Field of the invention
[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry appliance, preferably an household appliance,
having, during the washing cycles, an intake of hot water, i.e. it is connected or
connectable to a hot water source. The appliance is configured to avoid accidental
reflux of water from a water reservoir to a hot water conduit.
Background of the invention
[0002] It is known that the peak of energy consumption of an appliance performing washing
cycles, such as a washing machine or a combined washer/dryer, takes place during the
heating of the water used during the washing cycle. The water to be heated generally
comes from the water mains at a rather cold temperature, in any case generally not
suitable for the washing cycle(s). Thereafter, for example in the rinsing cycle(s),
generally cold water is used, which can be directly taken from the water mains without
any heating process.
[0003] In order to solve this problem and lower the energy consumption during the washing
cycles, it has been proposed to connect the appliance directly to a hot water supply,
instead of a cold water one. An example is given in
US 6499321, where a laundry machine is disclosed, which has a wash enclosure to which a supply
of water is admitted through a hot water valve and a cold water valve. A temperature
sensor senses the temperature of the combined water flow from the hot and cold valves
or the temperature of the water collected in the water enclosure. The hot and cold
water valves are preferably controlled in accordance with a program executed on a
microprocessor. In a wash operation the controller opens the hot water valve and monitors
the temperature indicated by the temperature sensor. The controller only opens the
cold valve once the sensed temperature has reached or exceeded a threshold temperature.
The effect of the cold water contained in the hot water pipes of a household water
supply on wash temperature or wash volume is reduced.
[0004] Document
CH 703 489 A2 discloses an appliance having a hot water supply line for supplying hot water from
outside of the machine, a temperature sensor (6) provided for sensing temperature
of water in the hot water supply line, and a tank (3) provided for containing water.
[0005] In
EP 2031120, an apparatus for the supply of hot water to a washing machine is described. The
apparatus comprises a storage reservoir or boiler containing an amount of liquid supplied
by an outer source, including the water mains; heating means of the liquid contained
in said boiler; a recovery reservoir; a first conduit connecting said boiler to said
reservoir; hydraulic deviation means a temperature sensor and control means for processing
the signal emitted by said sensor and transmitting suitable ON/OFF commands to said
hydraulic deviation means.
Summary of the invention
[0006] An object of the invention is to provide a laundry appliance having a hot water intake
in which the supply of water is properly regulated. The appliance of the invention
minimizes energy and water consumption, in particular during the so called washing
cycles, and at the same time avoid reflux of water into the inlet piping.
[0007] In the present context, with "laundry appliance", a washing machine or a washer/dryer
combined appliance is meant.
[0008] The appliance includes a casing in which a washing chamber is present, wherein the
items to be washed (laundry, clothes, etc.) can be located. The washing chamber comprises
an opening to and from which the items can be inserted or retrieved. The opening is
closable by a suitable door or porthole.
[0009] Moreover, such an appliance is connected to a hot water source.
[0010] Hot water which is introduced in the appliance may be heated by any means, i.e. the
hot water source might be of any type. For example, hot water might come from a boiler
which is heated by fuel or electrical energy, or it might come from a reservoir heated
by sun radiation or photovoltaic panels, etc. In addition, the hot water can be obtained
directly by the water mains in those countries whether such a service is provided
(e.g. Iceland).
[0011] The fact that the appliance is connected to a hot water source does not exclude that
the appliance also includes a heating device to heat water. Indeed, heating device
can be included in the appliance for example to be used in combination with the external
hot water source or alternatively, in case the external hot water source is not available.
[0012] It has been recognized that cold water is still introduced in prior art appliances
despite the latter being connected to the hot water source, nullifying the expected
energy saving. A primary factor for this cold water introduction is caused by the
water contained in the length of plumbing between the appliance entry valve and the
hot water source, e.g. the water boiler. Therefore, a cold initial amount of water
enters the appliance through the hot water valve prior to the "real" hot water being
received.
[0013] It has been found that in washing cycles using low water volumes, such as the so
called "eco-friendly cycles", the presence of the cold initial amount of water can
greatly inhibit the temperature of the total volume of wash liquid entering the appliance
from reaching the desired wash temperature.
[0014] The appliance of the invention includes a reservoir connected to the hot water source.
The reservoir can be located internally to the appliance, according to a preferred
embodiment of the invention, as well as externally to the same.
[0015] Water coming from the external hot water source is fed into the reservoir until the
end of a time interval at which it is considered that all the initial amount of cold
water present in the plumbing connecting the reservoir to the hot water source has
most probably ended has been reached. At the end of this time interval, what is believed
to be "really" hot water coming from the hot water source is fed into the washing
chamber so that the washing cycle may start according to the user's selection.
[0016] The reservoir includes in addition an outlet channel, in order to discharge water
from the reservoir. This water present in the reservoir can be for example used by
the appliance itself when cold water is needed, e.g. during a rinsing cycle, or it
can be discharged in the waste water draining sewage system.
[0017] In
EP 2031120, the washing machine therein described includes, in order to regulate the intake
of water from the hot water source to the reservoir, a hydraulic regulation valve.
Applicant has realized that, for example in case of a breakdown of the valve regulating
the intake of water into the reservoir or in case of over pressure of water present
into the hot water conduit, water can fill up the reservoir and thus return back into
the hot water conduit.
[0018] In order to comply with current regulations on electrical appliances, when supply
water is fed to and enters an appliance, it should not be reintroduced, not even accidentally,
into the piping external to the appliance itself.
[0019] A need is therefore present to avoid the aforementioned drawback and consequently
to develop an appliance connectable or connected to a hot water source so configured
that the amount of water inside the reservoir can be controlled to avoid overflows,
or in any case wherein water cannot flow back into the hot water inlet piping.
[0020] To obtain such an appliance, Applicant has realized that the level of the water introduced
into the reservoir should be controlled in such a way that it does not exceed a maximum
level, or a maximum amount, above which the risk of reflux becomes relevant. The maximum
level or maximum amount of water allowed in the reservoir is pre-set and depends,
among others, on the size of the reservoir and on its geometrical shape, as well as
on the type and model of the appliance.
[0021] According to the invention, the laundry appliance includes, in correspondence to
the reservoir, a discharge device to discharge the excess water, i.e. the water exceeding
the maximum water level or maximum amount.
[0022] The excess water is then discharged outside the appliance itself.
[0023] It is to be understood that preferably no signal or action is required in order to
activate the discharge device, i.e. in order that the discharge device discharges
the excess water outside the reservoir, activation of the device can be also automatic
when the maximum water level or amount has been substantially reached.
[0024] According to a first aspect, the invention relates to a laundry appliance having
a hot water intake, including:
∘ a casing containing a washing chamber for receiving laundry to be washed;
∘ a reservoir, fluidly connected or connectable to the washing chamber, apt to contain
an amount of water, the amount of water defining a water level inside the reservoir
and wherein a maximum acceptable water level or water amount is set;
∘ a first conduit which inlet is connected or connectable to a hot water source, this
conduit being connected to the washing chamber in such a way to be able to channel
a flow of water coming from the inlet into the washing chamber;
∘ a second conduit apt to connect the reservoir to the inlet in such a way to be able
to channel a flow of water coming from the inlet into the reservoir;
∘ a valve arranged for allowing or interrupting the flow of water from the inlet to
the reservoir;
∘ a third conduit apt to connect said reservoir to a discharge station in such a way
to discharge water from the reservoir; and
∘ a discharge device apt to discharge an amount of water exceeding the maximum acceptable
water level or water amount present in the reservoir into the discharge station via
the third conduit.
