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(11) | EP 2 796 606 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Machine for cleaning fabrics. |
| (57) Described is a machine for cleaning fabrics or the like, comprising: - a compartment (2) for containing fabrics that can be isolated with respect to an outside environment, - first means (3) for introducing a cleaning fluid into the containment compartment (2), which can be activated for a first type of wash; - second means (4) for introducing the cleaning fluid into the containment compartment (2), which can be activated for a second type of wash; - an operating unit (6), configured for allowing a user to selectively activate one of the introducing means (3, 4). |
[0001] This invention relates to a machine for cleaning articles, in particular articles such as garments, linen, towels, curtains and the like (referred to below as "fabrics or the like").
[0002] As is known, a fabric, if it is subjected to a not optimum washing (in terms of the temperature, quantity of solvent or type of wash), undergoes a process of accelerated degradation which can ruin the fibres of the article of clothing and/or alter the colouring.
[0003] In the sector for cleaning fabrics there are prior art machines for cleaning fabrics which comprise one or more programs, which can be set by the user, to allow the cleaning of different types of fabrics.
[0004] However, these machines do not allow the washing of all types of fabrics in an optimum manner and, therefore, inevitably, there are drawbacks during the cleaning of some types of fabrics which limit the use.
[0005] In the relevant sector the need is particularly felt for a machine which makes it possible to wash any type or composition of fabric, without ruining it or altering the appearance.
[0006] The aim of this invention is therefore to overcome these drawbacks and to satisfy the above-mentioned requirement, using a machine for cleaning fabrics which allows any type of fabric to be cleaned without ruining it or altering its appearance.
[0007] These aims are achieved according to the invention by a machine for cleaning fabrics comprising the technical characteristics described in one or more of the appended claims.
[0008] The technical features of the invention, with reference to the above aims, are clearly described in the claims below and its advantages are apparent from the detailed description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a non-limiting example embodiment of the invention and in which:
- Figure 1 illustrates a cleaning machine according to this invention in a first operating configuration;
- Figure 2 illustrates the cleaning machine of Figure 1 in a second operating configuration;
- Figure 3 illustrates the cleaning machine of Figure 1 in a third operating configuration.
[0009] With reference to Figures 1 to 3, the numeral 1 indicates a cleaning machine made according to the invention.
[0010] The machine 1 is a machine for cleaning fabrics or the like (garments, linen, towels, curtains and the like, etc.).
[0011] According to the invention, the machine 1 for cleaning fabrics or the like comprises:
- a compartment 2 for containing the fabrics to be cleaned;
- first means 3 for introducing a cleaning fluid into the compartment 2, for cleaning according to a first type of wash;
- second means 4 for introducing a cleaning fluid into the compartment 2, for cleaning according to a second type of wash;
- an operating unit 6 configured for allowing a user to selectively activate one of the introducing means 3, 4.
[0012] Preferably, the operating unit 6 is configured to allow the user to set the type of wash desired and it is also configured to activate one of the introducing means 3, 4 as a function of the setting made by the user.
[0013] It should be noted that the drive unit 6 can comprise a plurality of electronic and/or mechanical elements, configured to allow the activation - when selected by the user - of introducing means.
[0014] Moreover, even more preferably, the operating unit 6 comprises an electronic control unit, electrically connected to the introducing means for controlling the activation.
[0015] Preferably, the first introducing means 3 are configured to release a predetermined flow of cleaning fluid into the containment compartment 2 and the second introducing means 4 are configured to release cleaning fluid into the containment compartment 2 at a predetermined pressure. Moreover, preferably, the containment compartment 2 can be isolated from the outside environment.
[0016] Still more preferably, the compartment 2 is equipped with an opening and a door (not illustrated), movable between an open position and a position for closing the opening.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the machine 1 also comprises third means 5 for introducing the cleaning fluid and the drive unit 6 is configured to activate one of the introducing means 3, 4, 5 - first, second or third - as a function of the setting, that is, the selection, made by the user.
[0019] It should therefore be noted that the drive unit 6, in this specific embodiment, allows the first introducing means 3, or the second introducing means 4, or the third introducing means 5 to be activated singularly and selectively as a function of the setting made by the user.
[0021] Further, the machine comprises a drum 7, located inside the cylinder (that is, positioned in the housing defined by the cylinder), and configured to rotate about an axis.
[0023] The drum 7 thus defines the compartment 2 for containing the fabrics. The machine 1 also comprises drive means for rotating the drum 7 (not illustrated).
[0025] The machine 1 also comprises at least one tank 8 for accumulating the cleaning fluid, to which the means 3, 4, 5 for introducing the cleaning fluid are connected for removing the cleaning fluid.
[0026] It should be noted that, according to the preferred embodiment, each of the introducing means 3, 4, 5 comprises respective pumping means 3a, 4a, 5a, operating on the cleaning fluid.
[0027] In practice, the pumping means 3a, 4a, 5a allow the introducing means 3, 4, 5 to draw the cleaning fluid from the accumulation tank 8 in such a way as to introduce the cleaning fluid into the containment compartment 2. With reference to the accompanying drawings, the machine 1 comprises a conduit 10 for recovering the cleaning fluid present inside the drum 7.
