|
(11) | EP 2 921 585 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
|
|
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
| (54) | A TOP-LOADING LAUNDRY WASHING MACHINE AND A LAUNDRY DRUM FOR SUCH MACHINE |
| (57) A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) comprises a perforated drum (6) rotatably
located within a washing tub (7), a detergent basin (10) in connection with a water
loading system (9) and having one or more outlet openings (11, 11') arranged above
a circumferential wall (12) of the drum (6) so as to be able to dispense a water-detergent
flow (30) onto the circumferential wall (12) of the drum (6), in which the circumferential
wall (12) forms a funnel (21) for receiving and transferring at least one part of
the water-detergent flow (30) into the drum (6).
|
[0001] The present invention relates to a system for loading detergent into a laundry drum in top-loading laundry washing machines or washer-dryer machines. For the sake of simplicity, reference will be made herein below only to laundry washing machines, but it is understood that the detergent loading system is equally intended for use in washer-dryer machines and, under predetermined conditions, in front-loading laundry washing machines.
[0002] The top-loading laundry washing machines typically comprise a support and holding structure, which is provided with a lid that gives access to a loading opening of a laundry drum. The drum is rotatably supported within a washing tub located in the support and holding structure.
[0003] The drum is provided with one or more doors provided with special locking hooks to cover the loading opening during the washing or drying cycle.
[0005] In order to allow the loading of the tub with mains water and detergent substances and additives, a system for loading the washing water is provided for, which is connectable to the water supply system. A drain conduit is provided for on the washing tub bottom, with an associated drain pump that provides for the removal of the washing liquid from the tub and that controls, together with the loading system, the liquid level inside the tub. In order to heat the washing liquid contained in the tub, an electric resistor is provided for, which is arranged inside the tub in the interspace between the tub wall and the laundry drum.
[0006] The laundry washing and washer-dryer machines of the prior art, while being satisfactory from several aspects, have a high consumption of water, electric power, and detergent.
[0007] In order to decrease the consumption of water and detergent, it is known to provide the laundry washing machines with recirculation systems that remove the washing liquid from the tub bottom -where it builds up still before wetting the laundry inside the drum- and pour it from above on the circumferential wall of the laundry drum, or put it back into the laundry drum, particularly through an anchoring hub arranged in a central area of the drum near the rotational axis thereof. Such recirculation systems typically use an electric recirculation pump that, however, consumes electric power, in addition to increase the manufacturing cost and the overall dimensions of the laundry washing machine.
[0008] An underlying problem of the laundry washing machines having a top loading is that, particularly during the first washing steps, the detergent, instead of acting immediately and intensely with the laundry, is poured from the detergent basin on the circumferential wall of the laundry drum, from which it slides along the outer surface of the drum into the washing tub, where it builds-up before being mixed and poured again onto the drum.
[0009] In spite of the presence of holes in the drum circumferential wall, only a minimum part of the detergent poured thereupon passes through these small holes and enters directly into the drum where the laundry is located. Most of the detergent or of the water-detergent mixture discharged from the detergent basin on the drum slides away from the circumferential wall and falls into the tub. Only after it has been mixed and diluted with the water contained in the tub, the detergent is gradually transferred inside the drum.
[0010] Consequently, in the first washing steps, the detergent concentration in the laundry is undesirably low.
[0011] Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a top-loading laundry washing machine and a laundry drum for top-loading laundry washing machine having such characteristics as to obviate at least some of the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the prior art.
[0012] A particular object of the invention is to allow the detergent and the water-detergent mixture poured onto the outer surface of the drum to enter it directly, without sliding away externally in the tub.
[0013] Further specific objects of the invention are the increase of the washing efficiency, the reduction of detergent and water consumptions, the reduction of the energy used on the whole for an automatic washing of the laundry, and the simplification of the washing system itself.
[0014] A further object of the invention is to provide a laundry washing machine with an improved detergent or water-detergent mixture supply system and, consequently, with improved washing performances.
[0015] These and other objects are achieved by a laundry washing machine according to claim 1 and by a laundry drum for a laundry washing machine according to claim 10.
