EP2650421B1 - Method for controlling the operation of a washing machine and associated washing machine - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates firstly to a method of controlling the operation of a washing machine so as to adapt the consumption of washing and / or rinsing water from a water tank according to the laundry load contained in a drum, and secondly a washing machine adapted to implement the control method according to the invention.

In general, the invention relates to washing machines, and more particularly domestic washing machines, comprising a water tank that can allow the use of washing and / or rinsing water during washing. a next phase of an operating cycle or during a subsequent operating cycle.

At present, washing machine manufacturers take care of the washing programs of their washing machines so as to minimize the consumption of water.

Washing machines are already known comprising a bodywork, a washing tub enclosed in the bodywork, a drum rotatably mounted inside the washing tub, a hydraulic water distribution circuit, where the hydraulic circuit water distribution system comprises at least one water supply valve so as to fill the wash tank with water from the network.

However, these washing machines have the disadvantage of implementing a wetting phase of a cycle of operation of the washing machine by filling the wash tank with water only by means of a valve. water supply connected to an external water network.

Therefore, the water used during a cycle of operation of the washing machine is not reused during the implementation of a subsequent operating cycle so as to reduce the consumption of water.

The document is also known FR 2 718 162 A1 which describes a washing machine comprising a bodywork, a washing tub enclosed in the bodywork, a drum rotatably mounted inside the washing tub, a rinse water tank, a hydraulic distribution circuit 'water. The hydraulic water distribution circuit connects the washing tub of the machine to the water tank. The hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises a plurality of water circulation pumps circulating rinsing water from the water tank to the washing tank of the machine, and vice versa. The hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises a water supply valve so as to fill the wash tank with water from the network.

This washing machine allows the water tank to recover the water drained during one or more rinsing phases of a current operating cycle, so as to reuse this water during the first phase of washing , or prewash, the next operating cycle.

The introduction of water to a predetermined level in the washing tub of this washing machine is carried out in two stages. The first step of filling the washing tub with water consists in draining all of the amount of rinsing water present in the water tank to the washing tub. The second step of filling the wash tank with water is to complete the liquid filling of the wash tank to a predetermined level, by introducing water from an external water system.

However, this washing machine has the disadvantage of draining the total amount of rinsing water from the water tank through a detergent box and then into the wash tub.

Therefore, the pressure of the rinsing water from the water tank and flowing into the detergent box must be sufficient to drive the detergents from the detergent box compartments to the wash tub.

Such construction of the washing machine is expensive and complicates the hydraulic water distribution circuit, in particular for the hydraulic connection between the water tank and the detergent box so as to ensure sufficient flow pressure of water flowing into the detergent box by means of a water circulation pump and a water injection nozzle.

In addition, such a method of controlling the washing machine also has the disadvantage of driving the detergent products contained in the detergent box by the rinsing water of the water tank directly to the bottom of the washing machine. wash tub without a minimum water level in the wash tub.

Therefore, the detergent products entrained by the rinsing water from the water tank, particularly the detergent powders, settle in nooks in the wash tub and mix with the washing bath water with difficulty. to guarantee the washing performance of the laundry contained in the drum.

Moreover, the total amount of rinsing water from the water tank is introduced into the washing tank from the start of an operating cycle without taking into account the load of laundry contained in the drum.

Therefore, the amount of rinse water from the water tank is used in full regardless of the type of laundry and the weight of laundry contained in the drum.

Thus, the consumption of rinsing water from the water tank during a cycle of operation of the washing machine is not optimized, and therefore can not be distributed during a phase of washing. wetting the laundry and possibly during a rinsing phase.

The document is also known EP 2 312 042 A1 which describes a washing machine comprising a bodywork, a wash tub enclosed in the bodywork, a drum rotatably mounted within the wash tub, a wash and / or rinse water tank, a hydraulic circuit water supply. The hydraulic water distribution circuit connects the washing tub of the washing machine to the water tank. The hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises two water circulation pumps circulating washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank to the washing tub of the washing machine, and vice versa. The hydraulic circuit comprises a solenoid valve for supplying the wash tank with water from the network. This document describes a control method in operation of a washing machine which may comprise a step of filling the wash tank with water from the mains supplied by a solenoid valve, and a step of filling the tank with water. washing with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank.

The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a control method in operation of a washing machine, and a washing machine, to adapt the consumption of washing water and / or rinsing from a water tank depending on the load of laundry contained in a drum, particularly during a wetting phase of an operating cycle of the washing machine.

• une première étape de remplissage en eau de ladite cuve de lavage avec de l'eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage provenant dudit réservoir d'eau ;
• une deuxième étape de remplissage en eau de ladite cuve de lavage avec de l'eau du réseau alimentée par ladite au moins une vanne d'alimentation en eau, où ladite eau du réseau alimentée par ladite au moins une vanne d'alimentation en eau s'écoule au travers d'une boîte à produits lessiviels avant d'être introduite dans ladite cuve de lavage.

To this end, the present invention aims, in a first aspect, a method of operating control of a washing machine, said washing machine comprising: a body; a wash tub enclosed in said body; a drum rotatably mounted within said wash tub; a tank of washing and / or rinsing water; a hydraulic water distribution circuit; wherein said hydraulic water distribution circuit connects said wash tub of said machine to said water reservoir, said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprising at least one water circulation pump circulating wash water and / or rinsing from said water tank to said washing tub of said machine, and vice versa; wherein said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises at least one water supply valve so as to fill the said washing tank with water. The method comprises at least the following steps:

• a first step of filling said wash tank with water with washing and / or rinsing water from said water tank;
• a second step of filling said wash tank with water from the network fed by said at least one water supply valve, wherein said mains water supplied by said at least one water supply valve; flows through a detergent box before being introduced into said wash tank.

According to the invention, during said first step of filling said washing tank with washing and / or rinsing water from said water tank, a partial amount of said washing water and / or rinse contained in said water tank is introduced directly into said wash tank and without passing through said detergent box.

Thus, the washing and / or rinsing water circulated from the water reservoir into the wash tub during the first water filling step of the wash tub is a part of the amount of water. washing and / or rinsing water contained in the water tank, and this water flows between the water tank and the wash tank without passing through a detergent box.