[0025] The provision of a discharge device which "controls" the water level or water amount
in the reservoir and it is able to discharge all water which is exceeding the pre-determined
maximum water level or water amount, strongly limits the possibility of reflux of
water from the reservoir to the hot water conduit.
[0026] This discharge device does not hinder the normal functioning of the reservoir, in
other words the reservoir still prevents the initial cold water from entering the
washing chamber and stores the same, for example for using the stored water during
the rinsing cycle of the appliance.
[0027] Moreover, preferably the discharge device is of a simple construction and does not
need too many additional components to be fabricated.
[0028] With the term "discharge station", a location where water is then discharged outside
the appliance is meant. The station might advantageously include an additional discharge
water tank located for example inside the casing of appliance, e.g. below drum, or
it can include a standard drain hose of the appliance, where also the water used for
the washing and rinsing cycle of the laundry is then discharged.
[0029] The discharge of water from the discharge station and, if provided, from the water
tank, may be advantageously aided by means of a drain pump. As an example, the discharged
water may fill the water tank and then, when a certain level or amount has been reached,
the drain pump may discharge the water outside the appliance into the sewage system.
[0030] Alternatively, discharge station includes a dedicated discharge conduit and the water
so discharged from reservoir is then preferably collected into the sewage system.
[0031] The invention in the above aspect may include, alone or in combination, one or more
of the following characteristics.
[0032] Preferably, a second valve is located along the third conduit to allow or interrupt
the flow of water from the reservoir to the discharge station.
[0033] The second valve is used to remove water from the reservoir in "standard" situations,
e.g. not when there is excess water to be discharged, but when the water inside the
reservoir is to be used by the appliance, so as not to be wasted. For this purpose,
the discharge station is filled with the water contained in the reservoir by opening
the second valve, but it is then not discharged outside the appliance, e.g. the drain
pump is not activated. Indeed, the discharge station is preferably in fluid communication
with the washing chamber and thus the reservoir water is introduced into the latter,
for example during a rinsing cycle.
[0034] The laundry appliance, in a preferred embodiment, includes a control device apt to
command the valve arranged for allowing or interrupting the flow of water from the
inlet of the first conduit to the reservoir.
[0035] The laundry appliance, in a further advantageous embodiment, includes a control device
arranged to command the valve arranged for allowing or interrupting the flow of water
from the inlet of the first conduit to the reservoir, and/or the second valve to open
and close the same. The control device includes for example a controller and/or it
is located in a portion of the main circuit board of the appliance, being integral
to the same.
[0036] According to a preferred realization, the discharge device is in signal communication
with the control device and it is arranged to send to the control device a signal
dependent on the water level or water amount inside the reservoir.
[0037] Therefore, preferably, the discharge device can communicate with the control device
so that the latter receives information relative to the water level or water amount
inside the reservoir. The communication signals are for example electrical signals.
[0038] More preferably, the discharge device includes a sensor arranged to measure the amount
of water entering into the reservoir and arranged to send to the control device measurements
signal relative to the water level or water amount inside the reservoir.
[0039] In this way, the control device receives measurements related to the level or amount
of water present in the reservoir in a simple manner. The signals relative to the
water level or amount measurements might be advantageously sent at a given frequency,
e.g. each few seconds a new signal is sent, or alternatively only when the maximum
water level is approaching or it is reached.
[0040] Preferably, the sensor is apt to send to the control device a warning signal when
the maximum acceptable water level has been approached or exceeded.
[0041] As mentioned, signals from the level sensor can be sent continuously at a given frequency
or only when the "dangerous" level is approaching. In this latter case, preferably,
the level sensor might send a suitable signal - different from the standard measurement
signals - to the control device in order to warn the same that the maximum level has
been reached or is within reach.
[0042] More preferably, the control device, in response to a water level measurements signals
indicating that the maximum water level or water amount has been exceeded or to the
warning signal sent by the discharge device, is arranged to send a command signal
to the second valve to open the same and/or a command signal to the valve arranged
for allowing or interrupting the flow of water from the inlet of the first conduit
to the reservoir, to operate the same, in such a way that a water level or water amount
below the maximum acceptable water level or water amount in the reservoir is re-established.
[0043] In order to avoid that water flows from the reservoir back into the hot water piping,
the control device, having received the proper signal from the level or amount sensor,
either commands the second valve to open so that the reservoir is in fluid communication
with the discharge station, and in this way the reservoir is emptied and no water
is present any more in the reservoir, or it commands the valve arranged for allowing
or interrupting the flow of water from the inlet of the first conduit to the reservoir
to close, so that no more water from the hot water source can enter into the reservoir,
blocking the water level or amount therein. Also a combination of these two solutions
is possible, i.e. the second valve is opened and the valve arranged for allowing or
interrupting the flow of water from the inlet of the first conduit to the reservoir
kept in a condition in which the flow of water from the inlet of the first conduit
to the reservoir is prevented.
[0044] In an alternative embodiment, the discharge device does not measure the amount or
level of the water inside the reservoir.
[0045] Preferably, in the alternative embodiment, the discharge device includes an aperture
realized on the reservoir and fluidly connected to the third conduit, the aperture
being located at a height substantially equal to a height reached by the maximum acceptable
water level inside the reservoir, in such a way that water exceeding the maximum acceptable
water level or amount brims over through the aperture.
[0046] In this embodiment, when the reservoir is "too full", automatically water starts
to drip from the aperture which is conveniently located at the maximum desired height
of the water in the reservoir, in other words at the maximum acceptable water level.
No electrical signal has to be sent, either from the discharge device or by the control
device, the dripping operates automatically. Thus in this embodiment the discharge
device is activated in an automatic manner as soon as the water inside the reservoir
has reached the maximum acceptable level or amount.
[0047] More preferably, the discharge device includes a container fluidly connected to the
third conduit and arranged with respect to the reservoir in such a way that water
brimming over said aperture falls into said container.
[0048] Water dripping from the reservoir when it has exceeded the maximum allowable water
level preferably falls in a container located underneath, so that it can be collected.
[0049] More preferably, the discharge device includes a by-pass conduit connecting said
container to the third conduit to channel water present into the container to the
discharge station.
[0050] In order to discharge the water in excess which has fallen into the container, an
additional conduit has been realized which brings such excess water into the third
conduit leading to the discharge station.
[0051] Even more preferably, the by-pass circuit has an inlet in a bottom wall of the container.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir is basin-shaped having an open top side,
the aperture being defined by the open top side, so that water exceeding the maximum
acceptable water or water amount level brims over through this top side.
[0053] Preferably, the discharge station is preferably in fluid communication with the washing
chamber.
[0054] The water collected in the discharge station can be either reused in the washing/rinsing
cycle of the appliance or it is simply discharged at the exterior of the appliance
such as in the sewage system.
[0055] Preferably the discharge station includes a water sump which is located below the
washing chamber.
[0056] Preferably, the appliance includes a drain hose to discharge water outside the appliance
from the discharge station.
[0057] The drain hose has thus the purpose of discharging water coming from the washing/rinsing
cycles and also the water which is collected in the discharge station due to an excess
of water in the reservoir.
