(19)
(11) EP 2 415 920 B1

(12) EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45) Mention of the grant of the patent:
29.05.2013 Bulletin 2013/22

(21) Application number: 10382220.1

(22) Date of filing: 06.08.2010
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC): 
D06F 35/00(2006.01)
D06F 39/14(2006.01)
D06F 39/08(2006.01)

(54)

Washing machine with a door comprising a cavity adapted to house a load

Waschmaschine mit einer Tür mit einem Hohlraum für eine Ladung

Machine à laver avec une porte avec une cavité pour une charge


(84) Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO SE SI SK SM TR

(43) Date of publication of application:
08.02.2012 Bulletin 2012/06

(73) Proprietor: Fagor, S. Coop.
20500 Arrasate-Mondragon (ES)

(72) Inventors:
  • Aizpuru Borda, Sr. Aitor
    20012 Donostia (ES)
  • Urrestilla Aldalur, Dña. Jaione
    20740 Zestoa (ES)
  • Justel Lozano, Sr. Daniel
    20540 Eskoriatza (ES)

(74) Representative: Igartua, Ismael et al
Galbaian S.Coop. Polo de Innovación Garaia Goiru Kalea 1 - P.O. Box 213
20500 Arrasate-Mondragón (Gipuzkoa)
20500 Arrasate-Mondragón (Gipuzkoa) (ES)


(56) References cited: : 
EP-A1- 0 597 509
EP-A1- 1 281 346
WO-A1-2008/052984
US-A1- 2005 056 059
US-A1- 2006 053 842
EP-A1- 0 610 876
EP-A1- 1 369 524
DE-A1- 1 460 888
US-A1- 2005 126 607
US-A1- 2006 174 918
   
       
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    TECHNICAL FIELD



    [0001] This invention relates to a washing machine.

    PRIOR ART



    [0002] There are known top- and front-loading clothes washing machines that comprise a support, a drum adapted to house the clothes to be washed, a tub inside which is housed the drum, a cover tub arranged fixed to the tub, a trim arranged between the tub cover and a front surface of the support, through which water is introduced in the drum interior, and means for draining the fluid housed in the tub. The washing machine comprises an opening connected to the drum, arranged in a front or top support of said washing machine, which allows clothes to be introduced into or removed from the drum, and a door adapted to close said opening. The door also comprises a support structure and a window, which is substantially curved and which projects out in relation to the door, substantially orthogonal to it, and oriented towards the inside of the opening, as shown in DE102006029480B3 and DE102006050095A, through which the user may view the inside of the drum.

    [0003] Document EP597509A1 discloses a washing machine also comprising a detergent container which is connected with the interior of the drum, and a recirculation circuit comprising a suction pump which takes the fluid housed in the tub, introducing part of it into the detergent container through a recirculation pipe and the rest of the fluid, at high speed, into the drum through a branch of the recirculation pipe.

    [0004] In documents US2008/0028804A1 and US2007/0125132A1, the door of the washing machine also comprises a transparent cover that totally covers the window.

    [0005] In document W02008/052984A1, the door can rotate after opening coming to a position almost parallel to the floor, the concave side facing upwards. The laundry can be removed from the drum and put inside the window which can be detached from the washing machine in order to carry the laundry.

    [0006] US2005/0056059A1 discloses a top loading washing machine which has a drum that is suspended inside a cabinet. A sink with a faucet is mounted on the cabinet and connected to a water supply and waste line.

    [0007] EP1369524A1 discloses a top loading washing machine having a partial washing device for washing parts of laundry. The partial washing device is movable between an use position and a non-use position. When it is in the use position, a cleaning section of the partial washing device faces the opening through the load is introduced in the drum. The washing machine comprises a lid adapted to close the opening, said lid having a gate opening through which the partial washing part pass. The partial washing device is combined with a tray comprised in the lid, for sustaining a piece of laundry. The cleaning section of the partial washing part performs cleaning by ultrasonic waves emitted from an ultrasonic vibration device.

