EP3543391A1 - Device for securing the drinking water for a washing machine and washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (102) for securing the drinking water (106) for a washing machine (100). The device (102) has an input interface (220) for introducing drinking water (106) and an output interface (222) for discharging the drinking water (106). Further, the apparatus (102) comprises a chamber means (226) having an entrance side chamber opening (230), an exit side chamber opening (232) and at least one drain opening (234, 236), the chamber means (226) being formed about a free flow path to provide for the drinking water (106) between the inlet-side chamber opening (230) and the outlet-side chamber opening (232) and to provide a drain for the return water (110) introduced via the exit interface (222) to the at least one drain opening (234, 236). Furthermore, the device (102) has an input channel (224) for directing the drinking water (106) from the input interface (220) to the inlet-side chamber opening (230) and an outlet channel (228) for directing the drinking water (106) from the outlet-side chamber opening (22). 232) to the output interface (222).

Description

The invention relates to a device for securing the drinking water for a washing machine and a washing machine.

Due to contamination, germs and detergents, the water used in washing machines according to EN 1717 is classified in liquid category 5.

To protect the drinking water against contamination by jerk flow different design principles are used in washing machines. These safety devices are usually integrated into detergent dispensers or similar assemblies due to the applicable EN 61770 standard according to DIN EN 1307x of the A type A, B or D family. As a result, the KTW and W270 requirements for many components also have to meet the corresponding requirements with regard to the Drinking Water Ordinance.

The invention has the object to provide an improved device for securing the drinking water for a washing machine and an improved washing machine.

According to the invention this object is achieved by a device for securing the drinking water for a washing machine and a washing machine with the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the following subclaims.

The achievable with the invention advantages are that with the device a security device can be realized, which can be implemented very early in the water inlet of a washing machine, so that a few components of the washing machine with drinking water are in direct contact. In this case, the device can be designed as a safety device for the protection of drinking water type AD for washing machines.

Advantageously, the device can be integrated as a universally applicable element in the water inlet of the washing machine and thereby represent a safety device, and thus represent the functionality of a pipe separator or a backflow preventer. In this case, a hedge against liquid category 5 is possible.

The device can be realized as a safety device taking into account only a single component and a material in the drinking water supply. The Device can be used instead of a mixing box with safety device type AB in commercial washing machines and instead of a safety device type AD in Waschmitteleinspülkasten from household and small businesses.

The device results in an improvement of the certification option of washing machines in terms of safety for the protection of drinking water. This applies, for example, to obtaining the DVGW certification (GER), as well as WRAS (GB) or Watermark (AUS).

Furthermore, the device offers the universal connection of dosing systems for liquid detergents as well as high-pressure dosing systems. In this case, an applicability of serving as a separation point device in different washing machines is possible, especially for household and commercial.

• eine Eingangsschnittstelle zum Einleiten von Trinkwasser und eine Ausgangsschnittstelle zum Ausleiten des Trinkwassers;
• eine Kammereinrichtung mit einer eingangsseitigen Kammeröffnung, einer ausgangsseitigen Kammeröffnung und zumindest einer Ablauföffnung, wobei die Kammereinrichtung ausgeformt ist, um eine freie Fließstrecke für das Trinkwasser zwischen der eingangsseitigen Kammeröffnung und der ausgangsseitigen Kammeröffnung bereitzustellen und einen Ablauf für über die Ausgangsschnittstelle eingeleitetes Rückflusswasser zu der Ablauföffnung bereitzustellen;
• einem düsenförmigen Eingangskanal zum Leiten des Trinkwassers von der Eingangsschnittstelle zu der eingangsseitigen Kammeröffnung; und
• einem diffusorförmigen Ausgangskanal zum Leiten des Trinkwassers von der ausgangsseitigen Kammeröffnung zu der Ausgangsschnittstelle.

A device for securing the drinking water for a washing machine has the following features:

• an input interface for introducing drinking water and an output interface for discharging the drinking water;
• a chamber means having an entrance side chamber opening, an exit side chamber opening, and at least one drain opening, the chamber means being formed to provide a free flow path for the potable water between the entrance side chamber opening and the exit side chamber opening and providing a drain for return water introduced via the exit interface to the drain opening ;
• a nozzle-shaped input channel for conducting the drinking water from the input interface to the input-side chamber opening; and
• a diffuser-shaped exit channel for directing the drinking water from the exit-side chamber opening to the exit interface.

