ES1067847U - Water recovery for washing machines (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Recuperator (1) of water for washing machines (2) of those equipped with a filling inlet (3) connected to the water supply network (4), a drain outlet (5) connected to the water supply network. Sanitation (6), a filling solenoid valve (20), a drain pump (21) and a programmer (22); characterized in that it comprises: water storage means (7) provided with an inlet (7a) and a water outlet (7b); connecting means in derivation to the filling port (3); connecting means in derivation to the drain socket (5); an operation control (8); an independent structural module (9). (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

Water recovery for washing machines.

Object of the invention

The present invention relates to a water recovery for washing machines specially designed for washing machines, dishwashers or similar machines, which has a modular constitution and adaptable to any existing machine with small adaptations

Background of the invention

Washing machines such as washing machines or dishwashers have a filling outlet connected to the mains water supply and a drain socket connected to the mains sanitation, in such a way that they perform wash and rinse cycles successive always with clean water.

The performance of these cycles is controlled by a programmer, which conveniently connected to a filling solenoid valve and a drain pump, determines the moments during which the admission and evacuation of the water used

In the case of washing machines, it also controls the drum movement.

This mode of operation is deficient water use, and therefore excessive consumption, since the last rinses produce a rest of water that could be usable, and yet it is poured. Given the shortage of this Assumable resource in times or areas of abundant water, but very inappropriate in times.

Although machines are increasingly being produced wash with lower energy consumption and lower water expenditure, it deals with specific and expensive machines, which require replacement of the old machine, with the consequent unnecessary costs. In addition, they do not achieve optimal reuse and / or recovery of water used

Description of the invention

The water recuperator for washing machines The invention allows its installation in existing washing machines with minimal adaptations, and allows the recovery of part of the water used in washes or rinses for other washes or rinses successive It adapts to washing machines equipped with an outlet filling connected to the water supply network equipped with a filling solenoid valve, a drain socket connected to the network of sanitation equipped with a drain pump, and a programmer that Control the operation.

According to the invention, the recuperator it comprises water storage means, usually a single tank, provided with an entrance and an exit of water; some connection means bypass to the filling socket; a means bypass connection to the drain socket; a control of operation, and an independent structural module.

Water from a wash or rinse can be discharged into the sanitation network, or introduced into the means of water storage as determined by the control of operation, which will act accordingly on the means of bypass connection to the drain socket.

Similarly, the incoming water to a cycle of washing or rinsing can come from the network or from the means of storage, as determined by operating control, which will act on the connection means in derivation to the socket filled synchronously to the activation of the solenoid valve of filling the washing machine, being able to have some means of drive if necessary.

Description of the drawings

Figure 1 shows a basic schematic view of a washing machine consisting of a washing machine.

Figure 2 shows a basic schematic view of the recuperator coupled to the washing machine.

Figure 3 shows a sectioned side view of the washing machine shown schematically in figure 1.

Figures 4 and 5 show side views sections of the washing machine, with two variants of the recuperator installed in different positions.

Preferred Embodiment of the Invention

The water recuperator (1) for water machines wash (2) typically applies to washing machines, dishwashers and similar, in order to reuse part of the water used.

These machines are equipped with a socket filling (3) connected to the water supply network (4), an outlet drain (5) connected to the sanitation network (6), and a programmer (22) that controls the operation.

The different operating programs they comprise different phases, among which phases of admission of water, for washing or rinsing, and evacuation phases or emptying of wash or rinse water. Therefore, you are washing machines also comprise a solenoid valve (20) of filling that controls water intake, and a drain pump (21) carries out the evacuation of water.

In the example shown in the figures, the washing machine (2) consists of a washing machine, so it also comprises the corresponding drum (40) and its drive motor (41), although in the case of a dishwasher it would lack of these elements
cough.

Specifically, the recuperator (1) of the invention comprises: water storage means (7) provided with an inlet (7a) and an outlet (7b) of water, as seen in figure 2; connection means bypass to the socket filling (3); connection means bypass to the socket emptying (5); an operation control (8), and a module independent structural (9).

With this basic constitution you get recover part of the water used, mainly water used in the rinses, for the following washes, and more preferably water from the last rinses, where leaves with a less load of dirt and detergents, for First washings of the next cycle or wash.

The storage means (7) comprise, at less, a reservoir where the water will come to recover. The control of operation (8) will act on the connection means in bypass to drain socket (5) to select whether water outgoing washing machine (2) (pumped by the pump emptying (21)) is stored in the storage media (7) or is poured into the sanitation network (6). The level of filling of these Storage media (7) is controlled at all times by one or more filling level detectors, not shown, associated in such a way to the operation control (8) that in case of occur the complete filling of them, acts on the bypass connection means to the drain socket (5) so that the surplus is poured into the sanitation network (6).

Water stored in the means of storage (7) is ready to be recovered by its reintroduction into the washing machine (2) in a washing phase or convenient rinsing To do this, the operation control (8) will act on the connection means in derivation to the socket filling (3) simultaneously with the opening of the solenoid valve (20) filling, or will allow the entry of clean water from the supply network (4).

Water stored in the means of storage (7) can run by gravity inside the washing machine (2), if said storage means are located a convenient upper bound, as in the case shown in Figure 5, or additionally means of output drive (7b). Said drive means can be discharge pumps (10), as in the cases shown in the Figures 2 and 4, or pressure accumulation boilers by means of a compressible gas and separating membrane, not shown, which in their case could constitute the means of storage.

