阅读说明：本技术 具有柔性洗涤隔室的洗衣机 (Washing machine with flexible washing compartment ) 是由 弗雷德里克·马格努森 于 2018-06-01 设计创作，主要内容包括：用于洗涤衣物(诸如衣服和纺织品)的洗衣机,该洗衣机(1)具有主体部分(4),且还包括在其中洗涤衣物(L)的柔性洗涤隔室(10),其中,柔性洗涤隔室(10)具有可密封的开口(10a),该开口用于在打开状态下将待洗涤的衣物(L)装载到柔性洗涤隔室(10)中,其中,洗衣机(1)还包括：-入口(2),用于将洗涤水供给到柔性洗涤隔室(10)中；-出口(3),用于从柔性洗涤隔室(10)排放洗涤水,其中,机械压力装置(11)布置在柔性洗涤隔室(10)处,并且布置成在柔性洗涤隔室(10)的闭合状态下在柔性洗涤隔室(10)的一部分(10”)的外部(10’)上提供机械提升压力,从而提升该部分(10”),使得衣物(L)受到机械作用以辅助洗涤。(Washing machine for washing laundry, such as clothes and textiles, the washing machine (1) having a body portion (4) and further comprising a flexible washing compartment (10) in which the laundry (L) is washed, wherein the flexible washing compartment (10) has a sealable opening (10a) for loading the laundry (L) to be washed into the flexible washing compartment (10) in an open state, wherein the washing machine (1) further comprises: -an inlet (2) for feeding washing water into the flexible washing compartment (10); -an outlet (3) for draining washing water from the flexible washing compartment (10), wherein a mechanical pressure device (11) is arranged at the flexible washing compartment (10) and arranged to provide a mechanical lifting pressure on an exterior (10') of a portion (10 ") of the flexible washing compartment (10) in a closed state of the flexible washing compartment (10) thereby lifting the portion (10") such that the laundry (L) is subjected to a mechanical action to assist the washing.)

1. Washing machine for washing laundry, such as clothes and textiles, the washing machine (1) having a body portion (4) and further comprising a flexible washing compartment (10), in which flexible washing compartment (10) washing of the laundry (L) is carried out, wherein the flexible washing compartment (10) has a sealable opening (10a) for loading the laundry (L) to be washed into the flexible washing compartment (10) in an open state, wherein the washing machine (1) further comprises:

-an inlet (2), said inlet (2) for feeding washing water into the flexible washing compartment (10),

-an outlet (3), said outlet (3) being for draining washing water from said flexible washing compartment (10),

-characterized in that a mechanical pressure device (11) is arranged at said flexible washing compartment (10) and arranged to provide a mechanical lifting pressure on the outside (10') of a portion (10 ") of said flexible washing compartment (10) in the closed state of said flexible washing compartment (10), thereby lifting that portion (10") so that said laundry (L) is subjected to a mechanical action to assist washing.

2. Laundry washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical pressure device (11) is arranged below the flexible washing compartment (10), wherein the mechanical pressure device (11) comprises a tiltable plate (12), which tiltable plate (12) can be moved up and down vertically at a desired inclination by means of a hydraulic screw device (12a, 12 b).

3. Laundry washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical pressure device (11) is arranged below the flexible washing compartment (10), wherein the mechanical pressure device (11) comprises a tiltable plate (12), which tiltable plate (12) is hingedly attached at its one end (12c) and arranged to move up and down at the other end (12d) with a desired inclination.

4. Laundry washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical pressure device (11) is arranged below the flexible washing compartment (10), wherein the mechanical pressure device (11) comprises a tiltable plate (12), which tiltable plate (12) is hingedly attached at its central portion (12e) and arranged to be swingable about a swing axis (B).

5. Laundry washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical pressure device (11) is arranged below the flexible washing compartment (10), wherein the mechanical pressure device (11) comprises an adjustable roller device (17), which adjustable roller device (17) is movable in horizontal and vertical direction and rotatable about its axis (a).

6. Laundry washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the mechanical pressure device (11) is arranged below the flexible washing compartment (10), wherein the mechanical pressure device (11) comprises a rotatable conical roller device (15), which rotatable conical roller device (15) is rollable and thus movable in a horizontal direction along a plane (15 a).

7. Laundry washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that a further reaction device (16) is arranged to provide a reaction pressure (Pc) against the pressure exerted by the mechanical pressure device (11), so that the laundry (L) is subjected to a mechanical action to assist the dewatering.

