EP1866474A1

EP1866474A1 - Tandem washing machines configuration for recycling detergent&water

Info

Publication number: EP1866474A1
Application number: EP06745199A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Sanjiv Agarwal
Original assignee: Agarwal Sanjiv
Current assignee: Agarwal Sanjiv
Priority date: 2005-03-28
Filing date: 2006-03-20
Publication date: 2007-12-19
Anticipated expiration: 2026-03-20
Also published as: WO2006103700B1; KR20080005222A; EP1866474B1; MX2007011620A; CN101146947A; US20080184746A1; JP2008534112A; EP1866474A4; NZ561393A; AU2006228553A1; CA2614437A1; WO2006103700A1

Abstract

A tandem configuration of automated washing machines is disclosed. A microprocessor controls solenoid valves to direct effluent of each selected cycle of one machine, into another machine for reuse. Both the machines operate in tandem applying pre-set microprocessor logic, which is further programmable for various options, keeping interlocking features Intact. By placing the washing apparatus on rooftops, further recycling is achieved.

Description

TANDEM WASHING SYSTEM CONFIGURATION FOR RKCYCUNG DETERGENT & WATER

Field of Invention:

This invention relates to a detergent and water saving device associated with automatic washing machine configurations. The invention particularly relates to a tandem washing system configuration.

Broadly the invention makes use of automatic washing machine technology for application in domestic, community, commercial and industrial uses such as in homes, hotels, laundry services, offices and factories etc. The invention by its application relates to environment pollution technology.

Background of the invention:

In a typical automatic washing machine, there are various cycles for example Prc- wash. Wash, Rinse and Spin, controlled through a programmable integrated circuit associated with a variable speed electric motor, solenoid valves and other electromechanical means. In such machines an electric water heater is also provided. These various cycles may be programmed as per the requirement .of the washable load and availability of resources like water, electricity, time etc. For example, a typical automatic washing machine may be programmed to wash a predetermined load of clothes in 30 minutes to 2 hours, and with only one rinse cycle or more, with or without hot water wash etc. At each wash or rinse cycle the typical washing machine draws fresh tap water and on completion of the cycle discharges the used water through a drainage pipe. As a result, there is a heavy use of resources^' and subsequent discharge of used water including various quantity of detergents and impurities.

The inventor of the present invention has observed that an effective method for recycling the discharge water having varying levels of detergents will save costs and lessen environment pollution.

The prior art devices disclose storage of certain effluents of washing machine generally known as grey water, which however is restricted to rinse water only having less detergent. Various means like overhead tanks or reservoirs connected to the washing machine is used for such storage of grey water. The stored grey water is then recycled back to the same washing machine for pre-wash or used for flushing etc. None of these prior art devices is suitable for economic use of resources due to additional requirement of constructional and plumbing features. In most of these prior art devices, only rinse water is contemplated for recycling. Moreover, longer storage of used water may lead to growth of pathogens. There is no saving of detergent or input energy. On the whole, adverse cost-benefit ratio of the prior art devices preclude them from large scale application. Object,"* the invention

Il is an object of the invention to provide a tandem washing system configuration capable of recycling the discharge water containing different levels of detergent.

Λ fur l her object of the invention is to provide a tandem washing system configuration comprising at least two automatic washing machines of identical construction being opera b Iy connected and controlled by a single system controller allowing separate recycling of grey water generated in each cycle.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a tandem washing system configuration in which the constituent automatic washing machines can be operated at tandem depending on wash-load, type of washable material, available resources, thereby optimising the resource consumption.

Yet another objection of the invention is to provide a tandem washing washing system configuration in which storage of grey water is eliminated leading to stoppage in growth of pathogens, thereby acting as an environment friendly washing system.

A still further object of the invention is to provide a tandem washing system configuration which can be installed and operated without any specialised infrastructural requirements such as additional water entry/exit source, plumbing means, energy input point, thereby allowing accommodation of the system in a smaller space.

Summary of the Invention.

Accordingly there is provided a tandem washing system configuration comprising at least two automatic washing machines of identical construction disposed parallely or vertically adjacent to each other being flowably connected via a channel means having a two-way solenoid valve, each of the two automatic washing machines having individual tap water inlets separate effluent drainage outlets disposal trays containing washing chemicals, individual . heating devices, separate processors, and identically designed rotatable means. The system configuration is provided with a micro-processor-based controller which causes the second automatic washing machine to use as an input the discharged water of at least one cycle of the first machine transmitted via the interconnected channel by means of the two-way solenoid valve. The controller being operable to cause the automatic washing machines to function at tandem upon selection of any of a plurality of available attributes in respect of wash cycle, wash load, washable material, intended consumption of resources, selected time and duration for operation, thereby optimising the operational inputs and improvement in wash quality.

