EP1210903B1 - Protective tray for washing machine - Google Patents
Protective tray for washing machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1210903B1 EP1210903B1 EP01660217A EP01660217A EP1210903B1 EP 1210903 B1 EP1210903 B1 EP 1210903B1 EP 01660217 A EP01660217 A EP 01660217A EP 01660217 A EP01660217 A EP 01660217A EP 1210903 B1 EP1210903 B1 EP 1210903B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- water
- washing machine
- protective
- tray
- sensor
- 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.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/4251—Details of the casing
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
- A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
- A47L15/42—Details
- A47L15/421—Safety arrangements for preventing water damage
- A47L15/4212—Detection of water leaks; Collection of leaked water, e.g. in the casing
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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
- D06F34/00—Details of control systems for washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F34/10—Power supply arrangements, e.g. stand-by circuits
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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
- D06F2105/58—Indications or alarms to the control system or to the user
- D06F2105/60—Audible signals
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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
- D06F39/081—Safety arrangements for preventing water damage
Definitions
- the invention relates to a protective tray for a washing machine which is suitable for post-installing under the washing machine and which comprises a bottom and sidewalls and inside the tray a water alarm having at least a power supply, a sensor for detecting the presence of water and an audible signal device and/or discharge pump connected to the drain, which is/are connected to act when said sensor is in contact with water.
- the tray is provided with a removable portion so that an appliance may be removed from and returned to the tray.
- a circuit breaker is arranged so that, when the sensor detects the presence of liquid in the tray, electrical power to the washing machine is switched off, the solenoid valves are activated to close off supply of water to the washing machine and the pump is activated to drain the liquid from the tray.
- An earlier publication GB 2 161 501 describes a liquid-containing household installation comprises a dishwashing or washing machine, with an inlet hose connected by way of a machine-controlled inlet valve to a stop cock of a water mains and with a leakage water collecting trough, which is arranged at the bottom of the machine and includes a switching device to close the inlet valve on the occurrence of leakage water.
- a leakage water hose which starts out from the inlet valve, encloses the inlet hose and opens freely into the trough and an outlet hose extends from a discharge pump of the machine to a waste water mains by way of the inlet valve.
- the inlet hose, the leakage water hose and the outlet hose are combined into one pipe body.
- the bottom of the machine is/forms the collecting trough for the leakage water.
- An object of the invention is to achieve a device by which water damage arising in connection with dish washing machines, laundry washing machines and other similar water-using appliances which at times operate automatically, i.e. without the occupant, and which have standard external dimensions can be minimized or at least said water damage can be limited so as to be as little as possible and moderate in respect of repair costs.
- a second object of the invention is a version of such a device that can be installed if necessary by a layperson as well as a version that operates automatically, i.e. independently, to minimize possible water damage.
- a third object of the invention is such a device which is reliable in operation and durable, but at the same time of a price so low as to be inconsequential for the occupant or user of the washing machine in relation to the reduced risk of damage.
- the principal advantage of the invention is that the protective tray of the invention provides an alarm both for minor leakages, giving the occupant the opportunity to repair the washing machine or have it repaired or correct its settings in time before the building structure has suffered major damp damage, and also for sudden major leakages, informing the occupant of the leakage immediately it occurs so that the occupant can quickly close the obligatory stop valve and/or undertake other steps to limit the extent of water damage.
- a second advantage of the invention is that the protective tray of the invention is in its simplest form an insignificant price compared with that of a washing machine and does not require the employment of an outside installer.
- An additional advantage, however, is that the protective efficacy of the protective tray can be further considerably enhanced, although then in most cases it is necessary to use a professional installation firm and the price too is somewhat higher. Thus various levels of security are offered for the user.
- Fig. 1 represents a protective tray for post-fitting according to the invention located under a washing machine, as seen from outside in an axonometric view.
- the water alarm is shown in the Figure together with various possible implementations of its power supply.
- Fig. 2 shows a more versatile embodiment of the water alarm of the protective tray according to the invention, comprising both a magnetically operated closing valve and a drainage pump for the protective tray.
