U.S. patent application number 11/270619 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-18 for washing machine for washing textiles with a liquid circuit.
Invention is credited to Heinz-Dieter Eichholz, Harald Schrott.
Application Number | 20060101868 11/270619 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36273925 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060101868 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Schrott; Harald ; et
al. |
May 18, 2006 |
Washing machine for washing textiles with a liquid circuit
Abstract
The present invention suggests a washing machine for washing
textiles that comprises a liquid circuit whereby the liquid circuit
comprises at least one feed pump and an inflow element for the
inflow of the liquid into a washing area where said washing machine
considerably improves the washing action or the cleaning action.
This is achieved according to the present invention by providing at
least one adjusting mechanism for changing the characteristics of
the outflowing liquid.
Inventors: |
Schrott; Harald; (Lindau,
DE) ; Eichholz; Heinz-Dieter; (Iserlohn, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
William D. Breneman, Esq;BRENEMAN & GEORGES
3150 Commonwealth Avenue
Alexandria
VA
22305
US
|
Family ID: |
36273925 |
Appl. No.: |
11/270619 |
Filed: |
November 10, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/12.19 ;
68/184; 68/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/085 20130101;
A47L 15/22 20130101; D06F 39/04 20130101; D06F 37/267 20130101;
D06F 37/26 20130101; D06F 39/088 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
068/012.19 ;
068/207; 068/184 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/08 20060101
D06F039/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Nov 12, 2004 |
DE |
DE 10 2004 054 87 |
Mar 16, 2005 |
DE |
DE 10 2005 012 52 |
Claims
1. Washing machine for washing textiles that comprises a liquid
circuit whereby the liquid circuit comprises at least one feed pump
and one inflow element for the inflow of the liquid into a washing
area, characterized in that at least one adjusting mechanism is
provided for changing the characteristics of the outflowing
liquid.
2. Washing machine pursuant to claim 1, characterized in that the
adjusting mechanism is designed for changing the direction of the
liquid circuit.
3. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims,
characterized in that a control unit is provided for changing the
liquid circuit.
4. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims,
characterized in that at least one distributor opening is arranged
above the textiles and/or in the upper section of the
receptacle.
5. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the distributor opening is arranged inside
the receptacle.
6. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the adjusting mechanism is designed for
changing the cross-section of the distributor opening.
7. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the inflow element is designed as a spray
nozzle for spraying the liquid.
8. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the spray nozzle is elastically deformable,
at least in part.
9. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that at least one sealing element for sealing a
locking element of a washing machine housing comprises the
distributor opening.
10. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the feed pump contains a heating unit for
heating the liquid at least in part.
11. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the heating element is adjusted at least in
part to the outer shape of a pump housing using a form-fitting.
12. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the heating element is molded out of a
rod-shaped blank into a ring segment.
13. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the heating element is inserted in an outer
depression of the pump housing.
14. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that at least one degasification unit is provided
for degassing the liquid.
15. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the degasification unit contains at least the
heating unit.
16. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the degasification unit comprises at least
one outlet opening for dispersing the gases separated from the
liquid.
17. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the degasification unit contains at least one
collecting area for the gases separated from the liquid.
18. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the outlet opening is arranged on an upper
end of the collecting area.
19. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that an actuator is provided for locking and/or
opening the outlet opening.
20. Washing machine pursuant to any of the aforementioned claims
characterized in that the degasification unit contains at least one
pressure-generating unit for impinging the liquid with
pressure.
21. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the pressure-generating unit is designed as a
feed pump for feeding the liquid.
22. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the pressure-generating unit contains the
heating unit at least in part.
23. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that a housing of the pressure-generating unit
contains at least one heating element for heating the liquid.
24. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that a drive of the pressure-generating unit
contains at least one single-phase synchronous motor and/or a
direct current motor.
25. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that an outflow opening is provided for the
outflow of the liquid of the pressure-generating unit impinged with
pressure whereby a locking element is provided for locking and/or
opening the outflow opening.
26. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the outlet opening for the gas is open and
the outflow opening for the liquid is closed during the
degasification phase.
27. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the outlet opening for the gas is closed and
the outflow opening for the liquid is open during the pumping
phase.
28. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that a manifold alternation is provided between
the pumping phase and the degasification phase.
29. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that the degasification unit comprises a chemical
degasification means.
30. Washing machine pursuant to any of the afore-mentioned claims
characterized in that a rinsing agent and/or a washing agent and/or
cleaning agent contains the degasification means.
Description
[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine for
washing textiles with a liquid circuit in accordance with the
preamble of main claim 1.
[0002] A wide variety of washing machines is available commercially
for washing laundry. Here, the laundry is stored in a receptacle
that rotates around an axis of rotation or in a washing drum that
is arranged inside an outer tub or liquid storage tank for
receiving the suds. The suds can be brought to the desired
temperature by means of a heating unit. The heating unit comprises
a heating element that extends at least partially into the outer
tub or into the suds present in the outer tub and can heat up the
suds accordingly.
[0003] At present, washing machines comprising an internal liquid
circuit are already known. Here, the suds are fed using a feed pump
out of the outer tub and into the washing drum whereby a spraying
device or the like applies or distributes the suds or the water
onto the textiles so that the textiles are pressed by the water or
the suds.
[0004] The objective of the present invention is to suggest a
washing machine for washing textiles that comprises a liquid
circuit whereby the liquid circuit comprises at least one feed pump
and an inflow element for inflowing the liquid into a washing area
where said washing machine considerably improves the washing action
or the cleaning action.
[0005] Based on a washing machine of the afore-mentioned kind, this
objective is achieved by the characteristic features of the main
claim 1. The measures mentioned in the dependent claims enable
advantageous embodiments and configurations of the present
invention.
[0006] Accordingly a household appliance according to the present
invention is characterized by the fact that at least one adjusting
mechanism is provided for changing the characteristics of the
outflowing liquid. Using this measure it is possible to achieve an
outflow pattern or a spray pattern that can change during the
rinsing process or the cleaning process. This leads to a change in
the manner in which the textiles to be cleaned are spotlighted,
which in turn signifies a variable force effect on the dirt and the
like. A force effect that changes advantageously can improve the
cleaning action. For example, the adjusting mechanism is designed
for changing the direction of the liquid circuit.
[0007] Preferably a control unit is provided for checking and/or
changing the liquid circuit. Due to this, it is possible to
implement the most different and/or controllable liquid circuits or
wetting of textiles using the liquid or the suds.
[0008] The adjusting mechanism is advantageously designed for
changing the cross-section of the outlet opening or the spraying
opening. Due to this it is possible to change particularly the
strength or the throughflow quantity of the liquid through the
nozzle in an advantageous way. This can lead to an improved
cleaning action.
[0009] In addition, in case of several spray nozzles, individual
spray nozzles can comprise cross-sections that change
advantageously especially in certain operational phases. This leads
to a perfectly novel characteristic that differs according to the
various operational phases.
[0010] For example, it is possible to achieve a point-symmetrical
or a mirror-symmetrical or an asymmetrical change in the
cross-section. The orientation of the spray jet cannot be changed
or can be changed in a particularly targeted manner depending on
the change in the cross-section.
[0011] In an advantageous version of the present invention, the
adjusting mechanism is designed for changing the direction of the
spray jet. As stated earlier, this can take place, for example, by
advantageously changing the cross-section.
[0012] Preferably at least one distributor opening is arranged
above the textiles and/or in the upper section of the receptacle.
Due to this, it is possible to advantageously wet the textiles with
the liquid or the water.
[0013] For example, the distributor opening is located outside the
receptacle or the washing drum. The distributor opening is
advantageously arranged inside the receptacle. This enables a
direct access of the liquid to the textiles, which in turn further
improves the wetting action.
[0014] Preferably, the quantity of the outflowing liquid for each
time unit can be changed. This enables an adjustment to the
different program steps and/or textile quantities, degrees of
soiling and the like. The adjusting mechanism is preferably
designed for changing the cross-section of the spraying
opening.
[0015] In particular, at least one or more spray nozzles are
provided for spraying the liquid. This improves the distribution or
wetting of the textiles.
