A washing machine with improved cleaning performance

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 which receives the washing water used in the washing process; a drum (4) which is disposed in the tub (3); a gap (5) which remains between the tub (3) and the drum (4); a housing (6) which is provided on the tub (3) and which opens into the gap (5); at least one agitator (10) which is disposed in the housing (6) and which has at least one first magnetic member (11); and at least one actuator (9) which is disposed on the outer side of the tub (3) so as to be in the vicinity of the housing (6); which has a motor (7) and at least one second magnetic member (8) suitable for being rotated by the motor (7) and which provides that the agitator (10) is rotated by means of magnetic interaction between the second magnetic member (8) and the first magnetic member (11).

Description

[0001] 7.3630

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] A WASHING MACHINE WITH IMPROVED CLEANING PERFORMANCE

[0004] The present invention relates to a washing machine in which the cleaning performance is improved by effectively dissolving cleaning agents in the washing water.

[0005] In washing machines, cleaning agents such as detergent and softener are generally loaded into a dispenser disposed at the upper portion of the body. The water supplied into the dispenser sweeps the cleaning agents and flows into the gap between the tub and the drum, dissolving the agents in the water. By rotating the drum, the laundry in the drum is agitated in the washing water so as to be cleaned. The cleaning performance is directly related to the dissolution rate of the detergent in the water. However, when the washing water is cold, the drum movement is limited, or an excessive amount of detergent is used, the dissolution rate of the cleaning agent decreases, which in turn reduces the amount of detergent reaching the laundry and causes a drop in cleaning performance. Therefore, manufacturers have developed various embodiments which enable the detergent and the washing water to be mixed by movable agitators, such as impellers driven by a motor, in order to increase the dissolution rate of the cleaning agent and the amount of detergent reaching the laundry. However, these embodiments generally require complex structures for motor insulation, which results in production difficulties and increased cost. Accordingly, there is a need for a secure arrangement which enables the agitator to be driven in a stable and quiet manner.

[0006] In the state of the art International Patent Application No. W02008119630A1, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising an agitator which ensures the mixing of the washing water in the tub.

[0007] In the state of the art European Patent Application No. EP3850144A1, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising components which ensure the mechanical breaking of the detergent capsules.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine comprising an agitator which can be positioned in a simple and secure manner.

[0009] The washing 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 water is received; a drum which is disposed in the tub and which is rotated about a horizontal axis by means of a drum motor; a gap which remains between the drum and the tub; a housing which is 7.3630 provided on the tub so as to face the gap; an agitator which is positioned in the housing and which has a center, a plurality of fins of equal length connected from one end to the center and a first magnetic member with at least one magnet; an actuator which is positioned outside the tub so as to be aligned with the housing and which has a motor and a second magnetic member with at least one magnet so as to be rotated by the motor to transmit the rotational movement magnetically to the first magnetic member; and at least one bearing which is provided on the housing, wherein the distal ends of the fins are borne, and which has a circular groove configured to guide the rotational movement of the agitator about an axis passing through the center. The agitator is rotated in the housing about a rotational axis perpendicular to the fins and passing through the center, by means of the magnetic force applied by the actuator from outside the tub to the first magnetic member. By magnetically rotating the agitator without a mechanical connection requiring an opening in the tub, the motor insulation is provided in a simple manner. Each fin extends into the bearing from the end thereof. The agitator is supported only from the ends of the fins, and the connection thereof with the housing is provided by means of the bearing. Thus, unsteady operational problems such as jamming, accumulation, etc. which may arise due to fixed centering are eliminated. Moreover, the sliding bearing support minimizes friction during the rotation of the agitator, thereby preventing noise generation. Thus, the motor insulation is achieved in a simple manner, and the stable and quiet operation of the agitator is ensured.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first magnetic member is manufactured from a ferromagnetic metal and has a hub disposed in the center and a plurality of arms extending from the hub into each fin. The first magnetic member is preferably manufactured from iron, cobalt, nickel, or an alloy thereof, and remains entirely in the center and the arms. Thus, the rotational movement is enabled to be transmitted to all arms so as to ensure the balanced rotation of the agitator and prevent the corrosion of the first magnetic member by isolating the same from contact with water.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the fins, ribs are provided in the form of protrusions extending outward perpendicularly from the fins. The ribs sweep away lint, detergent residue, or similar substances which may accumulate around the fins, especially between the fins and the housing, thereby preventing accumulation in the housing.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the agitator has an annular bearing member to which the ends of the fins are connected and which is positioned in the bearing, and the fins are 7.3630 borne into the bearing by means of the bearing member. By means of the annular structure matching the form of the bearing, the bearing member fills the interior of the groove-shaped bearing and prevents the accumulation of detergent residue, lint, or similar substances over time. The bearing member also serves as a support which connects the ends of the fins to one another. Thus, especially in the end portions of the fins, breakage and deformation are prevented, and the structure of the agitator is reinforced.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the fins are in the form of rods with circular cross-sections extending from the center to the bearing. Thus, the fins are configured so as to provide the same mixing effect in both directions of rotation, due to the symmetrical form, regardless of whether the motor rotates clockwise or counterclockwise.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the agitator comprises two fins which extend in opposite directions from the center. The fins extend across almost the entire diameter of the bearing along the same axis. Thus, the agitator is configured with a minimum number of fins and the first magnetic member shaped accordingly, such that the center of mass of the agitator is located on the central axis, and the weight of the agitator is reduced to facilitate the rotation thereof.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the fins are connected to the center so as to freely rotate about their own axes, and when the agitator is rotated by the actuator, the fins rotate both about the rotational axis passing through the center and about their own axes perpendicular to the rotational axis. Thus, the mixing efficiency of the agitator is further improved.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing is in the form of a recess opening to the gap at the bottom part of the tub and has a base, a circumferential wall surrounding the base, and a lid with at least one hole thereon opening to the gap. By means of the perforated structure thereof, the lid enables the housing to open to the gap while also ensuring the secure positioning of the agitator in the housing. The recess-shaped housing enables the agitator to be positioned without narrowing the gap, while improving the placement safety.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bearing is configured in the form of a circular cavity located between the circumferential wall and the lid. Thus, after the agitator is positioned such that the fins extend toward the circumferential wall, the bearing is easily completed by closing the lid, providing ease of production. 7.3630

