EP2933367A1 - Haushaltwaschmaschine mit dampferzeugungsmitteln zur äusserlichen verwendung - Google Patents

Haushaltwaschmaschine mit dampferzeugungsmitteln zur äusserlichen verwendung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2933367A1
EP2933367A1 EP15162150.5A EP15162150A EP2933367A1 EP 2933367 A1 EP2933367 A1 EP 2933367A1 EP 15162150 A EP15162150 A EP 15162150A EP 2933367 A1 EP2933367 A1 EP 2933367A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
steam
generating means
washing
household
generator
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP15162150.5A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Giovanni Bombardieri
Lorenzo Verdini
Gianluca Ferro
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Whirlpool EMEA SpA
Original Assignee
Indesit Co SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Indesit Co SpA filed Critical Indesit Co SpA
Publication of EP2933367A1 publication Critical patent/EP2933367A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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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
    • D06F29/00—Combinations of a washing machine with other separate apparatus in a common frame or the like, e.g. with rinsing apparatus
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/40—Steam generating arrangements
    • 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
    • D06F87/00—Apparatus for moistening or otherwise conditioning the article to be ironed or pressed

Definitions

  • the present invention relates, in a general aspect thereof, to a household washing appliance, such as a washing machine, a washing/drying machine, a dishwasher or the like, equipped with means for steam generation.
  • a household washing appliance such as a washing machine, a washing/drying machine, a dishwasher or the like, equipped with means for steam generation.
  • washing machines which include a laundry hygienization cycle that uses a jet of steam, which may be sprayed starting from relatively low temperatures (approx. 30 °C).
  • Machines also exist which include entire laundry washing cycles that utilize steam instead of water; usually these cycles are intended for delicate items, and are characterized in that they remove wrinkles from fabrics, caused by the laundry spinning or drying operations.
  • a suitable generator essentially comprises a water collection tank, which is heated by a resistor arranged inside (or outside) the tank itself.
  • the generator is in fluidic communication with the wash chamber or tub, so that steam can be supplied into the latter; to this end, many solutions are known for putting the generator in communication with the wash chamber, depending on the type of washing appliance, on the size of the appliance itself and/or the size of the generator, etc.
  • the generator is directly housed in the tub and essentially consists of a water collection well, wherein water is heated by the resistor; the well may be located either at the bottom or at the rear of the tub.
  • the generator is arranged outside the wash chamber and put in communication therewith by means of a steam supply collector or duct; in these cases, the generator usually comprises a vessel connected to the wash chamber, as described in European patent applications published under reference numbers EP 2 230 348 and EP 2 578 735 .
  • the idea that solves this problem is to use the steam generating means of the household washing appliance also for other purposes; in particular, the idea is to use the steam produced by the household washing appliance also for external use, in addition to internal use.
  • reference numeral 1 designates as a whole a washing machine according to the invention, which comprises an external cabinet structure 2, containing a wash chamber or tub 3 that houses a drum 4 adapted to contain the laundry to be washed (not shown in the drawing).
  • the drum 4 can rotate about a substantially horizontal axis, in particular by means of a motor 5 and the associated transmission means 6, which in this case consists of a belt.
  • the drum 3 may also be of the type that rotates about a substantially vertical axis.
  • the washing machine 1 comprises means for supplying wash liquid from the water mains to the tub 3, which comprise at least one valve 8 and an inlet duct 9 extending from the valve 8 to the wash tub 3.
  • the wash liquid is then drained from the washing machine 1 through draining means for draining the tub 3, which include a pump 10 and a drain duct 11 leading out of the machine.
  • the washing machine is also provided with steam generating means, more visible in Figure 2 , wherein reference numeral 15 designates a steam generator; the latter is housed outside the tub 3 and comprises a vessel that houses a heating resistor 15' (drawn with a dashed line because it is per se known).
  • reference numeral 15 designates a steam generator; the latter is housed outside the tub 3 and comprises a vessel that houses a heating resistor 15' (drawn with a dashed line because it is per se known).
  • the steam generator 15 is connected to the water supply mains by means of a duct 16 extending from the valve 8, which in this case is a three-way electrovalve; downstream, the steam generator 15 is connected to the wash chamber 3 and to an external steam socket 18, respectively, by means of ducts 17, 19.
  • valves 20 and 21 are provided; the latter, just like the electrovalve 8, is controlled by a control mainboard 24, which adjusts the general operation of the washing machine in accordance with the various programs contained therein.