[0016] The spray nozzle is elastically deformable at least in part.
This advantageously enables the change in the spray direction
and/or the cross-section of the opening.
[0017] The adjusting mechanism is advantageously designed for
changing the cross-section of the spraying opening. Due to this it
is possible to change particularly the strength or the throughflow
quantity of the liquid through the nozzle in an advantageous way.
This can lead to an improved cleaning action.
[0018] In addition, in case of several spray nozzles, individual
spray nozzles can comprise cross-sections that change
advantageously especially in certain operational phases. This leads
to a perfectly novel spray characteristic that differs according to
the various operational phases.
[0019] For example, it is possible to implement a point-symmetrical
or a mirror-symmetrical or an asymmetrical change in the
cross-section. The orientation of the spray jet cannot be changed
or can be changed in a particularly targeted manner depending on
the change in the cross-section.
[0020] In an advantageous version of the present invention, the
adjusting mechanism is designed for changing the direction of the
spray jet. As stated earlier, this can take place, for example, by
advantageously changing the cross-section. It is possible to change
the position and/or orientation of a section containing the spray
nozzle/s. e.g. of a spray arm and the like. It is possible, in
particular to rotate said section around its longitudinal axis.
[0021] In a washing machine according to the preamble of main claim
1, and also for achieving the objective of the present invention,
the feed pump contains the heating unit at least in part. Since an
additional heating unit such as, e.g. a continuous flow heater and
the like is omitted in the design of the pump according to the
present invention, there is no additional volume in the liquid
circuit that has to be filled with liquid to be heated. In this
respect, the quantity of liquid that is to be heated on the whole
is reduced. This lowers the energy requirement of the washing
machine.
[0022] Furthermore, the volume of the outer tub or of the liquid
storage tank according to the present invention can be markedly
reduced. For example, the outer tub or the storage tank can be
adjusted to the outer shape of the receptacle or the washing drum.
Among other things, an inner surface of the liquid storage tank can
be designed such that it is largely parallel to or at a relatively
smaller distance from the outer surface of the receptacle.
According to this version of the embodiment, the liquid quantity
can be reduced decisively. This leads to a considerable
conservation of energy when heating the liquid.
[0023] Apart from that, it is advantageous to have a high flow rate
in the region of the heat contact for a good heat transfer between
a heating element and the liquid to be heated. In the region of the
feed pump or the circulation pump, high flow rates are compulsorily
present that ensure a good heat transfer by preventing the
undesired formation of steam pockets.
[0024] Furthermore, in the assembly of a washing machine according
to the present invention, a heating element to be mounted
separately is also omitted. This consequently reduces the
manufacturing expenditure of the washing machine.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the
heating element is integrated into the housing of the pump. The
pump housing in this case simultaneously forms the continuous flow
heater against which the liquid to be heated flows optimally.
[0026] For this purpose, the pump housing is advantageously
provided with a heating surface that is located on the inside. The
heating surface can be implemented, for example, using a
heat-conducting surface located on the inner side of the pump
housing where said heat conducting surface is separate from the
actual heat-generating component. This can take place in the form
of a coating or even an insertion part. In this connection, it is
important to ensure a corresponding heat-conducting connection to
the component in which the required heat is generated using the
corresponding electrical power consumption.
[0027] A heating element is advantageously adjusted at least in
part to the outer shape of the pump housing using a form-fitting.
In this way it is possible to produce an extensive, direct heat
contact between the heating element and the corresponding housing
part of the pump which in turn increases the degree of efficiency
of the heating. The outer shape is preferably provided with a
structure that increases the contact surface. Measures considered
for this purpose can include, for example, a structure having an
angled or a corrugated cross-section.
[0028] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the
pump housing of the liquid pump is provided with an outer
depression into which the heating element is inserted.
[0029] By inserting said heating element into this depression, the
contract surface between the corresponding housing part and the
heating element is increased which in turn further increases the
degree of efficiency. At the same time, the heating element is
integrated from the outside into the pump housing so that there are
no leakage problems or insulation problems whatsoever with regard
to the heating element.