[0017] In order to better understand the invention, and appreciate the advantages thereof, the exemplary, non-limiting description is set forth herein below of some embodiments thereof illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a top-loading laundry washing machine according to the invention, in which an outer upper lid of the laundry washing machine and a door of the laundry drum are completely open;
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the laundry washing machine in Fig. 1, in which the outer upper lid of the laundry washing machine is half-open and the door of the laundry drum is closed;
Fig. 3 shows a laundry washing machine according to the invention in a partial, vertical sectional view, in which the laundry drum is oriented with the door upwardly and aligned with the upper opening of the housing;
Fig. 4 shows a laundry washing machine according to the invention in a partial, vertical sectional view, in which the laundry drum is oriented with the door downwardly or, alternatively, with a circumferential wall portion spaced apart from the door and facing upwardly;
Fig. 5 is a perspective view of a top-loading laundry washing machine according to the invention, in which the outer upper lid of the laundry washing machine is open and the laundry drum is rotated with the door away from the upper opening of the housing;
Fig. 6 shows a laundry washing machine according to the invention in a partial, vertical sectional view, in which the laundry drum is oriented with the door upwardly and aligned with the upper opening of the housing;
Fig. 7 shows a laundry washing machine according to the invention in a partial, vertical sectional view, in which the laundry drum is oriented with the door downwardly or, alternatively, with a circumferential wall portion spaced apart from the door facing upwardly;
Fig. 8 is a sectional view of a detail of a laundry drum of the laundry washing machine according to an embodiment;
Fig. 9 is a laundry drum of the laundry washing machine according to a further embodiment.
[0018] With reference to the figures, a top-loading laundry washing machine is generally indicated by the reference 1. The laundry washing machine 1 comprises a support and holding structure 2 provided with an upper access opening 3 that can be closed by a lid 4, which is preferably hinged to the support and holding structure 2.
[0019] The access opening 3 gives access to a loading aperture 5 of a perforated drum 6 which is rotatably supported about a rotational axis, which is typically, but not necessarily, horizontal, within a washing tub 7 located in the support and housing structure 2.
[0020] A circumferential wall 12 of the perforated drum 6 forms the above-mentioned loading aperture 5 and comprises one or more doors 8, 8', which are movable between a closure position, in which the doors 8 cover the loading aperture 5, and an opening position, in which they clear the loading aperture 5.
[0021] Advantageously, the one or more doors 8, 8' are hinged to the drum 6 and open outwardly. Alternatively, the door(s) 8, 8' are slidably secured to the drum 6 and open in a direction that is substantially tangential or circumferential to the rotational axis of the drum 6.
[0022] The washing tub 7 is suitable to contain the washing liquid during the laundry washing steps.
[0023] In order to allow the loading of the tub 7 with mains water, a water loading system 9 is provided for, which is connectable to the water supply system. A drain conduit is provided for on the washing tub bottom 7, with an associated drain pump that provides for the removal of the washing liquid from the tub 7 and that controls, together with the loading system 9, the liquid level inside the tub 7. In order to heat the washing liquid contained in the tub 7, an electric resistor (not shown) is provided for, which is arranged inside the tub 7 in the interspace between the tub 7 wall and the drum 6.
[0024] The laundry washing machine 1 further comprises a detergent basin 10 in connection with the water loading system 9 and having one or more outlet openings 11, 11', which are arranged, during the operation of the laundry washing machine 1 and when the lid 4 closed, directly on top of the circumferential wall 12 of the drum 6.
[0025] In this manner, when the water loading system 9 supplies mains water or water recirculated from the washing tub 7 in the detergent basin 10, such water is mixed inside the detergent basin 10 with the detergent or additive and the water-detergent and/or water-additive mixture flows from the detergent basin 10, through the outlet opening(s) 11, 11' directly onto the circumferential wall 12 of the drum 6, i.e., on the door 8, 8' or portions of circumferential wall 12 far from the door 8, 8'.
