ES2390418T3 - Washing machine comprising a hydraulic water distribution circuit equipped with two water circulation pumps - Google Patents

Abstract

Washing machine (1) comprising: - a housing (2); - enclosing said housing (2) a washing tank (3); - a reservoir of wash and / or rinse water (6); - a hydraulic water distribution circuit; - said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprising: a first water circulation pump (11) connecting said washing tank (3) to at least one valve (14), and a second water circulation pump (12) which connect said wash and / or rinse water tank (6) to said at least one valve (14); characterized in that one of said first and second water circulation pumps (11, 12) is adapted to allow the passage of a water flow from said wash tank (3) to said wash and / or rinse water tank ( 6), and vice versa, when it is inactive while another of said first and second water circulation pumps (11, 12) is active.

Description

Washing machine comprising a hydraulic water distribution circuit equipped with two water circulation pumps.

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a washing tank, a washing and / or rinsing water tank and a hydraulic water distribution circuit provided with two water circulation pumps that allows water wash and / or rinse circulate between said wash tank and said wash and / or rinse water tank and vice versa.

[0002] In general, the present invention relates to washing machines comprising a wash and / or rinse water reservoir that allows said wash and / or rinse water to be used during a phase following a wash cycle or during a following wash cycle.

[0003] More specifically, the present invention finds its application in washing machines for domestic use and in particular in dishwashers and washing machines.

[0004] Washing machines are known which comprise a wash and / or rinse water tank connected to the washing machine. The wash and / or rinse water tank is placed next to the washing machine, whether or not they can be fixed together. Said washing machines comprise several water circulation pumps that connect the washing tank, a water tank and external wastewater networks. DE 1410952 A1 shows this type of technique.

[0005] However, these washing machines that have a wash and / or rinse water reservoir have the disadvantage of having a complex water distribution hydraulic circuit that links the elements of this with numerous ducts and that generates numerous structure modifications , positioning of the elements inside the housing and the hydraulic water distribution circuit of the classic washing machines that do not include a wash and / or rinse water tank.

[0006] In addition, such washing machines need either the use of two water circulation pumps or the use of a large number of solenoid valves that lead to expensive manufacturing and complexity in the manufacture of the washing machines.

[0007] The present invention has the objective of solving said drawbacks and proposing a washing machine that simplifies the hydraulic water distribution circuit between a washing tank and a washing and / or rinsing water tank, and which is provided with a wash and / or rinse water tank adapted to be used in a classic washing machine without modifying the part of the internal water distribution hydraulic circuit of said washing machine, while minimizing the manufacturing costs of the washing machine.

[0008] In this regard, the present invention relates to a washing machine comprising:

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a housing;

-

said housing enclosing a washing tank;

-

a reservoir of wash and / or rinse water;

-

a hydraulic water distribution circuit;

-

said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprising:

a first water circulation pump that connects said wash tank to at least one valve, and

a second water circulation pump that connects said wash and / or rinse water tank

with said at least one valve.

[0009] According to the invention, one of said first and second water circulation pumps is adapted to allow the passage of a water flow from said washing tank to said washing and / or rinsing water tank, and vice versa, when it is inactive while some of the other first and second water circulation pumps are active.

[0010] Thus, one of said first and second water circulation pumps, while stopped, is adapted to allow a flow of water to pass through it while the other of said first and second water circulation pumps operates, so that water circulation is not blocked through the hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine, and vice versa.

[0011] In this way, the hydraulic water distribution circuit between the washing tank and the washing and / or rinsing water tank comprising two water circulation pumps and at least one valve is simplified so that They limit manufacturing costs and guarantee the reliability of the washing machine according to the invention.

[0012] According to a preferred feature of the invention, said wash and / or rinse water reservoir is external to said casing of said washing machine.

[0013] Thus, the hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine according to the invention is adapted to be implanted in a classic washing machine without modifying the part of the internal water distribution hydraulic circuit of said washing machine.

[0014] The hydraulic water distribution circuit of a washing machine according to the invention makes it possible to reduce the number of water outlet pipes, and to conserve a structure and positioning of the elements inside the washing machine housing provided with a tank of wash and / or rinse water so that all washing machines manufactured by a manufacturer can be standardized.

[0015] The hydraulic water distribution circuit of a washing machine according to the invention allows it to be used with or without the wash and / or rinse water tank depending on what the user wants. The washing machine according to the invention, connected or not to the wash and / or rinse water tank, can be used as a classic washing machine if the user so desires.

[0016] The hydraulic water distribution circuit of a washing machine according to the invention makes it possible to adapt the operating cycles of said washing machine depending on whether or not the washing and / or rinsing water tank is connected to said washing machine.

[0017] The present invention finds its application when the washing machine is a household washing machine and in particular a dishwasher, a washing machine or a clothes washer or a washing machine and clothes dryer.

[0018] Other features and advantages of the invention are shown in the description.

[0019] In the attached figures, given by way of non-limiting examples:

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Figures 1, 5 and 15 are schematic views of a washing machine comprising a wash and / or rinse water tank respectively according to a first, a second and a third embodiment of the invention, in which the wash water and / or rinse of the washing tank of the washing machine is emptied into an external network of waste water;

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Figures 2, 6 and 16 are schematic views of a washing machine comprising a wash and / or rinse water tank respectively according to a first, second and third embodiment of the invention, in which the wash water and / or rinse of the wash water tank and / or rinse is emptied into an external wastewater network;

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Figures 3, 7 and 17 are schematic views of a washing machine comprising a wash and / or rinse water tank respectively according to a first, a second and a third embodiment of the invention, in which the water of washing and / or rinsing of the washing tank of the washing machine is emptied into the washing and / or rinsing water tank;

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Figures 4, 8 and 18 are schematic views of a washing machine comprising a wash and / or rinse water tank respectively according to a first, a second and a third embodiment of the invention, in which the wash water and / or rinse of the wash water tank and / or rinse is emptied into the washing tank of the washing machine;

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Figure 9 is a first schematic perspective view of a valve that connects a washing tank, a washing and / or rinsing water tank of a washing machine and an external wastewater network according to an embodiment of the invention;

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Figure 10 is a second schematic perspective view of a valve that connects a washing tank, a washing and / or rinsing water tank of a washing machine and an external wastewater network according to an embodiment of the invention; in which a cover and actuators must be removed;

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Figure 11 is a schematic detail view of the internal part of a valve that connects a washing tank, a washing and / or rinsing water tank of a washing machine and an external wastewater network according to an embodiment of the invention; Y

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Figures 12 to 14 present a schematic view of a valve during the different phases of operation of the washing machine according to the invention.

[0020] A washing machine according to the invention will be described in reference to Figures 1 to 8 and 15 to 18.

[0021] This washing machine may be a household dishwasher, a household clothes washer or a household clothes washer and dryer.

[0022] It has been presented in the three embodiments, in Figures 1 to 8 and 15 to 18, a washing machine with a load on the top. Of course, the present invention applies to all types of washing machines and in particular to those of front loading.

[0023] A washing machine 1 comprises a housing 2. The housing 2 of the washing machine 1 comprises a front wall 2a, a rear wall 2b, two side walls 2c, an upper wall 2d and a lower wall 2e.

[0024] Classically, this type of clothes washer 1 comprises a housing 2 adapted to accommodate a washing tank 3 in which a drum (not shown) intended to hold the clothes can be mounted in rotation.

[0025] The housing 2 comprises an upper opening that allows the clothes to be inserted and removed from the drum.

[0026] This access opening can be plugged while the machine 1 is in operation by means of a door 4 pivotally mounted on the housing 2 of the machine 1.

[0027] A control panel 5 is also provided on the top of the washing machine 1.

[0028] Of course, this clothes washer 1 comprises all the necessary elements (not shown) for the operation and execution of the washing, rinsing and spinning cycles of the clothes.