[0028] The conduit 10 extends from the drum 7 and leads into the tank 8 for accumulating the cleaning fluid.
[0029] Along the conduit 10 there is a pump 10a for sucking the cleaning fluid, designed to suck the cleaning fluid in a liquid form from the inside of the drum and to send it to the tank 8 for accumulating the fluid.
[0030] Along the conduit 10 there is also a filter 11 designed to eliminate the impurities present in the cleaning fluid sucked out from the drum. Hereinafter, the description refers to specific configuration of the machine 1 illustrated in the accompanying drawings, without the description being construed as limiting the invention.
[0031] More specifically, the first means 3 for introducing the cleaning fluid are configured to release into the compartment 2 a flow of cleaning fluid of between 4 and 6 litres for each kilogram of fabrics placed in the compartment 2.
[0032] In other words, for each kilogram of fabrics placed in the compartment 2, from 4 to 6 litres of cleaning fluid are released into the compartment 2. The first introducing means 3 are thus particularly suitable for washing (and, thus, activated by the user for the washing of) synthetic, cotton, wool and leather fabrics.
[0033] In effect, the flow of cleaning fluid of between 4 and 6 litres for each kilogram of fabrics placed in the compartment 2 is a particularly high flow rate.
[0034] It should be noted that these synthetic, cotton, wool and leather fabrics need a high flow rate of solvent for a particularly effective washing: in this way, in effect, the fabrics are completely immersed in the cleaning liquid and a thorough cleaning of the fibres of the fabrics is obtained.
[0035] The combined rotation of the drum 7, together with the activation of the first introducing means 3, allows a mechanical action to be created on the fabrics which is particularly effective in terms of cleaning.
[0036] Preferably, the first means 3 for introducing a cleaning fluid are configured to release the cleaning fluid into the compartment 2 at a pressure of between 8 N/cm2 and 12 N/cm2 (0.8 - 1.2 bar).
[0037] Preferably, the first introducing means 3 are configured to allow an adjustment, that is, a setting, of the flow rate of cleaning fluid introduced into the compartment 2.
[0038] The second means 4 for introducing a cleaning fluid are configured to release the cleaning fluid into the compartment 2 at a pressure of between 12 N/cm2 and 18 N/cm2 (1.2-1.8 bar).
[0039] The pressure is a particularly high pressure, which therefore allows removal, thanks to the mechanical action of the jet of cleaning fluid released by the second introducing means 4 on the fabrics, of the dirt present on the fabrics.
[0040] It should be noted that the second introducing means 4 are particularly suitable for washing particularly dirty fabrics (in particular, synthetic, cotton, wool and leather fabrics).
[0041] Preferably, the second means 4 for introducing a cleaning fluid are configured to release into the compartment 2 a flow of cleaning fluid of between 1.5 and 2.5 litres for each kilogram of fabrics placed in the compartment 2.
[0042] Moreover, preferably, the third means 5 for introducing a cleaning fluid are configured to release into the compartment 2 a flow of cleaning fluid of between 0.6 and 1.2 litres for each kilogram of fabrics placed in the compartment 2.
[0043] This flow rate is a particularly low flow of cleaning fluid, which therefore allows delicate, super delicate and coloured garments to be washed in a particularly effective manner.
[0044] It should be noted that the third introducing means 5 are activated upon a setting by the user for washing delicate fabrics and/or super delicate fabrics and/or coloured garments.
[0045] The third means 5 for introducing a cleaning fluid are configured to release the cleaning fluid into the compartment 2 at a pressure of between 16 N/cm2 and 20 N/cm2 (1.6-2 bar).
[0046] It should be noted that the user sets the type of wash desired (according to the fabrics loaded into the compartment 2) and the drive unit 6 activates, on the basis of the setting, that is, the selection, the introducing means 3, 4, 5 most suitable for type of fabrics placed in the compartment 2.
[0047] The machine 1 has a plurality of introducing means 3, 4, 5, which are at least independent from each other, operatively connected to the containment compartment 2 for releasing into it the cleaning fluid.
[0048] One advantage of this invention is therefore to provide a machine 1 which is able to perform the cleaning of different types of fabrics, without adversely affecting the quality or causing the degradation.
[0049] In this way, the machine 1 is able to process in a particularly effective manner fabrics which are also different from each other (leather, delicate fabrics, coloured garments, synthetic fabrics, etc.) without adversely affecting the quality of any.
[0050] It should be noted that the introducing means 3, 4, 5 are operatively connected to the same container 8 of the cleaning fluid.
[0052] As illustrated in the accompanying drawings, the cleaning fluid introduced inside the compartment 2 is continuously removed using the recovery conduit 10.
[0053] More specifically, the pump 10a located along the conduit 10 performs a sort of suction of the cleaning fluid, to prevent it stagnating in the compartment 2.
[0054] In effect, the garments present inside the compartment 2, when impregnated with the sprayed fluid, release impurities (down, dirt etc.) into the fluid which, drawn by gravity by the fluid, fall towards the lower part of the compartment 2.