In this way, the flow of washing and / or rinsing water flowing between the water tank and the washing tub can have any pressure since the detergents are carried from the detergent box to the tub. washing with the water of the network during the second step of filling the wash tank with water using the water pressure of the network.

Such a construction of the washing machine is inexpensive and simplifies the hydraulic water distribution circuit.

During the first step of filling the washing tub with water, the washing and / or rinsing water coming from the water tank is introduced inside the washing tub so as to create a volume of water. water in the washing tub before the second step of filling the washing tub with water of the network is carried out with a flow of water through the detergent box.

In addition, the operating control method of the washing machine makes it possible to improve the mixing of detergent products with water by introducing water from the network supplied by the at least one water supply valve. through the detergent box during the second step of filling the washing tub with water following the implementation of the first step of filling the washing tub with water with washing water and / or rinsing from the water tank.

In this way, the mixture of detergent products with the water of the network is introduced into the washing tank containing a volume of washing and / or rinsing water from the previously introduced water tank so as to prevent some of the detergents are deposited in recesses of the washing tub.

Moreover, only a part of the amount of washing and / or rinsing water contained in the water tank is used during the first water filling step of the washing tank so that the consumption of water can be adjusted. washing water and / or rinsing from the water tank depending on the load of laundry and to optimize the reuse of the amount of wash water and / or rinse recovered in the water tank.

The present invention aims, according to a second aspect, a washing machine a bodywork; a wash tub enclosed in said body; a drum rotatably mounted within said wash tub; a tank of washing and / or rinsing water; a hydraulic water distribution circuit; wherein said hydraulic water distribution circuit connects said wash tub of said machine to said water reservoir, said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprising at least one water circulation pump circulating wash water and / or rinsing from said water tank to said washing tub of said machine, and vice versa; wherein said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises at least one water supply valve so as to fill the said washing tank with water; control means of an operating cycle.

According to the invention, said control means of the washing machine are adapted to implement the control method.

This washing machine has features and advantages similar to those described above in connection with the control method according to the invention.

Other features and advantages will become apparent in the description below.

• la figure 1 est une vue schématique en coupe d'une machine à laver, en particulier d'une machine à laver le linge à chargement du linge par le dessus, comprenant un réservoir d'eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ;
• la figure 2 est une vue schématique des deux parois en forme de coque d'un réservoir d'eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage conforme à un mode de réalisation de l'invention, où est représenté le trajet de l'eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage dans ledit réservoir d'eau lors du remplissage de la cuve de lavage avec de l'eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage provenant du réservoir d'eau de la machine à laver le linge ;
• la figure 3 est une vue schématique en perspective d'une vanne multivoies reliant une cuve de lavage, un réservoir d'eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage d'une machine à laver et un réseau d'eau usée externe selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention ; et
• la figure 4 est un graphique illustrant une courbe de vitesse de rotation d'un tambour d'une machine à laver le linge, une courbe d'évolution de la quantité d'eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage évacuée d'un réservoir d'eau vers une cuve de lavage au cours d'une phase de lavage puis d'une phase de rinçage selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention.

In the accompanying drawings, given as non-limiting examples:

• the figure 1 is a schematic sectional view of a washing machine, in particular a top-loading laundry washing machine, comprising a washing and / or rinsing water tank according to an embodiment of the invention;
• the figure 2 is a schematic view of the two shell-shaped walls of a washing and / or rinsing water tank according to an embodiment of the invention, in which the path of the washing water and / or rinsing said water reservoir during filling of the wash tub with wash and / or rinse water from the water tank of the washing machine;
• the figure 3 is a schematic perspective view of a multiport valve connecting a wash tub, a wash water tank and / or rinse a washing machine and an external wastewater network according to an embodiment of the invention. invention; and
• the figure 4 is a graph illustrating a rotational speed curve of a drum of a washing machine, a curve of evolution of the amount of wash water and / or rinsing removed from a water tank to a wash tank during a washing phase and a rinsing phase according to one embodiment of the invention.

We will describe, with reference to figure 1 a washing machine according to the invention.

This washing machine can be a household washing machine or a washing machine and dryer for domestic use.

An embodiment has been illustrated with reference to the figure 1 , describing a washing machine with laundry loading from above. Of course, the present invention applies to all types of washing machine, including front loading.

A washing machine 1 comprises a body 2. The body 2 of the washing machine 1 comprises a front wall 2a, a rear wall 2d, two side walls, a top wall 2b and a bottom wall 2c.

In a conventional manner, such a washing machine 1 comprises a body 2 adapted to house a washing tub 3.

A drum 15 for containing the laundry is rotatably mounted inside the washing tub 3.

The rotating drum 15 is rotated by a motor.

The body 2 has an upper opening for introducing and removing the laundry in the drum 15.

This access opening can be closed during operation of the machine 1 by a door 4 pivotally mounted on the body 2 of the machine 1.

The washing machine 1 comprises at least one means for heating (not shown) the liquid introduced into the washing tub 3. Said at least one heating means may be an electric heating resistor disposed inside the tub of washing 3 and / or a steam generator. Said at least one heating means can thus make it possible to heat the water of at least one washing and / or rinsing bath contained in the washing tank 3.

Of course, the type and the number of heating means is in no way limiting and may be different.

The washing machine 1 comprises control means of an operating cycle, and in particular at least one microcontroller, for unfolding predetermined operating cycles.

A control panel 5 is also provided in the upper part of the washing machine 1.

Of course, this washing machine 1 comprises all the necessary organs (not shown) for the operation and execution of the wash, rinse and spin phases of the laundry.

The washing machine 1 comprises a washing and / or rinsing water tank 6.

Preferably, the water tank 6 is internal to the body 2 of the washing machine 1.

The water tank 6 can be fixed to the body 2 of the washing machine 1, for example on a wall of the body 2, such as the front wall 2a, the rear wall 2d or a side wall.

Of course, the positioning and / or attachment of the wash water tank and / or rinse with the body of the washing machine are in no way limiting and may be different.

The washing machine 1 comprises a hydraulic water distribution circuit, wherein the hydraulic water distribution circuit connects the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 to the water tank 6.

The hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine 1 comprises at least one water supply valve 18 so as to fill the wash tank 3 with water.

Said at least one water supply valve 18 thus makes it possible to fill the wash tank 3 with water in the various phases of a wash cycle with water that has not been used during a phase preceding the current operating cycle or during a previous operating cycle.

The hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine 1 can be fed with water from the network via a mains supply pipe connected directly to the washing machine 1 from a water network external 19 by means of said at least one water supply valve 18 for regulating the amount of water required for the operation of the washing machine 1.

Practically, said at least one water supply valve 18 is a solenoid valve installed at the inlet of the hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine 1 and connected to an external water network 19.

Said at least one water supply valve 18 supplies to the mains water a detergent box 17 so as to entrain the detergent product (s) contained therein, in particular in compartments, in the washing tub 3 and filling with water said washing tub 3.

The hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises at least one water circulation pump 11, 12 so as to fill the tank with washing and / or rinsing water of water 6 from the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1.

Advantageously, at least one water circulation pump 11, 12 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit makes it possible to circulate washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 to the washing tub. 3 of the washing machine 1, and vice versa.

The hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises a plurality of water flow lines 7, 8, 9, 10.

• ∘ une première pompe de circulation d'eau 11 reliant la cuve de lavage 3 à une vanne multivoies 14, et
• ∘ une deuxième pompe de circulation d'eau 12 reliant le réservoir d'eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage 6 à la vanne multivoies 14.

In one embodiment, the hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises:

• A first water circulation pump 11 connecting the washing tub 3 to a multi-way valve 14, and
• A second water circulation pump 12 connecting the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 to the multi-way valve 14.

Here, the first water circulation pump 11 mounted at the outlet of the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 makes it possible on the one hand to supply wash water and / or rinse the water tank. 6 from the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 and secondly to empty the washing tub 3 to the external waste water network 13. And the second water circulation pump 12 mounted on the water tank 6 allows on the one hand to supply washing water and / or rinse the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 from the water tank 6 and on the other hand to drain the water tank 6 to the external waste water network 13.

One of said first and second water circulation pumps 11, 12 is adapted to allow the passage of a stream of water from the washing tub 3 to the water tank 6, and vice versa, when this is inactive while another one of said first and second water circulation pumps 11, 12 is active.

Thus, one of said first and second water circulation pumps 11, 12 being stopped is adapted to allow a flow of water to flow therethrough when the other of said first and second circulation pumps of water 11, 12 operates so as not to block the flow of water through the hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine 1, and vice versa.

In this way, the hydraulic water distribution circuit between the washing tank 3 and the water tank 6 comprising two water circulation pumps 11, 12 and a multi-way valve 14 is simplified so as to limit the costs of the water supply. obtaining and guaranteeing the reliability of the washing machine 1.

Advantageously, said first and second water circulation pumps 11, 12 are centrifugal pumps.

The specificity of these centrifugal pumps is that they allow the passage of a flow of water inside their body when they are not put into operation.

Here, the second water circulation pump 12 is located at a low point of the water tank 6.

Thus, the second water circulation pump 12 makes it possible to empty the water tank 6.

The positioning of the second water circulation pump 12 being a centrifugal pump is also related to its design since this water circulation pump can only work when it is filled with water and not by sucking in water.

Furthermore, the positioning of the second water circulation pump 12 at a low point of the water tank 6 is also related to the space available inside the body 2 of the washing machine 1 of the so as to optimize the dimensions of the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 and the water tank 6.

The water tank 6 comprises at least one connection for a water circulation line 7, and a connection for a drain line 8.

The water tank 6 is supplied with washing water and / or rinsing water via a water circulation pipe 7 coming from the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1. The washing water supply and or rinsing the water tank 6 from the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 can be implemented by the first water circulation pump 11 of the washing machine 1, in particular a drain pump.

The water tank 6 supplies washing water and / or rinsing water, a previous phase of an operating cycle during implementation or a previous operating cycle, the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 by a water circulation pipe 7. The washing water and / or rinsing water supply of the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 from the water tank 6 can be implemented by the second water circulation pump 12 of the water tank 6, in particular a drain pump.

Preferably, the water tank 6 is filled with rinsing water from the washing tank 3 so as to recover a portion of the rinsing water from one or more rinsing phases of an operating cycle and to reuse this during the wetting phase of the laundry of a next operating cycle, in particular during a cold wash phase or during a prewash phase.

• d'une part à alimenter en eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage le réservoir d'eau 6 depuis la cuve de lavage 3 de la machine à laver le linge 1, et
• d'autre part à alimenter en eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage, d'une phase précédente d'un cycle de fonctionnement en cours de mise en oeuvre ou d'un cycle de fonctionnement précédent, la cuve de lavage 3 de la machine à laver le linge 1 depuis le réservoir d'eau 6.

In this embodiment, the water circulation pipe 7 can serve:

• on the one hand to supply washing water and / or rinse the water tank 6 from the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1, and
• on the other hand to supply washing water and / or rinsing, a phase preceding a running cycle during implementation or a previous operating cycle, the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 from the water tank 6.

Of course and in no way limiting, the supply of washing water and / or rinsing from the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 to the water tank 6, and vice versa, can be implemented by means of different water flow lines.

The water circulation pipe 7 can also serve to empty the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 by directing washing and / or rinsing water to the external waste water network 13 following the passage of this washing water and / or rinsing through members mounted on the water tank 6, in particular the multi-way valve 14, and without having been stored in the water tank 6.

The water tank 6 is drained from the washing and / or rinsing water coming from the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1, where the washing and / or rinsing water is stored in a container. washing water storage area and / or rinsing said water tank 6, by a drain line 8 connected to the water tank 6, in particular by the multi-way valve 14, and to the external wastewater network 13.

The drain line 8 can be used for draining the washing and / or rinsing water contained in the water tank 6 and the washing and / or rinsing water contained in the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external waste water network 13, in particular by means of the multichannel valve 14.

The water circulation pipe 7 connecting the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 to the water tank 6 and the drain pipe 8 connecting the water tank 6 to the external waste water network 13 are interconnected by means of the multichannel valve 14 so as to direct the washing water and / or rinse to the external waste water network 13 is directly at the outlet of the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 is after passing through the water tank 6.