[0030] In an advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the
outer depression is designed in such a way that a projection is
formed on the inner side of the pump housing. This increases the
contact surface of the housing in the heated region with respect to
the liquid. This measure further increases the degree of
efficiency.
[0031] Furthermore, in an advantageous embodiment of the present
invention, the outer depression is selected such that it is deeper
than the corresponding dimension of the heating element so that the
housing overlaps the heating element inserted into the depression
with a projection. In this manner, the outward heat loss is
reduced, i.e. the heat portion that arrives through the housing
wall into the liquid inside the pump housing increases. Thus this
measure also serves to increase the degree of efficiency of the
heating action.
[0032] In another advantageous embodiment of the present invention,
the heating element is press-fitted on the housing, for example, in
the depression. Such a type of compression brings about a
particularly tight and extensive contact between the heating
element and the corresponding housing part and accordingly serves
to improve the heat flow from the heating element into the interior
of the housing.
[0033] In a special embodiment of the present invention, a
heat-conducting filler is provided between the heating element and
the housing wall. Such a filler can also improve the heat contact.
This holds true particularly in instances where the outer shape of
the heating element differs from the shape of the pump housing.
Such differences can hardly be avoided within the framework of
usual fault tolerances. However, it is possible to ensure a good
heat contact with the help of a heat-conducting filler.
[0034] The filler can be inserted, for example, before the heating
element is inserted into the depression so that the filler is again
pushed away at least in part when the heating element is pressed
into the depression. Thus any interspace between the heating
element and the housing wall is completely filled out as far as
possible.
[0035] In another embodiment of the present invention, such a
filler is provided for simultaneously attaching the heating
element. The filler can be designed for example as an adhesive or a
solder by means of which the heating element can be permanently
fixed into the housing depression.
[0036] The outer shape or the structure of the heating element is
preferably designed in a manner that results in an increased
contact surface to the corresponding section of the housing wall
and thus toward the interior of the pump. In a particularly simple
embodiment, the heating element is provided with such a structure
that increases the contact surface by designing it as a ring
segment. A ring segment is advantageous particularly in the case of
a cylindrical pump housing. This firstly helps cover almost the
entire periphery of the housing cross-section with the help of a
single heating element and secondly, the corresponding housing part
can be designed as a front-sided cover for the pump housing. This
facilitates the manufacturing and the assembly of the washing
machine.
[0037] Other options of providing the heating element with a
structure having an increased contact surface include designing the
heating elements spirally, in the shape of a meander and/or
snake-like or zigzag shape.
[0038] Another option to increase the contact surface between the
pump housing and the heating element is to shape the cross-section
of the heating element in such a way that it has a greater surface
in the direction of the length of the heating element. Thus the
cross-section can for example comprise a corrugated or
zigzag-shaped structures.
[0039] The pump housing is designed advantageously as an at least
two-part component whereby the heating element is attached to the
housing part. This results in advantages related to the
manufacturing process. Firstly, it is possible to shape the
depression according to the present invention in an easier manner
and secondly a material that is different from the remaining part
of the pump housing can be selected for the housing part that
supports the heating element. Thus for example, it is possible to
use a metal for this housing part that combines good heat
conductivity with high temperature resistance. Such a housing part
can be manufactured in greater quantities cost-effectively e.g. out
of a flat material by compression-molding or deep drawing. For the
remaining part of the housing a suitable plastic can be used that
can be processed by injection-molding.
[0040] In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the present
invention, the pump is designed as a centrifugal pump having an
axial inflow and a tangential outflow. A centrifugal pump provides
a good degree of efficiency with respect to the pumping action and
can be easily provided with an integrated heating element according
to the present invention. In case of a centrifugal pump, the drive
shaft for the pump wheel must firstly be guided out of the housing
in a liquid-tight manner and secondly the axial inflow is usually
attached on the side lying opposite to the drive.
