EP1928290A1 - Washer with overflow prevention device - Google Patents

Washer with overflow prevention device

Info

Publication number
EP1928290A1
EP1928290A1 EP07734785A EP07734785A EP1928290A1 EP 1928290 A1 EP1928290 A1 EP 1928290A1 EP 07734785 A EP07734785 A EP 07734785A EP 07734785 A EP07734785 A EP 07734785A EP 1928290 A1 EP1928290 A1 EP 1928290A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
switch
configuration
contact
conductor
washer according
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
Application number
EP07734785A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1928290B1 (en
Inventor
Savio La Bella
Costantino Mariotti
Giovanni Bombardieri
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Original Assignee
Indesit Co SpA
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Indesit Co SpA filed Critical Indesit Co SpA
Priority to PL07734785T priority Critical patent/PL1928290T3/en
Publication of EP1928290A1 publication Critical patent/EP1928290A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1928290B1 publication Critical patent/EP1928290B1/en
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • 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
    • 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

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a washer comprising an overflow prevention safety device which prevents unwanted water overflows .
  • Washers comprise electrical appliances for washing, for example: washing machines for cleaning clothes, bed sheets, etc.; dishwashers for washing dishes, cutlery, pans, etc.
  • washers called “washing machines” are suitable for carrying out at least a washing treatment on textile articles made of any fibre or in any colour and may be machines called “textile articles washers” or machines called “textile articles washer - driers", if in addition to washing they also carry out at least a treatment for drying textile articles.
  • Textile articles can be loaded in a washing machine at the front, through an opening made in the front wall of the machine, or from the top, through an opening made in the upper wall of the machine.
  • Such washers comprise a washing tank in which the user places the articles to be washed.
  • the washing tank has a pipe for washing water feed and a pipe for its drainage.
  • Water feed and drainage is regulated according to the signal arriving from a pressure switch connected to the washing tank which detects the water level in the washing tank.
  • the water level in the tank is kept between a minimum value and a maximum value which allows correct operation.
  • Prior art devices comprise a pressure switch comprising a switch which, depending on the water level detected in the washing tank, adopts three different configurations: a first configuration in which the switch is in electrical contact with a first contact; when this first configuration is adopted the detector signals to the electronic control card that a low and predetermined water level has been reached in the washing tank and enables the inflow of water into the washing tank; a second configuration in which the switch is in electrical contact with a second contact; when this second configuration is adopted the detector signals that a predetermined water level higher than that of the first configuration has been reached in the washing tank and inhibits the inflow of any more water into the washing tank; a third configuration in which the switch is in electrical contact with the second and with a third contact; when this third configuration is adopted the detector signals that a predetermined excessive and anomalous water level has been reached.
  • the third contact is normally directly connected by an electrical cable to a drainage pump and when the third configuration is adopted causes the electrical cable to activate the drainage pump which empties the washing tank.
  • the drainage pump is powered through another cable
  • the electrical appliances described above have several disadvantages .
  • the overflow prevention circuit requires quite a lot of wiring. That means high costs, linked to the costs of the wiring and the costs of the labour needed for installation and maintenance . In particular the labour costs are proportional to the time required and so also the number of connections to be made which increase with increases in the amount of wiring.
  • the present invention has for an aim to overcome the above- mentioned disadvantages by providing a washer comprising a device which prevents the risks of unwanted water overflows, the device being economical and easy to install .
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a washer in accordance with the invention.
  • Figures 2, 3, 4 are schematic views of three different configurations .
  • the numeral 1 denotes a washer in accordance with the present invention.
  • the washer 1 comprises an electrical appliance.
  • the washer 1 comprises a washing machine or a dishwasher.
  • the washer 1 is of the type comprising a washing tank 2 suitable for containing the water used for the washing treatment .
  • the washing tank 2 is a compartment in which there is a rotary drum into which the user puts the articles to be washed (consisting of clothes, linen, etc.).
  • the articles to be washed In the case of a dishwasher the articles to be washed
  • washing tank 2 (consisting of dishes, pans, cutlery, etc.) are put directly into the washing tank 2 , the latter being a compartment which the user can access via a door and the compartment containing supports on which to put the articles to be washed.