In one embodiment as illustrated in figure 1 , the multichannel valve 14 is connected to four lines 7, 8, 9, 10 inlet and / or outlet of washing water and / or rinsing.

A first water circulation pipe 10 is connected to the multi-way valve 14 and to the second water circulation pump 12 installed at a low point of the water tank 6.

The first water circulation pipe 10 is formed inside the water tank 6, and in particular formed by walls of the water tank 6.

• d'une part à alimenter en eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage le réservoir d'eau 6 depuis la cuve de lavage 3 de la machine à laver le linge 1, et
• d'autre part à alimenter en eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage, d'une phase précédente d'un cycle de fonctionnement en cours de mise en oeuvre ou d'un cycle de fonctionnement précédent, la cuve de lavage 3 de la machine à laver le linge 1 depuis le réservoir d'eau 6.

In this embodiment, the first water circulation duct 10 can serve:

• on the one hand to supply washing water and / or rinse the water tank 6 from the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1, and
• on the other hand to supply wash water and / or rinse, a previous phase of an operating cycle during implementation or a previous operating cycle, the washing tank 3 of the machine washing the laundry 1 from the water tank 6.

The second water circulation pipe 7 is connected at the outlet of the first water circulation pump 11 and at the multi-way valve 14, said first water circulation pump 11 being connected to the drain outlet of the water tank. washing 3 of the washing machine 1.

Here, the second water circulation pipe 7 is made in two parts. The first part of the second water circulation pipe 7 is a flexible pipe connected at the outlet of the first water circulation pump 11 and to a water passage opening of the water tank 6. And the second part of the second water circulation pipe 7 is a pipe formed inside the water tank 6 connected to the water passage opening of the water tank 6 and to the multi-way valve 14.

A drain line 8 is connected on the one hand to the multi-way valve 14, in particular to a water inlet opening of the multi-way valve 14, and on the other hand to the external wastewater network 13. The pipe 8 is a flexible pipe.

An overflow pipe 9 is formed inside the water tank 6. An end of the overflow pipe 9 comprises a water inlet opening 31 opening inside the water tank 6. The water inlet opening 31 of the overflow pipe 9 is preferably located at the same height or above the maximum permissible water level N1 within the water reservoir 6. Another end of the overflow line 9 is connected to the multi-way valve 14.

We will now describe, with reference to the figure 4 , a method of operating control of a washing machine according to the invention.

To the figure 4 , the graph illustrates by a first curve L1 in full line the evolution of the speed of rotation V in revolutions per minute of the rotary drum 15 as a function of time t in seconds, by a second curve L2 in full line the evolution of the amount of washing and / or rinsing water discharged from the water tank 6 to the washing tub 3 as a function of time t in seconds.

The time t is represented on the abscissa axis, the rotation speed V is represented on the ordinate axis.

For the sake of clarity of figure 4 the ordinate axis corresponding to the amount of washing and / or rinsing water discharged from the water tank to the washing tub is not shown.

• une première étape de remplissage en eau A de la cuve de lavage 3 avec de l'eau de lavage et/ou de rinçage provenant du réservoir d'eau 6 ;
• une deuxième étape de remplissage en eau B de la cuve de lavage 3 avec de l'eau du réseau alimentée par ladite au moins une vanne d'alimentation en eau 18, où l'eau du réseau alimentée par ladite au moins une vanne d'alimentation en eau 18 s'écoule au travers d'une boîte à produits lessiviels 17 avant d'être introduite dans la cuve de lavage 3.

The operating control method of the washing machine 1 comprises at least the following steps:

• a first water filling step A of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6;
• a second water filling step B of the washing tank 3 with water from the network supplied by said at least one water supply valve 18, where the water of the network fed by said at least one water valve; water supply 18 flows through a detergent box 17 before being introduced into the washing tub 3.

During the first water filling step A of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6, a partial amount of the wash water and / or rinsing contained in the water tank 6 is introduced directly into the washing tub 3 and without passing through the detergent box 17.

Thus, the washing and / or rinsing water circulated from the water tank 6 into the washing tub 3 during the first water filling step A of the washing tub 3 is a part of the amount of washing and / or rinsing water contained in the water tank 6, and this latter flows between the water tank 6 and the washing tank 3 without passing through a detergent box 17.

In this way, the flow of washing and / or rinsing water flowing between the water tank 6 and the washing tub 3 may have any pressure since the detergents are entrained from the detergent box 17 to the washing tub 3 by the mains water during the second water filling step B of the washing tub 3 using the pressure of the mains water.

Such a construction of the washing machine is inexpensive and simplifies the hydraulic water distribution circuit.

During the first water filling step A of the washing tub 3, the washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 is introduced inside the washing tub 3 so that create a volume of water in the washing tank 3 before the second water filling step B of the washing tank 3 with the water of the network is implemented with a flow of water through the detergent box 17.

In addition, the operating control method of the washing machine 1 makes it possible to improve the mixing of the detergent products with water by introducing water from the network fed by said at least one feed valve into water 18 through the detergent box 17 during the second water filling step B of the washing tank 3 following the implementation of the first step of water filling A of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6.

In this way, the mixture of detergent products with water from the network is introduced into the washing tank 3 containing a volume of washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 introduced beforehand so as to prevent some of the detergents from settling in nooks of the washing tub 3.

Furthermore, only a part of the quantity of washing and / or rinsing water contained in the water tank 6 is used during the first water filling step A of the washing tank 3 so as to be able to adapt the consumption of washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 as a function of the load of laundry and to optimize the reuse of the amount of wash water and / or rinsing recovered in the storage tank. water 6.

In one embodiment, the first water filling step A of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 is preceded by a step of activating the water. multi-way valve 14 so as to allow a flow of washing water flow and / or rinsing from the water tank 6 to the washing tub 3.

Preferably, during the first water filling step A of the washing tub 3, the washing and / or rinsing water coming from the water tank 6 is introduced into the lower part of the washing tub 3.

Thus, during the first water filling step A of the washing tub 3, the washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 is introduced to the bottom of the washing tub 3 so that to create a volume of water in the lower part of the washing tank 3 before the second water filling stage B of the washing tank 3 with the water of the network is implemented with a flow of water through the detergent box 17.

