EP2535453B1 - Top-loading laundry washing machine comprising a detergent dispensing device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a top-loading laundry washing machine comprising a detergent dispensing device.

It applies more particularly to the distribution of detergent in the form of powder, liquid or semi-liquid (gel type) in the field of domestic washing machines.

It also applies to the distribution of one or more products in the prewash, washing and / or rinsing phases used in household washing machines.

The present invention relates to the automatic dispensing of detergent, which may be one or more detergent products and / or one or more additives, in a washing tub of a washing machine to load laundry from above.

We already know the document EP 1 593 766 A1 which describes a compartment of a dispenser for dispensing detergents for a washing machine, equipped with a rotary mechanism for dispensing each detergent. Rotation occurs by the weight of water supplied and accumulated in a counterweight receptacle connected to the compartment, regardless of the flow rate of the washing machine supply valve.

This compartment includes a pocket for the accumulation of a washing product and a pocket for the accumulation of the counterweight water. These two pockets are separated by a common partition. The position of the center of gravity of the compartment relative to the axis of rotation of said compartment makes it possible to maintain the compartment in equilibrium so that the washing product introduced into the accumulation pocket of a detergent can not tilt the compartment in emptying position. On the contrary, the presence of detergent in the accumulation pocket of a compartment detergent reinforces this state.

The water filling in the counterbalance water accumulation pocket of the compartment is counterbalanced with respect to the accumulation pocket of a washing product so as to tilt the compartment to the emptying position by changing the position of the its center of gravity.

However, this compartment of a dispenser for dispensing detergents for a washing machine has the disadvantage of providing a bag of accumulation of a detergent in the compartment of large volume.

Therefore, the size of such a compartment is bulky.

In addition, during the rotation of the compartment, the counterweight water contained in the counterbalance water accumulation bag is poured instantly and can therefore no longer produce the counterweight effect.

Therefore, lack of the presence of counterweight water in the pocket counterbalance water accumulation, the compartment returns to the initial position. If the duration of emptying the detergent accumulation bag is not long enough to allow a complete emptying thereof, the compartment returns to its initial position while containing a portion of the detergent in the bag of detergent. accumulation of detergent.

On the other hand, in the case where the washing product is powder, the powder can become waterlogged at least in part and becomes heavier.

Therefore, the compartment may not turn over again if the counterweight water in the counterweight water accumulation pocket does not exert a sufficient torque relative to the mass of detergent in the accumulation bag of washing product.

Furthermore, in the case where the detergent adheres to the walls of the detergent accumulation bag and can not flow during the rotation of the compartment in the emptying position, the compartment returns to its initial position while containing part of the detergent in the detergent accumulation bag.

The document US-A1-5875655 discloses a top-loading laundry washing machine comprising a body having an access opening which can be closed by a door, said body enclosing a wash tub having an opening, a drum rotatably mounted in said wash tub; washing, a detergent dispensing device, said detergent dispensing device being mounted on said access opening of said body, and comprising at least one detergent container that can hold a quantity of detergent, said at least one detergent container being rotatably mounted in said detergent dispensing device; said at least one detergent container taking at least a first position where said at least one detergent container is in the detergent filling position, and a second position wherein said at least one detergent container is in the detergent emptying position.

The object of the present invention is to solve the aforementioned drawbacks and to propose a washing machine to wash laundry with top loading of laundry comprising a detergent dispensing device and making it possible to improve the emptying of at least one detergent at the lowest cost.

• une carrosserie ayant une ouverture d'accès pouvant être fermée par une porte, ladite carrosserie enfermant une cuve de lavage ayant une ouverture,
• un tambour monté en rotation dans ladite cuve de lavage,
• un dispositif de distribution de détergent, ledit dispositif de distribution de détergent étant monté sur ladite porte de fermeture de ladite ouverture d'accès de ladite carrosserie, ledit dispositif de distribution de détergent comprenant au moins un bac à détergent pouvant contenir une quantité de détergent,
• ledit au moins un bac à détergent étant monté en rotation dans ledit dispositif de distribution de détergent,
• ledit au moins un bac à détergent prenant au moins les positions suivantes :
  • ∘ une première position où ledit au moins un bac à détergent est en position de remplissage de détergent,
  • ∘ une deuxième position où ledit au moins un bac à détergent est en position de vidage de détergent.

For this purpose, the present invention is directed to a top-loading laundry washing machine comprising:

• a body having an access opening which can be closed by a door, said body enclosing a washing tub having an opening,
• a drum rotatably mounted in said wash tub,
• a detergent dispensing device, said detergent dispensing device being mounted on said closing door of said access opening of said body, said detergent dispensing device comprising at least one detergent container which can hold a quantity of detergent,
• said at least one detergent container being rotatably mounted in said detergent dispensing device,
• said at least one detergent container taking at least the following positions:
  • A first position where said at least one detergent container is in the detergent filling position,
  • A second position where said at least one detergent container is in the detergent emptying position.

According to the invention, following the rotation of said at least one detergent tank from the first detergent filling position to the second detergent emptying position in said washing tank, and during the rotating drive of said drum to a the rate of orbiting the water contained in said wash tub, the water contained in said wash tub is driven towards at least one opening of said at least one detergent tank so as to clean a detergent storage area said at least one detergent container.

Thus, the water contained in the wash tub is driven by the rotation of the drum towards at least one opening of at least one detergent container so that the entrained water along the inner surface of the tub washing enters a detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tank to clean it and remove remaining detergent residues as a result of the rotation of said at least one detergent container from the first detergent filling position to the second Detergent emptying position in the wash tub.

In this manner, the cleaning of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent container is ensured by rotating said at least one detergent container from the first detergent filling position to the second detergent emptying position in the detergent container. washing tank and by driving the water contained in the washing tank by means of the drum.

In one embodiment, the cleaning of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tank is carried out during a wringing phase of an operating cycle of the washing machine.

According to a preferred feature of the invention, in the open position of said closure door of said access opening of said body, said at least one opening of said at least one detergent container is accessible in the first detergent filling position of so that the detergent storage area of the at least one detergent container can be filled with detergent.

Thus, the detergent filling of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent container is carried out following the opening of the closing door of the access opening of the body and in a position of said at least one detergent container separate from that of the emptying position of the detergent in the wash tub.

In practice, said detergent dispensing device comprises at least one triggering device.

According to another preferred characteristic of the invention, said at least one detergent container takes the first detergent filling position following arming of said detergent container. at least one triggering device, and said at least one detergent container takes the second detergent emptying position following activation of said at least one triggering device.

Thus, said at least one detergent container takes the first detergent filling position when said at least one trigger device is in the armed position.

