[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines and, in
particular, to the area of the hydraulic systems used for such machines.
[0002] A modern washing machine comprises a hydraulic system with wash water ducts and at
least one pump to evacuate the water from tub to the outside through flexible hoses
once the laundry has been cleaned or rinsed. Many washing machines also incorporate
an "Aquastop" tray or wastewater collection tray having the shape of and constituting
a bottom cover that is fixed to the frame, thereby defining a lower limit of a space
inside the frame wherein the tub may be contained, possibly in a swinging fashion
as in a laundry washer. To the "Aquastop" tray is connected an electrical wastewater
detector device with a float element that, when the wastewater exceeds a certain level,
sends a signal to a shutoff valve arranged in the water supply hose that is connected
to the external tap to stop the supply of water to the washing machine.
[0003] Washing machines with this type of hydraulic system are prone to a number of drawbacks
when the utilizing the interior space, the access to elements such as the pump used
for draining water from the wash tub, installation of the hydraulic system hoses in
the factory, and access to the pump and various of these when repairs made.
[0004] It is an object of the present invention to overcome the drawbacks of the state of
the art detailed above.
[0005] With this object and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with
the invention, a washing machine as defined in the independent claim attached. Developments
and embodiments of the invention are defined in dependent claims attached as well
as in the subsequent disclosure and the Figures of the drawing attached.
[0006] Accordingly there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a washing machine
comprising a housing with a bottom cover, a hydraulic wash system in which at least
a portion of at least one hydraulic element selected from among wash liquid ducts
and pumps is integrated into the bottom cover.
[0007] The integration of the hydraulic elements in the bottom cover enables a reduction
in assembly time for the hydraulic elements of the hydraulic washing system, such
as pumps and hoses, since the positioning and interconnection of same are predetermined
by the location of these hydraulics elements in the bottom cover. It is also possible
to achieve a better utilization of the available space in the washing machine interior
with which one can opt for a greater compactness and/or better arrangement of the
hydraulic elements, compared to conventional washing machines. Moreover, the invention
also provides design flexibility to be able to arrange the pump or pumps or water
circulation duct connection or connections conveniently, for example, by reducing
the risk of incorrect assembly or allowing easy and rapid accessibility for assembly/disassembly.
[0008] At least part of the bottom cover can be manufactured by injection molding separately
from a top and a bottom, then joined later, preferably by welding, most preferably
ultrasonic welding. Alternatively, the bottom cover can be manufactured by blow molding.
[0009] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention at least a portion of at least
one wash liquid duct is integrated into the bottom cover.
[0010] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention at least one of the pumps
arranged in the bottom cover comprises a part of the housing that is at least partially
integrated into the bottom cover, which reduces the transmission of noise and vibrations
generated by the pump or pumps.
[0011] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention the bottom cover also comprises
a wastewater collection tray, which is preferably integrated into the bottom cover,
and which can be formed in the bottom cover during the molding process of the same.
[0012] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention the washing machine comprises
a frame and the bottom cover closes a bottom of the frame and, preferably, is at least
partially detachable.
[0013] This embodiment of the system allows access to the interior of the appliance, particularly
to the pump or pumps, without dismantling the oscillating group (tub, drum, and drive
motor), which is especially useful in frames formed into a U (closed in the rear),
even if the appliance must be leaned back. To fix the cover to the frame, any releasable
fixing method such as a clipping ("press fit") or screwing, can be used. Preferably,
an airtight fixing is provided when the bottom cover incorporates an Aquastop tray.
[0014] According to a further development this embodiment, at least a portion of the bottom
cover can be hinged, and the bottom cover can be a one-piece cover or a two-piece
cover comprising an exterior framework that is fixed to the bottom of the frame and
a closing plate that is connected hingeably to the exterior framework.
[0015] When the bottom cover is a one-piece cover, it can comprise a hinge by means of being
articulated to the bottom of the washing machine frame or to an element arranged at
the bottom of the frame.
[0016] In turn, when the bottom cover is a two-piece cover, the exterior framework is firmly
joined to the bottom of the frame, while the closing plate is articulated to the outer
frame or to another element arranged on the bottom of the washing machine by means
of a hinge, such that the closing plate is capable of swinging with respect to the
exterior framework.