In one embodiment, during the first water filling step A of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6, said at least one circulation pump water 12 is operated for a predetermined period of time, in particular the water circulation pump 12.

Thus, the amount of washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 introduced into the washing tub 3 is fixed. The predetermined period of time for putting into operation of the at least one water circulation pump 12 corresponds to a quantity of washing and / or rinsing water taken from the water tank 6.

By way of non-limiting example, the predetermined period of time for putting into operation of the at least one water circulation pump 12 is of the order of 12 seconds, and corresponds to a quantity of washing and / or rinsing water of the order of 2 liters.

Advantageously, the amount of washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 introduced into the washing tub 3 during the first water filling step A corresponds to the quantity of water inside. of the washing tub 3 making it possible to have a water level tangential to the drum 15.

Thus, the amount of washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 introduced into the washing tub 3 during the first water filling step A can be drained from the washing tub 3 to the water tank. waste water network 13 without the laundry is wet in the case where the washing machine 1 can not be supplied with water from the network by means of said at least one water supply valve 18 during the second water filling step B of the washing tub 3 with water from the network.

Advantageously, the first water filling step A of the washing tank 3 with washing and / or rinsing water coming from the water tank 6 is carried out while keeping the drum 15 stationary.

Thus, the amount of washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 introduced into the washing tub 3 during the first water filling step A is kept static inside the washing tank. washing 3 so as to avoid absorption of water by the laundry contained in the drum 15 before the second filling step in water B.

In this way, the amount of washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 introduced into the washing tub 3 during the first water filling step A can be drained from the washing tub 3 to the wastewater network 13 without the laundry is wet in the case where the washing machine 1 can not be supplied with water from the network by means of said at least one water supply valve 18 to during the second water filling stage B of the washing tank 3 with water from the network.

In the case where the first water filling step A of the washing tank 3 is carried out and the water tank 6 is determined empty before the end of the flow of the predetermined period of operation time. of said at least one water circulation pump 12, in particular through the control means of the washing machine 1, said at least one water supply valve 18 is activated in the open position during the period of remaining time by drawing water from the network.

Although the water flows of said at least one water circulation pump 12 and said at least one water supply valve 18 may be different, the additional water from the network supplied by said at least one water supply valve 18 makes it possible to fill the washing tank 3 with water so as to allow the passage to the second water filling stage B of the washing tank 3 with mains water supplied by said at least one water supply valve 18.

Thus, such a mode of operation makes it possible to overcome, in particular, a malfunction occurring during the filling of the water tank 6 with water with washing and / or rinsing water coming from the washing tank 3.

In one embodiment, during the second water filling stage B of the washing tank 3 with water from the network, the at least one water supply valve 18 is activated in the open position for a period predetermined time.

Thus, a detergent product contained in the detergent box 17 is driven by water from the network flowing therein for a predetermined period of time so as to discharge a detergent product from a compartment of the detergent box 17 in the washing tub 3.

The predetermined period of time of the second water filling step B of the washing tub 3 with water from the network is dependent on the flow time of a detergent product contained in a compartment of the detergent box. 17, in particular according to the minimum water flow rate that can be dispensed by the at least one water supply valve of the network 18 so as to cause a detergent contained in a compartment of the detergent box 17.

In this way, a detergent product contained in a compartment of the detergent box 17 is completely discharged into the washing tank 3 by the mains water introduced by the at least one water supply valve 18 into the washing machine. washing the laundry 1, even in the case of a low pressure of the external water network 19.

In addition, the predetermined period of time of the second water filling step B of the washing tub 3 with water from the network makes it possible to introduce a fixed quantity of water into the washing tub 3 whatever the load of laundry contained in the drum 15 so as to recognize the load of laundry contained in the drum 15, in particular to distinguish different levels of weight of laundry, during the first and second brewing steps can be followed respectively by a third or at least a fourth step of filling the washing tub 3 with water with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6.

By way of non-limiting example, the predetermined period of time for activation in the open position of said at least one water supply valve 18 of the network is of the order of 56 seconds.

In one embodiment, the second water filling step B of the washing tub 3 with mains water supplied by said at least one water supply valve 18 is implemented by rotating the drum 15 simultaneously.

Thus, the rotational drive of the drum 15 during the second water filling step B of the washing tub 3 with water from the network fed by said at least one water supply valve 18 allows to improve the wetting of the laundry contained in the drum 15.

In this way, following the second water filling step B of the washing tub 3 with water from the network supplied by the at least one water supply valve 18, the laundry contained in the drum 15 is wet. homogeneously and the washing action is started by rotating the drum 15.

In addition, the rotational drive of the drum 15 during the second water filling step B of the washing tub 3 with water from the network supplied by said at least one water supply valve 18 makes it possible to to improve the dissolution of a detergent product with the water contained in the washing tank 3.

Moreover, the rotation drive of the drum 15 during the second water filling step B of the washing tub 3 with water from the network supplied by the at least one water supply valve 18 makes it possible to to realize more quickly the determination of the load of laundry contained in the drum 15.

Advantageously, during the second water filling step B of the washing tank 3, the drum 15 is rotated at a rotation speed in a range of between 30 rpm and 50 rpm, and preferably the order of 35 revolutions per minute.

• une première étape de brassage E, où le tambour 15 est entraîné en rotation, de sorte que la charge de linge contenue dans le tambour 15 absorbe une quantité d'eau ;
• une étape de détermination du niveau d'eau dans la cuve de lavage 3.

Preferably, the method comprises:

• a first stirring step E, wherein the drum 15 is rotated, so that the load of laundry contained in the drum 15 absorbs a quantity of water;
• a step of determining the water level in the washing tub 3.

Thus, the first stirring step E makes it possible to wet the load of laundry by rotating the drum 15. During this first stirring step E, the load of laundry contained in the drum 15 absorbs at least part of the amount of laundry. water present in the washing tank 3 following the first and second water filling steps A, B. And the step of determining the water level in the washing tank 3 to measure the amount of water present remaining at the bottom of the washing tub 3, and thus to determine the amount of water absorbed by the load of laundry contained in the drum 15.