- Fig. 3 shows a simple embodiment of the water alarm of the protective tray according to the invention and its mechanical construction in a cross-section along the vertical place I-I of Fig. 1 .
- Figs. 4A - 4D show sensors of various types which react to the presence of water for use in the water alarm of the protective tray according to the invention.
- the invention thus relates to a protective tray or protective tray assembly for a washing machine, such as in particular a dish washing machine, but also a laundry washing machine or other similar appliance.
- the protective tray 2 according to the invention is preferably a single piece and typically consists of plastics. Naturally nothing prevents the manufacture of the protective tray from other material, such as metal, or from plastic by other manufacturing technique, such as from sheet plastics by welding or gluing.
- the protective tray 2 has a bottom 11 and sidewalls 12 forming a sealed, continuous construction, which is so dimensioned that the protective tray is suitable to be post-installed under a washing machine 1, i.e. after the initial installation of the washing machine.
- the horizontal dimensions W2, D2 of the protective tray correspond to the horizontal dimensions W1, D1 of the washing machine.
- the horizontal dimensions W2 and D2 of the tray are as close as possible, for example, to the horizontal dimensions of the space reserved for a dish washing machine in a row of cupboards.
- the dimensions W1 and D1 of the washing machine fit within the external dimensions of the protective tray or at most the external dimensions of the washing machine are equal to the external dimensions of the tray.
- the height H of the sidewalls 12 of the protective tray 2 is dimensioned to correspond to the water volume of at least one load of the washing machine or preferably the water volume of two loads of the washing machine or even more if space allows.
- the bottom 11 of the protective tray is essentially flat or planar at least for its lower surface 27a, so that said bottom 11 rests firmly upon the floor surface, whereon the weight G of the washing machine is transmitted through the bottom 11 to the floor surface 30.
- the upper surface 27b of the bottom 11 is at least mainly flat or planar, so that the supporting legs 31 of the washing machine are well supported on it.
- the bottom has a lower surface 27a and/or an upper surface 27b that acts as a flat surface, but that the actual lower surface and upper surface may consist, for example, of stiffening ribbing which effectively forms a plane even though the bottom part which achieves watertightness may deviate even considerably from a plane.
- a water alarm 3 comprising at least a power supply 7, a sensor 6 for detecting the presence of water and an audible signal device 8.
- the audible signal device 8 is connected to the sensor 6 and the power supply 7 in such a manner that the assembly gives an audible alarm when said sensor is in contact with water V.
- a simple water alarm of this type is represented in Fig. 3 and in this case the water alarm 3 is a separate component 3a for placement on the bottom 11 of the protective tray 2.
- the said water alarm 3 has a body preferably having a downwards convex uninterrupted cover 9, without openings like an inverted cup, comprising of an upper part 25a and downwards oriented edges 25b, which design protects the electrical components from possible leakage water running down on top of them.
- the audible alarm device 8, power supply 7 and possible other electronics 4 of the water alarm 3, which can be connected to a circuit board 26 or alternatively directly to the lower surface of the cover 9 e.g. in depressions cast into the plastic part, are arranged in the upper part of the inside of the cover, for example against said upper part 25a, so that they remain operational for as long as possible when the protective tray fills with water V.
- the cover 9 moveable or adjustable in the vertical direction P, so that the audible signal device 8, power supply 7 and possible other electronics 4 can in each individual application be set as high as the space permits, so that they become immersed in water as late as possible.
- the sensor 6, on the other hand, is arranged in the lower part of said water alarm so as to be placed at a point approaching the upper surface 27b of the bottom 11 inside the tray. As can be seen from Fig.
- the senor can be located for example on the surface of the base flange 22 which forms the lowest point of the body of the water alarm 3, in which case it can detect water V coming into the protective tray as soon as the water has risen above the thickness of said base flange, i.e. when the depth of water is 3 mm - 10 mm.
- the water alarm 3 may alternative be a component 3b integrated into the protective tray 2, as is shown by broken lines in Fig. 1 .
- the water alarm 3 preferably has all the same features as the water alarm 3a, which forms a separate component.
