A washing machine

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 liquid is received; a cylindrical drum (5) which is disposed in the tub (3) and which is rotated about a rotational axis by means of a motor (4); an peripheral gap (6) which is provided between the drum (5) and the tub (3); and at least one opening (7) which is provided on the drum (5) and which opens into the interior of the drum (5).

Description

[0001] 7.3631

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] A WASHING MACHINE

[0004] The present invention relates to a washing machine wherein the penetration of the washing liquid into the laundry in the drum is improved.

[0005] In washing machines, the laundry is cleaned in a drum which is rotated in a tub wherein the washing liquid is contained, through the chemical effect provided by the detergent dissolved in the washing liquid and the mechanical effect provided by the movement of the drum. In order to increase the penetration of the detergent-water mixture into the laundry, embodiments which supply the washing liquid over the laundry from the upper side of the drum are becoming increasingly widespread. One of such state of the art embodiments involves recirculating the washing liquid from the bottom of the tub to the top of the drum, to be supplied over the laundry again, through a circulation line and a motorized pump located on the circulation line. However, this embodiment requires electronic control and high-cost components, resulting in both implementation difficulty and increased manufacturing cost.

[0006] In the state of the art International Patent Application No. W02020088849A1, a spiral guide is disclosed, which is provided on the rear wall of the drum and which transfers the washing water taken from the tub into the drum by the effect of drum rotation.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine which enables the washing liquid in the tub to be supplied into the drum in a simple and low-cost manner.

[0008] 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 process is performed; a drum which is disposed in the tub, wherein the laundry is loaded and which is rotated about its own axis by means of a motor; at least one opening in the form of a hole provided on the drum; an peripheral gap which is provided between the drum and the tub and wherein the washing liquid is collected; at least one hose which is manufactured from elastic material so as to be compressed under an applied force and to return to its original shape once the force is removed, which is disposed on the outer wall of the drum facing the tub so as to at least partially surround the drum and which has an outlet end opening to the opening and an inlet end opening to the peripheral gap; and a pressing member which is fixed on the tub, which applies pressure to the hose, rotating with the drum, from the inlet end to the outlet end so as to ensure continuous compression of the hose from the inlet end to the outlet end. While the drum 7.3631 is rotated by the motor, the pressing member applies pressure to the hose starting from the inlet end, and as the drum rotates, continuously compresses the hose along the hose at the point where the pressing member contacts the hose, toward the outlet end. Thus, while the drum is rotated, the washing liquid which fills into the hose through the inlet end opening into the peripheral gap is pushed toward the outlet end by means of the pressing member along the hose, and is delivered into the drum through the outlet end. Consequently, while the transfer of the washing liquid to the drum is achieved entirely mechanically, the continuous pushing of the washing liquid in the hose ensures that the same amount of liquid is delivered to the outlet end in each rotation of the drum, providing a continuous and uniform flow into the drum.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, on the portion of the drum where the opening is arranged, a baffle is provided which protrudes into the drum and has at least one hole in fluid communication with the opening. Thus, the water delivered from the outlet end is enabled to enter the drum from beneath the baffle and to be poured over the laundry through the hole on the baffle. Consequently, by concealing the opening to which the outlet end is connected under the baffle, blockage of the opening by the laundry is prevented and vacuum formation in the hose is avoided.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the baffle, a tube is provided which extends from the opening into the baffle, with one end facing the opening and the other end facing the hole, and the outlet end of the hose is fitted over the tube to be mounted on the baffle. Thus, the attachment of the outlet end of the hose to the opening is achieved in a simple and secure manner.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the hose has a length sufficient to surround at least half of the drum’s circumference. Thus, the amount of liquid retained in the hose is increased so as to increase the amount of liquid poured into the drum from the outlet end in each full rotation of the drum.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the hose has a length sufficient to surround three-quarters of the drum’s circumference. Thus, as long as the outlet end remains on the upper half of the drum, the flow of liquid from the hose into the drum is guaranteed.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the tub, a channel is provided which has a peripheral recess shape and wherein the hose is placed. Thus, the positioning of the hose on the tub is maintained. This embodiment is also advantageous in that the diameter of the hose can be 7.3631 increased without narrowing the peripheral gap, preventing the hose from coming into contact with the tub as a result of drum movements.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member is connected to the tub by means of at least one spring so as to provide flexible contact with the hose. Thus, in case of increased oscillation of the drum, the pressing member is enabled to move together with the drum so as to prevent the pressing member from being damaged and blocking the drum rotation.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the tub, a housing is provided which is in the form of a recess and wherein the pressing member is at least partially placed. Thus, the placement of the pressing member is facilitated, and the amplitude of the movement of the pressing member together with the drum can be safely increased.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member comprises a roller which contacts the hose rotating together with the drum and which is rotatably connected to a support by means of a shaft passing through the center thereof so as to roll about its own axis. Thus, the pressing member is enabled to fully compress the hose without hindering the rotation of the drum.