    [0008] In US2006/0053842A1, the door comprises a detergent supply part, in order to save space, which contain detergent and supply it into a tub. The detergent supply part is accessed by the front side of the door, the outlet being formed on a rear side of the door. The detergent supply part comprises a detergent containing portion having a space defined to allow the detergent supplied through the inlet to be contained therein, and a siphon port through which the detergent is discharged from the detergent containing portion along with the supplied water to the outlet.

    [0009] In document DE1460888A1, wich is considered as the closest state of the art, the door comprises a window, a cover that covers the window and partition walls which form with the window and the cover two separate chambers. Each of these chambers has a filing opening through which the detergent is introduced into the window when the door is open and the water is introduced via a nozzle when the door is closed, and one or more rinse openings communicated with the tub.

    BRIEF DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION



    [0010] The object of the invention is to provide a washing machine as defined in the claims.

    [0011] The washing machine comprises an opening included in a support and a door adapted to close the opening, the door comprising a cavity that is adapted to house a load. A washing machine with an additional housing as well as the conventional drum for housing the load is thus obtained, the cavity comprised in the door being used as a housing.

    [0012] These and other advantages and characteristics of the invention will be made evident in the light of the drawings and the detailed description thereof.

    DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS



    [0013] 

    Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a washing machine according to the invention.

    Figure 2 shows a view of the door of the washing machine shown in Figure 1.

    Figure 3 shows a view of a first example of a hydraulic system of the washing machine shown in Figure 1.

    Figure 4 shows a view of a second example of a hydraulic system of the washing machine shown in Figure 1.

    Figure 5 shows a view of a third example of a hydraulic system of the washing machine shown in Figure 1.

    Figure 6 shows a view of a fourth example of a hydraulic system of the washing machine shown in Figure 1.

    Figure 7 shows a view of a fifth example of a hydraulic system of the washing machine shown in Figure 1.


    DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION



    [0014] The washing machine 1 according to the invention, shown in Figure 1, is a front-loading washing machine that comprises a support 4, a drum 6 adapted to house the load, a load being understood as any clothes or elements that may be washed in a washing machine 1, a loading/unloading opening 2, included in a front wall 4a of the support 4 and connected to the drum 6 and through which the load is introduced in or removed from the inside of the drum 6, and a door 3 adapted to close the loading opening 2.

    [0015] The washing machine 1 comprises a tub 9, shown in Figures 3 to 7, supported in the support 4, the drum 6 being arranged housed inside the tub 9, a tub cover 8, shown in Figures 3 to 7, arranged substantially concentric and fixed to the tub 9, and a trim, not shown in the Figures 3 to 7, arranged between the tub cover 8 and the front wall 4a of the support 4. The washing machine 1 comprises a hydraulic system that includes filling means, not shown in the Figures 3 to 7, through which water reaches the load, and drainage means 60 that drain the fluid housed in the tub 9 to the outside.

    [0016] The washing machine 1 also comprises a tray 7, shown in Figures 3 to 7, in which the detergent and/or necessary additives are deposited, the tray 7 being arranged connected to the tub 9 by known means.

    [0017] In addition, the fluid housed in the tub 9 preferably comprises a mixture of water and detergent and/or additives originating from the tray 7, although in other examples said fluid may only comprise water, gas or a mixture of both fluids with or without detergents and/or additives.

    [0018] The drainage means 60 of the fluid housed inside the tub 9 comprise a drainage pump 62, a first drainage pipe 61 connected to the tub 9, in particular to the bottom part of said tub 9, and to said drainage pump 62, and a second drainage pipe 63, connected to the drainage pump 62, which takes the water to the washing machine 1 exterior.

    [0019] Additionally, the door 3 comprises a support structure 15, and a window 5, fixed to said support structure 15, through which the inside of the drum 6 is visible, the surfaces 5d that form said window 5 delimiting a cavity 13, shown in Figure 2, said cavity 13 being adapted to house a load in its interior, a load being understood as any clothes or elements that may be washed in the washing machine 1. The door 3 also comprises fastening means 12, shown in Figure 2, which help keep the load inside the cavity 13 without said load falling. The fastening means 12 comprise a limiting surface 12b, which, along with the surfaces 5d of the window 5, delimits the cavity 13.