- the water alarm has the features presented in this description regardless of whether it is a separate component 3a or an integrated component 3b.
- the body of the separate water alarm 3 represented in Fig. 3 also includes a lower part which comprises a relative wide base flange 22, upon which the water alarm stands freely, upwardly oriented edges 23, over which the downwards oriented edges 25b of cover 9 extend. Additionally in the edges 23 of said lower part are holes or slits 24 rising upwards from the base flange 22, which allow water V that has run into the tray on its bottom 11 to flow into the water alarm and further to the sensor 6.
- the power supply 7 may be either a battery or a safety-insulated power supply for insertion into a mains socket outlet 5.
- a battery can be located on the front sidewall 12 of the protective tray and connected by a conductor to other parts of the water alarm, as shown by a broken line in Fig. 1 , or can be located in the water alarm 3 itself, as shown in Fig. 3 .
- the purpose is to make replacement of the battery as easy and rapid an operation as possible. If desired the water alarm can be arranged with an additional alarm to alert the occupant to the need to replace the battery.
- a safety-insulated mains power supply is always used when the water alarm according to the invention comprises a solenoid-operated closing valve 13 and/or discharge pump 10, as described below, since they require so much electrical power that for operational reliability it would perhaps not be possible to rely entirely on a battery or it would be necessary to use several large-size batteries.
- the audible signal device 8 is advantageously a piezoelectric buzzer, because it is advantageous in price and using it a loud sound is obtained easily and with relatively low current.
- cover 9 By suitably shaping and dimensioning the previously described cover 9 it can be made to resonate at the frequency of the piezoelectric element, which reinforces the audible signal.
- suitable electronics 4 in the water alarm and to connect it to the occupant's telephone line, so that the device calls and sends an alarm to the occupant's mobile telephone.
- Such sending of an alarm to the occupant's mobile telephone can also be arranged using so-called Blue Tooth technology, which is known per se.
- the sensor 6 of the water alarm 3 is advantageously of a type, which detects water either by a change of capacitance ⁇ L between electrodes 19 or by a change of electrical resistance ⁇ R.
- the principle of a sensor detecting change of capacity ⁇ L is shown in Fig. 4b , in which a capacitance L is formed by electrodes 19 which are inside insulating plastics with a gap 18 between them, whereon the capacitance changes when water V enters said gap 18 and replaces air.
- the change of electrical resistance ⁇ R in sensor 6 may be caused firstly by a change from air to water V in a gap 18 between bare metal electrodes 17 in the sensor of Fig.
- the change of electrical resistance ⁇ R in sensor 6 may be caused by the greater thermal conductivity of water compared to that of air surrounding a resistive element 20; a solution of this type is represented in Fig. 4C , in which a so called NTC ( N egative T emperature C oefficient) or PTC ( P ositive T emperature C oefficient) resistor 20 is used as the sensor 6.
- NTC N egative T emperature C oefficient
- PTC P ositive T emperature C oefficient
- a continuous electrical current passes through a sensor of this type keeping its internal temperature at a certain value and its ohmic resistance R at a certain value while it is surrounded by air, but when the surrounding medium changes to water, which conducts heat away from the resistor 20, the internal temperature of said resistor changes and thus also its ohmic resistance.
- the change of electrical resistance ⁇ R in sensor 6 may be caused by contact occurring between electrodes 21 upon water eliminating a material 16 holding said electrodes apart.
- a sensor of this type is shown in Fig. 4D , in which the electrodes 21 are formed as springs, the force of which attempts to bring said electrodes into mutual contact, but while dry this is prevented by a piece 16 which is electrically insulating but water soluble.
- the protective tray 2 may additionally comprise a discharge pump 10 connected to a drain and/or a solenoid-operated closing valve 13 arranged in the inlet water hose 14 of the washing machine.
- the solenoid-operated closing valve 13, which is closed by the water alarm 3 when the water alarm has come into contact with water V in the manner described, is preferably fitted between the fixed water supply pipe 28 and the inlet water hose 14 of the washing machine 1.