Here, the first stirring step E is carried out following the second water filling step B of the washing tub 3 with water from the network.

Practically, the washing machine 1 also comprises a water level regulator 16 connected to the washing tub 3.

By way of non-limiting example, the water level regulating device 16 may be a pressure switch, and in particular an analog pressure switch.

The water level regulating device 16 thus makes it possible to obtain a determined water level necessary to protect the laundry from the mechanical action and said device makes it possible to optimize the consumption of water.

In one embodiment, the step of determining the water level in the washing tank 3 is carried out by a measurement of the water level, in particular by means of the pressure switch.

Advantageously, the first stirring step E is carried out for a predetermined period of time.

By way of non-limiting example, the predetermined period of time of the first stirring step E of the laundry contained in the drum 15 by the rotation of the drum 15 is 30 seconds.

Advantageously, during the first stirring step E, the drum 15 is rotated at a speed of rotation in a range of between 30 rpm and 50 rpm, and preferably of the order of 35 rpm. .

In one embodiment, following the first stirring step E, if the water level in the washing tub 3 is lower than a predetermined first water level N1_Haut, then the method comprises a third water filling step C of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 to the predetermined first water level N1_Haut.

Thus, the third water filling step C of the washing tank 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 to the predetermined first water level N1_Haut allows obtaining a predetermined water level N1_Haut in the washing tank 3 so as to ensure the immersion of a heating electric resistance (not shown) disposed in the lower part of the washing tub 3. The attainment of the predetermined water level N1_Haut in the washing tub 3 during the third water filling stage C also protects the laundry from the mechanical action during the following brewing steps.

During the third water filling step C of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6, said at least one water circulation pump 12 is set in operation, in particular the water circulation pump 12, until reaching the first water level N1_Haut predetermined in the washing tub 3.

The predetermined water level N1_Haut reached in the washing tank 3 is determined by a measurement of the water level by means of the water level regulating device 16.

In one embodiment, the third water filling step C of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 to the predetermined first water level N1_Haut is implemented by rotating the drum 15 simultaneously.

Thus, the rotational drive of the drum 15 during the third water filling step C of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 makes it possible to improve washing the laundry contained in the drum 15.

Advantageously, during the third water filling step C of the washing tank 3, the drum 15 is rotated at a speed of rotation in a range of between 30 rpm and 50 rpm, and preferably the order of 35 revolutions per minute.

Practically, the amount of water introduced into the washing tub 3 during the third water filling step C of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 is at least dependent on the type and weight of laundry contained in the drum 15.

Thus, the third water filling step C of the washing tank 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 to the predetermined first water level N1_Haut completes the lack of water related to the absorption of water by the laundry following the first stirring step E.

In the case where the third water filling step C of the washing tub 3 is carried out and the water tank 6 is determined empty, in particular through the control means of the washing machine 1 , said at least one water supply valve 18 is activated in the open position so as to reach the water level N1_Haut predetermined in the washing tank 3 by drawing water from the network.

Advantageously, following the first stirring step E or the third water filling step C of the washing tub 3, the method comprises a second stirring step F, where the drum 15 is rotated.

Thus, in the case where the water level in the washing tank 3 is greater than or equal to the predetermined water level N1_Haut following the first stirring step E, the method directly implements a second stirring step F, where the drum 15 is rotated.

And in the case where the water level in the washing tub 3 is below the level water N1_Haut predetermined following the first stirring step E, the method implements the third water filling step C of the washing tub 3 with washing water and / or rinsing from the reservoir of water 6 to the first predetermined water level N1_Haut then a second stirring step F, where the drum 15 is rotated.

In addition, the second stirring step F makes it possible to continue to wet the load of laundry by rotating the drum 15. During this second stirring step F, the load of laundry contained in the drum 15 can still absorb at least in part the amount of water present in the washing tank 3 following the first, second and possibly third water filling steps A, B, C.

Moreover, the second stirring step F makes it possible to recognize more finely the load of laundry contained in the drum 15, in particular to distinguish different levels of weight of laundry and the nature of the laundry.

Advantageously, the second stirring step F is carried out for a predetermined period of time.

By way of non-limiting example, the predetermined period of time of the second stirring step F of the laundry contained in the drum 15 by the rotation of the drum 15 is 330 seconds.

Advantageously, during the second stirring step F, the drum 15 is rotated at a speed of rotation in a range of between 30 rpm and 50 rpm, and preferably of the order of 35 rpm. .

Preferably, during the second stirring step F, at least a fourth water filling step D of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 is put into operation. work following the determination of a passage of the water level in the washing tank 3 below the predetermined first water level N1_Haut.

Thus, during the second stirring step F, said at least one fourth water filling step D of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 implemented following the determination of a passage of the water level in the washing tub 3 below the first water level N1_Haut predetermined allows to maintain the water level in the washing tub 3 at the first water level N1_Haut predetermined.

In this way, said at least one fourth water filling step D of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 to the predetermined first water level N1_Haut makes it possible to complete the lack of water linked to the absorption of water by the laundry during the second stirring step F.

In addition, said at least one fourth water filling step D of the washing tank 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 to the predetermined first water level N1_Haut allows to obtain a predetermined water level N1_Haut in the washing tub 3 necessary to protect the laundry from mechanical action.

During said at least a fourth water filling step D of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6, said at least one water circulation pump 12 is put into operation, in particular the water circulation pump 12, until reaching the first water level N1_Haut predetermined in the washing tub 3.

The predetermined water level N1_Haut reached in the washing tank 3 is determined by a measurement of the water level by means of the water level regulating device 16.

Of course, during the second stirring step F, one or more water filling steps D of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 can be carried out. implemented, and in particular following the determination of each passage of the water level in the washing tank 3 below the predetermined first water level N1_Haut.

In the case where at least a fourth water filling step D of the washing tank 3 is carried out during the second stirring step F and the water tank 6 is determined empty, in particular through the control means of the washing machine 1, said at least one water supply valve 18 is activated in the open position so as to reach the water level N1_Haut predetermined in the washing tank 3 by taking from the network water.

Advantageously, the first, second, third and fourth water filling stages A, B, C, D of the washing tank 3 and the first and second stirring stages E, F are carried out during a heating phase. wetting G of a cycle of operation of the washing machine 1, wherein the wetting phase G is carried out without heating.

