EP2757188A1 - Laundry appliance - Google Patents
Laundry appliance Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2757188A1 EP2757188A1 EP13151546.2A EP13151546A EP2757188A1 EP 2757188 A1 EP2757188 A1 EP 2757188A1 EP 13151546 A EP13151546 A EP 13151546A EP 2757188 A1 EP2757188 A1 EP 2757188A1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- reservoir
- water
- conduit
- appliance
- washing chamber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers
- D06F33/30—Control of washing machines characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F33/46—Control of the energy or water consumption
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00
- D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
- D06F39/088—Liquid supply arrangements
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F33/00—Control of operations performed in washing machines or washer-dryers
- D06F33/50—Control of washer-dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F33/72—Control of the energy or water consumption
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/02—Water supply
- D06F2105/04—Water supply from separate hot and cold water inlets
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a laundry machine, e.g. a washing machine or a washer/drier, of the type adapted to be connected to a hot water source.
- the laundry appliance is so configured and realized to reduce fabrication costs, energy and water consumption of the appliance itself.
- an apparatus for the supply of hot water to a washing machine 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.
- An object of the invention is to provide a laundry appliance (e.g. a washing machine or a washer/dryer) of the type adapted to be connected to a hot water source which has a reduced cost compared to the know appliances and at the same time minimizes energy and water consumption, in particular during the washing cycles.
- a laundry appliance e.g. a washing machine or a washer/dryer
- the appliance is connected to a hot water source does not exclude that the appliance also includes a heating device to heat water.
- a heating device can be included in the appliance for example to be used in combination with the external hot water source, or alternatively to the latter in case the external hot water source is not available.
- 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.
- Hot water which is introduced in the laundry appliance may be heated by any means, i.e. the hot water source might be of any type.
- hot water might come from a boiler which is heated by fuel or electrical energy, or it might come from a container heated by sun radiation or photovoltaic panels, etc.
- the hot water can be obtained directly by the water mains in those countries whether such a service is provided (e.g. Iceland).
- the laundry appliance of the invention includes a reservoir which may be connected to the hot water source.
- the reservoir can be located internally to the casing, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as well as externally to the same. Moreover, a connection between the hot water source and the washing chamber is present as well.
- a conduit connects the reservoir to the washing chamber of the appliance, so that water can flow from the reservoir to the washing chamber.
- the reservoir is substantially emptied by flowing the water contained therein into the washing chamber.
- the washing machine therein described includes, in order to regulate the intake of water from the reservoir to the washing chamber, hydraulic regulation means. Applicant has realized that this is not an optimal solution, due to the high costs of a hydraulic valve and the relatively high occurrence of breakdown or fault.
- a siphon is provided, in fluid connection to the reservoir, in order to control the flow of water from the reservoir to the washing chamber.
- the siphon is primed when the cold water contained in the reservoir is to be used during an operating cycle of the appliance, while it stays not primed (i.e. it does not allow flow of water from the reservoir to the washing chamber) when hot water is introduced directly into the washing chamber or when the cold water present in the hot water piping is introduced in the reservoir.
- the water level inside the reservoir is controlled appropriately so that it is high enough to prime the siphon when cold water flow is required, and it is lower than a priming level when there should be no water flow between the reservoir and the washing chamber.
- a siphon instead of a hydraulic valve lowers the costs of the overall laundry appliance, due to the intrinsic lower cost of a siphon than a hydraulic valve, and at the same time, lacking movable parts, it assures a higher reliability over time. Indeed, damages or breakdowns in a siphon are much rarer than in a hydraulic valve.
- the invention relates to a laundry appliance having a hot water intake, including:
- the introduction of water into the reservoir is controlled by the second valve, which is opportunely commanded by a control device so that at the beginning of the water loading, by opening the second valve and closing the first valve, water is introduced from the hot water source to the reservoir and then, by opening the first valve and closing the second valve, hot water is introduced into the washing chamber.
- the second valve which is opportunely commanded by a control device so that at the beginning of the water loading, by opening the second valve and closing the first valve, water is introduced from the hot water source to the reservoir and then, by opening the first valve and closing the second valve, hot water is introduced into the washing chamber.
- the time intervals in which the first and second valves are kept opened and closed, preferably by the control device) are such that the level of water reached by the introduction of the first amount of cold water is not enough to prime the siphon.
- the following water coming from the hot water source most probably really "warm” or “hot”, is directed towards the washing chamber to perform the washing cycles, preferably opening the first valve and closing the second.
- the valves are more preferably commanded by the control device.
- the siphon is then primed, for example adding further water into the reservoir, which is preferably achieved controlling the operation(s) of the first and second valves by the control device, so that the cold water inside the reservoir reaches a priming level and it can flow through siphon into the washing chamber, so that it is not wasted and it is used by the appliance, for example during a rinsing cycle.
- the siphon works due to the principle of the communicating vessels.
- the siphon defines a channel through which the water present into the reservoir, when it is above the priming level, can flow into the third conduit reaching the washing chamber, being sucked down by the siphon effect.
- the siphon includes a first and a second sleeve one inside the other in order to form an annular channel through which the water can flow from the reservoir to the washing chamber when the siphon is primed.
- the annular channel allows the flow of cold water from the reservoir to the washing chamber.
- the second sleeve is the inner sleeve and it is connected to the third conduit.
- the siphon uses, as one of the two sleeves to form the annular channel, at least part of the third channel to avoid addition of extra building parts.
- the second and first sleeves extend substantially parallel to a vertical direction.
- the reservoir includes a bottom wall and a top wall, the second sleeve projects from the bottom wall and the first sleeve projects from the top wall, the first sleeve including a free end forming a gap with the bottom wall.
- the bottom wall of the reservoir is inclined, the inclination being in a direction such that water flows toward the siphon, e.g. toward the gap formed between the free end of the first sleeve and the bottom wall which is the entrance of the annular channel of the siphon. Thanks to this inclination and/or to the size of the gap, the water present inside the container is advantageously completely discharged into the third channel when the siphon is primed, in other words the siphon effect is enough to substantially suck all the water out the reservoir into the third conduit.
- the vertical height of an outlet of the third duct in said washing chamber is lower than the vertical height of the bottom wall of the reservoir.
- the reservoir is located inside the casing.
- the appliance is more compact being as a single unit and no additional parts have to be mounted at the user's home.
- the second conduit branches off from the first conduit.
- the cold water still present in the piping is preferably minimized, minimizing the length of the piping where it can be still present.