- the protective tray 2 may additionally comprise a flexible protective hose 29 surrounding the inlet water hose 14 of the washing machine, the lower end of which protective hose is open to the bottom 11 of the protective tray thereby conducting water leaking from a ruptured inlet water hose into the protective tray to give an alarm.
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Textile Engineering (AREA)
- Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
- Control Of Washing Machine And Dryer (AREA)
- Sink And Installation For Waste Water (AREA)
- Cleaning By Liquid Or Steam (AREA)
- Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
- Packaging Of Machine Parts And Wound Products (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to a protective tray for a washing machine which is suitable for post-installing under the washing machine and which comprises a bottom and sidewalls and inside the tray a water alarm having at least a power supply, a sensor for detecting the presence of water and an audible signal device and/or discharge pump connected to the drain, which is/are connected to act when said sensor is in contact with water.
- Washing machines in general, but particularly dish washing machines, which are normally located in kitchen spaces without floor drains, nowadays cause a considerable part of the water damage occurring in dwellings. Laundry washing machines also cause this damage, albeit somewhat less, since they are normally located in spaces with floor drains, such as bathrooms or utility rooms. Water damage can be sudden and severe, if the inlet water hose of the washing machine becomes detached or ruptures or if for any reason the solenoid valve of the washing machine itself does not close properly. Water damage can also arise gradually in the course of time if the hoses or valves leak. In all these cases the water damage and costs associated therewith can be at least substantially reduced if the occupant closes the manually operated shut-off valve, which is obligatory in the pressure water line, immediately the aforesaid sudden, severe leakage starts as well as always when the washing machine is not in use.
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Publication US 4,814,752 describes a tray on top of which the washing machine is situated and which is capable of collecting and holding overflow water. Additionally in the tray is a float, which upon a rise in the water level cuts the power to the washing machine by an electrical switch. The device further has an audible signal device to alert personnel. The problem of this construction is firstly that it is slow acting because the action of the float, i.e. cutting the electrical power, can occur only after a considerable rise in the water level has occurred, which in many cases is too late. A second problem is that the construction is not capable of providing any protection against water leakage in cases where overflow is caused by a faulty solenoid valve, i.e. failure of the solenoid valve to close, or by rupture of the inlet water hose. -
Publication US 4,903,723 describes a tray for location under a washing machine to collect leakage water, the base of which tray is formed of an inclined major part leading to a minor horizontal section at the rear of the tray where is arranged either a downward oriented drain assembly or the inlet tube of a drainage pump. The drainage pump is also connected by conductors to a moisture sensor as well as a power conductor to start the pump and possible audible alarm. The tray is glued to the floor before installation of the washing machine and thereafter the washing machine is pushed into place over flanges extending outwardly from the sides of the tray. This installation work is very inconvenient and requires a professional. Additionally the tray is smaller than the washing machine and thus leakage water can run down the sides of the body of the washing machine outside the tray, so that the security and benefits of the solution described are questionable. -
Publication GB 2 329 501 - An
earlier publication GB 2 161 501 - An object of the invention is to achieve a device by which water damage arising in connection with dish washing machines, laundry washing machines and other similar water-using appliances which at times operate automatically, i.e. without the occupant, and which have standard external dimensions can be minimized or at least said water damage can be limited so as to be as little as possible and moderate in respect of repair costs. A second object of the invention is a version of such a device that can be installed if necessary by a layperson as well as a version that operates automatically, i.e. independently, to minimize possible water damage. A third object of the invention is such a device which is reliable in operation and durable, but at the same time of a price so low as to be inconsequential for the occupant or user of the washing machine in relation to the reduced risk of damage.
- The problems described above are diminished and the objects defined above are accomplished by a protective tray according to the invention, which is characterized by that which is defined in the characterization section of
Claim 1. - The principal advantage of the invention is that the protective tray of the invention provides an alarm both for minor leakages, giving the occupant the opportunity to repair the washing machine or have it repaired or correct its settings in time before the building structure has suffered major damp damage, and also for sudden major leakages, informing the occupant of the leakage immediately it occurs so that the occupant can quickly close the obligatory stop valve and/or undertake other steps to limit the extent of water damage. A second advantage of the invention is that the protective tray of the invention is in its simplest form an insignificant price compared with that of a washing machine and does not require the employment of an outside installer. An additional advantage, however, is that the protective efficacy of the protective tray can be further considerably enhanced, although then in most cases it is necessary to use a professional installation firm and the price too is somewhat higher. Thus various levels of security are offered for the user.