The device can be designed as a component that can be arranged in a drinking water inlet of a washing machine or a dosing system for a watch machine. The drinking water can generally be water, which must not be contaminated by water already used in the washing machine. The washing machine may be a washing machine, a washer-dryer, a dishwasher, a washer or other cleaning appliance. The input interface may represent an input-side terminal and the output interface an output-side terminal of the device. The chamber device can include at least one cavity through which the free flow path can lead. The free flow path can be understood to mean a section within the device in which the drinking water, in particular downwards, is not guided by a guide element, for example a floor or a wall of a line or a channel. During operation of the washing machine, the drinking water flowing through the inlet channel may have a flow velocity which is sufficient to be able to bridge the free flow path. A length of the free flow path may be selected so that any backflowing water flowing back can not bridge the free flow path and instead is guided to the drain port.

The inlet channel can be formed nozzle-shaped. Through a nozzle-shaped inlet channel, a flow velocity of the drinking water flowing through the inlet channel can be further increased. Additionally or alternatively, the output channel may be formed diffuser-shaped. As a result, gravity-induced backflow of water to the chamber device can be prevented.

The device may be formed as a safety device type AD according to DIN EN 13079: 2003. This ensures that the washing machine meets legal requirements regarding the protection of drinking water.

The input interface can be designed to connect an input-side connection line. Accordingly, the output interface for connecting an output-side connecting line may be formed. For this purpose, the input interface may be formed, for example, as an input-side connecting piece for connecting an input-side connecting hose. Accordingly, the output interface may be formed as an output-side connecting piece for connecting an output-side connecting hose. In this way, the device can be easily integrated into a water supply of the washing machine.

According to one embodiment, the chamber means is formed to provide the free flow path with a length of at least 20mm. As a result, current legal requirements regarding the protection of drinking water are met.

The chamber device may have at least one chamber which is arranged between the inlet-side chamber opening and the outlet-side chamber opening. In this case, at least a portion of the free flow path can lead through the at least one chamber. The at least one drain opening can be arranged in the ready state of the device at a lower end of the chamber. In this way, with a flowing to bypass the free flow path to low flow rate in the chamber water flowing to the drain opening.

By way of example, the chamber device may have a first chamber, an intermediate wall having a connecting channel and a second chamber. In this case, the first chamber, the input-side chamber opening and the second chamber having the output side chamber opening. The first chamber may be separated from the second chamber by the intermediate wall. The free flow path can extend at least from the inlet-side chamber opening through the first chamber to the connecting channel. According to an embodiment, the free flow path may further extend through the connection channel and the second chamber to the exit side chamber opening. In the operational state of the device, a first drain opening may be arranged at a lower end of the first chamber and a second drain opening at a lower end of the second chamber. By using more than one chamber, the protective effect of the device can be increased. In this case, the first chamber may have a larger diameter than the second chamber.

The nozzle-shaped input channel can be formed in an input-side cylindrical pipe section. Accordingly, the output channel may be formed in an output side cylindrical pipe section. Such pieces of pipe can be easily produced.

• einen Laugenbehälter;
• ein Ventil zum Einleiten von Trinkwasser in den Waschautomaten;
• eine Waschmitteleinrichtung;
• eine genannte Vorrichtung, wobei die Eingangsschnittstelle der Vorrichtung über einen ersten Schlauch mit dem Ventil und die Ausgangsschnittstelle der Vorrichtung über einen zweiten Schlauch mit der Waschmitteleinrichtung verbunden ist; und
• optional einen Behälter mit einer Einlauföffnung, die fluidisch mit der Ablauföffnung der Vorrichtung verbunden ist, um Rückflusswasser von der Vorrichtung aufzunehmen, wobei der Behälter einen freien Auslauf zum Abführen des Rückflusswassers aus dem Behälter in den Laugenbehälter aufweist.

According to one embodiment, a washing machine has the following features:

• a tub;
• a valve for introducing drinking water into the washing machine;
• a detergent device;
• a said device, wherein the input interface of the device is connected via a first hose to the valve and the output interface of the device via a second hose to the detergent means; and
• optionally, a container having an inlet port fluidly connected to the drain port of the device for receiving reflux water from the device, the container having a free outlet for discharging the reflux water from the container into the tub.

For example, the detergent device can be designed as a detergent dispenser or a dosing. The free outlet of the container ensures additional protection in the event of a water overflow in the washing machine.

Figur 1

einen Waschautomaten gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel;

Figur 2

eine Vorrichtung zur Sicherung des Trinkwassers gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel; und

Figur 3

eine Vorrichtung zur Sicherung des Trinkwassers in einem verbauten Zustand gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel.

An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and will be described in more detail below. It shows

FIG. 1

a washing machine according to an embodiment;

FIG. 2

a device for securing the drinking water according to an embodiment; and

FIG. 3

a device for securing the drinking water in a built-in state according to an embodiment.

