ES2568760T3 - Machine for washing clothes comprising a steam generator and associated procedure - Google Patents

Abstract

Machine for washing clothes (1) comprising: - a frame (2), - a washing tub (3), said frame (2) housing said wash tub (3), and said wash tub (3) can be filled with liquid from a mains water intake, - a rotating drum, said washing tub (3) housing said rotating drum, - a steam generator (6), said steam generator (6) feeding at least one of said washing tank (3) and said rotary drum with steam, - a hydraulic circuit for circulating water, said hydraulic circuit for circulating water comprising at least: o a first water supply conduit (8), the first being fluidically connected conduit (8) to a first supply valve with water from the network (10), and feeding the first conduit (8) with water said steam generator (6) in order to produce steam by means of said steam generator (6) from the water of the network; or a second water supply conduit (9), the second conduit (9) supplying said steam generator (6) with water in order to clean said steam generator (6) by circulating water; characterized in that the second conduit (9) is fluidically connected to a water circulation pump (11), said water circulation pump (11) being fluidly connected to said washing tub (3) in order to circulate water from said washing tub (3) to said steam generator (6), then from said steam generator (6) to said washing tub (3).

Description

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Machine for washing clothes comprising a steam generator and associated procedure.

The present invention relates to a washing machine or a machine for washing and drying clothes.

In general, this invention relates to the machines for washing clothes in which a washing cycle of a quantity of clothes is put into practice, and the washer-dryer machines in which a cycle of washing a quantity of clothes It is followed by a drying cycle of these clothes.

It refers to both the top loading loading machines, through an opening in the upper part of the machine, and the front loading machines, which are loaded through an opening in the front wall of the machine.

Document EP 1 783 262 A2 is already known which describes a machine for washing and drying clothes comprising a frame, a washing tank, a rotating drum, a steam generator and a hydraulic water circulation circuit.

The frame houses the washing tank. The washing tank can be filled with liquid from a water outlet in the network. The washing tank houses the rotating drum. The steam generator steam feeds the rotating drum by diffusing the steam into a drying air circuit fluidically connected to the rotating drum.

The hydraulic water circulation circuit comprises a first water supply line and a second water supply line.

The first conduit is fluidly connected to a first water supply valve of the network. And the first duct feeds the steam generator with water so as to produce steam by means of the steam generator from the water in the network.

The second conduit is fluidly connected to a second water supply valve of the network. And the second duct feeds the steam generator with water to clean the steam generator by circulating water from the network.

However, this machine for washing and drying clothes has the disadvantage of feeding the steam generator with water by means of a second water supply valve of the network during cleaning of the steam generator, and of comprising a disposal device of the lime arranged in the second conduit that feeds the steam generator with water from the network by means of the second valve.

The lime removal device disposed in the second duct is made of protrusions arranged on the inner face of the second duct, or by successive modifications of the inner section of the second duct, or even by an additional water supply valve that controls the flow of water and the amount of water fed to the steam generator.

Thus, a hydraulic water circulation circuit of this type comprising a second conduit that feeds the steam generator with water from the network by means of a second valve and a lime removal device with the aim of cleaning the generator of steam through the circulation of water from the network generates a significant consumption of water from the network.

As a consequence, the removal of the lime deposited on the internal walls of the steam generator, during steam production, by the circulation of water from the network by means of a second valve connected to an external water network requires an amount important water network without reusing it, and therefore increases the cost of using the machine.

EP 1 959 046 A1 also shows a steam generator fed with water from the network through two feed valves.

The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned drawbacks and propose a machine for washing clothes that minimizes the consumption of water from the network to clean a steam generator fed with water from the network during steam production.

For this, the present invention relates, according to a first aspect, to a machine for washing clothes comprising:

- a framework,

- a washing tank, said frame housing said washing tank, said washing tank being filled with liquid from a water outlet in the network,

- a rotating drum, said washing tank housing said rotating drum,

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- a steam generator, steam supplying said steam generator at least one of said washing tank and said rotating drum,

- a hydraulic water circulation circuit, said hydraulic water circulation circuit comprising at least:

or a first water supply conduit, the first conduit being fluidly connected to a first water supply valve of the network, and the first conduit being fed with water said steam generator so that steam is produced by means of said generator steam from the water in the network;

or a second water supply duct, the second duct feeding said steam generator with water so as to clean said steam generator by water circulation.

According to the invention, the second conduit is fluidly connected to a water circulation pump, said water circulation pump being fluidly connected to said washing tank so as to circulate water from said washing tank to said steam generator, then from said steam generator to said wash tank.