[0017] By means of the present invention, a washing machine with a simple structure and low cost is realized, wherein the washing water in the peripheral gap is carried to the upper part of the drum and is supplied into the drum in a continuous and uniform manner.

[0018] The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0019] Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the washing machine related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 2 - is the front cross-sectional view of the tub, the drum, the hose and the pressing member related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 3 - is the perspective view of the drum, the hose and the pressing member related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 - is the sideways view of the spring and the pressing member related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] Figure 5 - is the bottom perspective view of the baffle related to another embodiment of the present invention. 7.3631

[0024] Figure 6 - is the sideways cross-sectional view of the baffle related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

[0026] 1. Washing machine

[0027] 2. Body

[0028] 3. Tub

[0029] 4. Motor

[0030] 5. Drum

[0031] 6. Peripheral gap

[0032] 7. Opening

[0033] 8. Outlet end

[0034] 9. Inlet end

[0035] 10. Hose

[0036] 11. Pressing member

[0037] 12. Hole

[0038] 13. Baffle

[0039] 14. Tube

[0040] 15. Channel

[0041] 16. Spring

[0042] 17. Housing

[0043] 18. Support

[0044] 19. Shaft

[0045] 20. Roller

[0046] The washing machine (1) comprises a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing liquid is received; a cylindrical drum (5) which is disposed in the tub (3) and which is rotated about a rotational axis by means of a motor (4); an peripheral gap (6) which is provided between the drum (5) and the tub (3); and at least one opening (7) which is provided 7.3631 on the drum (5) and which opens into the interior of the drum (5). The washing liquid received in the tub (3) fills into the peripheral gap (6) provided between the tub (3) and the drum (5). The drum (5) disposed in the tub (3) has a cylindrical form and is rotated in the tub (3) about a horizontal or substantially horizontal axis by means of a motor (4). The opening (7) on the drum (5) is formed as a recess on the surface of the drum (5) so as to enable the liquid to enter into the drum (5).

[0047] The washing machine (1) of the present invention comprises at least one flexible hose (10) which is disposed on the drum (5) so as to at least partially surround the drum (5) and which has an outlet end (8) opening into the drum (5) via the opening (7) and an inlet end (9) opening into the peripheral gap (6); and at least one pressing member (11) which is provided on the tub (3) and which compresses the hose (10) during the rotation of the drum (5) so as to push the washing liquid entering the hose (10) from the inlet end (9) toward the outlet end (8). The hose (10) has a compressible flexible structure and extends along the cylindrical outer surface of the drum (5). The inlet end (9) of the hose (10) opens into the peripheral gap (6) so as to enable the washing liquid in the peripheral gap (6) to enter the hose (10). The outlet end (8) of the hose (10) is connected to the opening (7) so as to enable the liquid in the hose (10) to be delivered into the drum (5) via the opening (7). The pressing member (11) is positioned on the tub (3) so as to extend toward the drum (5), and as the drum (5) is rotated by the motor (4), locally presses and compresses the hose (10) on the outer surface of the drum along the length thereof toward the tub (3). Due to the compression effect, the liquid entering the hose (10) through the inlet end (9) is pushed toward the outlet end (8).

[0048] Thus, the liquid taken from the peripheral gap (6) is supplied into the drum (5) through the opening (7) by utilizing the movement generated by the rotation of the drum (5), and a peristaltic pumping effect provided by the hose (10) and the pressing member (11) ensures a consistent flow into the drum (5).

[0049] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises at least one baffle (13) which is fixed onto the drum (5), which protrudes into the drum (5) and has at least one hole (12) thereon, wherein the opening (7) opens into the baffle (13). The baffle (13) is fixed to the inner side of the drum (5) so as to contact the laundry. The opening (7) opens at least partially into the hollow structure of the baffle (13), and the liquid coming through the inlet end (9) enters the drum (5) through the interior of the baffle (13). The liquid entering the baffle (13) via the opening (7) passes through at least one hole (12) on the baffle (13) and reaches the laundry. Thus, the contact between the laundry and the inlet end (9) of the hose (10) and / or the 7.3631 opening (7) is eliminated, ensuring the uninterrupted flow of the washing liquid into the drum (5) via the hose (10).

[0050] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the baffle (13), at least one tube (14) is provided, which extends from the opening (7) into the baffle (13) and whereon the outlet end (8) is fitted. The tube (14) extends from the interior of the baffle (13) to the opening (7), and the outlet end (8) of the hose (10) is fitted over the tube (14) so as to grip the tube (14). The tube (14) provides support to the outlet end (8) of the flexible hose (10) and prevents the end of the hose (10) from bending. Thus, the mounting of the hose (10) is facilitated, and by preventing the end of the hose (10) from being squeezed under the baffle (13) during the assembly, the outlet end (8) is kept constantly open.

