FR2953117A1 - METHOD FOR CLEANING A WATER STORAGE TANK OF A WASHING MACHINE AND A WASHING MACHINE THEREFOR - Google Patents

Abstract

A method for cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine (1) comprises at least the following steps: opening a valve (10) mounted on a water circulation pipe ( 9) connecting a water circulation pump (6) to said water storage tank (8); circulating a cleaning liquid through said water circulation pipe (9) and then said water storage tank (8) by said water circulation pump (6); returning said cleaning liquid to a wash tub (2) by overflow through at least one opening (15) in fluid communication with said wash tub (2); and evacuating said cleaning liquid from said water storage tank (8) to said wash tank (2) by gravity through said valve (10) in the open position and through said water circulation pump (6) to shutdown. Use in particular in a domestic dishwashing machine.

Description

The present invention relates on the one hand to a method of cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine. It also relates to a washing machine adapted to implement this method of cleaning a water storage tank.

In general, the present invention relates to the cleaning of a water storage tank of a domestic washing machine.  The present invention more particularly applies to washing machines for domestic use comprising a water storage tank from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase for reuse during a cycle of operation following implemented by said washing machine.  Document EP 0 669 097 A1 describes a washing machine with a water recovery device, comprising a washing tub adapted to be supplied with fresh water by a normally closed water supply circuit adapted to be open. by programmed control means of the machine for executing cycles of operation comprising at least one washing phase and / or at least one rinsing phase.  The water recovery device is adapted to store in a volumetric measuring tank water from at least one of said phases for reuse during a next cycle.  The water contained in the tank is emptied by gravity into the wash tank when opening a valve connecting two water circulation pipes the tank wash tank.  The tank is cleaned and drained automatically with mains water flowing through a network inlet pipe, a water softener, said tank, a valve and then a a water outlet pipe opening into a sump of the washing tub.  The tank is cleaned during each water filling phase of the network taking place after a water recovery phase implemented by the operation of a pump dedicated to filling the tank.  However, this method of cleaning the water storage tank has the disadvantage of modifying the hydraulic water distribution circuit of a conventional washing machine so as to systematically introduce water from the network through the tank and not directly into the wash tub.  Therefore, the cost of obtaining this washing machine is expensive and requires to modify the hydraulic water distribution circuit of a washing machine without a water recovery tank.  Such construction of the washing machine prevents standardization of all washing machine models produced by a manufacturer with or without a water storage tank.  The cleaning of the tank is carried out only with water coming from the network during a filling in water of said tank following the evacuation of the water contained therein so as to rinse said tank with water. network water.  The present invention aims to solve the aforementioned drawbacks and to provide a method for cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine for effectively cleaning said tank by a simplified hydraulic water distribution circuit while minimizing the cost of obtaining said machine and maintaining the hydraulic water distribution circuit of a washing machine without said reservoir and to propose an associated washing machine.  To this end, the present invention aims, in a first aspect, a method of cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine, said washing machine comprising a washing tank, a hydraulic distribution circuit water pump comprising a water circulation pump, said water storage tank being fed with water from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase for reuse during a cycle of water. following operation implemented by said machine.  According to the invention, said method comprises at least the following steps: opening of a valve mounted on a water circulation pipe connecting said water circulation pump to said water storage tank; Circulating a cleaning liquid through said water circulation pipe and then said water storage tank by said water circulation pump; returning said cleaning liquid to said overflow wash tank through at least one opening in fluid communication with said wash tub; and evacuating said cleaning liquid from said water storage tank to said gravity wash tank through said valve in the open position and through said stopped water circulation pump.  Thus, the method of cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine allows said water storage tank to be cleaned by filling it with a cleaning liquid to an overflow zone. connecting said tank to the wash tub, wherein said overflow area defining a maximum water level within said tank.  In this way, the water storage tank is filled with cleaning liquid by means of a water circulation pump so as to effect a forced circulation of a cleaning liquid.  Then, the cleaning liquid circulating inside the water storage tank is overflowed into the wash tank.  And then, the amount of cleaning liquid remaining in the water storage tank below the overflow area is emptied by gravity into the wash tub by the valve held in the open position and through the circulation pump. water at a standstill.  The method of cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine according to the invention makes it possible to guarantee the cleaning of all of the internal surfaces of said tank in contact with the water of recovery from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase.  