Thus, during the cleaning of the steam generator by water circulation, the steam generator is fed with water by means of the second duct and a water circulation pump that circulates the water in a loop between the washing tank and the steam generator to minimize water consumption from the network.

A machine for washing clothes of this type allows to produce steam by means of the steam generator fed with water from the network and to diffuse the steam inside the washing tank or the rotating drum while allowing the steam generator to be cleaned by circulating water efficiently and reducing the water consumption of the network.

In addition, the water circulation hydraulic circuit of the laundry machine does not require a specific lime removal device to minimize the costs of obtaining such a machine.

The present invention relates, according to a second aspect, to a method of feeding with water a machine for washing clothes, said machine comprising washing clothes:

- a framework,

- a washing tank, said frame housing said washing tank, said washing tank being filled with liquid from a water outlet in the network,

- a rotating drum, said washing tank housing said rotating drum,

- a steam generator, steam supplying said steam generator at least one of said washing tank and said rotating drum,

- a hydraulic water circulation circuit, said hydraulic water circulation circuit comprising:

or a first water supply conduit, the first conduit being fluidly connected to a first water supply valve of the network, and the first conduit being fed with water said steam generator;

or a second water supply duct, the second duct feeding said steam generator with water so as to clean said steam generator by water circulation.

The procedure comprises at least the following stage:

- supplying said steam generator with water by means of the first duct and the first valve during steam production by means of said steam generator from the water in the network.

According to the invention, said method also comprises at least the following stage:

- supplying said steam generator with water by means of the second duct and a water circulation pump fluidically connected to said washing tank during the cleaning of said steam generator by water circulation, wherein said water circulation pump puts water circulating from said wash tank to said steam generator, then from said steam generator to said wash tank.

This method of feeding with water of a machine for washing clothes has characteristics and advantages analogous to those described above with reference to the machine for washing clothes.

Other particularities and advantages of the invention are further derived from the following description.

In the attached drawings, provided by way of non-limiting examples:

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- Figure 1 is a first schematic sectional view of a machine for washing clothes according to an embodiment of the invention during steam production by a steam generator;

- Figure 2 is a second schematic sectional view of a machine for washing clothes identical to that of Figure 1 during steam generator cleaning; Y

- Figure 3 is a schematic sectional view illustrating a part of a hydraulic water circulation circuit that feeds a steam generator with water according to an embodiment of the invention.

With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a machine for washing clothes according to an embodiment of the invention is described.

The machine for washing clothes can be a machine for washing household clothes or a machine for washing and drying household clothes.

An embodiment has been illustrated, with reference to Figures 1 and 2, which describes a machine for washing the top loading clothes. Obviously, the present invention applies to all types of washing machine, and in particular to those of front loading.

A laundry machine 1 comprises a frame 2. The frame 2 of the laundry machine 1 comprises a front wall, a rear wall, two side walls, an upper wall and a lower wall.

The laundry machine 1 comprises a washing tank 3. The frame 2 houses the washing tank 3. The washing tank 3 is filled with liquid from a water outlet in the network.

In this case, the wash tank 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The washing tank 3 thus comprises a longitudinal wall in the form of a cylinder, commonly referred to as a ferrule, and two end sides commonly referred to as sides, which allow this washing tank 3 to be substantially sealed.

Obviously, the washing tank 3 does not need to have a cylindrical shape. In particular, it can comprise deviated parts in its longitudinal wall thus forming housings adapted to contain operating elements of the machine 1, such as for example a heating resistor intended to be submerged in the water of the washing tank 3.

The laundry machine 1 comprises a rotating drum (not shown). The washing tank 3 houses the rotating drum. The rotating drum is intended to contain the clothes and is mounted in rotation around a rotation axis and inside the washing tank 3.

In this case and in an absolutely non-limiting manner, the axis of rotation of the rotating drum is horizontal.

The rotating drum has a cylindrical shape. It includes a ferrule and two sides of end.

Classically, in a machine for washing clothes 1 of this type, the rotating drum ferrule is perforated, generally all over its surface, so that the water used during the different phases of the washing cycle of machine 1 can enter and evacuate from the rotating drum.

The machine for washing clothes 1 comprises a rotating drive means (not shown) of the rotating drum comprising at least one motor 4.

In this case and in an absolutely non-limiting manner, the rotating drive means of the rotating drum also comprises a belt and a drive pulley fixed to the rotating drum.

The frame 2 comprises an upper opening that allows the clothes to be inserted and removed from the rotating drum.