[0017] In either case, the hinge is preferably designed to provide freedom of downward movement
once a lock is released to move the cover in the top-down direction. Blocking can
be accomplished, for example, by means of a series of grooves and fins at the hinge
articulation that cooperate in a tongue-in-groove manner.
[0018] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, the hydraulic system of the
washing machine comprises at least one additional hydraulic element selected from
among wash water reservoirs and wash tubs.
[0019] In accordance with a development of this embodiment the hydraulic system comprises
at least one wash water reservoir having a minimum capacity of 50%, and preferably
75%, of the total volume of water used in a washing cycle.
[0020] In this regard it is noted that the capability of such a wash water reservoir depends
on the internal space available within the washing machine. For example, there are
washing machines having wash tubs with a capacity of approximately 50 liters of water
that use approximately 15 liters of water in a wash cycle. In this case, the capacity
of the wash water reservoir is at least 7.5 liters, preferably 11.25 liters.
[0021] In accordance with yet a further embodiment of the invention the wash liquid duct
is hydraulically connected to the wash water reservoir and/or wash tub. Likewise,
the pump can be hydraulically connected to the wash water reservoir and/or wash tub.
[0022] In still another embodiment of the invention the tub, one or more wash water reservoirs,
one or more pumps, and one or more wash liquid ducts can form part of a wash liquid
reuse circuit.
[0023] Aspects and embodiments of the invention are described below in detail with reference
to the Figures of the drawing attached. In particular,
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a washing machine;
Figure 2 is an exploded view of the housing of the washing machine illustrated in
Figure 1;
Figure 3 is a sectional view along the line A-A shown in Figure 1, and shows a first
embodiment;
Figure 4 is another sectional view along the line A-A shown in Figure 1, and shows
a second embodiment;
Figure 5 is a detailed view in rear perspective of a bottom cover provided with a
wastewater collection tray that is installed in the wash water reservoir;
Figure 6 is a rear perspective view of the bottom cover shown in Figure 5, with the
wastewater collection tray, but without the wash water reservoir;
Figure 7 is a rear perspective view corresponding to Figure 5, but with the wastewater
collection tray in the open position
Figures 8A to 8C are side elevational views showing stages of the opening of the wastewater
collection tray of the bottom cover shown in Figure 5;
Figure 9 is a front perspective view of the bottom cover shown in Figure 5
Figure 10 is a top view of the bottom cover shown in Figure 5 floor
Figure 11 is a sectional view along line A-A shown in Figure 10.
Figure 12 is a sectional view along line B-B shown in Figure 10.
Figure 13 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of the hydraulic system of
the washing machine; and
Figure 14 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the hydraulic system of
the washing machine.
[0024] The washing machine 1 shown in Figure 1 comprises a housing formed by a frame 20
in a U with a rear wall 25 joined to two side walls 27, a bottom cover 21 installed
on the bottom of frame 20, a top cover 22 installed on the top of frame 20, as well
was a front panel 23 with a mouth 23a and a control panel 24 in which the controls
are installed and which enables access to the detergent compartment 1 installed on
the front of frame 20.
[0025] The rear wall 25 of the frame 20 has an access cut-out 25a that is closed by a removable
rear closing cap 26, and through which the interior of the washing machine 1 is accessible.
[0026] The bottom cover 21 comprises a central portion in the form of a wastewater collection
tray 44. The upper surface of the wastewater collection tray 44 is tilted toward the
drain 44a in which is mounted an essentially conventional wastewater sensing device
45.
[0027] The washing machine is provided with a wash water reservoir 30 comprising two opposing
side parts and joined by a rear part.
[0028] In the embodiment of the washing machine 1 shown in Figure 2, in the lower side parts
of the side walls 27 of the housing 20 are provided two supports 31 for the wash water
reservoir that serve to support which the opposing side parts of the wash water reservoir
30, which is installed above the bottom cover 21 (see Figure 3), while in the embodiment
of the washing machine 1 of Figure 4 the wash water reservoir 30 is installed on the
upper surface of the bottom cover 21 which in turn is bolted to the bottom of housing
20.
[0029] As shown in Figures 3 and 4, inside the washing machine 1 is an essentially conventional
oscillating unit comprising a wash tub 2 in which rotates a wash drum 3 comprising
a driven pulley 6 connected to a drive motor 4 by means of a fan belt 5. The drive
motor 4 is arranged between the sides and the rear of the housing 20.