[0041] The heating element according to the present invention can
be arranged basically on the side of the axial inflow and also on
the drive side. The embodiment where the heating element is located
on the side of the inflow offers advantages related to
manufacturing and design. The dimensions of the drive need not be
adapted to the heating element. In addition, the inflow component
can be easily molded into the housing part supporting the heating
element, for example, in the form of a pipe, a collar or a flange
using the same forming process with which even the outer contour of
the pump housing or of the corresponding housing part is
shaped.
[0042] The housing of a centrifugal pump to which the heating
element is attached according to the present invention can be
provided with a cylindrical design or even a spiral design, as is
frequently the case in centrifugal pumps.
[0043] At least one sealing element for sealing a locking element
of a washing machine housing preferably comprises a distributor
opening. For example, the sealing element is the washing machine
door seal that comprises an accordingly advantageous opening and a
connecting line. The connecting line advantageously connects e.g.
the pump to the sealing.
[0044] In a particularly special version of the present invention,
at least one degasification unit is provided for degassing the
liquid. The effect seen in practice is that liquids such as e.g.
suds and the like can absorb more dirt and/or grease if the liquid
contains no gas or lesser amount of dissolved gas. The present
invention utilizes this effect in an elegant manner.
[0045] The degasification unit preferably contains at least one
heating unit for heating the liquid. By the heating process, it is
possible to advantageously separate the gas or the aerial oxygen
present in the liquid or the cleaning suds from the latter.
[0046] In a preferred version of the present invention, the
degasification unit preferably comprises at least one outlet
opening for dispersing the gases separated from the liquid. Due to
this, it is possible to advantageously separate the dissolved gas
from the liquid. In addition, it is possible to effectively prevent
an accumulation of the gases dissolved out of the liquid. If
necessary, the gas is released into the inner space of the machine
or into the ambience.
[0047] The degasification unit advantageously comprises at least
one collecting area for the gases separated from the liquid. This
helps implement an accumulation process that particularly improves
an associated process of discharge of the gas.
[0048] For example, the outlet opening is arranged on an upper end
of the collecting area. This helps implement a particularly simple
and separate storage or collection of the liquid and the gas
dissolved out of the liquid.
[0049] An actuator is provided advantageously for locking and/or
opening the outlet opening. Due to this it is possible to implement
a controlled removal of the gas dissolved out of the liquid.
[0050] In a special embodiment of the present invention, the
degasification unit has at least one pressure-generating unit for
impinging the liquid with pressure. This firstly enables the gas to
be dissolved out of the liquid by changing the pressure or the
pressure conditions of the liquid. Thus the present invention
elegantly utilizes the fact that the solubility of gases in liquids
depends on, among other things, pressure. Accordingly the liquid
containing the gas can be impinged with increased or decreased
pressure, i.e. with low pressure or excess pressure so that the gas
is dissolved out of the liquid in the most advantageous manner.
[0051] Secondly the liquid can be fed with the help of the
advantageous pressure-generating unit. For example, the
pressure-generating unit is designed as a feed pump for feeding the
liquid. Due to this, the liquid can circulate e.g. in an internal
liquid circuit inside the machine.
[0052] The pressure-generating unit preferably contains the heating
unit, at least in part. Since an additional heating unit such as,
e.g. a continuous flow heater and the like is omitted in the design
of the pump according to the present invention, there is no
additional volume in the liquid circuit that has to be filled with
liquid to be heated. In this respect, the quantity of liquid that
is to be heated on the whole is reduced. This lowers the energy
requirement of the washing machine.
[0053] Furthermore, the volume of the outer tub or of the liquid
storage tank according to the present invention can be markedly
reduced. For example, the outer tub or the storage tank can be
adjusted to the outer shape of the receptacle or the washing drum.
Among other things, an inner surface of the liquid storage tank can
be designed such that it is largely parallel to or at a relatively
smaller distance from the outer surface of the receptacle.
According to this version of the embodiment, the liquid quantity
can be reduced decisively. This leads to a considerable
conservation of energy when heating the liquid.
[0054] Apart from that, it is advantageous to have a high flow rate
in the region of the heat contact for a good heat transfer between
a heating element and the liquid to be heated. In the region of the
feed pump or the circulation pump, high flow rates are compulsorily
present that ensure a good heat transfer by avoiding the undesired
formation of steam pockets.