    [0020] The washing machine 1 also comprises access means 11 to said cavity 13. In the embodiment shown in Figure 2, the access means 11 are arranged inserted in the fastening means 12, accessible from the outside of the door 3, said access means 11 being capable of being arranged, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, inserted in surfaces 5d of the cavity 13, these being accessible either from the inside of the door 3, from the top part of the door 3 or from the bottom part of the door 3. The access means 11 shown in Figure 2 comprise a closing element 11 b adapted to open or close said access means 11.

    [0021] In addition the washing machine 1 comprises filling means 20 adapted to introduce a fluid into the cavity 13, a fluid being understood as water, gas, or a mixture of water and/or and detergent and/or additives, and emptying means 30 adapted to empty the cavity 13. As a result, the type of clothes to be washed or treated may be separated, in the drum 6 and in the cavity 13, either by the size of the clothes, by how dirty they are and their corresponding treatment, by their composition or by the need to use different whiteners or additives.

    [0022] In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7, the filling means 20 and the emptying means 30 are arranged connected to the cavity 13. The filling means 20 comprise a filling pipe 21 that is preferably arranged connected to a top part 5a of the window 5, although in other embodiments not shown in the figures the filling pipe 21 may be connected to another point of the window 5. In other embodiments not shown in the figures the filling means 20 may be manual, in other words the fluid is introduced manually directly in the cavity 13. In addition, the emptying means 30 comprise an emptying pipe 31, said emptying pipe 31 arranged connected to a bottom part 5b of the window 5.

    [0023] In the first embodiment, shown in Figure 3, the filling pipe 21 is arranged connected to the drainage means 60, downstream from the drainage pump 62, while the emptying pipe 31 is arranged connected to the drainage means 60, in particular the first drainage pipe 61, upstream from the drainage pump 62. Furthermore the filling means 20 comprise an electrovalve 22 connected to the filling pipe 21, which closes or opens the passage of fluid flowing through the first drainage pipe 61 towards the cavity 13.

    [0024] In addition, in the embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7, the washing machine 1 comprises recirculation means 50, arranged connected to the drainage means 60, which recirculate at least part of the drained fluid towards the load housed in the drum 6 through the trim. The recirculation means 50 comprise a recirculation pump 52 arranged connected to the drainage means 60, in particular to the first drainage pipe 61, and a first recirculation pipe 51 connected to the recirculation pump 52.

    [0025] In these embodiments shown in Figures 4 to 7, the filling means 20 are arranged connected to said recirculation means 50 of the fluid housed in the tub 9. The filling pipe 21 is thus arranged connected to the first recirculation pipe 51. Additionally, the recirculation means 50 comprise a second recirculation pipe 53 through which the first recirculation pipe 51 is connected to the trim, the second recirculation pipe 53 being arranged connected to said first recirculation pipe 51 and to the filling pipe 21. To achieve this, in the second embodiment shown in Figure 4, the second recirculation pipe 53 and the filling pipe 21 are arranged connected to the first recirculation pipe 51 by means of an electrovalve 55, with the result that when the electrovalve 55 is in a first position all the fluid pumped by the recirculation pump 52 is directed towards the trim through the second recirculation pipe 53. In contrast, when the electrovalve 55 is in a second position the fluid pumped by the recirculation pump 52 is directed to the cavity 13 through the filling pipe 21.

    [0026] In other embodiments shown in Figures 5 and 6, the second recirculation pipe 53, the filling pipe 21 and the first recirculation pipe 51 are arranged connected to each other by means of a three-way connector 56, with the result that the fluid propelled by the recirculation pump 52 branches off in two, depending on the load losses of the filling pipe 21 and the second recirculation pipe 53, reaching the tub 9 and consequently the inside of the drum 6 through the trim and filling the cavity 13 of the door 3 respectively.

