TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention relates to a hydraulic system for a laundry washing machine
detergent dispenser.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] A standard laundry washing machine comprises a detergent dispenser having a tank
with a number of compartments connected at the bottom to the wash tub housing the
rotating laundry drum. The detergent dispenser also comprises a hydraulic system for
feeding a stream of water downwards into each compartment to gradually dilute and
flush the detergent/softener from the compartment into the wash tub.
[0003] In a modern washing machine, the tank normally requires three separate streams of
water fed selectively into three different compartments, so the hydraulic system comprises
three separate feed pipes terminating inside the tank; and, to regulate water flow
along the three feed pipes independently, three solenoid valves were formerly used,
each located upstream from a respective feed pipe.
[0004] Solenoid valves are fairly expensive, so, to reduce the cost of the hydraulic system,
it has been proposed to use two delivery pipes, each fitted with a respective solenoid
valve; and a cross mixer interposed between the two delivery pipes and the three feed
pipes, and which, when fed with respective incoming streams of water from both the
delivery pipes, directs an outgoing stream of water, generated by intersection of
the two incoming streams, into a central feed pipe. In other words, the outgoing streams
of water from the two delivery pipes intersect at the cross mixer, so, when both delivery
pipes feed respective streams of water into the cross mixer, the two incoming streams
of water intersect to form an outgoing stream of water, which is directed into a central
feed pipe.
[0005] International regulations governing the manufacture of laundry washing machines demand
an air break space to interrupt the continuity of a mains water supply pipe, and which
acts as a hydraulic non-return valve to prevent contaminated (e.g. detergent-containing)
or dirty water from flowing back along the pipe and mixing with drinking water in
the mains in the event of a malfunction. In currently marketed laundry washing machines,
the air break space is formed at the cross mixer, which is therefore open at the bottom,
i.e. has no bottom boundary wall.
[0006] Currently used hydraulic systems of the type described above work fairly well when
actual performance of the two solenoid valves regulating the two delivery pipes is
the same, i.e. when water flow along the two delivery pipes is substantially the same.
Such an ideal condition, however, is fairly rare, on account of manufacturing tolerances,
which often result in even substantial differences in performance of the two solenoid
valves. As a result, in currently used hydraulic systems, actual water flow along
the central feed pipe is often much less than expected; and the desired water flow
along the central feed pipe is also accompanied by undesired, harmful dispersion from
the lateral feed pipes. Finally, currently used hydraulic systems comprise a large
number of mechanically and hydraulically connected component parts, which therefore
make them expensive and complicated to assemble.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] It is an object of the present invention to provide a hydraulic system for a laundry
washing machine detergent dispenser, designed to eliminate the aforementioned drawbacks,
and which, in particular, is cheap and easy to implement.
[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a hydraulic system for a laundry
washing machine detergent dispenser, as claimed in the accompanying Claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example
with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a schematic view in perspective of a detergent dispenser hydraulic
system;
Figure 2 shows a schematic plan view of the Figure 1 hydraulic system;
Figure 3 shows a section of a cross mixer of the Figure 1 hydraulic system;
Figure 4 shows a section along line IV-IV of the Figure 2 hydraulic system.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Number 1 in Figure 1 indicates as a whole a laundry washing machine detergent dispenser.
Detergent dispenser 1 comprises a tank 2 having three compartments 3 with holes at
the bottom for connection to the wash tub housing the rotating laundry drum. More
specifically, two compartments 3 for a measure of detergent or softener are arranged
side by side at the front, and the third compartment 3 is located at the rear.
[0011] Detergent dispenser 1 also comprises a hydraulic system 4 for feeding a stream of
water downwards into each compartment 3. The two front compartments 3 are supplied
with water by hydraulic system 4 to gradually dilute and flush the detergent/softener
from front compartments 3 into the wash tub, while the water supplied by hydraulic
system 4 to rear compartment 3 flows directly into the wash tub for rinsing.