Furthermore, the implementation of this method of cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine keeps the hydraulic water distribution circuit of a washing machine without said tank.  The method for cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine according to the invention can be implemented either as an operating cycle dedicated to cleaning said tank used by said machine, or by the addition of 15 sequences at the end of the washing and / or rinsing phases of an operating cycle implemented by said machine.  In addition, the method of cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine according to the invention can be implemented with the addition of a detergent to the water used for cleaning said tank , such as for example a cleaning product 20 and / or disinfection.  According to a preferred feature of the invention, said steps of circulating a cleaning liquid and returning said cleaning liquid in said overflow wash tank are implemented in a loop for a predetermined time.  Thus, the cleaning liquid introduced during the first filling of the water storage tank to the overflow zone connecting said tank to the washing tank is reused and reintroduced into said tank by means of the circulation pump. water so as to circulate said cleaning liquid between the water storage tank and the wash tank and said wash tank and said tank for a predetermined period of time.  The present invention aims, according to a second aspect, a washing machine comprising an electronic card which comprises a control unit.  According to the invention, said control unit is adapted to implement the method of cleaning a water storage tank according to the invention.  This domestic washing machine has advantages similar to those described above with reference to the method of cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine according to the invention.  Other features and advantages will become apparent from the following description.  In the only appended drawing, given by way of nonlimiting example: FIG. 1 is a schematic sectional view of a dishwashing machine comprising a water storage tank according to an embodiment of the invention; 'invention.  We will first describe with reference to Figure 1 a washing machine.  This washing machine may be a household dishwashing machine, or a household washing machine, or a household washing machine and dryer.  Of course, the present invention applies to all types of washing apparatus, including front loading and loading from above the dishes or laundry.  With reference to FIG. 1, a washing machine 15 according to the invention will be described.  A dishwashing machine 1 comprises a washing tub 2 whose front face is closed by a door (not shown).  The washing tank 2 is surrounded by a body 3 comprising an upper wall 3a, side walls 3b, a bottom wall 3c and a bottom wall 3d.  The door of the washing tub 2 makes it possible to seal an opening made in the washing tub 2.  This wash tank door 2 can thus be movable between a closed position in which it closes the opening, in a sealed manner, and an open position.  In an exemplary embodiment, and in no way limiting, the wash tank door 2 is pivotally mounted about an axis of rotation integral with the bodywork 3 of the dishwashing machine 1.  The washing tank 2 comprises at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b of a washing bath and / or rinsing on the dishes.  Here and in no way limiting, the washing tub 2 comprises an upper water spinner 30 and a lower spool 4a.  Water from a washing and / or rinsing bath is defined as water for cleaning the dishes and circulating in a hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 of a dishwashing machine 1.  The origin of the water of a washing and / or rinsing bath is water coming from the supply network of the dishwashing machine 1.  The washing tank 2 comprises an upper wall 2a, side walls 2b, a bottom wall 2c and a bottom wall 2d.  The body 3 of the dishwashing machine 1 is adapted to house the washing tub 2.  Said washing tank 2 is adapted to contain in particular the water of the washing baths and / or rinsing the different phases of a cleaning cycle.  At least one dish rack (not shown) is mounted inside the washing tub 5.  In particular, a dish rack may be located in the upper portion of the wash tub 2 and referred to as an upper basket, and a dish rack may be located in the lower portion of the wash tub 2 and referred to as a lower basket.  The dish baskets can be pushed and removed by sliding them inside the washing tub 2 of the dishwashing machine 1 either after the end of a cleaning cycle for unloading the dishes or before the beginning of a cleaning cycle for loading the dishes.  This dishwashing machine 1 is provided with a pump 6 for the circulation of water of a washing bath and / or rinsing in the washing tub 2.  In one exemplary embodiment, and in no way limiting, the dishwashing machine 1 operates so as to minimize the washing bath and / or rinse retained in a sump 7 formed in the bottom wall 2d of the tank of washing 2.  The water circulation pump 6 draws the water from the washing and / or rinsing bath into the sump 7 to circulate the water of the washing and / or rinsing bath under pressure to the heating means. sprinkling 4a, 4b.  Then, the washing and / or rinsing bath returns to the sump 7.  This water circulation pump 6 is driven by an electric motor.  The dishwashing machine 1 may also include a drain pump 24 of the wastewater of the washing and / or rinsing bath.  The drain pump 24 draws the waste water from the washing and / or rinsing bath into the washing tub 2, and in particular into the sump 7, to discharge the waste water from the washing and / or rinsing bath. in a wastewater network connected to the dishwasher 1.  This drain pump 24 is driven by an electric motor.  The water of at least one washing and / or rinsing bath contained in the washing tank 2, and in particular in the sump 7, can be heated by a heating means (not shown), such as for example an electric heating resistor.  The dishwashing machine 1 comprises control means (not shown), and in particular at least one microcontroller, for unfolding predetermined operating cycles.  