- the first valve is located downstream of or at said branch point of the second conduit from the first conduit.
- the first and second valve form a two-way valve, the two-ways valve being located at the branch point of the second conduit from the first conduit to interchangeably allow water to flow from the hot water source either to the washing chamber through the second conduit or to the reservoir through the first conduit.
- the appliance in order to stop the water flow inside the container before reaching the priming level, the appliance includes a sensor apt to measure the amount of water entering into the reservoir.
- the sensor apt to measure the amount of water entering into the reservoir is apt to send a measurement signal to the control device and the control device is apt to open or close the first and/or second valve as a function of this measurement signal.
- the sensor apt to measure the amount of water entering into the reservoir is located along the first or second conduit.
- the sensor apt to measure the amount of water entering into the reservoir includes a flow meter located along the first conduit upstream of the two-way valve apt to measure the amount of water entering into the reservoir.
- the appliance may include a sensor apt to measure the amount of water present in the reservoir.
- the sensor apt to measure the amount of water present in the reservoir is apt to send a measurement signal to the control device and the control device is apt to open or close the first and/or second valve as a function of this measurement signal.
- the amount of water allowed into the reservoir depends, among other, on the size of the reservoir itself, on its shape, on the length of the piping connecting the hot water source to the appliance. In addition it may vary depending on the model and/or type of appliance.
- the reservoir includes a through hole realized in one of its walls arranged in such a way to allow external air to enter the reservoir, so as to maintain atmospheric pressure within the reservoir.
- the pressure inside the reservoir is preferably maintained substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure.
- a hole is realized in one of the walls of the reservoir.
- the reservoir includes a duct extending from the through hole towards the interior of the reservoir.
- the appliance is generally transported several times before being installed at the final destination, e.g. at the user's home.
- the appliance can be transported again, for example due to repairing and maintenance activities.
- the appliance might still contain water inside the reservoir: if the appliance is tilted or tipped over, water may spill from the through hole. In order to minimize the spilling, the duct is realized.
- said duct is substantially perpendicular to a top wall of the container, the through hole being one end of said duct.
- the invention relates to a laundry appliance having a hot water intake, including:
- a laundry appliance having a hot water intake according to the present invention is globally indicated with 1.
- a washing machine is described.
- downstream a position with reference to the direction of the flow of a fluid inside a conduit during normal functioning of the appliance is indicated.
- Appliance 1 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.
- 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 in 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.
- 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 device 1.
- Appliance 1 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.
- appliance 1 is connected to a water supply system, such as the water mains.
- a water supply system such as the water mains.
- the mains water is supplied to the appliance 1 via an inlet pipe 5.
- this main supply is a cold water supply and supplies the cold water to the laundry appliance 1 from the distribution network more or less directly.
- a first conduit 6 connects the appliance 1 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.
- First conduit 6 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 8,7 each of which can be preferably independently controlled so as to open or close the respective pipe 6,5 so as to allow or interrupt the flow of cold/hot water into the washing chamber 3, when needed.
- first conduit 6, and also preferably inlet pipe 5, connect the water source (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.
- Appliance 1 further includes a reservoir 9.
- the reservoir 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.
- 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 the washing chamber 3 via a third conduit 11.
- the valve 8 regulating the water flow into the first conduit 6 is located downstream of the branch point where the second conduit 10 branches off from the first conduit 6.
- Reservoir 9 is preferably realized in plastic material, more preferably in polyethylene or in polypropylene, reinforced or not, and defines a bottom wall 9a and a top wall 9b which are substantially opposite one to the other.
- the bottom wall 9a has preferably, but not necessarily, a concave shape so as to better adapt to the shape of the cylindrical washing chamber 3, in order to minimize the overall volume, e.g. the bottom surface 9a is concave and it follows the contour of a cylindrical envelope 15 defining the outer wall of the washing tub 3b.
- the bottom wall 9a has therefore preferably a concavity realized in a surface external to the reservoir facing the washing chamber.
- top wall 9b is planar so that the reservoir can be easily located under a standard flat top panel of casing 2. It is to be understood that the reservoir may advantageously include a concave and/or planar wall which are different from the top and bottom wall.
- the third conduit 11 includes an outlet 11a into the washing chamber 3.
- Outlet 11a may be different than, or the same as, the outlet 14a of common pipe 14 into the washing chamber 3.
- the third conduit 11 and the common single pipe 14 may merge in a single conduit, therefore forming a single aperture into the washing chamber 3, or, as in the embodiment illustrated in Fig. 1 , they can be completely separated.
- the outlet 11a of the third conduit 11 into the washing chamber 3, regardless of whether it coincides to outlet 14a, is located at a height along the vertical direction Z (see arrow Z in Fig. 2 ) which is lower (i.e. placed at a lower height) than the height at which the bottom wall 9a of reservoir 9 is located.
- valve 12 is advantageously located on the conduit 10.
- the hydraulic valve 8 which opens and closes the first conduit 6 and the hydraulic valve 12 which opens and closes the second conduit 10 form a single two-ways valve (i.e. a single two-way valve comprises both first and second valves 8 and 12), as shown schematically in fig. 2 .
- the two-way valve is advantageously mounted at the branch point.
- two different valves 8,12 can be advantageously used, the first valve being located downstream the branch point, and the second valve being located along the second conduit 10.
- the operation of the two-ways valve (or of the two separated valves 8,12) is commanded by control device 20 which is advantageously electrically connected to the two ways valve/separated valves 8, 12.
- the control device 20 is apt 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: by operating above valve(s) the water flow from the hot water source may be directed either toward the washing chamber 3 or the reservoir 9 and the switch from one direction to the other is advantageously operated by the control device 20.
- Control device 20 is schematically depicted in fig. 2 as located within casing 2, however other positions are included in the present invention. Control device 20 may be advantageously embedded (or comprised) in the main electric board (not shown) of appliance 1.
- the connection between the control device 20 and the valves 8,12 can be via electrical wires, or it can be wireless.
- a sensor 16 apt to measure the amount of water entering into reservoir 9 is provided, preferably in the first conduit 6, to measure the amount of water entering from the hot water source into the reservoir 9 (when valve 12 is opened and valve 8 is closed) or into the tub (when valve 12 is closed and valve 8 is opened).
- a temperature sensor (not shown) can be located along the same first conduit, upstream or downstream of valve 8.
- Sensor 16 can be for example a flow meter.
- sensor 16 apt to measure the amount of water entering into reservoir 9 is apt to send a measurement signal to control device 20 and control device 20 is apt to open or close first 8 and/or second valve 12 as a function of this measurement signal.