[0012] As shown in Figure 2, to feed three separate streams of water into the three different
compartments, the hydraulic system comprises three separate feed pipes 5 terminating
inside tank 2 at respective compartments 3. More specifically, one feed pipe 5 supplying
water to rear compartment 3 is located centrally, and the other two feed pipes 5 supplying
water to front compartments 3 are located on opposite sides of the central feed pipe
5.
[0013] The three feed pipes 5 are supplied with water by two delivery pipes 6 via a cross
mixer 7 interposed between the two delivery pipes 6 and the three feed pipes 5. As
shown more clearly in Figure 3, in cross mixer 7, the two delivery pipes 6 intersect
at a 90° angle, the two lateral feed pipes 5 form extensions of the two delivery pipes
6 (and therefore also form a 90° angle), and the central feed pipe 5 is located between
the two lateral feed pipes 5. In other words, an inlet 8 of each lateral feed pipe
5 is located facing and parallel to an outlet 9 of a respective delivery pipe 6, and
an inlet 8 of the central feed pipe 5 is located opposite outlets 9 of the two delivery
pipes 6, and forms a 45° angle with outlet 9 of each delivery pipe 6.
[0014] Cross mixer 7 comprises a closed central chamber 10 (i.e. completely isolated from
the outside), into which outlets 9 of the two delivery pipes 6 and inlets 8 of the
three feed pipes 5 debouche. As stated, chamber 10 is closed, i.e. completely isolated
from the outside, and is therefore bounded by lateral, top, and bottom walls 11. The
fact that chamber 10 is closed is important, in that intersection of the two streams
of water from the two delivery pipes 6 produces a centrally-directed main stream that
tends to swell vertically. Chamber 10 being closed, however, the top and bottom walls
11 of chamber 10 retain and direct the top- and bottommost portions of the main stream
towards inlet 8 of central feed pipe 5.
[0015] Each delivery pipe 6 is regulated by a respective solenoid valve 12 located upstream
from delivery pipe 6, and which can be set to a closed setting cutting off water supply
to delivery pipe 6, and an open setting permitting water supply to delivery pipe 6.
[0016] In actual use, when only one delivery pipe 6 is supplied with water, water flows
straight through cross mixer 7 into the corresponding lateral feed pipe 5 only; conversely,
when both delivery pipes 6 are supplied with water, the respective streams of water
intersect to form a main stream, which flows solely into central feed pipe 5.
[0017] As shown in Figure 3, at cross mixer 7, central feed pipe 5 is "bulb-shaped" : from
inlet 8 facing cross mixer 7, the cross section area starts out at a first minimum
value, increases gradually to a maximum value, and finally decreases gradually to
a second minimum value smaller than the first. The ratio between the first and second
minimum value of the cross section area of central feed pipe 5 normally ranges between
1.5 and 2.5, and preferably between 1.9 and 2.1; the ratio between the maximum value
and the first minimum value normally ranges between 1.3 and 2.1, and preferably between
1.6 and 1.8; and the ratio between the maximum value and the second minimum value
normally ranges between 2.5 and 4, and preferably between 3.1 and 3.5.
[0018] At cross mixer 7, the area of inlet 8 of central feed pipe 5 is 2 to 4 times the
area of inlet 8 of each lateral feed pipe 5.
[0019] The cross section area of each lateral feed pipe 5 has a minimum value at inlet 8
facing cross mixer 7, and increases gradually from inlet 8 to a maximum value; the
ratio between the maximum and minimum value of the cross section area of each lateral
feed pipe 5 normally ranges between 1.2 and 2, and preferably between 1.5 and 1.7;
and the ratio between the maximum value of the cross section area of each lateral
feed pipe 5 and the cross section area of outlet 9, facing cross mixer 7, of each
delivery pipe 6 normally ranges between 1 and 1.6, and preferably between 1.2 and
1.4.
[0020] The cross section area of each delivery pipe 6 decreases gradually to a minimum value
at outlet 9 facing cross mixer 7, so that the ratio between the cross section area
of outlet 9, facing cross mixer 7, of each delivery pipe 6 and the cross section area
of inlet 8 of each lateral feed pipe 5 normally ranges between 1 and 1.6, and preferably
between 1.2 and 1.4.