    [0027] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the washing machine 1 comprises, in addition to the three-way connector 56, a two-way electrovalve 57 in the second recirculation pipe 53 upstream from said connector 56, with the result that when the two-way electrovalve 57 is open, the fluid flows through said second recirculation pipe 53, whereas if the electrovalve 57 is closed, the fluid flows through the filling pipe 21. From this position, when the electrovalve 57 is open again, the fluid flows respectively through the second recirculation pipe 53 towards the tub 9 and through the filling pipe 21 towards the cavity 13. In this embodiment the filling pipe 21 is designed so that it has greater load losses than the second recirculation pipe 53, with the result that when the electrovalve 57 is open the fluid tends to go through the second recirculation pipe 53.

    [0028] Additionally, in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7, the emptying pipe 31 is arranged connected to the first drainage pipe 61 by means of a connector 64, although in other embodiments said emptying pipe 31 may be connected directly to the drainage pump 62. In the embodiments shown in Figures 3, 4, 5 and 7, the emptying of said cavity 13 is performed by mechanical means, particularly as a result of the siphon effect, by means of which the emptying pipe 31 follows a trajectory that is substantially an inverted U shape, whereas in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, said emptying of the cavity 13 is performed by electro-mechanical means. As a result, in the embodiment shown in Figure 6, the emptying means 30 comprise an emptying pump 35 through which the emptying pipe 31 is connected to the drainage pipe 61.

    [0029] Furthermore, in the second embodiment shown in Figure 4, the emptying means 30 also comprise an electrovalve 32 that ensures the cavity 13 is emptied completely, even when the cavity 13 has a minimum amount of fluid. To achieve this the electrovalve 32 is arranged in the emptying pipe 31 upstream from the U-shaped trajectory of said emptying pipe 31, with the result that when the electrovalve 32 is closed the fluid housed in the emptying pipe 31 upstream from the electrovalve 32 does not allow air to enter said emptying pipe 31, thereby enabling the siphon effect to occur.

    [0030] In addition, in the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7, the washing machine 1 comprises safety means 40 arranged connected to the window 5, which ensure that the level of fluid comprised in the cavity 13 does not exceed a maximum preset level, the fluid running off towards the drainage means 60 in the event that said maximum level is reached due to the fact that the emptying means 30 are not operating correctly, for example because the emptying pipe 31 is blocked. The safety means 40 thus comprise a safety pipe 41 that is arranged connected to the first drainage pipe 61 through the connector 64, although in other embodiments it may be connected directly to the drainage pump 62. In the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 7, the safety pipe 41 is arranged connected to the window 5, preferably beneath opening/closing means of the door 3, not shown in the figures.

    [0031] Furthermore, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, the emptying means 30 and filling means 20 of the cavity 13 may be independent of the recirculation means 50 and the drainage means 60 of the tub 9, in other words the emptying means 30 may comprise an emptying pump connected to the emptying pipe 31, independent of the drainage pump 62 of the tub 9, as well as a filling pump that takes the fluid from the emptying pipe to the cavity 13 by means of the filling pipe 21. In the event that the cavity 13 is to be filled manually, said filling pump is not required.

    [0032] Additionally, in all the embodiments shown the filling pipe 21, the emptying pipe 31 and the safety pipe 41 pass through the support 4 of the washing machine 1 towards the door 3 through a hinge 10, shown in Figure 1.

    [0033] Finally, although reference is made throughout the description to a front-loading washing machine, in other embodiments not shown in the figures the washing machine may be top-loading type.


    Claims

    1. Washing machine for laundry that comprises a support (4), a drum (6) adapted to house a load, an opening (2) included in the support (4) through which the load is introduced in or removed from the inside of the drum (6), a door (3) adapted to close the opening (2), the door (3) comprises a window (5) the surfaces (5d) of which delimit a cavity (13), fastening means (12) that comprise at least one limiting surface (12b) which, along with the surfaces (5d) of the window (5), delimits the cavity (13), filling means (20) adapted to introduce a fluid into the cavity (13) and emptying means (30) adapted to empty the fluid housed in said cavity (13), characterised in that the cavity (13) is adapted to house a load, the load being any clothes or elements that may be washed in the washing machine (1), the fastening means (12) keeping the load inside the cavity (13) so that the load housed in said cavity (13) is to be washed and/or treated.
     