[0029] The washing machine 1 comprises a wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0030] Preferably, the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is external to the housing 2 of the washing machine 1.

[0031] The wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be fixed in the housing 2 of the washing machine 1, for example in a wall of the housing 2 such as a side wall 2c, the rear wall 2b or the front wall 2a, or placed next to the housing 2 of the washing machine 1.

[0032] Of course, the positioning and / or fixing of the wash and / or rinse water reservoir to the washing machine housing are by no means limiting and may be different.

[0033] The positioning of the wash and rinse water tank 6 on the outside of the washing machine 1 allows to have the maximum space available inside the housing 2 to have a wash tank 3 with the greatest possible dimensions.

[0034] The washing machine 1 comprises a hydraulic water distribution circuit.

[0035] The hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises several water outlet pipes 7, 8, 9, 10.

[0036] The hydraulic water distribution circuit also includes

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a first water circulation pump 11 that connects the wash tank 3 with at least one valve 14, and

-

a second water circulation pump 12 that connects the wash and / or rinse water tank 6

with said at least one valve 14.

[0037] The wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 comprises at least one connection for a power supply cable, a connection for a water supply tube and a connection for a drain pipe.

[0038] Advantageously, the washing machine 1 or the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is connected to a power supply network and in addition the washing machine 1 and the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 are electrically connected each other, as shown in figures 1 to 8 of the first two embodiments.

[0039] Thus, only one between the washing machine 1 or the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 should not be held on hold to guarantee the reactivation of the washing machine 1 equipped with the washing water tank and / or rinse 6 after an external order detected by control means 15, 16 of the washing machine 1 and / or the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0040] Thus, the electric power consumption of the washing machine 1 equipped with the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 is reduced to the electrical consumption of the washing machine 1 without the washing water tank and / or rinse 6 or only the wash water tank and / or rinse 6.

[0041] Preferably, the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is connected to the washing machine 1.

[0042] In this way, the washing machine 1 controls the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6. The washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 no longer needs to be monitored and can be disconnected from the power supply .

[0043] The power supply of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be carried out by connecting the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 with the washing machine 1 so that said washing machine 1 supplies the power supply to said wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0044] In this way, the washing machine 1 can make a total cut of the power supply of the water tank of

washing and / or rinsing 6 between two uses of the washing machine 1, without having to monitor the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6. Since a total cut of the power supply of the water tank may be preferred of washing and / or rinsing 6 to a monitoring of it in order to reduce the consumption of electrical energy.

[0045] The electrical connection of the washing machine 1 equipped with the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 is simplified for the user or for the installer since only a single power supply cable is connected to the power supply network Four. Five.

[0046] In addition, the installation that receives the washing machine 1 equipped with the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 requires a single outlet instead of one per appliance, or allows the use of an outlet to be avoided. multiple.

[0047] On the other hand, the length of the power supply cables 44, 45 can be reduced thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the washing machine 1.

[0048] The wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be connected to the washing machine 1 by means of a first power supply cable 44, and the washing machine 1 can be connected to the power supply network by means of a second power cable electric 45.

[0049] In this way, the electrical connection of the washing machine 1 equipped with the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is simplified for the user or for the installer since only a single power supply is connected to the power supply network. power cable 45.

[0050] In addition, the installation that receives the washing machine 1 equipped with the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 requires a single outlet instead of one per appliance, or allows the use of an outlet to be avoided. multiple.

[0051] On the other hand, the length of the power supply cables 44, 45 can be reduced thus reducing the manufacturing cost of the washing machine 1.

[0052] When the user schedules a wash cycle or presses a power button of the washer 1, the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is also turned on.

[0053] The wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the washing machine 1 comprise connection means that allow them to be electrically connected to each other.

[0054] In this embodiment, the first power supply cable 44 is fixed in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and this first power supply cable 44 is connected to an outlet of the washing machine 1. In addition , the second power supply cable 45 is fixed to the washing machine 1 and that second power supply cable 45 is connected to an outlet of the power supply network.

[0055] The first power supply cable 44 that connects the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the washing machine 1 may be connected to an outlet located on a rear wall 2b of the housing 2 of the washing machine 1.

[0056] Of course, the position of the connection socket of the first power cable is by no means limiting and may be different, for example, said socket may be located on the front wall 2a of the casing 2 of the washing machine 1 and it can be hidden by means of a trapdoor.

[0057] In another embodiment, the first power supply cable 44 is fixed in the washing machine 1 and this first power supply cable 44 is connected to an outlet of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6. In addition, the second power supply cable 45 is fixed in the washing machine 1 and that second power supply cable 45 is connected to an outlet of the power supply network.

[0058] Of course, the power supply of the wash and / or rinse water reservoir can be different, for example by connecting a power supply cable from the wash and / or rinse water reservoir to the power supply network. either directly or through a multiple outlet.

[0059] The wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is supplied with wash and / or rinse water by means of a water outlet tube 7 from the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1. The water supply Washing and / or rinsing of the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 from the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 can be carried out with a first water circulation pump 11 of the washing machine 1, in particular a pump Drain

[0060] The wash and / or rinse water tank 6 feeds with one-stage wash and / or rinse water

previous of a washing cycle that is being carried out or of a previous washing cycle, the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 by means of a water outlet tube 7. The feeding with washing and / or rinsing water of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 from the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 can be carried out with a second water circulation pump 12 of the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6, in particular a drain pump

[0061] In this embodiment, the water outlet tube 7 can serve:

-

on the one hand to feed the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 with washing water and / or rinse 6 from the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1, and - on the other hand to feed with wash water and / or for rinsing, of a previous phase of a washing cycle that is being carried out or of a previous washing cycle, the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 from the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6.

[0062] Of course, and in some way not limited to, the feeding with washing and / or rinsing water from the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6, and vice versa , can be done by means of different water outlet pipes.

[0063] The water outlet tube 7 can also be used to empty the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 by directing washing and / or rinsing water to the external wastewater network 13 after this washing water and / or rinse has passed through elements mounted in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6, such as said at least one valve 14, and without having been stored in said wash water tank and / or cleared 6.

[0064] The wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is emptied of the wash and / or rinse water from the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 and which may have been stored in a water storage area for washing and / or rinsing 6b of said washing and / or rinsing water tank 6, by means of a water outlet tube 8 connected to the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 and to the external wastewater network 13.

[0065] The water outlet tube 8 can be used to empty the wash and / or rinse water contained in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and for the wash and / or rinse water contained in the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0066] The water outlet tube 7 connecting the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 with the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 and the water outlet tube 8 connecting the washing water tank and / or rinse 6 with the external wastewater network 13 may be interconnected by means of at least one valve 14, so that the washing and / or rinse water is directed to the external wastewater network 13 either directly at the exit of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 or after passing through the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6.

[0067] Said at least one valve 14 is connected to three water outlet pipes 7, 8, 10 of inlet and / or outlet of wash and / or rinse water.

[0068] A first water outlet tube 7 connected to the drain outlet of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 is connected to said at least one valve 14. A second water outlet tube 10 connected to the second pump of water circulation 12 installed at a low point of the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 is connected to said at least one valve 14. A third water outlet tube 8 connected to the external wastewater network 13 is connected to said at least one valve 14.

[0069] A valve connecting a washing tank, a washing and / or rinsing water tank of a washing machine and an external wastewater network according to a mode will be described in reference to Figures 9 to 14 of realization of the invention.

[0070] The valve 14 comprises one or more actuators 27a, 27b which allow the dampers 28, 29, 30 to be opened to open or close the water outlet passages 38a, 38b, 39, 40a, 40b that connect the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1, the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the external wastewater network 13.