The connection means bypass to the socket of filling (3) comprise a first solenoid valve (12) of three tracks and two positions, in configuration of two inputs and one output, as seen in figure 2; one of its inputs connects to the output (7b) of the storage means (7), and its other entrance to the supply network (4); while the output is is connected to the filling socket (3) of the washing machine (2). In an operating position the filling socket (3) receives water stored in the storage media (7), and in the another water position from the supply network (4).

The connection means bypass to the socket of emptying (5) comprise a second solenoid valve (13) of three tracks and two positions in configuration of an entry and two outputs, as also seen in figure 2, connecting the input to the drain socket (5), one of the outputs to the entrance (7a) of the storage media (7) and the other outlet to the network of sanitation (6). In an operating position the outgoing water it is pumped into storage media (7), and in the other towards the sanitation network (6).

The independent structural module (9) it comprises a support structure, not shown, where support, at least, storage media (7) and control of operation (8), also comprising an envelope or cover (9). This assembly allows the manufacture of the recuperator (1) as an independent element of the washing machine (2), which can be obtained separately and connected to any existing machine of this type. It can for example be arranged in the existing space between the washing machine (2) and the wall (50), as shown in Figure 4, or directly on the washing machine (2) as shown in figure 5. To this end, it will be equipped with the relevant means of support and / or support, not represented.

This independent structural module (9) can also contain the connection means bypass to the socket filling (3) and / or bypass connection means to the outlet emptying (5) as seen in figures 4 and 5, or said means they can be external to the independent structural module (9). It can also contain the drive means, in the case where dispose of them as seen in figure 4, where you can see the drive pump (10).

The operation control (8) can adopt various configurations and operating modes. In any case is provided with switching outputs of the means of bypass connection to the filling socket (3) and the means of bypass connection to the drain socket (5), to select water circulation, as well as, where appropriate, exits from activation of the drive means.

In a variant of the invention, it is provided with sensors for detecting the operating states of the washing machine (2) associated with the operation control (8). In the example shown in the scheme of figure 2, said sensors comprise high impedance connections (25) to the conductors of activation of the filling solenoid valve (20) and / or the pump emptying (21). In this way they can detect the activation of these elements without interfering in its operation. Arranging additionally a recovery programmer, not represented, or What is the same, a programmer implemented in the control of operation (8), can be synchronized with the states of said elements of storage or water discharge maneuvers, or of introduction of new water or reuse of stored water.

In other embodiments of the recuperator (1), no represented, and if the washing machine (2) is properly prepared, the operation control (8) may comprise a direct connection to the programmer (22) of the washing machine (2), of such that it is this that determines the moments in which They will perform the different maneuvers.

Claims (17)

1. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines (2) equipped with a filling outlet (3) connected to the water supply network (4), a drain socket (5) connected to the water supply network sanitation (6), a filling solenoid valve (20), a drain pump (21) and a programmer (22); characterized in that it comprises: water storage means (7) provided with an inlet (7a) and an outlet (7b) of water; bypass connection means to the filling socket (3); bypass connection means to the drain socket (5); an operation control (8); an independent structural module (9). 2. Water recovery (1) for washing machines according to claim 1 characterized in that the storage means (7) comprise at least one tank. 3. Water recovery (1) for washing machines according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that it additionally comprises means for driving the water stored in the storage means (7) through the outlet (7b). 4. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to claim 3, characterized in that the discharge means are selected from: discharge pumps (10), and / or pressure accumulation boilers. 5. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it additionally comprises level detectors for filling the storage means (7), associated with the operation control (8). 6. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection means bypass to the filling outlet (3) comprise, at least, a first three-way solenoid valve (12) in and two positions in configuration of two inputs and one output, one of its inputs being connected to the output (7b) of the storage means, and the other input to the supply network (4); while the output is connected to the filling socket (3). 7. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the connection means bypass to the drain socket (5) comprise a second three-way solenoid valve (13) and two positions in the configuration of one inlet and two outlets, with the inlet connected to the drain socket (5), one of the outlets to the inlet (7a) of the storage means (7) and the other outlet to the sanitation network (6). 8. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the independent structural module (9) comprises a cover (9a) and a support structure of at least the storage means (7) and the operation control (8). Water collector (1) for washing machines according to claim 8, characterized in that the independent structural module (9) additionally contains the connection means bypass to the filling outlet (3) and / or the connection means bypass to the drain socket (5). 10. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the independent structural module (9) additionally contains the drive means. 11. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the independent structural module (9) additionally comprises support and / or support means. 12. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating control (8) comprises switching outputs of the connection means bypass to the filling outlet (3) and of the means bypass connection to the drain socket (5). 13. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to claim 12, characterized in that the operating control (8) additionally comprises activation outputs of the drive means. 14. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises sensors for detecting the operating states of the washing machine (2) associated with the operation control (8). 15. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to claim 14, characterized in that the sensors for detecting the operating states of the washing machine comprise high impedance connections (25) to the solenoid valve activation conductors (20) filling and / or emptying pump (21). 16. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the operating control (8) comprises a recuperator programmer. 17. Water recuperator (1) for washing machines according to any of the preceding claims characterized in that the operating control (8) comprises a direct connection to the programmer (22) of the washing machine (2).