe charakteristische Abmessung
(P2; D2) des unteren Abschnitts (22; 28) ist, wobei insbesondere der untere ein Reservevolumen
ausbildet.
7. Maschine nach einem der vorherigen Ansprüche, wobei die Abgabemittel (24; 33) eine
Pumpe (35; 36) und einen Aktuator (37; 38), welcher dazu eingerichtet ist, die Pumpe
zu betätigen, umfassen.
8. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner Sensormittel umfassend, welche
mit dem Steuerungs-/ Regelungssystem (6; 16) betriebsmäßig verbunden sind, und dafür
ausgelegt sind, eine oder mehrere Quantitäten bezüglich des Waschmittels, welches
in dem mindestens einen Behälter (9-11; 17-19; 26) beinhaltet ist und/ oder durch
diesen geliefert ist, zu detektieren, wobei die Sensormittel insbesondere einen oder
mehrere Sensoren ausgewählt aus Füllstandsensoren, Viskositätssensoren, Trübungssensoren,
Flussratensensoren umfassen.
9. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner umfassend Mittel zur Messung
einer Anwesenheit und/ oder einer Konzentration eines Waschmittels der in der Wanne
(4) beinhalteten Behandlungslösung, wobei die Mittel zur Messung insbesondere einen
Leitfähigkeitssensor umfassen.
10. Maschine nach Anspruch 7 und 9, wobei der Aktuator (37; 38) durch das Steuerungs-/
Regelungssystem auf der Basis von Signalen, welche von den Mitteln zur Messung empfangen
sind, gesteuert/ geregelt ist, um eine Zufuhr einer als optimal angesehenen Menge
des flüssigen Waschmittels in die Wanne (4) zu ermöglichen.
11. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, ferner eine Einzeldosis-Dispensiervorrichtung
(43) von Waschmitteln umfassend.
12. Maschine nach Anspruch 11, wobei die Einzeldosis-Dispensiervorrichtung (43) einen
Magazinbehälter (44) in Kommunikation mit den Lademitteln (45) und der Wanne (4) umfasst,
wobei insbesondere der mindestens eine Behälter (9-11; 17-19; 26) in Fluidkommunikation
mit dem Magazinbehälter (44) ist, um eine Zufuhr des in dem Behälter selbst beinhalteten
Waschmittels in die Wanne zu ermöglichen.
13. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der mindestens eine Behälter
(9-11; 17-19; 26) aus starren Material, vorzugsweise starren Kunststoffmaterial hergestellt
ist.
14. Maschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei der mindestens eine Behälter
(9; 26) mindestens eine erste Öffnung (30) und eine zweite Öffnung (32) umfasst, welche
dafür ausgelegt sind, sowohl ein Beladen als auch ein Abziehen des Waschmittels zu
ermöglichen, wobei insbesondere die Dispensiermittel (44; 33) zu dem mindestens einen
Behälter (9; 26) in einer zu der zweiten Öffnung (33) korrespondierenden Position
abnehmbar befestigt sind.
15. Maschine nach einem oder mehreren der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die eine lange
Betriebsautonomie aufweisende Dispensiervorrichtung zwei oder mehrere der Behälter
(9-11; 17-19; 26) umfasst, welche zum Beinhalten verschiedener flüssiger Waschmittel
vorgesehen sind, wobei die Waschmittel insbesondere ausgewählt sind aus flüssigen
Detergenzien, Weichmachern, Bleichmitteln, Duftstoffen und Spülhilfsmitteln.
1. Machine à laver, en particulier lave-linge, comportant une structure fixe (2 ; 13,
14), une cuve de lavage (4) dans ladite structure (2 ; 13, 14), des moyens de chargement
(45) pour acheminer un liquide de traitement dans ladite cuve (4), un système de commande
(6 ; 16), pré-agencé pour gérer des cycles de traitement qui peuvent être réalisés
par la machine (1 ; 12) et un dispositif distributeur d'agents de lavage ayant une
autonomie de fonctionnement de longue durée, le dispositif distributeur comprenant
:
- au moins un conteneur (9-11 ; 17-19 ; 26) conçu pour contenir un volume d'agent
de lavage liquide suffisant pour réaliser une pluralité de cycles de traitement ;
et
- des moyens de distribution (24 ; 33), lesquels peuvent être commandés en vue de
prélever des quantités dosées de l'agent de lavage à partir dudit, au moins un, conteneur
(9-11 ; 17-19 ; 26), dans le but de délivrer lesdites quantités dosées dans la cuve
de lavage (4), caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend, de plus, un support mobile (8 ; 20) destiné au dit au moins un conteneur
(9-11 ; 17-19 ; 26), le support mobile (8 ; 20) pouvant être déplacé, par rapport
à une embase correspondante (7), entre une position sortie et une position rentrée,
dans la position sortie ledit au moins un conteneur (9-11 ; 17-19 ; 26) étant accessible
et dans ladite position rentrée ledit au moins un conteneur (9-11 ; 17-19 ; 26) étant
inaccessible, dans laquelle ladite embase (7) est définie dans une zone inférieure
de ladite structure fixe (2 ; 13, 14), ou au-dessous de ladite cuve (4) et ledit support
mobile (8 ; 20) est configuré essentiellement comme un tiroir.