In this way, the detergent filling of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tank is performed following the opening of the closing door of the access opening of the body and following the arming. said at least one trigger device.

In addition, said at least one detergent container takes the second detergent emptying position when said at least one trigger device is in the unlocked position.

In this way, the emptying of the detergent of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tank is achieved following the unlocking of said at least one triggering device, and in particular following the closing of the closing door of the opening access to the body and an activation of said at least one trigger device during a cycle of operation of the washing machine.

Other features and advantages will become apparent in the description below.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique partielle illustrant une machine à laver le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• les figures 2a, 2b et 2c sont des vues schématiques d'un dispositif de distribution de détergent conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention comprenant deux bacs de détergent et illustrant le déplacement des bacs de détergent depuis une première position de remplissage de détergent à une position de vidage de détergent ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective de derrière d'un dispositif de distribution de détergent conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 4 est une vue schématique en perspective et en coupe d'un dispositif de distribution de détergent conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention, où un dispositif déclencheur et un bac à détergent ont été ôtés ;
• les figures 5a à 5d sont des vues schématiques en coupe d'un dispositif de distribution de détergent conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention illustrant le déplacement d'un bac de détergent depuis une position armée d'au moins un dispositif déclencheur à une position déverrouillée dudit au moins un dispositif déclencheur ;
• les figures 6 et 7 illustrent deux bacs à détergent d'un dispositif de distribution de détergent conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention, où l'axe de rotation d'un premier bac à détergent est aligné avec l'axe de rotation d'un deuxième bac à détergent ;
• la figure 8 est une vue schématique en coupe d'un dispositif de distribution de détergent en vis-à-vis d'un tambour d'une machine à laver le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention illustrant le nettoyage d'au moins un bac à détergent ;
• les figures 9a et 9b sont des vues schématiques en coupe d'un dispositif de distribution de détergent conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention illustrant respectivement le niveau maximum de remplissage en détergent poudre et en détergent liquide dans un bac à détergent pour la première position de remplissage de détergent du bac de détergent, dans le cas où une porte de machine à laver le linge à chargement par le dessus est en position ouverte puis en position fermée ;
• la figure 10 est une vue schématique de détail illustrant le maintien d'au moins un bac à détergent par un dispositif déclencheur selon un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de distribution de détergent, où une lame d'un bras d'au moins un flotteur est en appui dans une encoche d'au moins un bac à détergent ;
• la figure 10a est une vue en coupe de la figure 10 ;
• la figure 11 est une vue schématique de détail illustrant le déverrouillage d'au moins un bac à détergent par un dispositif déclencheur selon un mode de réalisation d'un dispositif de distribution de détergent, où une lame d'un bras d'au moins un flotteur est libéré d'une encoche d'au moins un bac à détergent ; et
• la figure 11 a est une vue en coupe de la figure 11.

In the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples:

• the figure 1 is a partial schematic view illustrating a top-loading laundry washing machine according to one embodiment of the invention;
• the Figures 2a , 2b and 2c are schematic views of a detergent dispensing device according to an embodiment of the invention comprising two detergent trays and illustrating the movement of detergent trays from a first detergent filling position to a detergent emptying position ;
• the figure 3 is a schematic rear perspective view of a detergent delivery device according to an embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 4 is a schematic perspective view in section of a detergent dispensing device according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein a triggering device and a detergent tank have been removed;
• the Figures 5a to 5d are schematic sectional views of a detergent delivery device according to an embodiment of the invention illustrating the movement of a detergent tank from a position armed with at least one trigger device to an unlocked position of said detent minus a triggering device;
• the Figures 6 and 7 illustrate two detergent trays of a detergent delivery device according to an embodiment of the invention, wherein the axis of rotation of a first detergent tank is aligned with the axis of rotation of a second tank detergent;
• the figure 8 is a diagrammatic sectional view of a detergent dispensing device vis-à-vis a drum of a top-loading laundry washing machine according to an embodiment of the invention illustrating the cleaning at least one detergent container;
• the Figures 9a and 9b are schematic sectional views of a detergent dispensing device according to an embodiment of the invention respectively illustrating the maximum level of powder detergent filling and liquid detergent in a detergent tank for the first filling position of detergent tank detergent, in the case where a top-loading laundry machine door is in the open position and then in the closed position;
• the figure 10 is a schematic detail view illustrating the holding of at least one detergent container by a trigger device according to an embodiment of a detergent dispensing device, wherein a blade of an arm of at least one float is in support in a notch of at least one detergent container;
• the figure 10a is a sectional view of the figure 10 ;
• the figure 11 is a schematic detail view illustrating the unlocking of at least one detergent container by a trigger device according to an embodiment of a detergent dispensing device, wherein a blade of an arm of at least one float is released a notch of at least one detergent container; and
• the figure 11 a is a sectional view of the figure 11 .

First of all, a laundry washing machine with a top loading laundry will be described.

This washing machine may be a household washing machine or a domestic washing and drying machine.

We will describe, with reference to figures 1 and 2 , a top-loading laundry washing machine according to one embodiment of the invention.

Conventionally, the washing machine 1 includes a body 2 adapted to house a washing tub 3 in which is rotatably mounted a drum 24 for containing the laundry.

The bodywork 2 comprises in this embodiment an access opening 4 in the upper part for introducing and removing the laundry in the drum 24.

This access opening 4 can be closed during operation of the washing machine 1 by a door 5 pivotally mounted on the body 2 of the washing machine 1.

The washing tub 3 comprises an opening allowing the loading and unloading of the laundry in the drum 24. This opening of the washing tub 3 is arranged opposite the access opening 4 of the bodywork 2.

The water of at least one washing and / or rinsing bath contained in the washing tub 3 may be heated by a heating means (not shown), such as for example an electric heating resistor.

The washing machine 1 comprises control means (not shown), and in particular at least one microcontroller, for unfolding predetermined cleaning programs.

Of course, this washing machine 1 comprises all the necessary organs (not shown) for the operation and execution of washing cycles, rinsing and spinning laundry.

According to the invention, this washing machine 1 comprises a detergent dispensing device 6.

In this embodiment, the detergent dispensing device 6 is disposed against the inner face of the door 5, said inner face of the door 5 being opposite the drum 24 housed in the washing tub 3.

Here and in no way limiting, the detergent dispensing device 6 is a device for dispensing one or more detergent products and / or one or more additives, such as for example a softener.

The detergent dispensing device 6 is adapted to dispense an amount of one or more detergents used during one or more phases of an operating cycle of the washing machine 1.

We will now describe, with reference to Figures 2 to 11 , a detergent dispensing device according to an embodiment of the invention.

The detergent dispensing device 6 of a washing machine 1 comprises at least one detergent container 7 which can contain a quantity of detergent.