  • the washer 1 also comprises: a detector 3 for the water level in the washing tank 2 ; a washer 1 electronic control unit 4 ; the electronic control unit 4 being electrically connected to a first and a second electric conductor 51, 52; a movable switch 5 controlled by the water level detector 3, the first and second conductors 51, 52 being operatively associable with the switch 5 by contact. In the event of said contact, the switch 5 supplies electrical power to the corresponding conductor 51, 52.
  • the water level detector 3 sends the switch 5 a signal which is relative to the reaching of at least three predetermined water levels in the washing tank 2.
  • the switch 5 adopts different configurations, each corresponding to one of the at least three predetermined water levels .
  • the switch 5 is made of a material which conducts electricity.
  • the switch 5 is also connected to one of the phases of the mains, said mains schematically illustrated in Figure 1 with the electric feeder block 9.
  • the first and second electric conductors 51, 52 transfer to the electronic control unit 4, according to a binary logic linked to whether or not an electric current passes in each electric conductor 51, 52, at least three different items of information relating to the water level in the washing tank 2. Each item of information unambiguously corresponds to one of the corresponding different configurations of the switch 5.
  • the switch 5 can move between at least three of the following possible configurations : a first configuration in which the switch is in contact only with the first conductor 51 of the two electric conductors 51, 52; in this configuration the electronic control unit 4 detects the passage of current in the first conductor 51 and the absence of current in the second conductor 52 (as indicated for example in Figure 2) ; a second configuration in which the switch is in contact only with the second conductor 52 of the two conductors 51, 52; in this configuration the electronic control unit 4 detects the passage of current in the second conductor 52 and the absence of current in the first conductor 51 (as indicated for example in Figure 3) ; a third configuration in which the switch is in contact with the first and the second conductors 51, 52; in this configuration the electronic control unit 4 detects the passage of current in both the first and the second conductors 51, 52 (as indicated for example in Figure 4) ; a fourth configuration in which the switch is not in contact with the first or the second conductor 51, 52; in this configuration the electronic control
  • the switch 5 is preferably able to move between the first, second and third configurations.
  • the switch 5 remains in the configuration previously adopted until it receives from the water level detector 3 the signal indicating that the predetermined water level, corresponding to a different configuration, has been reached in the washing tank 2.
  • the presence of a predetermined minimum water level in the washing tank 2 is associated with a predetermined configuration amongst those the switch 5 can adopt.
  • the signalling to the electronic control unit 4 that it must enable the inflow of water into the washing tank 2.
  • Said configuration is conventionally indicated as the "empty configuration" .
  • said configuration coincides with the first configuration.
  • the water is fed into the washing tank 2 through an inlet pipe 40 along which there is a valve 41 which, if open, allows the water to pass.
  • the presence of a predetermined maximum water level in the washing tank 2, considered compatible with normal washing, is associated with another predetermined and different configuration amongst those the switch 5 can adopt.
  • the signalling to the electronic control unit 4 that it must inhibit the inflow of any more water into the washing tank 2.
  • Said configuration is conventionally indicated as the "full configuration" . In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, said configuration coincides with the second configuration.
  • the signalling to the electronic control unit 4 that a predetermined, excessive and anomalous water level has been reached is associated with another predetermined and different configuration amongst those the switch 5 can adopt.
  • Said configuration is conventionally indicated as the "overflow prevention configuration" .
  • said configuration coincides with the third configuration .
  • each configuration may be associated with any item of information relative to the water level in the washing tank 2, provided that there is an unambiguous and previously coded match.
  • the washer 1 comprises means 7 for draining the water from the washing tank 2.
  • the drainage means 7 may be activated by the electronic control unit 4 if the configuration signalling an excessive and anomalous water level is adopted. This prevents the water from overflowing from the washing tank 2.
  • the water drainage means 7 comprise a drainage pump 71 positioned along a drainage pipe 70 connected to the washing tank 2.
  • the switch 5 is hinged at a first point 501 and can rotate relative to the first point 501 so as to pass from one configuration to the other.
  • the switch 5 preferably consists of a small rod which develops mainly in one direction.
  • the rotation relative to the first point 501 of the switch 5 tangent measured at the first point 501 always occurs in the same direction, passing from a configuration associated with a lower water level to a configuration associated with a higher water level and vice versa. This simplifies the mechanism of the system for moving the switch 5 according to the water level detector 3 signal.