[0071] The actuator (s) 27a, 27b of the valve 14 may be wax expansion cylinders, as shown in Figure 9.

[0072] Of course, the valve actuator (s) may be different, such as electric motors, electromagnets, etc.

[0073] In this embodiment, the valve 14 comprises two actuators 27a, 27b.

[0074] Of course, the number of valve actuators is by no means limiting and may be different.

[0075] The valve 14 can also comprise an inlet opening 41 that allows to drain an excess of wash and / or rinse water during the filling of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 with wash and / or wash water for rinsing from the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1. [0076] In this embodiment, the valve 14 mounted on the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 comprises a first inlet / outlet opening 31 connected to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 by means of the water outlet tube 7, a second inlet / outlet opening 32 connected to a washing water and / or rinse water storage area 6b of said storage tank wash and / or rinse water 6 by means of water outlet pipes 9, 10 and an outlet opening 33 connected to the external network of wastewater 13 by means of the water outlet tube 8.

[0077] The valve 14 may be formed by a body 34 and a cover 35. The cover 35 is fixed to the body 34 of the valve 14 by means of conventional fastening means, for example of screwed type, elastic engagement ... These fastening means are already known to professionals and it is not necessary to describe them in more detail here.

[0078] In order to allow the return of the wash and / or rinse water stored in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1, the hydraulic distribution circuit of Water of the washing machine 1 comprises a high point 25 formed between the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 and the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0079] Preferably, the water outlet tube 7 which extends from the washing machine 1 to the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the water outlet tube 8 which extends from the wash water tank and / or rinse 6 to the external wastewater network 13 are connected to each other and form the high point 25 above the maximum permissible water level inside the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0080] Thus, the wash and / or rinse water stored in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 cannot be unintentionally emptied by a phenomenon of communicating vessels in the washing tank 3 of the washing machine one.

[0081] In particular, the wash and / or rinse water stored in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 cannot be unintentionally emptied into the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 when only part of that rinsing and / or rinsing water stored in the rinsing and / or rinsing water reservoir 6 returns to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to be used at a subsequent stage of a washing cycle that is being carried out or following a wash cycle.

[0082] For example, a part of the wash and / or rinse water stored in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 returns to the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 during the filling of the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 in which the amount of washing and / or rinsing water may depend on the amount of laundry introduced into the drum.

[0083] In this way, the amount of washing and / or rinsing water 6 can be controlled by means of control 15 of the washing machine 1 and / or by means of control 16 of the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6.

[0084] The high point 25, formed by the water outlet tube 7 which extends from the washing machine 1 to the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and by the water outlet tube 8 which extends from the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the external wastewater network 13, can be made by means of said at least one valve 14 located inside the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0085] Of course, the positioning of said at least one valve is by no means limiting and may be different.

[0086] In one embodiment, said at least one valve 14 can also be mounted in the washing machine 1, in particular in the rear part and inside said washing machine 1. In addition, the washing machine 1 can comprise one or more elements of connection accessible from the outside, for example from the rear wall 2b of the housing 2 of the washing machine 1, so that the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 can be connected with said at least one valve 14 to the assemble said wash and / or rinse water tank 6 in the washing machine 1.

[0087] In another embodiment, said at least one valve 14 may be located at the bottom of the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0088] Thus, said at least one valve 14 disposed in the lower part of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be located near the second water circulation pump 12, arranged in turn in the lower part of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6, to group the elements of the hydraulic water distribution circuit in a defined area of said wash and / or rinse water tank 6, in particular in

the bottom.

[0089] Advantageously, the hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises at least one air passage opening 47 located between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1, as shown in figures 5 to 10 and 15 to 18 of the second and third embodiments.

[0090] Thus, said at least one air passage opening 47 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit located between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 allows deactivating the return of the wash and / or rinse water stored in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 in the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1, authorizing an introduction of air into the hydraulic water distribution circuit to through said at least one air passage opening 47.

[0091] Said at least one air passage opening 47 disposed in the hydraulic water distribution circuit is determined so as to allow air to pass from the outside to the inside of the hydraulic water distribution circuit, and avoid a water leakage. from the inside of the hydraulic water distribution circuit to the outside.

[0092] Thus, the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 comprises a ventilation device 26, 49 which also allows filling and emptying of wash and / or rinse water into the interior thereof according to the second and the third embodiment.

[0093] Said at least one air passage opening 47 may be in a number of one, two, three or more.

[0094] Of course, the amount of said at least one air passage opening is by no means limiting and may be different.

[0095] The high point 25 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit, formed between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1, cannot prevent the return of the washing water and / or rinse stored in the wash water and / or rinse tank 6 in the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 by siphoning when this transfer of wash water and / or rinse between the water tank is activated washing and / or rinsing 6 and the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1, and vice versa.

[0096] In this way, at least one air passage opening 47 disposed in the hydraulic water distribution circuit makes it possible to deactivate this transfer of wash and / or rinse water between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0097] Preferably, said at least one air passage opening 47 is arranged at a height at the level of the high point 25 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit corresponding to a point in depression when said first and second water circulation pump 11 , 12 are standing.

[0098] Thus, said at least one air passage opening 47 allows air to be aspirated to deactivate the transfer of wash and / or rinse water between the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 and the water tank. washing 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0099] Thus, said at least one air passage opening 47 may be disposed at the top of the high point 25 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit or also at a height lower than said high point 25 such that ensure the deactivation of the wash and / or rinse water transfer between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0100] In one embodiment, said at least one air passage opening 47 may be conditioned at the level of the high point 25 formed between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the tank 3 of the washing machine 1 .

[0101] Thus, said at least one air passage opening 47 of the high point 25 formed between the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 and the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 makes it possible to deactivate the return of the wash and / or rinse water stored in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 in the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1, authorizing an introduction of air at the level of the high point 25 through said at least an air passage opening 47.

[0102] Said at least one air passage opening 47 disposed at the level of said high point 25 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit formed between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the wash tank 3 of the Washing machine 1 can be made in a water outlet pipe 7, 8, 10, 21, 51.

[0103] In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 9 to 18, said at least one air passage opening 47 may be conditioned in said at least one valve 14, which may be arranged at the level of the high point 25 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit formed between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6

and the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0104] In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, said at least one valve 14 comprises an air passage opening 36 corresponding to a throat disposed in an inner wall 37 of said at least one valve 14, which it comprises a water outlet passage 38b that can be plugged by the gate 28.

[0105] In this way, the arrival of air through said at least one valve 14 for deactivation of the wash and / or rinse water transfer between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the tank Washing 3 of the washing machine 1 can be carried out even if the water outlet passage 38b is or is not blocked by the gate 28.

[0106] The dimensions of the section of the air passage opening 36 have been established so that the return of wash and / or rinse water stored in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be deactivated. in the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 authorizing an introduction of air into the hydraulic water distribution circuit when the gate 28 is in the plugging position of the water outlet passage 38b.

[0107] The section of the air passage opening 36 may have a diameter of the order of 2 to 5 mm.

[0108] Of course, the value of the section of the air passage opening is by no means limiting and may be different.

[0109] The section of the air passage opening 36 is adjusted such that the transfer of wash and / or rinse water between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the wash tank is deactivated. 3 of the washing machine 1 quickly, avoiding that a water leak can be created during the transfer of the wash and / or rinse water from said wash tank 3 to said tank 6 or to the external network of waste water 13.

[0110] This air passage opening 36 may be adjacent to the water outlet passage 38b to facilitate cleaning of the latter, after the water outlet into the valve 14 which can be soiled with particles from the water of washing and / or rinsing in circulation in the washing machine 1.

[0111] This air passage opening 36 is complementary to said at least one air passage opening 47.

[0112] Thus, the air passing through said at least one air passage opening 47 can reach the high point 25 formed between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 exiting through the air passage opening 36 when the gate 28 is in the plugging position of the water outlet passage 38b of said at least one valve 14.