[0030] The wash tub 2 is connected with the housing 20 on top by means of two retaining
springs 9 anchored in internal flanges provided above on the opposing sides of the
side walls of the housing 20, and below through dampers 7 articulated with respect
to the damper supports 32. The supports 32 are installed on the reinforcements 32a
joined to the respective side parts of the wash water reservoir 30.
[0031] The bottom cover 21 comprises an exterior framework 21 a bolted to the bottom of
the frame 20 and a closing plate 21 b that closes the interior void of the exterior
framework 21 a and is removably fixed to the exterior framework 21 a by means of a
removable fixing means.
[0032] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 3, the bottom cover 21 is articulated at
its front to the wash water reservoir 30 by means of a hinge 33, while in the embodiment
illustrated in Figure 4 it is bolted to a strip of the inner periphery the exterior
framework 21 a.
[0033] Figures 5, 6 and 7 show a practical embodiment of the invention in which the bottom
cover 21 comprises an exterior framework 21 a, for example, made of sheet metal, above
which is installed a wash water reservoir 30, and a hinged closing plate 21 b, for
example, made of a plastic material, which incorporates a wastewater collection tray
44 with a drain 44a of the type previously described with reference to Figure 2, and
in which is arranged the wastewater detection device (not shown in Figures 13, 14),
also as previously described with reference to Figure 2.
[0034] The wash water reservoir 30 is installed on a support arranged at the bottom as shown
schematically in Figure 3.
[0035] In the closing plate 21 b is arranged a first pump 40 intended for pumping wash liquid
coming from the wash water reservoir 30 into the detergent compartment 10 (see Figure
1) as well as a second pump 41 intended to evacuate water from the wash tub 2.
[0036] The closing plate 21 b is articulated at its front to the wash water reservoir 30
by a hinge 33 that comprises each of two pins 33a that emerge horizontally from respective
inner sides of the two side parts of the wash water reservoir 30, and each rotation
bushing 33b at the free ends of the respective vertical projections 33c that emerge
from the upper surface of the closing plate 21 b. The hinge 33 provides freedom of
downward movement once a lock is released when the hinged plate 21 b moves in the
top-down direction. The locking is realized by means of a series of complementary
grooves and fins in the hinge pins 33a and the rotation bushing 33b that forming the
articulation of the hinge 33, and that work together in a tongue-and-groove manner.
The downward movement of the hinged closing plate 21 b allows access to the interior
of the washing machine, in particular to the pumps 40, 41, without needing to dismantle
the tub 2 and the drum 3.
[0037] From the rear, the bottom cover 21 is joined to the bottom of the frame by means
of a fixing screw 34 comprising a first lug 21 c emerging horizontally from the rear
edge of the closing plate 21 b and a second lug 21 d emerging horizontally from the
rear edge of the exterior framework 21 a in a position complementary to that of the
first lug 21 c. The first lug 21 c has a vertical hole and the second lug has an internal
thread 21 d aligned with the vertical borehole such that a fixing screw 34a that passes
through the vertical borehole of the first lug 21 c can be screwed into the inner
threads of the second lug 21 d. For fixing the closing plate 21 b to the exterior
framework 21 a, there is further provided an essentially conventional clipping fixing
means 37 comprising, for example, vertically emerging nipples on the sides of the
surface of the closing plate 21 b which fit together elastically in the complementary
retaining bushing of the exterior framework 21 a.
[0038] For attachment to the frame, the exterior framework 21 a comprises on the one hand
a clipping fixing means 35 in the form of nipples that, for example, elastically fit
into complementary apertures (not shown in the figures) at the bottom of the frame.
On the other hand, the exterior framework 21 a has through holes 36 in the opposing
side strips, through which pass fixing screws (not shown in the figures) that screw
into complementary holes provided in the bottom of the frame (not shown in the Figures).
[0039] Figures 8A to 8C show the stages of opening the closing plate 21 b with respect to
the external framework 21 a. Thus, when the closing plate 21 b is fixed to the exterior
framework 21 a as shown in Figure 8A, the fixing screw 34a is unscrewed and then the
closing plate 21 b moves downward in a horizontal position against the resistance
offered by the clipping fixing means 37 previously described with reference to Figures
5-7, to reach the position shown in Figure 8B. Then, the closing plate 21 b rotates
on the hinge 33 and swings relative to the exterior framework 21 a, as shown in Figure
8C.