[0021] The edges separating inlet 8 of central feed pipe 5 from inlets 8 of lateral feed
pipes 5 are preferably rounded.
[0022] The particular shape and size of central feed pipe 5 at cross mixer 7 provides for
maximizing inflow into central feed pipe 5 of the main stream of water produced by
the two intersecting streams from the two delivery pipes 6.
[0023] Outlets 9 of the two delivery pipes 6 have a relatively small cross section with
respect to feed pipes 5, so that water flows out of outlets 9 of the two delivery
pipes 6 at relatively high speed and therefore with greater direction to reduce dispersion.
[0024] As shown in Figure 2, respective air break spaces 13 are located along feed pipes
5, downstream from cross mixer 7, and are each defined by a portion of the pipe having
no bottom wall. Air break spaces 13 are provided to comply with international regulations
governing the manufacture of laundry washing machines and requiring interruption of
the continuity of mains water supply pipes, and act as hydraulic non-return valves
to prevent contaminated (e.g. detergent-containing) or dirty water from flowing back
from tank 2 to the mains via hydraulic system 4, in the event of a malfunction.
[0025] The air break spaces 13 of the two lateral feed pipes 5 also provide for cutting
off any dispersion accidentally flowing into the two lateral feed pipes 5 as the main
stream, produced by intersection of the two streams from the two delivery pipes 6,
is formed in cross mixer 7. The flow and speed, in fact, of any dispersion accidentally
flowing into the two lateral feed pipes 5 are so low as to prevent it from getting
past air break spaces 13, thus ensuring against any undesired flow from lateral feed
pipes 5 to front compartments 3.
[0026] In the preferred embodiment in Figure 4, at air break space 13, each feed pipe 5
has a bulge, which extends both upwards and laterally, and, at the top, preferably
has a semicircular cross section with its axis of symmetry parallel to feed pipe 5.
To allow for the effect of gravity on the water flowing through air break space 13,
feed pipe 5 comprises, at air break space 13, an inlet 14 (into which water flows
from air break space 13) located lower down and larger vertically than an outlet 15
(from which water flows into air break space 13).
[0027] Central feed pipe 5 terminates at air break space 13, this being located over rear
compartment 3 supplied by central feed pipe 5. In other words, air break space 13
of central feed pipe 5 constitutes both an interruption in the continuity of the pipe,
and an outlet into rear compartment 3.
[0028] Downstream from air break space 13, each lateral feed pipe 5 preferably has a sloping
portion 16, which slopes downwards and preferably has an S-shaped vertical section.
The water flowing along each lateral feed pipe 5 undergoes a considerable loss in
pressure as it flows through respective air break space 13, and each sloping portion
16 provides, downstream from air break space 13, for increasing the pressure of the
water flowing along feed pipe 5, so as to at least partly compensate for the pressure
loss caused by air break space 13.
[0029] As shown in Figure 2, each lateral feed pipe 5 comprises an end portion 17 located
over a respective front compartment 3 of tank 2 and having a number of through outlet
holes 18 underneath. In a preferred embodiment, each end portion 17 is curved and
forms at least one "U", and outlet holes 18 are located asymmetrically on the outer
side of the curve to reduce the swirl produced inside feed pipe 5 by outlet holes
18, and so reduce load losses inside feed pipe 5, and air intake into feed pipe 5
through outlet holes 18. A given total outflow from outlet holes 18 is therefore achieved
with a lower feed pressure to delivery pipes 6, and the noise level is also greatly
reduced.
[0030] In a preferred embodiment, outlet holes 18 are also shaped to reduce load losses
in feed pipe 5, and air intake into feed pipe 5 through outlet holes 18. More specifically,
each outlet hole 18 is crescent-shaped with its concavity facing in the water flow
direction along feed pipe 5. In the Figure 2 embodiment, the rear edge of each outlet
hole 18 is circular (i.e. defined by an arc of a circle), whereas, in a different
embodiment not shown, the rear edge of each outlet hole 18 is straight (i.e. defined
by a straight segment).