FIG. 1 shows a washing machine 100 according to an embodiment. The washing machine 100 has a device 102 for securing the drinking water. The washing machine 100 has a connection hose 104, via which the washing machine 100 can be connected, for example, to a drinking water supply line of a building in which the washing machine 100 is set up. Via the connection hose 104, the washing machine 100 can be supplied with drinking water 106, which can be forwarded via the device 102 to a water supply path 108. The device 102 is formed to prevent return water 110 from entering the water inlet tap 108 into the connection hose 104. For this purpose, the device 102 is shaped in order to divert any reflux water 110 which may flow into the device 102 through the water inlet path 108, for example to a tub 112 of the washing machine 100.

FIG. 2 shows a device 102 for securing the drinking water 106 according to an embodiment. This may, for example, be a device 102, as described with reference to FIG FIG. 1 is described. In particular, the device 102 can protect the drinking water 106 still located upstream of the device 102 from contamination by reflux water 110.

The device 102 has an input interface 220, here in the form of an inlet opening, for introducing drinking water 106 into the device 102 and an output interface 222, here in the form of an outlet opening, for discharging the drinking water 106 conducted through the device 102. Potable water 106 introduced through the input interface 220 is routed through an input channel 224 to a chamber device 226. The chamber means 226 is formed to form a free flow path. Drinking water 106 that has bypassed the free flow path is routed through an output channel 228 to the output interface 222. The chamber device 226 has an inlet-side chamber opening 230, an outlet-side chamber opening 232 and, according to this exemplary embodiment, two drainage openings 234, 236, by way of example. The chamber device 226 is on the input side Chamber opening 230 connected to the input channel 224 and the output-side chamber opening 232 to the output channel 228. The chamber means 226 is configured to pass refluxing water 110 flowing back through the exit channel 228 to at least one of the drainage openings 234, 236. In this way, reflux water 110 is prevented from entering the input channel 224 through the inlet-side chamber opening 230.

According to the embodiment shown, the inlet channel 224 is nozzle-shaped and the outlet channel 228 diffuser-shaped. The inlet channel 224 and the outlet channel 228 are exemplarily formed in cylindrical tube sections of the device 102. Free ends of the pipe sections each have a mounting portion for attaching a conduit, such as a hose. According to the illustrated embodiment, the free ends of the pipe pieces are formed as an input-side connecting piece for connecting an input-side connecting hose and as an output-side connecting piece for connecting an output-side connecting hose. For this purpose, the free ends optionally each have a hook-shaped widening. The free ends have exemplary circular cross sections.

According to one embodiment, the free flow path has a length of at least 20mm. According to the embodiment shown, the chamber device 226 has a first chamber 240 and a second chamber 242, which are separated from one another by an intermediate wall 244. The intermediate wall 244 has at the level of the chamber openings 230, 232 a connecting channel 246, via which the first chamber 240 is connected to the second chamber 242. The inlet-side chamber opening 230 has a smaller diameter than the connecting channel 246 and the outlet-side chamber opening 232. The free flow path runs according to this embodiment at least through the first chamber 240th

The first drain opening 234 is located at a lower end of the first chamber 240 and the second drain opening 236 is disposed at a lower end of the second chamber 242. According to this embodiment, the chambers 240, 242 each have no bottom to form the drain holes 234, 236. According to this embodiment, the first chamber 240 has a diameter that is at least twice as large as a diameter of the second chamber 242.

According to this embodiment, an axis of the device 102 passes centrally through the inlet channel 224, the inlet-side chamber opening 230, the connection channel 246, the outlet-side chamber opening 232 and the outlet channel 228.

The device 102 is also referred to as a component or injector and according to one embodiment includes the safety device type AD according to DIN EN 13079: 2003 for the protection of the drinking water 110 against contamination by backflow. The drinking water 110 flows according to the flow direction 250 through the device 102 and is by means of nozzle through the first chamber 240, here the larger of the chambers 240, 242 over a required minimum distance of 20mm through the second chamber 242, here the smaller of the chambers 240, 242 , directed into the diffuser and the outlet neck.

The first chamber 240 is, according to one embodiment, the free flow path. In case of error, z. B. clogging of the output-side supply line, the return water 110, for example washing machine water (liquid category 5), due to the free flow path through the downwardly open chambers 240, 242, for example, be discharged into the tub. Trailing drinking water 110 can not mix. In the case of a return suction due to pressure loss in the supply system, no reflux water 110 can likewise be sucked back into the drinking water line.

In addition to the washing machines, the device 102 can also be integrated into the drinking water supply line of dosing systems. In systems in which water is permanently premixed with liquid detergent, according to one embodiment, a drinking water safety device, for example in the form of the device 102, is also provided.

FIG. 3 shows a device 102 for securing the drinking water in a built-in state according to an embodiment. In this case, the device 102 may be installed, for example, in a washing machine, as in FIG. 1 shown.

