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.

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.

Description

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] 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,

[0023] 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,

[0024] 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,

[0025] 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,

[0026] 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,

[0027] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of the mechanical pressure device shown in

[0028] FIG. 3, which comprises a rotatable slightly bent cylindrical roll device that can be rolled and thereby moved in horizontal direction along a plane,

[0029] 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

[0030] FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of the flexible washing compartment and the mechanical pressure device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SHOWN EMBODIMENT

[0031] 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.

[0032] 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.

[0033] 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.

[0034] 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.

[0035] 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] 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.

[0038] 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 4of 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.

[0039] 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.

[0040] 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.

[0041] 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.

[0042] 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.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] 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).

[0046] 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.

[0047] 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,

[0048] 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.

[0049] 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).

[0050] 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.

[0051] 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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.