A washing machine comprising a baffle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing water is taken; a drum (5) which is suitable for being rotated in the tub (3) by means of a motor (4); and at least one baffle (11) which is fixed to the drum (5) and which has a base (7) whereon a water inlet (6) is provided, a ridge (8) which protrudes from the base (7) toward the interior of the drum (5), at least one receptacle (9) which is provided in the ridge (8), into which the water inlet (6) opens such that the water coming from the water inlet (6) fills therein, and at least one water outlet (10) which is provided on the ridge (8) and which opens from the receptacle (9) into the drum (5) so as to allow the flow of the water in the receptacle (9) into the drum (5).

Description

[0001] 7.3624

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] A WASHING MACHINE COMPRISING A BAFFLE

[0004] The present invention relates to at least one laundry machine comprising at least one baffle which ensures the supply of washing water onto the laundry.

[0005] In washing machines, the laundry is washed in a drum which is rotated in a tub, wherein the washing water is taken. The laundry is cleaned through the chemical effect provided by the detergent dissolved in the washing water and the mechanical effect provided by the movement of the drum. In order to increase the said mechanical effect, baffles are generally placed in the drum to enable the laundry to be tumbled in the drum. In order to enhance the impact and penetration of the detergent-water mixture onto the laundry, the use of baffles which enable the water to be poured from the top baffle onto the laundry in the drum is becoming increasingly widespread. In such embodiments, the washing water taken into the baffle is poured onto the laundry through water outlets on the baffle under the effect of gravity. Manufacturers are developing various embodiments to ensure the controlled delivery of the water in the baffle onto the laundry. A state of the art embodiment involves forming compartmentalized chambers for different water outlets in the baffle, taking the water first into the said chambers and then delivering the same onto the laundry. However, in these embodiments, since the water in the small-volume chambers is discharged quickly, a continuous flow cannot be achieved. Therefore, there is a need for a structure wherein the water in the baffle is delivered continuously and steadily onto the laundry.

[0006] In the state of the art International Patent Application No. W02008003594A1, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising a baffle having a barrier which increases the retention effect of the washing water.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine comprising a baffle which ensures the continuous supply of the washing water into the drum.