[0055] Furthermore, in the assembly of a washing machine according
to the present invention, a heating element to be mounted
separately is also omitted. This consequently reduces the
manufacturing expenditure of the washing machine.
[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the washing machine according
to the present invention, the heating element is integrated into
the housing of the pump. The pump housing in this case
simultaneously forms the continuous flow heater against which the
liquid to be heated flows optimally.
[0057] In an advantageous version of the present invention, the
drive of the pressure-generating unit contains at least one
single-phase synchronous motor and/or a direct current motor. This
helps implement a particularly economic drive of the
pressure-generating unit and/or the feed pump.
[0058] An outflow opening is advantageously provided for outflowing
the liquid of the pressure-generating unit that is impinged with
pressure whereby a locking element is provided for locking and/or
opening the outflow opening. Thus the liquid can be retained inside
the housing of the pressure-generating unit and/or the liquid in
the housing can be impinged with pressure.
[0059] During the degasification phase, the outlet opening for the
gas is preferably open and the outflow opening for the liquid is
preferably closed. This ensures an advantageous removal of the
gas.
[0060] During the pumping phase, the outlet opening for the gas is
advantageously closed and the outflow opening for the liquid is
open. This ensures an advantageous pumping and/or feed of the
liquid.
[0061] In a preferred version of the present invention, a manifold
alternation between the pumping phase and the degasification phase
is provided. The cycle operation or batch operation that can thus
be implemented enables an almost continuous operation of the
household appliance according to the present invention.
[0062] In a special embodiment of the present invention, at least
one distributor opening is provided for distributing the degassed
liquid. This enables an advantageous and particularly even
distribution of the degassed liquid on or over the cleaning item,
especially the dishes or the textiles. This improves the cleaning
action.
[0063] The distributor device preferably contains at least one
spray nozzle for spraying the degassed liquid. It is possible to
further improve the distribution process and in turn the cleaning
process with the help of a sprayed liquid.
[0064] In a special embodiment of the present invention, at least
one distributor opening of the distributor device is arranged above
the cleaning item and/or in the upper section of the storage area
of the cleaning item. This additionally improves the wetting
process of the cleaning item and/or the cleaning action.
[0065] The distributor device advantageously contains at least one
distributor that is set in motion by the degassed liquid. For
example, the distributor is designed as a rotating spray arm,
particularly of a dishwasher.
[0066] The distributor device preferably contains at least one
sealing element for sealing a locking element of a household
appliance housing. The sealing element in the form of an elastomer
sealing element advantageously comprises at least one distributor
opening for the degassed liquid. For example, the sealing element
is the washing machine door seal that comprises an accordingly
advantageous opening and a connecting line. The connecting line
advantageously connects e.g. the pump to the sealing.
[0067] In a special embodiment of the present invention, the
degasification unit comprises a chemical degasification means. Due
to this it is possible to implement a chemical degasification of
the liquid or the cleaning suds. For example, a rinsing agent
and/or a washing agent and/or cleaning agent contains the
degasification means. This means that no additional operating
resources have to be added to the machine for the degasification
according to the present invention. This in turn does not adversely
affect the comfort of the machine for the user.
[0068] One embodiment of the present invention is illustrated in
the drawing and is explained more elaborately on the basis of the
single figure.
[0069] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates the section of a spray
nozzle 1 according to the present invention.
[0070] The spray nozzle 1 is preferably manufactured completely out
of an elastomer material and is detachably affixed to a distributor
element 2 or to the door seal 2 and the like. For example, the
spray nozzle 1 is buttoned in and its projecting base area 4 hits
against a wall 3 of the distributor element 2 so that outflowing
liquid advantageously presses the spray nozzle 1 against the
distributor element 2.
[0071] The distributor element 2 is manufactured out of
thermoplsastic or a metal. It is advantageously provided with a
hollow form and designed as a liquid line or liquid pipe for
conveying the operating liquid.
[0072] The spray nozzle 1 comprises a first section 5 and a second
section 6 where the first section 5 is attached such that it is
stationary or non-displaceable with respect to the spray arm 2 and
the second section 6 is adjustable or displaceable with respect to
the spray arm 2. The second section 6 preferably comprises a taper
7 so that it can be advantageously adjusted depending on the
pressure of the throughflowing liquid.