    2. Washing machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the emptying means (30) are arranged connected to a lower part (5b) of the window (5).
     
    3. Washing machine according to either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the emptying means (30) comprise an electrovalve (32) that ensures the cavity (13) is emptied completely.
     
    4. Washing machine according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a tub (9) and drainage means (60) that remove the fluid housed in the tub (9), the filling means (20) of the cavity (13) comprising at least one filling pipe (21) that is arranged connected to the drainage means (60).
     
    5. Washing machine according to any of claims 1 to 3, comprising a tub (9), a tub cover (8), a trim connected to the tub cover (8), drainage means (60) that remove the fluid housed in the tub (9) and recirculation means (50), arranged connected to the drainage means (60), which recirculate at least part of the drained fluid towards the trim, wherein the filling means (20) of the cavity (13) are arranged connected to the recirculation means (50) of the fluid housed in the tub (9).
     
    6. Washing machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the recirculation means (50) of the fluid housed in the tub (9) comprise at least one recirculation pump (52) arranged connected to the drainage means (60) of said fluid and at least one first recirculation pipe (51) connected to the recirculation pump (52), and the filling means (20) of the cavity (13) comprise at least one filling pipe (21) that is arranged connected to the first recirculation pipe (51).
     
    7. Washing machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the recirculation means (50) of the fluid housed in the tub (9) comprise a second recirculation pipe (53) that is arranged connected to the first recirculation pipe (51) and to the filling pipe (21) of the cavity (13).
     
    8. Washing machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the first recirculation pipe (51), the second recirculation pipe (53) and the filling pipe (21) of the cavity (13) are arranged connected to each other by means of an electrovalve (55).
     
    9. Washing machine according to any of claims 4 to 8, wherein the drainage means (60) of the fluid housed in the tub (9) comprise at least one drainage pump (62), and a first drainage pipe (61) that connects the tub (9) to the drainage pump (62), and the emptying means (30) of the cavity (13) comprise an emptying pipe (31) that is arranged connected to the first drainage pipe (61).
     
    10. Washing machine according to any of claims 4 to 9, comprising safety means (40) that drain said cavity (13) when a maximum level of fluid is reached in said cavity (13).
     
    11. Washing machine according to the preceding claim, wherein the safety means (40) comprise at least one safety pipe (41) that is arranged connected to the drainage means (60).
     
    12. Washing machine according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the opening (2) is arranged on a front wall (4a) of the support (4), the loading of the washing machine (1) being performed frontally.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Waschmaschine für Wäsche, umfassend ein Gestell (4), eine Trommel (6), die zur Aufnahme einer Ladung ausgelegt ist, eine Öffnung (2), die im Gestell (4) enthalten ist und durch die die Ladung in das Innere der Trommel (6) eingeführt oder daraus entnommen wird, eine Tür (3), die zum Schließen der Öffnung (2) ausgelegt ist, wobei die Tür (3) ein Fenster (5) umfasst, dessen Flächen (5d) einen Hohlraum (13) begrenzen, Befestigungsmittel (12), die mindestens eine Begrenzungsfläche (12b) umfassen, die zusammen mit den Flächen (5d) des Fensters (5) den Hohlraum (13) begrenzt, Füllmittel (20), die zum Einführen eines Fluids in den Hohlraum (13) ausgelegt sind, und Entleerungsmittel (30), die zum Entleeren des in den Hohlraum (13) aufgenommenen Fluids ausgelegt sind, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Hohlraum (13) zum Aufnehmen einer Ladung ausgelegt ist, wobei es sich bei Ladung um beliebige Kleidungsstücke oder Elemente handelt, die in der Waschmaschine (1) gewaschen werden können, und die Befestigungsmittel (12) die Ladung so innerhalb des Hohlraums (13) halten, dass die in den Hohlraum (13) aufgenommene Ladung gewaschen und/oder behandelt wird.
     