8. Laundry washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that said flexible washing compartment (10) has an upper portion (13) and a lower portion (14), said opening (10a) being arranged at said upper portion (13) and being adapted to be in fluid communication with said main body portion (4), said laundry (L) being adapted to be positioned at said lower portion (14) during washing or dewatering.

9. Laundry washing machine according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that a sieve, perforated plate or perforated column is provided at the opening (10a) to prevent the laundry (L) being washed or dehydrated from preventing the entry or exit of the washing water and any other fluids involved in the access to the washing compartment (10).

10. Laundry washing machine according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the flexible washing compartment (10) has an openable and closable seal for opening or closing the flexible washing compartment (10) at the opening (10 a).

11. Laundry washing machine according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the flexible washing compartment (10) is connected to a water reservoir (6) provided inside the laundry washing machine (1), the water reservoir (6) being intended to contain used washing water and to recirculate the washing water back to the flexible washing compartment (10) one or more times.

12. Laundry washing machine according to claim 11, characterized in that the main body portion (4) comprises a water container (6) and a heating unit (5), respectively, for heating the washing water before supplying it to the flexible washing compartment (10).

13. Laundry washing machine according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the laundry washing machine (1) comprises connections enabling the application of compressed air, gas or hydraulic or vacuum to the flexible washing compartment (10).

14. Laundry washing machine according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the laundry washing machine (1) comprises a water inlet connection (2) and a water outlet connection (3) so that washing water, which can be mixed with detergent, can be sucked into and discharged out of the flexible washing compartment (10), respectively.

15. Laundry washing machine according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the water inlet connection (2) comprises a valve configured to let water into the flexible washing compartment (10).

16. Laundry washing machine according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the water outlet (3) comprises a valve and a pump configured to let water flow out of the flexible washing compartment (10).

17. Laundry washing machine according to any one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that one or more electrically operated pumps are provided which are configured to cause water to flow out of the flexible washing compartment (10).

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a washing machine, and in particular to a washing machine that washes laundry within a flexible washing compartment.

Background

Today, conventional washing machines are usually relatively bulky and often have certain standard dimensions. The washing machine washes laundry (e.g., clothes) by wetting the laundry, drying the laundry, re-wetting the laundry, etc., until the laundry is clean. To accomplish this, most laundry machines today include a rotatable cylindrical drum in which the laundry can be alternately soaked and dried as the drum rotates, without having to transfer the laundry between different chambers. In addition to the development of advanced washing programs and informative user interfaces, the latest developments of the laundry industry are all about the minimization of energy and water consumption, and to some extent the drying effect, so that today's washing machines are more energy efficient and consume less water than was the case only 10 years ago. In addition, the dehydration efficiency has increased so that the washed laundry may be dried more than the drying degree of the laundry has been possible in the past. This is advantageous since it means that less energy needs to be consumed in the subsequent drying of the laundry. On the other hand, washing machines (usually more or less with a cylindrical drum) have the same volume as washing machines of 50 years ago.

Disclosure of Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine which is not bulky, does not use severe mechanical action to cause wash water and detergent to enter and exit spaces between fibers of fabrics, and washes laundry in a satisfactory manner without using manual force.

According to an aspect of the present invention, the above object is provided by a washing machine for washing laundry such as clothes and textiles. Also, the washing machine provides a gentler laundry washing pattern, at least compared to conventional washing machines having a rotating perforated metal drum.

The washing machine has a main body portion and further includes a flexible washing compartment in which washing of laundry is performed. The flexible washing compartment has a sealable opening for loading laundry into the flexible washing compartment in an open state. The washing machine further comprises an inlet for supplying washing water into the flexible washing compartment, an outlet for draining washing water from the flexible washing compartment. The mechanical pressure device is arranged at the flexible washing compartment and is arranged to provide a mechanical pressure (typically a mechanical lifting pressure) on the outside of a portion of the flexible washing compartment in the closed state of the flexible washing compartment, thereby moving (possibly lifting) the portion, such that the laundry is subjected to a mechanical action to assist the washing.

In this context, the term "sealable" also includes merely "closed" and is not limited to an absolutely hermetically sealed against any fluid.

The flexible washing compartment is subjected to mechanical pressure on its outside to provide washing inside the compartment. This is provided by one or more mechanical pressure means arranged outside the flexible washing compartment and arranged to provide a pressure outside the washing compartment, such that the laundry inside the washing compartment is subjected to the mechanical pressure.