This access opening can be sealed during operation of the machine 1 by a door 5 pivotally mounted in the frame 2 of the machine 1.

The laundry machine 1 comprises a steam generator 6. The steam generator 6 steam feeds at least one of the washing tank 3 and the rotating drum.

Preferably, the steam generator 6 comprises a body and at least one heating element. The body of the steam generator 6 comprises at least one steam generation chamber. The body of the steam generator 6 can be made for example of aluminum.

This steam generation chamber can be made for example in the form of a tube or even a cavity.

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Said at least one heating element of the steam generator 6 can either be arranged along a wall of the steam generation chamber or be arranged inside the steam generation chamber.

Said at least one heating element may comprise, for example, one or more electrical resistors.

In one embodiment, the steam generator 6 comprises two heating elements.

The two heating elements can be mounted in series or in parallel.

The connection of the two heating elements to the control means can be switched, for example, by means of a switch, between a series assembly and a parallel assembly of the two heating elements so as to provide two levels of power by the generator steam 6.

The steam generator 6 can also comprise at least one temperature sensing element, such as for example a regulating thermostat and / or a safety thermostat, in order to control its temperature.

The laundry machine 1 comprises means for fixing the steam generator 6 to the washing tank 3.

The steam supply line 12 joins a steam outlet opening of the steam generator 6 to a steam inlet port of the wash tank 3.

In this way, the steam feeding of the steam generator 6 by means of the steam feeding duct 12 and the steam introduction hole of the washing tank 3 can be put into practice in a machine for washing clothes or in a machine to wash and dry clothes.

In this case and in an absolutely non-limiting manner, the steam feeding inside the rotating drum is implemented by means of openings arranged around the rotational axis of the rotating drum.

In this way, the steam fed by the steam supply line 12 is introduced through the steam inlet port of the washing tank 3, then through the openings arranged around the axis of rotation of the rotating drum in order to diffuse the steam through the clothes contained inside the rotating drum.

The machine for washing clothes 1 comprises at least one liquid heating means introduced in the washing tank 3.

Said at least one heating means may thus allow to heat the water of at least one wash and / or rinse bath contained in the wash tank 3.

In one embodiment, said at least one heating means may be an electric heating resistor (not shown) disposed inside the washing tank 3.

In one embodiment, said at least one heating means may be the steam generator 6 disposed inside the frame 2 of the machine 1.

In one embodiment, said at least one heating means may comprise an electric heating resistor (not shown) disposed inside the wash tank 3 and the steam generator 6 disposed inside the frame 2 of the machine 1 .

Obviously, the type and number of the heating means are not at all limiting and may be different.

The laundry machine 1 comprises control means of a laundry program, and in particular at least one microcontroller, which allows the predetermined operating cycles to be executed.

In this case, a control panel 7 is also provided at the top of the laundry machine 1.

The laundry machine 1 comprises a liquid evacuation circuit (not shown). The liquid evacuation circuit comprises a liquid evacuation conduit connected to a hydraulic block of the washing tank 3, and a drain pump that evacuates the liquid out of the washing tank 3 through the evacuation conduit.

In general, the washing and rinsing phases are sequenced in liquid baths by means of emptying operations during which the emptying pump is operated.

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Obviously, this machine for washing clothes 1 comprises all the necessary elements (not shown) for the operation and execution of the washing, rinsing and spinning phases of the clothes.

The laundry machine 1 also includes a water level regulating device (not shown) in the washing tank 3.

By way of example in no way limiting, the water level regulating device can be a pressure switch.

The water level regulating device thus allows to obtain a certain water level necessary to protect the clothes from mechanical action and said device allows to optimize the water consumption.

In the case of a machine for washing and drying clothes (not shown), the washing tank 3 is mounted in communication with a drying ventilation circuit.

The drying ventilation circuit generally comprises an air circulation duct in communication with the rotating drum in which the clothes are placed. The rotating drum is thus one of the elements of this drying ventilation circuit.

Traditionally, a fan is mounted in this drying ventilation circuit to ensure air circulation, a heating element is placed in this drying ventilation circuit upstream of the rotating drum in order to increase the temperature of the air introduced into the drum rotary and thus allow the evaporation of the water contained in the clothes to dry.

A water condenser is generally located downstream of the rotating drum to allow condensation of the water vapor present in the moist air leaving the rotating drum.

Now, with reference to Figures 1 to 3, a hydraulic circuit of water distribution of a machine for washing clothes according to an embodiment is described.

The machine for washing clothes 1 comprises a hydraulic water circulation circuit. The hydraulic water circulation circuit comprises at least a first water supply line 8 and a second water supply line 9.

