AREA OFAPPUCAΗON

According to the International Patent Classification (IPC), the Invention is classifiable as follows:

- D06F 39/02 - Devices for adding soap or other washing agents (liquid detergent);

- D06F 37/00 - Details of washing machines covered by groups D06F 21/00 through D06F 25/00, restricted to machines of these kinds. TECHNICAL PROBLEM

The technical problem addressed by this Invention is how to accurately and easily add liquid detergent (gel) to household washing machines while keeping the existing powder detergent system. STATE-OF-THE-ART

In using powder detergents we are often faced with the formation of lumps which accumulate as residues and form sediments in the detergent compartment. The same sedimentation is found in almost all parts of the washing machine which are in contact with powder detergents. If the receptacle is excessively stuffed with laundry, the washing powder may remain only partly dissolved and later found stuck on clothes, in other words, washing has been done with insufficient quantity of detergent to the effect that fabrics poorly washed. To forestall such problems, people often tend to put powder detergents in excess, but that just completes the vicious circle. A shortcoming of the washing powder is that its use entails a greater quantity of consumption and thereby more money.

The ratio between the washing powder and the washing liquid is 2:1, meaning that for optimum concentration of the washing agent half the quantity of the washing liquid is required in relation to the washing powder. One liter of liquid detergent is equivalent in effect to 2 kg of powder detergent.

The proposed system allows a far more relaxed use of the washing machine: its operation is easier and faster, washing agents are added by pressing the switch for 5 or more seconds.

By using washing liquids we save us the trouble involved in using powder detergents, and in using the Ejector the washing liquid is brought into the washing machine dissolved, so the formation of a concentration of the detergent required for a washing program is faster. With liquid detergents there is no lumping and no sedimentation, and the exploitability of the washing agent is better.

The Ejector System is annexed to the washing machine so that the user can choose any time between conventional washing by means of the built-in compartment if powder detergents are to be used or some special treatment agents (e.g., for wool, silk, curtains, bleaching, dying), on one hand, and, on the other, washing with gel (liquid detergent) stored in a container. The size of the container allows a kind of autonomy of washing, because a container of, say, 1.5 liters allows 20 washing rounds.

THE ESSENCE OF THE INVENΗON

The purpose of the Invention to enable quick, easy and very precise adding of liquid detergents in quantities required by household washing machines. The Ejector System in the concrete version is shown in the attached diagram. Its component parts are:

1. electromagnetic valve / it is an inlet valve for water flow towards the Ejector. By its mode of operation the valve is a servo-valve (220 V) controlled over an electric switch mounted on the front side of the washing machine /;

2. ejector / designed for suction of high-viscosity gel at the main water supply pressure /;

3. non-return valve / between the ejector and the detergent container /; 4. detergent (gel) container

How the system operates

By opening the electromagnetic valve (1) water (under the main supply pressure) is allowed to flow towards the ejector (2). The ejector (2) is at its suction part connected to the gel container (4). The passage of water with its pressure and quantity creates a differential pressure in the ejector chamber, whereby gel is sucked from its container. In the ejector chamber gel and water are mixed together. The ejector outlet is connected to the detergent dispenser of the washing machine.

The amount of washing agent recommended by most manufacturers ranges from 75 ml for normally soiled fabrics in water of average hardness to 150 ml in case of heavily soiled fabrics. Pre-wash is not required according to the manufacturer's recommendations.

With its suction force the ejector draws out 75 ml gel in about 5 seconds, or 15 ml gel per second. The time of the openness of the electromagnetic valve determines the quantity of detergent which will enter the washing machine. Washing agents are added shortly before starting the washing machine in a pre¬ selected wash program and temperature, whereas the softener is added in the usual manner.

The advantages of the ejector system are also reflected in the simplicity of design and the reliability of its component parts. The ejector is a foolproof device without moving parts, its design is rugged and durable. The electromagnetic servo-valve is a conventional valve used for washing machines, the non-return valve is also conventional without any modifications. The parts of the system are connected with rubber hoses. The container is made of hard transparent synthetics with an opening on the top for filling and an outlet on the bottom towards the ejector.

The Ejector in the presented example is operated by the user by means of a switch, but it is also possible to provide a programmed mechanical or electric system and thus enhance its functional efficiency, especially in the area of automatic control.