A WASHING MACHINE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine wherein dirty water is prevented from leaking to the water mains.

[0002] In washing machines, the water taken from the mains by means of valves for use in the washing process is directed into the tub by means of hoses. The water inlet valve is generally connected to the dispensers wherein the cleaning agent is disposed. The cleaning agent disposed into the dispenser is mixed with the washing water and then transferred to the washing tub. However, in some cases, the hoses connected to the valve are directly connected to the tub instead of being connected to the dispenser. In such cases, if a vacuum occurs in the mains, the problem of dirty water absorption from this line, which is directly connected to the tub, towards the mains can be confronted.

[0003] In the state of the art, unidirectional control vanes are disposed into the valve or further of the valve for the solution of this problem. However, this method, which is expensive and wherein use of more than one control vane is required according to the standards, is not much preferred.

[0004] In the state of the art European Patent Document No EP0719884, a washing machine is described that comprises a water guide conduit extending from above the detergent dispenser directly to the tub.

[0005] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine wherein dirty water is prevented from leaking from the conduit to the mains in situations wherein water is given to the tub by means of a water conduit connected from the mains directly to the tub.

[0006] WO2007/122484 discloses a a washing machine and a method to supply water to different compartments of the flushing device and the tub. It discloses one inlet valve for the different conduits.

[0007] The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is explicated in the claims. The washing machine of the present invention is disclosed in claim 1.

[0008] The washing machine of the present invention comprises a second conduit providing the water taken from the mains to be transferred directly to the tub by being connected to the water inlet valve. On the second conduit, a passage is located that opens into the flushing device located on the dispenser housing or into the dispenser housing.

[0009] The water taken to the second conduit by means of the water inlet valve is provided to pass partly to the dispenser housing or flushing device by means of the passage and to be directed partly to the tub directly. When a situation such as a vacuum occurs in the mains, since the passage is open to the atmospheric pressure, the air absorption from over the flushing device or dispenser housing is provided by means of the passage and hence the dirty water in the second conduit is prevented from returning to the mains.

[0010] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises an opening located on the flushing device or dispenser housing, and the passage opens to the dispenser housing or flushing device by means of the opening.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second conduit is fastened onto the flushing device. Thus, contact of the passage on the second conduit with the flushing device is provided.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises a T-shaped passage that connects the two lines, one of which is connected to the water inlet valve and the other to the tub. T-shaped passage connects the lines by its horizontal arms while its vertical arm seats onto the opening located on the flushing device or dispenser housing. The passage having a T-shape provides the connection between the mains, tub, and dispenser housing or flushing device.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present invention, the width of the arm of the passage that seats into the opening is narrower than the width of its arm that is connected to the tub. Thus, the condition is provided that the atmospheric pressure at the orifice of the opening is greater than the pressure in the line extending towards the tub. When a vacuum occurs in the mains, air absorption from the flushing device or dispenser housing towards the mains is provided due to the atmospheric pressure at the orifice of the opening and hence the dirty water in the second conduit is prevented from returning to the mains.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the T-shaped passage is produced in a way integrated to the flushing device. Thus, the second conduit connected to the arms of the passage is enabled to be carried by the flushing device more firmly.

[0015] 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 schematic view of a flushing device, first conduit and second conduit.

Figure 3 - is the cross-sectional view of the dispenser housing and the passage together.

Figure 4 - is the schematic view of the passage in the situation wherein water flows from the water inlet valve to the second conduit.

Figure 5 - is the schematic view of the passage in the situation wherein air flows from the passage to the mains when a vacuum occurs in the mains.

[0016] The elements shown in the figures are numbered as follows:

1. Washing machine

2. Tub

3. Dispenser housing

4. Flushing device

5. Water inlet valve

6. First conduit

7. Second conduit

8. Passage

9. Opening

71, 72 Line

[0017] The washing machine (1) comprises a tub (2) wherein items to be washed are disposed and the washing process is performed, a dispenser housing (3) wherein a dispenser is disposed in which cleaning agents such as detergent and softener are disposed and cleaning agents are mixed with water, a flushing device (4) disposed onto the dispenser, enabling the water to be directed into the dispenser, at least two water inlet valves (5) providing the water that will be used in washing to be taken from the mains, at least one first conduit (6) providing the water taken from the mains by means of the water inlet valve (5) to be directed onto the flushing device (4), at least one second conduit (7), one end of which is connected to the water inlet valve (5) and the other end opens to the tub (2), and a passage (8) which is located on the second line (7) and which opens into the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3) (Figure 1).