- a sensor 300 apt to measure the amount of water present in reservoir 9 may be provided; for example a pressure switch, a float switch, an optical sensor, etc.
- sensor 300 apt to measure the amount of water present in reservoir 9 is apt to send a measurement signal to control device 20 and control device 20 is apt to open or close first 8 and/or second valve 12 as a function of this measurement signal.
- a fourth conduit 13, also called discharge pipe, allows the discharge of water from the washing chamber 3 during the washing and rinsing cycles as known in the art.
- siphon 21 The inflow of water from the reservoir 9 to the washing chamber 3 via the third conduit 11 is regulated, according to the invention, by a siphon 21.
- Siphon 21 is primed, i.e. flow of water from reservoir 9 to washing chamber 3 is possible, when the level of water inside the reservoir 9 reaches or it is above a minimum level, called priming level. Otherwise, the water in the reservoir 9 remains inside the latter and flow of water from the reservoir to the washing chamber is inhibited.
- siphon 21 When siphon 21 is primed, substantially all the water contained in the reservoir 9 flows into washing chamber 3 due to the siphon sucking effect.
- siphon 21 includes a first and a second sleeve, 17,18 preferably substantially cylindrical, one located inside the other.
- An annular conduit 19 is therefore defined between the first and second sleeve where water can flow.
- the first sleeve 17 has a diameter larger than the second sleeve 18, the latter being the inner sleeve.
- first and second sleeves 17, 18 are arranged so as to be substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z.
- the second sleeve 18 includes an end portion 11b, preferably corresponding to the end portion of the third conduit 11 leading to washing chamber 3; end portion 11b is opposite to outlet 11a; in other words, sleeve 18 is preferably a continuation of the third conduit 11.
- the second sleeve 18 extends from the bottom wall 9a of the reservoir 9 inside the reservoir itself.
- the height of the second sleeve is such that it does not touch the first sleeve, i.e. the end 11b of the third conduit 11 is open.
- the first sleeve 17 has a close end 17a and it preferably extends from the top wall 9b of the reservoir 9 for a length which is smaller than the distance between the top and bottom wall, i.e. it does not touch the opposite wall, having therefore a free open end 17b.
- a first gap g1 is formed between the bottom wall 9a of reservoir 9 and the open end 17b of the first sleeve 17: this gap g1, in other words the distance between the bottom wall 9a and the free end 17b of the first sleeve, substantially represent the entrance to the annular channel 19 of the siphon.
- the two sleeves one inside the other advantageously leave a second gap g2 therebetween, e.g. between the close end 17a of the first sleeve 17 and the open end of the third conduit (which corresponds to the open end of the second sleeve 18).
- the diameter of the first sleeve 17 is of about 20 mm
- the diameter of the second sleeve 18 is of about 10 mm
- the first gap g1 between the bottom wall 9a and the open end 17b of the first sleeve has a width of about 5 mm along the Z axis.
- the bottom wall 9a of reservoir 9 is at least partially inclined, and the inclination has a direction such that the water entering the reservoir 9 from the second conduit 10 is forced to flow toward the siphon 21, so as to enter into the annular channel 19 via the first gap g1.
- the siphon when primed, is capable of sucking all water out of reservoir 9.
- reservoir 9 includes at least one through hole 22 realized through the top wall 9b in such a way to allow external air to enter the reservoir 9 in order to maintain in its interior a pressure substantially identical to the atmospheric pressure, in particular when siphon 21 is primed. More than one hole can be realized as well, for example in the depicted embodiment of figs. 3 and 4 two holes 22 are formed.
- a duct 23 is preferably realized, having opposite open ends, one open end corresponding to hole 22.
- each hole 22 also includes a duct 23 around it.
- duct 23 is cylindrical.
- duct 23 extends substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z, more preferably it extends perpendicularly to the top wall 9b.
- the appliance 1 operates as follows.
- the user selects the appropriate program of the washing cycles, for example selecting the temperature and type of fabric.
- the size and shape of the reservoir 9 and the amount of water introduced in the first phase of the water loading procedure are set in such a way that in this initial phase the activation or priming level of the siphon is not exceeded.
- the priming level of the siphon 21 corresponds to the level at which water in reservoir 9 exceeds end portion 11b of second sleeve 18, and preferably completely fills second gap g2.
- the water from the hot water source flows inside the reservoir 9 and the amount of water flowing is preferably measured by sensor 16; alternatively, or in addition to this measurement, sensor 300, if provided, may measure the amount of water in the reservoir 9.
- the measuring signal(s) is/are reported to the control device 20 for example by means of electrical signals.
- the control device 20 activates valve 8,12.
- 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 12 is closed so that no further water can flow into the second conduit 10.
- the valve is switched and the water flow from the hot source is diverted onto the washing chamber, and no further water can flow into reservoir 9.
- the threshold in the amount of water 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.
- this threshold 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.
- the amount of water to be introduced into reservoir 9 in order to prime siphon 21 depends also on the geometrical shape of the reservoir 9.
- the amount of water set as a threshold is additionally set so that it is not enough to activate the siphon 21. Indeed, the level of water inside the reservoir 9 at this threshold is lower than the priming level, i.e. it is not high enough to reach the end portion 11b end of the second sleeve 18 so that the siphon can be activated.
- control device 20 activates the two way valve 8,12 or the valve 8 and 12 separately (depending on the presence of two distinct valves or of a three-ways valve), so that the hot water is now directed directly into the washing chamber 3. No more water is introduced in the reservoir 9.
- control device 20 for example triggered by temperature signals sent by a suitable temperature sensor (not shown in the drawings), may activate the valve 7 opening the inlet pipe 5 connected to the water mains.
- the substantially cold water present in the reservoir 9 can be used. This water can be used also in "cooling down" the hot water during the washing cycle as above described.
- the water present into the reservoir 9 may be not enough to complete a rinsing cycle, therefore in this case additional cold water may be introduced into the washing chamber 3, before or after or at the same time in which the water from reservoir 9 is used.
- the control device 20 activates valve 7 opening the latter, so that cold water from the mains can flow into the inlet pipe 5 and then into the washing chamber 3.
- Control device 20 sends an off or closure signal to valve 7 when the desired amount of cold water has reached the washing chamber 3.
- valve 812 which opens and allows water to flow inside the reservoir 9 till such a priming level is reached.
- control device 20 activates again valve 12 to close the same so that no further water is introduced inside the reservoir 9.
