WASHING MACHINE HAVING FLEXIBLE WASHING COMPARTMENT

Abstract

Washing machine for the washing of laundry such as clothes and textiles, which washing machine (1) has a main part (4) and further comprises a flexible washing compartment (10) in which the washing of the laundry (L) takes place, wherein the flexible washing compartment (10) has a sealable opening (10a) for in an open state loading the laundry (L) to be washed into the flexible washing compartment (10), wherein the washing machine (1) further comprises: an inlet (2), for supplying washing water into the flexible washing compartment (10), an outlet (3), for disposal of washing water from the flexible washing compartment (10), wherein mechanical pressure device (11) is arranged at the flexible washing compartment (10), and in a closed state of the flexible washing in compartment (10) arranged to provide mechanical lifting pressure on the outside (10′) of a part (10″) of the flexible washing compartment (10), lifting this part (10″) such that the laundry (L) is subject to mechanical action to assist washing.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Conventional washing machines of today are usually relatively voluminous, usually of a certain standard measure. A washing machine washes laundry, such as clothes, by wetting them, drying them, wetting them again etc. until the laundry is clean. In order to accomplish this laundering most of today's washing machines comprise a rotatable cylindrical drum in which the laundry may be alternately soaked and dried when the drum rotates without the laundry having to be transferred between different chambers. The latest development in the laundry business has apart from the development of advanced washing programmes and informative user interfaces been all about minimisation of the consumption of energy and water, and to some extent the drying effect, whereby the washing machines of today are both more energy efficient and consume less water than what was the case only 10 years ago. Further, the spin-drying efficiency has been increased such that the washed laundry will be drier than what has been possible in the past. This is advantageous since it implies that less energy needs to be consumed at the subsequent drying of the laundry. On the other hand the washing machines, typically more or less all having cylindrical drums, are just as voluminous as they were 50 years ago.

PRIOR ART

There are many different types of washing machines, but most use violent mechanical action to get the washing water and washing agent into and out of the spaces between the fibres of the fabric of the laundry. To prevent the violent mechanical action typically large amounts of water are used which in turn requires a lot of heating; for increasing temperature is the usual way of accelerating the washing reactions.

There are however other ways of washing laundry. An example is shown in the laid open patent application GB 2 153 395, in which the laundry is washed in a bag inside a pressure chamber. In the middle of the bag there is a perforated column, through which water passes in and out and towards which the laundry is pressed when the bags are emptied of water. Every time the water is pressed out of the bag the laundry is kneaded towards the column. Due to the fact that the washing machine comprises a pressure chamber it is however just as voluminous as any other conventional washing machine.

A less voluminous washing machine is shown in the laid open patent application GB 2 378 712, which relates to a travel washing machine. This washing machine is driven by hand power in that an operator presses a volume in which the laundry is located such that the water in this volume is forced out to a surrounding volume. When the pressure decreases in the first volume the water flows back into this volume. This process is repeated a number of times such that the laundry is washed.

Another type of washing machine without a rotating drum is disclosed in EP-B1-2633113. In contrast to most conventional washing machines, the laundry is washed in an especially adapted flexible washing compartment inside the washing machine. This washing machine uses negative pressure for washing. This is a softer way of washing laundry at least compared to conventional washing machines having rotating perforated metal drums.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a washing machine that is not voluminous, doesn't use violent mechanical action to get the washing water and washing agent into and out of the spaces between the fibres of the fabric and that washes laundry in a satisfying manner without the use of hand power.

According to an aspect of the invention, this is provided by a washing machine for the washing of laundry such as clothes and textiles. Also this washing machine provides a softer way of washing laundry at least compared to conventional washing machines having rotating perforated metal drums.