The first machine is preferably used for less soiled load like garment etc. and the second machine for heavily soiled like linen, towels, mops, shoes rugs and mats etc.

Discharge of various cycles of the first washing machine is selectable for routing through the channel means, into the second machine for recycling. Likewise, discharge of any cycle in both the machines is selectable for routing through the drainage pipes as effluent. Various cycles in both the machines are operable in tandem to complement each other in an interlocking fashion. Additionally, both machines arc independently operable and /or combinedly.

Brief Description of Accompanyin^g Drawin^gs:

Figure 1 shows a simple configuration of a tandem washing system configuration according to the invention by way of example, operably interconnected having a channel means comprising solenoid valve and filters.

Figure 2A shows a similar configuration of the washing system according to the invention. In this example, an additional Reservoir is added between the two automatic washing machines.

Figure 2B shows a vertical stacking configuration of the tandem washing system.

Figure 3 is a schematic presentation of an example of the channel means of the invention including a two way solenoid valve arrangement of the invention for expelling the used water if it is turbid, or directing it for recycling.

Figure 4A shows data displayed in the electronic panels and knobs according to the invention?

Figure 4B presents a chronological flow chart of tandem operation of two automatic machines in the tandem washing system configuration of the invention by way of example

Figure 5 shows a configuration of the system in which two automatic washing machines are disposed on rooftops, for further recycling.

Detailed Description of a preferred embodiment of the invention.

In Figure 1 there is a twin assembly of Washing Machines assigned with reference numerals ( 100 and 200). The machines (100, 200) are connected through a channel means having a two- way solenoid valve means (300), for channelling water from one to another. The input to the channel (300) passes through a Sieve and/or Filtration device (310), to remove suspended impurities like Lint and other large particles. Additionally, the channel means passes through an Ultraviolet or Gamma rays- irradiation chamber (320) to remove pathogens. The channel is provided with a back-flush device taking input water from a tap and discharging back-flushed water int.o a drainage.

Both the washing machines ( 100, 200) have independent tap water inlets (1 10, 210 ) and effluent drainage pipes (130, 230).

Both the machines (100, 200) are controlled by a single controller (400) with a preprogrammed logic and a default setting that can be changed through electronic push buttons(410) and knobs (420), and is displayed through electronic panels (430. 440) associated with the washing machines ( 100, 200).

The first washing machine ( 100) may be used for lesser soiled, e.g. garments and the second washing machine (200) can be used for heavily soiled e.g. linen, towels, mops, shoes, doormats etc.

The controller (400) is programmed to operate the two-way solenoid valve means (300), to direct effluent of each selected cycle of the first-machine ( 100) as input for the second machine (200). Additionally, effluent of each cycle of the washing machines (100, 200) is dischargeable as' waste water through the solenoid valve means (300) directing the flow to the drainage pipes (130 , 230).

The controller (400) is programmed with an interlocking logic, as explained below through a typical exemplary scenario.

The pre-wash option of the first machine (100) may include extracting fresh water from the first water inlet (1 10), drawing stored chemicals from disposal tray (140), soaking and tumbling the garments in the solution, and channelling the pre-washed water to the second machine (200) on spinning. The second machine (200) is programmed to complete its pre-wash cycle, spin and release the re-used pre-washed water through the drainage (230), while the first machine (100) is completing its Wash cycle after drawing fresh water through the first water inlet (1 10). If a hot wash option has been selected for' the first machine (100) e.g. by selecting 'cotton' at knob (410), the controller (400) causes an inbuilt electrical heater equipped with a thermostat in the washing machines (100, 200) to control the water temperature at a desired level. When the first washing machine ( 100) completes its Washing cycle, it spins and channels hot/cold wash water (with remaining detergent) to the second washing machine( 200) through the channel (300). The first machine (100) now starts a Rinse cycle while the second machine (200) starts its Wash cycle. Again if a hot wash option has been selected for the second machine (200), the temperature of recycled wash water is maintained at a desired level through the inbuilt heating device as explained hereinabove. The second machine (200) on completing its Wash cycle, spins while discharging the reused washed water through the drainage (230), and stands by for input Rinsed water from the first machine (100). Likewise, at any stage the first machine (100) may also stand by till the second machine (200) is through with a cycle and becomes ready to take intended grey water. Then the first machine( l OO) spins and phannels Rinsed water into the second machine 200. The second machine(200) then performs the rinse operation by using the recycled water. Likewise, the first and the second machines (100, 200) repeat the process if a second rinse has been opted. Finally, the first machine (100) on completing all the selected cycles, allows its door to open and is ready for the next load. The second machine(200) may, in the last cycle, draw a specified quantity of fresh tap water for a final Rinse with or without specified disinfectants stored in a disposal lray(240.). The second machine (200) then completes the cycles by final spinning of its load, at a specified RPM. A typical program cycle is shown in Figures 4A and 4B.