[0040] Figures 9 to 12 show in more detail some of the characteristics of the closing plate
21 b described above with reference to Figures 5 to 7 and 8A to 8C.
[0041] As can be seen, the connection from fluid inlet 46 of the first pump 40 is connected
to a connector 30a provided on the inner side of one of the sides of the wash water
reservoir 30 through a wash water outlet hose 48 that extends above the upper surface
of the closing plate 21 b while the outlet from the first pump 40 is connected to
a first outlet connection 47 by means of a first wash liquid duct 42 integrated into
the closing plate 21 b. The first connection from the output connection 47 is connected
to the detergent compartment by means of a resupply hose 50 (see Figures 12 and 13).
[0042] The inlet connection 46 of the second pump 41 is connected to the wash tub 2 by means
of a drain hose 49, while the outlet of the second pump 41 is connected to a second
wash liquid duct 42 that has a second outlet connection 47 connected to an evacuation
hose 51 (see Figures 12 and 13) that communicates with the drain from the washing
machine 1.
[0043] Figure 12 shows that the first wash liquid duct 42 is formed in the same body of
the closing plate 21 b that can be achieved, for example, in the molding of the closing
plate 21 b. Each of the pumps 40, 41 comprises a housing 43 partially integrated into
the closing plate 21 a. The wash liquid enters the interior of the housing 43 through
the inlet connection 46 and is discharged under pressure through the outlet from the
pump 40, 41 to the wash liquid duct 42. This structure is equally applicable to the
second wash liquid duct.
[0044] Figure 13 shows a first embodiment of the hydraulic system of the washing machine.
According to this embodiment, fresh water is supplied to the system by introducing
it into the detergent compartment and leading it through a water supply hose 52 in
the wash tub 2, and from there through the transfer duct 53 to the wash water reservoir
30 until there is enough water in wash tub 2 and the wash water reservoir 30 is full,
after which the fresh water supply to the detergent compartment 10 is closed and the
three-way valve 55 arranged in the outlet of wash tub 2 is closed. When, after a wash
cycle, it is necessary required to partially or completely evacuate the dirty wash
liquid from tub 2, the three-way valve 55 is opened so that the dirty wash liquid
can flow through the second wash water duct 42 to the drain hose 49, and the second
pump 41 is operated to pump the dirty wash liquid through the discharge hose 51 to
evacuate through the drain (not shown in the figures) of the washing machine 1, and
the three-way valve 55 is closed.
[0045] When, after the evacuation of the wash liquid, continuing with a new wash cycle that
requires the addition of wash water, the first pump 40 is operated to pump wash water
from the wash water reservoir 30 through the wash water outlet hose 48, the first
wash liquid duct 42 and the first hose 50 to the detergent compartment 10, from where
it passes through the water supply hose 52 to the wash tub 2. After the wash tub 2
has been evacuated after a wash cycle, this can be done when all the wash water has
been used, or only a portion thereof.
[0046] Likewise, instead of draining the wash water from wash tub 2 through the drain hose
49, one can choose, when it is desired to reuse some or all of the used wash water
that is evacuated from wash tub 2, for example, such as water for soaking, this used
wash water can be transferred to the wash water reservoir 30 by closing the access
to the drain hose 49 by means of valve 55 and opening access to the transfer hose
53, such that the used wash water is transferred into the wash water reservoir 30
and, from there, by operating the first pump 41, can be brought through the wash water
outlet hose 48, the first wash liquid duct 42 and the resupply hose 50 to the detergent
compartment 10, from where it is recirculated, optionally being mixed with more fresh
water and/or more detergent, to wash tub 2 via water supply hose 52. In this way,
the tub 2, the wash water reservoir 30, the first pump 40, and the wash liquid duct
42 are part of a wash liquid recirculation circuit.
[0047] The second embodiment of the hydraulic system of the washing machine shown in Figure
14 differs from the first embodiment illustrated in Figure 13 in that the wash tub
2 is not in hydraulic communication with the wash water reservoir 30 such that the
valve 55 arranged at the outlet of the wash tub 2 is only two-way.
[0048] As in the first embodiment of the hydraulic system, after a wash cycle, when it is
necessary required to partially or completely evacuate the dirty wash liquid from
tub 2, the two-way valve 55 is opened so that the dirty wash liquid can flow through
the second wash water duct 42 to the drain hose 49, and the second pump 41 is operated
to pump the dirty wash liquid through the discharge hose 51 to evacuate through the
drain (not shown in the figures) of the washing machine 1, and the two-way valve 55
is closed.
