Anti-flooding safety device for a washing machine, and method of assembly thereof

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to an anti-flooding safety device for a washing machine according to the preamble of claim 1. In addition, the present invention also relates to a method of assembly of an anti-flooding safety device for a washing machine.

[0002] When using washing machines known in the art, there is a risk that the surrounding environment gets flooded following a sudden leak in the wash liquid supply or drain system. For example, sudden leaks may be due to faulty components of the washing machine or to broken wash liquid supply or drain pipes.

[0003] Consequently, the washing machines known in the art include anti-flooding safety devices for continuously monitoring and checking the presence of any leaks in the washing machine, in particular during the wash liquid supply and drain steps.

[0004] The anti-flooding safety devices known in the art comprise a valve body in which a passage duct for a liquid is defined, said passage duct comprising:

• an inlet section, for connecting the device to a liquid supply source;
• an outlet section, for connecting the device to a pipe for supplying said liquid to a washing machine;
• an intermediate section, for connecting said inlet duct to said outlet duct.

[0005] The anti-flooding devices known in the art also comprise:

• a shut-off device, in particular comprising at least one solenoid valve, associated with said passage duct;
• an electric cable, which allows to control the shut-off device in a manner such that said passage duct is shut off in the event that leakage of liquid occurs from a component of the washing machine.

[0006] Typically, the shut-off device is associated with the intermediate section of the passage duct and the electric cable is arranged in an annular space obtained between said pipe for supplying the liquid to a washing machine and an outer pipe, in particular of the corrugated type. The main function of said outer pipe is to protect the liquid supply pipe and, should said latter pipe fail, to collect the leaking liquid and supply it to the washing machine, where suitable means are provided for leak detection.

[0007] The anti-flooding devices known in the art suffer from several problems, mostly due to the positioning of the electric cable and to the connection thereof to the shut-off device.

[0008] In fact, in order to ensure that the entire anti-flooding device operates properly, it is necessary that the electric cable be connected to the shut-off device hermetically, so as to prevent any accidental electric contacts also in the event of a wash liquid leak, as well as to prevent any leaking liquid from flowing out of the device on the solenoid valve side. In addition, the connection between the electric cable and the shut-off device must be optimal from a mechanical viewpoint as well.

[0009] Document EP 1 798 326 A1 relates to an anti-flooding safety device for an electrical household appliance comprises a connector body (2,40), connected to which are the first ends of a first and a second flexible pipes (20,30), at least one part of the first pipe (20) extending longitudinally inside the second pipe (30). The two pipes (20,30) are of a corrugated type, and the device (1) comprises at least one safety solenoid valve (4), mounted on the connector body (2). At least one end portion of the first pipe (20) is coupled to a first end portion (21a) of a tubular element (21,23), preferably made of elastic synthetic material. The tubular element (21,23) has at least one axial stretch of surface structured so as to engage with an axial stretch of surface of the first pipe (20). A second end portion (21b) of the tubular element (21) is engaged or fitted on a coupling part (2a) of the connector body (2,40).

[0010] German patent No. DE4304712 discloses an anti-flooding device like the one previously described, wherein the outlet section of the passage duct has a fixing ring that embraces the outlet section and is integral with a gasket adapted to be coupled to a sleeve mounted on one end of the corrugated outer pipe. Both the fixing ring and the gasket integral therewith have a hole that allows for inserting the electric cable, which must then be connected to the shut-off device.

[0011] However, even the anti-flooding device described in said German patent no. DE4304712 has some drawbacks, in that the number of components used for installing the electric cable is rather large and necessarily implies that costly and complex operations are required in order to assemble the device.

[0012] Furthermore, in the event that the device is not assembled with due attention and/or the above-described components are not properly manufactured, the hydraulic seal of the whole device may be inadequate.

[0013] In this frame, it is the main object of the present invention to overcome the above-mentioned drawbacks by providing an anti-flooding safety device for a washing machine, as well as a method of assembly of said anti-flooding device, which is so conceived as to ensure a hermetic connection, from the hydraulic point of view, between the electric cable and the shut-off device, so that the anti-flooding device can be safe against accidental electric contact also in the event of leakage of wash liquid.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide an anti-flooding device which ensures an optimal connection between the electric cable and the shut-off device from a mechanical viewpoint as well.

[0015] It is a further object of the present invention to provide an anti-flooding safety device for a washing machine which is so conceived as to simplify the assembly of the components thereof and which does not necessarily imply that costly and complex operations are to be carried out for completing said assembly.

