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
  • D06F23/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry 
• • 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
  • D06F23/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry 
  • D06F23/02—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry  and rotating or oscillating about a horizontal axis
• • 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
  • D06F23/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry 
  • D06F23/04—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry  and rotating or oscillating about a vertical axis
• • 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
  • D06F23/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry 
  • D06F23/06—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry  and rotating or oscillating about an inclined axis

Definitions

• the present invention relates to a laundry-washing machine for domestic use, having a load-bearing structure that supports an oscillating assembly, the oscillating assembly including a washing tub and a laundry drum mounted in the tub for rotating about a respective working axis, the tub and the drum having respective access openings that are substantially coaxial or aligned with one another, in which the machine further comprises means for loading the tub with liquid, means for draining liquid from the tub, a motor for driving the drum, and a control system including command means, which can be switched by a user of the machine for controlling starting, or enabling execution of, a washing program.
• Laundry-washing machines can be basically classified in two main types, here defined for reasons of simplicity as “machines of a European type” and “machines of a U.S. type”.
• the laundry drum is mounted in the washing tub so as to rotate about a substantially horizontal or slightly inclined axis, and the tub is housed within a cabinet.
• the cabinet has an opening for front loading, in front of which a hatch is mounted, and this opening is substantially aligned to a front opening of the tub, which is in turn substantially aligned to a front opening of the drum.
• the tub is elastically suspended within the cabinet to be able to perform oscillations determined by the loads acting on the drum during its rotation, said loads being due to the weight of the laundry being treated.
• Top-loading European machines have a substantially similar structure, but with the difference that the tub has a top opening, facing a circumferential wall of the drum, provided on which is a corresponding hatch.
• the cabinet in turn comprises a respective top door, which enables access to the opening of the tub, and hence to the hatch of the drum.
• the drum is brought into an angular position such that the corresponding hatch is located at the top opening of the tub.
• the tub is basically constituted by a cylindrical container open at the top, within which the laundry drum or an agitator is mounted so as to rotate according to a substantially vertical axis. Also the drum is open at the top, and the cabinet of the machine, within which the tub is housed, is provided with a top hatch.
• Machines of a European type are particularly appreciated for the high quality of washing that can be obtained with relatively small volumes of water.
• these machines on account of the substantially horizontal arrangement of the axis of rotation of the drum and of the force of gravity, there is the need to balance precisely the load of laundry in order to carry out some steps of the cycle, such as the centrifugation steps.
• This need in addition to complicating to a certain extent organization of the operating programs (in order to detect and correct any possible unbalancing of the load), imposes structural arrangements and positioning of the counterweights for the oscillating assembly that complicate production of the machine.
• Machines of a U.S. type enable washing results to be obtained that are qualitatively inferior as compared to those of European machines at least given the same amount of water used, but, also by virtue of the vertical arrangement of the axis of rotation of the drum, they feel to a limited extent any possible unbalancing of the load of laundry, and are thus structurally simpler and less expensive than machines of a European type.
• Machines of a U.S. type are moreover appreciated, as likewise are European machines of a top-loading type, on account of their high ergonomics of use and their flexibility of installation, due to the fact that
• loading/unloading of the laundry can be performed from the top of the cabinet.
• Claim 1 is based, is a laundry-washing machine of a "hybrid" type, i.e., one in which an oscillating assembly which includes the tub and the drum is mounted in a rotatable way so that it can be displaced about a substantially horizontal axis of inclination, between at least one upright position and a reclined position, in which the working axis of the drum is set in a substantially vertical direction or else in a substantially horizontal direction, respectively.
• the oscillating assembly is housed within a cabinet of the machine and, in conditions of normal operation, is displaced between the upright and reclined positions via purposely provided motor means, controlled by the control system of the machine.
