Household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, comprising a washing agents dispensing device, and operation method thereof

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing household washing machines, particularly dishwashers, face challenges in optimizing the use of space within the wash tub for detergent dispensing, ensuring accurate and constant release of washing agents, and dynamically adjusting agent supply according to wash program requirements.

Innovation Solution

A dishwasher with a dispensing device featuring an electrovalve system that includes pneumatic locking systems and shut-off elements, allowing for controlled release of detergent and rinse aid agents directly into the wash liquid flow, optimizing space usage and ensuring accurate dosing without the need for lids, and enabling electronic dynamic control of agent supply based on wash program needs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a lid-based dispensing device is used to contain and release washing agents, then the washing agent can be stored and dispensed, but space inside the wash tub is reduced and the agent release is not accurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing agent storage and releaseVSAvoidspace inside wash tub
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the washing agent from a lid-based containment system and places it directly into the wash tub through a dispensing device. The agent is released from a reservoir through a controlled opening into the wash liquid flow, eliminating the need for a lid structure that would otherwise occupy space inside the wash tub.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a dispensing device as an intermediary between the washing agent reservoir and the wash tub. This device includes a controlled opening that allows the washing agent to be released into the wash liquid flow, ensuring accurate dosing while optimizing space utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Quantity of substance

If a lid-based dispensing device is used, then washing agent can be contained, but the release of washing agent is random and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing agent containmentVSAvoidwashing agent release accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The control system receives information about the wash program requirements and controls the opening of the dispensing device accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the washing agent is released at the correct time and in the correct amount, achieving precise dosing based on the specific wash program needs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The dispensing device features a controllable opening that can be dynamically opened or closed based on wash program requirements. This dynamic control allows for accurate release of the washing agent at the appropriate time during the wash cycle, rather than random release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the dispensing device is positioned to allow lid opening, then washing agent can be released, but space optimization is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewashing agent releaseVSAvoidspace utilization
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the mechanical lid opening system with a controlled dispensing mechanism. The washing agent is released through a controllable opening in the dispensing device directly into the wash liquid flow, eliminating the need for a mechanical lid structure and optimizing space utilization while maintaining ease of operation through electronic control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The solution allows for efficient use of space, precise and reliable release of washing agents, and energy-saving operation by ensuring effective dissolution and delivery of agents, while enabling the dishwasher to dynamically manage agent supply according to specific wash program requirements, enhancing overall washing performance.

Implementation Method 1

an electrovalve (20) comprising: at least one first duct (21) connected to said pump (5)... at least one passage portion (20P) for connecting said at least one first duct (21) and said at least one second duct (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a first locking system (41), in particular of the pneumatic type, associated with the first shut-off element (31) and hydraulically connected to said pump (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid pressure: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 3

a pump (5) associated with a delivery duct (6) for distributing the wash liquid inside said washing machine (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPump pressure: Pump

Implementation Method 4

ensuring effective dissolution and delivery of agents

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Implementation Method 5

distributing the wash liquid inside said washing machine (1)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3069648B1Household washing machine, in particular a dishwasher, comprising a washing agents dispensing device, and operation method thereof
Publication Date: 2018.01.24 TP REFLEX GRP SPA
  • EP3069648B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3069648B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3069648B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) for household use, in particular a dishwasher, comprising: - a control system (SC), in particular of the electric or electronic type, for handling and controlling the operation of the washing machine (1), said control system (SC) being adapted to implement at least one wash program; - a tub (2) inside of which crockery is cleaned by washing means comprising a wash fluid or liquid; - a pump (5) associated with a delivery duct (6) for distributing the wash liquid inside said washing machine (1); - a dispensing device (10) for dispensing washing agents for the steps envisaged by said at least one wash program, and comprising an inlet (10I) connected to said pump (5), a first compartment (11) adapted to contain a detergent agent for the execution of a wash step, and a second compartment (12) adapted to contain a rinse aid agent for the execution of a rinse step, characterized in that said washing machine (1) further comprises an electrovalve (20) associated with said dispensing device (10) and comprising: - at least one first duct (21) connected to said pump (5), in particular by means of said inlet (10I), for introducing wash liquid coming from the pump (5) into said electrovalve (20), - at least one second duct (22) for introducing said wash liquid into the first compartment (11), - at least one passage portion (20P) for connecting said at least one first duct (21) and said at least one second duct (22); - at least one third duct (23) for introducing the rinse aid agent coming from the second compartment (12) into said passage portion (20P), - at least one fourth duct (24) for introducing said rinse aid agent into the tub (2), said third duct (23) and fourth duct (24) being connected by said at least one passage portion (20P), and - intercepting means (30) associated with said at least one passage portion (20P) and comprising an actuating element (30A) associated with: - a first shut-off element (31) for selectively obstructing or opening a first passage (22A) in order to allow said wash liquid to flow from said passage portion (20P) towards said at least one second duct (22); - a second shut-off element (32) for selectively obstructing or opening a second passage (23A) in order to allow the rinse aid agent to flow from said at least one third duct (23) towards said passage portion (20P).