[0058] Preferably, the discharge station includes a sensor arranged to measure the amount
or level of water inside the discharge station, and a drain pump, the sensor being
arranged to send a command signal to the pump to discharge water contained into the
discharge station when the water level or amount inside the discharge station exceed
a certain pre-set level or amount.
[0059] Preferably, the command signal from the sensor to the pump is sent first to the control
device which in turn sends a command signal to the drain pump to activate the latter.
The discharged water from the reservoir when is "excess water" is preferably discharged
outside the appliance and not reused. For this purpose, another sensor is preferably
located inside the discharge station, for example in the water sump located in the
appliance, and when "too much water" is present inside the water sump, as detected
by the sensor, the pump is activated, so that, preferably via the drain hose, the
water is directed into the sewage system.
[0060] In the "normal functioning" of the appliance, i.e. when there is no excess water
in the reservoir which needs to be discharged, and the appliance need some cold water
in the washing chamber, the control device is preferably arranged to send a signal
to the second valve to open the same so that water can flow from the reservoir to
the discharge station via the third conduit. In this preferred embodiment, the water
collected into the reservoir and which does not exceed the maximum acceptable level
is re-used in the washing/rinsing cycles in order not to waste water. The valve in
the third conduit is commanded to open and the water can flow to the discharge station
which is preferably in fluid communication with the washing chamber and thus used
in the appliance's cycles. Indeed, in this situation, the drain pump is preferably
not activated so that the rising water rising inside the discharge station enters
the washing chamber.
Brief description of the drawings
[0061] These and other features and advantages of the invention will be better apparent
from the following description of some exemplary and non-limitative embodiments, to
be read with reference to the attached drawings, wherein:
- Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a laundry appliance having a hot water intake according
to the present invention, in which a portion of the casing has been removed;
- Fig. 2 is a schematic drawing of a front sectional view of a first embodiment of the
appliance of fig. 1;
- Fig. 3 is a schematic drawing of a front sectional view of a second embodiment of
the appliance of fig. 1.
Detailed description of preferred embodiments of the invention
[0062] With reference to the appended drawings, a laundry appliance having a hot water intake
according to the present invention is globally indicated with 100. As an example of
the type of appliance, a washing machine is described.
[0063] In the following, with the terms "downstream" and/or "upstream", a position with
reference to the direction of the flow of a fluid inside a conduit is indicated.
[0064] Moreover, in the present context, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are referred
to the positions of elements with respect to the appliance 100 position in its normal
installation or functioning.
[0065] Appliance 100 comprises an outer box casing 2, preferably but not necessarily parallelepiped-shaped,
and a treatment or washing chamber 3, such as a washing tub 3b containing a rotatable
drum 200, for example having the shape of a hollow cylinder, for housing the laundry
and in general the clothes and garments to be washed and/or dried. The washing tub
3b is contained into the casing. In a preferred embodiment, drum 200 can rotate around
a preferably horizontal axis (in alternative embodiments, rotation axis may be vertical
or tilted). Access to the washing tub 3b and drum 200 is achieved for example via
an aperture 2a formed on the casing itself. Aperture 2a preferably faces washing tub
3b and drum 200 and it is apt to be closed - or even sealed - by a door 3a.
[0066] The door 3a is adapted to alternatively open and close the laundry loading aperture
2a of the appliance 1 and is advantageously pivotally mounted, for example hinged,
and thus supported at the casing 2 of the appliance 100.
[0067] Appliance 100 also comprises an electrical motor (not shown) assembly for rotating,
on command, drum 200 along its axis inside casing. Casing 2, drum 200 and electrical
motor are common parts in the technical field and are considered to be known; therefore
they will not be described further in details.
[0068] Preferably laundry appliance 100 comprises a control device 20, only schematically
illustrated in enclosed figures, for example comprising an electronic board and/or
a microprocessor, operatively connected to the electric/electronic components of the
laundry appliance 100and arranged to control the functions of the laundry appliance
100 by operating on these electric/electronic components.
[0069] With reference to fig. 2 and 3, the appliance 100 is connected to a water supply
system, such as the water mains. Advantageously, the mains water is supplied to the
appliance 100 via an inlet pipe 5. Preferably, this main supply is a cold water supply
and supplies the cold water to the appliance 100 from the distribution network more
or less directly. Additionally, a first conduit 6 connects the appliance 100 to a
hot water source, such as an external water tank (not shown in the appended drawings).
The external water tank, e.g. a boiler, can be for example also connected to the water
mains so as to be filled by cold water, which is then heated by any suitable heating
source.
[0070] Inlet pipe 5 and first conduit 6 are in fluid communication with the washing chamber
3. First conduit 6, and also preferably inlet pipe 5, are both selectively openable
and closable by respective valves 7,8, each of which are preferably independently
controlled so as to open or close the respective pipe 5,6, so as to allow or interrupt
the flow of cold/hot water into the washing chamber 3, when needed. In a preferred
embodiment, first conduit 6, and also preferably inlet pipe 5, connect the water sources
(either hot and cold) to a detergent dispenser 4 located inside casing 2, which in
turn is connected, for example via a single pipe 14 in which both cold and hot water
might flow, to the washing chamber 3.
[0071] A further conduit 13, also called drain hose, allows the discharge of water from
the washing chamber 3 during the washing and rinsing cycles as known in the art. The
discharge of water to an external sewage system can be aided by discharge pump 50,
preferably located inside casing 2.
[0072] Appliance 100 further includes a reservoir 9. Preferably, the reservoir 9 is located
inside casing 2, as shown in fig. 1 where a panel on top of the casing 2 has been
removed in order to show the reservoir 9. In the preferred depicted example, reservoir
9 is located on top of the washing chamber 3, however other locations are possible.
Reservoir 9 is connectable or connected to the hot water source via a second conduit
10, which in a preferred embodiment branches off from the first conduit 6, and it
is connected to a discharge station 30 via a third conduit 11.
[0073] The inflow of water from the inlet 6a of the first conduit 6 to second conduit 10,
and therefore to the reservoir 9 is regulated by a valve.
[0074] According to the preferred embodiment shown schematically in figs. 2 and 3, the hydraulic
valve 8 is a two-ways valve, arranged advantageously in the branch point where the
second conduit 10 branches off from the first conduit 6, arranged in such a way to
be able to selectively direct water coming from then inlet 6a of the first conduit
6 to the washing chamber 3 or to the second conduit 10 (and therefore into reservoir
9), and to selectively prevent water coming from then inlet 6a of the first conduit
6 to enter washing chamber 3 of second conduit 10,
[0075] Therefore in this preferred embodiment hydraulic valve 8 is a two-ways valve regulating
the inflow of water from the inlet 6a of the first conduit 6 to both the washing chamber
3 and the reservoir 9,
[0076] In a different advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the two-ways valve 8 is
replaced by two distinct valves, one regulating the inflow of water from the inlet
6a of the first conduit 6 to the washing chamber 3, and the other regulating the inflow
of water from the inlet 6a of the first conduit 6 to the reservoir 9.
[0077] The operation of the two-ways valve 8 or of the two separated valves, not illustrated,
is commanded by control device 20 which is electrically connected to the two ways
valve/separated valves . The control device 20 is arranged to send appropriate signals
to the valve(s) in order to operate them in an ON/OFF mode or to select the desired
output of the two-ways valve: the water flow from the hot water source may be directed
either toward the washing chamber 3 or toward the reservoir 9, and the switch from
one direction to the other is operated by the control device 20. Control device 20
is schematically depicted in figs. 2 and 3 as located within casing 2, however other
positions are included in the present invention. Control device 20 may be advantageously
embedded in the main electric board (not shown) of appliance 100. The connection between
the control device 20 and the two-ways valve 8 (or two separated valves, not illustrated)
can be via electrical wires, or it can be wireless.