2. Machine selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ladite structure fixe (13, 14) comporte
une partie supérieure (13), dans laquelle ladite cuve (4) est logée, et une partie
inférieure, configurée comme une base (14), laquelle est associée à la partie supérieure
(13), ladite embase (7) étant définie dans ladite partie inférieure (14) de la structure
fixe (13, 14).
3. Machine selon au moins l'une des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit au
moins un conteneur (9-11 ; 17-19 ; 26) supporte des moyens de distribution respectifs
(24 ; 33).
4. Machine selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ledit au moins un conteneur (9-11
; 17-19 ; 26) est prévu avec un volume de réserve (22 ; 28).
5. Machine selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle ledit au moins un conteneur (9-11
; 17-19 ; 26) est monté, de façon amovible, sur ledit support mobile (8 ; 20), où,
en particulier, ledit au moins un conteneur (9-11 ; 17-19 ; 26) et ledit support mobile
(8 ; 20) sont configurés pour permettre un couplage rapide du premier par rapport
au dernier et le conteneur comporte une partie respective qui peut être engagée avec
un logement correspondant réalisé dans le support mobile.
6. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit
au moins un conteneur (9 ; 26) définit un espace interne présentant une partie supérieure
(21 ; 27) et une partie inférieure (22 ; 28), la partie supérieure (21 ; 27) présentant
une dimension caractéristique (P1; D1) plus grande qu'une dimension caractéristique
homologue (P2 ; D2) de la partie inférieure (22 ; 28), dans laquelle, en particulier,
ladite partie inférieure constitue un volume de réserve.
7. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle lesdits
moyens de distribution (24 ; 33) comportent une pompe (35 ; 36) et un actionneur (37
; 38) configuré pour actionner ladite pompe.
8. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant, de plus,
des moyens de capteur connectés fonctionnellement au dit système de commande (6 ;
16) et conçus pour détecter une ou plusieurs quantités concernant l'agent de lavage
contenu dans, et/ou fourni par, ledit au moins un conteneur (9-11 ; 17-19 ; 26), lesdits
moyens de capteur comportant, en particulier, un ou plusieurs capteurs sélectionné(s)
à partir des capteurs de niveau, des capteurs de viscosité, des capteurs de turbidité,
des capteurs de débit.
9. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant, de plus,
des moyens pour mesurer la présence et/ou la concentration d'un agent de lavage dans
le liquide de traitement contenu dans ladite cuve (4), lesdits moyens de mesure comprenant,
en particulier, un capteur de conductivité.
10. Machine selon les revendications 7 et 9, dans laquelle ledit actionneur (37 ; 38)
est commandé par ledit système de commande sur la base de signaux reçus à partir desdits
moyens de mesure, en vue de permettre de fournir une quantité, estimée comme étant
optimale, d'agent de lavage liquide dans ladite cuve (4).
11. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant, de plus,
un dispositif de distribution de doses uniques (43) d'agents de lavage.
12. Machine selon la revendication 11, dans laquelle ledit dispositif de distribution
de doses uniques (43) comporte un conteneur-trémie (44) en communication avec lesdits
moyens de chargement (45) et ladite cuve (4), dans laquelle, en particulier, ledit
au moins un conteneur (9-11 ; 17-19 ;26) est en communication fluidique avec ledit
conteneur-trémie (44) afin de permettre de fournir l'agent de lavage contenu dans
le conteneur proprement dit dans ladite cuve.
13. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit
au moins un conteneur (9-11 ; 17-19 ; 26) est constitué d'un matériau rigide, de préférence,
d'un matériau rigide de matière plastique.
14. Machine selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle ledit
au moins un conteneur (9 ; 26) comporte au moins une première ouverture (30) et une
deuxième ouverture (32), conçues pour permettre, respectivement, le chargement et
le prélèvement de l'agent de lavage, dans laquelle, en particulier, lesdits moyens
de distribution (24 ; 33) sont fixés, de façon amovible, sur ledit au moins un conteneur
(9 ; 26) dans une position correspondant à ladite deuxième ouverture (32).
15. Machine selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le
dispositif de distribution ayant une autonomie fonctionnelle de longue durée comporte
deux, ou plus, desdits conteneurs (9-11 ; 17-19 ; 26), prévus pour contenir des agents
de lavage liquides différents, lesdits agents de lavage étant, en particulier, sélectionnés
à partir des détergents liquides, des agents adoucissants, des agents de blanchiment,
des agents odoriférants et des produits de rinçage.