[0073] In addition, the spray nozzle 1 comprises a taper or a
conical inner contour in the region of the second section 6.
[0074] As illustrated in FIG. 1, the second section in this version
of the present invention is designed in such a way that a clear
idle cross-section Q.sub.R is achieved in the idle position
P.sub.R, i.e. in the state of non-application of liquid or
pressure. This cross-section Q.sub.R can remain unchanged e.g.
essentially up to a pressure p.sub.1 that can be determined by the
geometry and/or the material of the second section 6. When this
limit pressure p.sub.1 is exceeded, the cross-section Q of the
spraying opening is changed or increased to an important
extent.
[0075] In a maximum position P.sub.M, a maximum cross-section
Q.sub.M is designed. A determinable minimum pressure p.sub.M of the
throughflowing liquid is designed. In case of a pressure p.sub.2
that is greater than or equal to the minimum pressure p.sub.M, the
cross-section of the spray nozzle 1 remains unchanged. For this
purpose, a stop 8 of the distributor element 2 is provided against
which the spray nozzle 1 or the adjustable second section 6
hits.
[0076] For example, the spraying opening of the spray nozzle 1 is
provided with a symmetrical or round cross-section Q. It is also
possible to provide a polygonal, particularly a rectangular or
quadratic cross-section Q of the spray opening or of the spray
nozzle 1.
[0077] Furthermore, the borehole or the holder of the distributor
element 2 for the spray nozzle 1 can comprise a round, polygonal or
similar cross-section.
[0078] Generally, by means of the shape of the cross-section spray
nozzle 1 and/or the holder of the spray arm 2, it is possible to
change the direction of the spray jet to be generated. In order to
illustrate this version, a nose 9 of the distributor element 2 is
shown in a dashed form on the right side of FIG. 1. Said nose is
designed as the stop for the section 6 of the spray nozzle 1. Due
to this nose 9, the second section 6 cannot be adjusted to the
extent that was possible in the left side of FIG. 1.
[0079] An intermediate position P.sub.2 of the second section 6 of
the right side of the figure is the maximum adjustment of the
second section 6 in this region due to the nose 9. Here, an
intermediate cross-section Q.sub.2 is achieved that comprises a
round or oval cross-section Q.sub.R in the idle position. This
generates a change in the direction of the outflowing spray jet. In
this example, the spray jet would consequently be deflected
slightly to the left when compared to the embodiment without the
nose 9.
[0080] Basically, the nozzles 1 of the distributor element 2 can be
manufactured as a separate individual component or a connected
elastomer component, preferably made of liquid silicon and buttoned
into or inserted into the intended housing openings of the
distributor element 2. Here, the elastomer nozzles 1 have an inner,
preferably conical contour that produces a radial force component
with a clear diameter of the nozzle 1 when static media pressure is
applied. The contours of the single nozzles 1 need not be
identical. Instead they can be designed individually. The holder of
the nozzles 1 in the distributor element 2 contains additionally
another contour against which the outer wall of every nozzle 1 can
lean when the nozzle 1 is impinged with accordingly high pressure.
Thus, in case of different operating pressures recruiting out of
the circulation circuit of the washing machine, e.g. using pumps,
change in speed and the like, it is possible to provide at least
two clear nozzle cross-sections Q that consequently lead to another
individual spray jet characteristic in terms of flow rate, opening
angle and/or orientation.
[0081] Furthermore, it is also feasible to design an elastomer
nozzle that can be compared to a lip valve and that operates such
that the nozzle 1 remains closed up to a first swelling pressure,
exceeding which a first clear nozzle cross-section Q is provided.
Only when the second swelling pressure is exceeded, the nozzle 1
deforms elastically up to the stop 8, 9 of the outer contour
achieved due to the geometry of the spray arm housing. Thus by
creating variable hydraulic openings, it is possible to
advantageously have several hydraulic operating points in one
design and with variable piping characteristics.
* * * * *