By the device 102, which includes a nozzle-diffuser principle and meets the design principle of the safety device type AD according to DIN EN 13079, the separation of drinking water to liquid category 5. This device 102 forming component is located in the water inlet behind the cold and Hot water supply valves 360 and is integrated by means of hose connections 362, 364. Thus, a free flow path can be realized shortly behind the at least one valve 360. The water is passed through the device 102 comprising the securing device into the respective water inlet path, here in the form of the hose connection 364. Peel or leak water, which on the separation point, ie the free flow path in the device 102, is formed, collected in a container 366 and passed into the tub of the washing machine. This collected water is also used to mix liquid washing media.

In the event of a water overflow of the appliance, the safeguard for the protection of the drinking water can be additionally safeguarded via a free spout type AB in tank 366.

By means of an effective nozzle-diffuser construction, the device 102 thus achieves an effective mode of operation of the separation point.

Drinking water contact is according to one embodiment only to the components in the form of the connecting tube 104, the at least one inlet valve 360, the connecting tube 362 and the separation point, which comprises the device 102 formed by the securing device.

Thus, complicated designs of safety devices in Waschmitteleinspülkasten 368 can be omitted. A material use of drinking water-compatible materials in Waschmitteleinspülkasten 368 can be omitted. Furthermore, a free outlet (non-circular) in the front region of the Waschmitteleinspülkastens 368 omitted. There is a low test and certification effort (drinking water safety). Variants without Waschmitteleinspülkasten 368 are possible, with only a connection of automatic dosing in commercial or household is provided. Advantageously, a universal use of acting as a separation point device 102 due to small dimensions in different applications is possible.

Claims (10)

Device (102) for securing the drinking water (106) for a washing machine (100), the device (102) having the following features: an input interface (220) for introducing drinking water (106) and an output interface (222) for discharging the drinking water (106); a chamber means (226) having an entrance side chamber opening (230), an exit side chamber opening (232) and at least one drain opening (234, 236), the chamber means (226) being formed to provide a free flow path for the potable water (106) between providing inlet side chamber opening (230) and exit side chamber opening (232) and providing a drain for return water (110) introduced via the exit interface (222) to the at least one drain port (234, 236); an input channel (224) for directing the drinking water (106) from the input interface (220) to the input side chamber opening (230); and an exit channel (228) for directing the drinking water (106) from the exit side chamber opening (232) to the exit interface (222). Apparatus (102) according to claim 1, wherein the inlet channel (224) is nozzle-shaped and / or the outlet channel (228) is diffuser-shaped. Device (102) according to one of the preceding claims, which is shaped as a safety device type AD according to DIN EN 13079: 2003. Device (102) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the input interface (220) as an inlet-side connecting piece for connecting an input-side connecting hose (362) and / or the output interface (222) as an output-side connecting piece for connecting an output-side connecting hose (364) formed is. Apparatus (102) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber means (226) is shaped to provide the free flow path having a length of at least 20mm. Apparatus (102) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber means (226) comprises at least one chamber (240, 242) disposed between the entrance side chamber opening (230) and the exit side chamber opening (232), at least a portion of the free flow path through the at least a chamber (240, 242) leads and the at least one drain opening (234, 236) is arranged in the ready state of the device (102) at a lower end of the chamber (240, 242). Apparatus (102) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the chamber means (226) comprises a first chamber (240), an intermediate wall (244) having a connection channel (246) and a second chamber (242), the first chamber (240 ) the inlet - side chamber opening (230) and the second chamber (242) has the outlet - side chamber opening (232), the first chamber (240) is separated from the second chamber (242) by the intermediate wall (244) and at least the free flow path at the inlet side chamber opening (230) through the first chamber (240) to the connecting channel (246), wherein in the operational state of the device (102) has a first drain opening (234) at a lower end of the first chamber (240) and a second drain opening ( 236) is disposed at a lower end of the second chamber (242). The device (102) of claim 7, wherein the first chamber (240) has a larger diameter than the second chamber (242). Device (102) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the nozzle-shaped inlet channel (224) is formed in an inlet-side cylindrical pipe section and / or the outlet channel (228) is formed in an outlet-side cylindrical pipe section. Washing machine (100) with the following features: a tub (112); a valve (360) for introducing drinking water (106) into the washing machine (100); a detergent means (368); a device (102) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the input interface (220) is connected to the detergent means (368) via a first tube (362) to the valve (360) and the output interface (222) via a second tube (364) is; and a reservoir (366) having an inlet port fluidly connected to the at least one drain port (234, 236) of the device (102) for receiving reflux water (110) from the device (102), the reservoir (366) providing a free flow outlet for discharging the reflux water (110) from the container (366) into the tub (112).

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