• the oscillating assembly is accessible from above, when in the upright position, via a top hatch of the cabinet, and is in turn provided with a door of its own, having the purpose of preventing exit of the laundry from the assembly, in its two operating positions.
• the object of the present invention is to provide a laundry-washing machine that is simple and inexpensive to produce and affords a level of operation that as a whole improved, also for the end user, as compared to the known art.
• Figures 1 and 2 are two schematic views, respectively in front elevation and in side elevation, of a laundry-washing machine according to the invention, in a first condition;
• Figures 3 and 4 are two schematic views, respectively in front elevation and in side elevation, of a laundry-washing machine according to the invention, in a second condition;
• Figures 5 and 6 are two schematic views, respectively in front elevation and in side elevation, of a laundry-washing machine according to the invention in a third condition;
• Figure 7 is a schematic cross section of the machine according to the
• Figure 8 is a schematic view of the machine according to the invention, in a step of displacement
• Figure 9 is a partially exploded schematic view of a portion of a machine according to an advantageous embodiment of the invention.
• Figure 10 is an enlarged detail of Figure 9;
• Figure 11 is a schematic view in front elevation of a machine according to the embodiment of Figure 9; • Figure 12 is a schematic cross section according to the line XII-XII of Figure 11 ; and
• references to "an embodiment” or “one embodiment” in the context of this description indicates that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as “in an embodiment” or “in one embodiment” and the like, that may be present in different parts of this description, do not necessarily all refer to one and the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular configurations, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments. The references used herein are only for convenience and do not define the sphere of protection or the scope of the embodiments.
• a laundry-washing machine designated as a whole by 1 is a laundry-washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention.
• the machine 1 comprises a load-bearing structure, designated as a whole by 2, which includes a base part 3 and two uprights or side members 4, substantially parallel to one another.
• the side members 4 are elastically mounted at opposite sides of the base part 3, with the interposition of damper means, designated by 5 in the side views, of any type suitable for the purpose, for example in the form of shock absorbers substantially of the leaf type.
• a compartment 6 for housing a removable container 7, which can be used, for example, at the end of washing, for containing the laundry that is unloaded from the machine.
• the bottom face of the base part 3 is provided with feet 8 for standing on the floor; said bottom face of the base part has, in its front area, an inclined surface, at which wheels or rollers 9 are mounted.
• an oscillating assembly Positioned between the side members 4 is an oscillating assembly, designated as a whole by 10, which is articulated in points diametrally opposite to the top regions of the side members 4.
• the coupling between the oscillating assembly 5 and the side members 4, obtained via articulation joints 11 is such that the oscillating assembly 10 can undergo displacement about a substantially horizontal axis of inclination designated by A.
• the structure 2 forms or substantially integrates also part of the cabinet of the machine, i.e., a part of casing directly in view; a further part of the machine 1 directly in view is formed by the oscillating assembly 10, which is accessible to a user in order to be manoeuvrable manually, as explained hereinafter.
• the oscillating assembly 10 comprises a tub 12, generally cylindrical in shape, having a bottom and an access opening 12a at the end opposite to the bottom. As may be noted in particular in Figure 1 , the opening 12a is surrounded by a gasket 12b, of annular shape. Housed within the tub 12 is a laundry drum, designated by 13 ( Figures 1 and 7), which is can turn about a respective working axis, designated by B in Figures 2, 4 and 8. Also the drum 13 has a generally cylindrical shape, with a respective bottom facing the bottom of the tub 12 and an access opening 13a at the opposite end (Figure 7), substantially aligned to the opening 12a of the tub 12.
• the cylindrical wall of the drum 13 has arrays of holes (not represented) and is provided with lifter elements or lifters, two of which are designated by 13b in Figure 7.
• the tub 12 can be advantageously made totally or partially of moulded thermoplastic material; also the drum 13 can be made of moulded plastic material, or else at least in part of metal.
• At least one counterweight element having a generally annular or semi-annular shape, designated by 13c.
• At least one counterweight element could be associated, in addition or as an alternative to the one designated by 13c, to the body of the tub 12.
• the oscillating assembly 10 further comprises a door 14, which is articulated to the casing of the assembly itself; in the example, the tub body defines for said purpose two parallel lugs 15, between which the door 14 is hinged in the points designated by 15a.