  • the first or the second conductor 51, 52 makes contact with the switch 5 at a second point 502 of the switch 5.
  • the second point 502 is at a predetermined distance, other than zero, from the first point 501.
  • the first or the second conductor 51, 52 stops the switch 5 at the second point 502 of the switch 5.
  • to stop refers to a first element able to move in a predetermined direction making contact with a second element, the second element obstructing or preventing the continuation of the motion of the first element along the original direction.
  • the switch 5 comprises a deformable zone 503 inserted between the first point 501 and the second point 502.
  • the first and second points 501, 502 remain as they were in the second configuration whilst the deformable zone 503 curves and makes contact with the first conductor 53.
  • the first conductor 51 comprises a first and a second electric contact 61, 62 designed to make contact with the switch 5, the first and second electric contacts Sl, 62 being positioned at a predetermined distance from one another.
  • the first conductor 51 is split into a fork with two stretches, a first stretch 511 comprising the first contact 61 and a second stretch 512 comprising the second contact 62.
  • the first and second stretches 511, 512 are electrically connected in at least one shared point 513. Said shared point 513 is inserted between the switch 5 and the electronic control unit 4.
  • the second conductor 52 comprises a third electric contact 63 designed to make contact with the switch 5.
  • the switch 5 preferably makes contact with the first electric contact 61; in the second configuration it makes contact with the third electric contact 63 and in the third configuration it makes contact with the second and third electric contacts 62, 63.
  • the switch 5 is stopped by the first electric contact 61 and in the second configuration it is stopped by the third electric contact 63.
  • the third electric contact 63 in combination with the remaining parts of the washer 1 which allow detection of the danger situation linked to an excessive water level in the washing tank 2 , constitute the overflow prevention device . They prevent the water from overflowing to the outside.
  • the washer 1 preferably comprises a pressure switch 8 in turn comprising the water level detector 3, the switch 5 and the three contacts 61, 62, 63.
  • the pressure switch 8 comprises a pressure sensor located along the drainage pipe 70 or close to the lower part of the washing tank 2.
  • the pressure switch 8 detects the pressure applied by the water present in the washing tank 2.
  • the switch 5 is calibrated so as to associate the configuration conventionally known as "empty” with a pressure corresponding to around 70 millimetres of water column, the configuration conventionally known as “full” with a pressure of 95 millimetres of water column and the configuration conventionally known as "overflow prevention" with a pressure of 330 millimetres of water column.
  • the switch 5 in general during washer 1 normal operation, the switch 5 is stopped by the first or the third contact 61, 63. If there is a fault in the water inlet system, the water level in the washing tank 2 will tend to rise, resulting in the risk of water overflows. For example, in the case of a washing machine water may overflow through the detergent drawer. When the water level in the washing tank 2 reaches a warning level, in response to a signal from the water level detector 3 , the switch 5 changes from the configuration conventionally known as "full" to the configuration conventionally known as "overflow prevention" .
  • the switch 5 which in the "full" configuration ( Figure 2) was stopped by the third contact 63 curves and makes contact with not just the third contact 63 but also the second contact 62 ( Figure 3) .
  • the electric signal carried by the two conductors 51, 52 informs the electronic control unit 4 of the imminent danger, so that it can apply suitable countermeasures such as activating the drainage pump 71.
  • the fourth configuration could be adopted to signal that the pressure switch 8 is broken.
  • the invention brings important advantages . Firstly, by reducing the amount of wiring it reduces wiring costs . Another important advantage is the reduction in the time needed for the various connections, which means savings in terms of labour. A no less important advantage is simplification and optimisation of the circuit. Reducing the number of components also reduces the risk of malfunctions. It is particularly interesting that the above-mentioned advantages are obtained with inexpensive modifications to known devices .
  • the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4, unlike the prior art there is no wire connecting the third contact to the drainage pump, although the electronic control unit 4 is still connected to the drainage pump 71 by a drainage pump 71 power supply cable already present in the prior art.
  • the invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
  • Centrifugal Separators (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Fiber Materials (AREA)
  • Soil Working Implements (AREA)
  • Detergent Compositions (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
  • Jet Pumps And Other Pumps (AREA)
  • Sink And Installation For Waste Water (AREA)