- the threshold amount of water which is introduced in the reservoir has been preferably set in such a way that the amount of water to be added in order to prime the siphon in this phase is rather small.
Abstract
Description
- The present invention relates to a laundry machine, e.g. a washing machine or a washer/drier, of the type adapted to be connected to a hot water source. The laundry appliance is so configured and realized to reduce fabrication costs, energy and water consumption of the appliance itself.
- It is known that the peak of energy consumption of a laundry 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.
- In order to solve this problem, and to lower the energy consumption during the washing cycles, it has been proposed to connect the appliance directly to a hot water supply, in addition to a cold 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. - 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. - An object of the invention is to provide a laundry appliance (e.g. a washing machine or a washer/dryer) of the type adapted to be connected to a hot water source which has a reduced cost compared to the know appliances and at the same time minimizes energy and water consumption, in particular during the washing cycles.
- 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, a heating device can be included in the appliance for example to be used in combination with the external hot water source, or alternatively to the latter in case the external hot water source is not available.
- 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.
- Hot water which is introduced in the laundry 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 container 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).
- 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.
- 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.
- The laundry appliance of the invention includes a reservoir which may be connected to the hot water source. The reservoir can be located internally to the casing, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, as well as externally to the same. Moreover, a connection between the hot water source and the washing chamber is present as well.
- Further, a conduit connects the reservoir to the washing chamber of the appliance, so that water can flow from the reservoir to the washing chamber.
- 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.
- In order not to waste water, also the "cold" water initially fed into the reservoir is used, for example during the rinsing cycles of the appliance where usage of cold water is proper. Therefore, during such a rinsing cycle, the reservoir is substantially emptied by flowing the water contained therein into the washing chamber.
- In
EP 2031120 , the washing machine therein described includes, in order to regulate the intake of water from the reservoir to the washing chamber, hydraulic regulation means. Applicant has realized that this is not an optimal solution, due to the high costs of a hydraulic valve and the relatively high occurrence of breakdown or fault. - According to the invention, a siphon is provided, in fluid connection to the reservoir, in order to control the flow of water from the reservoir to the washing chamber. The siphon is primed when the cold water contained in the reservoir is to be used during an operating cycle of the appliance, while it stays not primed (i.e. it does not allow flow of water from the reservoir to the washing chamber) when hot water is introduced directly into the washing chamber or when the cold water present in the hot water piping is introduced in the reservoir. To do so, the water level inside the reservoir is controlled appropriately so that it is high enough to prime the siphon when cold water flow is required, and it is lower than a priming level when there should be no water flow between the reservoir and the washing chamber.
- Using a siphon instead of a hydraulic valve lowers the costs of the overall laundry appliance, due to the intrinsic lower cost of a siphon than a hydraulic valve, and at the same time, lacking movable parts, it assures a higher reliability over time. Indeed, damages or breakdowns in a siphon are much rarer than in a hydraulic valve.
- 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 apt to contain an amount of water;
- a first conduit connected or connectable to a hot water source external to said appliance and connected to said washing chamber in such a way to be able to channel a flow of water coming from said hot water source into said washing chamber;
- a second conduit apt to connect said reservoir to a hot water source external to said appliance in such a way to be able to channel a flow of water coming from said hot water source into said reservoir;
- a third conduit connecting said reservoir to said washing chamber apt to channel a flow of water to said washing chamber;
- a first valve located along said first conduit to allow or interrupt the flow of water into said washing chamber;
- a second valve located along said second conduit to allow or interrupt the flow of water into said reservoir;
- a control device apt to command said first and/or said second valve and to open or close the same;
- a siphon in fluid communication with said third conduit to selectively allow water to flow from said reservoir to said washing chamber.
- In other words, the introduction of water into the reservoir is controlled by the second valve, which is opportunely commanded by a control device so that at the beginning of the water loading, by opening the second valve and closing the first valve, water is introduced from the hot water source to the reservoir and then, by opening the first valve and closing the second valve, hot water is introduced into the washing chamber. In this way, at least part of the "cold water" present in the piping connecting the hot water source to the appliance is diverted to the reservoir and stays in the same, due to the fact that the siphon, with this amount of cold water, is not primed, i.e. the reservoir design and the opening/closure time intervals of the first and second valves (i.e. the time intervals in which the first and second valves are kept opened and closed, preferably by the control device) are such that the level of water reached by the introduction of the first amount of cold water is not enough to prime the siphon. The following water coming from the hot water source, most probably really "warm" or "hot", is directed towards the washing chamber to perform the washing cycles, preferably opening the first valve and closing the second. The valves are more preferably commanded by the control device.
- The siphon is then primed, for example adding further water into the reservoir, which is preferably achieved controlling the operation(s) of the first and second valves by the control device, so that the cold water inside the reservoir reaches a priming level and it can flow through siphon into the washing chamber, so that it is not wasted and it is used by the appliance, for example during a rinsing cycle.
- The siphon works due to the principle of the communicating vessels. In other words, the siphon defines a channel through which the water present into the reservoir, when it is above the priming level, can flow into the third conduit reaching the washing chamber, being sucked down by the siphon effect.
- Preferably, the siphon includes a first and a second sleeve one inside the other in order to form an annular channel through which the water can flow from the reservoir to the washing chamber when the siphon is primed.
- The annular channel allows the flow of cold water from the reservoir to the washing chamber.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the second sleeve is the inner sleeve and it is connected to the third conduit.
- Preferably, the siphon uses, as one of the two sleeves to form the annular channel, at least part of the third channel to avoid addition of extra building parts.
- Preferably, the second and first sleeves extend substantially parallel to a vertical direction.
- According to a preferred embodiment, the reservoir includes a bottom wall and a top wall, the second sleeve projects from the bottom wall and the first sleeve projects from the top wall, the first sleeve including a free end forming a gap with the bottom wall.
- Preferably, the bottom wall of the reservoir is inclined, the inclination being in a direction such that water flows toward the siphon, e.g. toward the gap formed between the free end of the first sleeve and the bottom wall which is the entrance of the annular channel of the siphon. Thanks to this inclination and/or to the size of the gap, the water present inside the container is advantageously completely discharged into the third channel when the siphon is primed, in other words the siphon effect is enough to substantially suck all the water out the reservoir into the third conduit.
- Preferably, the vertical height of an outlet of the third duct in said washing chamber is lower than the vertical height of the bottom wall of the reservoir.
- This design allows the correct functioning of the siphon.
- Preferably, the reservoir is located inside the casing.