- In the following the invention is explained with reference to the accompanying drawing.
-
Fig. 1 represents a protective tray for post-fitting according to the invention located under a washing machine, as seen from outside in an axonometric view. The water alarm is shown in the Figure together with various possible implementations of its power supply. -
Fig. 2 shows a more versatile embodiment of the water alarm of the protective tray according to the invention, comprising both a magnetically operated closing valve and a drainage pump for the protective tray. -
Fig. 3 shows a simple embodiment of the water alarm of the protective tray according to the invention and its mechanical construction in a cross-section along the vertical place I-I ofFig. 1 . -
Figs. 4A - 4D show sensors of various types which react to the presence of water for use in the water alarm of the protective tray according to the invention. - The invention thus relates to a protective tray or protective tray assembly for a washing machine, such as in particular a dish washing machine, but also a laundry washing machine or other similar appliance. The
protective tray 2 according to the invention is preferably a single piece and typically consists of plastics. Naturally nothing prevents the manufacture of the protective tray from other material, such as metal, or from plastic by other manufacturing technique, such as from sheet plastics by welding or gluing. Theprotective tray 2 has abottom 11 andsidewalls 12 forming a sealed, continuous construction, which is so dimensioned that the protective tray is suitable to be post-installed under awashing machine 1, i.e. after the initial installation of the washing machine. For this purpose the horizontal dimensions W2, D2 of the protective tray correspond to the horizontal dimensions W1, D1 of the washing machine. Explicitly, the horizontal dimensions W2 and D2 of the tray are as close as possible, for example, to the horizontal dimensions of the space reserved for a dish washing machine in a row of cupboards. In this case the dimensions W1 and D1 of the washing machine fit within the external dimensions of the protective tray or at most the external dimensions of the washing machine are equal to the external dimensions of the tray. The height H of thesidewalls 12 of theprotective tray 2 is dimensioned to correspond to the water volume of at least one load of the washing machine or preferably the water volume of two loads of the washing machine or even more if space allows. The occupant then has some time margin in which to react to the alarm given by the device of the invention. Thebottom 11 of the protective tray is essentially flat or planar at least for itslower surface 27a, so that saidbottom 11 rests firmly upon the floor surface, whereon the weight G of the washing machine is transmitted through thebottom 11 to thefloor surface 30. Preferably also the upper surface 27b of thebottom 11 is at least mainly flat or planar, so that the supportinglegs 31 of the washing machine are well supported on it. In the above flat is to be understood as meaning that the bottom has alower surface 27a and/or an upper surface 27b that acts as a flat surface, but that the actual lower surface and upper surface may consist, for example, of stiffening ribbing which effectively forms a plane even though the bottom part which achieves watertightness may deviate even considerably from a plane. - In particular inside the
protective tray 2 of the invention is awater alarm 3, comprising at least apower supply 7, asensor 6 for detecting the presence of water and an audible signal device 8. The audible signal device 8 is connected to thesensor 6 and thepower supply 7 in such a manner that the assembly gives an audible alarm when said sensor is in contact with water V. A simple water alarm of this type is represented inFig. 3 and in this case thewater alarm 3 is a separate component 3a for placement on thebottom 11 of theprotective tray 2. The saidwater alarm 3 has a body preferably having a downwards convexuninterrupted cover 9, without openings like an inverted cup, comprising of anupper part 25a and downwardsoriented edges 25b, which design protects the electrical components from possible leakage water running down on top of them. The audible alarm device 8,power supply 7 and possibleother electronics 4 of thewater alarm 3, which can be connected to acircuit board 26 or alternatively directly to the lower surface of thecover 9 e.g. in depressions cast into the plastic part, are arranged in the upper part of the inside of the cover, for example against saidupper part 25a, so that they remain operational for as long as possible when the protective tray fills with water V. Because the height of the space under different makes ofwashing machine 1 may vary, it is preferable to make thecover 9 moveable or adjustable in the vertical direction P, so that the audible signal device 8,power supply 7 and possibleother electronics 4 can in each individual application be set as high as the space permits, so that they become immersed in water as late as possible. Thesensor 6, on the other hand, is arranged in the lower part of said water alarm so as to be placed at a point approaching the upper surface 27b of thebottom 11 inside the tray. As can be seen fromFig. 