Preferably, following said second stirring step F, the method comprises a step of determining the quantity of water remaining in the water tank 6.

Thus, the step of determining the amount of water remaining in the water tank 6 makes it possible to determine whether a quantity of water is present in the water tank 6 so as to be able to reuse it during a period of time. next phase of the current operating cycle, in particular during a rinsing phase H.

In one embodiment, the amount of water remaining in the water tank 6 is calculated by the control means of the washing machine 1 adding up the periods of operation time of said at least one water circulation pump 12, in particular of the water circulation pump 12, when first, and optionally third and at least a fourth water filling steps A, C, D of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6.

Then, the control means of the washing machine 1 compare the value of the periods of time of operation of said at least one water circulation pump 12 accumulated to a predetermined value so as to determine if the reservoir of water water 6 is empty or partially filled with washing and / or rinsing water.

Thus, the control means of the washing machine 1 determine that the water tank 6 is empty when the value of the operating time periods of said at least one water circulation pump 12 accumulated is equal at a predetermined value.

In the case where the control means of the washing machine 1 determine that the water tank 6 is empty, the following water filling steps are implemented by activating said at least one water supply valve 18 in the open position so as to draw water from the network.

During a step of filling the water tank 6 with water from the washing and / or rinsing water contained in the washing tank 3, in particular following a rinsing phase, the control means of the washing machine 1 reset the counter of the periods of time of operation of said at least one water circulation pump 12, in particular of the water circulation pump 12, during the water filling steps of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6.

Advantageously, the value of the periods of time for putting into operation of said at least one accumulated water circulation pump 12 is memorized by the control means of the washing machine 1 so as to keep in memory the level of water remaining in the water tank 6, in particular between two operating cycles implemented by the washing machine 1.

In addition, in the case where the user interrupts a current operating cycle, the control means of the washing machine 1 store in memory the water level remaining in the water tank 6 so as to be able to restart the operating cycle using the amount of water remaining in the water tank 6.

In one embodiment, this value of the operating time periods of said at least one accumulated water circulation pump 12 is also stored in memory in the event of a power failure of the power supply. washing machine 1.

Thus, the control means of the washing machine 1 store in memory the water level remaining in the water tank 6 so that it can start or restart an operating cycle using the amount of water remaining in the water tank 6.

In another embodiment, the amount of water remaining in the water tank 6 is determined by the control means of the washing machine 1 by measuring the water level in the washing tub 3 by means of of the water level regulating device 16 before and after a step of filling the washing tank 3 with water from the washing and / or rinsing water stored in the water tank 6.

Thus, in the case where the water level regulating device 16 detects an absence of variation of the water level in the washing tank 3 following a step of filling the wash tank 3 with water from the water. washing and / or rinsing water stored in the water tank 6, then the control means of the washing machine 1 determine that the water tank 6 is empty.

The control means of the washing machine 1 determine that the water tank 6 is empty if the detected variation of the water level value in the washing tank 3 by the water level regulating device 16 is less than a predetermined value.

In addition, the detection of variation of the water level in the washing tank 3 by means of the water level regulating device 16 is carried out for a predetermined period, for example being of the order of 7 seconds. , from the moment of putting into operation of said at least one water circulation pump 12.

Of course, both embodiments of determining the amount of water remaining in the water tank can be implemented independently or in combination.

Advantageously, following the step of determining the amount of water remaining in the water tank 6, if a quantity of water is determined present in the water tank 6, then the method comprises a filling step in water I of the washing tank 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 implemented during a rinsing phase H of a cycle of operation of the washing machine the linen 1.

Thus, the amount of washing and / or rinsing water recovered in the water tank 6 is used in its entirety and by adapting the water consumption during the different phases of an operating cycle as a function of the load of water. linen so as to minimize the water consumption of the network.

Otherwise, following said step of determining the amount of water remaining in the water tank 6, if the water tank 6 is determined empty, then the method comprises a step of filling the wash tank with water 3 with mains water from said at least one water supply valve 18 activated in the open position during a rinsing phase H of an operating cycle of the washing machine 1.

Preferentially, the wetting phase G is carried out during a cold wash phase or a prewash phase.

In one embodiment, the wetting phase G is followed by a hot washing phase J, at least one rinsing phase and at least one spinning phase.

Here and in no way limiting, following the second stirring step F, the method implements a hot washing phase J comprising a heating step of the water contained in the washing tank 3, a hot stirring step, a step of emptying the washing tub 3, and a spinning step.

In one embodiment, the step of heating the water contained in the washing tank 3 is carried out while keeping the drum 15 stationary.

We will now describe, with reference to Figures 1 to 3 , the operation of the laundry machine during the first, third and at least a fourth water filling steps of the washing tub with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank according to a embodiment of the invention.

The figure 2 illustrates a water filling step of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 so as to reuse the wash water and / or rinse used during a phase of an operating cycle implemented by the washing machine 1 and stored in the water tank 6.

Of course, the following description concerning a step of filling the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 is applicable to the first, third and at least a fourth filling steps. in water A, C, D of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6.

The water filling step of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6 is effected by activating the second water circulation pump 12, opening the multi-way valve 14 from the water tank 6 to the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1, by circulating the washing and / or rinsing water through the first and second circulation ducts water 10, 7 and passing through the first water circulation pump 11 being stopped.

During the water filling steps of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6, and vice versa, these are hydraulically coupled by the multiport valve 14.

To the figure 2 during the water filling step of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water from the water tank 6, a stream of water flows from the water tank 6 to the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1 through the multi-way valve 14. The water flow enters the water inlet / outlet opening 24 and exits through the inlet opening / water outlet 23 of the multiport valve 14.

Before the first water filling step A of the washing tub 3 with washing and / or rinsing water coming from the water tank 6, an actuator 27b of the multi-way valve 14 is not supplied with energy while an actuator 27a is supplied with energy.

Thus, the valves 22, 25 of the multi-way valve 14 are actuated while the valve 26 is not actuated. The valves 22, 26 respectively close off the water flow passages 21, 28. The water flow passages 20, 29 are then opened to allow the flow of water to flow through the flow passages. water 20.29.