[0049] Moreover, fresh water can be supplied to the system by introducing it into the detergent
compartment and leading it through the water supply hose 52 into the wash tub 2, and/or
the wash water reservoir 30. When, after the evacuation of the wash liquid, continuing
with a new wash cycle that requires the addition of wash water, the first pump 40
is operated to pump wash water from the wash water reservoir 30 through the wash water
outlet hose 48, the first wash liquid duct 42 and the first hose 50 to the detergent
compartment 10, from where it passes through the water supply hose 52 to the wash
tub 2.
REFERENCE SYMBOLS
[0050]
- 1
- Washing machine
- 2
- Wash tub
- 3
- Rotating drum
- 4
- Drive motor
- 5
- Fan belt
- 6
- Belt pulley
- 7
- Damper
- 9
- Spring
- 10
- Detergent compartment
- 20
- Frame
- 21
- Bottom cover
- 21a
- External framework
- 21b
- Closing plate
- 21c
- First lug
- 21d
- Second lug
- 22
- Top cover
- 23
- Front panel
- 24
- Control panel
- 25
- Rear wall
- 25a
- Access cut-out
- 26
- Rear closure cover
- 27
- Side wall
- 30
- Wash water reservoir
- 30a
- Connector from the wash water reservoir
- 31
- Wash reservoir support
- 32
- Damper support
- 32a
- Reinforcement
- 33
- Hinge for reservoir hinged cover
- 33a
- Hinge pin
- 33b
- Rotation bushing
- 34
- Fastening screw from the bottom cover to the exterior framework
- 34a
- Fastening screw
- 35
- Fastening by clipping from the exterior framework to the frame
- 36
- Through hole for the screw from the exterior framework to the frame
- 37
- Fastening by clipping from the bottom cover to the exterior framework
- 40
- First pump motor
- 41
- Second pump motor
- 42
- Wash liquid duct
- 43
- Pump motor housing
- 44
- Wastewater collection tray
- 44a
- Drain
- 45
- Wastewater detector device
- 46
- Inlet connection to the pump motor
- 47
- Outlet connection to the pump motor
- 48
- Wash water outlet hose
- 49
- Tub drain hose
- 50
- Resupply hose
- 51
- Discharge hose
- 52
- Water drain hose
- 53
- Transfer hose
- 54
- Additional water drain hose
- 55
- Valve
1. Washing machine (1) comprising a housing with a bottom cover (21), and a hydraulic
flushing system, characterized in that at least a part of at least one hydraulic element selected from the wash liquid duct
(42) and pump motors (40, 41) is integrated into the bottom cover (21).
2. Washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least a part of the wash liquid duct (42) is integrated into the bottom cover
(21).
3. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the pump motor (40, 41) arranged in the bottom cover (21) comprises a part of the
housing (43) that is at least partially integrated into the bottom cover (21).
4. Washing machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the bottom cover (21) comprises a wastewater collection tray (44).
5. Washing machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the wastewater collection tray (44) is integrated with the bottom cover (21).
6. Washing machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in comprising a frame (20) and the bottom cover (21) closes the bottom of the frame
(20).
7. Washing machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the bottom cover (21) is at least partially detachable.
8. Washing machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the bottom cover (21) is at least part of the bottom cover (21) is hinged.
9. Washing machine (1) according to one of the foregoing claims, characterized in that the hydraulic system comprises at least one additional hydraulic element selected
from among wash water reservoirs (30) arranged in the bottom cover (21) and wash tubs
(2).
10. Washing machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in comprising at least one wash water reservoir (30) having a minimum capacity of 50%,
preferably 75%, of the total volume of water used in wash cycle.
11. Washing machine (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the wash liquid duct (42) is hydraulically connected to at least one hydraulic element
selected from among the wash water reservoir (30) and the wash tub (2).
12. Washing machine (1) according to claim 9, 10, or 11, characterized in that the pump motor (40, 41) is hydraulically connected to at least one hydraulic element
selected from among the wash water reservoir (30) and the wash tub (2).
13. Washing machine (1) according to one of claims 9 through 12, characterized in that at least one hydraulic element selected from the tub (2), at least one wash water
reservoir (30), at least one pump motor (40) and at least one wash liquid duct (42)
form part of a circuit for reuse of wash liquid.