[0113] In this way, the return of the wash and / or rinse water stored in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 in the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 can be deactivated by authorizing an introduction of air at the level of the high point 25 formed between said reservoir 6 and said washing tank 3, through said at least one air passage opening 47 and through the air passage opening 36 located in the wall 37 comprising the passage water outlet 38b.

[0114] The air from said at least one air passage opening 47 passes through the air passage opening 36 while a water flow exits between the water outlet passages 38a and 40b of said at least one valve 14, of such that the return of the wash and / or rinse water stored in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 in the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 is deactivated when the water circulation pump 12 is stopped .

[0115] Said air passage opening 36 of said at least one valve 14 can also be obtained by arranging a cut in a sealing gasket placed in the gate 28 or by using the gate 28 without sealing gasket so that the sealing between the gate 28 and the internal stop 37 of said at least one valve 14 is not total to allow air to escape.

[0116] In another embodiment, shown in Figures 15 to 18, said at least one air passage opening 47 disposed in the hydraulic water distribution circuit is connected to an air outlet tube 46 extending from the part of the hydraulic water distribution circuit disposed between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to an area 48 in fluid communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 .

[0117] Thus, the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 comprises a ventilation device 49 which makes it possible to fill and empty the wash and / or rinse water inside it easily, Economical and efficient

[0118] The ventilation of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is guaranteed by the air outlet pipe

46 that connects the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 with the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0119] The washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 comprises an appropriate and already known ventilation device 50 that does not need to be described here in more detail.

[0120] The connection between said at least one air passage opening 47 disposed in the hydraulic water distribution circuit and the air outlet tube 46 can be made well through said at least one valve 14 as shown in Figures 15 to 18, either through a water outlet tube 7, 8, 10, 51, or through the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0121] The air outlet tube 46 connected to said at least one air passage opening 47 has a smaller section than that of a water outlet tube 7, 8, 10, 51.

[0122] The water outlet tube 7, 8, 10, 51 may have a diameter of the order of 15mm to 20mm and the air outlet tube 46 may have a diameter of 2mm to 5mm.

[0123] Of course, the values of the water outlet tube and the air outlet tube are by no means limiting and may be different.

[0124] The zone 48 in fluidic communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 into which the air outlet pipe 46 ends can be the washing tank 3 itself, a chamber that connects a detergent dispenser with the tank of washing 3, a chamber of a detergent dispenser, or at the level of a sleeve 53 connecting the washing tank 3 with the housing 2 of the washing machine 1.

[0125] Of course, the examples of fluidic communication zone with the washing tank of the washing machine defined above are by no means limiting and may be different.

[0126] The zone 48 in fluidic communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 into which the air outlet pipe 46 flows is located above the maximum permissible water level in said washing tank 3.

[0127] In another embodiment of the invention not shown, said at least one air passage opening 47 disposed in the hydraulic water distribution circuit is connected to an air outlet pipe that flows into the free air and in a point located at a predetermined height that prevents said first and second water circulation pumps 11, 12 from expelling water at that height.

[0128] Thus, the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 comprises a ventilation device that makes it possible to fill and empty the wash and / or rinse water therein in a simple, economical manner. and efficient.

[0129] Thus, the air outlet tube 46 flows into the open air at a sufficiently high point, such that the first and second water circulation pump 11, 12 do not have sufficient power to raise the water Up to that level

[0130] In the three embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 8 and 15 to 18, the second water circulation pump 12 mounted in the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 can allow on the one hand feed the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 with washing and / or rinsing water from the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6, and on the other hand emptying the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 a the external wastewater network 13.

[0131] Of course, and in some way not limited to, the supply with washing and / or rinsing water of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 from the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 and emptying From the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the external wastewater network 13 can be carried out by different water circulation pumps.

[0132] One of said first and second water circulation pumps 11, 12 is adapted to allow the passage of a water flow from the washing tank 3 to the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6, and vice versa , while it is inactive the other of said first and second water circulation pumps 11, 12 is active.

[0133] Thus, being stopped one of said first and second water circulation pumps 11, 12 is adapted to allow a flow of water to pass through it while the other of said first and second water circulation pumps 11 , 12 is working, so that the water circulation is not blocked through the hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine 1, and vice versa.

[0134] Thus, the hydraulic water distribution circuit between the wash tank 3 and the water tank

Washing and / or rinsing 6 comprising two water circulation pumps 11, 12 and at least one valve 14 is simplified, to limit manufacturing costs and ensure the reliability of the washing machine 1 according to the invention.

[0135] Furthermore, the hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine 1 according to the invention is adapted to be implanted in a classic washing machine, without modifying the part of the internal water distribution hydraulic circuit of said washing machine.

[0136] The hydraulic water distribution circuit of a washing machine 1 according to the invention allows it to be used with or without the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 depending on the wishes of the user. The washing machine 1 according to the invention, connected or not to the wash and / or rinse water tank 6, can be used as a classic washing machine if the user so desires.

[0137] The hydraulic water distribution circuit of a washing machine 1 according to the invention makes it possible to adapt the operating cycles of said washing machine 1 depending on whether or not the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 is connected to said washing machine one.

[0138] The washing machine 1 comprises at least one water inlet pipe (not shown) and a drain pipe 7 standard to allow said washing machine 1 to be installed with or without the wash water tank and / or of rinse 6.

[0139] The water inlet pipe of the network can be connected directly to the washing machine 1 without the washing water and / or rinse tank 6 being fed with water from the network.

[0140] Advantageously, said first and second water circulation pumps 11, 12 are centrifugal pumps.

[0141] The specificity of these centrifugal pumps is that they allow the flow of water into your body when they are not running.

[0142] The use of centrifugal pumps allows to alleviate the inconveniences of the volumetric pumps in which the water is compressed to be placed in displacement, causing the operation of said volumetric pumps continuously to send water in only one direction, or the passage of water to other water outlet pipes to send water in an opposite direction.

[0143] On the other hand, the use of centrifugal pumps for said first and second water circulation pumps 11, 12 of the washing machine 1 makes it possible to minimize the costs of obtaining it since the centrifugal pumps are less expensive than the volumetric pumps.

[0144] In practice, the first water circulation pump 11 is adapted to drain at least part of the wash and / or rinse water from the wash tank 3 to the wash and / or rinse water tank 6, generating a flow of wash and / or rinse water that passes through said at least one valve 14 and the second water circulation pump 12 being inactive.

[0145] Thus, the wash and / or rinse water contained in the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 can be emptied into the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 so that it can be reused in a following phase of an ongoing wash cycle, or in a subsequent wash cycle, storing the wash and / or rinse water in the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0146] The emptying of the washing and / or rinsing water contained in the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 is carried out by activating the first water circulation pump 11 installed in the washing machine 1, opening an outlet opening of the valve 14 and keeping the second water circulation pump 12 stopped so that a flow of water between the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 and the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 is circulated.

[0147] In this way, the wash and / or rinse water can pass through the second water circulation pump 12 without any resistance when the first water circulation pump 11 is in operation, so that it is emptied the washing and / or rinsing water contained in the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 inside the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6.

[0148] The wash and / or rinse water can pass through the second water circulation pump 12 thanks to the internal games of this second water circulation pump 12, when the first water circulation pump 11 is in operation.

[0149] And the second water circulation pump 12 is adapted to drain at least a part of the wash and / or rinse water from the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the wash tank 3, generating a flow of wash and / or rinse water flowing through said at least one valve 14, the first pump being

of inactive water circulation 11.