Of course and in no way limiting, the detergent dispensing device 6 may comprise a detergent tank 7 or a plurality of detergent tanks 7 depending on the number of detergents and / or the amount of detergent to be dispensed.

Said at least one detergent container 7 is rotatably mounted in the detergent dispensing device 6.

• ∘ une première position où ledit au moins un bac à détergent 7 est en position de remplissage de détergent,
• ∘ une deuxième position où ledit au moins un bac à détergent 7 est en position de vidage de détergent.

Said at least one detergent container 7 takes at least the following positions:

• A first position where said at least one detergent container 7 is in the detergent filling position,
• A second position where said at least one detergent container 7 is in the detergent emptying position.

Following the rotation of the at least one detergent container 7 from the first detergent filling position to the second detergent emptying position in the washing tub 3, and during the rotational driving of the drum 24 at a speed of orbiting the water contained in the washing tub 3, the water contained in the washing tub 3 is driven towards at least one opening 21 of the at least one detergent tank 7 so as to clean a storage area detergent of the at least one detergent container 7, as shown in FIG. figure 8 .

Thus, the water contained in the washing tub 3 is driven by the rotation of the drum 24 towards at least one opening 21 of at least one detergent container 7 so that the water entrained along the surface inside the washing tub 3 enters a detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tank 7 to clean the latter and remove detergent residues remaining as a result of the rotation of said at least one detergent tank 7 from the first position Detergent filling at the second detergent emptying position in the washing tub 3.

In this way, cleaning of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent container 7 is ensured by rotation of said at least one detergent container 7 from the first detergent filling position to the second detergent emptying position. in the washing tub 3 and by driving the water contained in the washing tub 3 by means of the drum 24.

Advantageously, said at least one opening 21 of said at least one detergent container 7 is oriented in the direction of a jet of water generated by the rotation of the drum 24 inside the washing tub 3 during the orientation of said at least one detergent container 7 in the second detergent emptying position during an operating cycle operated by the washing machine 1.

Thus, the jet of water generated by the rotation of the drum 24 inside the washing tub 3 enters directly into the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tank 7 through said at least one opening 21 .

In this way, the introduction of the jet of water generated by the rotation of the drum 24 inside the washing tub 3 makes it possible to create a circulation of water inside the detergent storage area of said minus a detergent tank 7 so as to remove the detergent residues.

The direction of water flow inside the detergent storage area of the at least one detergent container 7 may be identical to or contrary to the direction of rotation of the drum 24 depending on the form the detergent storage area of the at least one detergent container 7.

Preferably, the direction of water flow inside the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tank 7 is circular.

In one embodiment, the cleaning of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tank 7 is carried out during a wringing phase of an operating cycle of the washing machine 1 .

The detergent dispensing device 6 is mounted on the door 5 for closing the access opening 4 of the body 2 of the washing machine 1.

Thus, the movement of the at least one detergent container 7 of the detergent dispensing device 6 from the first detergent filling position to the second detergent emptying position, and vice versa, can be effected when the door 5 of the body 2 of the washing machine 1 is in the open position.

Preferably, in the open position of the closing door 5 of the access opening 4 of the bodywork 2, said at least one opening 21 of said at least one detergent container 7 is accessible in the first detergent filling position so that to be able to fill the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent container 7 with detergent.

Thus, the detergent filling of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tank 7 is carried out following the opening of the closing door 5 of the access opening 4 of the bodywork 2 and in a position of said at least one detergent container 7 distinct from that of the position of emptying the detergent in the washing tub 3.

In this way, the detergent filling of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent container 7 is carried out only in the first detergent filling position, and in particular when the opening closure door 5 is closed. access 4 of the body 2 is in the open position.

The first detergent filling position of said at least one detergent container 7 corresponds to the orientation of said at least one opening 21 of said at least one detergent container 7 upwardly.

Therefore, the detergent filling of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent container 7 can not be carried out in the second detergent emptying position, and in particular even when the opening closing door 5 is closed. access 4 of the body 2 is in the open position.

The first position of the at least one detergent container 7 also corresponds to a detergent holding position within the detergent storage area. when the door 5 closing the access opening 4 of the body 2 is in the closed position.

Thus, the first position of said at least one detergent container 7 maintains detergent within the detergent storage area pending movement of said at least one detergent container 7 from the first detergent filling position to the detergent storage area. the second position of emptying detergent.

The second detergent emptying position of said at least one detergent container 7 corresponds to the orientation of said at least one opening 21 of said at least one detergent container 7 downwardly when the opening closure door 5 is closed. Access 4 of the body 2 is in the open position and in the closed position.

The second detergent emptying position of the at least one detergent container 7 makes it possible to empty the detergent by gravity towards the drum 24 of the washing machine 1 when the door 5 for closing the access opening 4 of the body 2 is in the closed position.

Practically, the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises at least one triggering device 9.

Preferably, said at least one detergent container 7 takes the first detergent filling position following the arming of said at least one trigger device 9, and said at least one detergent container 7 takes the second detergent emptying position following activating said at least one trigger device 9.

Thus, said at least one detergent container 7 takes the first detergent filling position when said at least one trigger device 9 is in the armed position.

In this way, the detergent filling of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tank 7 is carried out following the opening of the closing door 5 of the access opening 4 of the bodywork 2 and further when arming said at least one trigger device 9.

In addition, said at least one detergent container 7 takes the second detergent emptying position when said at least one trigger device 9 is in the unlocked position.

In this way, the emptying of the detergent of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent container 7 is achieved following the unlocking of said at least one triggering device 9, and in particular following the closing of the closure door 5 of the access opening 4 of the body 2 and an activation of said at least one trigger device 9 during a cycle of operation of the washing machine 1.

The detergent dispensing device 6 of a washing machine 1 comprises at least one receptacle 8 which can contain a quantity of water.

Of course and in no way limiting, the detergent dispensing device 6 may comprise a receptacle 8 or a plurality of receptacles 8 depending on the number of detergent tanks 7.

Said at least one detergent tank 7 is rotated following filling of said at least one receptacle 8 with water.

Preferably, said at least one trigger device 9 is set in motion by means of the level of water reached in said at least one receptacle 8 so as to rotate said at least one detergent container 7 independently of the amount of detergent contained in said at least one detergent container 7.

Thus, the detergent dispensing device 6 makes it possible to rotate at least one detergent container 7 by filling the water with at least one receptacle 8 putting in motion said at least one trigger device 9 regardless of the amount of detergent present in said at least one detergent container 7.