The first conduit 8 is fluidly connected to a first water supply valve of the network 10.

And the first duct 8 feeds the steam generator 6 with water so as to produce steam by means of the steam generator 6 from the water in the network.

The second duct 9 feeds the steam generator 6 with water to clean the steam generator 6 by water circulation.

The second conduit 9 is fluidly connected to a water circulation pump 11.

The water circulation pump 11 fluidically connected to the washing tank 3 so as to circulate water from the washing tank 3 to the steam generator 6, then from the steam generator 6 to the washing tank 3.

Thus, during the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by water circulation, the steam generator 6 is fed with water by means of the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 which circulate the water in a loop between the tank wash 3 and steam generator 6 to minimize water consumption in the network.

The cleaning of the steam generator 6 by looping water circulation between the washing tank 3 and the steam generator 6 thus allows the lime deposit deposited inside the steam generator 6 to be removed.

During steam production, the steam generator 6 is fed with water from the network by means of the first duct 8 and the first valve 10 which circulate the water in the network from an external water network to the steam generator 6.

A machine for washing clothes of this type 1 makes it possible to produce steam by means of the steam generator 6 fed with water from the network and to diffuse the steam into the washing tank 3 or the rotating drum while allowing the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by water circulation effectively and reducing the water consumption of the network.

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In addition, the hydraulic water circulation circuit of the machine for washing clothes 1 does not require a specific lime removal device so that the costs of obtaining said machine 1 are minimized.

In this case, the steam generator 6 is connected to the washing tank 3 by means of a steam supply line 12 so as to introduce the steam produced by the steam generator 6 into the washing tank 3, in particular through at least one hole arranged in the washing tank 3, and then through holes arranged in the rotating drum.

Said at least one steam introduction hole in the washing tank 3 may be arranged on the side of the washing tank 3.

In this case, said at least one steam introduction hole in the washing tank 3 is arranged around the axis of rotation of the rotating drum.

The steam inlet holes of the rotating drum may be arranged on the side of the rotating drum.

Obviously, the introduction of steam produced by the steam generator is not at all limiting, and can be done differently, in particular by diffusing the steam through a sealing gasket that joins the washing tank to the frame, or even in a drying ventilation circuit.

The steam produced by the steam generator 6 and introduced into the rotating drum makes it possible to heat and / or smooth the clothes contained in the latter.

The smoothing of clothes by steam can be implemented, in particular, during a cycle of washing and / or drying of clothes.

The steam produced by the steam generator 6 and introduced into the rotary drum thus improves the washing and / or drying results of the clothes contained inside the rotary drum.

In this case, the water circulation pump 11 is connected by fluid connection to the bottom of the washing tank 3.

The hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises a first aeration duct 17 that flimsically connects an inlet of the water circulation pump 11 to an aeration opening 18.

Thus, the first aeration duct 17 allows to start the water circulation pump 11 in order to evacuate the air present in the hydraulic water distribution circuit, in particular during the cleaning of the steam generator 6 of the washing machine 1.

In this case and in an absolutely non-limiting manner, the first aeration duct 17 is connected to a water circulation line 19 located between the washing tank 3 and the water circulation pump 11, that is, upstream of the water circulation pump 11 and downstream of the washing tank 3 according to the direction of the water flow from the washing tank 3 to the steam generator 6.

In practice, the first aeration duct 17 has a lower section than the section of the water circulation duct 19 located between the washing tank 3 and the water circulation pump 11.

Advantageously, the first conduit 8 and the second conduit 9 of the hydraulic water circulation circuit are interconnected by an interconnection means 14. The interconnection means 14 is connected to the steam generator 6 via a third water supply conduit 15.

In an embodiment as illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the interconnection means 14 is a water supply control device.

Thus, the water supply control device 14 comprises a sealing element of the second duct 9 during the water supply of the steam generator 6 by the first valve 10 and during the steam production of the steam generator 6 from the network water.

And the water supply control device 14 comprises a sealing element of the first duct 8 during the water supply of the steam generator 6 by the water circulation pump 11 to clean the steam generator 6 by a circulation of the water in the closed circuit between the washing tank 3 and the steam generator 6.

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In this case, the water supply control device 14 comprises three ways, that is, two inputs and one output. The water supply control device 14 thus allows one of the two inputs to be fluidly connected to the outlet and therefore to separate the two water supply inputs.

A first inlet of the water supply control device 14 is connected to the first duct 8 that feeds the steam generator 6 with water from the network by means of the first valve 10.