[0150] Thus, the wash and / or rinse water contained in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be emptied into the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1, so that it can be reused in a subsequent phase of an ongoing wash cycle, or in a subsequent wash cycle, after the wash and / or rinse water is stored in the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0151] The emptying of the wash and / or rinse water contained in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is carried out by activating the second water circulation pump 12 installed in the wash water tank and / or rinsing 6, opening an outlet opening of the valve 14 and holding the first water circulation pump 11 stopped, such that a water flow is circulated between the wash water tank and / or rinse 6 and the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0152] In this way, the wash and / or rinse water can pass through the first water circulation pump 11 without any resistance when the second water circulation pump 12 is in operation, so that it is emptied the wash and / or rinse water contained in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 inside the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0153] The wash and / or rinse water can pass through the first water circulation pump 11 thanks to the internal clearance of this first water circulation pump 11, when the second water circulation pump 12 is in operation.

[0154] In this embodiment, said at least one valve 14 is a single three-way valve that allows to select the emptying of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 or the external network of waste water 13, and the emptying of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 or to the external network of waste water 13.

[0155] The use of a valve 14 comprising three ways makes it possible to reduce the manufacturing costs of the washing machine 1 equipped with a wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and simplify the management of the selection of the flow selection of wash and / or rinse water 6 in the hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine 1.

[0156] Of course, the use of a single direction selection valve of the different water flows is by no means limiting and such selection can be made by means of several valves.

[0157] The second water circulation pump 12 is located at a low point in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0158] Thus, the second water circulation pump 12 makes it possible to empty the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0159] Being a centrifugal pump, the positioning of the second water circulation pump 12 is also linked to its design, since this water circulation pump can only work if it is water barley and not sucking water.

[0160] Figures 1, 5 and 15 of the three embodiments of the invention described below correspond to a phase of emptying the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external waste water network 13.

[0161] This phase of emptying the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external wastewater network 13 is carried out by activating the first water circulation pump 11, opening the valve 14 from the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external wastewater network 13, and circulating the wash and / or rinse water through the water outlet tubes 7, 8, as shown in Figures 1, 5 and 15 with the arrows in continuous stroke.

[0162] The wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the second water circulation pump 12 are not connected to the hydraulic water distribution circuit useful for emptying the wash and / or rinse water contained in the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external sewage network 13.

[0163] In this phase of emptying the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external waste water network 13, the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 can be filled or empty indifferently.

[0164] In Figure 12, in the emptying phase of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external network of waste water 13, the valve 14 is in an initial position in which a water flow flows from the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external waste water network 13, passing through said valve 14. The water flow enters through the inlet / outlet opening 31 and out through the outlet opening 33 of the valve 14.

[0165] During this phase of emptying the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external wastewater network 13, the actuators 27a, 27b of the valve 14 are not powered.

[0166] Thus, the gates 28, 29, 30 of the valve 14 are not actuated and remain in the initial position. The gates 28, 29, 30 respectively plug the water outlet passages 38a, 39, 40a. The water outlet passages 38b, 40b are then open to allow the flow of water flow through the water outlet passages 38b, 40b.

[0167] In this way, the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 can be emptied when the valve 14 is damaged. The washing machine 1 can thus be put into operation without having to use the washing water tank and / or cleared 6. [0168] Figures 2, 6 and 16 of the three embodiments of the invention described below are correspond to a phase of emptying the wash water tank and / or rinse 6 to the external water network residual 13.

[0169] This phase of emptying the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 to the external wastewater network 13 is carried out by activating the second water circulation pump 12, opening the valve 14 from the washing water tank and / or rinse 6 to the external wastewater network 13, and circulating the wash and / or rinse water through the water outlet pipes 9, 10, 8, as shown in the Figures 2, 6 and 16 with the arrows in a continuous line.

[0170] The first water circulation pump 11 is not connected to the hydraulic water distribution circuit useful for emptying the wash and / or rinse water contained in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the external wastewater network 13.

[0171] This phase of emptying the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be carried out automatically or manually.

[0172] Automatic emptying of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be performed using at least one appropriate sensor located in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6. Said sensor may be adapted to detect the presence of a chemical or physical element, for example a dye or bacteria, measuring in particular the conductivity, coloration or transparency of the wash and / or rinse water.

[0173] In this way, the second water circulation pump 12 can be automatically operated to empty the wash and / or rinse water from the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the external water network residual 13, depending on what the sensor has detected and thanks to the control means 15 of the washing machine 1 and / or the control means 16 of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0174] Manual emptying of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be carried out by activating the user an emptying order of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 sent to the control means 15 of the washing machine 1 and / or control means 16 of the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0175] The user may wish to empty the wash and / or rinse water from the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the external wastewater network 13, in particular in case of fear of a load of stained white clothes , in doubt about the washing and / or rinse water collected, or to move the washing machine 1.

[0176] With reference to Figure 13, during the emptying phase of the wash water tank and / or rinse 6 to the external wastewater network 13, a water flow flows from the wash water tank and / or rinse 6 to the external wastewater network 13 through the valve 14. The water flow enters through the inlet / outlet opening 32 and out through the outlet opening 33 of the valve 14.

[0177] During this phase of emptying the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 to the external wastewater network 13, the actuator 27a of the valve 14 is not supplied with energy while the actuator 27b is supplied with Energy.

[0178] Thus, the gates 28, 29 of the valve 14 are not operated while the gate 30 is operated. The gates 28, 29, 30 respectively plug the water outlet passages 38a, 39, 40b. The water outlet passages 38b, 40a are then opened so that the water flow can circulate through the water outlet passages 38b, 40a.

[0179] In one embodiment, the valve 14 may comprise an air suction gate 42 that allows the introduction of air from outside through the inlet / outlet opening 41 and enters the wash water tank and / or rinse 6.

[0180] In this way, the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is refilled as it is

empty of wash and / or rinse water.

[0181] With reference to Figure 16, the introduction of air into the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is carried out with the ventilation device 49 connecting the valve 14, on the one hand with a zone 48 in communication fluid with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 through the air outlet tube 46 and, on the other hand, with the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 through the air / water outlet tube 51.

[0182] Figures 3, 7 and 17 of the three embodiments of the invention described below correspond to a phase of emptying the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the washing water tank and / or rinse 6 so that the wash and / or rinse water used during a phase of a wash cycle performed by the washing machine 1 is recovered.

[0183] This phase of emptying the washing tank 3 from the washing machine 1 to the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 is carried out by activating the first water circulation pump 11, opening the valve 14 from the washing tank 3 from the washing machine 1 to the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6, circulating the washing and / or rinsing water through the water outlet tubes 7, 10, 9, and passing through the second pump of water circulation 12 which is stopped, as shown in figures 3, 7 and 17 with the arrows in a continuous line.

[0184] With reference to figure 14, during the emptying phase of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6, a flow of water flows from the washing tank 3 of the washer 1 to the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 through the valve 14. The water flow enters through the inlet / outlet opening 31 and out through the inlet / outlet opening 32 of the valve 14.

[0185] During this phase of emptying the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 into the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6, the actuator 27b of the valve 14 is not supplied with energy while the actuator 27a is Powered with energy.

[0186] Thus, the gates 28, 29 of the valve 14 are actuated while the gate 30 is not actuated. The gates 28, 30 respectively plug the water outlet passages 38b, 40a. The water outlet passages 38a, 40b are then opened so that water can circulate through the water outlet passages 38a, 40b.

[0187] In this way, the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is refilled as said tank 6 is emptied of the air contained inside.

[0188] In the second and third embodiments of the invention, as shown in Figures 7 and 17, the gate 29 allows air and / or water to circulate through the outlet passage of water 39 of the inlet / outlet opening 41 corresponding to the overflow point of the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0189] Next, the air leaving the inlet / outlet opening 41 is well evacuated to the external wastewater network 13 according to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 with the arrows in dotted lines, or outside through the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 according to the third embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 17 with the arrows in a dotted line.