  • the steam generator 15 which includes the heating resistor, is operationally connected to the general electronic control board 24, whereas the output valve 21 and the external steam socket 18 are connected to a control panel 25 of the washing machine for external steam distribution.
  • the control panel 25 has a user interface that comprises, for example, push-buttons or knobs, indicator lights or a display, which interface allows adjusting the steam flow, as will be described below.
  • the washing machine comprises also an essence diffuser 26 connected to the steam duct 19; the diffuser allows diffusing the essences contained therein into the steam flow.
  • the washing machine 1 operates as known in the art; therefore, there will be steps in which detergents will be added, rinse steps and or water change steps, spin steps, and steps in which steam will be introduced into the wash chamber 3.
  • This operation of the washing machine is controlled by the general board 24, which stores the various programs that can be chosen by the user through an interface like the one mentioned above.
  • the washing machine 1 can distribute steam for external use; for this purpose, the operation of the washing machine is switched, and all or a part of the steam produced by the generator will no longer be delivered into the wash chamber 3, but will be conveyed towards the external steam socket 18.
  • the latter is a male or female connector, per se known, to be engaged with matching connectors of connection hoses of household appliances that utilize steam to operate.
  • Figure 2 schematically shows an iron 30, a brush 31 for wrinkle removal, a hair straightener 32, a household appliance 33 for cleaning floors, tiles and other surfaces in general.
  • each one of these appliances is equipped with a hose (only a portion of which is shown in Figure 2 ) ending with a plug to be coupled to the socket 18.
  • the user will start the steam generator from the control panel 25 and its user interface; the control panel 25 will then command the valve 21 to open and, at least for a preset time period, the valves 8 and 20 to close.
  • the steam generator 15 will be able to produce steam until a pressure suitable for the desired application will be achieved.
  • the steam pressure must be such as to reach the appliance 30-33 connected to the washing machine and provide a jet with a steam flow rate which is appropriate for the intended purpose.
  • the steam flow rate and pressure can be adjusted and set by the user from the control panel 25.
  • a certain steam flow rate can be set for ironing laundry with the iron 30, whereas for cleaning floors, tiles and other surfaces it will be advisable to use a different flow rate and a steam jet with higher pressure. Similar considerations apply to the brush 31 for wrinkle removal or to the hair straightener 32, or to any other steam appliance connected to the washing machine.
  • the pressure value reached by the steam will still be limited to a few tens of millibars, and will be maintained for short time intervals; the heating resistor 15' will provide the heat necessary for generating the steam flow rate required by the user.
  • the resistor 15' preferably features an on-off operation, allowing the generation of a certain quantity of steam, which will accumulate into the generator 15 at a preset pressure level; when this level is reached, the resistor 15' will be turned off by the control panel 25.
  • the output valve 21 When steam is required for external use, e.g. for the iron, the output valve 21 will open, thereby allowing the steam to flow towards the socket 18, to which the hose of the appliance 30-33 in use is connected.
  • the output valve 21 preferably also performs the function of adjusting the steam output pressure, adapting it to the requested application; to this end, the valve 21 is configured as or associated with a pressure reducer, as known in the art.
  • the washing machine 1 is equipped with means for detecting the temperature and the pressure of the steam; such means are preferably thermocouples and pressure sensors, connected to the control panel 25 that controls the operation of the generator 15, as previously explained.
  • the diffuser 26 allows diffusing substances contained therein into the steam flow being conveyed towards the socket 18; the substances, which as aforesaid may be essence-based liquids or disinfectants or the like, are drawn into the steam flow by Venturi effect, and are conveyed into the appliance 30-33 connected to the socket 18.
  • washing machine 1 considered herein can solve the technical problem addressed by the invention.
  • the steam generator 15 is now used for producing steam not only for the operating cycles of the washing machine, but also for external applications.
  • washing machine 1 is not in use for washing laundry: therefore, the washing machine is enriched with new functions, de facto becoming a new household washing appliance also useful for other household jobs.
  • control board 24 of the washing machine and the control panel 25 of the steam generator(s) 15 will be different from those schematically described herein with reference to the example taken into consideration.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Accessory Of Washing/Drying Machine, Commercial Washing/Drying Machine, Other Washing/Drying Machine (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
EP15162150.5A 2014-04-01 2015-04-01 Haushaltwaschmaschine mit dampferzeugungsmitteln zur äusserlichen verwendung Withdrawn EP2933367A1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
ITTO20140269 2014-04-01

