Washing machine with integrated sink

Abstract

 A washing machine includes a sink (1) integrated into the top of the washing machine casing, with a relevant tap (2) fed through pipes (3), as well as a wash tank (4) from which the water is drained by means of a first drain pump (5), controlled by a control unit (6), that directs the water through a first drain pipe (7) to an external drain (8), the drain system of the sink (1) including a second drain pipe (9) extending down to an expansion sump (10) frarn which the water is drained by means of a second drain pump (11) that directs the water to the external drain (8) through a third drain pipe (12) that converges into the first drain pipe (7). In this way, the sink (1) operates independently of the washing machine, whereby it is possible to use both of them simultaneously, and since the two drain pipes (7, 12) converge into a single pipe that can be connected to any external drain (8) even far from the sink (1), the washing machine can be located in the position most convenient for the user without having to arrange a wall drain at that position and being able to change position subsequently without any problem.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to washing machines, and in particular to a washing machine with a sink integrated therein.

[0002] It is known that a sink is often useful to soak or rinse laundry as an alternative to or in combination with the wash in the washing machine, but the presence of a sink and a washing machine implies the availability of sufficient room as well as of the relevant hydraulic connections.

[0003] Since in modem houses the room available is always very little, and providing hydraulic connections is expensive, it would be useful to integrate the sink into the washing machine so as to take up the same room occupied by the washing machine only and to use at least in part the same hydraulic connections.

[0004] A simple arrangement of this type is disclosed in the US patent applications No. US 2004/0168481 A1 and No. US 2005/0056059 A1, that describe a sink/washer combination in a single unit with the sink formed on top of the washer casing. Such an arrangement reduces the room required, yet since it is a mere juxtaposition of the sink on top of the washing machine it still requires separate hydraulic connections for the sink. This implies that the unit can be positioned only at a wall drain for the sink, otherwise the sink will not operate properly.

[0005] Another possible arrangement is disclosed in US 5,253,493 that shows a vertical axis drum washer provided with a top cover member of convex shape that may be flipped over to act as a sink. In this case, the sink drain hole is not connected to a wall drain through a drain pipe but drains the water directly into the underlying washer drum. It is clear, therefore, that the sink can not be used when the washing machine is operating and that said washing machine must necessarily have a vertical drum. Moreover, if additives that are potentially dangerous for the washing machine (e.g. bleach, dyes, etc.) are used in the sink, when the sink drain goes through the drum there is the risk that residues of the additives remain within the drum and damage the next laundry load.

[0006] Therefore the object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine with integrated sink which overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks. This object is achieved by means of a washing machine with integrated sink having the characteristics disclosed in claim 1. Other advantageous features of the present washing machine with integrated sink are disclosed in the dependent claims.

[0007] A first important advantage of the washing machine with integrated sink according to the present invention is that the sink operates independently of the washing machine, whereby it is possible to use both of them simultaneously and there is no risk of contamination of the laundry even when particular additives are used in the sink.

[0008] A second significant advantage of this washing machine with integrated sink is that the two drain pipes, of the sink and of washing machine, converge into a single pipe that can be connected to any wall drain. In this way the proper operation of the sink is independent of the position of the wall drain, contrary to what occurs with a sink having a conventional drain trap that must be located in front of the drain in order to operate properly. As a consequence, the washing machine can be located in the position most convenient for the user, without having to arrange a wall drain at that position and being able to change position subsequently without any problem.

[0009] Still another advantage of said washing machine with integrated sink stems from its simple structure, that makes it inexpensive and reliable.

[0010] These and other advantages and characteristics of the washing machine with integrated sink according to the present invention will be clear to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of an embodiment thereof, with reference to the only drawing, annexed as fig.1, that diagrammatically shows the structure of the machine.

[0011] Referring to said figure, there is seen that a washing machine with integrated sink according to the present invention conventionally includes a sink 1 integrated into the top of the washing machine casing, with a relevant tap 2 fed through pipes 3 for the hot and cold water. The washing machine includes, among the other components, a wash tank 4 from which the water is drained by means of a first drain pump 5, controlled by a control unit 6, that directs the water through a first drain pipe 7 to a drain 8 that may be either a stand-alone drain or a wall drain.

[0012] The novel aspect of the present invention resides in the drain system of sink 1, that includes a second drain pipe 9 extending down to an expansion sump 10 from which the water is drained by means of a second drain pump 11 that directs the water to drain 8 through a third drain pipe 12 that converges into the first drain pipe 7 prior to exiting the washing machine. The activation of the drain pump 11 is controlled by the control unit 6, which is operatively connected to a pressure switch 13 or other similar means for detecting the water level inside sump 10 (e.g. a float sensor).

[0013] The present washing machine with integrated sink is also preferably provided with various clever devices that, although not strictly indispensable, are used to optimize its operation.

[0014] In the first place, the operation of the drain pump 11 of sink 1 is controlled not only by pressure switch 13 but also by a timer, integrated into the control unit 6, provided to prevent a continuous switching on/off of pump 11 as soon as the latter starts to empty sump 10.

[0015] Secondly, the two hydraulic circuits of the washing machine and of the sink are separated and made independent by a pair of non-return valves 14, 14', preferably mechanically operated, arranged in the respective converging drain pipes 7 and 12. Furthermore, a vent valve 15 is provided on sump 10 in order to prevent cavitation problems of pump 11, which is in communication with the outside through sump 10 and pipe 9.

[0016] A drain trap is formed inside sump 10 in order to prevent problems caused by the stagnation of water in the expansion sump 10, and resulting bad smell that might rise along the drain pipe 9.

[0017] Finally, there is provided a flood-prevention system consisting of normally closed electrovalves 16 arranged on the feed pipes 3 of tap 2, so as to stop the flow of water to tap 2 in case electric power is lacking and therefore the drain pump 11 of sink 1 can not drain the water.

[0018] It is clear that the above-described and illustrated embodiment of the washing machine with integrated sink according to the invention is just an example susceptible of various modifications. In particular, the shape and arrangement of the pipes, pumps and expansion sump can be freely changed according to the manufacturing needs, as long as the above-described sink drain system is retained.

Claims

1. Washing machine with integrated sink including a sink (1) integrated into the top of the washing machine casing, with a relevant tap (2) fed through pipes (3), as well as a wash tank (4) from which the water is drained by means of a first drain pump (5), controlled by a control unit (6), that directs the water through a first drain pipe (7) to an external drain (8), characterized in that the drain system of said sink (1) includes a second drain pipe (9) extending down to an expansion sump (10) from which the water is drained by means of a second drain pump (11), also controlled by said control unit (6), that directs the water to said external drain (8) through a third drain pipe (12) that converges into said first drain pipe (7).

2. Washing machine with integrated sink according to claim 1, characterized in that the control unit (6) includes a timer suitable to control the operating time of the second drain pump (11),

3. Washing machine with integrated sink according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the two hydraulic circuits of the washing machine and of the sink (1) are separated and made independent by a pair of non-return valves (14, 14') arranged in the respective converging drain pipes (7,12).

4. Washing machine with integrated sink according to claim 3, characterized in that the non-return valves (14, 14') are mechanically operated.

5. Washing machine with integrated sink according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a vent valve (15) is provided on the expansion sump (10).

6. Washing machine with integrated sink according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a drain trap is formed inside the expansion sump (10).

7. Washing machine with integrated sink according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that normally closed electrovalves (16) are arranged on the feed pipes (3) of the tap (2).

Drawing