The washing machine has a main part and further comprises a flexible washing compartment in which flexible washing compartment the washing of the laundry takes place. The flexible washing compartment has a sealable opening for in an open state loading the laundry to be washed into the flexible washing compartment. The washing machine further comprises an inlet for supplying washing water into the flexible washing compartment, an outlet for disposal of washing water from the flexible washing compartment. A mechanical pressure device is arranged at the flexible washing compartment, and in a closed state of the flexible washing compartment arranged to provide mechanical, typically lifting, pressure on an outside of a part of the flexible washing compartment, moving, possibly lifting, this part such that the laundry is subject to mechanical action to assist washing.

Herein, the term “sealable” includes also just “closed” and is not limited to absolutely hermetically sealed against any fluid.

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

In this way, the laundry inside the flexible washing compartment is splashed, kneaded, moved, pushed and possibly mangled. This can be provided simultaneously or in a specific pattern. It is also possible to press the laundry hence and forth. This will be further explained in detail in various embodiments of the washing machine of this disclosure.

The mechanical pressure device providing all-mechanical pressure accomplishes this without using violent mechanical action, such as provided by a rotating drum of conventional today's washing machines, to get the washing water and washing agent into and out of the spaces between the fibers of the fabric of the laundry.

The washing machine disclosed in various embodiments may be considered also to be an alternative to using a pressure-difference between the flexible washing compartment and its surroundings such as under-pressure or over-pressure inside the flexible washing compartment and atmospheric pressure outside to provide washing.

According to some embodiments, a pressure-difference can also be used in addition to the all- mechanical pressure device to further increase washing. According to some embodiments, in addition to the one or more all-mechanical pressure devices, also negative-pressure such as vacuum pressure can be provided as disclosed for instance in EP-B1-2633113 to further increase washing.

Now, an example of use of the washing machine is presented as follows. This example is not limiting, but only intended as an example to explain the operation of the washing machine of this disclosure.

First, dirty laundry is placed into the open flexible washing compartment.

Initially, clean washing water is provided into the flexible washing compartment via the inlet typically via a heater from the washing machine, which heats the water to a desired temperature. A washing detergent may be provided directly to the flexible washing compartment or via a separate compartment or container in the washing machine to be distributed into the flexible washing compartment together with the water. After that the water has been added to the washing compartment and being set in a closed state, the mechanical pressure device is activated by means of providing mechanical, typically lifting, pressure on the outside of a part of the flexible washing compartment, moving, possibly lifting, this part such that the laundry is subject to mechanical action to provide washing. Typically, gradually the water is let out, via the outlet and the same water may be returned for instance via a reservoir provided in the main part of the washing machine to the washing compartment a couple of times before the used washing water is exchanged and the cycle is repeated once again.

An advantage of the invention is that only as much water as is needed (in each washing cycle) to wet the laundry is needed, whereby the consumption of both water and energy may be minimised. Rinsing the laundry of course requires some additional water.

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

Two further advantages of the invention include firstly that the washing machine does not comprise any voluminous element such as a pressure chamber or a cylinder drum, and secondly, that the actual washing volume being the flexible washing compartment is removable and may be used for sorting and storage of dirty laundry

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

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A shows an embodiment of the washing machine comprising a main part with a connected flexible washing compartment, wherein the mechanical pressure device comprises a tiltable plate that can be moved up and down vertically at a desired inclination by means of hydraulic screw devices,

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

FIG. 1C shows yet an alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment, and the mechanical pressure device, wherein the pressure device comprises a tiltable plate that is hingedly attached at a central part thereof and that is arranged to be swingable around a swing axis,

FIG. 2 shows an yet an alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment, and the mechanical pressure device, wherein the pressure device comprises an adjustable roll device that can be moved in horizontal direction, as well as in vertical direction, and that can rotate around an axis thereof,

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the mechanical pressure device, which comprises a rotatable conical roller device that can be rolled and thereby moved in 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 bent cylindrical roll device that can be rolled and thereby moved in horizontal direction along a plane,

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

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the flexible washing compartment and the mechanical pressure device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOWN EMBODIMENT