[0055] Advantageously, the continuous removal, by suction of the pump 10a, of the cleaning fluid from the lower part of the compartment 2, prevents the stagnated fluid from transporting the above-mentioned impurities to other garments.
[0056] The cleaning fluid sucked is then fed, again by the action of the pump 10a, to the filter 11 which retains the impurities and lets pass the filtered cleaning fluid which it holds in the accumulation tank 8, ready for being again fed towards the compartment 2 through the above-mentioned introducing means 3, 4, 5.
[0057] Alternatively, according to an embodiment not illustrated, each introducing means 3, 4, 5 is connected to a respective container of the cleaning fluid.
[0058] In this embodiment, the machine 1 may use different cleaning fluids associated with the introducing means 3, 4, 5: advantageously, in this way it is possible to associate the cleaning fluid most suitable for each of the introducing means 3, 4, 5.
[0059] Furthermore, still more preferably, each introducing means 3, 4, 5 comprises respective pumping means 3a, 4a, 5a, independent from those of the other introducing means.
[0060] Alternatively, according to an embodiment not illustrated, the machine 1 comprises pumping means shared between different introducing means 3, 4, 5, configured for being adjusted by the drive unit 6 according to the introducing means 3, 4, 5 activated.
[0061] Therefore, in this embodiment, the pumping means are adjusted in terms of pressure and/or flow rate according to the introducing means 3, 4, 5 activated.
[0062] It should be noted that Figure 1 shows the first introducing means 3 activated, Figure 2 illustrates the second introducing means 4 activated and Figure 3 shows the third introducing means 5 activated.
1. A machine for cleaning fabrics or the like, comprising:
- a compartment (2) for containing fabrics that can be isolated with respect to an outside environment,
- first means (3) for introducing a cleaning fluid into the containment compartment (2), which can be activated for a first type of wash;
- second means (4) for introducing the cleaning fluid into the containment compartment (2), which can be activated for a second type of wash different from the first type;
- an operating unit (6), configured for allowing a user to selectively activate one of the means (3, 4) for introducing the fluid.
2. The machine according to the preceding claim, characterised in that the operating unit (6) comprises an electronic control unit configured to allow the
user to set the type of wash desired and it is also configured to activate one of
the introducing means (3, 4) as a function of the above-mentioned setting made by
the user.
3. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first introducing means (3) are configured to release a predetermined flow of
cleaning fluid into the containment compartment (2) and the second introducing means
(4) are configured to release cleaning fluid at a predetermined pressure into the
containment compartment (2).
4. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises third means (5) for introducing the cleaning fluid into the containment
compartment (2) for a third type of wash different from the first and second types,
and also in that the operating unit (6) is configured to allow the user to selectively activate one
of the introducing means (3, 4, 5).
5. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that each of the means (3, 4, 5) for introducing the cleaning fluid comprises respective
pumping means (3a, 4a, 5a), operating on the cleaning fluid.
6. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first means (3) for introducing the cleaning fluid are configured to release
into the compartment (2) a flow of cleaning fluid of between 4 and 6 litres for each
kilogram of fabrics placed in the compartment (2).
7. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the first means (3) for introducing the cleaning fluid are configured to release
the cleaning fluid into the compartment (2) at a pressure of between 8 N/cm2 and 12 N/cm2.
8. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second means (4) for introducing a cleaning fluid are configured to release the
cleaning fluid into the compartment (2) at a pressure of between 12 N/cm2 and 18 N/cm2.
9. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second means (4) for introducing a cleaning fluid are configured to release into
the compartment (2) a flow of cleaning fluid of between 1.5 and 2.5 litres for each
kilogram of fabrics placed in the compartment (2).
10. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims and according to claim 4,
characterised in that the third means (5) for introducing a cleaning fluid are configured to release into
the compartment (2) a flow of cleaning fluid of between 0.6 and 1.2 litres for each
kilogram of fabrics placed in the containment compartment (2).
11. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims and according to claim 4,
characterised in that the second means (5) for introducing a cleaning fluid are configured to release the
cleaning fluid into the compartment (2) at a pressure of between 16 N/cm2 and 20 N/cm2.
12. The machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a conduit (10) for recovery of the cleaning fluid present in the containment
compartment (2).
13. A method for cleaning fabrics or the like, comprising the steps of:
- preparing the fabrics to be cleaned inside a containment compartment (2),
- introducing a cleaning fluid into the containment compartment (2) using first introducing means (3) according to a first type of wash;
- introducing a cleaning fluid into the containment compartment (2) using second introducing means (4) according to a second type of wash different from the first type;
14. A cleaning method according to claim 13, characterised in that it comprises the steps of:
- introducing a cleaning fluid into the containment compartment (2) using third introducing means (5) according to a third type of wash different from the first and second types of wash;
15. A cleaning method according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that it comprises the steps of:
- removing the cleaning fluid accumulated inside the containment compartment (2);
- filtering the cleaning fluid removed from the compartment (2) so that the fluid can be re-used for washing the clothing.