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the tub, a supply line is provided, which has a supply end opening into the housing from the circumferential wall and which enables the water to be delivered into the housing from the circumferential wall. The supply line enables the creation of a flow from the inside of the housing to the outside of the housing so as to ensure that substances accumulated in the housing are swept away by means of the flow. Thus, substance accumulation in the housing is prevented.

[0019] By means of the present invention, a washing machine is realized, comprising an agitator which is enabled to operate in a stable and secure manner.

[0020] The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0021] Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the washing machine related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 2 - is the top perspective view of the tub related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 3 - is the view of the housing, the agitator and the supply line related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 4 - is the bottom perspective view of the tub related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 5 - is the view of the actuator on the tub related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 6 - is the view of the agitator related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 7 - is the sideways cross-sectional view of the housing, the bearing, the agitator and the actuator related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 8 - is the view of the agitator related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 9 - is the sideways cross-sectional view of the housing, the bearing, the agitator and the actuator related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

[0031] 1. Washing machine

[0032] 2. Body 7.3630

[0033] 3. Tub

[0034] 4. Drum

[0035] 5. Gap

[0036] 6. Housing

[0037] 7. Motor

[0038] 8. Second magnetic member

[0039] 9. Actuator

[0040] 10. Agitator

[0041] 11. First magnetic member

[0042] 12. Center

[0043] 13. Fin

[0044] 14. Bearing

[0045] 15. Hub

[0046] 16. Arm

[0047] 17. Rib

[0048] 18. Bearing member

[0049] 19. Base

[0050] 20. Circumferential wall

[0051] 21. Lid

[0052] 22. Supply end

[0053] 23. Supply line

[0054] 24. Disk

[0055] The washing machine (1) comprises a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and which receives the washing water used in the washing process; a drum (4) which is disposed in the tub (3); a gap (5) which remains between the tub (3) and the drum (4); a housing (6) which is provided on the tub (3) and which opens into the gap (5); at least one agitator (10) which is disposed in the housing (6) and which has at least one first magnetic member (11); and at least 7.3630 one actuator (9) which is disposed on the outer side of the tub (3); which has a motor (7) and at least one second magnetic member (8) suitable for being rotated by the motor (7) and which provides that the agitator (10) is rotated by means of magnetic interaction between the second magnetic member (8) and the first magnetic member (11). The washing water is taken into the gap (5) between the tub (3) and the drum (4), and the drum (4) is rotated in the tub (3) about a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis by means of a drum motor. The housing (6) is provided on the bottom side of the tub (3), which defines the base thereof, and the agitator (10) is positioned in the housing (6). The agitator (10) is rotated in the housing (6) by the magnetic force, provided by the actuator (9), applied to the first magnetic member (11) comprising at least one magnet, such that the water filling into the gap (5) is agitated. The actuator (9) is positioned on the outer side of the tub (3) so as to be in the vicinity of the housing (6), and is preferably fixed onto the tub (3). Preferably, the actuator (9) has a disk (24) which is connected to a shaft driven by the motor (7), and at least one magnet which is positioned on the disk (24) and which defines the second magnetic member (8). The magnetic force generated by the second magnetic member (8) provided on the disk (24) which is rotated by the motor (7) acts upon the first magnetic member (11), and thus the rotational motion generated by the motor (7) is transmitted to the agitator (10).