[0016] Said objects are achieved by the present invention through an anti-flooding safety device for a washing machine and a method of assembly thereof incorporating the features set out in the appended claims, which are intended as an integral part of the present description.

[0017] Further objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and from the annexed drawings, which are supplied by way of non-limiting example, wherein:

• Fig. 1 is a side view of an anti-flooding safety device for a washing machine according to the present invention;
• Fig. 2 is a sectional view of the anti-flooding device of Fig. 1.

[0018] Referring now to the annexed drawings, reference numeral 1 designates as a whole an anti-flooding safety device for a washing machine according to the present invention.

[0019] Device 1 comprises a valve body 2, preferably made of plastic material, which defines a passage duct (indicated as a whole in the annexed drawings by reference numeral 3 and a dashed-dotted line) through which the liquid is supplied to a washing machine (not shown in the drawings).

[0020] In particular, passage duct 3 of valve body 2 is so constructed as to comprise:

• an inlet section 3A for connecting device 1 to a liquid supply source (not shown);
• an outlet section 3B for connecting device 1 to a pipe 4 for supplying said liquid to a washing machine;
• an intermediate section 3C for connecting said inlet section 3A to said outlet section 3B.

[0021] Said inlet section 3A is preferably fitted with a ring nut 5 for coupling device 1 to said liquid supply source, in particular a tap. In addition, said inlet section 3A may also be fitted with a sealing gasket and/or a filter and/or a flow regulator.

[0022] Device 1 further comprises:

• a shut-off device 6, in particular comprising at least one solenoid valve, said shut-off device 6 being associated with passage duct 3 of valve body 2, in particular with intermediate duct 3C;
• an electric cable 7 which allows to control said shut-off device 6 for the purpose of shutting off passage duct 3, said electric cable 7 being located in an annular space obtained between said pipe 4 and an outer pipe 8, in particular of the corrugated type.

[0023] The activation of shut-off device 6 takes place in a manner known in the art, and allows to shut off said passage duct 3 should any liquid leak from a component of the washing machine.

[0024] According to the present invention, valve body 2 comprises an orifice 9 for inserting electric cable 7 in order to connect a terminal 7A of said electric cable 7 to shut-off device 6.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment of anti-flooding device 1 in accordance with the present invention, said orifice 9 comprises:

• a first section 9A substantially parallel to the passage duct 3;
• a second section 9B substantially perpendicular to the passage duct 3.

[0026] The particular provision of orifice 9 in valve body 2 provides a particularly advantageous connection between electric cable 7 and shut-off device 6. In fact, when inserted in orifice 9, electric cable 7 is protected by valve body 2, in particular that portion of electric cable 7 which is closer to terminal 7A; consequently, said terminal 7A can be connected hermetically to shut-off device 6 even in the presence of wash liquid leaks.

[0027] Moreover, the provision of orifice 9 allows to obtain an anti-flooding device 1 which is easy to assemble and which does not require any costly or complex operations. As a matter of fact, said orifice 9 can be obtained in a particularly advantageous manner while moulding valve body 2.

[0028] Anti-flooding device 1 according to the present invention also comprises a casing 10 that ensures mechanical protection of shut-off device 6; at the same time, said casing 10 provides a covering for shut-off device 6 which is also aesthetically compatible with the washing machine connected to anti-flooding device 1.

[0029] Preferably, the inner portion of said casing 10 contains an insulating material 11, in particular epoxy resin, suitable for providing additional insulation of terminal 7A of said electric cable 7 and of the connection thereof with shut-off device 6.

[0030] Anti-flooding device 1 according to the present invention further comprises a cover 12 adapted to be coupled to casing 10 for the purpose of enclosing valve body 2. The coupling between casing 10 and cover 12, as well as the coupling between the outer pipe and casing 10 and/or cover 12, is preferably ensured by suitable snap-type coupling means.

[0031] Device 1 also comprises a sealing ring 13 arranged on the outer surface of outlet section 3B in order to couple the latter to corrugated outer pipe 8 and ensure an optimal hydraulic seal even if a leakage of wash liquid occurs.

[0032] Device 1 additionally comprises a metal bushing 14 which allows liquid supply pipe 4 to be secured to the outlet section 3B of passage duct 3. It is however clear that device 1 may alternatively comprise equivalent means for securing pipe 4 to said outlet section 3B.

