[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine which comprises a water softening
unit. In washing machines, water softening units are used for decreasing the hardness
of the washing water and for providing an effective washing. The water softening unit
comprises a water softening member which enables the hardness of the water to be removed.
The hardness of the mains water passed through the water softening unit is reduced,
which is then transferred to the tub to be used in the washing process. The ion retaining
feature of the water softening member in the water softening unit decreases over time.
The regeneration of the water softening member is performed by means of brine. Generally,
in washing machines with a water softening unit, there is a salt box which is connected
to the water softening unit by means of a regeneration line and which contains the
salt used to regenerate the resin in the water softening unit by being soaked in brine.
The regeneration process cannot be performed efficiently in the state of the art washing
machines with a water softening unit.
[0002] In the state of the art Patent Application Document No.
WO2018103962 (A1), a washing machine comprising a water softening unit is disclosed.
[0003] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine wherein
the regeneration of the water softening member provided in the water softening unit
is efficiently performed.
[0004] The washing machine of the present invention comprises a tub which is suitable for
performing the washing process therein; a water receptacle which is connected to the
water inlet through which the mains water is supplied via a water inlet line; a water
softening unit which is suitable for receiving a water softening member which reduces
the hardness of the washing water to be used in the washing process; a water softening
line which extends between the water softening unit and the water receptacle and which
enables the water in the water receptacle to be delivered to the water softening unit;
a soft water line which ensures that the washing water with reduced hardness after
passing through the water softening unit reaches the tub; a salt box which is connected
to the water softening unit by means of a regeneration line and which is suitable
for receiving the salt used in the regeneration of the water softening member; a water
delivery line which extends between the water receptacle and the salt box and which
enables the water in the water receptacle to be delivered into the salt box; and a
control unit which controls the washing process. The water softening member can be
resin. The resin in the water softening unit enables the magnesium and calcium ions
in the water to be retained, thus reducing the hardness of the water. The ions in
the water are collected on the resin. Upon reaching the total ion holding capacity
thereof, the resin can be renewed so as to perform the water softening function again
with the regeneration process performed. The regeneration process is carried out by
means of the salt in the salt box. The washing machine of the present invention further
comprises a control unit which ensures that the brine solution obtained as a result
of delivering the water from the water receptacle into the salt box through the water
delivery line is delivered to the water softening unit through the regeneration line
and that said brine solution is kept in the water softening unit for a predetermined
period of time. Said predetermined period of time is determined by the manufacturer.
As the waiting time of the brine solution in the water softening unit increases, the
ability of the water softening member to reduce water hardness increases. In a version
of the present invention, when the brine solution is transferred to the water softening
unit through the regeneration line, the softened washing water in the water softening
unit is discharged from the water softening unit. Thus, the regeneration process is
enabled to be performed efficiently by preventing the salt concentration of the brine
solution in the water softening unit from decreasing.
[0005] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit ensures that the brine
solution is kept in the water softening unit for at least 10 minutes. In a preferred
version of the present invention, the brine solution is kept in the water softening
unit for 15 minutes. Thus, the ability of the water softening member to reduce water
hardness is efficiently restored to the water softening member efficiently.
[0006] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises a discharge
receptacle. The discharge receptacle is connected to the water softening unit through
a first waste water line. The control unit enables the brine in the water softening
unit to be transferred into the discharge receptacle through the first waste water
line. The discharge receptacle is connected to a discharge outlet which opens to the
outside of the washing machine through a discharge line. Thus, the water in the discharge
receptacle is enabled to be discharged.
[0007] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit ensures that clean water
is passed over the water softening unit through the water softening line after the
brine sent into the water softening unit is discharged. Thus, the salt remaining on
the resin in the water softening unit is cleaned. In other words, the resin is cleansed
of salt thereon by being washed with clean water. Thus, the capacity of the resin
to reduce water hardness is increased. The control unit further ensures that said
water is later transferred to the discharge receptacle through the first waste water
line. Thus, the brine is prevented from being delivered to the drum and from damaging
the laundry. In a preferred version of the present invention, the second waste water
line is connected to the upper half of the side wall of the salt box. Thus, when the
user fills the salt box with salt, the water in the salt box rises upwards and can
be transferred to the discharge receptacle through the second waste water line.