[0008] The laundry machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a tub wherein the washing process is performed; a drum which is disposed in the tub, wherein the laundry is loaded, and which is rotated about its axis by a motor controlled by a control unit; at least one baffle fixed to the drum and having a base wherein a water inlet is provided, a ridge which protrudes from the base toward the interior of the drum and comes into contact with the laundry in the drum, a receptacle which is provided in the ridge, which is in the form of a cavity into which the water inlet opens and which receives the water coming from the water inlet and at least one water outlet which is provided on the ridge and which is in the form of a hole opening into the receptacle; a channel which is provided on the ridge and which is formed in the shape of a pipe open at both ends, with one end opening to the water outlet and the other end opening into the receptacle; and an intermediate member which is disposed into the receptacle and whereon a siphon cover is provided in the form of a pipe closed at one end, structured to be slightly wider than the channel so as to be fitted over the same with a gap therebetween and surrounding the end of the channel which opens into the receptacle. The intermediate member is disposed into the ridge and covers, with a gap therebetween, the portion of the channel which opens into the receptacle by means of the siphon cover. The water taken through the water inlet fills into the receptacle, is drawn into the channel via the gap between the siphon cover and the channel due to the siphon effect if the water level in the baffle exceeds the level of the channel when the drum is rotated and the baffle is brought to the upper side of the drum, and is then delivered into the drum through the water outlet. Thus, the continuous and steady flow of the water in the receptacle onto the laundry by means of the siphon effect is ensured.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, a supply line which supplies the water into the tub is provided on the upper half of the tub, and the control unit controls the motor such that the rotating drum is stopped when the water inlet thereof aligns with the end of the supply line opening into the tub. In a preferred version of this embodiment, the supply line is provided at the topmost point of the tub. The receptacle is filled with the water flowing from the supply line into the water inlet while the drum is not rotating. Thus, while the water in the receptacle reaches a certain level and flows into the drum with the siphon effect while the drum remains stationary, the water is simultaneously fed into the receptacle from the supply line so as to delay the drop in water level below the level of the channel. This embodiment is advantageous in terms of extending the duration of the continuous and steady flow provided by the siphon effect.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, the channel is located on a central axis which forms the axis of symmetry in the longitudinal direction in which the ridge extends from the front to the rear of the drum, and extends perpendicularly into the receptacle. Thus, once the level of the water filling into the receptacle exceeds the level of the channel during the rotation of the drum, the flow of water into the drum begins via the siphon effect, and the continuity of the flow is ensured until the water level drops below the channel level so as to provide a more homogeneous supply of water into the drum.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of channels and a plurality of water outlets, each opening to a channel, are provided on the ridge, and a plurality of siphon covers are provided on the intermediate member, each seating on a channel. The intermediate member carries the siphon covers configured for each channel, thus facilitating ease of production and assembly. By means of the plurality of channels provided on the ridge, each opening to a separate water outlet, and the siphon covers provided on the intermediate member for each channel, it is ensured that the water in the receptacle flows simultaneously through different water outlets by means of a plurality of channels, thereby increasing the amount of water supplied onto the laundry per unit time.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate member has a form adapted to fit in the ridge with a gap therebetween and has at least one wall which does not contact the ridge such that a filling volume allowing the water to access the gap remains between the ridge and the intermediate member. The filling volume is the space remaining between the inner wall of the ridge and at least one wall of the intermediate member, and allows the water in the receptacle to flow into the gap. Thus, by enabling the water to rise more rapidly in the restricted filling volume between the wall of the intermediate member and the ridge, the formation of the siphon effect is accelerated. In another embodiment of the present invention, on the wall, an inclined portion is provided, extending at an angle with respect to the ridge wall so as to progressively narrow the filling volume. The inclined portion enables the entrance of the filling volume to be widened, thus allowing the filling volume to be filled more rapidly.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the water inlet is positioned on the base so as to face the filling volume. Thus, at least a portion of the water coming from the water inlet is guided directly into the filling volume so as to enable the filling volume to be filled more rapidly.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the base, at least one barrier is provided, extending from beside the water inlet toward the inside of the receptacle. The barrier directs the water coming from the water inlet toward the filling volume.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier extends in an inclined manner from the edge of the water inlet distant from the ridge toward the inner wall of the ridge. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in that in cases where the water inlet has a broad structure and / or is not perfectly aligned with the filling volume, it is ensured that the water coming from the water inlet is directed toward the filling volume.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate member is suspended in the ridge such that all the walls thereof are spaced apart from the ridge, thereby creating a filling volume all around the intermediate member. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in that in case a plurality of channels are provided on the ridge, the water is enabled to be distributed to all channels around the walls of the intermediate member.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one reservoir is provided, forming a cavity on the side of the intermediate member facing the receptacle. The reservoir forms a volume into which the water fills so as to increase the amount of water retained in the receptacle.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the connection between the intermediate member and the ridge is provided by means of a connection member which has a flexible structure and which enables the intermediate member to move in the ridge at least to some extent under the effect of the drum's rotation. By means of the flexible connection member, the intermediate member performs at least a partial oscillation movement in the ridge during the rotation of the drum, thereby ensuring the removal or displacement by mechanical action of any matter or formation such as detergent, foam, lint, air bubbles, etc. remaining in the filling volume.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the ridge, at least one support is provided in the form of a protrusion which bears against the intermediate member and holds the intermediate member suspended. Thus, the intermediate member is prevented from bearing against the inner wall of the ridge such that the filling volume remains open at all times.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of channels are provided on the ridge, and a support is disposed between each pair of adjacent channels. Thus, the support also serves as a flow separator between the channels, preventing the formation of flow irregularities between the channels.

[0021] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the intermediate member, at least one housing is provided in the form of a recess into which the support extends, which defines the contact surface of the support. Thus, the intermediate member is held in the correct position in the ridge at all times and, in case the intermediate member is movably connected to the ridge, the movement of the intermediate member is limited.

[0022] By means of the present invention, a washing machine is realized, comprising a baffle which has a simple structure and which provides a continuous and steady flow into the drum by means of the siphon effect.