In this way, the water filling of said at least one receptacle 8 causes said at least one trigger device 9 to move as soon as a water level threshold value is crossed so as to rotate said at least one detergent container. 7 of a position armed with said at least one trigger device 9 at a disarmed position of said at least one trigger device 9 without taking into consideration the quantity of detergent contained in said at least one detergent tank 7.

Such a detergent dispensing device 6 ensures a simple detergent dispensing, reliable regardless of the amount of detergent and type of detergent.

In addition, the detergent dispensing device 6 makes it possible to guarantee the distribution of detergent even in the presence of variations in the flow rate and the pressure of the water supplying the at least one receptacle 8 by means of the said at least one triggering device 9 which is triggered as soon as possible. crossing a water level threshold value in said at least one receptacle 8.

The detergent dispensing device 6 improves the operation of the detergent dispensing in the form of powder, liquid or semi-liquid, or tablet, to increase the flexibility in creating washing machine references in function of the number of detergent tanks installed in the detergent dispensing device 6, and to reduce the costs of obtaining the detergent dispensing function of a washing machine 1.

The detergent dispensing device 6 allows the rotation of the at least one detergent container 7 by means of at least one trigger device 9 set in motion by a water level reached in at least one receptacle 8.

Said at least one detergent container 7 is rotated following filling of said at least one receptacle 8 with said at least one triggering device 9.

Moreover, the detergent dispensing device 6 makes it possible to dispense detergent contained in one or more detergent tanks 7 which can be of reduced depth so as to facilitate the evaporation of the water that may be contained therein and therefore avoid the agglomeration of detergent powder in the bottom of these because of the humidity.

In one embodiment, a receptacle 8 can allow rotation of a single detergent container 7 by means of a triggering device 9.

In another embodiment, a plurality of receptacles 8 can allow rotation of a respective detergent container 7 by means of a trigger device 9.

In another embodiment, a receptacle 8 can allow the rotation of several detergent tanks 7 by means of a triggering device 9.

Preferably, a detergent container 7 of the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises a single filling and detergent emptying opening 21, as illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 , 4 and 5 .

Of course, the number of filling and emptying openings of detergent detergent tank is not limiting.

Here, each detergent container 7 of the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises a single pouch that can hold detergent, as illustrated in FIGS. figures 2 , 4 and 5 .

Of course, the number of pockets of a detergent container is not limiting.

Here, a water storage receptacle 8 of the detergent delivery device 6 comprises a single water-holding pouch, as illustrated in FIGS. figures 4 and 5 .

Of course, the number of pockets of a water storage receptacle is not limiting and can be two or more.

Said at least one detergent container 7 is adapted to contain a detergent in powder form, liquid or semi-liquid, and optionally in tablet form.

Said at least one detergent container 7 is adapted to contain a quantity of detergent customary for a cycle of operation of a washing machine.

Said at least one detergent container 7 is filled with detergent through an opening for filling and emptying detergent 21.

Advantageously, said at least one detergent container 7 is transparent so as to make it possible to visualize the filling level of detergent in said at least one detergent container 7.

In addition, said at least one detergent container 7 may include detergent fill level indications. These indications of filling level in detergent may be arranged on the inner face and / or on the outer face of said minus detergent container 7.

In one embodiment, not shown, said at least one detergent container 7 is extractable from the detergent dispensing device 6.

Thus, said at least one detergent container 7 can be easily cleaned by removing it from the detergent dispensing device 6.

Moreover, the possibility of extracting the detergent tank or bins 7 from the detergent dispensing device 6 makes it possible to dry them so as to avoid the agglomeration of detergent powder in the bottom thereof because of the humidity.

Preferably, the extraction and placing of said at least one detergent tank 7 with respect to the detergent dispensing device 6 is carried out in the disarmed position of said at least one triggering device 9.

In addition, the extraction and placement of the at least one detergent container 7 with respect to the detergent dispensing device 6 is performed in the second detergent emptying position of the at least one detergent container 7.

In the case where said at least one detergent container 7 is extractable, said at least one detergent container 7 may comprise a flat surface (not shown) at its bottom wall so as to be laid on a plane.

In the case where said at least one detergent container 7 is extractable, said at least one detergent container 7 may comprise a handle (not shown) so as to facilitate the gripping and handling of said at least one detergent container 7.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 11 said at least one detergent container 7 is attached to the detergent dispensing device 6.

Preferably, the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises a hubcap 10. The hubcap 10 comprises said at least one receptacle 8.

Thus, in such a detergent dispensing device 6 wherein said at least one receptacle 8 is part of a hubcap 10, said at least one receptacle 8 is dissociated from said at least one detergent tank 7.

In this way, the hubcap 10 and said at least one receptacle 8 are made in the same room, as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 3 to 5 , so as to allow the displacement of said at least one trigger device 9 relative to the hubcap 10 as soon as the water level reached in said at least one receptacle 8 has reached a threshold value of water level.

Here and in no way limiting, said at least one trigger device 9 is disposed on the side of the inner face of the hubcap 10 so as to be masked and said at least one detergent tank 7, and in particular said at least one opening filling and emptying detergent 21 of said at least one detergent container 7, is disposed on the side of the outer face of the trim 10 so as to be accessible by the user, as illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 .

In the case where said at least one water accumulation receptacle 8 is part of the hubcap 10, said at least one receptacle 8 is dissociated from said at least one detergent tank 7 so that said at least one triggering device 9 can be masked by the hubcap 10 while said at least one detergent tank 7 can be visible and accessible by the user.

In one embodiment, the trim 10 is made of several elements so as to facilitate the assembly thereof on the detergent dispensing device 6.

Of course, the number of elements of the hubcap is not limiting, and can be one, two or more.

Said at least one triggering device 9 comprises at least one float 18 disposed at least partially in said at least one receptacle 8.

Thus, said at least one float 18 partially disposed in said at least one receptacle 8 makes it possible to trigger said at least one detergent tank 7 as a function of the level of water reached in said at least one receptacle 7.

In this way, said at least one triggering device 9 is actuated by a water level reached in said at least one receptacle 8 exerting a thrust on said at least one float 18.

Advantageously, said at least one float 18 comprises an axis of rotation 11, wherein said at least one float 18 is rotatably mounted relative to the trim 10 so as to allow a displacement of said at least one float 18 in said at least one receptacle 8.

Thus, the displacement of said at least one float 18 in said at least one receptacle 8 is implemented in a predetermined direction by means of the axis of rotation 11 of said at least one float 18 cooperating with the hubcap 10 of the dispensing device detergent 6.

Here and in no way limiting, each detergent tank 7 is rotated by means of a single float 18 rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 11 1 connected to the hubcap 10 and disposed in a receptacle 8 of the 'hubcap 10.

Preferably, said at least one float 18 comprises at least one arm 18a connecting a buoyancy body 18b to the axis of rotation 11.