A first embodiment of the washing machine according the invention is shown in FIG. 1A. The washing machine 1 comprises a main part 4 (only schematically illustrated by dashed lines) and a flexible washing compartment 10 in which the washing of the laundry L takes place. The flexible washing compartment has a sealable opening 10a for in an open state loading the laundry L to be washed into the flexible washing compartment 10. Typically, the flexible washing compartment 10 is removably connectable to the main part 4, thereby sealing the flexible washing compartment when the washing compartment 10 is connected to the main part 4. In Figure la, the components of the main part 4 are only schematically shown. The washing machine 1 comprises an inlet 2, which can be or comprise an inlet connection, for supplying clean washing water into the flexible washing compartment 10 and an outlet 3, which can be or comprise an out let connection, for disposal of used washing water preferably by means of a pump from the flexible washing compartment 10. In order to supply clean water a pump is normally not needed because the water will be provided from a pressurised and closed water system such as a public water supply system.

A mechanical pressure device 11 is arranged at the flexible washing compartment 10, and in a closed state of the flexible washing compartment arranged to provide mechanical, typically lifting, pressure on an outside 10′ of a part 10″ of the flexible washing compartment 10, moving, possibly lifting, this part10″ such that the laundry L is subject to mechanical action to provide washing.

The flexible washing compartment 10 has an upper part 13 at which the opening 10a is arranged and adapted to be in flow communication with the main part 4, and a lower part 14, at which the laundry L is adapted to be positioned during washing or dewatering.

Preferably, the main part 4 comprises a heating unit 5 with which the water may be heated to the desired temperature regardless of the inlet temperature. The main part 4 can also include a reservoir 6, such as a small tank, in which the heating unit 5 may be arranged. The reservoir 6 makes it possible to re-utilise the washing water. Due to environmental friendly reasons it is advantageous that the laundry L is washed several times with the same water, because it saves both water and heating energy. Further, the washing efficiency is not drastically worsened because the same washing water is used several times, since the washing water very rarely is saturated in impurities. Hence, a prewash with a first water change is only necessary when very dirty laundry is to be washed. A water exchange should however always be made for the rinsing of the laundry.

For reasons concerning both the environment and the washing efficiency it is also advantageous if the reservoir 6 is heat isolated such that heat energy is saved between the different washing steps.

Preferably, the main part 4 of the washing machine comprises electronic circuitry (not shown) where a desired washing programme out of severable selectable washing programmes may be chosen. The washing programmes may e.g. control the washing temperature, number of soakings of the laundry L, number of change of washing water, the dryness of the laundry after the performed washing and other parameters that may be controlled on conventional washing machines. Preferably, there is a number pre-set washing programmes that may be chosen by means of a suitable interface on the main part 4. To provide further flexibility or as a safety measure the interface of the electronic equipment may however be such arranged that the user is given information about which washing programme that is set to be used, whereby he may also have the possibility to change to another programme if desired.

Preferably, the main part 4 also comprises a compartment (not shown) for dosage of washing detergent, which is located such that the water that is supplied to the flexible washing compartment 10 will pass and bring the washing detergent from it. It is however also possible to place the washing detergent directly in the flexible washing compartment 10.

A flexible washing compartment 10 that is to be used in the washing machine 1 naturally needs to be specially designed in order for the washing to be performed in it. This is shown in FIG. 1A. Most important is of course that is fluid tight. Further, it needs to have a connection part for fluid tight connection to the connection part 4′of the main part 4 such that washing water may be transported in and out of the flexible washing compartment 10 without any leakage. Preferably, the flexible washing compartment 10 is removably connected to the connection part 4′ of the main part 4, wherein the connection part as a non-limiting example is acting as a rigid lid 4′ as in the shown embodiment (showing part of the main part 4 acting as a rigid lid, but the flexible washing compartment 10 also has an opening 10a for the entering and removal of laundry L. In the shown embodiment, the connection part 4′ and the opening 10a are integrated in such a way that the opening of the flexible washing compartment 10 is connected to or such that it encloses a connection part 4′ of the main part 4 of the washing machine 1. According to another embodiment the opening 10a of the flexible washing compartment 10 may instead be separated from the connection to the main part, wherein the flexible washing compartment 10 comprises both a separate opening with a fluid tight seal such as a zipper or any other type of seal and a separate connection part for connection to the main part 4 of the washing machine 1.