Abstract

A washer comprises: a washing tank (2); a detector (3) for the water level in the washing tank (2); a washer (1) electronic control unit (4), the electronic control unit (4) being electrically connected to a first and a second electric conductor (51, 52) which in turn can be connected to a movable switch (5) controlled by the detector (3) depending on the water level in the washing tank (2). The first and second electric conductors (51, 52) transfer to the electronic control unit (4) at least three different items of information relating to the water level in the washing tank (2). Said transfer is carried out according to a binary logic linked to whether or not an electric current passes in each electric conductor (51, 52). Each item of information corresponds to one of the corresponding different configurations of the switch (5).

Description

Description
Washer with overflow prevention device
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a washer comprising an overflow prevention safety device which prevents unwanted water overflows .
Washers comprise electrical appliances for washing, for example: washing machines for cleaning clothes, bed sheets, etc.; dishwashers for washing dishes, cutlery, pans, etc. In particular, washers called "washing machines" are suitable for carrying out at least a washing treatment on textile articles made of any fibre or in any colour and may be machines called "textile articles washers" or machines called "textile articles washer - driers", if in addition to washing they also carry out at least a treatment for drying textile articles. Textile articles can be loaded in a washing machine at the front, through an opening made in the front wall of the machine, or from the top, through an opening made in the upper wall of the machine.
Such washers comprise a washing tank in which the user places the articles to be washed. The washing tank has a pipe for washing water feed and a pipe for its drainage. Water feed and drainage is regulated according to the signal arriving from a pressure switch connected to the washing tank which detects the water level in the washing tank. The water level in the tank is kept between a minimum value and a maximum value which allows correct operation.
If the feed pipe valve malfunctions, for example if the valve remains jammed open, the water level in the washing tank could become too high. Such a situation could result in water overflowing to the outside of the washing tank. For this reason, there is an overflow prevention device which detects when a dangerous water level is reached in the washing tank.
Background Art
Prior art devices comprise a pressure switch comprising a switch which, depending on the water level detected in the washing tank, adopts three different configurations: a first configuration in which the switch is in electrical contact with a first contact; when this first configuration is adopted the detector signals to the electronic control card that a low and predetermined water level has been reached in the washing tank and enables the inflow of water into the washing tank; a second configuration in which the switch is in electrical contact with a second contact; when this second configuration is adopted the detector signals that a predetermined water level higher than that of the first configuration has been reached in the washing tank and inhibits the inflow of any more water into the washing tank; a third configuration in which the switch is in electrical contact with the second and with a third contact; when this third configuration is adopted the detector signals that a predetermined excessive and anomalous water level has been reached. The third contact is normally directly connected by an electrical cable to a drainage pump and when the third configuration is adopted causes the electrical cable to activate the drainage pump which empties the washing tank. The drainage pump is powered through another cable which connects the electronic control card to the drainage pump .
The electrical appliances described above have several disadvantages .
In particular, the overflow prevention circuit requires quite a lot of wiring. That means high costs, linked to the costs of the wiring and the costs of the labour needed for installation and maintenance . In particular the labour costs are proportional to the time required and so also the number of connections to be made which increase with increases in the amount of wiring.
Disclosure of the Invention
The present invention has for an aim to overcome the above- mentioned disadvantages by providing a washer comprising a device which prevents the risks of unwanted water overflows, the device being economical and easy to install . These aims and others, which are more apparent in the description which follows, are achieved, in accordance with the present invention, by a washer with the structural and functional features described in the independent claims herein, further embodiments of the device are described in the dependent claims .
Brief Description of the Drawings
The invention is described in more detail below, with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate a preferred non-limiting embodiment of the invention, and in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic view of a washer in accordance with the invention;
Figures 2, 3, 4 are schematic views of three different configurations .
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
In Figure 1 the numeral 1 denotes a washer in accordance with the present invention. Advantageously, the washer 1 comprises an electrical appliance. For example, the washer 1 comprises a washing machine or a dishwasher.
The washer 1 is of the type comprising a washing tank 2 suitable for containing the water used for the washing treatment .
In the case of a washing machine, the washing tank 2 is a compartment in which there is a rotary drum into which the user puts the articles to be washed (consisting of clothes, linen, etc.). In the case of a dishwasher the articles to be washed
(consisting of dishes, pans, cutlery, etc.) are put directly into the washing tank 2 , the latter being a compartment which the user can access via a door and the compartment containing supports on which to put the articles to be washed.