- In this way the appliance is more compact being as a single unit and no additional parts have to be mounted at the user's home.
- Advantageously, the second conduit branches off from the first conduit.
- In this way, most of the "cold" water included in piping before reaching the washing chamber is directed into the reservoir when the second valve has been opened. In other words, the cold water still present in the piping is preferably minimized, minimizing the length of the piping where it can be still present.
- Preferably, the first valve is located downstream of or at said branch point of the second conduit from the first conduit.
- More preferably, the first and second valve form a two-way valve, the two-ways valve being located at the branch point of the second conduit from the first conduit to interchangeably allow water to flow from the hot water source either to the washing chamber through the second conduit or to the reservoir through the first conduit.
- In this configuration, the number of independent valves is minimized, optimizing the design of the appliance. In addition, the length of piping in which "cold water" may remain is also minimized.
- Preferably, in order to stop the water flow inside the container before reaching the priming level, the appliance includes a sensor apt to measure the amount of water entering into the reservoir.
- More preferably, the sensor apt to measure the amount of water entering into the reservoir is apt to send a measurement signal to the control device and the control device is apt to open or close the first and/or second valve as a function of this measurement signal.
- Preferably, the sensor apt to measure the amount of water entering into the reservoir is located along the first or second conduit.
- More preferably, the sensor apt to measure the amount of water entering into the reservoir includes a flow meter located along the first conduit upstream of the two-way valve apt to measure the amount of water entering into the reservoir.
- Advantageously, in order to stop the water flow inside the container before reaching the priming level, the appliance may include a sensor apt to measure the amount of water present in the reservoir.
- More preferably, the sensor apt to measure the amount of water present in the reservoir is apt to send a measurement signal to the control device and the control device is apt to open or close the first and/or second valve as a function of this measurement signal.
- The amount of water allowed into the reservoir depends, among other, on the size of the reservoir itself, on its shape, on the length of the piping connecting the hot water source to the appliance. In addition it may vary depending on the model and/or type of appliance.
- In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir includes a through hole realized in one of its walls arranged in such a way to allow external air to enter the reservoir, so as to maintain atmospheric pressure within the reservoir.
- When the siphon is primed, in order to have a proper functioning of the same, the pressure inside the reservoir is preferably maintained substantially equal to the atmospheric pressure. In order to achieve this, a hole is realized in one of the walls of the reservoir.
- More preferably, the reservoir includes a duct extending from the through hole towards the interior of the reservoir.
- The appliance is generally transported several times before being installed at the final destination, e.g. at the user's home. In addition, also after the first installation, the appliance can be transported again, for example due to repairing and maintenance activities. In this transport, the appliance might still contain water inside the reservoir: if the appliance is tilted or tipped over, water may spill from the through hole. In order to minimize the spilling, the duct is realized.
- Even more preferably, said duct is substantially perpendicular to a top wall of the container, the through hole being one end of said duct.
- According to a different aspect, the invention relates to a laundry appliance having a hot water intake, including:
- o a casing containing a washing chamber for receiving laundry to be washed;
- o a reservoir apt to contain an amount of water;
- o a first conduit connected or connectable to a hot water source external to said appliance and connected to said washing chamber in such a way to be able to channel a flow of water coming from said hot water source into said washing chamber;
- o a second conduit apt to connect said reservoir to a hot water source external to said appliance in such a way to be able to channel a flow of water coming from said hot water source into said reservoir;
- o a third conduit connecting said reservoir to said washing chamber apt to channel a flow of water to said washing chamber;
- o a first valve located along said first conduit to allow or interrupt the flow of water into said washing chamber;
- o a second valve located along said second conduit to allow or interrupt the flow of water into said reservoir;
- o a control device apt to command said first and/or second valve to open or close the same;
- o a regulating device apt to allow or interdict the flow of water through said third conduit;
- o wherein said reservoir includes a through hole through one of its walls and a duct extending from the through hole towards the interior of said reservoir, said hole being arranged in such a way to allow external air to enter the reservoir so as to keep the pressure inside said reservoir substantially equal to atmospheric pressure.
- The presence of a hole in the reservoir which allows to maintain the atmospheric pressure inside the reservoir and having a duct which minimize water spilling has a more general application and does not depend on the presence of a siphon.
- Indeed this solution can be applied also in the appliance described in
EP 2031120 . - 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 an 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 the elements of the appliance offig. 1 ; -
Fig. 3 is a top view of a detail of the appliance offigs. 1 and2 ; -
Fig. 4 is a sectional lateral view of the detail offig. 3 along the A-A line; -
Fig. 5 is an enlarged view ofFig. 4 . - With initial reference to
figs. 1 and2 , a laundry appliance having a hot water intake according to the present invention is globally indicated with 1. As an example of the type of appliance, a washing machine is described. - 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 during normal functioning of the appliance is indicated.
- Moreover, in the present context, the terms "vertical" and "horizontal" are referred to the positions of elements with respect to the appliance position in its normal installation or functioning.