[0056] The washing machine (1) of the present invention comprises the agitator (10) having a center (12) and a plurality of fins (13) extending outward from the center (12); and at least one bearing (14) having a circular form, provided on the housing (6) and wherein the fins (13) are borne from the ends thereof so as to guide the rotational movement of the agitator (10). The agitator (10) comprises a center (12) which defines the central point thereof and a plurality of fins (13) which has equal length, which extend radially outward from the center (12) and which are connected to the center (12) from one end. From the free ends thereof away from the center (12), the fins (13) are fitted into a bearing (14) formed as a circular recess provided on the housing (6), and thus the agitator (10) is borne into the housing (6). The circumferentially open portion of the bearing (14), through which the ends of the fins (13) are inserted, is smaller than the diameter of the agitator (10), while the outer diameter defining the bearing (14) is larger than the diameter of the agitator (10). Thus, the agitator (10) is placed loosely into the bearing (14) along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation and is confined in the bearing (14) by means of the retention of the fins (13) in the bearing (14). The agitator (10) is rotated in the housing (6) under the effect of the magnetic force provided by the actuator (9) to the first magnetic member (11) such that the ends of the fins (13) remain in the bearing (14). The motor (7) is preferably suitable for 7.3630 providing rotational motion in both the clockwise and counterclockwise directions, and the agitator (10) is rotated in both directions. The bearing (14) enables the agitator (10) to be supported only from the ends of the fins (13) and guides the rotational movement. Thus, the agitator (10) is enabled to be rotatably placed into the bearing (14) without any fixed connection, ensuring a simple and secure placement.

[0057] In an embodiment of the present invention, the first magnetic member (11) has a hub (15) which is provided at the center (12) and a plurality of arms (16) which extend from the hub (15) into the fins (13). The first magnetic member (11) is manufactured from magnetic material and has a hub (15) which is embedded into the center (12), and a plurality of arms (16) in the form of rods, each extending from the hub (15) into a fin (13). Thus, the magnetic force provided by the actuator (9) is enabled to be transmitted to each arm (16), ensuring the wobble-free rotation of the agitator (10).

[0058] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of ribs (17) in the form of protrusions are provided on the fins (13). At least one rib (17) is provided on each arm (16). Preferably, the ribs (17) are in the form of annular protrusions surrounding the arm (16). The ribs (17) define protrusions on the arms (16), extending toward the wall of the housing (6). The ribs (17) enable the sweeping of substances accumulated between the wall of the housing (6) and the arms (16) from the wall of the housing (6). Thus, the detergent which settles into the housing (6) at the base of the tub (3) is scraped upward and dissolved. Moreover, accumulation of fibers, debris, or similar substances in the housing (6) is also prevented.

[0059] In another embodiment of the present invention, the agitator (10) comprises an annular bearing member (18), to which the ends of the fins (13) are connected, and which is disposed in the bearing (14) so as to be rotated in the bearing (14). The bearing member (18) has a ring shape matching the form of the bearing (14), and the ends of the fins (13) are connected to the bearing member (18). Under the effect of the magnetic force applied by the actuator (9) to the first magnetic member (11), the agitator (10) is rotated in the housing (6) such that the bearing member (18), which holds the ends of the fins (13), rotates in the bearing (14). The bearing member (18) is seated in the bearing (14) and completely fills the interior of the bearing (14). Thus, by means of the bearing member (18) closing off the circumferentially open portion of the bearing (14), detergent and foreign substances are prevented from entering the groove-shaped bearing (14) and accumulating therein. The bearing member (18) also acts as a guide which is fitted precisely into the bearing (14) so as to prevent the agitator (10) from slipping in the 7.3630 bearing (14) and eliminate the friction and noise caused by contact between the fins (13) and the bearing (14).

[0060] In another embodiment of the present invention, the fins (13) extend radially outward from the center (12) and are substantially rod-shaped. The fins (13) have an elongated rod form and extend from the center (12) to the bearing (14). In a preferred version of this embodiment, the fins (13) are preferably substantially cylindrical in form. The rod-shaped form reduces the surface area of the fins (13), while the cylindrical form provides a rounded structure. Thus, the susceptibility of the agitator (10) to the turbulent flow in the tub (3) is reduced.

[0061] In another embodiment of the present invention, the agitator (10) has two fins (13) extending from the center (12) in opposite directions along the same axis. The agitator (10) has two fins (13), extending along the same axis almost across the diameter of the bearing (14), connected to each other at the center (12). Thus, the agitator (10) is configured such that the center of gravity thereof remains on the center (12). In a preferred version of this embodiment, the agitator (10) comprises only two fins (13). Thus, the agitator (10) is enabled to have a balanced structure, the weight of the first magnetic member (11) used for rotating the agitator (10) and the fins (13) is reduced, and the rotation of the agitator (10) is facilitated.

