ES1067102U - Economiser device for green water treatment in automatic washing machines. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Economizer device for the ecological treatment of water in automatic washing machines, consisting of a set of elements that can be added to existing washing machines or, preferably, integrated into the manufacturing process of new washing machines, in order to achieve the utilization of the water of the last rinse for use in subsequent washes, characterized in that said set of elements basically includes an upper recovery tank (12), an inlet and outlet selector solenoid valves (8.1) and (8.2), the interconnection pipes (13). ) that are necessary, and a mode switch pushbutton (14). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Economizing device for treatment Ecological water in automatic washing machines.

Introduction

The object of the present invention relates to a new device applicable to automatic washing machines by which can be ordered washing programs that allow achieve sensible savings in the consumption of running water and, in some cases, some degree of saving in energy consumption electric The device is applicable to any type of washing machine, although it is preferable that its inclusion in the manufacturing chain to optimize the characteristics and the External appearance of such an important appliance.

Sector of the technique to which the invention relates

The invention presented affects the Sector of Textiles, Textile Treatment chapter or similar in concerning appliances for washing clothes and their accessories affecting, from an industrial point of view, the manufacture of automatic washing machines of domestic or large type volume.

Background of the invention

The background regarding Automatic washing machines

The invention of the washing machine meant a reduction in household work, by facilitating very advantageously the laundry Its operation is based on an engine that Spin a drum full of water and detergent. Over time, the new models have included improvements in the design and in the Automation of its functions.

Making a little history we can say that for centuries all clothes were washed by hand, scrubbing and hitting it on the banks of the rivers. These methods were followed using until the beginning of the 20th century, because the washing machine electric, invented by Alva Fisher, became massive only when the Electricity became a common service. However, the origins of this homemade ally date back to 1780, when Robinson Lancashire patented a machine for washing and draining clothes. Then, two years later, Henry Sidgier devised an operated artifact manually, consisting of a wooden barrel and a crank. In 1858, the American manufacturer Hamilton Smith added to the drum a gear that allowed its rotation in both directions. In 1880, in an attempt to massify the washing and drying of clothes of Crimean hospitals (Ukraine), another machine was built that made Both functions Finally, in 1901, the first made its appearance electric washing machine, precursor to the one we use today, thanks to Alva Fisher This inventor applied an electric motor to a drum metal. With respect to the invention of the automatic washing machine, its merit is disputed by the Bendix Corporation (1937) and the General Electric (1947). In any case, these were expensive and uncomfortable (you had to drain the clothes through two rollers that were in the upper part) and we had to wait for the end of the Second World War to assist the takeoff in the sales of washing machines.

In the 60s, some were incorporated technological innovations, such as mechanical drum, spin and a timer control. Years later, thanks to the computer systems, the microprocessor began to be used to Check the operation of the different washing options.

In principle the main novelties that are introduced in the automatic washing machines affect the system control, to the control system with keypads or touch screens, to the spin speed, to the shape, size and location of the mouths of load, to the decrease of noise and characteristics of this style.

The author of the present invention has considered interesting to apply a novelty in something concerning aspects of fully topical as are the ecological and savings energetic.

Description of the invention

The present invention, as it has remained exposed in the introduction, refers to a new device of operation of automatic washing machines whose purpose Main is the total water savings consumed based on previous storage and redundant use of water of one or more previous cycles.

For this it is necessary to add to the elements Ordinary washing machines, at least one deposit of water storage and one or more solenoid valves, modifying slightly the connection of hydraulic circuits and the electro-mechanical characteristics of the module programmer.

In short, we can say that the idea basic of the invention is to take advantage of the water used in the last rinse by storing it in a regulatory tank and performing the first cycle of the next wash with part of the water recovered and the second wash cycle with the rest of the water recovered supplemented with water from the network. Accounting for liters consumed in a normal wash and comparing them with the Consumption of an economical wash results in water savings health that is between 20% and 30%.

Brief description of the drawings

A schematic figure is included to facilitate The understanding of the invention.

Figure one

This figure represents, schematically, a front view of a conventional washing machine with indication of the different parts to which reference will be made for the best Exhibition of the invention.

The following elements have been indicated:

one.-

Washing machine

2.-

Programmer's Command

3.-

Metering drawers

4.-

Washing drum

5.-

Filter

6.-

Water Pump

7.-

Water inlet

8.1.-

Water inlet solenoid valve recovery or network

8.2.-

Output selector solenoid valve \ hskip0.5cm "\ hskip1.5cm" \ hskip0.8cm or drain

8.3.-

Direct water inlet solenoid valve to recovery deposit

9.1.-

Low level drum detector

9.2.-

High level drum detector

10.-

Electro network shutoff valve

eleven.-

Drain mouth

12.-

Recovery tank

13.-

Link pipes

14.-

Mode switch

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Description of a preferred embodiment

Economizing device for treatment Ecological water in automatic washing machines (Fig. 1) which, in a preferred embodiment by the inventor, is described as a set of items that can be added to washing machines existing or, preferably, integrated into the process of manufacture of new washing machines.

For a more complete explanation described previously operating a normal washing machine to pass then to the operation of a washing machine equipped with the device of the invention.