[0023] The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0024] Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the washing machine related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 - is the bottom exploded view of the baffle related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 - is the top exploded view of the baffle related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 4 - is the cross-sectional view of the baffle related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

[0028] 1. Washing machine

[0029] 2. Body

[0030] 3. Tub

[0031] 4. Motor

[0032] 5. Drum

[0033] 6. Water inlet

[0034] 7. Base

[0035] 8. Ridge

[0036] 9. Receptacle

[0037] 10. Water outlet

[0038] 11. Baffle

[0039] 12. Channel

[0040] 13. Gap

[0041] 14. Intermediate member

[0042] 15. Siphon cover

[0043] 16. Supply line

[0044] 17. Filling volume

[0045] 18. Wall

[0046] 19. Inclined portion

[0047] 20. Barrier 21. Reservoir

[0048] 22. Connection member

[0049] 23. Support

[0050] 24. Housing

[0051] The washing machine (1) comprises a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body

[0052] (2) and wherein the washing water is taken; a drum (5) which is suitable for being rotated in the tub (3) by means of a motor (4); and at least one baffle (11) which is fixed to the drum (5) and which has a base (7) whereon at least one water inlet (6) is provided, a ridge (8) which protrudes from the base (7) toward the interior of the drum (5), at least one receptacle (9) which is provided in the ridge (8), into which the water inlet (6) opens such that the water coming from the water inlet (6) fills therein, and at least one water outlet (10) which is provided on the ridge (8) and which opens from the receptacle (9) into the drum (5) so as to allow the flow of the water in the receptacle (9) into the drum (5). The washing water is taken between the tub (3) and the drum (5), and the drum (5) is rotated in the tub (3) about a substantially horizontal axis by means of the motor (4). The baffle (11) is fixed to the drum (5) from the base (7) thereof. The ridge (8) extends from the base (7) toward the interior of the drum (5), and the volume remaining between the ridge (8) and the base (7) defines the receptacle (9). The water inlet (6) configured in the form of an opening so as to allow the flow of water from the tub (3) into the receptacle (9) is provided on the base (7). At least one water outlet (10) in the form of a hole allowing the flow of the washing water from the receptacle (9) into the drum (5) is positioned on the ridge (8). The washing water taken from the tub

[0053] (3) through the water inlet (6) fills into the receptacle (9) and, when the baffle (11) reaches an upper position in the upper half of the drum (5), flows into the drum (5) through the water outlet (10).

[0054] The washing machine (1) of the present invention comprises at least one channel (12) in the form of a pipe open at both ends, extending from the water outlet (10) into the receptacle (9); and an intermediate member (14) having a siphon cover (15) in the form of a pipe closed at one end, which covers the channel (12) from upside with a gap (13) remaining therebetween, and which, when the level of the liquid in the receptacle (9) reaches a certain level, creates a siphon effect, drawing the water into the channel (12) so as to discharge the same through the water outlet (10). The channel (12) is provided on the side of the water outlet (10) facing the interior of the ridge (9), extending from the ridge (8) toward the inside of the receptacle (9) so as to surround the water outlet (10). The intermediate member (14) is placed into the receptacle (9) such that the siphon cover (15) is fitted over the channel (12). The siphon cover (15) is in the form of a pipe closed at one end, configured to be wider than the channel (12) so as to be fitted loosely over the same from the open end, such that a gap (13) is formed between the siphon cover (15) and the channel (12). When the baffle (11) reaches an upper position on the drum (5), and the water level in the receptacle (9) exceeds the level of the channel (12), a siphon effect is generated. Thus, the water in the receptacle (9) reaches the channel (12) through the gap (13) between the siphon cover (15) and the channel (12) via the siphon effect and is delivered into the drum (5) through the water outlet (10).

[0055] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises at least one supply line (16) which is configured to supply the water between the tub (3) and the drum (5) from an upper part of the drum (5), and a control unit which is configured to control the motor (4) so as to stop the drum (5) such that the water inlet (6) aligns with the supply line (16). The supply line (16) is configured to supply the water into the tub (3) from the top of the tub (3). The control unit controls the motor (4) during the washing process such that the drum (5) is rotated and stopped so as to ensure that the water inlet (6) aligns with the flow provided by the supply line (16) at least once. The supply line (16) is preferably a circulation line which returns the water taken from the lower part of the tub (3) back to the upper part of the tub (3). Thus, the receptacle (9) is enabled to be filled with the water coming from the supply line (16), and the amount and timing of water supplied onto the laundry can be controlled.

[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, the channel (12) is located on a central axis which divides the ridge (8) longitudinally into two symmetrical halves. The channel (12) extends vertically from the water outlet (10) into the receptacle (9) on a vertical axis which passes through the center of the ridge (8) when the baffle (11) is at the top of the drum (5). Thus, the same flow profile from the receptacle (9) into the drum (5) is achieved in both clockwise and counterclockwise rotational directions of the drum (5).