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2933367A1 true EP2933367A1 (de) 2015-10-21

Family

ID=50983003

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP15162150.5A Withdrawn EP2933367A1 (de) 2014-04-01 2015-04-01 Haushaltwaschmaschine mit dampferzeugungsmitteln zur äusserlichen verwendung

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2933367A1 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11035072B2 (en) 2018-02-19 2021-06-15 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Washing machine appliance and nozzle assembly
EP3868943A1 (de) * 2020-02-20 2021-08-25 LG Electronics Inc. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung und verfahren zur steuerung davon

Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1274143A (en) * 1969-03-25 1972-05-10 Crolls Sa Improvements in washing machines
WO2006112611A1 (en) * 2005-04-22 2006-10-26 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry device and method for controlling the same
EP2196573A1 (de) * 2008-12-12 2010-06-16 Electrolux Home Products N.V. Haushaltsgerät mit Ablagefläche für die Dampfbehandlung von Wäschestücken
EP2230348A1 (de) 2005-03-16 2010-09-22 LG Electronics Inc. Dampfwaschmaschine und Verfahren zu ihrer Steuerung
EP2578735A1 (de) 2011-08-22 2013-04-10 LG Electronics Inc. Steuerverfahren einer Waschmaschine mit Dampfgenerator
EP2604738A1 (de) 2011-12-12 2013-06-19 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Waschmaschine mit integriertem Dampferzeuger

Patent Citations (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1274143A (en) * 1969-03-25 1972-05-10 Crolls Sa Improvements in washing machines
EP2230348A1 (de) 2005-03-16 2010-09-22 LG Electronics Inc. Dampfwaschmaschine und Verfahren zu ihrer Steuerung
WO2006112611A1 (en) * 2005-04-22 2006-10-26 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry device and method for controlling the same
EP2196573A1 (de) * 2008-12-12 2010-06-16 Electrolux Home Products N.V. Haushaltsgerät mit Ablagefläche für die Dampfbehandlung von Wäschestücken
EP2578735A1 (de) 2011-08-22 2013-04-10 LG Electronics Inc. Steuerverfahren einer Waschmaschine mit Dampfgenerator
EP2604738A1 (de) 2011-12-12 2013-06-19 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Waschmaschine mit integriertem Dampferzeuger

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11035072B2 (en) 2018-02-19 2021-06-15 Haier Us Appliance Solutions, Inc. Washing machine appliance and nozzle assembly
EP3868943A1 (de) * 2020-02-20 2021-08-25 LG Electronics Inc. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung und verfahren zur steuerung davon
EP4245906A3 (de) * 2020-02-20 2023-12-20 LG Electronics Inc. Wäschebehandlungsvorrichtung und verfahren zur steuerung davon
US11859341B2 (en) 2020-02-20 2024-01-02 Lg Electronics Inc. Laundry treating apparatus and method for controlling the same

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