• the door preferably comprises a frame 14a and a containment body 14b, which is preferably transparent, for example made of glass.
• the containment body 14b is shaped so as to project towards the inside of the tub 12, until it penetrates into the access mouth of the drum 13, i.e., its front part, which delimits the opening 13a.
• the machine 1 has a single door, namely, the one designated by 14, which is directly accessible from outside the structure 2.
• the machine 1 comprises all the components traditionally necessary for its normal operation, which include at least means for loading and draining liquid, means for heating the liquid, motor means to set the drum in rotation, safety means, and a control system.
• the aforesaid means for loading the tub with liquid comprise a loading duct, which gives out into the tub and the inlet of which is connected to a pipe for connection to a domestic water supply, as well as a loading solenoid valve, controlled by the control system of the machine, according to a technique in itself known.
• the loading means also comprise a sensor for detecting the level of the liquid charged into the tub, such as for example a pressure switch.
• the aforesaid pipe and solenoid valve are represented only in Figure 2, where they are designated by IN and EV, respectively.
• the aforesaid means for heating the liquid comprise an electrical resistor, positioned within the tub 12 in the proximity of the bottom thereof, the supply of said resistor being controlled by the control system of the machine, which comprises for the purpose a temperature sensor or thermostat.
• drain pipe is represented only in Figure 2, where it is designated by OUT. Also represented in said figure is the electrical supply cable of the machine 1 ,
• the aforesaid motor means comprise an electric motor, controlled by the control system to set the drum 13 in rotation, in the appropriate times and with the appropriate modalities (speed, periods of rotation, periods of pause, possible reversals of rotation, etc.), according to techniques in themselves known.
• the machine has a system for driving the drum of the type generally known as "direct drive", i.e., one with a motor 16, the stator of which is fixed directly on the outside of the tub bottom, in a central position, and with the rotor directly associated to the shaft for driving the drum 13.
• direct drive i.e., one with a motor 16, the stator of which is fixed directly on the outside of the tub bottom, in a central position, and with the rotor directly associated to the shaft for driving the drum 13.
• this type of drive is not to be understood as limiting; as an alternative, a traditional electric motor can be provided, connected via a suitable transmission (for example, a belt and pulley system) to the shaft of the drum 13.
• the aforesaid safety means comprise a door-lock device, having a structure in itself known, controlled by the control system of the machine. As per the known art, said device can be switched between an operative condition and an inoperative condition, in which opening of the door 14 is prevented and allowed, respectively.
• the aforesaid control system preferably comprises a microcontroller control logic, with associated memory means, encoded in which are the instructions for general operation of the machine and one or more corresponding operating programs.
• the control system comprises a control panel or user interface, designated by 17 in the figures, having keys or push-buttons through which a user can select the washing program and the possible options that can be associated thereto (type of laundry, "no spin", "half load”, etc.).
• the control system includes command means (described hereinafter), which can be switched by the user for controlling starting, or enabling execution of, an operating program.
• the oscillating assembly 10 is rotatably supported by the load-bearing structure 2 in such a way that it can be displaced about the axis A, between at least one upright position, in which the working axis B of the drum 13 is set in a substantially vertical direction, and at least one reclined position, in which the axis B is set in a substantially horizontal direction.
• the terms "set in a substantially vertical direction” and “set in a substantially horizontal direction” referring to the working axis B are intended to designate positions of the axis itself that are at least approximately vertical or horizontal.
• the axis B of the drum 13 in the at least one upright position, forms an angle ⁇ of between approximately 75° and 90° with respect to a horizontal plane (see Figure 2), whilst in the at least one reclined position, the angle ⁇ is between approximately 0° and 15°, preferably approximately 5°-10° (see Figure 4).
• the oscillating assembly 10 may assume and maintain stably two different upright positions, in which the inclination of the working axis B of the drum with respect to the aforesaid horizontal plane is different.
• the angle ⁇ (preferably approximately 75°-85°) is smaller than the one reached in the upright position, as represented in Figure 6 (preferably approximately 90°).
• the machine is provided with retaining means, which can be electrically controlled by the control system of the machine.