    2. Waschmaschine nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Entleerungsmittel (30) verbunden mit einem unteren Teil (5b) des Fensters (5) angeordnet sind.
     
    3. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, wobei die Entleerungsmittel (30) ein Elektroventil (32) umfassen, das sicherstellt, dass der Hohlraum (13) vollständig entleert wird.
     
    4. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, umfassend einen Bottich (9) und Ableitmittel (60), die das in den Bottich (9) aufgenommene Fluid entfernen, wobei die Füllmittel (20) des Hohlraums (13) mindestens ein Füllrohr (21) umfassen, das verbunden mit den Ableitmitteln (60) angeordnet ist.
     
    5. Waschmaschine nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, umfassend einen Bottich (9), eine Bottichabdeckung (8), eine Verkleidung, die mit der Bottichabdeckung (8) verbunden ist, Ableitmittel (60), die das in den Bottich (9) aufgenommene Fluid entfernen, und Rückführmittel (50), die verbunden mit den Ableitmitteln (60) angeordnet sind und mindestens einen Teil des abgeleiteten Fluids in Richtung der Verkleidung rückführen, wobei die Füllmittel (20) des Hohlraums (13) verbunden mit den Rückführmitteln (50) des in den Bottich (9) aufgenommenen Fluids angeordnet sind.
     
    6. Waschmaschine nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Rückführmittel (50) des in den Bottich (9) aufgenommenen Fluids mindestens eine Rückführpumpe (52), die verbunden mit den Ableitmitteln (60) des Fluids angeordnet ist, und mindestens ein erstes Rückführrohr (51) umfassen, das mit der Rückführpumpe (52) verbunden ist, und die Füllmittel (20) des Hohlraums (13) mindestens ein Füllrohr (21) umfassen, das verbunden mit dem ersten Rückführrohr (51) angeordnet ist.
     
    7. Waschmaschine nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Rückführmittel (50) des in den Bottich (9) aufgenommenen Fluids ein zweites Rührführrohr (53) umfassen, das verbunden mit dem ersten Rückführrohr (51) und dem Füllrohr (21) des Hohlraums (13) angeordnet ist.
     
    8. Waschmaschine nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei das erste Rückführrohr (51), das zweite Rückführrohr (53) und das Füllrohr (21) des Hohlraums (13) durch ein Elektroventil (55) miteinander verbunden angeordnet sind.
     
    9. Waschmaschine nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 8, wobei die Ableitmittel (60) des in den Bottich (9) aufgenommenen Fluids mindestens eine Ableitpumpe (62) und ein erstes Ableitrohr (61) umfassen, das den Bottich (9) mit der Ableitpumpe (62) verbindet, und die Entleerungsmittel (30) des Hohlraums (13) mindestens ein Entleerungsrohr (31) umfassen, das verbunden mit dem ersten Ableitrohr (61) angeordnet ist.
     
    10. Waschmaschine nach einem der Ansprüche 4 bis 9, umfassend Sicherheitsmittel (40), die den Hohlraum (13) leeren, wenn ein Höchststand von Fluid im Hohlraum (13) erreicht wird.
     
    11. Waschmaschine nach dem vorhergehenden Anspruch, wobei die Sicherheitsmittel (40) mindestens ein Sicherheitsrohr (41) umfassen, das verbunden mit den Ableitmitteln (60) angeordnet ist.
     
    12. Waschmaschine nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Öffnung (2) in einer Frontwand (4a) des Gestells (4) angeordnet ist, und die Beladung der Waschmaschine (1) frontseitig erfolgt.
     