3 , the sensor can be located for example on the surface of thebase flange 22 which forms the lowest point of the body of thewater alarm 3, in which case it can detect water V coming into the protective tray as soon as the water has risen above the thickness of said base flange, i.e. when the depth of water is 3 mm - 10 mm. - The
water alarm 3 may alternative be a component 3b integrated into theprotective tray 2, as is shown by broken lines inFig. 1 . In this case thewater alarm 3 preferably has all the same features as the water alarm 3a, which forms a separate component. In other words, the water alarm has the features presented in this description regardless of whether it is a separate component 3a or an integrated component 3b. The body of theseparate water alarm 3 represented inFig. 3 also includes a lower part which comprises a relativewide base flange 22, upon which the water alarm stands freely, upwardly oriented edges 23, over which the downwardsoriented edges 25b ofcover 9 extend. Additionally in the edges 23 of said lower part are holes or slits 24 rising upwards from thebase flange 22, which allow water V that has run into the tray on itsbottom 11 to flow into the water alarm and further to thesensor 6. - The
power supply 7 may be either a battery or a safety-insulated power supply for insertion into a mains socket outlet 5. A battery can be located on thefront sidewall 12 of the protective tray and connected by a conductor to other parts of the water alarm, as shown by a broken line inFig. 1 , or can be located in thewater alarm 3 itself, as shown inFig. 3 . The purpose is to make replacement of the battery as easy and rapid an operation as possible. If desired the water alarm can be arranged with an additional alarm to alert the occupant to the need to replace the battery. A safety-insulated mains power supply is always used when the water alarm according to the invention comprises a solenoid-operatedclosing valve 13 and/ordischarge pump 10, as described below, since they require so much electrical power that for operational reliability it would perhaps not be possible to rely entirely on a battery or it would be necessary to use several large-size batteries. - The audible signal device 8 is advantageously a piezoelectric buzzer, because it is advantageous in price and using it a loud sound is obtained easily and with relatively low current. By suitably shaping and dimensioning the previously described
cover 9 it can be made to resonate at the frequency of the piezoelectric element, which reinforces the audible signal. It is also possible to arrangesuitable electronics 4 in the water alarm and to connect it to the occupant's telephone line, so that the device calls and sends an alarm to the occupant's mobile telephone. Such sending of an alarm to the occupant's mobile telephone can also be arranged using so-called Blue Tooth technology, which is known per se. - The
sensor 6 of thewater alarm 3 is advantageously of a type, which detects water either by a change of capacitance ΔL betweenelectrodes 19 or by a change of electrical resistance ΔR. The principle of a sensor detecting change of capacity ΔL is shown inFig. 4b , in which a capacitance L is formed byelectrodes 19 which are inside insulating plastics with agap 18 between them, whereon the capacitance changes when water V enters saidgap 18 and replaces air. The change of electrical resistance ΔR insensor 6 may be caused firstly by a change from air to water V in agap 18 betweenbare metal electrodes 17 in the sensor ofFig. 4A , because the electrical conductivity of both pure tap water and of used washing water is considerably greater than that of air. The water thus "short circuits"electrodes 17. Secondly, the change of electrical resistance ΔR insensor 6 may be caused by the greater thermal conductivity of water compared to that of air surrounding aresistive element 20; a solution of this type is represented inFig. 