A second inlet of the water supply control device 14 is connected to the second conduit 9 that feeds the steam generator 6 with water from the washing tank 3 by means of the water circulation pump 11.

In this case and in an absolutely non-limiting manner, the interconnection means 14 comprises two non-return clamps 16a, 16b, the first non-return clamp 16a being mounted on the first duct 8 which fluidly connects the first valve 10 with the steam generator 6, and the second non-return clapper 16b being mounted in the second conduit 9 which fluidly connects the water circulation pump 11 with the steam generator 6.

The second non-return clapper 16b constitutes the second sealing element of the second duct 9 during the water supply of the steam generator 6 by the first valve 10 and during the steam production of the steam generator 6 from the water of the network.

The interconnection means 14 also comprises a Y-shaped coupling element.

In another embodiment (not shown), the interconnection means 14 comprises a valve mounted in the first conduit 8 or in the second conduit 9, or even two valves mounted respectively in the first conduit 8 and in the second conduit 9.

In another embodiment (not shown), the interconnection means 14 comprises a multipath valve that fluidly connects the first duct 8, the second duct 9 and the steam generator 6.

The water circulation pump 11 thus allows to circulate at least a part of the water present in the lower part of the washing tank 3 through the steam generator 6 by means of the second duct 9, and in particular by means of interconnection 14 and by the third duct 15, then return the water that has passed through the steam generator 6 to the washing tank 3 by means of the steam supply duct 12, and in particular by said at least one steam inlet port arranged in the wash tank 3.

In one embodiment, the hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises a second aeration duct 20 that fluidly connects an inlet of the interconnection means 14, in particular of the water supply control device 14, with the aeration opening 18 .

Thus, the second aeration duct 20 allows to facilitate the opening of the interconnection means 14, in particular of the second non-return clapper 16b, in order to evacuate the air present in the hydraulic water distribution circuit, in particular during the cleaning of the generator steam 6 of the washing machine 1.

In this case and in an absolutely non-limiting manner, one end of the second aeration duct 20 is fluidly connected to the second duct 9 located between the water circulation pump 11 and the interconnection means 14, that is, downstream of the pump water circulation 11 and upstream of the interconnection means 14 according to the direction of the water flow from the wash tank 3 to the steam generator 6.

And another end of the second aeration duct 20 is fluidly connected to the first aeration duct 17.

In practice, the second aeration duct 20 has a lower section than the section of the second duct 9 located between the water circulation pump 11 and the interconnection means 14.

Advantageously, the first water supply valve of the network 10 is mounted in parallel to at least a second water supply valve of the network (not shown), said at least one second valve feeding with water from the network a drawer of detergent products (not shown) of machine 1.

The first valve 10 and said at least one second valve are preferably located on a rear wall of the frame 2 of the laundry machine 1.

The water supply of the drawer of detergent products may require two or three water supply valves from the network, in particular during the use of cross jets to supply the detergent products to the washing tank 3.

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The first valve 10 and said at least one second valve connected to the water network are mounted on a common support.

The common support of the valves can be made of a plastic material. This common support may comprise a common arrival of water from the network and an outlet of water from the network associated with each of the valves. Each valve has its own water outlet attached to a water supply line.

The first valve 10 and said at least one second valve are electrovalves fed with electric energy by means of the machine for washing clothes 1, in turn connected to the electric network by an electric cable.

A method of feeding a machine with water to wash clothes according to the invention is now described.

The procedure comprises at least the following stages:

- supply the steam generator 6 with water by means of the first duct 8 and the first valve 10 during steam production by means of the steam generator 6 from the water in the network;

- supply the steam generator 6 with water by means of the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 fluidically connected to the washing tank 3 during the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by water circulation, where the water pump water circulation 11 circulates water from the wash tank 3 to the steam generator 6, then from the steam generator 6 to the wash tank 3.

Thus, during the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by water circulation, the steam generator 6 is fed with water by means of the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 which circulate the water in a loop between the tank wash 3 and steam generator 6 to minimize water consumption in the network.

The cleaning of the steam generator 6 by looping water circulation between the washing tank 3 and the steam generator 6 thus allows the lime deposit deposited inside the steam generator 6 to be removed.

And, during steam production, the steam generator 6 is fed with water from the network by means of the first duct 8 and the first valve 10 which circulate the water in the network from an external water network to the generator steam 6.

Advantageously, the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water by means of the first duct 8 and the first valve 10 and the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water by means of the second duct 9 and the circulation pump of Water 11 are put into practice separately, and not simultaneously.