[0033] It is clear from the above description and from the drawings referred to therein that the provision of orifice 9 in valve body 2 of anti-flooding device 1 allows to obtain a particularly advantageous connection between electric cable 7 and shut-off device 6. The advantages of the invention are also apparent in regard to a method of assembly of an anti-flooding device 1 for a washing machine according to the present invention.

[0034] In particular, said method comprises the following steps:

a) associating a shut-off device 6, in particular comprising at least one solenoid valve, with a passage duct 3 of a valve body 2 of said anti-flooding device 1;

b) inserting an electric cable 7, which allows to control said shut-off device 6 for the purpose of shutting off passage duct 3, into an orifice 9 obtained in said valve body 2;

c) connecting a terminal 7A of said electric cable 7 to shut-off device 6.
Preferably, the method of assembly of anti-flooding device 1 according to the present invention comprises the following steps:

d) inserting an insulating material 11, in particular epoxy resin, into a casing 10;

e) positioning shut-off device 6 and terminal 7A of electric cable 7 in said insulating material, so as to ensure mechanic and hydraulic protection of said terminal 7A and shut-off device 6.
The method of assembly of anti-flooding device 1 according to the present invention further comprises the following steps:

f) securing a pipe 4 for supplying a liquid to said washing machine to an outlet section 3B of passage duct 3, in particular by caulking a metal bushing 14;

g) mounting an outer pipe 8 onto valve body 2, in a manner such that said electric cable 7 is located in an annular space obtained between outer pipe 8 and said pipe 4.

[0035] Preferably, said step f) of securing pipe 4 is preceded by the positioning of a sealing ring 13 onto the outer surface of said outlet section 3B, so as to provide an adequate coupling between the latter and outer pipe 8 and to ensure an optimal hydraulic seal even if a leakage of wash liquid occurs.

[0036] Additionally, the method of assembly of anti-flooding device 1 according to the present invention may comprise the step of coupling a cover 12 to casing 10 in order to enclose valve body 2, said coupling being in particular obtained through suitable snap-type coupling means.

[0037] The advantages of an anti-flooding safety device for a washing machine and of a method of assembly of an anti-flooding device according to the present invention are apparent from the above description.

[0038] In particular, said advantages lie in that the particular provision of orifice 9 in valve body 2 allows to obtain a hermetical connection, from the hydraulic point of view, between electric cable 7 and shut-off device 6, so that anti-flooding device 1 can be safe against accidental electric contact also in the event of leakage of wash liquid. Furthermore, thanks to the particular assembly of anti-flooding device 1 according to the present invention, any leaking liquid cannot flow out of anti-flooding device 1 on the side of shut-off device 6.

[0039] A further advantage of anti-flooding device 1 according to the present invention is that it is so conceived as to simplify the assembly of the components thereof; as a result, it does not require any costly or complex assembly work.

[0040] Yet another advantage of the present invention is that, by inserting an insulating material 11, in particular epoxy resin, inside casing 10, it is possible to obtain a hermetical connection between electric cable 7 and shut-off device 6.

[0041] The device and method described herein by way of example may be subject to many possible variations without departing from the novelty spirit of the inventive idea; it is also clear that in the practical implementation of the invention the illustrated details may have different shapes or be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.

[0042] It can therefore be easily understood that the present invention is not limited to the above-described device and method, but may be subject to many modifications, improvements or replacements of equivalent parts and elements without departing from the inventive idea, as clearly specified in the following claims.

Claims

1. Anti-flooding safety device (1) for a washing machine, of the type comprising:

- a valve body (2), preferably made of plastic material, which defines a passage duct (3) comprising an inlet section (3A) for connecting the device (1) to a liquid supply source, an outlet section (3B) for connecting the device (1) to a pipe (4) for supplying said liquid to a washing machine, and an intermediate section (3C) for connecting said inlet section (3A) to said outlet section (3B);

- a shut-off device (6), in particular comprising at least one solenoid valve, said shut-off device (6) being associated with the passage duct (3) of the valve body (2);

- an electric cable (7) which allows to control said shut-off device (6) for the purpose of shutting off the passage duct (3),

characterized in that
said valve body (2) comprises an orifice (9) for inserting the electric cable (7) in order to connect a terminal (7A) of said electric cable (7) to the shut-off device (6),
wherein said orifice (9) comprises a first section (9A) substantially parallel to the passage duct (3) and a second section (9B) substantially perpendicular to the passage duct (3).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said electric cable (7) is located in an annular space obtained between said pipe (4) and an outer pipe (8), in particular of the corrugated type.