[0026] As it is known, the detergent basin 10 may comprise different compartments to receive different detergent substances, additives, softeners, etc., for example, a liquid detergent compartment 13, a powdery detergent compartment 14, a pre-wash detergent compartment 15, a softener compartment 16. The individual compartments 13, 14, 15, 16 can have discrete filling openings 18 and windows 19 with a mark 17 of the filling level, e.g., a maximum filling level.
[0027] According to an aspect of the invention, the circumferential wall 12 of the drum 6 forms a funnel 21 for receiving the detergent or the water-detergent mixture. The funnel 21 comprises a cavity 23 (formed in an outer surface 22 of the circumferential wall 12) that is open and facing outwardly of the drum 6, as well as a plurality of through holes 24 extending from the cavity 23 into the drum 6.
[0028] According to a further aspect of the invention, any outer wall of the drum 6, for example, one of the two side walls 42 (Fig. 9), forms a funnel 21 for receiving the detergent or the water-detergent mixture. The funnel 21 comprises a cavity 23 (formed in an outer surface 22 of the outer, e.g., circumferential, 12 and/or side 42 wall) open and facing radially outwardly the drum 6, as well as a plurality of through holes 24 extending from the cavity 23 into the drum 6.
[0029] By way of example, the funnel 21 could be formed in one or more portions 43 bulging outwardly of the side wall 42.
[0030] Furthermore, the laundry washing machine 1 is configured so as to position, during one or more detergent introduction steps, the drum 6 with the funnel 21 with respect to the at least one outlet opening 11, 11' in a detergent transfer position in which a flow 30 of detergent or water-detergent mixture exiting the outlet openings 11, 11' is received in the funnel 21.
[0031] In this manner the detergent flow 30 is prevented from sliding along the outer surface of the drum 6 into the tub 7. On the contrary, the detergent is trapped and built up in the cavity 23 through where it passes, via the through holes 24 directly inside the drum 6 where the laundry is located.
[0032] According to an embodiment, a control system 25, e.g., an electronic board, in connection with a motor 26 that rotates the drum 6 and with one or more electrovalves 27 of the water loading system 9, is configured so as to position, during one or more detergent introduction steps, the funnel 21 under the outlet opening 11, 11' and substantially vertically aligned therewith. In this manner, the flow 30 of detergent or water-detergent mixture coming from the outlet opening 11, 11' may fall by gravity directly into the cavity 23 of the funnel 21.
[0033] According to an embodiment, the control system 25 is configured to maintain the detergent transfer position for a time interval from 5 seconds to 240 seconds, preferably 5 seconds to 60 seconds.
[0034] According to a further embodiment, the control system 25 and the water loading system 9 are configured so as to generate the above-mentioned flow 30 of detergent or water-detergent mixture in the form of a forced or pressurized jet, so as to accelerate the passage of the detergent through the funnel 21 into the drum 6.
[0035] Advantageously, the outlet opening(s) 11, 11' is/are obtained from tubular portions 29 extending or projecting downwardly (during the operation of the laundry washing machine 1 and/or when the lid 4 is closed) from a bottom wall 28 of the detergent basin 10, so as to allow the formation of a liquid column that increases the conveying pressure of the detergent or water-detergent mixture flow 30.
[0036] As it can be seen, for example, in Figs. 3 and 4, the tubular portion(s) 29 can be tapered toward the lower end (forming the outlet opening 11, 11') in order to obtain a detergent flow 30 that is as compact and targeted as possible.
[0037] In accordance with an embodiment, the detergent basin 10 can form at least one inverted syphon 32 with an auxiliary discharge opening 31 and configured to activate and empty the detergent basin or one or more individual detergent compartments when a threshold filling level 33 is reached (Fig. 3). This ensures an emergency operation of the laundry washing machine 1 even in the case of an obstruction of the outlet opening 11, 11' of the detergent basin 10.