-
Appliance 1 comprises anouter box casing 2, preferably but not necessarily parallelepiped-shaped, and a treatment orwashing chamber 3, such as awashing tub 3b containing arotatable 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. Thewashing 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 thewashing tub 3b and drum 200 is achieved for example via anaperture 2a formed in the casing itself.Aperture 2a preferably faceswashing tub 3b and drum 200 and it is apt to be closed - or even sealed - by adoor 3a. - The
door 3a is adapted to alternatively open and close thelaundry loading aperture 2a of theappliance 1 and is advantageously pivotally mounted, for example hinged, and thus supported at thecasing 2 of thedevice 1. -
Appliance 1 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. - With now reference to
fig. 2 ,appliance 1 is connected to a water supply system, such as the water mains. Advantageously the mains water is supplied to theappliance 1 via aninlet pipe 5. Preferably, this main supply is a cold water supply and supplies the cold water to thelaundry appliance 1 from the distribution network more or less directly. Additionally, a first conduit 6 connects theappliance 1 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. -
Inlet pipe 5 and first conduit 6 are in fluid communication with thewashing chamber 3. First conduit 6, and also preferablyinlet pipe 5, are both selectively openable and closable byrespective valves 8,7 each of which can be preferably independently controlled so as to open or close therespective pipe 6,5 so as to allow or interrupt the flow of cold/hot water into thewashing chamber 3, when needed. In a preferred embodiment, first conduit 6, and also preferablyinlet pipe 5, connect the water source (either hot and cold) to adetergent dispenser 4 located insidecasing 2, which in turn is connected, for example via asingle pipe 14 in which both cold and hot water might flow, to thewashing chamber 3. -
Appliance 1 further includes areservoir 9. Preferably, the reservoir is located insidecasing 2, as shown infig. 1 , where a panel on top of thecasing 2 has been removed in order to show thereservoir 9. In the preferred depicted example,reservoir 9 is located on top of thewashing chamber 3, however other locations are possible.Reservoir 9 is connectable or connected to the hot water source via asecond conduit 10, which in a preferred embodiment branches off from the first conduit 6, and it is connected to thewashing chamber 3 via athird conduit 11. Preferably, thevalve 8 regulating the water flow into the first conduit 6 is located downstream of the branch point where thesecond conduit 10 branches off from the first conduit 6. -
Reservoir 9, better shown in an enlarged view infigs. 3 and 4 , is preferably realized in plastic material, more preferably in polyethylene or in polypropylene, reinforced or not, and defines abottom wall 9a and atop wall 9b which are substantially opposite one to the other. In the preferred example in which the reservoir is located inside casing 2 on top of washingchamber 3, thebottom wall 9a has preferably, but not necessarily, a concave shape so as to better adapt to the shape of thecylindrical washing chamber 3, in order to minimize the overall volume, e.g. thebottom surface 9a is concave and it follows the contour of acylindrical envelope 15 defining the outer wall of thewashing tub 3b. Thebottom wall 9a has therefore preferably a concavity realized in a surface external to the reservoir facing the washing chamber. Preferably,top wall 9b is planar so that the reservoir can be easily located under a standard flat top panel ofcasing 2. It is to be understood that the reservoir may advantageously include a concave and/or planar wall which are different from the top and bottom wall. - The
third conduit 11 includes anoutlet 11a into thewashing chamber 3.Outlet 11a may be different than, or the same as, theoutlet 14a ofcommon pipe 14 into thewashing chamber 3. In other words, thethird conduit 11 and the commonsingle pipe 14 may merge in a single conduit, therefore forming a single aperture into thewashing chamber 3, or, as in the embodiment illustrated inFig. 1 , they can be completely separated. - Preferably, the
outlet 11a of thethird conduit 11 into thewashing chamber 3, regardless of whether it coincides tooutlet 14a, is located at a height along the vertical direction Z (see arrow Z inFig. 2 ) which is lower (i.e. placed at a lower height) than the height at which thebottom wall 9a ofreservoir 9 is located. - The inflow of water from the
second conduit 10 to thereservoir 9 is regulated byvalve 12. Thevalve 12 is advantageously located on theconduit 10. - According to a preferred embodiment, the
hydraulic valve 8 which opens and closes the first conduit 6 and thehydraulic valve 12 which opens and closes thesecond conduit 10 form a single two-ways valve (i.e. a single two-way valve comprises both first andsecond valves 8 and 12), as shown schematically infig. 2 . The two-way valve is advantageously mounted at the branch point. Alternatively, twodifferent valves second conduit 10. The operation of the two-ways valve (or of the two separatedvalves 8,12) is commanded bycontrol device 20 which is advantageously electrically connected to the two ways valve/separatedvalves control device 20 is apt 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: by operating above valve(s) the water flow from the hot water source may be directed either toward thewashing chamber 3 or thereservoir 9 and the switch from one direction to the other is advantageously operated by thecontrol device 20.Control device 20 is schematically depicted infig. 2 as located withincasing 2, however other positions are included in the present invention.Control device 20 may be advantageously embedded (or comprised) in the main electric board (not shown) ofappliance 1. The connection between thecontrol device 20 and thevalves - Preferably, a
sensor 16 apt to measure the amount of water entering intoreservoir 9 is provided, preferably in the first conduit 6, to measure the amount of water entering from the hot water source into the reservoir 9 (whenvalve 12 is opened andvalve 8 is closed) or into the tub (whenvalve 12 is closed andvalve 8 is opened). According to a preferred embodiment, also a temperature sensor (not shown) can be located along the same first conduit, upstream or downstream ofvalve 8. -
Sensor 16 can be for example a flow meter. - Preferably
sensor 16 apt to measure the amount of water entering intoreservoir 9 is apt to send a measurement signal to controldevice 20 andcontrol device 20 is apt to open or close first 8 and/orsecond valve 12 as a function of this measurement signal. - In addition or instead of
sensor 16, asensor 300 apt to measure the amount of water present inreservoir 9 may be provided; for example a pressure switch, a float switch, an optical sensor, etc. - Preferably
sensor 300 apt to measure the amount of water present inreservoir 9 is apt to send a measurement signal to controldevice 20 andcontrol device 20 is apt to open or close first 8 and/orsecond valve 12 as a function of this measurement signal. - A
fourth conduit 13, also called discharge pipe, allows the discharge of water from thewashing chamber 3 during the washing and rinsing cycles as known in the art. - The inflow of water from the
reservoir 9 to thewashing chamber 3 via thethird conduit 11 is regulated, according to the invention, by a siphon 21. Siphon 21 is primed, i.e. flow of water fromreservoir 9 towashing chamber 3 is possible, when the level of water inside thereservoir 9 reaches or it is above a minimum level, called priming level. Otherwise, the water in thereservoir 9 remains inside the latter and flow of water from the reservoir to the washing chamber is inhibited. When siphon 21 is primed, substantially all the water contained in thereservoir 9 flows intowashing chamber 3 due to the siphon sucking effect. - According to a preferred embodiment, better visible in the section of
fig. 4 , siphon 21 includes a first and a second sleeve, 17,18 preferably substantially cylindrical, one located inside the other. Anannular conduit 19 is therefore defined between the first and second sleeve where water can flow. Preferably, thefirst sleeve 17 has a diameter larger than thesecond sleeve 18, the latter being the inner sleeve. Preferably, first andsecond sleeves second sleeve 18 includes anend portion 11b, preferably corresponding to the end portion of thethird conduit 11 leading towashing chamber 3;end portion 11b is opposite tooutlet 11a; in other words,sleeve 18 is preferably a continuation of thethird conduit 11. - In a preferred embodiment, the