[0062] In another embodiment of the present invention, the fins (13) are configured to rotate about their own axes. The fins (13) are connected so as to freely rotate about their longitudinal axes, and the connection region defines the center (12). Thus, during the rotation of the agitator (10) as a result of the magnetic force applied to the first magnetic member (11) by the actuator (9), the flow around the fins (13) also causes the fins (13) to rotate about their own longitudinal axes. Preferably, the fins (13) are connected to one another so as to rotate independent of each other by means of a rotary coupling structure. The independent rotatable connection of the fins (13) enables the fins (13) to rotate simultaneously in opposite directions. Thus, the mixing efficiency of the agitator (10) is increased by enabling the fins (13) to rotate both about the axis of the center (12) and about their own longitudinal axes.

[0063] In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing (6) has a base (19), a circumferential wall (20) surrounding the base (19), and a lid (21) at least partially perforated to ensure the fluid communication with the gap (5). The housing (6) is configured as a cylindrical recess provided at the bottom of the tub (3) and covered at the top with the lid (21), and the agitator (10) is positioned in a volume defined by the base (19), the lid (21), and the circumferential wall (20) with an annular cross-section. The lid (21) is preferably a ring with a 7.3630 hole in the center so as to allow the fluid communication between the housing (6) and the gap (5) and enable the washing water and the detergent to fill into the housing (6). Thus, the agitator (10) is positioned in the gap (5) so as to maintain a safe distance from the tub (3) and / or a heater located beneath the tub (3).

[0064] In another embodiment of the present invention, the bearing (14) is configured in the form of a circular groove located between the circumferential wall (20) and the lid (21). The bearing (14) is configured as a recess between the circumferential wall (20) and the lid (21) when the lid (21) is fixed onto the circumferential wall (20). The agitator (10) is positioned such that the ends of the fins (13) extend into the bearing (14), and the agitator (10) is confined from the ends of the fins (13) into the bearing (14) when the lid (21) is closed. Thus, ease of production and assembly is provided.

[0065] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the tub (3), at least one supply line (23) is provided, which has a supply end (22) opening into the housing (6), and which is configured to provide the fluid transmission into the housing (6) from the supply end (22). On the tub (3), a supply line (23) is provided, which opens into the housing (6) from a supply end (22) provided on the circumferential wall (20) of the housing (6), and which ensures the fluid flow into the housing (6). The supply line (23) enables the water to be supplied into the housing (6) along an axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of the agitator (10). The water entering the housing (6) from the supply end (22) generates a flow which sweeps across the base (19) of the housing (6) so as to ensure the lifting and faster dissolution of detergent which settles on the base (19).

[0066] By means of the present invention, stable operation and secure placement of the agitator (10), which enables the dissolution of detergent which settles on the base of the tub (3), are achieved.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and which receives the washing water used in the washing process; a drum (4) which is disposed in the tub (3); a gap (5) which remains between the tub (3) and the drum (4); a housing (6) which is provided on the tub (3) and which opens into the gap (5); at least one agitator (10) which is disposed in the housing (6) and which has at least one first magnetic member (11); and at least one actuator (9) which is disposed on the outer side of the tub (3); which has a motor (7) and at least one second magnetic member (8) suitable for being rotated by the motor (7) and which provides that the agitator (10) is rotated by means of magnetic interaction between the second magnetic member (8) and the first magnetic member (11), characterized by the agitator (10) having a center (12) and a plurality of fins (13) extending outward from the center (12); and at least one bearing (14) having a circular form, provided on the housing (6) and wherein the fins (13) are borne from the ends thereof so as to guide the rotational movement of the agitator (10).

2. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the first magnetic member (11) having a hub (15) which is provided at the center (12) and a plurality of arms (16) which extend from the hub (15) into the fins (13).

3. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by a plurality of ribs (17) in the form of protrusions which are provided on the fins (13).

4. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an annular bearing member (18), to which the ends of the fins (13) are connected, and which is disposed in the bearing (14) so as to be rotated in the bearing (14).

5. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the fins (13) which extend radially outward from the center (12) and which have substantially rodshaped form.

6. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 5, characterized by the agitator (10) which has two fins (13) extending from the center (12) in opposite directions along the same axis.

7. A washing machine (1) as in any of the above claims, characterized by the fins (13) which are configured to rotate about their own axes.

308. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the housing (6) which has a base (19), a circumferential wall (20) surrounding the base (19), and a lid (21) at least partially perforated to ensure the fluid communication with the gap (5).

9. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 8, characterized by the bearing (14) which is configured in the form of a circular groove located between the circumferential wall (20) and the lid (21).

10. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one supply line (23) which is provided on the tub (3), which has a supply end (22) opening into the housing (6), and which is configured to provide the fluid transmission into the housing (6) from the supply end (22).

Images