[0057] In another embodiment of the present invention, the ridge (8) has a plurality of water outlets (10) and a plurality of channels (12), each surrounding a water outlet (10), and the intermediate member (14) comprises a plurality of siphon covers (15), each covering a channel (12) from upside. A plurality of water outlets (10), which allow the simultaneous feeding of the water from the receptacle (9) into the drum (5), and a plurality of channels (12), each opening to a water outlet (10), are provided on the ridge (8); and the intermediate member (14) comprises a plurality of siphon covers (15) as a single piece, each seated on a channel (12). The intermediate member (14) is placed into the receptacle (9) such that each siphon cover (15) is positioned over a channel (12), thereby facilitating ease of assembly.

[0058] In another embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate member (14) has at least one wall (18) which is spaced from the inner wall of the ridge (8) so as to define a filling volume (17) opening into the gap (13) between at least one inner wall of the ridge (8) defining the receptacle (9) and the intermediate member (14). The intermediate member (14) comprises at least one wall (18) which extends at a distance from the inner wall of the ridge (8), and the volume remaining between the wall (18) and the ridge (8) defines the filling volume (17), which is in fluid communication with the gap (13). The water in the receptacle (9) fills into the filling volume (17) between the ridge (8) and the wall (18), and the gap (13) to which the filling volume (17) opens, and when the water level reaches the level of the channel (12), the water in the receptacle (9) is drawn toward the water outlet (10) via the siphon effect. Thus, the water in the receptacle (9) is enabled to pass through the restricted filling volume (17) to reach the channel (12), and a continuous flow toward the channel (12) is ensured, thereby preventing vacuum formation.

[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, the wall (18) comprises an inclined portion (19) which slopes into the receptacle (9) such that the distance between the inclined portion (19) and the inner wall of the ridge (8) gradually decreases as the wall (18) moves extends away from the base (7). At the end of the wall (18), an inclined portion (19) is provided, sloping so as to gradually move away from the ridge (8) towards the base (7); and the said inclined portion (19) widens the entrance of the filling volume (17) and facilitates the flow of water into the filling volume (17).

[0060] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one water inlet (6) is positioned on the base (7) so as to at least partially face the filling volume (17). The water inlet (6) is positioned on the base (7) so as to face the filling volume (17) and enable at least a portion of the water flowing into the receptacle (9) to access the filling volume (17) directly, thereby ensuring that the filling volume (17) is filled faster.

[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the base (7), at least one barrier (20) is provided, extending from one edge of the water inlet (6) toward the interior of the receptacle (9). The barrier (20) protrudes from the edge of the water inlet (6) into the receptacle (9) so as to regulate the flow at the water inlet (6).

[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier (20) extends at an angle from the base (7) toward the ridge (8). The barrier (20) ensures that water coming from the water inlet (6) is directed between the ridge (8) and the intermediate member (14), thereby ensuring that the filling volume (17) is filled faster.

[0063] In another embodiment of the present invention, the intermediate member (14) is suspended in the ridge (8) so as to define the filling volume (17) all around between the intermediate member (14) and the inner wall of the ridge (8). The intermediate member (14) is positioned loosely in the ridge (8) and suspended in the ridge (8) so as not to contact the ridge (8). Thus, an all-around filling volume (17) is provided between the surfaces of the intermediate member (14) facing the ridge (8) and the ridge (8), and the filling volume (17) is expanded to supply continuous flow to a plurality of channels (12).

[0064] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one reservoir (21) in the form of a recess is provided on the side of the intermediate member (14) facing the base (7). The reservoir (21) is in the form of a recess provided on the upper side of the intermediate member (14) facing the base (7), and a portion of the water in the receptacle (9) fills into the reservoir (21). Thus, the intermediate member (14) also functions as a water-retaining component.

[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one flexible connection member (22) is provided between the intermediate member (14) and the ridge (8) so as to enable the intermediate member (14) to be movably connected to the ridge (8). The connection member (22) is structured to be flexible under force and connects the ridge (8) and the intermediate member (14) to each other. The flexible connection member

[0066] (22) provides the suspended intermediate member (14) with freedom of movement in the ridge (8).

[0067] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the ridge (8), at least one support

[0068] (23) is provided in the form of a protrusion extending into the receptacle (9), which bears against the intermediate member (14) so as to hold the intermediate member (14) suspended. The support (23) defines a protrusion extending from the intermediate member (14) toward the ridge (8), and by bearing against the ridge (8), prevents the intermediate member (14) from contacting the ridge (8).