A water storage tank of a washing machine, and in particular a dishwashing machine according to the invention, will now be described with reference to FIG. 1.  The washing machine 1 comprises a water storage tank 8 originating from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase for reuse during a subsequent operating cycle carried out by said machine 1.  The water storage tank 8 is connected downstream of the water circulation pump 6 by a water circulation pipe 9.  And the water circulation pipe 9 located between the water storage tank 8 and the water circulation pump 6 comprises a valve 10 so as to supply water to said water storage tank 8 from the tank of water. washing 2 by operating said water circulation pump 6 and discharging water from said water storage tank 8 to said washing tank 2 by gravity through said water circulation pump 6 stopped.  Thus, the dishwashing machine 1 provided with a water storage tank 8 makes it possible to recover water from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase, to store at least part of this water, then reuse at least a portion of this water during a subsequent operating cycle implemented by said dishwashing machine 1.  The water storage tank 8 of the dishwashing machine 1 makes it possible to store all or part of the water of at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase so as to reduce the water consumption of an operating cycle implemented by said dishwashing machine 1.  The hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 exploits the water circulation pump 6 to supply water to at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b in the washing tub 2 and to supply water to the storage tank water 8 during the recovery of water from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase.  In this way, the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 of a dishwashing machine is standardized between a dishwashing machine with or without a water storage tank 8 since the water supply of said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b is not modified with respect to a conventional washing machine.  The part 5a of the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 for supplying water to the water storage tank 8 and emptying the latter is connected to the part 5b of the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 of the machine washing dishes 1 supplying at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b without modifying this part 5b so as to standardize the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 of the dishwashing machines 1 with or without a tank of water storage 8.  The hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 of a dishwashing machine 1 makes it possible to reduce the number of water flow pipes, to preserve a structure and to position the organs inside the machine. the body 3 of the dishwashing machine 1 without a water storage tank 8 so as to standardize all the washing machines produced by a manufacturer.  The hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 of a dishwashing machine 1 5 makes it possible to use it with or without the water storage tank 8 according to the wishes of the user.  The dishwashing machine 1 connected or not to the water storage tank 8 may be used such as a conventional washing machine if the user wishes.  In this way, the water recovery device 11 from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase comprising the water storage tank 8, the valve 10 and the circulation pipe water 9 can be deactivated or activated through the control means of the dishwashing machine 1, and in particular a microcontroller, so as to disable or activate the water recovery.  The hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 of a dishwashing machine 1 15 makes it possible to adapt the operating cycles of said dishwashing machine 1 according to the connection or not of the water storage tank 8 with said dishwashing machine 1.  When using a water storage tank 8 on a dishwashing machine 1, the water storage tank 8 is supplied by a water circulation pipe 9 connected downstream of the pump. circulating water 6 so that said water circulation pump 6 supplies water to said reservoir 8 and / or at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b.  During the evacuation of water from the water storage tank 8, the water circulation pump 6 being at a standstill is adapted to allow a stream of water to flow as soon as the valve 10 is mounted. on the water circulation pipe 9.  In this way, the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 between the washing tank 2 and the water storage tank 8 comprising a single water circulation pump 6 and a valve 10 is simplified so as to limit the costs. obtaining and to guarantee the reliability of the dishwashing machine 1 according to the invention.  In addition, the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 of the dishwashing machine 1 according to the invention is adapted to be installed on a conventional dishwashing machine without modifying the part 5b of the hydraulic distribution circuit. water 5 of said washing machine feeding one or more water spraying means 4a, 4b.  Water from a washing and / or rinsing and / or drying bath supplying the water storage tank for reuse during a subsequent operating cycle carried out by the dishwashing machine 1 is heated water, and preferably water from the last of the rinsing bath and / or water used in a condensation drying phase.  The water storage tank 8 is connected to the washing tub 2 by means of the water circulation pipe 9, the valve 10 and the water circulation pump 6.  The valve 10 and the water circulation pump 6 are controlled by control means of the dishwashing machine 1, such as for example a microcontroller.  The water storage tank 8 is located downstream of the valve 10 and the water circulation pump 6.  And the water circulation pump 6 is located between the washing tub 2 and the valve 10.  The valve 10 situated between the water storage tank 8 and the water circulation pump 6 can be electrically controlled or else by the pressure in the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5.  