[0190] Eventually, the water that flows out of the inlet / outlet opening 41 is evacuated to the external wastewater network 13 according to the second embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 7 with the dotted arrows , either to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 or to the external network of waste water 13 according to the third embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 17 with the arrows in dotted lines.

[0191] In the third embodiment of the invention, as shown in Figure 17 with the arrows in dotted lines, the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is emptied of the air contained therein, which circulates through the air / water outlet tube 51 and flows into the valve 14, passing through the inlet / outlet and air passage openings 47 of the valve 14, and then circulates through the air outlet tube 46 which flows into an area 48 in fluidic communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0192] In this way, the air contained inside the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 is evacuated through the air / water outlet pipes 51, 46 and the valve 14 to an area 48 in fluidic communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 and then outside said washing tank 3 by a ventilation device 50 thereof.

[0193] In this way, a phenomenon of sound turbulence is avoided by sending the air contained in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to an area 48 in fluidic communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 instead to send it to the external wastewater network 13.

[0194] The phenomenon of sound turbulence linked to the sending of air contained inside the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the external wastewater network 13 is due to the installation of the water outlet pipe 8 of emptying generally comprising an elbow 52 that causes a water stagnation at that point.

[0195] During the filling with wash and / or rinse water of the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6, the air that escapes from said reservoir 6 to the external wastewater network 13 through the water pipe drainage water outlet 8 is blocked by standing water in the elbow 52 of said drainage water outlet tube 8 and causes a sound turbulence amplified by the rest of said drainage water outlet tube 8. This phenomenon of sound turbulence is unpleasant for the user who can consider it as a fault.

[0196] The connection of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 with the zone 48 in fluid communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 through the air outlet tube 46 allows the air contained in the inside the tank 6 outside so that the phenomenon of sound turbulence linked to the sending of air to the external wastewater network 13 is eliminated.

[0197] A surplus of wash and / or rinse water fed into the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is automatically evacuated by the drain water outlet tube 8 through the air outlet tube / of water 51 and valve 14.

[0198] A small amount of wash and / or rinse water can pass through the air outlet tube 46 and return to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 taking into account the smaller section of said outlet tube of air 46, without causing any incident either for the operation of the washing machine 1 or for the clothes that may be placed in the drum enclosed in said washing tank 3.

[0199] Figures 4, 8 and 18 of the three embodiments of the invention described below correspond to a phase of emptying the washing water tank and / or rinsing 6 to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1, so that the washing and / or rinsing water used in a phase of a washing cycle carried out by the washing machine 1 and stored in the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 can be reused.

[0200] This phase of emptying the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 is carried out by activating the second water circulation pump 12, opening the valve 14 from the water tank for washing and / or rinsing 6 to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1, circulating the washing and / or rinsing water through the water outlet tubes 9, 10, 7, and crossing the first water circulation pump 11 being stopped, as shown in figures 4, 8 and 18 with the arrows in a continuous line.

[0201] During the phases of emptying the washing and / or rinsing water from the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 and vice versa, these are hydraulically coupled via the valve 14 .

[0202] In Figure 14, during the emptying phase of the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1, a water flow flows from the washing water tank and / or rinse 6 to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 through the valve 14. The water flow enters through the inlet / outlet opening 32 and out through the inlet / outlet opening 31 of the valve 14.

[0203] During this phase of emptying the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1, the actuator 27b of the valve 14 is not supplied with energy while the actuator 27a is Powered with energy.

[0204] Thus, the gates 28, 29 of the valve 14 are actuated while the gate 30 is not actuated. The gates 28, 30 respectively plug the water outlet passages 38b, 40a. The water outlet passages 38a, 40b are then opened to allow water flow to circulate through the water outlet passages 38a, 40b.

[0205] In this way, the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is filled with air as it is emptied of the wash and / or rinse water contained inside said tank 6 to the water tank. washing 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0206] In the second and third embodiments of the invention, as shown in Figures 8 and 18, the gate 29 may allow air circulation through the passage of water 39 from outside and entering the inlet / outlet opening 41 corresponding to the overflow point of the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0207] In the third embodiment of the invention, as shown in figure 18 with the arrows in dotted lines, the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is filled with air from the tank wash 3 of the washing machine 1, which circulates through the air outlet tube 46, passing through the passage openings of

air 47 and inlet / outlet 41 of the valve 14, and then circulates through the air / water outlet tube 51 leading to said reservoir 6.

[0208] In this way, the introduction of air into the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is carried out by sucking air through an area 48 in fluidic communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1, the air then circulating through the air outlet tube 46 to said tank 6.

[0209] The two gates 28, 29 may be connected by a connecting rod 43 so as to allow simultaneous opening and closing of the water outlet passages 38a, 38b, 39.

[0210] These two gates 28, 29 operate simultaneously in opening and closing, in the three described embodiments. Consequently, a single actuator 27a associated with a connecting rod 43 is needed to allow the movement of said gates 28, 29 thereby minimizing the manufacturing costs of said at least one valve 14 and its management is simplified by the control means 15, 16. [0211] The gate 28 of said at least one valve 14 is in the open position each time the wash and / or rinse water tank is in hydraulic communication with the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1. Consequently, the volume of air and water varies in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 with each water transfer between them.

[0212] The gate 29 of said at least one valve 14 also goes into the open position each time the water level varies in the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0213] Thus, if the amount of wash and / or rinse water from the wash tank 3 of the washer 1 is too important and cannot enter the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 , the water outlet passage 39 released with the opening of the valve 29 allows the excess washing and / or rinsing water to be sent to the external wastewater network 13 and / or to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0214] In addition, the valve 29 of said at least one valve 14 is closed in case of emptying of the washing water and / or rinsing of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external wastewater network 13 in a manner that the wash and / or rinse water is prevented from entering the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0215] These two gates 28, 29 can thus be physically connected to each other by a connecting rod 43 and simultaneously operated by a single actuator 27a.

[0216] Advantageously, the second water circulation pump 12 and said at least one valve 14 are mounted inside the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0217] Thus, the washing machine 1 comprises the part of the hydraulic water distribution circuit necessary for its operation without or with the wash and / or rinse water tank 6. The wash water tank and / or rinse 6 can thus be installed in the washing machine 1 without having to modify the internal water distribution hydraulic circuit to the washing machine 1.

[0218] The positioning of the second water circulation pump 12 and said at least one valve 14 inside the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 allows:

-

use the washing machine 1 of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 separately, in particular if the user

you want to install the washing machine 1 alone or if the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is damaged. The deposit

of wash and / or rinse water 6 can be disconnected hydraulically and electrically from the washing machine 1, and the

control means 15 of the washing machine 1 may be designed so that the washing machine 1 can operate with or without

the wash and / or rinse water tank 6;

-

buy the washing machine 1 and the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 separately, so that the

user can buy the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 after washing machine 1 and can without

However, connect this to washing machine 1 easily.

[0219] Preferably, the wash and / or rinse water flows into a single water outlet tube 7 from the wash tank 3 to the wash and / or rinse water tank 3 and vice versa.

[0220] In this way, the connection between the washing machine 1 and the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 is simplified and this makes it possible to minimize the manufacturing costs of the washing machine 1.

[0221] The water outlet tube 7 which allows the wash and / or rinse water to flow from the wash tank 3 to the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and vice versa corresponds to a drain tube of the washing machine

one.

[0222] Thus, the hydraulic communication between the washing machine 1 and the wash and / or rinse water tank

6 is carried out by the water outlet tube 7 connected to the washing machine 1 and used only for emptying the washing tank 3 when the washing machine 1 is devoid of the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6.