• these retaining means can be obtained using the technology typical of door-lock devices for electrical household appliances.
• an engagement element which, when the assembly itself is in the reclined position, is engaged and withheld by a retention member, actuated by an electric actuator.
• Another technique that can be used for providing the aforesaid retaining means is that of drum-blocking devices, used in certain top-loaded washing machines for blocking rotation of the drum at the end of the washing cycle.
• the retaining means designed to prevent angular movement of the oscillating assembly 10 when this is in the reclined position can be integrated in at least one of the articulations 11 , for example as in an embodiment described hereinafter with reference to Figures 9-12.
• control system of the machine is provided with command means, which can be switched by the user for controlling starting, or enabling execution of, a treatment program.
• said command means are prearranged in such a way that the
• switching means can be constituted, for example, by a simple electrical switch or push-button, which is switched by the assembly 10, when it reaches the position of Figures 3-4. Said switching of the switch enables electrical supply of the machine, and hence of its internal electrical components.
• the aforesaid switching determines closing of an electrical switch that can be controlled by the control system, such as for example a relay, in such a way that the circuit for supply of the machine 1 is kept in a closed condition even when - as will be seen hereinafter - , in the course of a washing program, the assembly 10 displaces autonomously towards an upright position.
• the control system such as for example a relay
• the door-lock device purposely controlled by the control system.
• the safety means of the machine are arranged in such a way that the door-lock device is brought to assume its operative condition, of locking of the door 14, once the reclined position is reached, and said operative condition is practically maintained up to the end of the washing program and/or until the electrical components carried by the oscillating assembly 10 can be supplied electrically. Consequently, as may be appreciated, the door 14 can be opened when the assembly 10 is located in an angular position comprised between the upright one and the reclined one, prior to start of a washing program (i.e., until the assembly is brought manually from the position of Figures 1-2 to the position of Figures 3-4).
• the machine 1 is provided with driving means, for displacing in an automated way, in the course of execution of an operating program, the oscillating assembly 10 from the reclined position to an upright position, namely the position illustrated in Figures 5-6, where the axis B is
• the aforesaid driving means comprise at least one accumulator of mechanical energy, for example a spring, which is loaded following upon manual displacement of the oscillating assembly 10 from the position of Figures 1-2 to the position of Figures 3-4.
• the control system then sends a command for release of the retaining means, with the result that also the accumulator of mechanical energy is released in such a way that its elastic reaction causes a movement of the oscillating assembly 10 from the reclined position to the upright position of Figures 5-6.
• Such an accumulator of energy can for example be positioned in the area of each articulation 11 , as in an embodiment described hereinafter with reference to Figures 9-12.
• the aforesaid driving means comprise clutch means, which can be obtained with any technique in itself known, in order to slow down the movement induced in the assembly 10 by release of the spring or springs used.
• the embodiment provided with means for accumulating mechanical energy is particularly simple and inexpensive to produce. It will be appreciated, however, that in more sophisticated embodiments the movement of the assembly 10 between the reclined and upright positions can be obtained via appropriate electric actuator means, such as for example a rotary motor.
• the machine 1 is also provided with retaining means operative for keeping the oscillating assembly 10 stably in the upright position of Figures 5 and 6.
• retaining means can be electrically controlled by the control system of the machine and be conceived in a way similar to the ones used for keeping the assembly 10 in the reclined position.
• retaining means of the same sort may be provided to keep the assembly both in the reclined position and in the upright position, as in an embodiment described hereinafter with reference to Figures 9-12.
• the retaining means for keeping the assembly 10 in the upright position of Figures 5 and 6 can also comprise a blocking device of a mechanical type, which can be switched manually via a release and reset element.
• the device when said upright position is reached by the assembly 10, the device is switched by the movement of the assembly itself (like a door lock of a motor vehicle), for example by clicking into position, to block the assembly in the position reached. Subsequently, when it is necessary to bring the assembly from the position of Figures 5-6 to the position of Figures 1-2, the user of the machine intervenes on the command element, for example a mechanical key or a handle, which causes release of the device and resetting thereof.