3. Device (1) according to claim 2, characterized by comprising a sealing ring (13) positioned on the outer surface of the outlet section (3B) for coupling said outlet section (3B) to the external corrugated pipe (8).

4. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a casing (10) that ensures mechanical protection of the shut-off device (6) and contains an insulating material (11), in particular epoxy resin, suitable for providing additional insulation of the terminal (7A) of said electric cable (7) and of the connection thereof with the shut-off device (6).

5. Device (1) according to claim 4, characterized by comprising a cover (12) adapted to be coupled to the casing (10), in particular through snap-type coupling means, for the purpose of enclosing the valve body (2).

6. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized by comprising a metal bushing (14) which allows the liquid supply pipe (4) to be secured to the outlet section (3B) of the passage duct (3).

7. Method for assembling an anti-flooding device (1) for a washing machine, comprising the following steps:

a) associating a shut-off device (6), in particular comprising at least one solenoid valve, with a passage duct (3) of a valve body (2) of said anti-flooding device (1);

b) inserting an electric cable (7), which allows to control said shut-off device (6) for the purpose of shutting off the passage duct (3), into an orifice (9) obtained in said valve body (2), wherein said orifice (9) comprises a first section (9A) substantially parallel to the passage duct (3) and a second section (9B) substantially perpendicular to the passage duct (3);

c) connecting a terminal (7A) of said electric cable (7) to the shut-off device (6).

8. Method according to claim 7, characterized by comprising the following steps:

d) inserting an insulating material (11), in particular epoxy resin, into a casing (10);

e) positioning the shut-off device (6) and the terminal (7A) of the electric cable (7) in said insulating material, so as to ensure mechanic and hydraulic protection of said terminal (7A) and shut-off device (6).

9. Method according to claim 8, characterized by further comprising the following steps:

f) securing a pipe (4) for supplying a liquid to said washing machine to an outlet section (3B) of the passage duct (3), in particular by caulking a metal bushing (14);

g) mounting an outer pipe (8) onto the valve body (2) in a manner such that said electric cable (7) is located in an annular space obtained between the outer pipe (8) and said pipe (4).

10. Method according to claim 9, characterized in that said step f) is preceded by the positioning of a sealing ring (13) onto the outer surface of said outlet section (3B), so as to provide an adequate coupling between the latter and the outer pipe (8) and to ensure an optimal hydraulic seal even if a leakage of wash liquid occurs.

11. Method according to claim 8, characterized in that a cover (12) is coupled to the casing (10) for the purpose of enclosing the valve body (2), said coupling being in particular obtained through suitable snap-type coupling means.

Ansprüche

1. Antiüberschwemmungssicherheitsvorrichtung (1) für eine Waschmaschine, von der Art umfassend:

- einen Ventilkörper (2), vorzugsweise hergestellt aus Kunststoffmaterial, der einen Durchlasskanal (3), umfassend einen Einlassabschnitt (3A) zum Verbinden der Vorrichtung (1) mit einer Flüssigkeitsversorgungsquelle, einen Auslassabschnitt (3B) zum Verbinden der Vorrichtung (1) mit einer Leitung (4) zum Zuführen der Flüssigkeit zu einer Waschmaschine und einen Zwischenabschnitt (3C) zum Verbinden des Einlassabschnitts (3A) mit dem Auslassabschnitt (3B), definiert;

- eine Abschaltvorrichtung (6), vorzugsweise umfassend ein Magnetventil, wobei die Abschaltvorrichtung (6) mit dem Durchlasskanal (3) des Ventilkörpers (2) verbunden ist;

- ein elektrisches Kabel (7), das die Kontrolle der Abschaltvorrichtung (6) zum Zweck des Verschließens des Durchlasskanals (3) erlaubt,
gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass
der Ventilkörper (2) einen Durchlass (9) zum Einführen des elektrischen Kabels (7) umfasst, um einen Anschluss (7A) des elektrischen Kabels (7) mit der Abschaltvorrichtung (6) zu verbinden,
wobei der Durchlass (9) einen ersten Abschnitt (9A), der im Wesentlichen parallel zum Durchlasskanal (3) ist, und einen zweiten Abschnitt (9B), der im Wesentlichen senkrecht zum Durchlasskanal (3) ist, umfasst.

2. Vorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass das elektrische Kabel (7) in einem ringförmigen Raum, der zwischen der Leitung (4) und einer äußeren Leitung (8), die vorzugsweise von der gewellten Art ist, angeordnet ist.

3. Vorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 2, gekennzeichnet durch das Umfassen eines Versiegelungsrings (13), der auf der äußeren Oberfläche des Auslassabschnitts (3B) positioniert ist, zum Verbinden des Auslassabschnitts (3B) mit der externen Wellleitung (8).

4. Vorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet durch das Umfassen eines Gehäuses (10), das den mechanischen Schutz der Abschaltvorrichtung (6) sicherstellt, und ein Isolationsmaterial, vorzugsweise aus Epoxidharz, umfasst, und geeignet ist, zusätzliche Isolation des Anschlusses (7A) des elektrischen Kabels (7) und für dessen Verbindung mit der Abschaltvorrichtung (6) bereitzustellen.

5. Vorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 4, gekennzeichnet durch das Umfassen einer Hülle (12), die eingerichtet ist, mit dem Gehäuse (10), vorzugsweise durch Verbindungsmittel der Schnappart, zum Zwecke der Einkapslung des Ventilkörpers (2) verbunden zu werden.

6. Vorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 1, gekennzeichnet durch das Umfassen einer Mettalbuchse (14), die der Flüssigkeitszuführleitung (4) erlaubt, an dem Auslassabschnitt (3B) des Durchlasskanals (3) gesichert zu werden.

7. Verfahren zum Herstellen einer Antiüberschwemmungsvorrichtung (1) für eine Waschmaschine, umfassend die folgenden Schritte:

a) Verbinden einer Abschaltvorrichtung (6), vorzugsweise umfassend mindestens ein Magnetventil, mit einem Durchlasskanal (3) eines Ventilkörpers (2) der Antiüberschwemmungsvorrichtung (1);

b) Einführen eines elektrischen Kabels (7), das die Kontrolle der Abschaltvorrichtung (6) zum Zwecke des Verschließens des Durchlasskanals (3) erlaubt, in einen Durchlass (9), der in dem Ventilkörper (2) gebildet ist, wobei der Durchlass (9) einen ersten Abschnitt (9A), der im Wesentlichen parallel zum Durchlasskanal (3) ist, und einen zweiten Abschnitt (9B), der im Wesentlichen senkrecht zum Durchlasskanal (3) ist, umfasst;

c) Verbinden eines Anschlusses (7A) des elektrischen Kabels (7) mit der Abschaltvorrichtung (6).

8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 7, gekennzeichnet durch das Umfassen der folgenden Schritte:

d) Einführen eines Isolationsmaterials (11), vorzugsweise aus Epoxidharz, in ein Gehäuse (10);

e) Positionieren der Abschaltvorrichtung (6) und des Anschlusses (7A) des elektrischen Kabels (7) in dem Isolationsmaterial, um mechanischen und hydraulischen Schutz des Anschlusses (7A) und der Abschaltvorrichtung (6) zu gewährleisten.

9. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, gekennzeichnet durch das weitere Umfassen der folgenden Schritte:

f) Sichern einer Leitung (4) zum Zuführen einer Flüssigkeit zur Waschmaschine an einen Auslassabschnitt (3B) des Durchlasskanals (3), vorzugsweise durch Abdichtung mit einer Metallbuchse (14);

g) Befestigen einer äußeren Leitung (8) an dem Ventilkörper (2) in einer Weise, sodass das elektrische Kabel (7) in einem ringförmigen Raum, der zwischen der äußeren Leitung (8) und der Leitung (4) erhalten wird, angeordnet ist.

10. Verfahren nach Anspruch 9, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass vor Schritt f) ein Versiegelungsring (13) auf der äußeren Oberfläche des Auslassabschnitts (3B) positioniert wird, um eine adäquate Verbindung zwischen dem letztgenannten und der äußeren Leitung (8) bereitzustellen und eine optimale hydraulische Versiegelung zu gewährleisten, sogar wenn eine Leckage der Waschflüssigkeit auftritt.

