A washing machine comprising a baffle

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a tub (2) wherein the washing water is received; a drum (3) which is disposed in the tub (2) and which is configured to rotate about a rotational axis; at least one baffle (6) which is fixed to the drum (3); a chamber (7) in the form of a gap which is arranged in the baffle (6); at least one opening (5) which is provided on the drum (3) and which opens into the chamber (7); and at least one outlet (8) which is provided on the baffle (6) and which enables the water in the chamber (7) to flow into the drum (3).

Description

[0001] 7.3632

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] A WASHING MACHINE COMPRISING A BAFFLE

[0004] The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a baffle which increases the cleaning performance.

[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 cleaning agents swept by water supplied into the dispenser flow into the space between the tub and the drum and dissolve in the water agitated by the rotation of the drum. However, in cases where the detergent settles at the bottom of the tub and / or the washing water is cold, the dissolution rate of the cleaning agent decreases, resulting in a reduced amount of detergent reaching the laundry and a decrease in the washing performance. Therefore, manufacturers develop various solutions to increase the dissolution rate of the cleaning agent and the amount of detergent which reaches the laundry. One of the solutions is to increase the movement of the water between the tub and the drum by adding protrusions to the drum rotated in the tub so as to cause water to strike the protrusions during the rotation. However, since dissolution efficiency increases proportionally with the surface area and number of protrusions, high solubility also brings disadvantages such as production difficulty, high cost, and increased energy consumption of the washing machine due to increased friction. Another state of the art solution is to increase the amount of cleaning agent penetrating the laundry by taking the water between the tub and drum into the baffle by means of a scoop structure and pouring the same back onto the laundry. However, scoops configured to collect water into the baffle have a rather limited effect on the dissolution of cleaning agents which settle on the bottom of the tub when laundry is washed at low temperatures and with powder detergent.

[0006] In the state of the art Korean Patent Application No. KR20060114103A, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising impellers which are disposed in the baffles so as to break air bubbles in the drum and increase the amount of detergent dissolved in the water.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine wherein the amount of cleaning agent penetrating the laundry is increased.

[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 body; a tub which is disposed in the body and wherein the washing water and the detergent are taken; a drum which is disposed in the 7.3632 tub and which is rotated around a horizontal or substantially horizontal rotation axis by means of a motor; a baffle which is fixed on the drum and which enables the laundry in the drum to be tumbled; a chamber in the form of a gap which is provided in the baffle; at least one outlet which is provided on the baffle and which ensures the liquid passage between the chamber and the drum; at least one opening which is provided on the drum and which opens into the chamber; at least one guiding member which is movably connected into the chamber so as to make a tilting movement about an axis perpendicular or substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation and whereon a plurality of fins spaced apart from each other are positioned to be connected to each other by means of at least one arm; and at least one barrier which is connected at one end to the guiding member, which extends from the other end through the opening to the outside of the drum and which is configured to transmit the pushing force applied thereon by the washing water between the drum and the tub to the guiding member so as to provide the movement of the guiding member. Upon plunging into the water as the drum rotates, the barrier agitates the water between the tub and the drum is stirred and, by transmitting the pushing force applied thereon to the guiding member, to which the barrier is connected, moves the guiding member so as to change the direction of the fins thereof. At least a portion of the undissolved cleaning agent dispersed in the washing water agitated in the tub is carried into the chamber together with the washing water through the opening and rapidly dissolved under the influence of highly turbulent flow in the relatively narrow chamber, which is caused by the flow redirected by the fins. When the baffle reaches an upper position in the drum, the washing water enriched with dissolved cleaning agent in the chamber is poured onto the laundry through the outlet. Thus, even in case large amounts of cleaning agent are used at low temperature, the cleaning agent is enabled to be rapidly dissolved in the washing water and delivered onto the laundry.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fins are configured as planar plates arranged at intervals on the arm in parallel to each other. By means of the planar structure of the fins, nearly the same vortex effect is achieved in the chamber in both directions of rotation of the drum, clockwise and counterclockwise around the axis of rotation.

[0010] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of slits are provided on the fins, and the fins are configured to be at least partially in a comb shape. The slits reduce the surface area of the fin so as to decrease the counter-directional pushing force exerted on the fins by the turbulent flow of water circulating in the chamber. Thus, the guiding member is positioned such that the orientation of the fins is preserved under the force applied by the barrier and the 7.3632 uncontrolled movement thereof is prevented. Moreover, the slits form passages for the water flowing into the chamber through the opening so as to enable part of the flow to pass through a smaller cross-section and increase the vortex effect in the baffle.