second sleeve 18 extends from thebottom wall 9a of thereservoir 9 inside the reservoir itself. The height of the second sleeve is such that it does not touch the first sleeve, i.e. theend 11b of thethird conduit 11 is open. Thefirst sleeve 17 has aclose end 17a and it preferably extends from thetop wall 9b of thereservoir 9 for a length which is smaller than the distance between the top and bottom wall, i.e. it does not touch the opposite wall, having therefore a freeopen end 17b. In this way, a first gap g1 is formed between thebottom wall 9a ofreservoir 9 and theopen end 17b of the first sleeve 17: this gap g1, in other words the distance between thebottom wall 9a and thefree end 17b of the first sleeve, substantially represent the entrance to theannular channel 19 of the siphon. The two sleeves one inside the other, advantageously leave a second gap g2 therebetween, e.g. between theclose end 17a of thefirst sleeve 17 and the open end of the third conduit (which corresponds to the open end of the second sleeve 18). - When water level in
reservoir 9 is such high that water completely exceedsend portion 11b ofsecond sleeve 18, and preferably completely fills second gap g2, the siphon is primed and it starts sucking water fromreservoir 3 and admitting it intowashing chamber 3; this effect continues until practically all the water inreservoir 9 is sucked and admitted intowashing chamber 3. - As an example of siphon construction and dimensions, the diameter of the
first sleeve 17 is of about 20 mm, the diameter of thesecond sleeve 18 is of about 10 mm and the first gap g1 between thebottom wall 9a and theopen end 17b of the first sleeve has a width of about 5 mm along the Z axis. - Preferably, the
bottom wall 9a ofreservoir 9 is at least partially inclined, and the inclination has a direction such that the water entering thereservoir 9 from thesecond conduit 10 is forced to flow toward the siphon 21, so as to enter into theannular channel 19 via the first gap g1. In this way, the siphon, when primed, is capable of sucking all water out ofreservoir 9. - Preferably,
reservoir 9 includes at least one throughhole 22 realized through thetop wall 9b in such a way to allow external air to enter thereservoir 9 in order to maintain in its interior a pressure substantially identical to the atmospheric pressure, in particular when siphon 21 is primed. More than one hole can be realized as well, for example in the depicted embodiment offigs. 3 and 4 twoholes 22 are formed. Around thehole 22, protruding from thetop wall 9b towards the interior of the reservoir, aduct 23 is preferably realized, having opposite open ends, one open end corresponding to hole 22. Preferably, eachhole 22 also includes aduct 23 around it. Preferably,duct 23 is cylindrical. Preferably,duct 23 extends substantially parallel to the vertical direction Z, more preferably it extends perpendicularly to thetop wall 9b. - The
appliance 1 operates as follows. - First, the user selects the appropriate program of the washing cycles, for example selecting the temperature and type of fabric.
- In the washing cycle, hot water is required by the
appliance 1. At the beginning of the washing cycle, water from the hot water source is directed towards thereservoir 9, due to the fact that the initial water in the piping is most probably cold. The two-ways valve control device 20 in such a way that from the first conduit 6 water is directed into thesecond conduit 10 and then into thereservoir 9 and substantially no water can flow into thewashing chamber 3, e.g. the first conduit 6 downstream thevalve separate valves valve 12 which directs to the reservoir via thesecond conduit 10 is commanded to open, while thevalve 8 stays closed. Preferably, the size and shape of thereservoir 9 and the amount of water introduced in the first phase of the water loading procedure are set in such a way that in this initial phase the activation or priming level of the siphon is not exceeded. In the example illustrated in enclosed figures, the priming level of the siphon 21 corresponds to the level at which water inreservoir 9 exceedsend portion 11b ofsecond sleeve 18, and preferably completely fills second gap g2. - The direction of the water flow from
conduit 10 to thereservoir 9 is depicted infig. 2 with an arrow F1. Preferably, as mentioned, due to the inclination ofbottom wall 9a, water concentrates around the base of siphon 21, at the entrance of theannular channel 19 represented by the gap g1. - The water from the hot water source flows inside the
reservoir 9 and the amount of water flowing is preferably measured bysensor 16; alternatively, or in addition to this measurement,sensor 300, if provided, may measure the amount of water in thereservoir 9. - The measuring signal(s) is/are reported to the
control device 20 for example by means of electrical signals. Depending on the signal(s) sent to the control device, e.g. on the amount of water present in thereservoir 9, thecontrol device 20 activatesvalve reservoir 9, the water flow is stopped. More preferably,valve 12 is closed so that no further water can flow into thesecond conduit 10. Alternatively, in case of a two way valve, the valve is switched and the water flow from the hot source is diverted onto the washing chamber, and no further water can flow intoreservoir 9. According to an embodiment of the invention, the threshold in the amount of water 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 threshold 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 intoreservoir 9 in order to prime siphon 21 depends also on the geometrical shape of thereservoir 9. - The amount of water set as a threshold is additionally set so that it is not enough to activate the siphon 21. Indeed, the level of water inside the
reservoir 9 at this threshold is lower than the priming level, i.e. it is not high enough to reach theend portion 11b end of thesecond sleeve 18 so that the siphon can be activated. - After the initial flow of water inside the
reservoir 9, thecontrol device 20 activates the twoway valve valve washing chamber 3. No more water is introduced in thereservoir 9. - 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 coming 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 (not shown in the drawings), may activate the valve 7 opening theinlet pipe 5 connected to the water mains. - At the end of the washing cycle, or whenever cold water is needed (for example in a rinsing phase of the washing cycle), the substantially cold water present in the
reservoir 9 can be used. This water can be used also in "cooling down" the hot water during the washing cycle as above described. - According to an embodiment, the water present into the
reservoir 9 may be not enough to complete a rinsing cycle, therefore in this case additional cold water may be introduced into thewashing chamber 3, before or after or at the same time in which the water fromreservoir 9 is used. For this purpose, preferably, thecontrol device 20 activates valve 7 opening the latter, so that cold water from the mains can flow into theinlet pipe 5 and then into thewashing chamber 3.Control device 20 sends an off or closure signal to valve 7 when the desired amount of cold water has reached thewashing chamber 3. - In order to use the water coming from the
reservoir 9, water inside the reservoir has to reach the priming level so that the siphon 21 can be activated. Therefore, preferably, fromcontrol device 20, a signal is sent to thevalve reservoir 9 till such a priming level is reached. When the priming level is reached,control device 20 activates againvalve 12 to close the same so that no further water is introduced inside thereservoir 9. "The threshold amount" of water which is introduced in the reservoir has been preferably set in such a way that the amount of water to be added in order to prime the siphon in this phase is rather small. - Due to the additional amount of water introduced into the
reservoir 9, the water rises in the annular channel 19 (see the arrow F2 showing the water entering thechannel 19 infigure 2 ) of siphon 21 and reaches the free end of thesecond sleeve 18, spilling over in thethird duct 11. - Due to the physical structure of the siphon 21, as soon as the end of the
annular channel 19 has been reached, the water present in thereservoir 9 is then sucked through thethird conduit 11 to the washing chamber 3 (see arrow F3 infig. 2 ) via theannular channel 19. The water is completely drained by siphon 21.