The buoyancy body 18b of said at least one float 18 may be either a hollow body or a body of a density lower than that of water.

Of course, the shape and the type of floatation body of the at least one float are in no way limiting and may be different.

The buoyancy body 18b of said at least one float 18 is disposed in said at least one receptacle 8.

Here, as illustrated in Figures 3 to 5 the axis of rotation 11 of said at least one float 18 is disposed between the buoyancy body 18b of said at least one float 18 and said at least one detergent tank 7.

Here, as illustrated in figure 3 , the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises a water dispenser 17 generating at least one water jet of water supplying said at least one receptacle 8.

The quantity of water supplied by the water dispenser 17 and accumulated in the said at least one receptacle 8 makes it possible to trigger the rotation drive of the said at least one detergent container 7 by the said at least one trigger device 9 when the level water reached in said at least one receptacle 8 is sufficient to overcome the predetermined force to move said at least one trigger device 9.

In one embodiment, the water dispenser 17 is a direct jet water dispenser, particularly when the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises a single detergent container 7.

In another embodiment, the water dispenser 17 is a direct-jet water dispenser, particularly when the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises two detergent tanks 7.

In this way, each direct jet supplies water to a receptacle 8 for triggering a trigger device 9 so as to rotate a detergent container 7.

A direct-jet water dispenser may also be used when the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises a single detergent container 7 and a direct water supply to the washing tub 3 is required to implement a phase. Prewash.

In another embodiment, the water dispenser 17 is a cross-jet water dispenser where the first and second direct water jets respectively supply water to a first and a second receptacle 8, and where the third jet of water water obtained by crossing the first and second jets of water supplies water to a third receptacle 8.

The first, second and third receptacles 8 may be intended to trigger the rotating drive of a detergent tank 7 by means of a respective trigger device 9.

The feeding and the accumulation of water in said at least one receptacle 8 makes it possible to delay the triggering of the rotational drive of said at least one detergent container 7 by said at least one triggering device 9.

Thus, the movement of said at least one trigger device 9 can not be implemented inadvertently.

In this way, a stray water jet from the water dispenser 17, in particular cross-jet, can not set in motion said at least one trigger device 9 since a predetermined water level must be reached in said at least one receptacle 8.

In addition, the predetermined water level to be reached in the said at least one receptacle 8 can make it possible to take into account the differences in the water flow rate of the solenoid valves supplying the cross-jet water dispenser 17, which can lead to inaccuracy of the direction. the third water jet formed by the first two direct streams of water.

A cross-jet water dispenser may also be used when the detergent delivery device 6 comprises two detergent tanks 7 and a direct water supply to the wash tank 3 is required to implement a pre-wash phase. , wherein the direct water supply of the washing tank 3 is implemented by the third water jet obtained by crossing the first and second water jets.

Of course, the type of water dispenser is in no way limiting and may be different, and in particular with a rotary nozzle.

Advantageously, said at least one receptacle 8 comprises at least one water discharge opening 19.

Thus, following the supply of water to said at least one receptacle 8, the water accumulated in said at least one receptacle 8 is emptied by means of said at least one water discharge opening 19 formed in said at least one receptacle 8. The emptying of said at least one receptacle 8 can thus be performed slowly, whether said at least one trigger device 9 is set in motion or not.

The minimum water flow rate of water supply of the at least one receptacle 8 must take into account the water leakage generated by the at least one water discharge opening 19 which increases as a function of the water column. present in said at least one receptacle 8.

The water leak generated by said at least one water discharge opening 19 is predetermined so as to allow the accumulation of water in said at least one receptacle 8 during the water supply of the latter, even when the flow of water supply water of said at least one receptacle 8 is low.

Thus, said at least one trigger device 9 is set in motion, then drives said at least one detergent tank 7 as soon as the water level reached in said at least one receptacle 8 exceeds a threshold water level value.

Here, as illustrated in Figures 2a to 2c and 5a to 5d , a water discharge opening 19 is formed in the bottom wall of a receptacle 8.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 2a to 2c and 5a to 5d , said at at least one water discharge opening 19 of said at least one receptacle 8 is formed in a front wall of the hubcap 10.

Thus, said at least one water discharge opening 19 of said at least one receptacle 8 formed in the hubcap 10 makes it possible to evacuate the water contained in said at least one receptacle 8, and consequently the hubcap 10 during the supply of water to said at least one receptacle 8 and the emptying thereof.

Preferably, said at least one water discharge opening 19 of said at least one receptacle 8 is formed at the low point of the trim 10 when the detergent dispensing device 6 is in a detergent dispensing position in the washing tub 3, and in particular, in a washing machine laundry loading from above, when the door 5 is in the closed position.

• un élément d'entraînement 12 couplé audit au moins un bac à détergent 7, monté en rotation autour d'un axe de rotation 13 dudit au moins un bac à détergent 7 et coopérant avec ledit au moins un flotteur 18 ;
• un ressort 14 fixé d'une part audit au moins un flotteur 18 et d'autre part à l'élément d'entraînement 12 ;
• de sorte à entraîner en rotation ledit au moins un bac à détergent 7 suite au déplacement dudit au moins un flotteur 18 par le niveau d'eau atteint dans ledit au moins un réceptacle 8.

Preferably, said at least one triggering device 9 also comprises:

• a driving element 12 coupled to said at least one detergent tank 7, rotatably mounted about an axis of rotation 13 of said at least one detergent tank 7 and cooperating with said at least one float 18;
• a spring 14 fixed on the one hand to said at least one float 18 and on the other hand to the driving element 12;
• so as to rotate said at least one detergent container 7 following the movement of said at least one float 18 by the water level reached in said at least one receptacle 8.

Thus, the force exerted by said at least one float 18 as a function of the level of water reached in at least one receptacle makes it possible to balance the tensile force of a spring 14 and releases in rotation the assembly formed by the element 12 and said at least one detergent container 7.

Said at least one float 18 of said at least one trigger device 9 is set in motion by means of the water level reached in said at least one receptacle 8 so as to release the driving element 12 and then to rotate said minus a detergent tank 7 by the spring 14.

The rotational drive of said at least one detergent tank 7 is caused by the spring 14 connected on the one hand to said at least one float 18 and on the other hand to the driving element 12, following the displacement of said at least one a float 18 by the water level reached in said at least one receptacle 8 and the unlocking of the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 relative to said at least one detergent tank 7.

The traction of the spring 14 makes it possible to rotate said at least one detergent container 7 from a position armed with the at least one trigger device 9 to a disarmed position of the at least one trigger device 9.