During the production of steam by means of the steam generator 6 from the water in the network, the first valve 10 is put into operation in order to feed the steam generator 6 with water from the network.

Advantageously, during the production of steam by means of the steam generator 6 from the water in the network, the first valve 10 is put into operation according to a predetermined opening and closing frequency.

Thus, the steam generator 6 is fed with water from the network with cadence.

In this way, the water level inside the steam generation chamber of the steam generator 6 is maintained as a function of a cadence of the first valve 10, said cadence of the first valve 10 having been predefined in the factory in function in particular, the volume of the steam generation chamber and the power of at least one heating element of the steam generator 6.

In addition, the water supply control device 14 is positioned so as to free the passage between the first duct 8 and the third duct 15 so as to feed the steam generator 6 with water from the network by means of the first valve 10 The passage between the second conduit 9 and the third conduit 15 is blocked by means of the water supply control device 14.

During the production of steam by means of the steam generator 6 from the water in the network, the water circulation pump 11 is kept stopped.

During the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by water circulation, the water circulation pump 11 is put into operation in order to feed the steam generator 6 with water from the washing tank 3.

Advantageously, during the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by water circulation, the water circulation pump 11 is operated continuously.

Thus, the steam generator 6 is fed with water from the network continuously.

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In addition, the water supply control device 14 is positioned so as to free the passage between the second conduit 9 and the third conduit 15 so as to feed the steam generator 6 with water from the wash tank 3 by means of the water circulation pump 11. The passage between the first conduit 8 and the third conduit 15 is blocked by means of the water supply control device 14.

During the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by water circulation, the first valve 10 is kept in closed position.

The step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water by means of the first duct 8 and the first valve 10 is implemented during a washing cycle of the machine 1.

Advantageously, the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water by means of the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 is implemented during a steam generator descaling cycle 11 and / or during a washing cycle of machine 1.

Advantageously, in the case where the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water through the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 is implemented during a washing cycle of the laundry machine 1, the water fed to the steam generator 6 is devoid of a descaling product.

In practice, the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water through the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 is preceded by a stage of feeding the washing tank 3 with water by at least a second valve of feeding with water of the network.

Preferably, during the step of feeding the washing tank 3 with water, said at least one second valve feeds a drawer of detergent products from the machine 1 with water from the network in order to mix the water in the network with a descaling product.

Thus, the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water by means of the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 is implemented with a mixture containing water from the network and a descaling product so as to clean so Efficient steam generator 6 while minimizing the duration of cleaning the steam generator 6 by looping water circulation between the wash tank 3 and the steam generator 6.

Preferably, the step of feeding the washing tank 3 with water is followed by a step of heating the water contained in the washing tank 3.

Thus, during the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by water circulation, the steam generator 6 is fed with water previously heated by means of the second conduit 9 and the water circulation pump 11 which circulate the water in a loop between the wash tank 3 and the steam generator 6.

In this way, the cleaning efficiency of the steam generator 6 is improved by heating the water contained in the wash tank 3 and put into circulation through the steam generator 6.

The stage of heating the water contained in the washing tank 3 can be carried out before and / or during the stage of supplying the steam generator 6 with water through the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11.

In one embodiment, the step of heating the water contained in the washing tank 3 is implemented by activating at least one heating means (not shown) disposed inside the washing tank 3.

Advantageously, the steam generator 6 is kept stopped during the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water by means of the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11, in particular during the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by circulation of water in a loop between the washing tank 3 and the steam generator 6 which is put into practice during at least one operating stage of a washing cycle of the laundry machine 1.

In another embodiment, the step of heating the water contained in the washing tank 3 is implemented by activating the steam generator 6 and the water circulation pump 11 so as to circulate the water and simultaneously heat the water in the steam generator 6, in particular during the implementation of a descaling cycle.

Thus, the water flowing through the steam generator 6 by means of the water circulation pump 11 is heated by the steam generator 6 in order to improve the descaling efficiency of the steam generator 6, in particular by means of the mixed descaling product. with the water that allows descaling.

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In another embodiment, the step of heating the water contained in the washing tank 3 is implemented, on the one hand, by activating at least one heating means (not shown) disposed inside the washing tank 3, and, on the other hand, activating the steam generator 6 and the water circulation pump 11.

In one embodiment, the method comprises a step of rotating the rotary drum implemented during the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water through the second conduit 9 and the water circulation pump 11.

In this case, the step of rotating the rotating drum is put into practice by activating a rotating motor (not shown) of the rotating drum.

Thus, the step of rotating the rotating drum during the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water through the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 also allows the rotating drum to be cleaned, in particular during use. of a descaling product mixed with the water introduced in the washing tank 3, and / or during the implementation of the stage of heating the water contained in the washing tank 3.