[0078] Preferably, a temperature sensor 16 is provided (e.g. an NTC), preferably in the
first conduit 6, upstream or downstream of valve 8 (or two separated valves, not illustrated),
to measure the temperature of the water entering from the hot water source and flowing
in first conduit 6; temperature sensor 16 is advantageously operatively connected
to control device 20 and in a preferred embodiment the latter is arranged in such
a way to keep two-ways valve 8 in a condition in which water from the inlet 6a of
first conduit 6 is directed into the second conduit 10 and then into the reservoir
9 and substantially no water can flow into the washing chamber 3 (or, if two-ways
valve is replaced by two distinct valves, to keep open the valve connecting the inlet
6a of first conduit 6 to the reservoir 9 and to keep closed the valve connecting the
inlet 6a of first conduit 6 to the washing chamber 3) until the temperature of the
water flowing in the first conduit 6a and measured by temperature sensor 16 is below
a prefixed threshold, and to switch two-ways valve 8 in a condition in which water
from the inlet 6a of first conduit 6 is directed into washing chamber 3 and substantially
no water can flow into the reservoir 9 (or, if two-ways valve is replaced by two distinct
valves, to keep closed the valve connecting the inlet 6a of first conduit 6 to the
reservoir 9 and to keep opened the valve connecting the inlet 6a of first conduit
6 to the washing chamber 3) when temperature of the water flowing in the first conduit
and measured by temperature sensor 16 reaches a prefixed threshold.
[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, a flow meter (not illustrated), is provided,
or any other type of sensor, preferably in the first conduit 6, to measure the amount
of water entering from the hot water source into the reservoir 9 and/or into the tub.
[0080] Discharge station 30 can advantageously include a water sump 60 located for example
inside the casing 2 of appliance 100, e.g. below drum 200, or it can include the standard
drain hose 13 of appliance 100, where also the water used for the washing and rinsing
cycle of the laundry is then discharged. Alternatively, discharge station 30 may advantageously
include a dedicated discharge conduit (not shown in the appended drawings) by which
the water discharged from reservoir 9 is directly collected into the sewage system.
[0081] Advantageously, the discharge water sump 60 is located below tub 3a and is in fluid
communication with the washing chamber 3 of appliance 100.
[0082] Reservoir 9, better shown in an enlarged view in figs. 3 and 4, is preferably realized
in plastic material, more preferably in polyethylene or in polypropylene, reinforced
or not.
[0083] Preferably, a sensor 70 of the level of water or of the amount of water inside the
water sump 60 is located inside the water sump 60. Sensor 70 is preferably in signal
communication with the control device 20 and/or drain pump 50.
[0084] According to the invention, the inflow of water from the reservoir 9 to the discharge
station 30 is regulated, when such a water exceed a maximum level or maximum amount
within reservoir 9, by a discharge device 40 which is so configured to allow flow
of water from the reservoir to the discharge station when the water inside the reservoir
exceeds the given maximum level/amount. In other words, the discharge of water from
reservoir 9 takes place via the discharge device 40 when the water level inside the
reservoir exceed a pre-defined maximum level or amount, which is considered the maximum
acceptable level or amount of water inside the reservoir. The maximum level or amount
depends, among other, on the geometrical shape of reservoir 9 and on the type of appliance
100.
[0085] According to a preferred embodiment, a valve 41 is located on the third conduit 11
to open or close the same, so as to allow or interrupt the flow of water from the
reservoir 9 to the discharge station 30. The opening of valve 41 may depend or not
on the level/amount of the water inside reservoir 9.
[0086] Preferably, valve 41 is commanded by control device 20, or by an additional control
device not shown in the drawings.
[0087] Advantageously, conduit 11 has an inlet 11a preferably realized on a bottom wall
9a of the reservoir 9, so that, when valve 41 is opened, the water flow to the discharge
station 30 driven by gravity.
[0088] With now reference to fig. 2, a first preferred embodiment of the discharge device
40 is depicted. Discharge device 40 includes an aperture 42 in the reservoir 9 positioned
at a height along the vertical direction Z equal to the height reached by the maximum
acceptable water level in the reservoir 9. The aperture 42 is in fluid communication
with the discharge station 30 via the third conduit 11. Any water added into the reservoir
which reaches a level above the aperture 42, brims over the same into conduit 11.
For example, in the depicted embodiment of fig. 2, reservoir 9 has a basin shape,
e.g. it includes a bottom wall 9a and lateral walls 9c, and no top wall. The basin
defines an outer rim 43 corresponding to the open ends 43a of the lateral walls 9c.
In this case, the aperture 42 is the open side of the reservoir 9, i.e. the opening
is defined by the "missing" top wall. A top wall can also be partially present so
as to cover the top of the reservoir at least in part (embodiment not depicted), so
that the aperture 42 corresponds to the area not covered by the partial top wall.
The vertical height of the rim 43, in other words in the depicted embodiment the vertical
height of the lateral walls 9c, corresponds to the maximum water level, e.g. the height
of rim 43 is equal to the vertical height reached by the water at the maximum allowable
water level.
[0089] Preferably, still with reference to fig. 2, the appliance 100 includes a container
44 so arranged with respect to the reservoir 9 that the water brimming over through
aperture 42 falls into container 44. Therefore, at least a portion of container 44
is located below reservoir 9, with respect to the vertical direction Z. Preferably,
the extension of the portion of the container 44 located below the reservoir is bigger
that the extension of bottom wall 9a of reservoir 9, so that all water brimming over
reservoir 9 can be collected by container 44. In the depicted embodiment, reservoir
9 is completely contained within container 44.
[0090] Preferably, the third conduit 11 connecting the reservoir 9 to the discharge station
passes through a bottom wall 44a of container 44.
[0091] A by-pass conduit 46 preferably connects container 44 to the third conduit 11. The
by-pass conduit 46 preferably includes an inlet 46a realized on the bottom wall 44a
of container 44. According to a preferred embodiment, conduit 46 and conduit 11 merge
so that a single conduit leads to the discharge station 30.
[0092] In this embodiment, valve 41 along the third conduit 11 is advantageously located
upstream of the point in which the by-pass conduit 46 and the third conduit 11 merge.
[0093] In a different embodiment of the invention, depicted in fig. 3, discharge device
40 includes a sensor 47, such as for example a sensor level, preferably located within
reservoir 9. Sensor level 47 is advantageously arranged to measure the water level
or water amount within reservoir 9 and to send measurement level or amount signals
to a control device, for example to control device 20. The various signals from and
to the sensor 47 and the control device 20 can be sent via electrical wires or wireless.
[0094] In a non-depicted embodiment of the invention, the discharge device 40 includes a
siphon, defining an annular channel connecting the reservoir to the third conduit.
When the maximum level inside the reservoir has been exceeded, the siphon is so designed
that it is primed and the water inside the reservoir is sucked into the third conduit
leading to the discharge station 30.
[0095] The laundry appliance 100 operates as follows.
[0096] First, the user selects the appropriate program of the washing cycles in appliance
100, for example selecting the temperature and type of fabric.