As soon as the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 is released relative to said at least one detergent tank 7, said at least one detergent tank 7 is rotated about its axis of rotation 13 by the spring 14.

Here, the axis of rotation 13 is common to said at least one detergent container 7 and to the drive element 12. Said at least one detergent container 7 and the drive element 12 are integral so as to be rotated together about the axis of rotation 13 by the spring 14.

In the case where an interruption of the water supply of said at least one receptacle 8 occurs following the triggering of the driving element 12 coupled to said at least one detergent tank 7, said at least one detergent tank 7 is driven. in rotation to a disarmed position of said at least one trigger device 9 by the spring 14 without being able to return said at least one detergent tank 7 to the initial position by the amount of water accumulated in said at least one receptacle 8.

Advantageously, the spring 14 is fixed at the axis of rotation 11 of said at least one float 18.

Thus, the spring 14 makes it possible to rotate said at least one detergent tank 7 about its axis of rotation 13 from a position armed with said at least one triggering device 9 to a disarmed position of said at least one triggering device 9.

The spring 14 can also make it possible to push the at least one float 18 towards the bottom wall 10a of the at least one receptacle 8.

Here, the spring 14 is a spring blade.

Of course, the type of spring is in no way limiting and may be different.

In the embodiment illustrated in figure 4 the spring 14 is also fixed at the axis of rotation 13 of said at least one detergent container 7 so as to rotate the drive member 12 and said at least one detergent container 7.

Preferably, the driving element 12 is set in motion following the exceeding of the point of equilibrium between the tensile force of the spring 14, where the spring 14 exerts a torque with respect to the axis of rotation 11 of the at least one float 18, and the force exerted by the water level reached in said at least one receptacle 8 on said at least one float 18 while taking into account contact friction between the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 and said at least one a detergent tank 7 due to the pulling of the spring 14 on said drive element 12.

Advantageously, the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 comprises a blade 20 cooperating with a notch 15 of said at least one detergent tank 7 so as to retain said at least one detergent tank 7 in the first detergent filling position, such as illustrated in figures 5a , 10 and 10a .

In a detergent dispensing device 6 as illustrated in FIGS. Figures 2 to 11 , the torque exerted by the thrust of the water level on said at least one float 18 must be greater than that exerted by the spring 14 connected to the driving element 12 added to the friction forces of the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 on said at least one detergent tank 7, while taking into account the torque that can be exerted by said at least one float 18.

The figure 9a illustrates the level of maximum liquid detergent by the dashed line and the level of maximum powdered detergent in full line inside a detergent container 7 when the detergent container 7 is in the first detergent filling position detergent tank, and in the case where the door 5 closing the access opening 4 of the body 2 is in the open position.

The figure 9b illustrates the level of maximum liquid detergent by the dashed line and the level of maximum powdered detergent in full line inside a detergent container 7 when the detergent container 7 is in the first detergent filling position detergent tank, and in the case where the door 5 closing the access opening 4 of the body 2 is in the closed position.

In the case of use of liquid detergent, the maximum filling level inside said at least one detergent container 7 corresponds to the rim of said at least one opening 21 for filling and emptying detergent when the closing door 5 the access opening 4 of the body 2 is in the closed position.

In the case of using powder detergent, the maximum filling level within said at least one detergent container 7 may be different since the behavior of the powdered detergent is different from the liquid detergent.

The powdered detergent has properties preventing the flow thereof when tilting the door 5 from an open position to a closed position, commonly referred to as a slope phenomenon. When tilting the door 5 from an open position to a closed position, the powdered detergent does not follow the angle of inclination of the door 5 as the liquid detergent but forms an angle with respect to a horizontal plane, which can be between 30 ° and 45 °.

Thus, in the case of using powdered detergent, the maximum filling level inside said at least one detergent container 7 may exceed the rim of said at least one filling and emptying opening 21 for detergent when the door 5 closing the access opening 4 of the body 2 is in the closed position.

In this way, the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent container 7 may be limited since the amount of powder detergent introduced into said at least one detergent container 7 may be greater than that of liquid detergent due to the phenomenon of talus occurring during the tilting of the door 5 since a open position to a closed position, while respecting the dosage recommendations of detergent by manufacturers of detergent specifying a quantity of detergent powder generally greater than that of liquid detergent for the same use.

We will now describe, in particular with reference to Figures 5a to 5d , a method of operation of a detergent dispensing device according to the invention.

The method of operation of the detergent delivery device 6 comprises a detergent filling step of the at least one detergent container 7.

The detergent filling position of said at least one detergent tank 7 is the first position of the latter where said at least one trigger device 9 is cocked, that is to say the position taken by said at least one detergent tank 7 following the movement of said at least one detergent container 7 by the user from the second detergent emptying position to the first detergent filling position.

In one embodiment where the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises a plurality of detergent tanks 7 and the user does not wish to use at least one of the detergent tanks 7, said detergent tank 7 can be left in the second so-called detergent dump position. The position of the float 18 associated with the detergent tank 7 not used can be modified following the filling and the accumulation of water in the respective receptacle 8 without having any consequence on the other elements of the detergent dispensing device 6.

The method of operation of the detergent dispensing device 6 includes a step of initializing said at least one detergent container 7 in the detergent filling position.

Said at least one detergent container 7 is initialized in the detergent filling position by rotating said at least one detergent container 7 so as to arm said at least one trigger device 9.

The arming of said at least one trigger device 9 is achieved by rotating said at least one detergent tank, and thus the driving element 12, about the axis of rotation 13 to the first filling position of detergent of said at least one detergent container 7.

This step of initializing said at least one detergent tank 7 in the detergent filling position is to be implemented systematically following the implementation of an operating cycle of the washing machine 1.

In the case where said at least one detergent container 7 is extractable and wherein said at least one detergent container 7 is in the detergent emptying position, it can be reset in position on the detergent dispensing device 6 if it had been removed for the operating cycle of the previous washing machine 1, removed from detergent delivery device 6, in particular to be cleaned outside the washing machine 1, since said at least one trigger device 9 is disarmed.

In the case where the said at least one detergent container 7 is extractable, the driving element 12 and the detergent container 7 associated can be made in separate parts so that the detergent container 7 is extractable and that the driving element 12 is fixed on the axis of rotation 13 and free to rotate relative to the hubcap 10.

This step of initializing said at least one detergent container 7 is carried out by manually moving said at least one detergent container 7 about its axis of rotation 13.

The displacement of the at least one detergent container 7 from the second detergent emptying position to the first detergent filling position can be carried out by turning the at least one detergent container 7 about its axis of rotation 13 by means of a tongue 16 formed on the rim of said at least one opening 21 for filling and emptying detergent of said at least one detergent tank 7.