In this way, the laundry inside the flexible washing compartment is splashed, rubbed, moved, pushed and may be damaged. This may be provided simultaneously or in a particular manner. The laundry may also be pressed back and forth. This will be explained in further detail in various embodiments of the washing machine of the present invention.

Mechanical pressure devices that provide full mechanical pressure do this without the use of the intense mechanical action (such as that provided by the rotating drum of today's conventional washing machines) for moving wash water and detergent into and out of the spaces between the fibers of the fabric of the laundry.

The laundry washing machine disclosed in the various embodiments may also be considered as an alternative to using a pressure difference between the flexible washing compartment and its surroundings (e.g. a negative or overpressure inside the flexible washing compartment and an atmospheric pressure outside) to provide washing.

According to some embodiments, pressure differentials may be used in addition to full mechanical pressure devices to further enhance washing. According to some embodiments, in addition to the one or more full mechanical pressure devices, a negative pressure (such as the vacuum pressure disclosed in, for example, EP-B1-2633113) may be provided to further enhance washing.

Now, an example of the use of the washing machine is presented as follows. This example is not limitative, but is only intended as an example to explain the operation of the washing machine of the present invention.

First, dirty laundry is put into the opened flexible washing compartment.

Initially, clean wash water is provided into the flexible washing compartment via the inlet and typically via a heater of the washing machine, which heats the water to a desired temperature. The detergent may be provided directly to the flexible washing compartment or via a separate compartment or container within the washing machine for dispensing with the water into the flexible washing compartment. After water has been added to the washing chamber and set to a closed state, the mechanical pressure means are activated by providing a mechanical pressure (usually a lifting pressure) outside a portion of the flexible washing compartment, thereby moving (possibly lifting) the portion to subject the laundry to a mechanical action to provide washing. Usually, the water is gradually drained via the outlet and, before the used washing water is replaced, the same water can be returned to the washing compartment a number of times, for example by means of a water reservoir provided in the main body portion of the washing machine, and the cycle repeated again.

An advantage of the invention is that only the water required for wetting the laundry is required (in each washing cycle), so that both water and energy consumption can be minimized. Rinsing the laundry of course requires some additional water.

Furthermore, preferably, the flexible washing compartment has a shape memory such that the flexible washing compartment will resume its original shape once the mechanical pressure has been removed.

Two further advantages of the present invention include: first, the washing machine does not include any bulky elements, such as a pressure chamber or a cylindrical drum; secondly, the actual washing volume as a flexible washing compartment is movable and can be used for sorting and storing dirty laundry.

Further advantages of the invention will become apparent from the detailed description and the dependent claims.

Drawings

Fig. 1A shows an embodiment of a washing machine comprising a body portion with a connected flexible washing compartment, wherein the mechanical pressure device comprises a tiltable plate, which can be moved up and down vertically at a desired inclination by a hydraulic screw device,

fig. 1B shows an alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment and the mechanical pressure device, wherein the pressure device comprises a tiltable plate, which is hingedly attached at one end thereof and arranged to move up and down at the other end with a desired inclination,

fig. 1C shows a further alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment and the mechanical pressure device, wherein the mechanical pressure device comprises a tiltable plate, which is hinged at its central portion and arranged to be swingable about a swing axis,

figure 2 shows yet another alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment and the mechanical pressure means, wherein the mechanical pressure means comprises an adjustable roller means, which is movable in horizontal and vertical direction, and rotatable about its axis,

fig. 3 shows an embodiment of a mechanical press comprising a rotatable conical roller device, which can be rolled and thus can be moved in a horizontal direction along a plane,

fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the mechanical pressure device shown in fig. 3, which comprises a rotatable, slightly curved cylindrical roller device, which can be rolled and thus can be moved in a horizontal direction along a plane,

fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a flexible washing compartment and a mechanical pressure device comprising a roller and a supporting sheet (supporting sheet) attached to the roller and which can be rolled up on the roller to lift a part of the flexible washing compartment, and

fig. 6 shows an embodiment of a flexible washing compartment and a mechanical pressure device.

Detailed Description

A first embodiment of a washing machine according to the present invention is shown in fig. 1A. The laundry washing machine 1 comprises a main body portion 4 (only schematically shown by dashed lines) and a flexible washing compartment 10, in which flexible washing compartment 10 washing of the laundry L is carried out. The flexible washing compartment has a sealable opening 10a for loading laundry L to be washed into the flexible washing compartment 10 in an open state. Typically, the flexible washing compartment 10 is removably connected to the body portion 4, thereby sealing the flexible washing compartment 10 when connected to the body portion 4. In fig. 1a, only the individual components of the body part 4 are schematically shown. The washing machine 1 comprises an inlet 2, which may be or may comprise an inlet connection for supplying clean washing water into the flexible washing compartment 10, and an outlet 3, which may be or may comprise an outlet connection for draining used washing water, preferably by means of a pump from the flexible washing compartment 10. In order to supply clean water, a pump is not usually needed, as water will be provided from a pressurized and closed water system, such as a public water supply.