[0038] In an embodiment, the inverted syphon 32 can be formed by an ascending tube 34 projecting from the basin bottom upwardly, and a descending tube 35, which is inserted from above onto the ascending tube 34 and having a closed upper end.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment, at least one of said funnels 21 is shaped, preferably by injection moulding, in a plastic portion 36 of the circumferential wall 12. This facilitates the implementation of the (relatively high) depth and optimal shape of the cavity 23 and the optimal shape and length of the through holes 24, which could be more hardly obtained from stainless steel by a press.
[0040] Advantageously, the plastic portion 36 is formed in at least one of the doors 8, 8'. These can be formed, for example, by a metal load-bearing frame and the plastic portion 36, which is for example, over-moulded on the metal frame. This involves a synergistic advantage in terms of handling comfort of the door by a user (for example, a women having delicate hands), manufacturing ease of the door 8, 8' and implementation of the funnel 21.
[0041] The through holes 24 can be obtained in tubular portions projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential wall 12 towards the inside of the drum. By virtue of the length/diameter ratio, larger than 1 of the through holes 24, they create (after an initial filling thereof) a suction, which further promotes the transfer of the detergent from the outer cavity 23 into the drum 6.
[0042] Alternatively or in addition, the funnel(s) 21 can be also obtained in a metal portion of the circumferential wall 12.
[0043] In embodiments, the funnel(s) 21 can be obtained in the door 8, 8' and/or in a zone of the circumferential wall 12 far from the door, for example, diametrically opposite it, and/or at a laundry dragging blade 20 of the drum 6. The dragging blade could be formed, for example, by the circumferential wall 12 or connected from inside to the circumferential wall 12, and the cavity 23 of the funnel 21 could be formed inside the overall dimensions of the dragging blade or by the dragging blade itself.
[0044] In accordance with an embodiment (Fig. 2), the through holes 24 of the funnel 21 have a width or diameter that is larger than the diameter of small holes 37 obtained in the circumferential wall 12 outside the funnel 21. This allows a better transfer of the water-detergent mixture in the localised zone of the funnel 21 (possibly, made of plastic) and obviates damages to the laundry due to too large holes 37 in the remaining zones of the circumferential wall 12 that is made of steel sheet.
[0045] By way of an advantageous, non-limiting example, the through holes 24 of the funnel 21 have a width or diameter ranging from 3mm to 12 mm, preferably 5mm to 8mm, still more preferably about 6mm.
[0046] The cavity 23 of the funnel 21 preferably has a width 38 transversal to the direction of the through holes 24 ranging between 6 ... 15 times, preferably from 8 ... 12 times, the width of the individual through holes 24. The width 38 of the cavity can be about 4cm ... 12 cm, preferably 4cm ... 8cm, still more preferably about 5cm ... 8cm.
[0047] The depth (radial with respect to the drum rotational axis) of the cavity 23 can range from 0.5 cm to 10 cm, preferably from 1cm to 6cm, still more preferably from 1 cm to 4 cm.
[0048] The shape (in a top view) of the cavity 23 can be, for example, circular, oval, or polygonal.
[0049] According to a still further embodiment, the funnel 21, particularly the cavity 23, can be suitable to at least temporarily receive and hold a tablet 41 or capsule containing a substance for treating laundry, for example, a pre-washing tablet or capsule. To this aim, the cavity 23 can have a fixed, small restraint edge 40 for a snap-, interference-, or shape-fitting with the tablet 41. Alternatively, the small restraint edge 40 can be movable between an open position, in which it allows the insertion of the tablet 41 into the cavity 23, and a closed position, in which the small restraint edge 40 holds the tablet 41 in the cavity 23. The actuation (dissolution, dispensing, release) of the treating substance of the tablet 41 or capsule occurs by the water and/or detergent flow 30 directed into the funnel and acting on the tablet 41 or capsule.
[0050] From the description hereto provided, those skilled in the art will of course appreciate how the laundry washing machine 1 and the laundry drum 6 solve the problems mentioned with reference to the prior art, and achieve the objects of the invention which have been explained in the introductive section.
[0051] It shall be apparent that, to the laundry washing machine and the laundry drum according to the present invention, those skilled in the art, in order to meet contingent, specific needs, will be able to make further modifications and variations, all of which anyhow fall within the protection scope of the invention, as defined by the following claims.
1. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1), comprising:
- a housing (2) with an upper access opening (3) that can be opened and closed by a lid (4),
- a perforated drum (6) rotatably located within a washing tub (7) in the support structure (2), said drum (6) having an outer wall (12, 42) comprising a circumferential wall (12) forming a laundry loading aperture (5) and one or more doors (8, 8') for opening and closing the laundry loading aperture (5),
- a detergent basin (10) in connection with a water loading system (9) and having one or more outlet openings (11, 11') arranged above the outer wall (12, 42) of the drum (6) so as to be able to dispense a water-detergent flow (30) on the outer wall (12, 42) of the drum (6),
characterized in that said outer wall (12, 42) forms a funnel (21) for receiving and transferring at least one part of the water-detergent flow (30) into the drum (6), said funnel (21) having a cavity (23) open and radially facing outwardly of the drum (6), as well as a plurality of through holes (24) extending from the cavity (23) into the drum (6).2. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein said funnel (21) is
obtained in an outer surface (22) of the circumferential wall (12) of the drum (6).
3. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a control device
(25) in connection with a motor (26) for the rotation of the drum (6) and one or more
electrovalves (27) of the water loading system (9), said control device (25) being
configured so as to position, during one or more detergent introduction steps, the
drum (6) with the funnel (21) for a predetermined duration in a detergent transfer
position in which the water-detergent flow (30) exiting the outlet opening (11, 11')
is directed into the funnel (21).
4. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the predetermined duration
of the detergent transfer position ranges in a time interval selected in the group
consisting of:
5 seconds to 240 seconds,
5 seconds to 60 seconds.
5. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein, in said detergent transfer
position, the funnel (21) is under the outlet opening (11, 11') and substantially
vertically aligned with the outlet opening (11, 11').
6. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 3, wherein the control system (25)
and the water loading system (9) are configured so as to generate the water-detergent
flow (30) as a forced or pressurized jet, so as to accelerate the detergent passage
through the funnel (21) within the drum (6).
7. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the outlet opening (11,
11') is obtained from a tubular portion (29) extending downwardly from a bottom wall
(28) of the detergent basin (10).
8. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 7, wherein the tubular portion
(29) is tapered toward a lower end thereof forming the outlet opening (11, 11').
9. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the detergent basin
(10) forms at least one inverted syphon (32) with an auxiliary discharge opening (31)
and configured to activate and empty one or more detergent compartments of the detergent
basin (10) when a threshold filling level (33) is reached.
10. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said
one or more funnels (21) is formed by injection moulding in a plastic portion (36).
11. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 10, wherein the plastic portion
(36) is obtained in at least one of the doors (8, 8').
12. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the through holes (24)
are formed in tubular portions projecting from an inner surface of the circumferential
wall (12) towards the inside of the drum (6).
13. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the funnel(s) (21) is/are
obtained in one of:
- the door (8, 8'),
- a zone of the circumferential wall (12) at a distance from the door (8, 8'),
- a zone of the circumferential wall (12) diametrically opposite the door (8,8'),
- at a laundry dragging blade of the drum (6),
- in one or more portions (43) bulging outwardly of the side wall (42).
14. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the through holes (24)
have a width larger than the diameter of small holes (37) obtained in the circumferential
wall (12) outside the funnel (21).
15. The laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 14, wherein the through holes (24)
have a width selected in the group consisting of:
3mm to 12 mm,
5mm to 8mm,
6mm,
wherein the cavity (23) has a width (38) transversal to the direction of the through holes (24) selected in the group consisting of:6 to 15 times the width of the individual through holes (24),
8 to 12 times the width of the individual through holes (24),
wherein the width (38) of the cavity is selected in the group consisting of:4cm to 12 cm,
4cm to 8cm,
5cm ... 8cm,
wherein a depth of the cavity (23) is selected in the group consisting of:0.5 cm to 10 cm,
1 cm to 6cm,
1cm to 4 cm.