The washer 1 also comprises: a detector 3 for the water level in the washing tank 2 ; a washer 1 electronic control unit 4 ; the electronic control unit 4 being electrically connected to a first and a second electric conductor 51, 52; a movable switch 5 controlled by the water level detector 3, the first and second conductors 51, 52 being operatively associable with the switch 5 by contact. In the event of said contact, the switch 5 supplies electrical power to the corresponding conductor 51, 52. The water level detector 3 sends the switch 5 a signal which is relative to the reaching of at least three predetermined water levels in the washing tank 2.
Depending on said signal the switch 5 adopts different configurations, each corresponding to one of the at least three predetermined water levels . The switch 5 is made of a material which conducts electricity. The switch 5 is also connected to one of the phases of the mains, said mains schematically illustrated in Figure 1 with the electric feeder block 9.
The first and second electric conductors 51, 52 transfer to the electronic control unit 4, according to a binary logic linked to whether or not an electric current passes in each electric conductor 51, 52, at least three different items of information relating to the water level in the washing tank 2. Each item of information unambiguously corresponds to one of the corresponding different configurations of the switch 5.
In Figures 2, 3, 4 the reference characters A, Z are used to indicate the two values which in a binary logic respectively indicate whether or not a current passes in the first and/or second electric conductor 51, 52. Whether or not a current passes in the first and/or second conductor 51, 52 is detected by the electronic control unit 4 connected to them. Advantageously, the switch 5 can move between at least three of the following possible configurations : a first configuration in which the switch is in contact only with the first conductor 51 of the two electric conductors 51, 52; in this configuration the electronic control unit 4 detects the passage of current in the first conductor 51 and the absence of current in the second conductor 52 (as indicated for example in Figure 2) ; a second configuration in which the switch is in contact only with the second conductor 52 of the two conductors 51, 52; in this configuration the electronic control unit 4 detects the passage of current in the second conductor 52 and the absence of current in the first conductor 51 (as indicated for example in Figure 3) ; a third configuration in which the switch is in contact with the first and the second conductors 51, 52; in this configuration the electronic control unit 4 detects the passage of current in both the first and the second conductors 51, 52 (as indicated for example in Figure 4) ; a fourth configuration in which the switch is not in contact with the first or the second conductor 51, 52; in this configuration the electronic control unit 4 detects the absence of current in both the first and the second conductors 51, 52 (solution not illustrated) .
The switch 5 is preferably able to move between the first, second and third configurations.
Advantageously, the switch 5 remains in the configuration previously adopted until it receives from the water level detector 3 the signal indicating that the predetermined water level, corresponding to a different configuration, has been reached in the washing tank 2.
Appropriately, during washing, the presence of a predetermined minimum water level in the washing tank 2 is associated with a predetermined configuration amongst those the switch 5 can adopt. Also associated with said configuration is the signalling to the electronic control unit 4 that it must enable the inflow of water into the washing tank 2. Said configuration is conventionally indicated as the "empty configuration" . In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, said configuration coincides with the first configuration. The water is fed into the washing tank 2 through an inlet pipe 40 along which there is a valve 41 which, if open, allows the water to pass.
Appropriately, the presence of a predetermined maximum water level in the washing tank 2, considered compatible with normal washing, is associated with another predetermined and different configuration amongst those the switch 5 can adopt. Also associated with said configuration is the signalling to the electronic control unit 4 that it must inhibit the inflow of any more water into the washing tank 2. Said configuration is conventionally indicated as the "full configuration" . In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, said configuration coincides with the second configuration.
Appropriately, the signalling to the electronic control unit 4 that a predetermined, excessive and anomalous water level has been reached is associated with another predetermined and different configuration amongst those the switch 5 can adopt. Said configuration is conventionally indicated as the "overflow prevention configuration" . In a preferred but non-limiting embodiment, said configuration coincides with the third configuration . Generally speaking, each configuration may be associated with any item of information relative to the water level in the washing tank 2, provided that there is an unambiguous and previously coded match.
The washer 1 comprises means 7 for draining the water from the washing tank 2. The drainage means 7 may be activated by the electronic control unit 4 if the configuration signalling an excessive and anomalous water level is adopted. This prevents the water from overflowing from the washing tank 2.
The water drainage means 7 comprise a drainage pump 71 positioned along a drainage pipe 70 connected to the washing tank 2.
In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 4, the switch 5 is hinged at a first point 501 and can rotate relative to the first point 501 so as to pass from one configuration to the other. The switch 5 preferably consists of a small rod which develops mainly in one direction.