A mechanical pressure device 11 is arranged at the flexible washing compartment 10 and is arranged to provide a mechanical pressure (typically a mechanical lifting pressure) on the exterior 10' of a portion 10 "of the flexible washing compartment 10 in the closed state of the flexible washing compartment to move (possibly lift) the portion 10", such that the laundry L is subjected to a mechanical action to provide washing.

The flexible washing compartment 10 has an upper portion 13 and a lower portion 14, an opening 10a being arranged at the upper portion 13 and adapted to be in fluid communication with the body portion 4, the laundry L being adapted to be positioned at the lower portion 14 during washing or dewatering.

Preferably, the body part 4 comprises a heating unit 5, with which heating unit 5 the water can be heated to a desired temperature regardless of the incoming temperature. The body portion 4 may also comprise a water reservoir 6, for example a small water reservoir in which the heating unit 5 may be arranged. The water reservoir 6 makes it possible to reuse the washing water. For environmental reasons, it is advantageous to wash the laundry L multiple times with the same water, since this saves both water and heat energy. In addition, since the impurities in the washing water are hardly saturated, the washing efficiency is not significantly deteriorated because the same washing water is used several times. Therefore, only when washing very dirty laundry, pre-washing with the first water change is required. However, for rinsing the laundry, water change should always be performed.

It is also advantageous if the water reservoir 6 is insulated so as to save thermal energy in the different washing steps, for reasons relating both to the environment and to the washing efficiency.

Preferably, the main body portion 4 of the washing machine includes an electronic circuit (not shown) that can select a desired washing course from a number of selectable washing courses. The washing program may control, for example, a washing temperature, the number of times the laundry L is soaked, the number of times the washing water is changed, the dryness of the laundry after washing is performed, and other parameters that may be controlled on a conventional washing machine. Preferably, there are a plurality of preset washing programs that can be selected using a suitable interface on the main body portion 4. However, in order to provide further flexibility or as a safety measure, the interface of the electronic device may be arranged such that the user is given information about which washing program is set as the washing program to be used, whereby the user may also switch to another program, if desired.

Preferably, the body portion 4 further comprises a compartment (not shown) for the dosage of detergent, the location of which is such that water supplied to the flexible washing compartment 10 will pass through the compartment and carry the detergent out of the compartment. However, it is also possible to place the detergent directly in the flexible washing compartment 10.

Of course, the flexible washing compartment 10 to be used in the laundry washing machine 1 needs to be specially designed for washing in it. This is shown in fig. 1A. Of course, the most important is fluid-tight. Furthermore, it is desirable to have a connection portion for fluid tight connection with the connection portion 4' of the body portion 4, so that wash water can be transported into and out of the flexible washing compartment 10 without any leakage. Preferably, the flexible washing compartment 10 is removably connected to the connecting portion 4 'of the main body portion 4, wherein this connecting portion serves as a rigid cover 4', as in the illustrated embodiment (which shows the portion of the main body portion 4 that serves as a rigid cover), by way of non-limiting example, but the flexible washing compartment 10 also has an opening 10a for the entry and exit of the laundry L. In the embodiment shown, the connecting portion 4' and the opening 10a are integrated together in the following manner: the opening of the flexible washing compartment 10 is connected with this connection portion 4 'of the main body portion 4 of the laundry washing machine 1, or such that the opening surrounds the connection portion 4'. According to another embodiment, instead, the opening 10a of the flexible washing compartment 10 is separated from the connection of the body part, wherein the flexible washing compartment 10 comprises a separate opening with a fluid tight seal (such as a zipper or any other type of seal) and a separate connection part for connecting to the body part of the washing machine 1.

One way of making the flexible washing compartment 10 feasible to connect with the body part 4 is therefore to provide the flexible washing compartment 10 with a connection part 4' realized as a cover, which can be attached to the connection unit of the body part 4 or which is attachable with the connection unit of the body part 4, and which is fastened in a way that ensures that the flexible washing compartment 10 is held in place and that leakage between the flexible washing compartment 10 and the connection unit is minimized.