[0018] In the washing machine (1) of the present invention, water is taken from the mains by means of the water inlet valves (5) for use in the washing process. The water taken by means of the water inlet valves (5) is directed to the tub (2) by means of the first conduit (6) and second conduit (7) after branching (Figure 2).

[0019] The washing machine (1) comprises a passage (8) which is located on the second line (7) and which opens into the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3). The water directed to the second conduit (7) by means of the water inlet valve (5) is provided to be transmitted partly to the tub (2) directly and to be directed partly to the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3) by means of the passage (8). By a direct transmission of water to the tub (2), items in the tub (2) that will be washed are enabled to get wet faster.

[0020] At the beginning of the washing, the water inlet valve (5) is opened, whereto the second conduit (7) is connected. For a short while, water intake to the tub (2) is provided by means of the second conduit (7). Then, the water intake process is continued by opening the water inlet valve (5) connected to the first conduit (6) and when the water required for the washing process is taken, the water flow from the mains is stopped by closing the water inlet valves (5). The water inlet valves (5) are not unidirectional valves; they are valves that determine the flow direction according to the pressure of the fluid flowing in the water conduit. The water inlet valves (5) are valves that provide a flow from high pressure to low pressure when brought to the active position and unidirectional water-tightness when brought to the passive position.

[0021] When a problem such as a vacuum occurs in the mains during the water intake process to the washing machine (1) by means of the second conduit (7), air absorption from the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3) is provided by means of the passage (8) and hence the dirty water in the second conduit (7) is prevented from leaking to the mains. When a vacuum occurs in the mains, since the pressure at the orifice of the passage (8) that opens to the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3) is equal to the atmospheric pressure, an airflow occurs from the passage (8) to the end of the second conduit (7) which extends towards the mains and wherein the vacuum occurs. Thus, the absorption of the air in the passage (8) is realized instead of the absorption of the dirty water in the second conduit (7) from the second conduit (7) towards the mains.

[0022] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises an opening (9) located on the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3). The passage (8) is connected to the opening (9) and the connection between the passage (8) and the dispenser housing (3) or flushing device (4) is provided by means of the opening (9). The water taken from the mains by means of the water inlet valve (5) reaches the flushing device (4) by the second conduit (7). The water flowing in the second conduit (7) is provided to reach partly in the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3) by passing through the opening (9) on the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3) by means of the passage (8) on the second conduit (7) and to be directed partly to the tub directly.

[0023] In an embodiment of the present invention, the second conduit (7) is fastened onto the flushing device (4) and hence the passage (8) on the second conduit (7) is enabled to contact the flushing device (4).

[0024] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a second conduit (7) having two lines (71, 72), one of which is connected to the water inlet valves (5) and the other to the tub (2), and a passage (8) mounted between the two lines (71, 72), having a T-shape, to the horizontal arms of which the two lines (71, 72) are connected and the vertical arm of which seats into the opening (9) on the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3). The passage (8) is mounted onto the flushing device (4) such that the passage (8) will seat onto the opening (9). Thus, the passage (8) facilitates the placement of the second conduit (7) in the washing machine (1) and also enables the second conduit (7) to be carried on the flushing device (4) more firmly. Furthermore, since the arm of the passage (8) which seats into the opening (9) remains far above the overflow level of the dispenser housing (3), it increases the reliability that dirty water is not absorbed to the mains (Figure 3).