In this way, the water tank 6 fills with air by the venting device 30 of the water tank 6 as it is emptied of the washing water and / or rinsing contained inside the water tank 6 to the washing tub 3 of the washing machine 1.

The two valves 22, 25 may be connected by a connecting rod 34 so as to allow simultaneous opening and closing of the water flow passages 20, 21, 29.

These two valves 22, 25 operate simultaneously in opening and closing. Therefore, a single actuator 27a associated with a rod 34 is necessary to allow the displacement of these valves 22, 25 so as to minimize the costs of obtaining the multi-way valve 14 and simplify the management of the latter by the unit order of washing machine 1.

The washing machine 1 comprises control means provided with a control unit (not shown), wherein the control unit comprises at least one electronic card. Said at least one electronic card comprises at least one microcontroller capable of implementing predetermined operating cycles of the washing machine 1. Thus, the control unit controls in particular said at least one water circulation pump 11 , 12, said at least one water supply valve of the network 18, the multi-way valve 14, the rotational drive of the drum 15 so as to implement the control method, as described above.

Thanks to the present invention, the operating control method of a washing machine allows to adapt the consumption of washing water and / or rinsing from a water tank according to the load of laundry contained in a drum, especially during a wetting phase of a cycle of operation of the washing machine.

Of course, many modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

Thus, the washing machine can be a washing machine, or a washing machine and dryer.

In particular, the washing machine may be of the laundry loading type from above or front.

Claims (14)

1. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1), the laundry washing machine (1) comprising:

   - a body frame (2);

   - a wash tub (3) enclosed in said body frame (2);

   - a drum (15) rotatably mounted within said wash tub (3);

   - a washing and/or rinsing water tank (6);

   - a hydraulic water distribution circuit;

   - wherein said hydraulic water distribution circuit connects said wash tub (3) of said machine (1) to said water tank (6), said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprising at least one water circulation pump (11, 12) circulating washing and/or rinsing water from said water tank (6) to said wash tub (3) of said washing machine (1), and vice versa;

   - wherein said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises at least one water
   supply valve (18) so as to fill said wash tub (3) with tap water;

   said process comprises at least the following steps:

   - a first step of filling (A) said wash tub (3) with washing and/or rinsing water coming from said water tank (6);

   - a second step of filling (B) said wash tub (3) with tap water supplied by said at least one water supply valve (18), wherein said tap water supplied by said at least one water supply valve (18) flows through a box of detergent products (17) before being introduced into said wash tub (3); wherein
   during said first step of filling (A) said wash tub (3) with washing and/or rinsing water coming from said water tank (6); a partial quantity of said washing and/or rinsing water contained within said water tank (6) is directly introduced into said wash tub (3) without going through said box of detergent products (17).
2. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that during said first step of filling (A) said wash tub (3) with water, said washing and/or rinsing water coming from said water tank (6) is introduced into the lower part of said wash tub (3).
3. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that during said first step of filling (A) said wash tub (3) with washing and/or rinsing water coming from said water tank (6), said at least one water circulation pump (12) is activated during a predetermined period of time.
4. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 3, characterized in that during said second step of filling (B) said wash tub (3) with tap water, said at least one water supply valve (18) is set to the open position for a predetermined period of time.
5. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to any one of the claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said method comprises:

   - a first step of mixing (E), wherein said drum (15) is rotated such that the load of laundry contained in said drum (15) absorbs a quantity of water;

   - a step of determining the water level in said wash tub (3).
6. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that after said first step of mixing (E), if the water level in said wash tub (3) is less than a first predetermined water level (N1_Haut), then said method comprises a third step of filling (C) said wash tub (3) with washing and/or rinsing water coming from said water tank (6) to the first predetermined water level (N1_Haut).
7. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that during said third step of filling (C) said wash tub (3) with washing and/or rinsing water coming from said water tank (6), said at least one water circulation pump (12) is activated until said first water level (N1_Haut) is reached in said water tank (3).
8. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 5 or either of the claims 6 or 7, characterized in that after said first step of mixing (E) or said third step of filling (C) said wash tub (3), said method comprises a second step of mixing (F), wherein said drum (15) is rotated.
9. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that during said second step of mixing (F), at least one fourth step of filling (D) said wash tub (3) with washing and/or rinsing water coming from said water tank (6) is implemented after determining that a water level in said wash tub (3) falls below said first water level (N1_Haut).
10. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that said first, second, third, and fourth steps of filling (A, B, C, D) said wash tub (3) with water and said first and second steps of mixing (E, F) are implemented during a wetting phase (G) of an operating cycle of said laundry washing machine (1), wherein said wetting phase (G) is implemented without heating.
11. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to any one of the claims 8 to 10, characterized in that after said second step of mixing (F), said method comprises a step of determining the quantity of water remaining in said water tank (6).
12. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that after said step of determining the quantity of water remaining in said water tank (6), if a quantity of water is determined to be present in said water tank (6), then said method comprises a step of filling (I) said wash tub (3) with washing and/or rinsing water coming from said water tank (6) implemented during a rinsing phase (H) of an operating cycle of said laundry washing machine (1).
13. A method for controlling the operation of a laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that after said step of determining the quantity of water remaining in said water tank (6), if said water tank (6) is determined to be empty, then said method comprises a step of filling said water tank (3) with tap water coming from said at least one water supply valve (18) set to the open position during a rinsing phase (H) of an operating cycle of said laundry washing machine (1).
14. A laundry washing machine (1) comprising:

    - a body frame (2);

    - a wash tub (3) enclosed in said body frame (2);

    - a drum (15) rotatably mounted within said wash tub (3);

    - a washing and/or rinsing water tank (6);

    - a hydraulic water distribution circuit;

    - wherein said hydraulic water distribution circuit connects said wash tub (3) of said machine (1) to said water tank (6), said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprising at least one water circulation pump (11, 12) circulating washing and/or rinsing water from said water tank (6) to said wash tub (3) of said washing machine (1), and vice versa;

    - wherein said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises at least one water supply valve (18) so as to fill said wash tub (3) with tap water;

    - means of controlling an operating cycle;
    characterized in that said means of controlling implement the method for controlling in accordance with any one of the claims 1 to 13.

Images