[0008] In an embodiment of the present invention, the discharge receptacle is connected
to the salt box through a second waste water line. The water which is present in the
salt box and not used in the regeneration process is transferred to the discharge
receptacle through the second waste water line. In a preferred version of the present
invention, upon deciding that the regeneration process is ended, the control unit
enables the water in the salt box to be transferred to the discharge receptacle. Thus,
the water is prevented from being kept in the salt box for a long time. By transferring
the brine to the discharge receptacle, the mixing of the brine with the water used
in the washing process is prevented.
[0009] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit enables the water in
the discharge receptacle to be mixed with the washing water in the tub and transferred
to the discharge outlet. Thus, the water in the discharge receptacle is discharged
with reduced salt density. Thus, salt-induced clogging in the drain pipes to which
the washing machine is connected is prevented.
[0010] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises a first
receptacle outlet which is connected to the water softening line and which is provided
in the upper half of the water receptacle extending in a vertical direction with respect
to the vertical direction. The water receptacle is positioned higher than the location
of the water softening unit and the salt box in the washing machine body relative
to the vertical direction. Thus, water can be sent from the water receptacle to the
water softening unit or into the salt box by means of gravity. In a preferred version
of the present invention, the water is taken into the water receptacle so as not to
exceed the position of the first receptacle outlet.
[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises a second
receptacle outlet which is connected to the water delivery line and which is provided
in the lower half of the water receptacle with respect to the vertical direction.
After enough water is sent to the water softening unit, the water intake into the
water receptacle is stopped. The volume remaining between the first receptacle outlet
and the second receptacle outlet is equal to the volume of water to be passed through
the salt box in the regeneration process of the water softening member. Thus, the
amount of water to be passed over the salt box is correctly adjusted without the need
for any sensors.
[0012] The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention
is illustrated in the attached figures, where:
Figure 1 - is the perspective view of the components of the washing machine related
to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 2 - is the schematic view of the washing machine related to an embodiment of
the present invention.
Figure 3 - is the perspective view of the water receptacle of the washing machine
related to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 - is the perspective view of the discharge receptacle of the washing machine
related to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0013] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:
1. Washing machine
2. Tub
3. Water receptacle
31. First receptacle outlet
32. Second receptacle outlet
4. Water softening unit
5. Water softening line
6. Soft water line
7. Regeneration line
8. Salt box
9. Delivery line
10. Control unit
11. First waste water line
12. Discharge receptacle
13. Discharge line
14. Second waste water line
15. Detergent dispenser
16. Discharge outlet
20. Water inlet
21. Water inlet line
Y. Vertical direction
[0014] The washing machine (1) comprises a tub (2) which is suitable for performing the
washing process therein; a water receptacle (3) which is connected to the water inlet
(20) through which the mains water is supplied via a water inlet line (21); a water
softening unit (4) which is suitable for receiving a water softening member which
reduces the hardness of the washing water to be used in the washing process; a water
softening line (5) which extends between the water softening unit (4) and the water
receptacle (3) and which enables the water in the water receptacle (3) to be delivered
to the water softening unit (4); a soft water line (6) which provides that the washing
water with reduced hardness after passing through the water softening unit (4) reaches
the tub (2); a salt box (8) which is connected to the water softening unit (4) by
means of a regeneration line (7) and which is suitable for receiving the salt used
in the regeneration of the water softening member; a water delivery line (9) which
extends between the water receptacle (3) and the salt box (8) and which enables the
water in the water receptacle (3) to be delivered into the salt box (8); and a control
unit (10) which controls the washing process. The water receptacle (3) can be a receptacle
or a water hose which allows water to pass through. The control unit (10) directs
the water taken into the washing machine (1) by controlling the valves (not shown
in the figures) or pumps (not shown in the figures) on the lines. The washing water
delivered to the tub (2) is passed through the water softening unit (4) and transferred
to the detergent dispenser (15). The washing water is then transferred from the detergent
dispenser (15) to the tub (2). Thus, the hardness level of the washing water to be
delivered into the tub (2) is reduced. Consequently, the stain removal performance
of the washing water is increased. Moreover, an energy-saving washing machine (1)
is realized since the same stain removal performance can be achieved with less water
and detergent usage.