Here, said at least one detergent tank 7 rotates at an angle of the order of 135 ° about its axis of rotation 13 during the displacement thereof from the second position of emptying detergent to the first filling position detergent, and vice versa.

Of course, the value of the angle of rotation of the at least one detergent tank around its axis of rotation during the movement thereof from the second detergent emptying position to the first detergent filling position, and vice versa. , is in no way limiting and may be different.

The resetting of said at least one triggering device 9 is carried out by placing a blade 20 of the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 in a notch 15 of said at least one detergent container 7 by virtue of the force exerted by spring 14, as illustrated by the Figures 10 and 10a .

The support of the blade 20 of the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 in the notch 15 of said at least one detergent tank 7 fills an elastic snap fastener. The elastic deformation of the blade 20 of the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 makes it possible to achieve this fixation by elastic snapping.

In addition, said at least one float 18 of the trigger device 9 is held in the first detergent filling position of said at least one detergent tank 7 by means of the thrust force exerted by the spring 14.

The spring 14 bears on the one hand said at least one float 18, and in particular an arm 18a of said at least one float 18, on said at least one detergent tank 7 so as to maintain said at least one trigger device 9 in armed position, during the moving said at least one detergent container 7 from a second detergent emptying position to a first detergent filling position. And the spring 14 rotates said other at least one detergent tank 7 via the driving element 12 from an armed position to a disarmed position of said at least one triggering device 9, during the displacement. said at least one detergent container 7 from a first detergent filling position to a second detergent emptying position.

Following the rotating drive of said at least one detergent container 7 from a second detergent emptying position to a first detergent filling position, possibly following the replacement of said at least one detergent container 7 on the detergent dispensing device 6 when said at least one detergent container 7 is extractable, and after the detergent filling of said at least one detergent container 7 of the detergent dispensing device 6, the door 5 of the body 2 of the washing machine 1 can be moved from an open position to a closed position.

Said at least one triggering device 9 of the detergent dispensing device 6 ensures that said at least one detergent container 7 is maintained in a detergent filling position following the closure of the door 5 of the bodywork 2 of the washing machine. the laundry 1, even when the latter is closed suddenly or when the washing machine 1 is put into operation and generates vibrations.

In one embodiment, the movement of a first detergent tank 7, in particular for containing a detergent product, about its axis of rotation 13 from the second detergent emptying position to the first detergent filling position involves moving a second detergent tank 7, in particular for containing a softening product, around its axis of rotation 13 from the second detergent emptying position to the first detergent filling position.

Thus, the two detergent tanks 7 are moved simultaneously from the second detergent emptying position to the first detergent filling position.

The two detergent tanks 7 respectively comprise a stop 23 formed on the outer face of the detergent tank 7 so that these stops 23 cooperate together to simultaneously move the two detergent tanks 7 from the second detergent emptying position to the first position detergent filling, as illustrated in Figures 6 and 7 .

The simultaneous movement of the two detergent tanks 7 from the second detergent emptying position to the first detergent filling position can be implemented since the first detergent tank 7 for containing a detergent product is rotated systematically before the second detergent tank 7 for containing a softener product during the implementation of a cycle of operation by the washing machine 1.

In the case where the user wishes to move said at least one detergent container 7 from the first detergent filling position to the second detergent emptying position, pressure on said at least one detergent container 7 is to be realized so to unlock the blade 20 of the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 relative to the notch 15 of said at least one detergent container 7, as illustrated by the Figures 11 and 11a .

Thus, the notch 15 of said at least one detergent container 7 slides along the blade 20 of the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 so as to unlock the snap fastener.

The method of operation of the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises a step of closing the door 5 of the body 2 of the washing machine 1.

Following the closure of the door 5 of the body 2 of the washing machine 1, the detergent dispensing device 6 is disposed above the drum 24 housed inside the washing tub 3 of the machine to wash the laundry 1.

In this way, the amount of at least one dose of detergent contained in at least one detergent container 7 of the detergent dispensing device 6 is dispensed to the drum 24, and in particular the laundry load, by means of said at least one triggering device 9 activated by said at least one receptacle 8 fed with a quantity of water.

Following the closure of the door 5 of the body 2 of the washing machine 1, said at least one detergent tank 7 of the detergent dispensing device 6 is reoriented by an angle of the order of 90 ° to 110 °.

This reorientation of said at least one detergent tank 7 is due to the displacement of the door 5 of the body 2 of the washing machine 1 from a substantially vertical position to a substantially horizontal position.

The figure 5a illustrates the detergent dispensing device 6 wherein said at least one opening 21 of said at least one detergent container 7 is in the first position and wherein the closing door 5 of the access opening 4 of the body 2 is in position closed. The triggering device 9 of the detergent dispensing device 6 is thus armed following the initialization step of said at least one detergent container 7.

The operating method of the detergent dispensing device 6 then comprises a step of filling and accumulating water of the at least one receptacle 8.

In a preferred embodiment, the step of filling and accumulating water of said at least one receptacle 8 is implemented by means of a water dispenser 17.

The water dispenser 17 sends at least one jet of water towards said at least one receptacle 8.

The operating method of the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises a step, as soon as the water level in said at least one receptacle 8 reaches a water level threshold value, for setting said at least one float 18 in motion by the water level reached in said at least one receptacle 8 so as to trigger said at least one trigger device 9 from an armed position to a disarmed position, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5b .

During the step of moving said at least one float 18 by the water level reached in said at least one receptacle 8, the blade 20 of the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 is retracted relative to the notch 15 of said at least one detergent container 7, as illustrated by the Figures 11 and 11a .

Then, the method of operation of the detergent dispensing device 6 comprises a step of unlocking the arm 18a of said at least one float 18 so as to rotate said at least one detergent container 7 by means of the spring 14 and the driving element 12, as illustrated in FIG. figure 5c .

The driving element 12 and said at least one detergent tank 7 are rotated by the spring 14 connected on the one hand to the axis of rotation 11 of said at least one float 18, integrally, and of secondly to the axis of rotation 13 of the at least one detergent container 7.

Thus, said at least one detergent container 7 is returned to the detergent emptying position so as to evacuate the detergent.

The detergent filling and emptying opening 21 of the at least one detergent container 7 having been used for the filling of detergent is now turned over so that the detergent flows by gravity.

The reversal of said at least one detergent container 7 promotes the emptying of the latter so as to avoid the agglomeration of detergent, especially powder, in the bottom thereof due to moisture.

The detergent delivery device 6 includes a stopper of said at least one detergent container 7 in the detergent emptying position.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in Figures 5c and 5d , the stop of said at least one detergent tank 7 in the detergent emptying position can be achieved by pressing a tab 22 of said at least one detergent tank 7 on a rib of the hubcap 10.