4C , in which a so called NTC (Negative Temperature Coefficient) or PTC (Positive Temperature Coefficient)resistor 20 is used as thesensor 6. A continuous electrical current passes through a sensor of this type keeping its internal temperature at a certain value and its ohmic resistance R at a certain value while it is surrounded by air, but when the surrounding medium changes to water, which conducts heat away from theresistor 20, the internal temperature of said resistor changes and thus also its ohmic resistance. Thirdly, the change of electrical resistance ΔR insensor 6 may be caused by contact occurring between electrodes 21 upon water eliminating amaterial 16 holding said electrodes apart. A sensor of this type is shown inFig. 4D , in which the electrodes 21 are formed as springs, the force of which attempts to bring said electrodes into mutual contact, but while dry this is prevented by apiece 16 which is electrically insulating but water soluble. When water V comes between electrodes 21,piece 16 is dissolved away, whereupon under influence of their spring force said electrodes press against each other creating a short circuit between them. By suitable dimensioning all embodiments ofsensor 6 other than that based on change of capacitance ΔL can be made to function withoutadditional electronics 4 as a sufficiently good switch to produce a short circuit between thepower supply 7 and the audible signal device 8. Theadditional electronics 4, however, are very simple and known per se, and so will not be explained in more detail here. - The
protective tray 2 may additionally comprise adischarge pump 10 connected to a drain and/or a solenoid-operatedclosing valve 13 arranged in theinlet water hose 14 of the washing machine. Thedischarge pump 10, which is started by thewater alarm 3 when the water alarm has come into contact with water V in the manner described, is located on the bottom 11 of the tray and itsoutlet tube 15 is connected in some usual manner to a drain. The solenoid-operatedclosing valve 13, which is closed by thewater alarm 3 when the water alarm has come into contact with water V in the manner described, is preferably fitted between the fixedwater supply pipe 28 and theinlet water hose 14 of thewashing machine 1. Theprotective tray 2 may additionally comprise a flexibleprotective hose 29 surrounding theinlet water hose 14 of the washing machine, the lower end of which protective hose is open to the bottom 11 of the protective tray thereby conducting water leaking from a ruptured inlet water hose into the protective tray to give an alarm.
Claims (8)
- A protective tray assembly for a washing machine, which is suitable for post-installing under the washing machine (1) and which comprises:- sidewalls (12) and a bottom (11) with at least a lower surface (27a) providing an essentially flat support surface, whereupon the weight (G) of the washing machine is transmitted through the bottom to a floor surface (30), said protective tray having horizontal dimensions (W2, D2) that correspond to horizontal dimensions (W1, D1) of the washing machine;- inside said tray (2) a water alarm (3) having at least a power supply (7), a sensor (6) for detecting the presence of water, a discharge pump (10) connected to a drain, and a solenoid-operated closing valve (13) arranged in the inlet water hose (14) of the washing machine, which pump and valve are connected to act when said sensor is in contact with water (V), characterized in that- said sidewalls (12) have a height (H) dimensioned to correspond to the water volume of at least one load of the washing machine; that- said protective tray assembly further comprises a protective hose (29) surrounding the inlet water hose (14) of the washing machine, the lower end of which protective hose is open onto the bottom (11) of the protective tray; and that- said water alarm (3) has a downwards convex uninterrupted cover (9), inside the upper part of which said audible signal device (8), said power supply (7) and possible further electronics (4) are arranged, whereupon said sensor (6) is arranged in the lower part of said water alarm so as to be placed at a point approaching an upper surface (27b) of the bottom (11) inside the tray.
- A protective tray assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the bottom (11) and sidewalls (12) of said tray are plastic.
- A protective tray assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the water alarm (3) is a separate component (3a) for placement on the bottom of the protective tray (2) or alternatively a component (3b) integrated into said tray.
- A protective tray assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the power supply (7) is either a battery or a safety-insulated power supply for insertion into a mains socket outlet (5).
- A protective tray assembly according to Claim 1, characterized in that the audible signal device (8) is a piezoelectric buzzer; and that said sensor (6) is a type, which detects water either by a change of capacitance (ΔL) between electrodes (19) or by a change of electrical resistance (ΔR).