[0051] In another embodiment of the present invention, the hose (10) extends along at least half of the circumference of the drum (5). The hose (10) surrounds at least 180 degrees of the drum (5). Thus, the amount of water supplied into the drum (5) through the opening (7) during each rotation of the drum (5) is increased.

[0052] In another embodiment of the present invention, the hose (10) extends along nearly three- quarters of the circumference of the drum (5). The hose (10) surrounds 270 degrees of the drum (5). Thus, an optimal distance between the inlet end (9) and the outlet end (8) is achieved, and a continuous flow through the opening (7) into the drum (5) is maintained for the duration that the opening (7) remains in the upper half of the drum (5) during the rotation of the drum (5).

[0053] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the outer side of the drum (5) facing the tub (3), at least one groove-shaped channel (15) is provided, wherein the hose (10) is placed. The channel (15) is configured as a depression extending along the outer wall of the drum (5). The hose (10) is fixed into the channel (15) so as to remain at least partially in the channel (15). The channel (15) allows for an increase in the diameter of the hose (10) so as to increase the waterholding capacity, and also ensures that the hose (10) is securely positioned to maintain the correct alignment at all times.

[0054] In another embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member (11) is connected to the tub (3) by means of at least one spring (16). The spring (16) provides the movable connection of the pressing member (11) so as to move toward and away from the wall of the tub (3). Thus, while in contact with the hose (10), the pressing member (11) is enabled to move together with the drum (5) so as to ensure that consistent pressure is applied to the hose (10) without being affected by the drum (5) vibrations, thereby maintaining uniform flow in the hose (10). 7.3631

[0055] In another embodiment of the present invention, on the inner side of the tub (3) facing the drum (5), a recess-shaped housing (17) is provided, wherein the pressing member (11) is connected. The housing (17) is configured as a recess on the tub (3) facing the drum (5). The housing (17) surrounds the pressing member (11) at least partially and encloses the pressing member (11). This embodiment is particularly advantageous when the pressing member (11) is connected in a movable manner, while allowing the amplitude of the movement of the pressing member (11) in the compression direction to be safely increased and limiting the movement thereof in the direction perpendicular to the compression direction.

[0056] In another embodiment of the present invention, the pressing member (11) has at least one support (18), at least one shaft (19) which is rotatably borne at both ends to the support (18), and a roller (20) which is provided on the shaft (19) and which presses on the hose (10). The pressing member (11) presses on the hose (10) by means of a roller (20) which is connected so as to rotate freely about its own axis. The roller (20) rotates about its own axis while pressing on the hose

[0057] (10) rotating with the drum (5). Thus, friction between the hose (10) and the pressing member

[0058] (11) is significantly reduced, preventing the pressing member (11) from causing deformation on the hose (10) over time.

[0059] By means of the present invention, a continuous and uniform flow of washing liquid into the drum (5) is achieved, effectively improving the washing performance of the washing machine (1).

Claims

CLAIMS1. A washing machine (1) comprising a body (2); a tub (3) which is disposed in the body(2) and wherein the washing liquid is received; a cylindrical drum (5) which is disposed in the tub (3) and which is rotated about a rotational axis by means of a motor (4); an peripheral gap (6) which is provided between the drum (5) and the tub (3); and at least one opening (7) which is provided on the drum (5) and which opens into the interior of the drum (5), characterized by at least one flexible hose (10) which is disposed on the drum (5) so as to at least partially surround the drum (5) and which has an outlet end (8) opening into the drum (5) via the opening (7) and an inlet end (9) opening into the peripheral gap (6); and at least one pressing member (11) which is provided on the tub(3) and which compresses the hose (10) during the rotation of the drum (5) so as to push the washing liquid entering the hose (10) from the inlet end (9) toward the outlet end (8).

2. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by at least one baffle (13) which is fixed onto the drum (5), which protrudes into the drum (5) and which has at least one hole (12) thereon, and the opening (7) which opens into the baffle (13).

3. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 2, characterized by at least one tube (14) which is provided on the baffle (13), which extends from the opening (7) into the baffle (13) and whereon the outlet end (8) is fitted.

4. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the hose (10) which extends along at least half of the circumference of the drum (5).

5. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the hose (10) which extends along nearly three-quarters of the circumference of the drum (5).

6. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one groove-shaped channel (15) which is provided on the outer side of the drum (5) facing the tub (3) and wherein the hose (10) is placed.

7. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the pressing member (11) which is connected to the tub (3) by means of at least one spring (16).

8. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a recessshaped housing (17) which is provided on the inner side of the tub (3) facing the drum (5) and wherein the pressing member (11) is connected.

9. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the pressing member (11) having at least one support (18), at least one shaft (19) which is rotatably borne at both ends to the support (18), and a roller (20) which is provided on the shaft (19) and which presses on the hose (10).

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