The water storage tank 8 and said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b are fed by a single water circulation pump 6.  The water storage tank 8 may be attached to the bodywork 3 of the dishwashing machine 1 and / or the washing tub 2.  This water storage tank 8 can also be placed inside or outside the bodywork 3 of the dishwashing machine 1.  Of course, the positioning and / or attachment of the wash water tank and / or rinse with the washing machine are in no way limiting and may be different.  Advantageously, the water circulation pump 6 is a centrifugal pump.  The specificity of this centrifugal pump is that it allows the passage of a flow of water inside the body when it is not put into operation.  The use of a centrifugal pump makes it possible to overcome the drawbacks of positive displacement pumps where the water is compressed to be put in motion, causing these volumetric pumps to be operated continuously to send water in only one direction or water passage in other water flow pipes to send water in an opposite direction.  Furthermore, the use of a centrifugal pump for the water circulation pump 6 of the dishwashing machine 1 makes it possible to minimize the costs of obtaining the latter since a centrifugal pump is less expensive than a centrifugal pump. a volumetric pump.  In an embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the water storage tank 8 is connected to the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 upstream of a water distribution means 12.  Thus, the water contained in the washing tub 2 from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase is: - directed only towards the water storage tank 8 when the water distribution means 12 is in a first position so as to fill said reservoir 8 with water and to block the supply of water to the at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b; 5 is directed only towards said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b when the water distribution means 12 is in a second position so as to supply water to said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b and to block the supply of water to said tank 8.  In this way, the water distribution means 12 comprises at least two positions so as to supply water alternately either the water storage tank 8 or said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b.  Advantageously, the water distribution means 12 is a multi-position rotary disc valve.  The positioning of the rotating disk inside the valve makes it possible to seal or release water passage openings so as to control the supply of water to each of the members of the hydraulic water distribution circuit.  The water distribution means 12 is controlled by the control means of the dishwashing machine 1, such as for example a microcontroller.  In this embodiment of the invention, the water filling of the water storage tank 8 is carried out by control means of the dishwashing machine 1, such as for example a microcontroller, controlling the means for distributing water 12 in a first position, ie in a closed state, so that at least one water circulation pipe 13a, 13b supplying water to said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b is closed.  Thus, following the opening of the valve 10 mounted on the water circulation pipe 9 connecting the water circulation pump 6 to the water storage tank 8, the water circulation pump 6 sends the water in the water circulation pipe 9 and then in the water storage tank 8 so as to fill the latter with water.  In another embodiment of the invention, the water distribution means 12 may comprise more than two positions so as to supply water on the one hand and the water storage tank 8 and said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b and simultaneously simultaneously the water storage tank 8 and said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b.  The water contained in the washing tank 2 from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase can also be distributed between said water storage tank 8 and said at least one water storage medium. spraying water 4a, 4b when the water distribution means 12 is in a third position, or even distributed between a plurality of water spraying means 4a, 4b when the means of distribution 2953117 -10- water 12 is in a fourth position depending on the number of positions of said water distribution means 12.  In another embodiment not illustrated, the water circulation pipe 9 connected to the water storage tank 8 is connected directly to a water distribution means, wherein said water distribution means supplies water. either said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b or said water storage tank 8 by means of said water circulation pump 6.  Thus, the water circulation duct 9 is connected directly to the water distribution means ensuring a water supply exclusively either to the water storage tank 8 or to said at least one water spraying means. 4a, 4b.  The water distribution means may be a hydraulic component comprising a moving element so as to dispense water through different water circulation pipes 9, 13a, 13b, where said moving element is actuated for example by a thermo actuator or a motor.  In one embodiment of the invention, the opening and closing of the valve 10 is carried out electrically through the control means of the dishwashing machine 1.  In another embodiment, the opening of the valve 10 is carried out by the pressure of the water in the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 connected with the operation of the water circulation pump. 6 when the water distribution means 12 is in the closed position.  The valve 10 may comprise a resilient return element of a shutter member (not shown) for closing the water passage inside said valve 10 when the pressure in the pipe 25 of the hydraulic distribution circuit Water 5 exerted by the water circulation pump 6 is less than a predetermined value.  