Normal functioning

In the normal operation of a washing machine (1), water accesses from the supply network through the mouth input (7) passing directly to the dosing drawer of detergent (3) to continue towards the washing drum (4). When he water level detector (9.1) or (9.2), depending on the washing program chosen, activated, orders the closing of the solenoid valve inlet (10) and the wash cycle begins. Washing cycle it depends on the previous choice that has been made through the mode and program selectors indicated in the command of the programmer (2).

In any case there is a succession of stages of prewashing, washing, rinsing, etc. in which, once finished each of them in timed order, the emptying the washing drum (4) by passing the water through the filter (5) driven by the pump (6) that achieves total emptying through the drain mouth (11). In each of the stages a clean water consumption that always entering through the mouth (7) comes out by mouth (11).

Total water consumption depends on each type of washing machine and the type of program chosen but to give an idea of the advantages of the invention, the author thereof has controlled the consumption in a washing machine of the usual qualifying in addition water quality according to its degree of dirt or what is the same according to its clarity.

The result, in a four-stage process, is the one indicated below:

one

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From this result the basic idea of the invention that consists in taking advantage of the water of the last rinse as indicated in the explanation that follows:

Operation according to the invention

The inventor materializes his idea by adding to the normal washing machines (1) a water recovery tank (12) located at the top, some solenoid valves inlet and outlet (8.1) and (8.2), a solenoid valve selector direct entry of mains water to the recovery tank, the interconnection pipes (13) that are necessary, and a mode switch button (14). All this must be accompanied of certain modifications in the programmer (2) for the correct wash cycle operation.

Under these conditions, the water corresponding to the last clarified that, as we mentioned above has a Acceptable clarity, is directed, by provision of the "program of recovery ", selected with the mode switch (14), from the water pump (6) to the recovery tank (12) through the solenoid valve output selector (8.2).

When a wash program starts recovery, by pressing the mode switch (14), the programmer (2) cuts the water inlet from the network through the mouth (7), acts on the solenoid inlet selector valve (8.1) and organizes the water supply from the recovery tank (12) that, according to normal operation, it is directed towards the drum (4) going through the detergent dispenser drawer (3). Then a prewash cycle with recovery water begins, slightly soapy, as it comes from the last rinse and continues the rest of the wash under the usual conditions, that is, finishing the prewash with dirty water addressing to the drain mouth (11). As in the deposit (12) still reserve of recovered water remains, another cycle of washed with the remaining water supplemented with clean water from the network that enters the recovery tank through the solenoid valve (8.3); this also favors the cleaning of the tank (12). The rest of the stages (washed and first rinsed), are performed under normal conditions, that is, with direct input from mains water prior to addressing the solenoid valves 8.3 and 8.1, drain by mouth (11) and last rinse with addressing of water, ordered by solenoid valve 8.2, to the tank (12) that is thus supplied with acceptable water until the next recovery wash.

According to the figures given above, according to the hypothesis presented, the total water consumption in normal conditions is 26 liters and under washing conditions with recovery clean water consumption is only 18 to 21 liters, what  which means that water savings are achieved between 20% and 30%.

It is understood that in other hypotheses, with more than a prewash, the savings can be higher as long as Timely size the recovery tank (12).

As the design of conventional washing machines and the available interior space is variable according to the brands, the inventor also conceives, as another alternative, the possibility of place the recovery tank at the bottom of the appliance or anywhere else therein adapt the different elements and the programmer sequence (2) to the needs derived from the new location.

It is not considered necessary to make the content of this description for a subject matter expert can understand the scope and advantages derived from the invention, as well as develop and implement the object of the same. However, it should be understood that the invention has been described according to a preferred embodiment thereof, whereby It may be subject to change without affecting or suppose any alteration of the basis of said invention. Is say, the terms in which this description has been exposed preferred of the invention, should always be taken with character Broad and not limiting.

Claims (4)

1. Economizing device for the ecological treatment of water in automatic washing machines (Fig. 1), consisting of a set of elements that can be added to existing washing machines or, preferably, is integrated into the manufacturing process of new washing machines, with the purpose of obtaining the use of the water of the last rinse for use in subsequent washes, characterized in that said set of elements basically includes an upper recovery tank (12), inlet and outlet selector solenoid valves (8.1) and (8.2), the interconnection pipes (13) that are necessary, and a mode switch button (14). 2. Economizing device for the ecological treatment of water in automatic washing machines, according to claim one, characterized in that the programmer (2) is designed to coordinate the different components of the washing machine (1) in such a way that the water of the last rinse is directed towards the recovery tank (12) when the mode switch (14) is pressed. 3. Economizing device for the ecological treatment of water in automatic washing machines, according to previous claims, characterized in that the programmer (2) is designed to supply water totally or partially through the inlet mouth (7) when it is detected that the recovery tank ( 12) It is empty and orders the expulsion of water through the drain (11) if the tank (12) is full. 4. Economizing device for the ecological treatment of water in automatic washing machines, according to previous claims, characterized in that the recovery tank (12) is located in the lower part, or in any other place available inside the washing machine, with the consequent modifications in the programming device (2) for the correct development of the washing cycles.