The above disclosure of the body portion 4 is applicable and may be combined with all disclosed mechanical pressure means 11 as follows and is therefore not limited to the particular embodiment disclosed only in relation to fig. 1 a.

As shown in this fig. 1A, a mechanical pressure device 11 is arranged below the flexible washing compartment 10, wherein the mechanical pressure device 11 comprises a tiltable plate 12, which tiltable plate 12 can be moved vertically up and down at a desired inclination by means of hydraulic screw devices 12a, 12b running on respective runner bars (runner poles). If, as an example, one of the screw devices, i.e. the first screw device 12a, is screwed higher than the other screw device 12b, the plate 12 will tilt as shown in the inset in fig. 1A, thereby affecting the laundry L inside the flexible washing compartment such that it falls from side to side inside the flexible washing compartment 10 when tilted.

The laundry L is rubbed and directed towards each other by the inner walls 10 "' of the flexible washing compartment, which is a full mechanical wash, without the need for rotating a drum or a pressure difference between the flexible washing compartment and its surroundings as required in vacuum washing machines operating with a pressure difference. This also improves washing efficiency and is gentle to laundry, compared to the conventional washing machine having a rotary drum.

Once the wash water has been drained to a desired extent through the outlet 3, rinse water is supplied to the flexible washing compartment 10 through the inlet 2. The purpose of the rinse water is, for example, to perform final washing of the laundry and to remove residual detergent. In addition, a rinse liquor and/or a fabric softener may be provided with the rinse water, which may soften the laundry and/or impart a pleasant fragrance to the laundry.

Fig. 1B shows an alternative embodiment of a flexible washing compartment 10 and a mechanical pressure device 11, wherein the mechanical pressure device comprises a tiltable plate 12, which tiltable plate 12 is hingedly attached at one end 12c thereof and arranged to move up and down at the other end 12d with a desired inclination. This is illustrated by the double arrow.

Fig. 1C shows a further alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment 10 and the mechanical pressure device, wherein the mechanical pressure device 10 comprises a tiltable plate 12, which tiltable plate 12 is hingedly attached at its central portion and arranged to be swingable about a swing axis B (see double arrow).

Fig. 2 shows a further alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment 10 and the mechanical pressure means 11, wherein the pressure means comprise an adjustable roller means 17, which adjustable roller means 17 is movable in horizontal as well as in vertical direction and rotatable about its axis a.

Fig. 3 shows an embodiment of the mechanical press 11, the mechanical press 11 comprising a rotatable conical roller arrangement 15, which conical roller arrangement 15 can roll and thus can be moved in a horizontal direction along a plane 15 a.

Fig. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the roller device 15 shown in fig. 3, which comprises a rotatable, slightly curved cylindrical roller device 15 which can be rolled about an axis R and can thus be moved in a horizontal direction along a plane similar to the plane 15a in fig. 3.

Fig. 5 shows an embodiment of a flexible washing compartment and a mechanical pressure device comprising a roller 23 and a support sheet 22 (supporting the washing compartment 10), the support sheet 22 being attached to the roller 23 at one end 22a and can be rolled up on the roller 23 to lift a portion 10 "' (shown in dashed lines) of the flexible washing compartment 10.

Fig. 6 shows a further reaction means 16, which reaction means 16 is arranged to provide a reaction pressure Pc against the pressure exerted by the mechanical pressure means 11, such that the laundry L is subjected to a mechanical action to assist the dewatering by pressing between the upwardly pressed mechanical pressure means 11 and the downwardly pressed reaction means 16.

According to a further embodiment, a sieve, perforated plate or perforated column is provided at the opening 10a to prevent the laundry L being washed or dehydrated from preventing the ingress or egress of wash water and any other fluids involved in entering or exiting the washing compartment 10.

It is advantageous if the inner wall 10 "' of the flexible washing compartment 10 does not have recesses and/or protrusions with sharp edges, since these may damage the laundry and may undesirably help to guide the fluid along the wall instead of through the laundry. In contrast, when the fluid flows through the laundry, preferably, the laundry is kneaded by the walls while the walls are drawn toward each other, thereby achieving a washing effect.

The flexible washing compartment may further comprise an insulation layer to minimize the portion of thermal energy emitted to the surroundings. This is very important for energy saving. It is also advantageous if the flexible washing compartment has a shape memory such that the flexible washing compartment resumes its original shape after the pressures have been equalized such that the pressures inside and outside the flexible washing compartment are substantially the same. This may be achieved, for example, in that the flexible washing compartment is made of a rigid material, or in that the flexible washing compartment is provided with rigidity (e.g. at its edges).