Preferably, the rotation relative to the first point 501 of the switch 5 tangent measured at the first point 501 always occurs in the same direction, passing from a configuration associated with a lower water level to a configuration associated with a higher water level and vice versa. This simplifies the mechanism of the system for moving the switch 5 according to the water level detector 3 signal.
In the first or second configuration respectively the first or the second conductor 51, 52 makes contact with the switch 5 at a second point 502 of the switch 5. The second point 502 is at a predetermined distance, other than zero, from the first point 501. Preferably, in the first or the second configuration respectively the first or the second conductor 51, 52 stops the switch 5 at the second point 502 of the switch 5.
In this text the term "to stop" refers to a first element able to move in a predetermined direction making contact with a second element, the second element obstructing or preventing the continuation of the motion of the first element along the original direction.
The switch 5 comprises a deformable zone 503 inserted between the first point 501 and the second point 502. In the third configuration the first and second points 501, 502 remain as they were in the second configuration whilst the deformable zone 503 curves and makes contact with the first conductor 53.
The first conductor 51 comprises a first and a second electric contact 61, 62 designed to make contact with the switch 5, the first and second electric contacts Sl, 62 being positioned at a predetermined distance from one another. In the non-limiting example embodiment illustrated in the accompanying drawings, at the switch 5 the first conductor 51 is split into a fork with two stretches, a first stretch 511 comprising the first contact 61 and a second stretch 512 comprising the second contact 62. The first and second stretches 511, 512 are electrically connected in at least one shared point 513. Said shared point 513 is inserted between the switch 5 and the electronic control unit 4. The second conductor 52 comprises a third electric contact 63 designed to make contact with the switch 5.
In the first configuration the switch 5 preferably makes contact with the first electric contact 61; in the second configuration it makes contact with the third electric contact 63 and in the third configuration it makes contact with the second and third electric contacts 62, 63.
In particular, in the first configuration the switch 5 is stopped by the first electric contact 61 and in the second configuration it is stopped by the third electric contact 63. The third electric contact 63, in combination with the remaining parts of the washer 1 which allow detection of the danger situation linked to an excessive water level in the washing tank 2 , constitute the overflow prevention device . They prevent the water from overflowing to the outside.
The washer 1 preferably comprises a pressure switch 8 in turn comprising the water level detector 3, the switch 5 and the three contacts 61, 62, 63.
The pressure switch 8 comprises a pressure sensor located along the drainage pipe 70 or close to the lower part of the washing tank 2. The pressure switch 8 detects the pressure applied by the water present in the washing tank 2. In a non-limiting example embodiment, the switch 5 is calibrated so as to associate the configuration conventionally known as "empty" with a pressure corresponding to around 70 millimetres of water column, the configuration conventionally known as "full" with a pressure of 95 millimetres of water column and the configuration conventionally known as "overflow prevention" with a pressure of 330 millimetres of water column.
With reference to the example embodiment in Figures 2, 3, 4, in general during washer 1 normal operation, the switch 5 is stopped by the first or the third contact 61, 63. If there is a fault in the water inlet system, the water level in the washing tank 2 will tend to rise, resulting in the risk of water overflows. For example, in the case of a washing machine water may overflow through the detergent drawer. When the water level in the washing tank 2 reaches a warning level, in response to a signal from the water level detector 3 , the switch 5 changes from the configuration conventionally known as "full" to the configuration conventionally known as "overflow prevention" . The switch 5 which in the "full" configuration (Figure 2) was stopped by the third contact 63 curves and makes contact with not just the third contact 63 but also the second contact 62 (Figure 3) . The electric signal carried by the two conductors 51, 52 informs the electronic control unit 4 of the imminent danger, so that it can apply suitable countermeasures such as activating the drainage pump 71.
Advantageously, but without limiting the scope of the invention, the fourth configuration, not illustrated, could be adopted to signal that the pressure switch 8 is broken.
The invention brings important advantages . Firstly, by reducing the amount of wiring it reduces wiring costs . Another important advantage is the reduction in the time needed for the various connections, which means savings in terms of labour. A no less important advantage is simplification and optimisation of the circuit. Reducing the number of components also reduces the risk of malfunctions. It is particularly interesting that the above-mentioned advantages are obtained with inexpensive modifications to known devices . In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2, 3, 4, unlike the prior art, there is no wire connecting the third contact to the drainage pump, although the electronic control unit 4 is still connected to the drainage pump 71 by a drainage pump 71 power supply cable already present in the prior art. The invention described above may be modified and adapted in several ways without thereby departing from the scope of the inventive concept .
Moreover, all details of the invention may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements. In practice, all of the materials used, as well as the dimensions may be any, according to requirements.