[0025] In this embodiment, the width of the end of the passage (8) that seats into the opening is narrower than the width of its arm that is connected to the line (72) connected to the tub (2). Thus, when a situation such as a vacuum occurs in the mains, the conditions are provided that the water pressure in the line (72) is less than the atmospheric pressure at the orifice of the opening (9). Due to a vacuum that occurs in the mains, when a vacuum occurs in the line (71) connected to the mains, the atmospheric pressure at the orifice of the passage (8) which seats into the opening (9) is greater than the pressure in the line (72) connected to the tub (2). Thus, the dirty water in the line (72) is prevented from returning to the mains; air absorption from the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3) towards the mains is provided by means of the passage (8), instead . Furthermore, since the width of the line (72) connected to the tub (2) is greater, the amount of water directed from the line (71), which is connected to the mains, directly to the tub (2) is provided to be greater than the amount of water directed into the dispenser housing (3) or flushing device (4).

[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the T-shaped passage (8) is produced in a way integrated to the flushing device (4). Thus, fastening of the second conduit (7) onto the flushing device (4) is simplified.

[0027] In the washing machine (1) of the present invention, by means of the passage (8) which is located on the second line (7) and which provides air absorption from the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3), the dirty water is prevented from passing from the second conduit (7) to the mains. Thus, the safety of the mains is provided, which contributes to a healthier environment.

[0028] 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

1. A washing machine (1) comprising

- a tub (2) wherein items to be washed are disposed and the washing process is performed,

- a dispenser housing (3) wherein a dispenser is placed in which cleaning agents such as detergent and softener are disposed and cleaning agents are mixed with water,

- a flushing device (4) disposed onto the dispenser, enabling the water to be directed into the dispenser,

- at least two water inlet valves (5) providing the water that will be used in washing to be taken from the mains,

- at least one first conduit (6) providing the water taken from the mains by means of the water inlet valve (5) to be directed to the flushing device (4),

- at least one second conduit (7), one end of which is connected to another water inlet valve (5) and the other end opens to the tub (2) providing the water to be transmitted partly to the tub (2) directly and to be transmitted partly to the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3) by means of a passage (8) which is located on the second conduit (7) and which opens into the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3).

2. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 , characterized by an opening (9) located on the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3) and the passage (8) connected to the opening (9).

3. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the second conduit (7) fastened onto the flushing device (4).

4. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the second conduit (7) having two lines (71 , 72), one of which is connected to the water inlet valve (5) and the other to the tub (2), and the passage (8) mounted between the two lines (71 , 72), having a T-shape, to the horizontal arms of which the lines (71 , 72) are connected and the vertical arm of which seats into the opening (9) on the flushing device (4) or dispenser housing (3).

5. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 4, characterized by the passage (8) wherein the width of its end that seats into the opening (9) is far narrower than the width of its arm that is mounted to the line (72) connected to the tub (2).

6. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by the passage (8) that is produced in a way integrated to the flushing device (4).

Ansprüche

1. Eine Waschmaschine (1) umfasst

- eine Wanne (2), in der die zu waschenden Gegenstände eingelegt werden und der Waschvorgang durchgeführt wird,

- ein Spendergehäuse (3), in dessen ein Spender angebracht ist, in dem Reinigungsmittel wie Waschmittel und Weichspüler angeordnet sind und Reinigungsmittel mit Wasser gemischt wird,

- eine Spüleinrichtung (4), die auf dem Spender angeordnet ist und mit der das Wasser in den Spender geleitet wird,

- mindestens zwei Wassereinlassventile (5), die das zum Waschen verwendete Wasser aus der Hauptleitung entnehmen,

- mindestens eine erste Leitung (6), die das mithilfe vom Wassereinlassventil (5) aus der Hauptleitung entnommene Wasser zur Spülvorrichtung (4) leitet,

- mindestens eine zweite Leitung (7), deren eines Ende mit einem anderen Wassereinlassventil (5) verbunden ist und das andere Ende in die Wanne (2) mündet und das Wasser liefert, das teilweise direkt zur Wanne (2) geleitet werden soll und teilweise auf die Spüleinrichtung (4) oder das Spendergehäuse (3) übertragen wird, mittels eines Durchlasses (8), der sich an der zweiten Leitung (7) befindet und in die Spüleinrichtung (4) oder das Spendergehäuse (3) mündet..