A way of enabling a feasible connection of the flexible washing compartment 10 to the main part 4 is thus to provide the flexible washing compartment 10 with a connection part 4′ embodied as a lid that may be attached to or attachable to a connection unit of the main part 4 and be fastened in a way that ensures that the flexible washing compartment 10 is held at place and that minimises leakage between the flexible washing compartment 10 and the connection unit.

The above disclosure of the main part 4 is applicable and can be combined with all disclosed mechanical pressure devices 11 as follows, and is hence not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed in relation to FIG. 1a only.

As shown in this FIG. 1A, the mechanical pressure device 11 is arranged under the flexible washing compartment 10, wherein the mechanical pressure device 11 comprises a tiltable plate 12 that can be moved up and down vertically at a desired inclination by means of hydraulic screw devices 12a, 12b running on a respective runner pole. If as an example, one of the screw devices, the first screw device 12a is screwed higher up the other screw device 12b, the plate 12 will be tilted as illustrated in the inset to FIG. 1A, thereby affecting the laundry L inside the flexible washing compartment, falling from one side to another within the flexible washing compartment 10 when tilted.

The laundry L is kneaded by the inner walls 10′″ of the flexible washing compartment and towards each other which is all-mechanical washing requiring no rotating drum or pressure difference between the flexible washing compartment and its surroundings as is required in a vacuum washing machine operating with pressure difference. This also increases the washing efficiency and is gentle to the laundry compared to conventional washing machines having rotating drums.

Once the washing water has been let out via the outlet 3 to the desired degree the rinsing water is supplied via inlet 2 to the flexible washing compartment 10. The purpose of the rinsing water is e.g. to perform a final cleaning of the laundry and to remove any remainders of the washing detergent. Further, rinsing fluid and/or fabric softener, which softens and/or gives the laundry a pleasant fragrance, may be supplied together with the rinsing water.

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

FIG. 1C shows yet an alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment 10, and the mechanical pressure device, wherein the pressure device 10 comprises a tiltable plate 12 that is hingedly attached at a central part thereof and that is arranged to be swingable around a swing axis B (see double-headed arrow).

FIG. 2 shows yet an alternative embodiment of the flexible washing compartment 10, and the mechanical pressure device 11, wherein the pressure device comprises an adjustable roll device 17 that can be moved in horizontal direction, as well as in vertical direction, and that can rotate around an axis A thereof.

FIG. 3 shows an embodiment of the mechanical pressure device 11, which comprises a rotatable conical roll device 15 that can be rolled and thereby moved in horizontal direction along a plane 15a,

FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the roll device 15 shown in FIG. 3, which comprises a rotatable slightly bent cylindrical roll device 15 that can be rolled around an axis R and thereby moved in horizontal direction along a plane similar to the plane 15a in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 shows shows an embodiment of the flexible washing compartment and the mechanical pressure device, which comprises a roller 23 and a supporting sheet 22 (supporting the washing compartment 10) at one end 22a attached to the roller 23 and that can be rolled up on the roller 23 to lift up part 10′″ of the flexible washing compartment 10 (as illustrated by the dashed line).

FIG. 6 shows that a further counter-acting device 16 is arranged to provide counter-acting pressure Pc against the pressure applied by the mechanical pressure device 11, such that the laundry L is subject to mechanical action to assist dewatering by being pressed between the the mechanical pressure device 11 pressing upwards and the counter-acting device 16 pressing down-wards.

According to yet an embodiment, at the opening 10a there is provided a strainer, perforated plate or perforated column to prevent the laundry L being washed or dewatered from inhibiting the access or egress of the washing water and any other fluids involved into and out of the washing compartment 10.