Claims

Claims
1. A washer comprising: a washing tank (2) suitable for containing the water used for the washing treatment ; a detector (3) for the water level in the washing tank (2) ; a washer (1) electronic control unit (4) , the electronic control unit (4) being electrically connected to a first and a second electric conductor (51, 52) ; a movable switch (5) made of a material which conducts electricity, controlled by the water level detector (3) , the first and second conductors (51, 52) being operatively associable with the switch (5) by contact, the switch (5) , in the event of said contact, supplying electrical power to the corresponding conductor (51, 52) ; the water level detector (3) sending the switch (5) a signal which is relative to the reaching of at least three predetermined water levels in the washing tank (2) ; the washer being characterised in that: depending on said signal the switch (5) adopts different configurations, each corresponding to one of the at least three predetermined water levels,- the first and second electric conductors (51, 52) transfer to the electronic control unit (4) , according to a binary logic linked to whether or not an electric current passes in each electric conductor (51, 52) , at least three different items of information relating to the water level in the washing tank (2), each item of information unambiguously corresponding to one of the different configurations of the switch (5) .
2. The washer according to claim 1, characterised in that the switch (5) can move between at least three of the following possible configurations : a first configuration in which the switch is in contact only with the first conductor (51) of the two electric conductors (51, 52) , the electronic control unit (4) detecting the passage of current in the first conductor (51) and the absence of current in the second conductor (52) ; a second configuration in which the switch is in contact only with the second conductor (52) of the two conductors (51,
52) , the electronic control unit (4) detecting the passage of current in the second conductor (52) and the absence of current in the first conductor (51) ; a third configuration in which the switch is in contact with the first and the second conductors (51, 52) , the electronic control unit (4) detecting the passage of current in both the first and the second conductors (51, 52); a fourth configuration in which the switch is not in contact either with the first or with the second conductor (51, 52) , the electronic control unit (4) detecting the absence of current in both the first and the second conductors (51, 52) .
- 3. The washer according to claim 2, characterised in that the switch (5) can move between the first configuration, the second configuration and the third configuration.
4. The washer according to claim 1 or 2 or 3 , characterised in that the switch (5) remains in the configuration previously adopted until it receives from the water level detector (3) the signal indicating that the predetermined water level, corresponding to a different configuration, has been reached in the washing tank (2) .
5. The washer according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that during washing, the presence of a predetermined minimum water level in the washing tank (2) and enabling of the inflow of water into the washing tank (2) are associated with a predetermined configuration amongst those the switch (5) can adopt.
6. The washer according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the presence of a predetermined maximum water level in the washing tank (2) , considered compatible with normal washing, and the inhibiting of the inflow of any more water into the washing tank (2) are associated with a predetermined configuration amongst those the switch (5) can adopt.
7. The washer according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the signalling to the electronic control unit (4) that a predetermined, excessive and anomalous water level has been reached is associated with a predetermined configuration amongst those the switch (5) can adopt.
8. The washer according to claim 7, comprising means (7) for draining the water from the washing tank (2) , the drainage means (7) being activated by the electronic control unit (4) if the configuration signalling an excessive and anomalous water level is adopted .
9. The washer according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the switch (5) is hinged at a first point (501) and can rotate relative to the first point (501) so as to pass from one configuration to the other.
10. The washer according to claim 9, characterised in that the switch (5) consists of a small rod which develops mainly in one direction.
11. The washer according to claim 9 or 10, characterised in that the rotation relative to the first point (501) of the switch (5) tangent measured at the first point (501) always occurs in the same direction, passing from a configuration associated with a lower water level to a configuration associated with a higher water level and vice versa.
12. The washer according to claim 9 or 10 or 11 when it is directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2, characterised in that in the first or second configuration respectively the first or the second conductor (51, 52) makes contact with the switch (5) at a second point (502) of the switch (5) , the second point (502) being at a predetermined distance, other than zero, from the first point
(501) .
13. The washer according to claim 9 or 10 or 11 when it is directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2, characterised in that in the first or second configuration respectively the first or the second conductor (51, 52) stops the switch (5) at a second point
(502) of the switch (5) , the second point (502) being at a predetermined distance, other than zero, from the first point (501) .
14. The washer according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the switch (5) comprises a deformable zone (503) inserted between the first point (501) and the second point (502) , in the third configuration the first and second points (501, 502) remaining as they were in the second configuration whilst the deformable zone (503) curves and makes contact with the first conductor (53) .
15. The washer according to any of the foregoing claims, characterised in that the first conductor (51) comprises a first and a second electric contact (61, 62) designed to make contact with the switch (5) , the first and second electric contacts (61, 62) being positioned at a predetermined distance from one another, the second conductor (52) comprising a third electric contact (63) designed to make contact with the switch (5) .
16. The washer according to claim 15, characterised in that at the switch (5) the first conductor (51) is split into a fork with two stretches, a first stretch (511) comprising the first contact
(61) and a second stretch (512) comprising the second contact
(62) .
17. The washer according to claim 16, characterised in that the first and second stretches (511, 512) are electrically connected in at least one shared point (513) , said shared point (513) being inserted between the switch (5) and the electronic control unit (4) .
18. The washer according to claim 15 or 16 or 17 when it is directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2, characterised in that in the first configuration the switch (5) makes contact with the first electric contact (61), in the second configuration it makes contact with the third electric contact (63) and in the third configuration it makes contact with the second and third electric contacts (62, 63) .
19. The washer according to any of the claims from 15 to 18 when it is directly or indirectly dependent on claim 2, characterised in that in the first configuration the switch (5) is stopped by the first electric contact (61) and in the second configuration it is stopped by the third electric contact (63) .
20. The washer according to any of the claims from 15 to 19, comprising a pressure switch (8) in turn comprising the water level detector (3), the switch (5) and the three contacts (61, 62, 63) .
21. The washer according to any of the foregoing claims, comprising an electrical appliance for washing.
22. The washer according to any of the foregoing claims, comprising a washing machine.
23. The washer according to any of the foregoing claims, comprising a dishwasher.
24. The washer as in any of the foregoing claims and as described and illustrated herein with reference to the accompanying drawings and for the objects stated herein.
EP07734785A 2006-08-10 2007-05-30 Washer with overflow prevention device Active EP1928290B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL07734785T PL1928290T3 (en) 2006-08-10 2007-05-30 Washer with overflow prevention device