2. Eine Waschmaschine (1), wie in Anspruch 1 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass eine Öffnung (9) an der Spülvorrichtung (4) oder an dem Spendergehäuse (3) verbunden ist und dass der Durchgang (8) mit der Öffnung (9) verbunden ist.

3. Eine Waschmaschine (1), wie in Anspruch 1 oder 2 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweite Leitung (7) an der Spülvorrichtung (4) befestigt ist.

4. Eine Waschmaschine (1), wie in den vorherigen Ansprüchen aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die zweite Leitung (7) zwei Leitungen (71, 72) aufweist, von denen eine mit dem Wassereinlassventil (5) und die andere mit der Wanne (2) verbunden ist und dass und der zwischen den beiden Leitungen (71, 72) montierte Durchgang (8) eine T-Form aufweist, mit deren horizontalen Armen die Leitungen (71, 72) verbunden sind und der vertikale Arm in der Öffnung (9) an der Spüleinrichtung (4) oder am Spendergehäuse (3) sitzt.

5. Eine Waschmaschine (1), wie in Anspruch 4 aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Breite vom Ende des Durchgangs (8), das in der Öffnung (9) sitzt, viel schmaler ist, als die Breite seines Arms, der an der Wanne (2) verbundenen Leitung (72) angebracht ist.

6. Eine Waschmaschine (1), wie in den vorherigen Ansprüchen aufgeführt, ist dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Durchgang (8) auf eine in die Spülvorrichtung (4) integrierte Weise hergestellt ist.

Revendications

1. Une machine à laver (1) comprenant

- une cuve (2) dans lequel les éléments à laver sont éliminés et le processus de lavage est effectué,

- un boîtier de distributeur (3) dans lequel est placé un distributeur dans lequel sont disposés des agents de nettoyage tels que détergent et adoucissant et des agents de nettoyage mélangés à de l'eau,

- un dispositif de rinçage (4) disposé sur le distributeur permettant de diriger l'eau dans le distributeur,

- au moins deux vannes d'entrée d'eau (5) fournissant l'eau qui sera utilisée pour le lavage à extraire du secteur,

- au moins un premier conduit (6) fournissant de l'eau prélevée du secteur au moyen de la vanne d'admission d'eau (5) pour être dirigé vers le dispositif de rinçage (4),

- au moins un second conduit (7) dont une extrémité est raccordée à une autre vanne d'arrivée d'eau (5) et dont l'autre extrémité s'ouvre sur la cuve (2) fournissant directement l'eau à transmettre partiellement à la cuve (2) et à transmettre en partie au dispositif de rinçage (4) ou au boîtier de distribution (3) au moyen d'un passage (8) situé sur le second conduit (7) et qui s'ouvre dans le dispositif de rinçage (4) ou le boîtier de distribution (3)

2. Machine à laver (1) selon la déclaration 1, caractérisée par une ouverture (9) située sur le dispositif de rinçage (4) ou le boîtier de distribution (3) et le passage (8) relié à l'ouverture (9).

3. Machine à laver (1) selon les déclarations 1 ou 2, caractérisée par le deuxième conduit (7) fixé sur le dispositif de rinçage (4).

4. Machine à laver (1) selon l'une quelconque des déclarations précédentes, caractérisée en ce que le second conduit (7) comporte deux lignes (71, 72), dont l'une est reliée à la vanne d'arrivée d'eau (5) et l'autre la cuve (2) et le passage (8) monté entre les deux lignes (71, 72) en forme de T, aux bras horizontaux desquels les lignes (71, 72) sont raccordées et au bras vertical de qui repose dans l'ouverture (9) du dispositif de rinçage (4) ou du boîtier de distribution (3).

5. Machine à laver (1) selon la déclaration 4, caractérisée par le passage (8) dans laquelle la largeur de son extrémité qui repose dans l'ouverture (9) est beaucoup plus étroite que la largeur de son bras qui est monté sur la ligne (72) relié à la cuve (2).

6. Machine à laver (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée par le passage (8) qui est réalisé de manière intégrée au dispositif de rinçage (4).

Drawing