• the command element for example a mechanical key or a handle
• a washing program that can be run on the machine 1 includes at least one washing step, in the course of which the drum 13 is rotated in the presence of washing liquid in the tub 12, at least one rinsing step, in the course of which the drum 13 is rotated in the presence of rinsing liquid in the tub 12, and at least one centrifugation step, in the course of which the drum 13 is rotated at a relatively high speed, in the substantial absence of liquid in the tub 12.
• control system is configured for controlling execution of the washing step when the oscillating assembly 10 is in a reclined position, and specifically the position of Figures 3-4, and for controlling execution of at least one between the rinsing step and the centrifugation step, and preferably both the rinsing step and the centrifugation step, when the oscillating assembly 10 is in an upright position, and specifically the position of Figures 5-6.
• Figures 9-12 illustrate a possible embodiment of retaining means designed to maintain the oscillating assembly 10 in the reclined and upright positions, a possible embodiment of the command means, and a possible embodiment of the driving means.
• the structure of the oscillating assembly 10 has two opposite articulation pins, only one of which is visible, designated by 20 in Figure 10.
• the pin 20, here generally tubular, is for example designed to be coupled to a bearing (not visible), housed in a seat provided in the corresponding upright 4.
• the pin 20 is surrounded by a ring or rim 21 , in the outer surface of which recesses 22, 23 and 24 are made in predefined angular positions, each recess corresponding to a stable position that can be assumed by the oscillating assembly 10, as described hereinafter.
• the pin 20 and the ring 21 are in fixed relative positions and can be made integrally with the structure of the oscillating assembly, for example with the tub body.
• Designated by 25 is a blocking device, which can be electrically controlled and forms the aforesaid retaining means and is fixed to the structure of the upright 4.
• the device 25 comprises an arrest element 25a, loaded by a spring (not shown) in a extracted or blocking position.
• the device 25 is positioned in such a way that the aforesaid spring pushes a head of the arrest element 25a towards the outer annular surface of the ring 21.
• the head of the element 25a is
• the device 25 further comprises electrically controlled actuator means (not visible), designed to produce recession and to block the element 25a selectively in position; said actuator means can comprise, for example, a solenoid or an electric thermal-actuator.
• Designated by 26 is a torsion spring, which forms the accumulator of mechanical energy referred to previously.
• the spring 26 is
• the aforesaid command means comprise a movable contact, designated by 28, carried by the assembly 10, and specifically fixed at the outer surface of the ring 21 , and a pair of fixed contacts 29a and 29b, which in the example are defined by an element 29, having an electrically conductive body, substantially shaped like the arc of a circumference and fixed on the structure of the upright 4, in a position facing the outer surface of the ring 21.
• the fixed contacts 29a and 29b are designed to cooperate with the movable contact 28, as will be explained hereinafter, only when the assembly 10 is in the positions of Figures 3-4 and Figures 5-6, respectively.
• FIG. 13 A typical example of use and operation of the machine 1 is described hereinafter, with reference to Figures 13-20.
• the machine is represented with the oscillating assembly 10 in its typical position that precedes start of an operating program, with the door 14 open (condition similar to those of Figures 1-2).
• the axis of the drum is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, and this favours, from the ergonomic standpoint, the operations of loading (and unloading, at the end of cycle) of the laundry.
• the user can hence load the laundry into the drum and, when the desired loading is complete, re-close the door 14, as represented in Figure 14.
• the machine 1 is not provided with a dispenser of washing agents, so that the user introduces the detergent directly into the drum 13 with the door 14 open.
• the machine 1 can in any case be provided with a dispenser designed to deliver the washing detergents and the possible rinsing additive in the appropriate points of the cycle, according to techniques in themselves known.
• the drum of the machine 1 can be advantageously exploited as container for accumulation of the laundry to be washed.
• the commands provided on the user interface comprise keys substantially of a push-push type, i.e., of the type in which closing of the corresponding electrical contacts is maintained mechanically until a new pressure is applied on the same key or on another key.
• a solution of this sort enables selection of the washing program, and the possible associated options, even if still electric power has not been yet supplied to the entire machine 1 , as in one embodiment (not represented) in which the passage of the oscillating assembly 10 from the position of Figures 1-2 to the position of Figures 3-4 enables supply to the entire machine.