    Revendications

    1. Machine à laver le linge qui comprend un support (4), un tambour (6) adapté pour loger une charge, une ouverture (2) comprise dans le support (4) par laquelle la charge est introduite ou retirée de l'intérieur du tambour (6), une porte (3) adaptée pour fermer l'ouverture (2), la porte (3) comprend une fenêtre (5) dont les surfaces (5d) délimitent une cavité (13), des moyens de fixation (12) qui comprennent au moins une surface de limitation (12b) qui, conjointement avec les surfaces (5d) de la fenêtre (5), délimite la cavité (13), des moyens de remplissage (20) adaptés pour introduire un fluide dans la cavité (13) et des moyens de vidange (30) adaptés pour vidanger le fluide logé dans ladite cavité (13), caractérisée en ce que la cavité (13) est adaptée pour loger une charge, la charge étant des vêtements ou des éléments qui peuvent être lavés dans la machine à laver (1), les éléments de fixation (12) maintenant la charge à l'intérieur de la cavité (13) de sorte que la charge logée dans ladite cavité (13) doit être lavée et/ou traitée.
     
    2. Machine à laver selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle les moyens de vidange (30) sont raccordés à une partie inférieure (5b) de la fenêtre (5).
     
    3. Machine à laver selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 ou 2, dans laquelle les moyens de vidange (30) comprennent une électrovanne (32) qui garantit la vidange complète de la cavité (13).
     
    4. Machine à laver selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant une cuve (9) et des moyens de drainage (60) qui retirent le fluide logé dans la cuve (9), les moyens de remplissage (20) de la cavité (13) comprenant au moins un tuyau de remplissage (21) qui est raccordé aux moyens de drainage (60).
     
    5. Machine à laver selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3, comprenant une cuve (9), un couvercle de cuve (8), une garniture raccordée au couvercle de cuve (8), des moyens de drainage (60) qui retirent le fluide logé dans la cuve (9) et des moyens de recirculation (50) raccordés aux moyens de drainage (60) qui recirculent au moins une partie du fluide drainé vers la garniture, dans laquelle les moyens de remplissage (20) de la cavité (13) sont raccordés aux moyens de recirculation (50) du fluide logé dans la cuve (9).
     
    6. Machine à laver selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle les moyens de recirculation (50) du fluide logé dans la cuve (9) comprennent au moins une pompe de recirculation (52) raccordée aux moyens de drainage (60) dudit fluide, et au moins un tuyau de recirculation (51) raccordé à la pompe de recirculation (52), et des moyens de remplissage (20) de la cavité (13) comprennent au moins un tuyau de remplissage (21) qui est raccordé au premier tuyau de recirculation (51).
     
    7. Machine à laver selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle des moyens de recirculation (50) du fluide logé dans la cuve (9) comprennent un second tuyau de recirculation (53) qui est raccordé au premier tuyau de recirculation (51) et au tuyau de remplissage (21) de la cavité (13).
     
    8. Machine à laver selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle le premier tuyau de recirculation (51), le second tuyau de recirculation (53) et le tuyau de remplissage (21) de la cavité (13) sont raccordés entre eux au moyen d'une électrovanne (55).
     
    9. Machine à laver selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 8, dans laquelle les moyens de drainage (60) du fluide logé dans la cuve (9) comprennent au moins une pompe de drainage (62), et un premier tuyau de drainage (61) qui raccorde la cuve (9) à la pompe de drainage (62), et les moyens de vidange (30) de la cavité (13) comprennent un tuyau de vidange (31) qui est raccordé au premier tuyau de drainage (61).
     
    10. Machine à laver selon l'une quelconque des revendications 4 à 9, comprenant des moyens de sécurité (40) qui drainent ladite cavité (13) lorsqu'un niveau de fluide maximum est atteint dans ladite cavité (13).
     
    11. Machine à laver selon la revendication précédente, dans laquelle les moyens de sécurité (40) comprennent au moins un tube de sécurité (41) qui est raccordé aux moyens de drainage (60).
     
    12. Machine à laver selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle l'ouverture (2) est agencée sur une paroi avant (4a) du support (4), le chargement de la machine à laver (1) étant réalisé de manière frontale.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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    Patent documents cited in the description