[0011] In another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier is in the form of a plate extending perpendicularly to the fins. By means of the planar structure thereof, the barrier is enabled to move the guiding member in opposite directions during both clockwise and counterclockwise rotations of the drum around its axis of rotation. Thus, the barrier is enabled to be directed at an angle relative to the opening such that the fins change the flow direction in both rotational directions of the drum.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier extends from one edge of the opening toward the front or rear of the drum so as to move away from the opening. Thus, the barrier is enabled to be positioned so as not to be located in front of the opening and is prevented from slowing the flow toward the fins.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the ends of the fins extend outward through the opening. Thus, the fins are enabled to guide a portion of the washing water toward the opening so as to accelerate the flow of washing water into the chamber.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the guiding member is movably connected by inserting pins, configured in the form of protrusions on the fins, rotatably into bearings provided on the chamber. As each fin is rotatably supported in a bearing by means of the pin, the balanced movement of the guiding member is ensured, and the fins are also supported so as to have an improved resistance to the forces acting thereon.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier is integrally formed with at least one fin and transmits the pushing force directly to the guiding member by means of the fin to which the barrier is connected. Thus, the connection of the barrier to the guiding member is provided by means of the present fin and since the need for additional configuration on the guiding member for connecting the barrier is eliminated, the number of fins is increased and the structure of the guiding member is simplified.

[0016] By means of the present invention, a washing machine is realized, wherein the cleaning agent is rapidly dissolved in the washing water so as to increase the penetration thereof into the laundry.

[0017] The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where: 7.3632

[0018] Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the washing machine related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 - is the top view of the guiding member and the barrier related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] Figure 3 - is the top view of the baffle, the guiding member and the barrier related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] Figure 4 - is the view of the baffle, the barrier and the guiding member before assembly related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 5 - is the view of the baffle, the barrier and the guiding member after assembly related to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

[0024] 1. Washing machine

[0025] 2. Tub

[0026] 3. Drum

[0027] 4. Motor

[0028] 5. Opening

[0029] 6. Baffle

[0030] 7. Chamber

[0031] 8. Outlet

[0032] 9. Guiding member

[0033] 10. Arm

[0034] 11. Fin

[0035] 12. Barrier

[0036] 13. Slit

[0037] 14. Pin

[0038] 15. Bearing 7.3632

[0039] The washing machine (1) comprises a tub (2) wherein the washing water is received; a drum (3) which is disposed in the tub (2) and which is configured to rotate about a rotational axis; at least one baffle (6) which is fixed to the drum (3); a chamber (7) in the form of a gap which is arranged in the baffle (6); at least one opening (5) which is provided on the drum (3) and which opens into the chamber (7); and at least one outlet (8) which is provided on the baffle (6) and which enables the water in the chamber (7) to flow into the drum (3). At the beginning of the washing program, the water and the cleaning agent are taken into the tub (2), and the drum (3) wherein the laundry is loaded is rotated at least partially around a horizontal axis in the tub (2) clockwise and / or counterclockwise by means of the motor (4). The baffle (6) which is fixed to the drum (3) and which protrudes into the drum (3) enables the laundry in the rotating drum (3) to be immersed in and removed from the water-detergent mixture in the tub (2), thus washing the laundry by both mechanical and chemical effects.

[0040] The washing machine (1) of the present invention comprises at least one guiding member (9) which has a plurality of fins (11) connected to each other by means of at least one arm (10) and which is connected movably into the chamber (7) so as to change the direction of the fins (11); and at least one barrier (12) which is connected to the guiding member (9), which extends from the opening (5) to the outside of the drum (3) and which enables the guiding member (9) to be moved by the impact of the water hitting thereon during the rotation of the drum (3). The guiding member (9) is attached movably onto the baffle (6) and is connected to the barrier (12) so as to move together with the barrier (12). As a result of the rotation of the drum (3), the barrier (12) hits the washing water between the tub (2) and the drum (3) so as to create a stirring effect and enable the cleaning agent to be lifted from the bottom of the tub (2). Moreover, the pushing force acting on the barrier (12) which hits the washing water between the drum (3) and the tub (2) is transmitted to the guiding member (9) to which the barrier (12) is connected so as to push the guiding member (9). Thus, the angle of the fins (11), which are connected to each other by means of the arm (10) on the guiding member (9), is changed, and the washing water flowing into the chamber (7) through the opening (5) is enabled to be redirected by means of the fins (11). Thus, the mixture of undissolved cleaning agent and washing water lifted from the bottom of the tub (2) by the agitation effect of the barrier (12) passes through the fins (11) so as to change direction, forming a vortex effect in the limited chamber (7) volume and the dissolution of the cleaning agent in the washing water in the chamber (7) is ensured. As the drum (3) rotates, the washing water with an increased concentration of cleaning agent in the chamber (7) in the raised baffle (6) is poured onto the laundry in the drum (3) through the outlet (8). Thus, 7.3632 the dissolution amount of the cleaning agent and the penetration thereof into the laundry are effectively increased.

[0041] In an embodiment of the present invention, the fins (11) are in the form of plates extending in parallel to each other. The fins (11) are configured as flat plates extending in a direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation and are fixed at intervals on the elongated arm (10) so as to extend in parallel. Preferably, at least four fins (11) are provided on the guiding member (9). The fins (11), which are connected to each other by means of the arm (10) on the guiding member (9) which moves as a result the impact of the washing water on the barrier (12), rotate simultaneously and in the same direction to direct the water either toward the front or the rear side of the baffle (6) so as to change orientation in the chamber (7). Preferably, the fins (11) are connected to the arm (10) at a level corresponding to half the height thereof along the axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Thus, the fins (11) are enabled to move in a balanced manner.