[0069] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of supports (23) in the form of bumps are provided between the channels (12). On the ridge (8), a plurality of supports (23) in the form of bumps are provided, extending between the adjacent channels (12) so as to separate the channels (12) at least partially from each other. The supports (23) support the intermediate member (14) and prevent the potential flow separations between the channels (12) by partially isolating the channels (12) from one another.

[0070] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the intermediate member (14), at least one housing (24) is provided, into which the support (23) extends. A plurality of housings (24) in the form of recesses which define the contact surfaces of the supports (23) are provided on the intermediate member (14). The housings (24) surround the supports (23), ensuring that the intermediate member (14) is always held in the correct position. By means of the present invention, a continuous and steady flow from the interior of the baffle (11) into the drum (7) is achieved, thereby improving the washing performance of the washing machine (1) effectively.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing water is taken; a drum (5) which is suitable for being rotated in the tub (3) by means of a motor (4); and at least one baffle (11) which is fixed to the drum (5) and which has a base (7) whereon at least one water inlet (6) is provided, a ridge (8) which protrudes from the base (7) toward the interior of the drum (5), at least one receptacle (9) which is provided in the ridge (8), into which the water inlet (6) opens such that the water coming from the water inlet (6) fills therein, and at least one water outlet (10) which is provided on the ridge (8) and which opens from the receptacle (9) into the drum (5) so as to allow the flow of the water in the receptacle (9) into the drum (5), characterized by at least one channel (12) in the form of a pipe open at both ends, extending from the water outlet (10) into the receptacle (9); and an intermediate member (14) having a siphon cover (15) in the form of a pipe closed at one end, which covers the channel (12) from upside with a gap (13) remaining therebetween, and which, when the level of the liquid in the receptacle (9) reaches a certain level, creates a siphon effect, drawing the water into the channel (12) so as to discharge the same through the water outlet (10).

2. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by at least one supply line (16) which is configured to supply water between the tub (3) and the drum (5) from an upper part of the drum (5), and a control unit which is configured to control the motor (4) so as to stop the drum (5) such that the water inlet (6) aligns with the supply line (16).

3. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by the channel (12) which is located on a central axis which divides the ridge (8) longitudinally into two symmetrical halves.

4. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the ridge (8) having a plurality of water outlets (10) and a plurality of channels (12), each surrounding a water outlet (10), and the intermediate member (14)having a plurality of siphon covers (15), each covering a channel (12) from upside.

5. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the intermediate member (14) has at least one wall (18) which is spaced from an at least one inner wall of the ridge (8) defining the receptacle (9) so as to define a filling volume (17) opening into the gap (13) between the inner wall of the ridge (8) and the intermediate member (14).

6. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 5, characterized by the wall (18) comprising an inclined portion (19) which slopes into the receptacle (9) such that the distance between the inclined portion (19) and the inner wall of the ridge (8) gradually decreases as the wall (18) extends away from the base (7).

7. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 5 or Claim 6, characterized by at least one water inlet (6) which is positioned on the base (7) so as to at least partially face the filling volume (17).

8. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one barrier (20) which is provided on the base (7) and extend from one edge of the water inlet (6) toward the interior of the receptacle (9).

9. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 8, characterized by the barrier (20) which extends at an angle from the base (7) toward the ridge (8).

10. A washing machine (1) as in any one of Claims 5 to 9, characterized by the intermediate member (14) which is suspended in the ridge (8) so as to define the filling volume (17) all around between the intermediate member (14) and the inner wall of the ridge (8).

11. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one reservoir (21) in the form of a recess which is provided on the side of the intermediate member (14) facing the base (7).

12. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one flexible connection member (22) which is provided between theintermediate member (14) and the ridge (8) so as to enable the intermediate member (14) to be movably connected to the ridge (8).

13. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 11 or Claim 12, characterized by at least one support (23) which is provided on the ridge (8), which is in the form of a protrusion extending into the receptacle (9) and which bears against the intermediate member (14) so as to hold the intermediate member (14) suspended.

14. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 13, characterized by a plurality of supports (23) in the form of bumps which are provided between the channels (12).

15. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 13 or Claim 14, characterized by at least one housing (24) which is provided on the intermediate member (14) and into which the support (23) extends.

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