- A protective tray assembly according to Claim 5, characterized in that the sensor (6) is a type in which the change of electrical resistance (ΔR) is caused by:- a changing of air to water between electrodes (17); or- a greater thermal conductivity of water compared to that of air surrounding a resistive element (20); or- a contact occurring between electrodes (21) upon water eliminating a material (16) holding said electrodes apart.
- A protective tray assembly according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that said cover (9) is adjustable in a vertical direction (P).
- A protective tray assembly according to any of the preceding Claims, characterized in that it further comprises an audible signal device (8), which is connected to act when said sensor is in contact with water (V).
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
FI20002624A FI109268B (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2000-11-30 | Washing machine shed |
FI20002624 | 2000-11-30 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1210903A2 EP1210903A2 (en) | 2002-06-05 |
EP1210903A3 EP1210903A3 (en) | 2005-01-19 |
EP1210903B1 true EP1210903B1 (en) | 2009-07-08 |
Family
ID=8559611
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP01660217A Expired - Lifetime EP1210903B1 (en) | 2000-11-30 | 2001-11-26 | Protective tray for washing machine |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP1210903B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE435608T1 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60139178D1 (en) |
FI (1) | FI109268B (en) |
Families Citing this family (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
ITVE20050028U1 (en) * | 2005-09-09 | 2007-03-10 | Irca Spa | SAFETY DEVICE FOR DISHWASHERS AND WASHING MACHINES |
JP4760528B2 (en) * | 2006-05-22 | 2011-08-31 | パナソニック株式会社 | dishwasher |
ES2383427A1 (en) * | 2009-06-23 | 2012-06-21 | BSH Electrodomésticos España S.A. | Machine dishwasher, especially, domestic dishwasher machine (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) |
CN102094307A (en) * | 2011-02-12 | 2011-06-15 | 南京乐金熊猫电器有限公司 | Washing machine with water leakage induction system |
PL2903492T3 (en) | 2012-10-08 | 2017-03-31 | Arçelik Anonim Sirketi | Dishwasher with improved leak-proofing |
JP6936000B2 (en) * | 2016-11-14 | 2021-09-15 | シナネン株式会社 | Waterproof pan set for washing machine |
DE102020116853A1 (en) | 2020-06-26 | 2021-12-30 | Miele & Cie. Kg | Control device for a water-bearing household appliance and household appliance |
CN114277553B (en) * | 2021-12-20 | 2024-03-29 | 长虹美菱股份有限公司 | Washing machine footing |
US11808664B1 (en) * | 2023-05-15 | 2023-11-07 | Corey Ryhorski | Moisture-detecting water source shutoff device |
Family Cites Families (6)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
FR2422212A1 (en) * | 1978-04-04 | 1979-11-02 | Morgante Georges | Water loss warning system for domestic washing machines - has two=way circuit interrupter to illuminate signal lamp or sonic alarm unit |
DE3425590A1 (en) * | 1984-07-11 | 1986-01-23 | Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart | SAFETY AGAINST FLOODING IN LIQUID-CONTAINING HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES |
DE3537186A1 (en) * | 1985-10-18 | 1987-04-23 | Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete | SAFETY AGAINST FLOODING IN LIQUID-CONTAINING HOUSEHOLD APPLIANCES |
GB2235801A (en) * | 1989-09-07 | 1991-03-13 | David Stanley Bottomley | Leak detection and warning system |
GB2329501A (en) * | 1997-09-12 | 1999-03-24 | Carlton Ashley Rae | A liquid overflow detection system |
GB9929304D0 (en) * | 1999-12-10 | 2000-02-02 | May Peter T | Leak alarm |
-
2000
- 2000-11-30 FI FI20002624A patent/FI109268B/en not_active IP Right Cessation
-
2001
- 2001-11-26 DE DE60139178T patent/DE60139178D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-11-26 EP EP01660217A patent/EP1210903B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-11-26 AT AT01660217T patent/ATE435608T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1210903A3 (en) | 2005-01-19 |
DE60139178D1 (en) | 2009-08-20 |
FI109268B (en) | 2002-06-28 |
ATE435608T1 (en) | 2009-07-15 |
EP1210903A2 (en) | 2002-06-05 |
FI20002624A0 (en) | 2000-11-30 |
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