[0015] The washing machine of the present invention further (1) comprises a control unit
(10) which ensures that the brine solution obtained as a result of delivering the
water from the water receptacle (3) into the salt box (8) through the water delivery
line (9) is delivered to the water softening unit (4) through the regeneration line
(7) and that said brine solution is kept in the water softening unit (4) for a predetermined
period of time. Thus, the regeneration of the water softening member is performed
efficiently. The brine solution provides that the ions on the water softening member
pass into the brine, allowing the water softening member to gain the ability to reduce
the water hardness again. The brine solution formed by delivering the water into the
salt box (8) is transferred to the water softening unit (4) through the regeneration
line (7). In order to ensure that said brine solution is kept in the water softening
unit (4), the control unit (10) does not allow water to leave the water softening
unit (4) for a predetermined period of time.
[0016] Thus, the regeneration of the water softening member is performed efficiently.
[0017] In an embodiment of the present invention the washing machine (1) comprises the control
unit (10) which ensures that the brine solution is kept in the water softening unit
(4) for at least 10 minutes. When the brine solution is kept in the water softening
unit (4) for less than 10 minutes, the regeneration of the water softening member
cannot be performed efficiently. By keeping the brine solution in the water softening
unit (4) for at least 10 minutes, the regeneration of the water softening member is
enabled to be performed efficiently.
[0018] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a discharge
receptacle (12) which is connected to a discharge outlet (16) through a discharge
line (13), which is connected to the water softening unit (4) through a first waste
water line (11) and which is suitable for receiving the brine in the water softening
unit (4). The discharge outlet (16) is the outlet through which the water in the washing
machine (1) is transferred to the outside. The control unit (10) provides that the
brine sent into the water softening unit (4) during the regeneration process is transferred
to the discharge receptacle (12) after the regeneration process is completed. It is
decided that the regeneration process is completed after the brine solution is kept
in the water softening unit (4) for a time predetermined by the manufacturer. Thus,
the brine is prevented from mixing into the washing process due being sent to the
tub (2), Consequently, said brine is prevented from damaging the laundry. The brine
in the discharge receptacle (12) is then discharged from the washing machine (1) through
the discharge line (13).
[0019] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises the
control unit (10) which ensures that after the brine delivered into the water softening
unit (4) is discharged, clean water is passed over the water softening unit (4) through
the water softening line (5) and said water is then delivered to the discharge receptacle
(12) through the first waste water line (11). After the regeneration process is performed
with the brine in the water softening unit (4), the brine in the water softening unit
(4) is discharged. Even if the brine is discharged, some salt remains on the water
softening member disposed in the water softening unit (4). In order to prevent said
salt from mixing with the washing water or being delivered to the tub (2), the clean
mains water is passed over the water softening member. Thus, the water softening member
is washed. The clean water passed over the water softening member dissolves the salt
in the water softening member and forms a brine solution with low salt concentration.
The control unit (10) ensures that the resulting brine solution is transferred to
the discharge receptacle (12) so as to prevent the same from mixing with the washing
water. Consequently, the water softening member in the water softening unit (4) is
enabled to become ready for the water softening process in the next washing cycle.
[0020] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises the
discharge receptacle (12) which is connected to the salt box (8) through a second
waste water line (14) and which is suitable for receiving the brine in the salt box
(8). Most of the brine in the salt box (8) is sent to the water softening unit (4)
for the regeneration process. The water remaining in the salt box (8) is transferred
to the discharge receptacle (12) by the control unit (10) through the second waste
water line (14). In a preferred version of the present invention, the brine remaining
in the salt box (8) at the end of the washing process is transferred to the discharge
receptacle (12). Thus, it is provided that no water is left in the salt box (8) at
the end of the washing process, and the salt is prevented from getting spoiled.
[0021] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises the
control unit (10) which enables the water in the discharge receptacle (12) to be mixed
with the washing water in the tub (2) and transferred to the discharge outlet (16).