[0097] In the washing cycle, hot water is required by the appliance 100. At the beginning
of the cycle, water from the hot water source is directed towards the reservoir 9,
due to the fact that the initial water in the piping is most probably cold. The two-ways
valve 8 is therefore commanded by the control device 20 in such a way that from the
inlet 6a of first conduit 6 water is directed into the second conduit 10 and then
into the reservoir 9 and substantially no water can flow into the washing chamber
3, i.e. the first conduit 6 downstream the valve 8 and directed to the washing chamber
3 is closed. In case of two separate valves replacing two-ways valve 8, only the valve
which directs to the reservoir 9 via the second conduit 10 is commanded to open, while
the valve connecting the inlet 6a to the washing chamber 3 stays closed.
[0098] In the advantageous embodiment in which temperature sensor 16 is provided in the
first conduit 6, temperature sensor 16 detects temperature of water in the first conduit
6 and communicates this temperature to the control device 20, which keeps two-ways
valve 8 in a condition in which water from the inlet 6a of first conduit 6 is directed
into the second conduit 10 and then into the reservoir 9 and substantially no water
can flow into the washing chamber 3 (or, if two-ways valve is replaced by two distinct
valves, control device 20 keeps valve connecting the inlet 6a of first conduit 6 to
the reservoir 9 opened, and keeps the valve connecting the inlet 6a of first conduit
6 to the washing chamber 3 closed) until the temperature of the water flowing in the
first conduit 6 is below a prefixed threshold (e.g. 60 °C); when the temperature of
the water flowing in the first conduit 6 reaches a this prefixed threshold, control
device 20 operates the two way valve 8 in such a way that hot water is now directed
from the first conduit 6 into the washing chamber 3 and substantially no water can
flow into the second conduit 10, and therefore into the reservoir 9 (or, if two-ways
valve is replaced by two distinct valves, control device 20 keeps closed the valve
connecting the inlet 6a of first conduit 6 to the reservoir 9 and to keeps opened
the valve connecting the inlet 6a of first conduit 6 to the washing chamber 3). Then
the washing cycle can start, using the hot water coming from first conduit 6, optionally
mixed with cold water coming from inlet pipe 5, as explained in the following.
[0099] During the initial phase in which the reservoir 9 is filled with the initial "cold"
water, the valve 41 connecting the reservoir 9 to the discharge station 30 is kept
closed.
[0100] Preferably, the size and shape of the reservoir 9 are set in such a way that - under
normal operative conditions - in the initial phase in which water enters reservoir
9, the amount of entered water does not exceed the maximum pre-defined water level
or amount into the reservoir 9.
[0101] It is to be understood that during the washing cycle, also cold water can be required,
for example when the temperature of the hot water from the first conduit 6 is too
high and it might damage the laundry. Therefore, control device 20, for example triggered
by temperature signals sent by a suitable temperature sensor provided in the washing
chamber 3 (not shown in the drawings), may activate the valve 7 opening the inlet
pipe 5 connected to the water mains.
[0102] At the end of the washing cycle, or whenever cold water is needed, the substantially
cold water present in the reservoir 9 is advantageously discharged into washing chamber
3. This cold water can be used also in "cooling down" the hot water during the washing
cycle as above described.
[0103] In order to use the water coming from the reservoir 9 in this "normal operating conditions",
water should advantageously flow from the reservoir to the discharge station 30, the
latter being preferably in fluid communication with washing chamber 3. Therefore,
preferably, from control device 20, a signal is sent to the valve 41 which opens and
allows water to flow from the reservoir 9 into the third conduit 11 to the discharge
station 30. The discharge station 30 preferably includes sump 60 located below the
drum 3a, so that the discharged water can enter the drum rising from below and be
used for example for the rinsing cycle. When the water has reached the sump 60, control
device 20 activates again valve 41 to close the same.
[0104] Alternatively, a direct connection, for example via an additional direct conduit,
not shown in enclosed figures, may advantageously be provided for connecting the reservoir
9 to the washing chamber 3. In this case valve 41 can be a two way valve so that,
when the water into reservoir 9 is required into the washing chamber for example for
a rinsing cycle, the two way valve is commanded so that water can flow from the reservoir
to the washing chamber via the mentioned direct conduit.
[0105] In case too much water flows from the second conduit 10 into reservoir 9 during the
initial phase in which reservoir 9 is filled with the initial "cold" water, and this
water exceed the maximum acceptable water level or water amount defined in the reservoir
9, the discharge device 40 is activated in order to discharge the excess water, i.e.
the "extra" water above the maximum acceptable level. This water is also discharged
into the discharge station 30, however instead of being re-used in a rinsing cycle,
it is preferably discharged outside the appliance.
[0106] For example, sensor 70 detects if in the initial phase there is too much water inside
the discharge station 30. In the affirmative case, the pump 50 is activated and the
water is discharged outside the appliance, before water might enter into the washing
chamber 3. Pump is advantageously activated by a command signal sent by the sensor
70 or by the control device 20 which is in turn in communication with sensor 70. Water
is discharged via hose 13 into the sewage system.
[0107] In a further advantageous embodiment, in a standard situation, during the initial
phase in which reservoir 9 is filled with the initial "cold" water, water from the
hot water source flows inside the reservoir 9 and the amount of water is preferably
measured by flow meter, not illustrated: the measuring signals are reported to the
control device 20 for example by means of electrical signals. Depending on the signals
sent to the control device, e.g. on the amount of water present in the reservoir 9,
the control device 20 operates the two-ways valve 8 (or the two distinct valves if
the latter replace two-ways valve 8). Preferably, as soon as a given water amount
threshold has been reached inside the reservoir 9, the water flow is stopped. More
preferably, valve 8 is (or valve connecting the inlet 6a to reservoir 9, if two distinct
valves replace two-ways valve 8) operated in such a way that no further water can
flow into the second conduit 10, and preferably that water flow from the hot source
is diverted into the washing chamber 3 (if two distinct valves replace two-ways valve
8, this is obtained by opening the valve connecting the inlet 6a to the washing chamber
3). According to an embodiment of the invention, the amount of water initially sent
into reservoir 9 is set in such a way that the probability that after this initial
amount of water, the following water coming from the hot water source be warm or hot,
is high. Preferably, this initial amount can be changed and depends on the appliance
itself (e.g. type or model), on the program selected by the user (e.g. the temperature
involved) and on the installation of the appliance itself. Preferably, the amount
of water to be introduced into reservoir 9 depends also on the geometrical shape of
the reservoir 9.
[0108] The amount of water admitted initially into reservoir 9 is preferably additionally
selected so that it is not enough to activate discharge device 40, i.e. it does not
reach the maximum acceptable water level or water amount.
[0109] Alternatively, instead of using a flow meter, the water may be advantageously directed
to reservoir 9 for a fixed time-interval, during which - in normal operative conditions
- the water level inside reservoir 9 does not reach the maximum allowed water level,
after which valve 8 is operated in such a way that water no more flows from the inlet
6a to the reservoir 9.
[0110] After the initial flow of water inside the reservoir 9, the control device 20 activates
the two way valve 8 (or the two distinct valves if the latter replace two-way valve
8), so that the hot water is now directed into the washing chamber 3. No more water
is introduced in the reservoir 9. Then the washing cycle may start using the hot water
coming from first conduit 6, optionally mixed with cold water coming from inlet pipe
5, as explained above.
[0111] In relation to the functioning of the discharge device 40, in the embodiment of fig.