• the electrical circuit of the machine 1 is prearranged in such a way that the control system is supplied, following upon switching of an ON/OFF switch operable on the interface 17 in such a way that selection of the program, and of the various associated options, as well as starting thereof, can be performed by the user even after displacement of the oscillating assembly 10 into the reclined position, in which also supply of the electrical parts of the assembly 10 is enabled.
• the user turns the oscillating assembly 10 manually, as may be seen in
• Figure 15 where rotation occurs in a clockwise direction, as far as into the reclined position, as may be seen in Figure 16 (condition similar to those of Figures 3-4).
• the assembly 10, preferably the door 14, is purposely provided with a handle, designated by 10a only in Figures 3, 5 and 7 to facilitate said operation.
• the movement exerted manually on the assembly 10 brings about disengagement of the arrest element 25a of the blocking device 25 (which in this step is not supplied) from the recess 22, by overcoming the reaction of the corresponding spring.
• said spring in any case brings about a pressure of the element 25 on the outer surface of the ring 21 (Figure 12; it is to be noted that the reference directions of Figure 12, on one side, and of Figures 13-20, on the other side, are different, so a movement in a clockwise direction in any one of Figures 13-20 corresponds to a counterclockwise movement in Figure 12). Furthermore, in the course of displacement of the assembly 10 the spring or springs 26 that provide the accumulator means with mechanical energy are loaded, as explained previously.
• the movable contact 28 comes into contact with the fixed contact 29a, and the arrest element 25a of the blocking device 25 is engaged in the recess 23 ( Figure 12) under the action of the corresponding spring.
• the control system controls start of the washing program previously set via the interface 17. Following upon starting of the program, the control system controls charging of the tub with water from the water supply, heating thereof, and agitation of the drum by controlling the motor 16.
• the drain pump of the machine can be set at the tub bottom such as to enable practically complete discharge of the liquid even with the drum in the reclined position, and this arrangement is useful whenever a treatment program envisages carrying out a number of distinct washing steps (for example, a pre- washing step and a washing step), each of which includes an initial charging and a final discharging of liquid. Complete discharge of the washing liquid from the tub can in any case be obtained even subsequently, when the assembly 10 is brought into the upright position and prior to start-up of a rinsing step.
• a treatment program envisages carrying out a number of distinct washing steps (for example, a pre- washing step and a washing step), each of which includes an initial charging and a final discharging of liquid.
• Complete discharge of the washing liquid from the tub can in any case be obtained even subsequently, when the assembly 10 is brought into the upright position and prior to start-up of a rinsing step.
• the control system control the device 25 in such a way as to cause a recession of the arrest element 25a.
• the head of the element 25a disengages from the recess 23 ( Figure 12).
• the assembly 10 is released and, under the action of the spring 26 ( Figures 10 and 12), is automatically displaced towards the upright position, as may be seen in Figure 17, with a rotation opposite to the previous one, and hence counterclockwise.
• Attainment of the upright can be determined by a mechanical end-of-travel device, for example of a click releasable type.
• the control system controls the device 25 so as to terminate recession of the element 25a: under the action of the corresponding spring, the element 25a can hence engage in the recess 24 of the ring 21.
• the control system then controls blocking in position of the element 25a, and hence of the assembly 10, in the upright position. In said condition, moreover, the electrical parts of the assembly 10 may again be supplied.
• the door-lock device includes means (for example, a bi-metal element, or a thermal-actuator) designed to keep the device itself in a condition of blocking of the door 14 for a certain safety period after interruption of the corresponding electrical supply.
• Said safety period has a duration longer than the one required by the assembly 10 for automatic displacement from the reclined position to the raised one, without hence causing a reduction of the characteristics of operative safety.
• clutch means can be applied to the machine 1 , which are designed to reduce the angular velocity of rotation of the assembly 10 down to a safety speed.
• the control system controls the drain pump to evacuated the washing liquid present in tub (if said draining has not been performed completely previously).
• the control system then controls charging of the water necessary for executing the rinsing step, with a new controlled movement of the drum by the motor 16.
• the liquid is evacuated from the tub, via actuation of the drain pump.
• the control system issues a command for the centrifugation step or steps.