Thus, salt concentration is reduced by mixing the brine in the discharge receptacle
(12) with the washing water. Thus, the brine with high salt concentration in the discharge
receptacle (12) is prevented from corroding the drain pipes to which the discharge
outlet (16) is connected. In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine
(1) comprises a first receptacle outlet (31) which is connected to the water softening
line (5) and which is provided in the upper half of the water receptacle (3) extending
in a vertical direction (Y) with respect to the vertical direction (Y). The water
receptacle (3) extends in a vertical direction (Y) in the body of the washing machine
(1). The vertical direction (Y) is a direction parallel to the height direction of
the washing machine (1). The first receptacle outlet (31) is positioned in the upper
half of the water receptacle (3). Thus, after the water receptacle (31) is filled
up to the first receptacle outlet (31), water is discharged through the first receptacle
outlet (31). Consequently, after water is sent to the water softening unit (4) from
the first receptacle outlet (31) through the water softening line (5), some water
is enabled to be remain stored in the water receptacle (3).
[0022] In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises a second
receptacle outlet (32) which is connected to the water delivery line (9) and which
is provided in the lower half of the water receptacle (3) with respect to the vertical
direction (Y). The second receptacle outlet (32) remains below the first receptacle
outlet (31) relative to the vertical direction (Y). In a preferred version of the
present invention, after sufficient water is sent from the first receptacle outlet
(31) to the water softening unit (4), the water intake through the water inlet (20)
into the washing machine (1) is stopped. The water required for the regeneration process
is supplied from the water remaining in the water receptacle (3). Thus, it is provided
that the required water is supplied in the right amount during the regeneration process.
[0023] By means of the present invention, a washing machine (1) is realized, wherein the
regeneration of the water softening member provided in the water softening unit (4)
is efficiently performed.
1. A washing machine (1)
comprising a tub (2) which is suitable for performing the washing process therein; a water receptacle
(3) which is connected to the water inlet (20) through which the mains water is supplied
via a water inlet line (21); a water softening unit (4) which is suitable for receiving
a water softening member which reduces the hardness of the washing water to be used
in the washing process; a water softening line (5) which extends between the water
softening unit (4) and the water receptacle (3) and which enables the water in the
water receptacle (3) to be delivered to the water softening unit (4); a soft water
line (6) which provides that the washing water with reduced hardness after passing
through the water softening unit (4) reaches the tub (2); a salt box (8) which is
connected to the water softening unit (4) by means of a regeneration line (7) and
which is suitable for receiving the salt used in the regeneration of the water softening
member; a water delivery line (9) which extends between the water receptacle (3) and
the salt box (8) and which enables the water in the water receptacle (3) to be delivered
into the salt box (8); and a control unit (10) which controls the washing process,
- characterized by the control unit (10) which ensures that the brine solution obtained as a result
of delivering the water from the water receptacle (3) into the salt box (8) through
the water delivery line (9) is delivered to the water softening unit (4) through the
regeneration line (7) and that said brine solution is kept in the water softening
unit (4) for a predetermined period of time.
2. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the control unit (10) which ensures that the brine solution is kept in the water
softening unit (4) for at least 10 minutes.
3. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by a discharge receptacle (12) which is connected to a discharge outlet (16) through
a discharge line (13), which is connected to the water softening unit (4) through
a first waste water line (11) and which is suitable for receiving the brine in the
water softening unit (4).
4. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the control unit (10) which ensures that after the brine delivered into the water
softening unit (4) is discharged, clean water is passed over the water softening unit
(4) through the water softening line (5) and said water is then delivered to the discharge
receptacle (12) through the first waste water line (11).
5. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 3 or 4, characterized by the discharge receptacle (12) which is connected to the salt box (8) through a second
waste water line (14) and which is suitable for receiving the brine in the salt box
(8).
6. A washing machine (1) as in any one of Claims 3 to 5, characterized by the control unit (10) which enables the water in the discharge receptacle (12) to
be mixed with the washing water in the tub (2) and transferred to the discharge outlet
(16).
7. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a first receptacle outlet (31) which is connected to the water softening line (5)
and which is provided in the upper half of the water receptacle (3) extending in a
vertical direction (Y) with respect to the vertical direction (Y).
8. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a second receptacle outlet (32) which is connected to the water delivery line (9)
and which is provided in the lower half of the water receptacle (3) with respect to
the vertical direction (Y).