11. Verfahren nach Anspruch 8, gekennzeichnet dadurch, dass eine Hülle (12) mit dem Gehäuse (10) verbunden wird zum Zwecke der Versiegelung des Ventilkörpers (2), wobei die Verbindung vorzugsweise durch geeignete Verbindungsmittel der Schnappart erhalten wird.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de sécurité contre les inondations (1) destiné à une machine à laver, du type comportant :

- un corps de vanne (2), de préférence, constitué de matériau plastique, lequel définit un conduit de passage (3) comprenant une section d'entrée (3A) permettant de raccorder le dispositif (1) à une source d'alimentation en liquide, une section de sortie (3B) permettant de raccorder le dispositif (1) à un tuyau (4) pour fournir ledit liquide à une machine à laver, et une section intermédiaire (3C) pour raccorder ladite section d'entrée (3A) à ladite section de sortie (3B) ;

- un dispositif de fermeture (6), comportant, en particulier, au moins une électrovanne, ledit dispositif de fermeture (6) étant associé au canal de passage (3) du corps de la vanne (2) ;

- un câble électrique (7) qui permet de commander ledit dispositif de fermeture (6) dans le but de fermer le canal de passage (3),
caractérisé en ce que
ledit corps de vanne (2) comporte un orifice (9) pour insérer le câble électrique (7) dans le but de connecter une borne (7A) dudit câble électrique (7) au dispositif de fermeture (6),
dans lequel ledit orifice (9) comporte une première section (9A) essentiellement parallèle au canal de passage (3) et une seconde section (9B) essentiellement perpendiculaire au canal de passage (3).

2. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce que ledit câble électrique (7) est placé dans un espace annulaire obtenu entre ledit tuyau (4) et un tuyau extérieur (8), en particulier du type ondulé.

3. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend une bague d'étanchéité (13) positionnée sur la surface externe de la section de sortie (3B) pour coupler ladite section de sortie (3B) avec le tuyau ondulé extérieur (8).

4. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un boîtier (10) qui assure une protection mécanique du dispositif de fermeture (6) et qui contient un matériau isolant (11), en particulier de la résine époxy, appropriée pour fournir une isolation supplémentaire de la borne (7A) dudit câble électrique (7) et de sa connexion au dispositif de fermeture (6).

5. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un couvercle (12) conçu pour être couplé au boîtier (10), en particulier par l'intermédiaire de moyen de couplage du type par encliquetage, dans le but d'enfermer le corps de vanne (2).

6. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend un raccord métallique (14) qui permet au tuyau d'alimentation en liquide (4) d'être fixé à la section de sortie (3B) du canal de passage (3).

7. Procédé permettant d'assembler un dispositif contre les inondations (1) destiné à une machine à laver, comportant les étapes suivantes :

a) associer un dispositif de fermeture (6), comportant en particulier au moins une électrovanne, au canal de passage (3) d'un corps de vanne (2) dudit dispositif contre les inondations (1) ;

b) insérer un câble électrique (7), lequel permet de commander ledit dispositif de fermeture (6) dans le but de fermer le canal passage (3), dans un orifice (9) formé dans ledit corps de vanne (2), dans lequel ledit orifice (9) comprend une première section (9A) essentiellement parallèle au canal de passage (3) et une seconde section (9B) essentiellement perpendiculaire au canal de passage (3) ;

c) connecter une borne (7A) dudit câble électrique (7) au dispositif de fermeture (6).

8. Procédé selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce qu'il comprend les étapes suivantes :

d) insérer un matériau isolant (11), en particulier une résine époxy, dans un boîtier (10) ;

e) positionner le dispositif de fermeture (6) et la borne (7A) du câble électrique (7) dans ledit matériau isolant de façon à assurer une protection mécanique et hydraulique de ladite borne (7A) et dudit dispositif de fermeture (6).

9. Procédé selon la revendication 8, caractérisé par le fait de comporter, de plus, les étapes suivantes :

f) fixer un tuyau (4) pour fournir un liquide à ladite machine à laver à une section de sortie (3B) du canal de passage (3), en particulier en calfatant un raccord métallique (14) ;

g) monter un tuyau extérieur (8) sur le corps de vanne (2) d'une manière telle que ledit câble électrique (7) soit placé dans un espace annulaire formé entre le tuyau extérieur (8) et ledit tuyau (4).

10. Procédé selon la revendication 9, caractérisé en ce que ladite étape f) est précédée par le positionnement d'une bague d'étanchéité (13) sur la surface externe de ladite section de sortie (3B), de façon à fournir un couplage adéquat entre cette dernière et le tuyau de sortie (8) et à assurer une étanchéité hydraulique optimale même si une fuite de liquide de lavage se produit.

11. Procédé selon la revendication 8, caractérisé en ce qu'un couvercle (12) est couplé au boîtier (10) dans le but d'enfermer le corps de vanne (2), ledit couplage étant en particulier réalisé par l'intermédiaire de moyens de couplage appropriés, de type à encliquetage.

Drawing