[0031] In a preferred embodiment, delivery pipes 6, cross mixer 7, and feed pipes 5 are
defined in a single one-piece body 19 (i.e. formed in one seamless, indivisible piece)
injection-molded from plastic material (e.g. polypropylene or polyethylene). One-piece
body 19 preferably comprises a flat reinforcing portion 20 surrounding feed pipes
5 on the inside and outside, and which has eyelets 21 on the outside for engaging
respective teeth 22 projecting from an edge of tank 2. The function of reinforcing
portion 20 is to increase the strength of one-piece body 19 and connect one-piece
body 19 easily to tank 2.
[0032] Defining delivery pipes 6, cross mixer 7, and feed pipes 5 in a single one-piece
injection-molded body 19 makes hydraulic circuit 4 cheaper to produce and cheaper
and faster to assemble.
[0033] Hydraulic system 4 as described above has numerous advantages, by being cheap and
easy to produce and assemble, by having only modest load losses as a whole, and by
operating extremely well, even when actual performance of the two solenoid valves
12 regulating the two delivery pipes 6 differs as a result of manufacturing tolerances.
In other words, actual water flow along central feed pipe 5 always equals the designed
rated flow, even when actual performance of the two solenoid valves 12 regulating
the two delivery pipes 6 differs as a result of manufacturing tolerances. Moreover,
in addition to achieving the desired flow along central feed pipe 5, hydraulic system
4 as described above provides for totally eliminating harmful dispersion along lateral
feed pipes 5.
1. A hydraulic system (4) for a laundry washing machine detergent dispenser (1), the
detergent dispenser (1) comprising a tank (2) with a number of compartments (3); the
hydraulic system (4) comprising:
two delivery pipes (6);
two solenoid valves (12) located upstream from the delivery pipes (6) to regulate
water flow along the delivery pipes (6);
three feed pipes (5) terminating in the tank (2); and
a cross mixer (7) interposed between the two delivery pipes (6) and the three feed
pipes (5) to direct to a central feed pipe (5) a stream of water produced by intersection
of the two streams of water from both the delivery pipes (6);
the hydraulic system (4) being
characterized in that:
the cross mixer (7) comprises a closed chamber (10) bounded at the top and bottom
by respective walls (11); and
respective air break spaces (13) are located along the feed pipes (5), downstream
from the cross mixer (7).
2. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the air break space (13) of
each feed pipe (5) is defined by a portion of the pipe having no bottom wall.
3. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 2, wherein, at the air break space (13),
each feed pipe (5) has a bulge extending upwards and laterally.
4. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, downstream from the
air break space (13), each feed pipe (5) has a sloping portion (16) sloping downwards.
5. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 4, wherein each sloping portion
(16) has an S-shaped vertical section.
6. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one feed
pipe (5) has an end portion (17) located over a respective compartment (3) of the
tank (2) and having a number of through outlet holes (18) underneath.
7. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 6, wherein the end portion (17) is curved
and forms at least one "U", and the outlet holes (18) are arranged asymmetrically
on the outer side of the curve.
8. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 6 or 7, wherein each outlet hole (18) is
crescent-shaped with its concavity facing in the water flow direction along the feed
pipe (5).
9. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the rear edge of each outlet
hole (18) is circular.
10. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 8, wherein the rear edge of each outlet
hole (18) is straight.
11. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the delivery pipes
(6), the cross mixer (7), and the feed pipes (5) are defined in a single one-piece
body (19) injection molded from plastic material.
12. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the one-piece body (19) comprises
a flat reinforcing portion (20) surrounding the feed pipes (5) on the inside and outside.
13. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 12, wherein the reinforcing portion (20)
has eyelets (21) on the outside, which engage respective teeth (22) projecting from
an edge of the tank (2).
14. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 13, wherein, at the cross
mixer (7), the area of an inlet (8) of the central feed pipe (5) is 2 to 4 times the
area of an inlet (8) of each lateral feed pipe (5).
15. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 14, wherein the cross section
area of each lateral feed pipe (5) has a minimum value at an inlet (8) facing the
cross mixer (7), and increases gradually from the inlet (8) to a maximum value.
16. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the ratio between the maximum
value and minimum value of the cross section area of each lateral feed pipe (5) ranges
between 1.2 and 2.
17. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 15, wherein the ratio between the maximum
value and minimum value of the cross section area of each lateral feed pipe (5) ranges
between 1.5 and 1.7.
18. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value of the cross section area of each lateral feed pipe (5) and the
cross section area of an outlet (9), facing the cross mixer (7), of each delivery
pipe (6) ranges between 1 and 1.6.
19. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 15, 16 or 17, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value of the cross section area of each lateral feed pipe (5) and the
cross section area of an outlet (9), facing the cross mixer (7), of each delivery
pipe (6) ranges between 1.2 and 1.4.
20. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 19, wherein, at the cross
mixer (7), the central feed pipe (5) is "bulb-shaped"; from an inlet (8) facing the
cross mixer (7), the cross section area starts out at a first minimum value, increases
gradually to a maximum value, and finally decreases gradually to a second minimum
value smaller than the first minimum value.
21. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the ratio between the first
minimum value and the second minimum value of the cross section area of the central
feed pipe (5) ranges between 1.5 and 2.5.
22. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 20, wherein the ratio between the first
minimum value and the second minimum value of the cross section area of the central
feed pipe (5) ranges between 1.9 and 2.1.
23. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value and the first minimum value ranges between 1.3 and 2.1.
24. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 20, 21 or 22, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value and the first minimum value ranges between 1.6 and 1.8.
25. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 24, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value and the second minimum value ranges between 2.5 and 4.
26. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 20 to 25, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value and the second minimum value ranges between 3.1 and 3.5.
27. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 26, wherein the cross section
area of each delivery pipe (6) decreases gradually to a minimum value at the outlet
(9) facing the cross mixer (7).
28. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 27, wherein the ratio between
the cross section area of an outlet (9), facing the cross mixer (7), of each delivery
pipe (6) and the cross section area of an inlet (8) of each lateral feed pipe (5)
ranges between 1 and 1.6.
29. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 27, wherein the ratio between
the cross section area of an outlet (9), facing the cross mixer (7), of each delivery
pipe (6) and the cross section area of an inlet (8) of each lateral feed pipe (5)
ranges between 1.2 and 1.4.
30. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 1 to 29, wherein the edges separating
the inlet (8) of the central feed pipe (5) from the inlets (8) of the lateral feed
pipes (5) are rounded.
31. A hydraulic system (4) for a laundry washing machine detergent dispenser (1), the
detergent dispenser (1) comprising a tank (2) with a number of compartments (3); the
hydraulic system (4) comprising :
two delivery pipes (6);
two solenoid valves (12) located upstream from the delivery pipes (6) to regulate
water flow along the delivery pipes (6);
three feed pipes (5) terminating in the tank (2), and at least one of which has an
end portion (17) located over a respective compartment (3) of the tank (2) and having
a number of through outlet holes (18) underneath; and
a cross mixer (7) interposed between the two delivery pipes (6) and the three feed
pipes (5) to direct to a central feed pipe (5) a stream of water produced by intersection
of the two streams of water from both the delivery pipes (6);
the hydraulic system (4) being
characterized in that each outlet hole (18) is crescent-shaped with its concavity facing in the water flow
direction along the feed pipe (5).
32. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 31, wherein the rear edge of each outlet
hole (18) is circular.
33. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 31, wherein the rear edge of each outlet
hole (18) is straight.
34. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 31, 32 or 33, wherein the end portion (17)
is curved and forms at least one "U", and the outlet holes (18) are arranged asymmetrically
on the outer side of the curve.
35. A hydraulic system (4) for a laundry washing machine detergent dispenser (1), the
detergent dispenser (1) comprising a tank (2) with a number of compartments (3); the
hydraulic system (4) comprising :
two delivery pipes (6);
two solenoid valves (12) located upstream from the delivery pipes (6) to regulate
water flow along the delivery pipes (6);
three feed pipes (5) terminating in the tank (2); and
a cross mixer (7) interposed between the two delivery pipes (6) and the three feed
pipes (5) to direct to a central feed pipe (5) a stream of water produced by intersection
of the two streams of water from both the delivery pipes (6);
the hydraulic system (4) being
characterized in that the delivery pipes (6), the cross mixer (7), and the feed pipes (5) are defined in
a single one-piece body (19) injection molded from plastic material.
36. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 35, wherein the one-piece body (19) comprises
a flat reinforcing portion (20) surrounding the feed pipes (5) on the inside and outside.
37. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 36, wherein the reinforcing portion (20)
has eyelets (21) on the outside, which engage respective teeth (22) projecting from
an edge of the tank (2).
38. A hydraulic system (4) for a laundry washing machine detergent dispenser (1), the
detergent dispenser (1) comprising a tank (2) with a number of compartments (3); the
hydraulic system (4) comprising :
two delivery pipes (6);
two solenoid valves (12) located upstream from the delivery pipes (6) to regulate
water flow along the delivery pipes (6);
three feed pipes (5) terminating in the tank (2); and
a cross mixer (7) interposed between the two delivery pipes (6) and the three feed
pipes (5) to direct to a central feed pipe (5) a stream of water produced by intersection
of the two streams of water from both the delivery pipes (6);
the hydraulic system (4) being
characterized in that, at the cross mixer (7), the central feed pipe (5) is "bulb-shaped"; from an inlet
(8) facing the cross mixer (7), the cross section area starts out at a first minimum
value, increases gradually to a maximum value, and finally decreases gradually to
a second minimum value smaller than the first minimum value.
39. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 38, wherein the ratio between the first
minimum value and the second minimum value of the cross section area of the central
feed pipe (5) ranges between 1.5 and 2.5.
40. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 38, wherein the ratio between the first
minimum value and the second minimum value of the cross section area of the central
feed pipe (5) ranges between 1.9 and 2.1.
41. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 38, 39 or 40, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value and the first minimum value ranges between 1.3 and 2.1.
42. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 38, 39 or 40, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value and the first minimum value ranges between 1.6 and 1.8.
43. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 42, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value and the second minimum value ranges between 2.5 and 4.
44. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 42, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value and the second minimum value ranges between 3.1 and 3.5.
45. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 44, wherein, at the cross
mixer (7), the area of an inlet (8) of the central feed pipe (5) is 2 to 4 times the
area of an inlet (8) of each lateral feed pipe (5).
46. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 45, wherein the cross section
area of each lateral feed pipe (5) has a minimum value at an inlet (8) facing the
cross mixer (7), and increases gradually from the inlet (8) to a maximum value.
47. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 46, wherein the ratio between the maximum
value and minimum value of the cross section area of each lateral feed pipe (5) ranges
between 1.2 and 2.
48. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 46, wherein the ratio between the maximum
value and minimum value of the cross section area of each lateral feed pipe (5) ranges
between 1.5 and 1.7.
49. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 46, 47 or 48, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value of the cross section area of each lateral feed pipe (5) and the
cross section area of an outlet (9), facing the cross mixer (7), of each delivery
pipe (6) ranges between 1 and 1.6.
50. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in Claim 46, 47 or 48, wherein the ratio between
the maximum value of the cross section area of each lateral feed pipe (5) and the
cross section area of an outlet (9), facing the cross mixer (7), of each delivery
pipe (6) ranges between 1.2 and 1.4.
51. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 50, wherein the cross section
area of each delivery pipe (6) decreases gradually to a minimum value at the outlet
(9) facing the cross mixer (7).
52. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 51, wherein the ratio between
the cross section area of an outlet (9), facing the cross mixer (7), of each delivery
pipe (6) and the cross section area of an inlet (8) of each lateral feed pipe (5)
ranges between 1 and 1.6.
53. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 51, wherein the ratio between
the cross section area of an outlet (9), facing the cross mixer (7), of each delivery
pipe (6) and the cross section area of an inlet (8) of each lateral feed pipe (5)
ranges between 1.2 and 1.4.
54. A hydraulic system (4) as claimed in any of Claims 38 to 53, wherein the edges separating
the inlet (8) of the central feed pipe (5) from the inlets (8) of the lateral feed
pipes (5) are rounded.