Claims (15)
- A laundry appliance (1) having a hot water intake, including:- a casing (2) containing a washing chamber (3) for receiving laundry to be washed;- a reservoir (9) apt to contain an amount of water;- a first conduit (6;14) connected or connectable to a hot water source external to said appliance and connected to said washing chamber (3) in such a way to be able to channel a flow of water coming from said hot water source into said washing chamber (3);- a second conduit (10) apt to connect said reservoir (9) to a hot water source external to said appliance (1) in such a way to be able to channel a flow of water coming from said hot water source into said reservoir (9);- a third conduit (11) connecting said reservoir (9) to said washing chamber (3) apt to channel a flow of water to said washing chamber (3);- a first valve (8) located along said first conduit (6;14) to allow or interrupt the flow of water into said washing chamber (3);- a second valve (12) located along said second conduit (10) to allow or interrupt the flow of water into said reservoir (9);- a control device (20) apt to command said first (12) and/or said second valve (8) and to open or close the same;- a siphon (21) in fluid communication with said third conduit (11) to selectively allow water to flow from said reservoir (9) to said washing chamber (3).
- The appliance (1) according to claim 1, wherein said siphon (21) includes a first and a second sleeve (17,18) one inside the other in order to form an annular channel (19) through which the water can flow from the reservoir (9) to the washing chamber (3), when said siphon (21) is primed.
- The appliance (1) according to claim 2, wherein said second sleeve (18) is the inner sleeve and it is connected to said third conduit (11).
- The appliance (1) according to claim 3, wherein said reservoir (9) includes a bottom wall (9a) and a top wall (9b), said second sleeve (18) projects from said bottom wall (9a) and said first sleeve (17) projects from said top wall (9b), said first sleeve (17) including a free end (17b) forming a gap (g1) with said bottom wall (9a).
- The appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said reservoir (9) is located inside said casing (2).
- The appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said second conduit (10) branches off from said first conduit (6;14).
- The appliance (1) according to claim 6, wherein said first valve (8) is located downstream of or at said branch point of said second conduit (10) from said first conduit (6;14).
- The appliance (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein said first (8) and second (12) valve form a two-way valve, said two-way valve (8,12) being located at the branch point of said second conduit (10) from said first conduit (6;14) to interchangeably allow water to flow from an hot water source either to the washing chamber (3) through said second conduit (10), or to the reservoir (9) through said first conduit (6;14).
- The appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, including a sensor (16) apt to measure the amount of water entering into said reservoir (9), said sensor being located along said first (6;14) or second conduit (10).
- The appliance according to claim 9, wherein said sensor (16) apt to measure the amount of water entering into said reservoir (9) is apt to send a measurement signal to said control device (20) and said control device (20) is apt to open or close said first (8) and/or second valve (12) as a function of said measurement signal.
- The appliance (1) according to one or more of the preceding claims, including a sensor (300) apt to measure the amount of water present in said reservoir (9).
- The appliance according to claim 11, wherein said sensor (30) apt to measure the amount of water present into said reservoir (9) is apt to send a measurement signal to said control device (20) and said control device (20) is apt to open or close said first (8) and/or second valve (12) as a function of said measurement signal.
- The appliance according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said reservoir (9) includes a through hole (22) in one of its walls (9a) arranged in such a way to allow external air to enter the reservoir in order to maintain atmospheric pressure within said reservoir (9).
- The appliance (1) according to claim 13, wherein said reservoir (9) includes a duct (23) extending from the through hole (22) towards the interior of said reservoir (9).
- The appliance (1) according to claim 4, where the vertical height of an inlet (11a) of said third duct (11) in said washing chamber (3) is lower than the vertical height of the bottom wall (9a) of said reservoir (9).
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP13151546.2A EP2757188B1 (en) | 2013-01-17 | 2013-01-17 | Laundry appliance |
PCT/EP2014/050454 WO2014111333A1 (en) | 2013-01-17 | 2014-01-13 | Laundry appliance |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP13151546.2A EP2757188B1 (en) | 2013-01-17 | 2013-01-17 | Laundry appliance |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP2757188A1 true EP2757188A1 (en) | 2014-07-23 |
EP2757188B1 EP2757188B1 (en) | 2017-04-26 |
Family
ID=47522404
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP13151546.2A Active EP2757188B1 (en) | 2013-01-17 | 2013-01-17 | Laundry appliance |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP2757188B1 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014111333A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104746282A (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2015-07-01 | 宁波吉德家电科技有限公司 | Drum washing machine and washing method thereof |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6499321B1 (en) | 1999-12-08 | 2002-12-31 | Fisher & Paykel Limited | Laundry machine and/or methods |
US20050127194A1 (en) * | 2002-05-21 | 2005-06-16 | Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh | Water-bearing household appliance, in particular, washing machine |
EP2031120A1 (en) | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-04 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Ecological washing machine |
CH703489A2 (en) * | 2011-11-17 | 2012-01-31 | V Zug Ag | Household appliance i.e. washing machine, has control system introducing water from hot water supply line into tank when water temperature measured by temperature sensor falls below threshold value |
-
2013
- 2013-01-17 EP EP13151546.2A patent/EP2757188B1/en active Active
-
2014
- 2014-01-13 WO PCT/EP2014/050454 patent/WO2014111333A1/en active Application Filing
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US6499321B1 (en) | 1999-12-08 | 2002-12-31 | Fisher & Paykel Limited | Laundry machine and/or methods |
US20050127194A1 (en) * | 2002-05-21 | 2005-06-16 | Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgerate Gmbh | Water-bearing household appliance, in particular, washing machine |
EP2031120A1 (en) | 2007-08-30 | 2009-03-04 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Ecological washing machine |
CH703489A2 (en) * | 2011-11-17 | 2012-01-31 | V Zug Ag | Household appliance i.e. washing machine, has control system introducing water from hot water supply line into tank when water temperature measured by temperature sensor falls below threshold value |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CN104746282A (en) * | 2015-03-19 | 2015-07-01 | 宁波吉德家电科技有限公司 | Drum washing machine and washing method thereof |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
WO2014111333A1 (en) | 2014-07-24 |
EP2757188B1 (en) | 2017-04-26 |
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