Additionally, the second machine (200) may be operated to perform as many fresh water cycles as desired. For example, there may be a 'double wash' option at electronic panel (440), if selected will operate the second machine (200) Io start a fresh water wash cycle before the final fresh water rinse in the above example. In lhis scenario, any of the fresh water cycle discharge in.iy '^jC -^slorec^ ^an(^ recycled as desirable.

The Rinse cycles may consist several short bursts of riu.v;'* i" which little water is used, which may be expelled through the drainage pipes ( 130, 230), while the rinsed water of full rinse cycles only be channelled into the ncxi machine.

A reservoir chamber may be also provided between the i v/o machines ( 100, 200)for temporary storage of water of each cycle, operated through a second set of solenoid valve means connecting it with the machines (100, 200; on both the sides, as shown in Figures 2A and 2B. In that case, the channel (300) may be placed between the intermediate reservoir and the second machine (200). J" another confⁱguration, the filter/sieve (310) is disposed between the first machine π 00) and the intermediate reservoir while the irradiation device (320) may be designed between the intermediate reservoir and the second machine (200). Both the machines (100, 200), the intermediate reservoir including the channel are configurable in a vertically stacked system as shown in Figure 2B.

The filter/sieve (310) may be provided with a known back-flush means. In case of the intermediate reservoir being provided, the program logic is accordingly set, e.g. the first maohine(lOO) will hold from releasing grey water selected for recycling if the intermediate storage is not ready to take it. Additionally, the system may be operable to store grey water of any particular cycle of any of the machines, for later use ⁱn the starting cycle of any of the machines as desired. If a machine is being used singly, the grey water so stored for later use may be of any cycle and in that case, ⁱf a sⁱngle machine is used again, the stored water is also recycled to any cycle as selected ⁱn the controller. For example, if the machines(100, 200) arc selected to operate sⁱngly, the wash water of wash cycle of the first machine(l OO) may be selected for use as recycled wash water for the next load of the second_, machine ( 200), or of the fⁱrst machine (100) again, by causing the two-way solenoid valves to operate as shown in Figure 2A.

The channel (300) may also be provided with an electron'^{0 sensor} (³³°) ^{t0 check} turbidity of the channelled pre-washed and/or rinsed water of the fⁱrst machine (100)^, and beyond a specified threshold, causes the controller (400) to show a warning signal and/or halt operations. Alternatively, the controller (400; is programmable to operate a solenoid valve (340), to release the extra turbid water ^ effluent, as shown in Figure 3B.. In this scenario, the controller (400) may be further operable to cause the second machine (200) to extract fresh tap water at (21 0) for the next cycle. In any of the cycles, the second machine (200) may also be operable ?o draw additional detergents stored in the disposal tray (240).

Additional disinfection means may be provided such as Gamma ray irradiation at the first machine ( 100) before the start of first cycle and/or fci the second machine (200) after the last cycle.

Separate motors are provided to run both the machine ( 100, 200) in tandem^, controlled through the common controller (400), incorporated with interdcpcndenⁱ logics such as explained herein above by w^'ay of examp^⁵- Likewise, there may be other options, with an essential interlock of wash cycles in the first and the second machine (100) and (200) in such a way that whenever the second machine (200) is not ready to take intended input of grey water from the first machine ( 100), the next cycle of the first machine ( 100) will remain on hold, and vice-versa i.e. the second machine (200) will hold the next cycle till the first machine (100) has performed a corresponding task selected. There may also be an option of switching off the interlock program. Then both the machines ( 100, 200) become independent machines operable separately like conventional washing machines.

In that case the controller (400) may operate both the machines( 100, 200) independently, or two separate conventional controllers of the machines (100, 200)may operate each machine individually.

Figure 4 A shows a typical example situation of text displayed at the panels (430, 440) The Knob (410) preferably has wash type options for (100), e.g. Cotton, Synthetic etc. Likewise, the knob (420) has options for the second machine(200), like Soiled (for heavily soiled items like mops, doormats, shoes etc.), Linen etc.