[0042] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of slits (13) are provided on the fins (11). At least one slit (13) in the form of an elongated gap is provided on each plate-shaped fin (11). Preferably, a plurality of slits (13) are provided on each fin (11). The slit (13) acts as a passage on the fin (11), which ensures the separation of the flow, so as to further destabilize the flow of the mixture of washing water and cleaning agent in the chamber (7), increasing the vortex effect. The slit (13) also reduces the surface area of the fin (11) so as to decrease the counter force applied by the turbulent flow in the chamber (7) on the fins (11) and prevent undesired changes in the orientation of the fins (11) due to the turbulent flow.

[0043] In another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier (12) is in the form of a plate extending perpendicularly to the fins (11). The barrier (12) is configured as a flat plate extending toward a peripheral edge of the drum (3). While the fins (11) extend perpendicular to the rodshaped arm (10), the barrier (12) extends in parallel with the arm (10). Thus, while the drum (3) is rotated in opposite directions around the rotation axis, the fins (11) are enabled to be rotated in opposite directions at the same angle such that the dissolution efficiency of the cleaning agent is increased in both rotational directions of the drum (3).

[0044] In another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier (12) extends from one edge of the opening (5) toward the drum (3). The barrier (12) is configured as a plate extending from the opening (5) toward the drum (3) so as to be adjacent to the wall of the drum (3). Thus, the length of the barrier (12) is enabled to be increased without affecting the flow around the opening (5), 7.3632 and the surface area of the barrier (12) is enlarged so as to increase the force transmitted to the guiding member (9).

[0045] In another embodiment of the present invention, the fins (11) extend at least partially through the opening (5) to the outside of the drum (3). The fins (11) are configured to extend outside through the opening (5) so as to remain at least partially between the drum (3) and the tub (2). Thus, the fins (11) are enabled to also act as scoops so as to guide the washing water into the chamber (7) while improving the mixing effect in the chamber (7).

[0046] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one pin (14) is provided on each fin (11) and a plurality of bearings (15) wherein the pins (14) are rotatably borne are provided on the baffle (6). On each fin (11), there is a pin (14) in the form of a projection extending in the direction perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drum (3). The pins (14) are preferably positioned so as to be close to one corner of the fins (11) and are rotatably borne in the cylindrical bearings (15) formed in the chamber (7) for each pin (14). The pins (14) fitted into the bearings (15) guide the movement of the guiding member (9) and define the rotational axis of the fins (11).

[0047] In another embodiment of the present invention, the barrier (12) is integrally formed with at least one fin (11). The barrier (12) is configured as an extension on one of the fins (11) extending from the opening (5) to the outside of the drum (3). The barrier (12) is preferably connected at one end to the fin (11) closest to one edge of the opening (5) and extends from the said edge of the opening (5) toward the drum (3). By means of the integrated structure thereof with the fin (11), the barrier (12) enables the applied force acting thereon to be directly transmitted to the fin (11) to which the barrier (12) is connected such that all fins (11) connected to each other by means of the arm (10) are rotated simultaneously.

[0048] By means of the present invention, a washing machine (1) is realized, which enables the detergent to penetrate the laundry quickly and effectively. Thus, the washing machine (1) is enabled to provide effective cleaning performance even at low drum (3) speeds and low temperatures.

Claims

32CLAIMS1. A washing machine (1) comprising a tub (2) wherein the washing water is received; a drum (3) which is disposed in the tub (2) and which is configured to rotate about a rotational axis; at least one baffle (6) which is fixed to the drum (3); a chamber (7) in the form of a gap which is arranged in the baffle (6); at least one opening (5) which is provided on the drum (3) and which opens into the chamber (7); and at least one outlet (8) which is provided on the baffle (6) and which enables the water in the chamber (7) to flow into the drum (3), characterized by at least one guiding member (9) which has a plurality of fins (11) connected to each other by means of at least one arm (10) and which is connected movably into the chamber (7) so as to change the direction of the fins (11); and at least one barrier (12) which is connected to the guiding member (9), which extends from the opening (5) to the outside of the drum (3) and which enables the guiding member (9) to be moved by the impact of the water hitting thereon during the rotation of the drum (3).

2. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the fins (11) which are in the form of plates extending in parallel to each other.

3. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 or Claim 2, characterized by a plurality of slits (13) which are provided on the fins (11).

4. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the barrier (12) which is in the form of a plate extending perpendicularly to the fins (11).

5. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the barrier (12) which extends from one edge of the opening (5) toward the drum (3).

6. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the fins (11) which extend at least partially through the opening (5) to the outside of the drum (3).

7. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by at least one pin (14) which is provided on each fin (11) and a plurality of bearings (15) which are provided on the baffle (6) and wherein the pins (14) are rotatably borne.

8. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the barrier (12) which is integrally formed with at least one fin (11).

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