In one embodiment, the descaling cycle of the steam generator 6 is implemented by means of a selection by means of at least one selector of the control panel 7, in particular by the user.

Advantageously, the control means of the machine for washing clothes send an acoustic and / or visual signal to the user through the control panel 7 in order to warn him that a steam generator descaling cycle 6 must be carried out.

In this case and in an absolutely non-limiting manner, the acoustic and / or visual signal emitted by the control means of the machine for washing clothes 1 intervenes after reaching a number of washing cycles of said machine 1 in which it is placed in steam generator operation 6.

As an example, the count of the number of washing cycles of the machine for washing clothes 1 using steam production is calculated based on the amount of water fed to the steam generator 6 in each of the washing cycles put into practice.

In another embodiment, the descaling cycle of the steam generator 6 is automatically carried out by the control means of the machine for washing clothes 1 during a washing cycle, or even after the execution of a washing cycle.

Advantageously, in the case where the descaling cycle is implemented during a washing cycle of the machine 1 or after the execution of a washing cycle of the machine 1, the water fed to the steam generator 6 is devoid of a descaling product.

The automatic activation of the steam generator descaling cycle 6 can intervene for example after reaching a number of washing cycles of said machine 1 in which the steam generator 6 is put into operation.

As an example, the count of the number of washing cycles of the machine for washing clothes 1 using steam production is calculated based on the amount of water fed to the steam generator 6 in each of the washing cycles put into practice.

In one embodiment, the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water by means of the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 is implemented during at least one operating stage of a washing cycle of the machine 1, in particular during a rinsing stage of the clothes contained in the rotating drum.

Thus, the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by looping water circulation between the washing tank 3 and the steam generator 6 by means of the water circulation pump 11 is implemented using the water of a one-stage bath of a washing cycle of machine 1 to minimize the water consumption of machine 1.

In addition, the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water through the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 during at least one operating stage of a washing cycle of the machine 1 makes it possible to limit the formation of scale of the steam generator 6 by a systematic cleaning of the steam generator 6 during each washing cycle of the machine 1 using steam production, and, in particular, spacing the descaling cycles of the steam generator 6.

In this way, the cleaning of the steam generator 6 by looping water circulation between the washing tank 3 and the steam generator 6 during at least one operating stage of a machine washing cycle

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to wash clothes 1, it allows at least partially eliminating the formation inlay in each washing cycle of machine 1 using steam production.

On the other hand, the use of water from a rinse bath during the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water through the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 allows to limit the deposition of detergent on the internal walls of the steam generator 6.

In this way, the use of the water of a rinse bath during the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water through the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 makes it possible to avoid the deposition of a detergent film in the internal walls of the steam generator 6, which can lead to malfunctions during steam production, for example, an abnormal heating of the steam generator 6 caused by a temperature detection defect by means of a temperature detection element.

Advantageously, in the case where the step of feeding the steam generator 6 with water by means of the second duct 9 and the water circulation pump 11 is implemented during at least one operating stage of a wash cycle of the machine for washing clothes 1, the water fed to the steam generator 6 is devoid of a descaling product.

The laundry machine 1 comprises control means provided with a control unit (not shown), wherein the control unit comprises at least one electronic card. Said at least one electronic card comprises at least one microcontroller capable of implementing predetermined operating cycles of the laundry machine 1. Thus, the control unit, in particular controls the steam generator 6, the first valve 10, said at least one second valve, the multi-stage valve 14, the water circulation pump 11 and the rotating motor 4 of the rotary drum so as to implement the water feeding procedure, as described above.

Thanks to the present invention, during the cleaning of the steam generator by water circulation, the steam generator is fed with water by means of the second duct and a water circulation pump that circulates the water in a loop between the tank washing and steam generator to minimize water consumption from the network.

A machine for washing clothes of this type allows to produce steam by means of the steam generator fed with water from the network and to diffuse the steam inside the washing tank or the rotating drum while allowing the steam generator to be cleaned by circulating water efficiently and reducing the water consumption of the network.

Obviously, numerous modifications can be made to the embodiment described above without departing from the scope of the invention.

In particular, the embodiment example has been described in relation to a machine for washing the top loading clothes.

Of course, the present invention can be practiced similarly in a machine for washing front-loading clothes, or even in a machine for washing and drying clothes that have a load of clothes on the front or on the top.