It is advantageous if the inner walls 10′″ of the flexible washing compartment 10 do not have concavities and/or convexities with sharp edges since these could damage the laundry and could undesirably assist to guide the fluid along the walls and not through the laundry. The washing effect is on the contrary achieved when the fluid flows through the laundry, preferably at the same time as they are kneaded by the walls as they are being sucked towards each other.

The washing flexible washing compartment can also contain a heat isolating layer in order to minimise the portion of heat energy that is emitted to the surrounding. This may be important for energy saving. Further it is advantageous if the flexible washing compartment has a shape memory such that it regains its original shape after that the pressure has been balanced such that it is substantially the same inside and outside of the flexible washing compartment. This may e.g. be achieved in that the flexible washing compartment is made in a rigid material, or in that it is provided with rigidities, e.g. at its edges.

Claims

1. A wash machine for the washing of laundry such as clothes and textiles, which washing machine has a main part and further comprises a flexible washing compartment in which the washing of the laundry takes place, wherein the flexible washing compartment has a sealable opening for in an open state loading the laundry to be washed into the flexible washing compartment, wherein the washing machine further comprises:

an inlet, for supplying washing water into the flexible washing compartment,

an outlet, for disposal of washing water from the flexible washing compartment, and

a mechanical pressure device arranged at the flexible washing compartment, and in a closed state of the flexible washing compartment arranged to provide mechanical lifting pressure on the outside of a part of the flexible washing compartment, lifting this part such that the laundry is subject to mechanical action to assist washing.

2. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical pressure device is arranged under the flexible washing compartment, wherein the mechanical pressure device comprises a tiltable plate that can be moved up and down vertically at a desired inclination by means of hydraulic screw devices.

3. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical pressure device is arranged under the flexible washing compartment, wherein the pressure device comprises a tiltable plate that is hingedly attached at one end thereof and that is arranged to be moved up and down at the other end at a desired inclination.

4. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical pressure device is arranged under the flexible washing compartment, wherein the pressure device comprises a tiltable plate that is hingedly attached at a central part thereof and that is arranged to be swingable around a swing axis.

5. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical pressure device is arranged under the flexible washing compartment, wherein the pressure device comprises an adjustable roll device that can be moved in horizontal direction, as well as in vertical direction, and that can rotate around an axis thereof.

6. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the mechanical pressure device is arranged under the flexible washing compartment, wherein the pressure device comprises an rotatable conical roller device that can be rolled and thereby moved in horizontal direction along a plane.

7. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein a further counter-acting device is arranged to provide counter-acting pressure against the pressure applied by the mechanical pressure device, such that the laundry is subject to mechanical action to assist dewatering.

8. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the flexible washing compartment has an upper part at which the opening is arranged and adapted to be in flow communication with the main part, and a lower part, at which the laundry is adapted to be positioned during washing or dewatering.

9. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein at the opening there is provided a strainer, perforated plate or perforated column to prevent the laundry being washed or dewatered from inhibiting the access or egress of the washing water and any other fluids involved into and out of the washing compartment.

10. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the flexible washing compartment has an openable and closable seal for opening or closing the flexible washing compartment at the opening.

11. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the flexible washing compartment is connected to a reservoir provided inside the washing machine for receiving used washing water and re-circulating the washing water one or more times back to the flexible washing compartment.

12. The washing machine according to claim 9, wherein the main part comprises a water container and a heating unit, respectively, for heating the washing water before it is supplied into the flexible washing compartment.

13. The washing machine according to claim 1, the washing machine comprises a connection so that compressed air, gas or hydraulic pressure or vacuum may be applied to the flexible washing compartment.

14. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the washing machine comprises water inlet and outlet connections so that washing water possibly mixed with washing agent can be drawn into and expelled out of, respectively the flexible washing compartment.

15. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the water inlet connection

comprises a valve configured to let water into the flexible washing compartment.

16. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein water outlet comprises a valve and a pump configured to let water out of the flexible washing compartment.

17. The washing machine according to claim 1, wherein there is/are provided power operated pumps or pumps configured to let water out of the flexible washing compartment.