2, the water above the maximum acceptable water level or water amount defined in the
reservoir 9 brims over the rim 43 of the open reservoir 9, falling into container
44. More in general, the water falls from aperture 42 which is connected to the third
conduit 11. In the preferred depicted embodiment, the water flows into by-pass conduit
46 opened at the bottom wall 44a of container 44 so that, by gravity, the water falls
into the third conduit 11 leading to the discharge station 30. Advantageously, in
this phase, valve 41 connecting reservoir 9 to the discharge station 30 remains closed.
[0112] Preferably, pump 50, for example by a command signal sent by control device 20, is
activated so that the excess water coming from container 44 is drained away through
drain hose 13. Alternatively, the water may remain in sump 60 and later discharged
when a signal from sensor 70 is sent (for example the water may risk to enter into
washing chamber 3).
[0113] In the embodiment of fig. 3, the sensor 47 advantageously detects the level or amount
of the water inside the reservoir. In a normal situation, the sensor detects the level
or amount of the water inside reservoir 9 and no further action is taken. In an "abnormal
situation" in which too much water flows from the second conduit 10 into reservoir
9 during the initial phase in which reservoir 9 is filled with the initial "cold"
water, the sensor 47 advantageously sends a warning signal to the control device 20
when the water level or amount is approaching the maximum acceptable water level or
water amount, so that in turn the control device 20 sends command signals to move
in an open position valve 41 to discharge water from reservoir 9 to discharge station
30, and/or it activates valve 8 (or one or both distinct valves mentioned above, if
they replace two-ways valve 8) to stop inflow of water inside the container. Both
these actions (i.e. opening valve 41 and closing valve 8) can be performed. Alternatively,
sensor 47 sends regularly level or amount measurements signals to control device 20
which compares the measured value with a stored water level or amount threshold, and
when such a threshold is reached, the control device opens valve 41 and/or operates
valve 8(or one or both distinct valves mentioned above, if they replace two-ways valve
8).
[0114] Water so discharged from the reservoir 9 via the third conduit 11 to the discharge
station 30 can be either drained away through drain hose 13 by pump 50 or it may remain
in sump 60 and later be discharged via the hose 13 when a proper signal from sensor
70 is sent.
[0115] Alternatively, in the embodiment in which discharge device 40 includes a siphon,
the siphon is primed when the water inside reservoir 9 reaches the maximum level.
The water is then sucked into the third conduit 11 into the discharge station 30 and,
as in the previous embodiment, it can either immediately discharged in the sewage
system by activation of pump 50, or it can be discharged when it has reached a certain
amount or level, as detected by sensor 70. The siphon is so realized that some water
remains inside the reservoir 9 also after the siphon has been primed, so that only
the excess water is discharged when the maximum water level has been reached, and
some water still remain into the reservoir 9, not to be wasted and for example to
be reused as explained in the above described preferred embodiments.
[0116] It is underlined that the discharge device 40 is advantageously arranged in such
a way to be activated when the water level in the reservoir 9 is above the maximum
acceptable water level or water amount defined in the reservoir 9, and therefore not
only during the initial phase in which reservoir 9 is filled with the initial "cold"
water.
1. A laundry appliance (100) having a hot water intake, including:
∘ a casing (2) containing a washing chamber (3) for receiving laundry to be washed;
∘ a reservoir (9), fluidly connected or connectable to said washing chamber (3), apt
to contain an amount of water, said amount of water defining a water level inside
said reservoir (9) and wherein a maximum acceptable water level or maximum water amount
is set;
∘ a first conduit (6) which inlet (6a) is connected or connectable to a hot water
source, said conduit (6) being connected to said washing chamber (3) in such a way
to be able to channel a flow of water coming from said inlet (6a) into said washing
chamber (3);
∘ a second conduit (10) apt to connect said reservoir (9) to said inlet (6a) in such
a way to be able to channel a flow of water coming from said inlet (6a) into said
reservoir (9);
∘ a valve (8) arranged for allowing or interrupting the flow of water from said inlet
(6a) to said reservoir (9);
∘ a third conduit (11) apt to connect said reservoir (9) to a discharge station (30)
in such a way to discharge water from said reservoir (9); and
∘ a discharge device (40) apt to discharge an amount of water exceeding said maximum
acceptable water level or maximum water amount present in said reservoir (9) into
said discharge station (30) via said third conduit (11).
2. The laundry appliance (100) according to claim 1, comprising a second valve (41) located
along said third conduit (11) to allow or interrupt the flow of water from the reservoir
(9) to said discharge station (30).
3. The laundry appliance (100) according to claim 1, including a control device (20)
apt to command said valve (8) arranged for allowing or interrupting the flow of water
from said inlet (6a) of said first conduit (6) to said reservoir (9).
4. The laundry appliance (100) according to claim 2, including a control device (20)
arranged to command said valve (8) arranged for allowing or interrupting the flow
of water from said inlet (6a) of said first conduit (6) to said reservoir (9) and/or
said second valve (41) to open and close the same.
5. The laundry appliance (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said discharge device
(40) is in signal communication with said control device (20) and it is arranged to
send to said control device (20) a signal dependent on the water level or water amount
inside said reservoir (9).
6. The laundry appliance (100) according to claim 5, wherein said discharge device (40)
includes a sensor (47) arranged to measure the amount of water entering into said
reservoir (9) and arranged to send to said control device (20) measurements signal
relative to the water level or water amount inside said reservoir (9).
7. The laundry appliance (100) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said discharge device
(40) is arranged to send to said control device (20) a warning signal when said maximum
acceptable water level or water amount has been approached or exceeded.
8. The laundry appliance (100) according to claim 6 or 7 when depending on claim 2, wherein
said control device (20), in response to a water level measurements signals indicating
that said maximum water level or water amount has been exceeded or to said warning
signal sent by said discharge device (40), is arranged to send a command signal to
said second valve (41) to open the same and/or a command signal to said valve (8)
arranged for allowing or interrupting the flow of water from said inlet (6a) of said
first conduit (6) to said reservoir (9), to operate the same, in such a way that a
water level or water amount below said maximum acceptable water level or water amount
in said reservoir is re-established.
9. The laundry appliance (100) according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein said discharge
device (40) includes an aperture (42) realized on said reservoir (9) and fluidly connected
to said third conduit (11), said aperture (42) being located at a height substantially
equal to a height reached by the maximum acceptable water level or water amount inside
said reservoir (9), in such a way that water exceeding said maximum acceptable water
or water amount level brims over through said aperture (42) and enters said third
conduit (11).
10. The laundry appliance according to claim 9, wherein said discharge device (40) includes
a container (44) fluidly connected to said third conduit (11) and arranged, with respect
to said reservoir (9), in such a way that water brimming over said aperture (42) falls
into said container (44).
11. The laundry appliance (100) according to claim 10, wherein said discharge device (40)
includes a by-pass conduit (46) connecting said container (44) to said third conduit
(11) to channel water present into said container (44) to said discharge station (30).
12. The laundry appliance (100) according to any of claims 9-11, wherein said reservoir
(9) is basin-shaped having an open top side (43a), said aperture (42) being defined
by said open top side (43a), so that water exceeding said maximum acceptable water
or water amount level brims over through said top side (43a).
13. The laundry appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said
discharge station (30) is in fluid communication with said washing chamber (3).
14. The laundry appliance (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims, including
a drain hose (13) to discharge water outside said appliance (100) from said discharge
station (30).