[0223] The use of the washer drain pipe for hydraulic communication between the washer 1 and the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 allows:

-

use the washing machine 1 and the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 separately, in particular if the user

you want to install the washing machine 1 alone or if the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is damaged. The deposit

of wash and / or rinse water 6 can be disconnected hydraulically and electrically from the washing machine 1 and the

control means 15 of the washing machine 1 may be designed so that the washing machine 1 can operate with or without

the wash and / or rinse water tank 6;

-

buy the washing machine 1 and the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 separately, so that the

user can buy the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 after washing machine 1 and can without

However, connect this to washing machine 1 easily.

[0224] In this embodiment, the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 comprises two parts:

-

a first part 6a comprising the operating elements thereof, such as valve 14 and the pump

water circulation 12; and - a second part 6b comprising the storage pool for washing and / or rinsing water.

[0225] Of course, in no way limiting, the reservoir of wash and / or rinse water may be formed by one or more parts that may be fixed together.

[0226] On the other hand, the washing machine 1 can comprise a feed with water from the network (not shown) so that the wash tank 3 is filled in different phases of a water wash cycle that has not been used during a previous phase of the wash cycle in progress or during a previous wash cycle.

[0227] The washing machine 1 can be fed with water from the network by a water outlet pipe (not shown) directly connected to said washing machine 1 from the external network of waste water by means of a solenoid valve that allows to regulate the amount of water necessary for the operation of the washing machine 1.

[0228] The washing machine 1 comprises control means 15, in particular a microcontroller, which allow it to carry out its operating cycles.

[0229] In one embodiment, the control means 15 of the washing machine 1 can allow control of the operation of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0230] In another embodiment, the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 may also comprise control means 16, in particular a microcontroller, which allow the water supply of the latter to be controlled with washing water and / or of rinsing from the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 and the emptying of the water contained in said washing water tank and / or rinsing 6 to the washing tank 3 or to the external network of waste water 13.

[0231] The washing machine 1 can operate independently with respect to the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0232] The washing machine 1 can send order signals to the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and vice versa, which can be interpreted respectively by control means 15, 16.

[0233] The communication between the washing machine 1 and the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can also be either unidirectional or bidirectional, or via a wired connection or a wireless connection.

[0234] Of course, the communication between the washing machine 1 and the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is by no means limiting and may be different.

[0235] The control means 15 of the washing machine 1 and / or the control means 16 of the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 allow the washing tank 3 to be fed with water from the external water network waste and / or with water from the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0236] The water supply of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 is carried out with water from the external network of waste water and / or with water from the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 depending on, in particular, of the phases of the washing cycle carried out by said washing machine 1 and of the amount of water contained in the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6.

[0237] Of course, the parameters that define the source of the water supply of the wash tank are not

They are by no means limiting and may be different.

[0238] The control means 15 of the washing machine 1 and / or the control means 16 of the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 also allow the washing tank 3 and / or the washing water tank to be emptied and / or rinse 6 to the external network of waste water 13 depending, in particular, on the phases of the washing cycle performed by said washing machine 1, of the amount of water contained in the washing water tank and / or rinse 6 and the level of water dirt.

[0239] Of course, the parameters that define the decision to empty the water contained in the washing tank and / or in the tank for washing and / or rinsing water to the external wastewater network are not in any way limiting And they can be different.

[0240] The control means 15, 16 of the washing machine 1 and / or the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 are adapted to manage the transfers of water flows to the hydraulic water distribution circuit.

[0241] In the case of a two-way communication between the washing machine 1 and the wash and / or rinse water tank 6, the control means 16 of said tank 6 can transmit data to the control means 15 of said washing machine 1 on the operating state of said tank 6 generating an adapted operating mode of said washing machine 1.

[0242] In the case of unidirectional communication between the washing machine 1 and the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6, the control means 15 of said washing machine 1 interprets the lack of filling of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 with the water coming from said tank 6 as a lack of washing and / or rinsing water in said tank 6 due to the flow of a certain duration. As soon as the predetermined duration of non-filling of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 is exceeded with the water from the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6, the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 is filled with network water. The control means 15 of the washing machine 1 are adapted to detect the lack of water in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 when that tank 6 is installed in said washing machine 1, in such a way as to avoid activating a message of the fault alert due to the lack of filling of the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 with the water coming from said tank 6.

[0243] In a first embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 1 to 4, the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 comprises a ventilation device 17 comprising a breather and air detection system. maximum water level

[0244] The ventilation device 17 is preferably located at the top of the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0245] The ventilation device 17 allows, on the one hand, that the air contained in the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 is escaped outside during filling of the latter with washing and / or rinse water or it allows the air to enter inside said wash and / or rinse water tank 6 during the emptying of the wash and / or rinse water, as shown by the dotted arrows.

[0246] The air intake in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 or the air outlet from the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 depends on the change in the water level inside it , while guaranteeing an obstruction of an air passage opening to prevent an overflow of water out of said wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6.

[0247] The air passage opening may be obstructed, for example, by a hollow body 18 that floats or is lighter than water according to the water level and that is positioned in front of said air passage opening when reach the maximum water level in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0248] The ventilation device 17 allows, on the other hand, to transmit a maximum water level detection in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 either to the control means 15 of the washing machine 1 or to the control means 16 of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0249] The transmission of detection of the maximum level of water in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be carried out by means of an electrical connection via cable 19 and by means of a switch type sensor 20.

[0250] This ventilation device 17 allows controlling the maximum water level in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 by means of a vent system and detection of the maximum water level.

[0251] The ventilation device 17 is adapted to transmit to the elements that constitute the hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine 1 through the control means 15 of the washing machine 1 or the control means 16 of the water tank. wash and / or rinse water 6:

-

the orders for stopping the filling with wash water and / or rinse of the wash water tank and / or rinse 6 from the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1, and / or

-

orders for diverting the flow of wash and / or rinse water from the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to the external wastewater network 13, in particular if the control means 15, 16 order a recovery of the water wash and / or rinse while the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is full.

[0252] The ventilation device 17 allows:

-

First, prevent overflow of the wash and / or rinse water outside the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 thanks to the float 18 that obstructs the passage of the air passage opening when the level is reached maximum water in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6, and

-

secondly, to detect the maximum level of water in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 thanks to the sensor 20 that changes state when the maximum level of water in the wash and / or water tank is reached cleared 6.

[0253] In a second embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 5 to 8, the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 comprises a ventilation device 26 comprising an overflow spillway system.

[0254] The ventilation device 26 comprises a connection tube 21 connected on one side to an upper part of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and on the other hand to a first part 14a of said at least one valve 14 , in particular to an outlet, and said first part 14a of said at least one valve 14 is also connected to the drain water outlet pipe 8 to the external wastewater network 13.

[0255] In this way, the ventilation device 26 allows, on the one hand, that the air contained in the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 is escaped outside during filling with wash and / or wash water. rinsing of said reservoir 6, or allows air to enter inside said wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 during emptying of the wash and / or rinse water of said reservoir 6, as shown with the Dotted arrows.

[0256] This ventilation device 26 also allows the amount of water introduced too much to be evacuated during filling with wash and / or rinse water from the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the external wastewater network 13 .

[0257] Thus, the first part 14a of said at least one valve 14 controls the hydraulic communication between the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 and the water outlet tube 8, allowing air to escape contained in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and / or the emptying of an excess of wash and / or rinse water poured into the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the external water network residual 13 during filling of the latter with wash and / or rinse water.

[0258] The first part 14a of said at least one valve 14 may be:

-

either set in motion by its own actuator which can be connected to the control means 16 of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 or to the control means 15 of the washing machine 1; or connected to the second part 14b of said at least one three-way valve 14, so that the two parts 14a, 14b of said at least one valve 14 can be controlled simultaneously by the control means 16 of the water tank of washing and / or rinsing 6 or by the control means 15 of the washing machine 1. The control of the two parts 14a, 14b of said at least one valve 14 can be carried out by an electrical connection by cable 24. The two parts 14a , 14b of said at least one valve 14 can also be physically connected for example with a connecting rod 43, as shown in Figure 9, such that it is allowed to simultaneously open and close those two parts 14a, 14b of said to minus a valve 14.