The rotational drive of the at least one detergent tank 7 is controlled by the control means of the washing machine 1, in particular a microcontroller, allowing or not the water supply of the at least one receptacle 8 according to the selected operating cycle of the washing machine 1.

Thus, the quantity of at least one detergent necessary for a cycle of operation of the washing machine 1 is poured into the washing tub 3 at a predetermined time and controlled by the control means of the washing machine. 1.

Advantageously, following the supply of water to said at least one receptacle 8, the water accumulated in said at least one receptacle 8 is emptied by means of said at least one water discharge opening 19 formed in said at least one receptacle 8.

Thus, the water accumulated in the at least one receptacle 8 is emptied by means of said at least one water discharge opening 19 towards the washing tub 3 during the operating cycle of the washing machine. laundry 1 and is not discharged on the drum 24 housed inside the washing tub 3 when opening the door 5 of the bodywork of the washing machine 1.

In this way, the laundry contained in the drum 24 can not be wetted by the water accumulated in the at least one receptacle 8 following the last phase of the cycle of operation of the washing machine 1, the latter phase being generally a spinning phase of the laundry, when opening the door 5 of the body 2 of the washing machine 1.

The figure 5d illustrates the detergent dispensing device 6 where said at least one float 18 of the triggering device 9 is returned to its initial position following evacuation of the water contained in said at least one receptacle 8 by means of said at least one opening evacuation of water 19.

In the embodiment as illustrated in Figures 2a to 2c and 5d , the water discharged from said at least one receptacle 8 by means of said at least one water discharge opening 19 is also discharged from the hubcap 10 in the direction of the washing tub 3 since the wall comprising said at least one water discharge opening 19 is a common wall of said at least one receptacle 8 and the hubcap 10.

Following the rotation of the at least one detergent container 7 from the first detergent filling position to the second detergent emptying position in the washing tub 3, and during the rotational driving of the drum 24 at a speed of orbiting the water contained in the washing tub 3, the water contained in the washing tub 3 is driven towards at least one opening 21 of the at least one detergent tank 7 so as to clean a storage area of detergent of said at least one detergent container 7.

The rotation drive of the drum 24 inside the washing tub 3 generates a projection of water in a movement tangential to the drum 24 so as to introduce water through said at least one opening 21 of said least one detergent container 7, as shown in FIG. figure 8 .

Cleaning said at least one detergent tank 7 is provided by the inverted position of said at least one detergent tank 7, that is to say in the second detergent emptying position, wherein said at least one opening 21 of said less a detergent tank is directed downwards, and by the injection of water generated by the rotational drive of the drum 24 inside the washing tub 3.

The second detergent emptying position of the at least one detergent container is a stable position thereof which is guaranteed by the trigger device 9.

Thanks to the present invention, the water contained in the washing tub is driven by the rotation of the drum towards at least one opening of at least one detergent container so that the water entrained along the surface interior of the wash tub enters a detergent storage area of said at least one detergent container for cleaning thereof and removing remaining detergent residue following rotation of said at least one detergent container from the first filling position of detergent at the second detergent emptying position in the wash tub.

In this manner, the cleaning of the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent container is ensured by rotating said at least one detergent container from the first detergent filling position to the second detergent emptying position in the detergent container. washing tank and by driving the water contained in the washing tank by means of the drum.

Of course, many modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, the washing machine can be a washing machine or a washing machine and dryer.

Claims (11)

1. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) comprising:

   - a body (2) with an access opening (4) that can be closed by a door (5), said body (2) enclosing a wash tub (3) that has an opening,

   - a drum (24) rotatably mounted within said wash tub (3),

   - a detergent-dispensing device (6), said detergent-dispensing device (6) being mounted on said door (5) closing said access opening (4) of said body (2), said detergent-dispensing device (6) comprising at least one detergent tray (7) that may contain a quantity of detergent,

   - said at least one detergent tray (7) being rotatably mounted within said detergent-dispensing device (6),

   - said at least one detergent tray (7) assuming at least the following positions:

   ∘ a first position wherein said at least one detergent tray (7) is in a detergent-filling position,

   ∘ a second position wherein said at least one detergent tray (7) is in a
   detergent-emptying position,
   characterized in that after the rotating of said at least one detergent tray (7) from the first detergent-filling position to the second detergent-emptying position within said wash tub (3), and when rotating said drum (24) at a satellisation speed of the water contained in said wash tub (3), the water contained in said wash tub (3) is driven towards at least one opening (21) of said at least one detergent tray (7) so as to clean a detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tray (7).
2. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that in the open position of said door (5) closing said access opening (4) of said body (2), said at least one opening (21) of said at least one detergent tray (7) is accessible in the first detergent-filling position so as to be able to fill with detergent the detergent storage area of said at least one detergent tray (7).
3. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said detergent-dispensing device (6) comprises at least one trigger device (9).
4. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said at least one detergent tray (7).assumes the first detergent-filling position after the arming of said at least one trigger device (9), and in that said at least one detergent tray (7) assumes the second detergent-emptying position after the activation of said at least one trigger device (9).
5. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said detergent-dispensing device (6) comprises at least one receptacle (8) that may contain a quantity of water, wherein said at least one detergent tray (7) is rotated after the filling with water of said at least one receptacle (8).
6. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) according to claims 3 and 5, or according to claims 3 to 5, characterized in that said at least one trigger device (9) is set in motion by means of the water level reached in said at least one receptacle (8) so as to rotate said at least one detergent tray (7) independent of the quantity of detergent contained in said at least one detergent tray (7).
7. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that said detergent-dispensing device (6) comprises a cover (10), said cover (10) comprising said at least one receptacle (8).
8. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) according to claims 3 and 5, or according to claims 3 and 5 and any one of claims 4, 6, or 7, characterized in that said at least one trigger device (9) comprises at least one float (18) disposed at least partially within said at least one receptacle (8).
9. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said at least one float (18) comprises an axis of rotation (11), wherein said at least one float (18) is rotatably mounted relative to said cover (10) so as to allow said at least one float (18) to move within said at least one receptacle (8).
10. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that said at least one detergent-dispensing device (9) further comprises:

    - a driving element (12) coupled to said at least one detergent tray (7), rotatably mounted around an axis of rotation (13) of said at least one detergent tray (7) and mating with said at least one float (18);

    - a spring (14) fastened both to said at least one float (18) and to said driving element (12);

    - so as to rotate said at least one detergent tray (7) in response to the moving of said at least one float (18) by the water level reached in said at least one receptacle (8).
11. A top-loading laundry washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, characterized in that said device (6) comprises a water dispenser (17) generating at least one jet of water supplying said at least one receptacle (8) with water.

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