15. The laundry appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said
discharge station (40) includes a sensor (70) arranged to measure the amount or level
of water inside said discharge station (40), and a drain pump (50), said sensor (70)
being arranged to send a command signal to said pump (50) to discharge water contained
into said discharge station (40) when the water level or amount inside said discharge
station (40) exceed a certain pre-set level or amount.
1. Waschmaschine (100), die über eine Heißwasserzuführung verfügt, einschließlich:
∘ eines Gehäuses (2), das eine Waschkammer (3) zum Aufnehmen der zu waschenden Wäsche
enthält;
∘ eines Behälters (9), der fließend mit der Waschkammer (3) verbunden oder verbindbar
ist, der geeignet ist, eine Wassermenge zu enthalten, wobei die Wassermenge ein Wasserniveau
innerhalb des Behälters (9) definiert und wobei ein maximal zulässiges Wasserniveau
oder eine maximal zulässige Wassermenge festgelegt ist;
∘ einer ersten Leitung (6), deren Zulauf (6a) mit einer Heißwasserquelle verbunden
oder verbindbar ist, wobei die Leitung (6) mit der Waschkammer (3) dergestalt verbunden
ist, dass sie einen aus dem Zulauf (6a) kommenden Wasserstrom in die Waschkammer (3)
leiten kann;
∘ einer zweiten Leitung (10), die geeignet ist, den Behälter (9) mit dem Zulauf (6a)
dergestalt zu verbinden, dass er einen aus dem Zulauf (6a) kommenden Wasserstrahl
in den Behälter (9) leiten kann;
∘ eines Ventils (8) zum Zulassen und Unterbrechen des Wasserstroms aus dem Zulauf
(6a) in den Behälter (9);
∘ einer dritte Leitung (11), die geeignet ist, den Behälter (9) mit einer Ablassstation
(30) dergestalt zu verbinden, dass sie Wasser aus dem Behälter (9) ablässt; und
∘ einer Ablassvorrichtung (40), die geeignet ist, eine Wassermenge, die das in dem
Behälter (9) enthaltene maximal zulässige Wasserniveau oder die maximal zulässige
Wassermenge überschreitet, über die dritte Leitung (11) in die Ablassstation (30)
abzulassen.
2. Waschmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, ein zweites Ventil (41) umfassend, das sich an
der dritten Leitung (11) befindet, zum Zulassen oder Unterbrechen des Wasserstroms
aus dem Behälter (9) in die Ablassstation (30).
3. Waschmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 1, eine Steuervorrichtung (20) enthaltend, die geeignet
ist, dem zum Zulassen und Unterbrechen des Wasserstroms aus dem Zulauf (6a) der ersten
Leitung (6) in den Behälter (9) angeordneten Ventil (8) Befehle zu geben.
4. Waschmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 2, eine Steuervorrichtung (20) enthaltend, die so
angeordnet ist, dass sie dem zum Zulassen und Unterbrechen des Wasserstroms aus dem
Zulauf (6a) der ersten Leitung (6) in den Behälter (9) angeordneten Ventil (8) und/oder
dem zweiten Ventil (41) befiehlt, dasselbe zu öffnen und zu schließen.
5. Waschmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 3 oder 4, wobei die Ablassvorrichtung (40) über
eine Signalkommunikation mit der Steuervorrichtung (20) verfügt und so angeordnet
ist, dass sie an die Steuervorrichtung (20) ein Signal in Abhängigkeit von dem Wasserniveau
und der Wassermenge innerhalb des Behälters (9) sendet.
6. Waschmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 5, wobei die Ablassvorrichtung (40) einen Sensor
(47) enthält, der so angeordnet ist, dass er die Wassermenge, die in den Behälter
(9) gelangt, misst, und der so angeordnet ist, dass er an die Steuervorrichtung (20)
Messsignale bezüglich des Wasserniveaus oder der Wassermenge innerhalb des Behälters
(9) sendet.
7. Waschmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei die Ablassvorrichtung (40) so angeordnet,
ist dass sie ein Warnsignal an die Steuervorrichtung (20) sendet, wenn das maximal
zulässige Wasserniveau oder die maximal zulässige Wassermenge erreicht oder überschritten
wurde.
8. Waschmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 6 oder 7 bei Abhängigkeit von Anspruch 2, wobei
die Steuervorrichtung (20), in Reaktion auf ein Wassernivaumesssignal, welches anzeigt,
dass das maximale Wasserniveau oder die maximale Wassermenge überschritten wurde,
oder in Reaktion auf das von der Ablassvorrichtung (40) entsendete Warnsignal so angeordnet
ist, dass sie ein Befehlssignal an das zweite Ventil (8) sendet, um dasselbe zu öffnen,
und/oder ein Befehlssignal an das zum Zulassen und Unterbrechen des Wasserstroms aus
dem Zulauf (6a) einer ersten Leitung (6) in den Behälter (9) sendet, um dasselbe dergestalt
zu bedienen, dass ein Wasserniveau oder eine Wassermenge unter dem maximal zulässigen
Wasserniveau oder der maximal zulässigen Wassermenge in dem Behälter wieder aufgebaut
wird.
9. Waschmaschine (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, wobei die Ablassvorrichtung
(40) eine an an dem Behälter (9) angeordnete Öffnung (42) beinhaltet und fließend
mit der dritten Leitung (11) verbunden ist, wobei sich die Öffnung (42) in einer Höhe
befindet, die im Wesentlichen der von dem maximal zulässigen Wasserniveau oder der
maximal zulässigen Wassermenge innerhalb des Behälters (9) erreichten Höhe entspricht,
und zwar dergestalt, dass das Wasser, das das maximal zulässige Wasserniveau oder
die maximal zulässige Wassermenge überschreitet, über die Öffnung (42) hinausfließt
und in die dritte Leitung (11) gelangt.
10. Waschmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 9, wobei die Ablassvorrichtung (40) ein Behältnis
(44) enthält, das fließend mit der dritten Leitung (11) verbunden ist und in Bezug
auf den Behälter (9) dergestalt angeordnet ist, dass das Wasser, das über die Öffnung
(42) hinausläuft, in dieses Behältnis (44) fällt.
11. Waschmaschine (100) nach Anspruch 10, wobei die Ablassvorrichtung (40) eine Bypassleitung
(46) von diesem Behältnis (44) zu der dritten Leitung (11) enthält, um das in dem
Behältnis (44) vorhandene Wasser in die Ablassstation (30) zu leiten.
12. Waschmaschine (100) nach einem der Ansprüche 9 bis 11, wobei der Behälter (9) beckenförmig
ist und über eine offene Oberseite (43a) verfügt, wobei die Öffnung (42) durch die
offene Oberseite (43a) definiert ist, sodass Wasser, das das maximal zulässige Wasserniveau
oder die maximal zulässige Wassermenge überschreitet, über diese Oberseite (43a) hinausläuft.
13. Waschmaschine (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Ablassstation
(30) über eine fließende Kommunikation mit der Waschkammer (3) verfügt.
14. Waschmaschine (100) nach einem oder mehreren der vorstehenden Ansprüche, einschließlich
eines Ablaufschlauchs (13), um Wasser außerhalb der Maschine (100) aus der Ablassstation
(30) abzulassen.