Display panels (430,440) shows typical default setting and maneuverability of individual cycles in each machine. In the example display panel, 5 cycles in each machine are selectable as yes/no (y/n) options. Against each of these 5 cycles at the display panel (430), there is an additional option selections viz. 'Recycle or Not" at the display panel (430). Similarly, against each of the 5 options at the display panel (440). Recycled or Fresh water usage is displayed, depending on selections in the first machine ( 100). Upon selecting a particular cycle option in one machine, certain options are automatically selected in the other. For example any selected cycle at the display panel (430) also selected as Recycle will automatically lead to the corresponding cycle of the other display panel (440) selected as ^"y^* and "Recycled^". Likewise, if any cycle at the display panel (440) is selected as "Freshwater'^" the corresponding previous cycle in the other display panel (430) displays as V against ^•Recycle/ and operate the first machine (100) accordingly. As such, various permutations and combinations are applicable by selecting options at the knobs (410) ( 420) and at the display panels (430 , 440). A typical chronological sequence of tandem operation of the two machine cycles corresponding to the default selections of Figure 4A is shown in Figure 4B.

To simplify the panel options at the display panels ( 430, 440), pre-set combinations may be selectable through text displays like "Max Cleaning -t- Low Water Saving^"" for example in case of the default setting shown here. However, if all cycles are selected for Recycle in the example situation, the text display may be "Max Cleaning -ι- Highest Water Saving". Likewise, if only Wash and one Rinse cycle is selected and both are also selected for Recycle, the text can be "Min Cleaning + Max Water Savings. If however, additionally Pre-Wash is also selected, it could be ''Medium cleaning + Max Water Saving" and if yet another Fresh Rinse is selected at the display panel (440), it could be ''Medium Cleaning + Low water Saving" etc. In each of these selections, further program logic, also known as Fuzzy logic in automated washing machines, may be applied, such as shortening the length of wash cycle automatically if the selection is "Min Cleaning + Max Power Saving" etc. The tandem type configurations of the washing system may be preferably horizontal as shown here, or a vertically stacked twin i.e. the first machine ( 100) on top of the second machine (200), to save space or any other desirable reason.

Typical Wash Cycles for both the machines (100, 200) operating in tandem,' controlled through the common controller (408) is shown below for example:

Various advantageous features of the washing machine are the following:

1. Any cycle of the first machine (100) dischargeable as effluent and rest recyclable as input for the second machine (200).

2. Fresh water at any cycle option for the second machine (200) as well, e.g. last rinse as exemplified above.

3. Any selected cycle of the first machine(l OO), also being selectable as 'recycle' in the second machine (200).

4. Independent temperature controls of the machines (100 , 200)

5. Different Wash logic selectable in the first and second machine( 100, 200); e.g. 'delicate^* in the first machine 100 and 'hard' in the second machine (200).

6. Controlling cycles in the machines (100 , 200), depending on selection of washables types e.g. Cotton in the first machine (100) and heavily Soiled kitchen mops in the second machine (200).

7. Interlocked delay operations like starting the machines ( 100, 200) at a particular time, or stopping at a particular stage e.g. after pre-washing at the first machine (100). Additionally, keeping the first machine (100) on "hold^" till the second machine (200) is not ready to take the intended input of grey water from the first machine (100).

8. On finishing the cycles of a particular machine earlier, allowing the door to open for taking away the cleaned laundry and placing next load to be washed.

9. After removing the laundered material , grey water is returned from the machine still in use to the emptied one, for further use in any of the machines as selected. The 2^nd Rinse water may be redirected to the first machine ( 100) for temporary storage and subsequent use for the first cycle of the next load in the second machine (200).

10. Likewise, when only the first machine (100) is used, using the second machine (200) for storing grey water of any cycle, e.g. either wash or rinse, for later use in any cycle of the first machine (100).

1 1. On switching off the interlock logic, both the machine (100, 200) are operable independently as two conventional machines. 12. Interrupted disposal of Detergent, Bleach and other Solvent through disposal trays ( 140, 240) in both machines ( 100, 200); i.e. any of the cycle may be interrupted to operate the machine to extract specified material stocked in the disposal tray ( 140, 240).

The multiple combination may have one or more of any type of automatic washing machine such as front loading tumble or top loading agitator etc. For example the first machine may be front loading tumble wash suitable for delicate clothes and the second may be top loading agitator wash more suitable for heavily soiled linen etc.

