Washing machine having flexible washing compartment

Abstract

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

1 . A wash machine for the washing of laundry such as clothes and textiles, which washing machine has a main part and further comprises a flexible washing compartment in which the washing of the laundry takes place, wherein the flexible washing compartment has a sealable opening for in an open state loading the laundry to be washed into the flexible washing compartment, wherein the washing machine further comprises:
 an inlet, for supplying washing water into the flexible washing compartment,   an outlet, for disposal of washing water from the flexible washing compartment, and   a mechanical pressure device arranged at the flexible washing compartment, and in a closed state of the flexible washing compartment arranged to provide mechanical lifting pressure on the outside of a part of the flexible washing compartment, lifting this part such that the laundry is subject to mechanical action to assist washing.   
     
     
         2 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical pressure device is arranged under the flexible washing compartment, wherein the mechanical pressure device comprises a tiltable plate that can be moved up and down vertically at a desired inclination by means of hydraulic screw devices. 
     
     
         3 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical pressure device is arranged under the flexible washing compartment, wherein the pressure device comprises a tiltable plate that is hingedly attached at one end thereof and that is arranged to be moved up and down at the other end at a desired inclination. 
     
     
         4 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical pressure device is arranged under the flexible washing compartment, wherein the pressure device comprises a tiltable plate that is hingedly attached at a central part thereof and that is arranged to be swingable around a swing axis. 
     
     
         5 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical pressure device is arranged under the flexible washing compartment, wherein the pressure device comprises an adjustable roll device that can be moved in horizontal direction, as well as in vertical direction, and that can rotate around an axis thereof. 
     
     
         6 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the mechanical pressure device is arranged under the flexible washing compartment, wherein the pressure device comprises an rotatable conical roller device that can be rolled and thereby moved in horizontal direction along a plane. 
     
     
         7 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein a further counter-acting device is arranged to provide counter-acting pressure against the pressure applied by the mechanical pressure device, such that the laundry is subject to mechanical action to assist dewatering. 
     
     
         8 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible washing compartment has an upper part at which the opening is arranged and adapted to be in flow communication with the main part, and a lower part, at which the laundry is adapted to be positioned during washing or dewatering. 
     
     
         9 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein at the opening there is provided a strainer, perforated plate or perforated column to prevent the laundry being washed or dewatered from inhibiting the access or egress of the washing water and any other fluids involved into and out of the washing compartment. 
     
     
         10 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible washing compartment has an openable and closable seal for opening or closing the flexible washing compartment at the opening. 
     
     
         11 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the flexible washing compartment is connected to a reservoir provided inside the washing machine for receiving used washing water and re-circulating the washing water one or more times back to the flexible washing compartment. 
     
     
         12 . The washing machine according to  claim 9 , wherein the main part comprises a water container and a heating unit, respectively, for heating the washing water before it is supplied into the flexible washing compartment. 
     
     
         13 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , the washing machine comprises a connection so that compressed air, gas or hydraulic pressure or vacuum may be applied to the flexible washing compartment. 
     
     
         14 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the washing machine comprises water inlet and outlet connections so that washing water possibly mixed with washing agent can be drawn into and expelled out of, respectively the flexible washing compartment. 
     
     
         15 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the water inlet connection
 comprises a valve configured to let water into the flexible washing compartment.   
     
     
         16 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein water outlet comprises a valve and a pump configured to let water out of the flexible washing compartment. 
     
     
         17 . The washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein there is/are provided power operated pumps or pumps configured to let water out of the flexible washing compartment.