[0259] When the circulation of wash and / or rinse water between the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 and the wash and / or rinse water tank 6, and vice versa, the first part is carried out 14a of said at least one valve 14 is through.

[0260] Otherwise, the first part 14a of said at least one valve 14 is locked in the other modes of operation of the hydraulic water distribution circuit of the washing machine 1.

[0261] Referring to Figures 9 to 14, the first part 14a of said at least one valve 14 comprises the gate 29 and the second part 14b of said at least one valve 14 comprises the gates 28 and 30.

[0262] The ventilation device 26 comprises, in addition to the connection of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the drain water outlet pipe 8 to the external wastewater network 13 made by means of the connection tube 21 and of the first part 14a of said at least one valve 14, a vent system 23 located

between the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 and the first part 14a of said at least one valve 14.

[0263] In this way, the vent system 23 is adapted only to allow air to enter the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 during the emptying of the wash and / or rinse water thereof well into the tank. of washing 3 of the washing machine 1 or to the external network of waste water 13, and not to let air out of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 during filling of the latter with washing and / or washing water cleared up.

[0264] For this purpose, the vent system 23 comprises a gate that can be placed inside the connecting tube 21 to only authorize the passage of the air inlet flow into the wash and / or rinse water reservoir. 6.

[0265] The ventilation device 26 may further comprise a maximum water level detection system in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 that can be connected well to the control means 15 of the washing machine 1 or to the control means 16 of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0266] The transmission of detection of the maximum water level in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 can be carried out by means of an electrical connection via cable 19 and by means of a sensor 20 of the switch type.

[0267] In a third embodiment of the invention shown in Figures 15 to 18, the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 comprises a ventilation device 49 comprising an overflow spillway system that and an air outlet tube 46 connected to a zone 48 in fluidic communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0268] The ventilation device 49 comprises at least one air passage opening 47 disposed in the hydraulic water distribution circuit connected to an air outlet tube 46 extending from the part of the hydraulic water distribution circuit located between the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1 to an area 48 in fluid communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0269] Ventilation device 49 allows:

-

that the air inside said washing water tank and / or rinse 6 enters through the outlet pipe of

air 46 during the emptying of the wash and / or rinse water from said reservoir 6 to the external water network

residual 13, as shown with the dotted arrows of Figure 16; - that the air contained in the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 is leaked to the wash tank 3 of

the washing machine 1 through the air outlet tube 46 during the filling of said washing water tank 6 and / or

of rinse from the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1, as shown by the arrows in the

points of figure 17; - that the air inside said washing water tank and / or rinse 6 enters through the outlet pipe of

air 46 during the emptying of the wash and / or rinse water from said tank 6 to the wash tank 3 of the

washer 1, as shown by the dotted arrows in figure 18.

[0270] This ventilation device 49 may carry an excess amount of water introduced during the filling with wash and / or rinse water from the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1 without affecting the operation of the washing machine 1, or the operation of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6.

[0271] In one embodiment, the ventilation device 49 comprises an air outlet tube 46 that can be connected on the one hand directly to the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 and on the other hand to the zone 48 in fluidic communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0272] In another embodiment, the ventilation device 49 comprises an air outlet tube 46 that can be connected by a part directly to said at least one valve 14, said at least one valve 14 being connected to the water tank for washing and / or rinsing 6, and, on the other hand, to zone 48 in fluid communication with the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1.

[0273] In this way, the amount of excess water introduced during the filling with washing and / or rinsing water of the washing and / or rinsing water tank 6 can be evacuated at least in part to the washing tank 3 of the washing machine 1, according to these two embodiments.

[0274] In addition, the ventilation device 49 makes it possible to avoid the phenomenon of sound turbulence, in particular during the filling of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 with wash and / or rinse water from the wash tank 3 of the washing machine 1, caused by the sending of air to the drain water outlet tube 8 forming an elbow 52 containing stagnant water, as shown by the axle-shaped arrows of Figure 17.

[0275] Said at least one valve 14 may be connected to the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 by

means of an air / water outlet tube 51, as shown in Figures 15 to 18.

[0276] In other words, at least one valve 14 can be connected directly to the top of the wash and / or rinse water tank 6 to reduce the manufacturing costs of the washing machine 1. The tightness between said at minus a valve 14 and the wash and / or rinse water reservoir 6 can be guaranteed by means of a gasket.

[0277] Thus, thanks to the present invention, one of said first and second water circulation pumps, while stopped, is adapted to allow a flow of water to pass through it while the other of said first and second 10 Water circulation pumps work, so that the water circulation is not blocked through the hydraulic circuit of water distribution of the washing machine, and vice versa.

[0278] Of course, numerous modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

15 [0279] Thus, the washing and / or rinse water tank associated with the washing machine could be used for other household appliances, for example a dishwasher or a clothes washer-dryer.

Claims (11)

1. Washing machine (1) comprising:

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a housing (2);

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said housing (2) enclosing a washing tank (3);

-

a wash and / or rinse water tank (6);

-

a hydraulic water distribution circuit;

-

said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprising:

a first water circulation pump (11) that connects said washing tank (3) to at least a valve (14), and a second water circulation pump (12) that connects said wash water tank and / or from rinse (6) to said at least one valve (14); characterized in that one of said first and second water circulation pumps (11, 12) is adapted to allow the passage of a water flow from said wash tank (3) to said wash and / or rinse water tank ( 6), and vice versa, when it is inactive while another of said first and second water circulation pumps (11, 12) is active.

2.

 Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said first water circulation pump (11) is adapted to empty at least a part of the washing and / or rinsing water from said washing tank (3) to said storage tank wash and / or rinse water (6) generating a flow of wash and / or rinse water that passes through said at least one valve (14), said second water circulation pump (12) being inactive.

3.

 Washing machine (1) according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said second water circulation pump (12) is adapted to empty at least a part of the washing and / or rinsing water from said washing water tank and / or rinsing (6) to said washing tank (3) generating a flow of washing and / or rinsing water through said at least one valve (14), said first water circulation pump (11) being inactive.

Four.

 Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said second water circulation pump (12) is located at a low point of said washing and / or rinsing water tank (6).

5.

 Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said second water circulation pump (12) and said at least one valve (14) are mounted inside said washing water tank and / or of cleared (6).

6.

 Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the washing and / or rinsing water flows through a single water outlet pipe (7) from said washing tank (3) to said tank of wash and / or rinse water (6) and vice versa.

7.

 Washing machine (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said water outlet tube (7) allowing the washing and / or rinsing water to flow from said washing tank (3) to said washing water tank and / or rinse (6) and vice versa, corresponds to a drain pipe of said washing machine (1).

8.

 Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that said hydraulic water distribution circuit of said washing machine (1) comprises a high point (25) formed between said washing and / or rinsing water tank (6 ) and said washing tank (3) of said washing machine (1).

9.

 Washing machine (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that said high point (25) of said hydraulic water distribution circuit formed between said wash and / or rinse water tank (6) and said wash tank (3) of said washing machine (1) comprises at least one air passage opening (47).

10.

 Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said first and second water circulation pumps (11, 12) are centrifugal pumps.

eleven.

 Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that said washing and / or rinsing water tank (6) is external to said housing (2) of said washing machine (1).

 FIG. one   FIG. 2 FIG. 3 FIG. 4 FIG. 5 FIG. 6 FIG. 7 FIG. 8  FIG. 9 FIG. 10    FIG. eleven    FIG. 14    FIG. fifteen    FIG. 16    FIG. 17   FIG. 18