The tandem type washing system may be placed on the roof-top for further recycling of effluent waters of the first machine (100) and/or the second - machine (200) discharged through their associated drainage pipes( 130, 230) . In this configuration, the said drainage pipes (130, 230) are connected to a storage device such as a reservoir (500). The reservoir may pass the effluent water through a Channel means that may be similar to the channel means (3^'00), shown here at (505). The channel means (505) may lead to a storage tank (510) that may have filtration means such as divider plates with descending level of pores or no-porous plates placed in such a way that it allows overflow to the next chamber. Additionally, the storage tanks may have transparent panels that allow solar rays to pass through in the stored water, for prevention of and further breakdown of pathogens. A solar heater may also be employed if the water is desired to be heated.

The biggest advantage of this novel construction is that the effluent grey water discharged and stored at the roof top does not require any pumping. As the fresh water used for washing is generally already stored at the rooftops, there is net saving of energy. The grey water may be further processed using sun-rays and may be supplied through a separate pipelines for flushing (520), gardening (530), car-wash (540) and the like. Moreover, laundering at roof top will also facilitate drying clothes under the sun, further saving efforts to carry the washed clothes there. An additional drainage pipe running through the bottom of all compartments (550) may be connected to a hydrant (560) for any use including for ground water recharging through a pit (570), additional water source in emergencies like fire as shown (580).

In a different scenario, more than two machines may be interconnected serially, e.g. a third machine operable to extract selected effluents of the second and/or first machine, and so on. This type of modular configuration may be more useful in an industrial situation where heavily soiled load maybe more.

Many known devices and processed may be used to clean the final effluents of the tandem washing machines placed at the rooftops. Through additional mechanical means, alternative drainage and fool-proofing systems may be provided for contingencies like power-failure, system crash and/or overflow etc.

Although the present invention has been described in detail here, various changes, substitutions, and alterations may be readily ascertainable by those skilled in the art and may be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in the following claims. Moreover, the present invention is not intended to be limited in any way by any statement in the specification that is not otherwise reflected in the appended claims.

Claims

Wc Claim:

A tandem washing system configuration comprising at least two automatic washing machines (100, 200) of identical construction disposed parallcly or vertically adjacent to each other being flowably connected via a channel means having a two-way solenoid valve (300), each of the two automatic washing machines ( 100, 200) having individual tap water inlets ( 1 10, 210), separate effluent drainage outlets ( 130, 230), disposal trays ( 140, 240) containing washing chemicals, individual heating devices, separate processors, and^identically designed rotatable means, characterized in that the system configuration is provided with a micro-processor-based controller (400) which causes the second automatic washing machine (200) to use as an input the discharged water of at least one cycle of. the first machine ( 100) transmitted via the interconnected channel by means of the two-way solenoid valve (300), and in that the controller (400) being operable to cause the automatic washing machines ( 100, 200) to function at tandem upon selection of any of a plurality of available attributes in respect of wash cycle, wash load, washable material, intended consumption of resources, selected time and duration for operation, thereby optimising the operational inputs and improvement in wash quality.

2. The system configuration as claimed in claim I , comprising a filtration device ( 3 10) with a back flush means to remove suspended impurities.

3. The system configuration as claimed in claim 1 , comprising an irridation device to remove pathogens from the discharged water.

4. The system configuration as claimed in claim 1, wherein the channel means is provided with^'a sensor (330) to determine the turbidity of the discharged water from the first machine ( 100) being transmitted to the second machine ( 200).

5. The system configuration as claimed in claim 1 or 3, comprising a solenoid valve means ( 340) to release additional turbid water in case the sensor (330) determines turbidity of the discharged water to be less than a predetermined level.

6. The system configuration as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the controller ( 400) is preconfigured with a default setting which can be altered by means of push buttons ( 410) and knobs ( 420), and wherein at least two display panels ( 430, 440) are provided being associated with each of the washing machines ( 100, 200).

7. The system configuration as claimed in claim 1 , comprising an intermediate reservoir chamber provided between the first and the second washing machines ( 100, 200) for temporary storage of discharge water of each cycle.

8. The .system configuration as claimed in claim 6, wherein the control ler ('40O) is operable to interlock operating cycles of the at least two washing machines ( 100, 200). whereby on completion of a selected cycle of any of the two washing machines, the next selected cycle of said washing machine is^" caused to remain on hold till the time the other of the two washing machines is made capable to extract the discharge water of said completed cycle of said one of the two washing machines.

9. The system configuration as claimed in claims 4 or 5, wherein the controller (400) is operable to cause the second washing machine (200) on hold, in case the turbidity of the discharge water from the first washing machine ( 100) as determined by the sensor (330) exceeds a threshold value.

10. The system configuration as claimed in claim 1. wherein the controller ( 400) is configured to operate the first and second automatic washing machines

• ( 100, 200)singly or combinedly.

1 1. A tandem washing system configuration as herein described and illustrated ^•with reference to the accompanying drawings.