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000050A ITRN20060050A1 (en) 2006-08-10 2006-08-10 WASHING MACHINE WITH ANTI-REPAIR DEVICE.
PCT/IB2007/001507 WO2008017911A1 (en) 2006-08-10 2007-05-30 Washer with overflow prevention device

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP1928290A1 true EP1928290A1 (en) 2008-06-11
EP1928290B1 EP1928290B1 (en) 2009-03-04

Family

ID=38656648

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP07734785A Active EP1928290B1 (en) 2006-08-10 2007-05-30 Washer with overflow prevention device

Country Status (7)

Country Link
EP (1) EP1928290B1 (en)
AT (1) ATE424135T1 (en)
DE (1) DE602007000638D1 (en)
ES (1) ES2322824T3 (en)
IT (1) ITRN20060050A1 (en)
PL (1) PL1928290T3 (en)
WO (1) WO2008017911A1 (en)

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CN105731068A (en) * 2014-12-24 2016-07-06 炭研轴封精工有限公司 Non-contact transferring device and non-contact suction plate

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE102007041310B4 (en) 2007-08-31 2016-07-21 BSH Hausgeräte GmbH Water-conducting household appliance

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US4069425A (en) * 1976-06-03 1978-01-17 General Electric Company Full-time flood protection control for dishwasher
DE3544307A1 (en) * 1985-12-14 1987-06-19 Licentia Gmbh Household appliance with a water connection
US7032434B2 (en) * 2003-07-04 2006-04-25 Lg Electronics Inc. Water leakage detecting device in dishwasher

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Cited By (2)

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Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN105731068A (en) * 2014-12-24 2016-07-06 炭研轴封精工有限公司 Non-contact transferring device and non-contact suction plate
CN105731068B (en) * 2014-12-24 2019-05-21 炭研轴封精工有限公司 Non-contact transport apparatus and non-contact adhesion disk

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE424135T1 (en) 2009-03-15
DE602007000638D1 (en) 2009-04-16
WO2008017911A1 (en) 2008-02-14
ES2322824T3 (en) 2009-06-29
ITRN20060050A1 (en) 2008-02-11
EP1928290B1 (en) 2009-03-04
PL1928290T3 (en) 2009-07-31

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