• the drain pump can be supplied in a pulsed mode in order to expel the liquid that is released by the laundry.
• the control system removes supply from the device 25.
• the user can then displace the oscillating assembly 10 manually towards the initial position, as illustrated in Figure 19.
• the movement exerted manually by the user upon the assembly 10 is such as to enable disengagement of the arrest element 25a of the blocking device 25 from the recess 24 (as well as release of the possible mechanical end-of-travel device referred to previously). Also in this case, after said disengagement and at a certain point of rotation of the assembly 10, the element 25a comes to engage with the recess 22 of the ring 21 , in the starting position.
• the command means comprise an electrical switch or pushbutton, switching of which is caused by the manual displacement of the assembly 10 from the upright position to the reclined position in order to bring about closing of a relay.
• the control system that brings about opening of the relay, in such a way that the electrical supply to the machine 1 is interrupted.
• the supply to the door-lock device ceases, and thus the door 14 can be opened by the user for unloading the laundry.
• the machine is provided with wheels or rollers 8 at an inclined surface defined on the bottom of the structure 2, in the corresponding front area.
• This arrangement enables, if need be, convenient displacement of the machine 1 simply by tilting it slightly forwards, as shown in Figure 8.
• the machine according to the present invention enables combination of the advantageous characteristics proper to machines with vertical axis (lightness, ergonomics of use, centrifugations that substantially do not feel any unbalancing of the load), with the advantageous characteristics proper to the machines with horizontal axis (effective washing with reduced amounts of water).
• the overall structure of the machine is relatively simple, far from cumbersome, and lighter than known machines, given the same laundry loading capacity.
• start of an operating program and/or electrical supply of the entire machine or its components associated to the oscillating assembly and/or locking of the door is enabled by the manual displacement of the assembly itself into a given position enables
• the drain pump carried directly by the oscillating assembly 10 is mounted at the tub bottom, which is preferably made of moulded plastic material, in which the seat for the impeller of the pump is advantageously defined; from said seat there branch off the corresponding suction and delivery branches.
• the tub bottom which is preferably made of moulded plastic material, in which the seat for the impeller of the pump is advantageously defined; from said seat there branch off the corresponding suction and delivery branches.
• At least one stretch of the drain duct can extend in an area corresponding to an articulation 11 , substantially coaxial to the axis A, said stretch of duct possibly being integrated with, or forming, the articulation pin or a hub thereof.
• the duct for loading liquid into the tub can have a respective stretch
• the aforesaid stretches of the drain duct and of the loading duct pass through one and the same articulation and are made substantially coaxial or concentric to one another, in particular formed in one and the same member that functions as hub or supports the articulation pin.
• one of the stretches of duct gives out directly into the tub, for charging liquid, and the other is connected to the delivery of the drain pump, for evacuation of the liquid from the tub.
• the hydraulic passages are concentrated at one of the side members 4, whilst in the other side member electrical parts pertaining to the movement of the assembly 10 are concentrated, such as the possible electrically actuated retaining means, the command means for starting the cycle and/or enabling electrical supply to the machine or to the assembly 10, the possible sensors/electrical contacts used for detecting that the positions that can be assumed by the assembly 10 have been reached, and possibly the interface 17, as in the examples illustrated.
• the oscillating assembly 10 may assume two different upright positions, one of which ( Figures 1-2) slightly inclined with respect to the vertical in order to facilitate, from the ergonomic standpoint, the operations of loading and unloading of the laundry. It will be appreciated, however, that, in alternative embodiments, the machine 1 can be prearranged in such a way that the assembly 10 can assume just one upright position, preferably corresponding to that of Figures 5-6, with the axis B

Landscapes

• Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
• Textile Engineering (AREA)
• Main Body Construction Of Washing Machines And Laundry Dryers (AREA)
• Centrifugal Separators (AREA)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Publications (2)

Family

ID=42044413

Family Applications (1)

Country Status (3)

Families Citing this family (3)

Family Cites Families (6)

• 2009
  • 2009-08-07 IT ITTO2009A000628A patent/IT1395274B1/it active
• 2010
  • 2010-08-06 WO PCT/IB2010/053573 patent/WO2011016009A1/en active Application Filing
  • 2010-08-06 EP EP10748153.3A patent/EP2462271B1/de not_active Not-in-force

Non-Patent Citations (1)

Also Published As

Similar Documents

Legal Events