15. Waschmaschine (100) nach einem der vorstehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Ablassstation
(40) vorzugsweise einen Sensor (70), der so angeordnet ist, dass er die Wassermenge
oder das Wasserniveau in der Ablassstation (40) misst, und eine Ablaufpumpe (50) enthält,
wobei der Fühler (70) so angeordnet ist, dass er ein Befehlssignal an die Pumpe (50)
sendet, in der Ablassstation (40) enthaltenes Wasser abzulassen, wenn das Wasserniveau
oder die Wassermenge in der Ablassstation (40) ein bestimmtes voreingestelltes Niveau
oder eine bestimmte voreingestellte Menge überschreitet.
1. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) comprenant une entrée d'eau chaude, comprenant :
- une enveloppe (2) contenant une chambre de lavage (3) destinée à recevoir du linge
à laver ;
- un réservoir (9) relié ou apte à être relié fluidiquement à ladite chambre de lavage
(3), apte à contenir une certaine quantité d'eau, ladite quantité d'eau définissant
un niveau d'eau à l'intérieur dudit réservoir (9), et dans lequel un niveau d'eau
maximum acceptable ou une quantité d'eau maximale est fixé(s) ;
- un premier conduit (6) dont l'entrée (6a) est reliée ou apte à être reliée à une
source d'entrée d'eau chaude, ledit conduit (6) étant relié à ladite chambre de lavage
(3) de manière à pouvoir canaliser un flux d'eau arrivant de ladite entrée (6a) dans
ladite chambre de lavage (3) ;
- un deuxième conduit (10) apte à relier ledit réservoir (9) à ladite entrée (6a)
de manière à pouvoir canaliser un flux d'eau arrivant de ladite entrée (6a) dans ledit
réservoir (9) ;
- une soupape (8) arrangée pour laisser s'écouler ou interrompre le flux d'eau de
ladite entrée (6a) dans ledit réservoir (9) ;
- un troisième conduit (11) apte à relier ledit réservoir (9) à une station d'évacuation
(30), de manière à évacuer de l'eau à partir du réservoir (9) ; et
- un dispositif d'évacuation (40) apte à évacuer une certaine quantité d'eau dépassant
ledit niveau d'eau maximum acceptable ou ladite quantité d'eau maximale, présente
dans ledit réservoir (9), vers ladite station d'évacuation (30) par le biais dudit
troisième conduit (11).
2. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon la revendication 1, comprenant une deuxième
soupape (41) située le long dudit troisième conduit (11) pour laisser s'écouler ou
interrompre le flux d'eau allant du réservoir (9) vers ladite station d'évacuation
(30).
3. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon la revendication 1, comprenant un dispositif
de contrôle (20) apte à commander ladite soupape (8) arrangée pour laisser s'écouler
ou interrompre le flux d'eau allant de ladite entrée (6a) dudit premier conduit (6)
vers ledit réservoir (9).
4. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon la revendication 2, comprenant un dispositif
de contrôle (20) arrangé pour commander ladite soupape (8) arrangée pour commander
ladite soupape (8) arrangée pour laisser s'écouler ou interrompre le flux d'eau allant
de ladite entrée (6a) dudit premier conduit (6) vers ledit réservoir (9) et/ou ladite
deuxième soupape (41) pour ouvrir et fermer celui-ci/celle-ci.
5. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon la revendication 3 ou 4, dans lequel ledit
dispositif d'évacuation (40) est en communication par signal avec ledit dispositif
de contrôle (20), et arrangé pour envoyer un signal dépendant du niveau d'eau ou de
la quantité d'eau à l'intérieur dudit réservoir (9), audit dispositif de contrôle
(20).
6. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon la revendication 5, dans lequel ledit dispositif
d'évacuation (40) comprend un capteur (9) arrangé pour mesurer la quantité d'eau entrant
dans ledit réservoir (9), et arrangé pour envoyer des signaux de mesure relatifs au
niveau d'eau ou à la quantité d'eau à l'intérieur dudit réservoir (9), audit dispositif
de contrôle (20).
7. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel ledit
dispositif d'évacuation (40) est arrangé pour envoyer un signal d'alerte au dispositif
de contrôle (20) lorsque ledit niveau d'eau maximum acceptable ou la quantité d'eau
maximale a été atteint (e) ou dépassé(e).
8. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon la revendication 6 ou 7 dépendante de la revendication
2, dans lequel ledit dispositif de contrôle (20), en réponse à des signaux de mesure
de niveau d'eau indiquant que le niveau d'eau ou la quantité d'eau maximum a été dépassé(e),
ou en réponse audit signal d'alerte envoyé par ledit dispositif d'évacuation (40),
est arrangé pour envoyer un signal de commande à ladite deuxième soupape (41) pour
ouvrir celle-ci et/ou un signal de commande à ladite soupape (8) arrangée pour laisser
s'écouler ou interrompre le flux d'eau allant de ladite entrée (6a) dudit premier
conduit (6) vers ledit réservoir (9), pour faire fonctionner celle-ci de manière à
rétablir un niveau d'eau ou une quantité d'eau inférieur(e) audit niveau d'eau maximum
acceptable ou à ladite quantité d'eau maximale dans ledit réservoir.
9. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4,
dans lequel ledit dispositif d'évacuation (40) comprend un orifice (42) réalisé dans
ledit réservoir (9) et fluidiquement relié audit troisième conduit (11), ledit orifice
(42) étant situé à une hauteur sensiblement égale à une hauteur atteinte par le niveau
d'eau maximum acceptable ou par la quantité d'eau maximale à l'intérieur dudit réservoir
(9), de manière à ce que l'eau dépassant ledit niveau d'eau maximum acceptable ou
ladite quantité d'eau maximale se déverse à travers ledit orifice (42) et pénètre
dans ledit troisième conduit (11).
10. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon la revendication 9, dans lequel ledit dispositif
d'évacuation (40) comprend un récipient (44) fluidiquement relié audit troisième conduit
(11) et arrangé de manière à ce que l'eau qui se déverse par ledit orifice (42) s'écoule
dans ledit récipient (44).
11. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon la revendication 10, dans lequel ledit dispositif
d'évacuation (40) comprend un conduit de dérivation (46) reliant ledit récipient (44)
audit troisième conduit (11) pour canaliser l'eau présente dans ledit récipient (44)
vers ladite station d'évacuation (30).
12. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 à 11,
dans lequel ledit réservoir (9) présente une forme de bassine avec un côté supérieur
ouvert (43a), ledit orifice (42) étant défini par ledit côté supérieur ouvert (43a),
de manière à ce que l'eau dépassant ledit niveau d'eau maximum acceptable ou ladite
quantité d'eau maximale se déverse à travers ledit côté supérieur ouvert (43a).
13. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel ladite station d'évacuation (30) est en communication fluidique avec ladite
chambre de lavage (3).
14. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon l'une ou plusieurs des revendications précédentes,
comprenant un tuyau de vidange (13) pour évacuer l'eau vers l'extérieur dudit dispositif
(100) à partir de ladite station d'évacuation (30).
15. Dispositif de blanchissage (100) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes,
dans lequel ladite station d'évacuation (40) comprend un capteur (70) pour mesurer
la quantité ou le niveau d'eau à l'intérieur de ladite station d'évacuation (40),
et une pompe de vidange (50), ledit capteur (70) étant arrangé pour envoyer un signal
de commande à ladite pompe (50) pour évacuer de l'eau contenue dans ladite station
d'évacuation (40) lorsque le niveau ou la quantité d'eau à l'intérieur de ladite station
d'évacuation (40) dépasse un certain niveau ou une certaine quantité d'eau prédéfini(e).