Claims (12)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 Four. Five fifty 55 60 65 1. Machine for washing clothes (1) comprising: - a frame (2), - a washing tank (3), said frame (2) housing said washing tank (3), said washing tank (3) being able to be filled with liquid from a network water outlet, - a rotating drum, said washing tank (3) housing said rotating drum, - a steam generator (6), said steam generator (6) fed at least one of said washing tank (3) and said steam rotating drum, - a hydraulic water circulation circuit, said hydraulic water circulation circuit comprising at least: or a first water supply conduit (8), the first conduit (8) being fluidly connected to a first water supply valve of the network (10), and the first conduit (8) being fed with water said steam generator (6) in order to produce steam by means of said steam generator (6) from the water in the network; or a second water supply line (9), the second line (9) supplying said steam generator (6) with water to clean said steam generator (6) by water circulation; characterized in that the second conduit (9) is fluidly connected to a water circulation pump (11), said water circulation pump (11) being fluidly connected to said washing tank (3) so as to circulate water from said wash tank (3) to said steam generator (6), then from said steam generator (6) to said wash tank (3). 2. Machine for washing clothes (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first conduit (8) and the second conduit (9) of said hydraulic water circulation circuit are interconnected by means of an interconnection means (14), being said interconnection means (14) fluidly connected to said steam generator (6) by a third water supply line (15). 3. Machine for washing clothes (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that said means of interconnection (14) is a water supply control device. 4. Machine for washing clothes (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that said hydraulic water distribution circuit comprises an aeration duct (20) that fluidly connects an inlet of said interconnecting means (14) to an aeration opening (18). 5. Machine for washing clothes (1) according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the first water supply valve of the network (10) is mounted in parallel to at least a second water supply valve of the network, said at least one second valve feeding with water from the network a drawer of detergent products of said machine (1). 6. Procedure for feeding with water a machine for washing clothes (1), said machine comprising (1): - a frame (2), - a washing tank (3), said frame (2) housing said washing tank (3), said washing tank (3) being able to be filled with liquid from a network water outlet, - a rotating drum, said washing tank (3) housing said rotating drum, - a steam generator (6), steam supplying said steam generator (6) at least one of said washing tank (3) and said rotating drum, - a hydraulic water circulation circuit, said hydraulic water circulation circuit comprising: or a first water supply conduit (8), the first conduit (8) being fluidly connected to a first water supply valve of the network (10), and the first conduit (10) being fed with water said steam generator (6); or a second water supply line (9), the second line (9) supplying said steam generator (6) with water to clean said steam generator (6) by water circulation; said procedure comprises at least the following stage: - supplying said steam generator (6) with water through the first duct (8) and the first valve (10) during steam production by means of said steam generator (6) from the water in the network; 5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 40 characterized in that said method also comprises at least the following stage: - supplying said steam generator (6) with water by means of the second duct (9) and a water circulation pump (11) fluidically connected to said washing tank (3) during the cleaning of said steam generator (6 ) by water circulation, wherein said water circulation pump (11) circulates water from said washing tank (3) to said steam generator (6), then from said steam generator (6) to said tank washing (3). 7. Procedure for feeding with water a machine for washing clothes (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that said step of feeding said steam generator (6) with water by means of the first duct (8) and the first valve (10) is put into practice during a washing cycle of said machine (1). 8. Procedure for feeding with water a machine for washing clothes (1) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that said step of feeding said steam generator (6) with water by means of the second duct (9) and said Water circulation pump (11) is implemented during a descaling cycle of said steam generator (6) and / or during a washing cycle of said machine (1). 9. Method of feeding with water a machine for washing clothes (1) according to any of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said step of feeding said steam generator (6) with water by means of the second duct (9) and of said water circulation pump (11) is preceded by a step of feeding with water said washing tank (3) by at least a second water supply valve of the network. 10. Procedure for feeding with water a machine for washing clothes (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that during said step of feeding said washing tank (3) with water, said at least a second valve feeds with water from the net a drawer of detergent products of said machine (1) in order to mix the water of the network with a descaling product. 11. Method of feeding with water a machine for washing clothes (1) according to any of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that said steam generator (6) is kept stopped during said step of feeding said steam generator with water ( 6) by means of the second duct (9) and said water circulation pump (11). 12. Method of feeding with water a machine for washing clothes (1) according to any of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that said step of feeding said steam generator (6) with water by means of the second duct (9) and of said water circulation pump (11) is automatically activated after reaching a number of washing cycles of said washing machine (1) in which said steam generator (6) is put into operation, said number of washing cycles of said washing machine (1) according to the amount of water fed to said steam generator (6) in each of the washing cycles put into practice.