The pressure in the pipe 25 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 increases when the part 5b of said hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 is closed by the water distribution means 12 and the water circulation pump 6 is put into operation.  As soon as the pressure exerted by the water circulation pump 6 in the pipe 25 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 exceeds the predetermined value allowing the displacement of the shut-off element of the valve 10, the valve 10 is in the open position so as to fill the water storage tank 8 with water.  The valve 10 is in the closed position by means of the elastic return element returning the closure element to the initial position as soon as the pressure in the pipe 25 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 decreases below the value. Predetermined.  In this way, the water contained in the water storage tank 8 is contained inside thereof as soon as the valve 10 is closed and the water spraying means 4a, 4b can be supplied with water. water by the displacement of the water distribution means 12 in the water supply position of said water spraying means 4a, 4b and the operation of the water circulation pump 6.  The tightness of the valve 10 is guaranteed by the elastic return element of the closure element of said valve 10.  When the valve 10 is in the closed position, the sealing of said valve 10 is enhanced by the pressure of the water contained in the water storage tank 8 exerted on the closure element of said valve 10.  The pressure of the water contained in the water storage tank 8 exerted on the closure element of the valve 10 is directed in the same direction as the pressure exerted by the elastic return element of the element closing said valve 10.  The valve 10 is electrically opened by the control means of the dishwashing machine 1 so as to discharge water from the storage tank 8 to the washing tub 2.  In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the water circulation duct 9 is connected to a water circulation duct 25 connecting the water circulation pump 20 to the water distribution device 12 and then to at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b so that the part 5a of the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 is connected to the part 5b of said hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 without modifying the part 5b of said circuit Hydraulic water distribution 5 as performed on conventional washing machines.  The water filling of the water storage tank 8 is ensured by the water circulation pump 6 and carried out by a water passage opening 14 formed in the lower part of said water storage tank 8.  The water filling of the water storage tank 8 can be carried out chronologically.  This method of filling the water storage tank 30 with water in time is controlled by a period of time for putting the water circulation pump 6 into operation through the control means of the dishwashing machine 1 , such as for example a microcontroller.  The operating time period of the water circulation pump 6 is dependent on the water flow rate of said pump 6 and the volume of the water storage tank 8.  In another embodiment, the water filling of the water storage tank 8 to a predetermined maximum water level in said tank 8 is detected by the change in the speed of the pump drive motor 2953117. 12- circulation of water 6 due to the defusing of said pump 6.  Advantageously, the water storage tank 8 comprises at least one opening 15 in fluid communication with the washing tank 2 so as to make an overflow of excess water of said water storage tank 8 in said tank 5 2 and / or to realize a device for venting between said water storage tank 8 and said washing tank 2.  In a first embodiment of the invention, said at least one opening 15 of the water storage tank 8 in fluid communication with the washing tank 2 is situated in the upper part of said water storage tank 8.  In a second embodiment of the invention, said at least one opening 15 of the water storage tank 8 in fluid communication with the washing tank 2 is located in the lower part of said water storage tank 8 and connected fluidically to an internal overflow device (not shown) to said water storage tank 8.  In practice, said at least one opening 15 of the water storage tank 8 is connected to at least one opening 16 of the washing tub 2 by an air and / or water passage 17.  Furthermore, the water storage tank 8 may comprise a water filling detection means (not shown) of said water storage tank 8.  The water filling detecting means can be, for example, a high level detector of the pressure switch type, or even a direct float contact type.  Of course, the type of water filling detection means of the water storage tank is not limiting and may be different.  The water filling detection means makes it possible to stop the operation of the water circulation pump 6 through the control means of the dishwashing machine 1 as soon as a maximum water level in the tank water storage 8 is reached and detected by said water filling detecting means and closing the valve 10 so as to contain the water from the washing tub 2 in said tank 8.  At the end of the water filling of the water storage tank 8 controlled by control means of the dishwashing machine 1, such as for example a microcontroller, the valve 10 mounted on the water circulation pipe 9 connecting the water circulation pump 6 to the water storage tank 8 is closed and the water circulation pump 6 is stopped.  The water discharge from the water storage tank 8 to the washing tank 2 is carried out by control means of the dishwashing machine 1, such as for example a microcontroller, controlling the opening of the valve 10 and the stoppage of the water circulation pump 6 so as to allow a flow of water from the water storage tank 8 into the washing tank 2, and in particular the sump 7, through the water circulation pipe 9 and the water circulation pump 6.  Thus, the water discharge from the water storage tank 8 to the washing tank 2 is gravity and does not require any drive of the water by a pump.  The water passage opening 14 formed in the lower part of the water storage tank 8 serves on the one hand to supply water to said reservoir 8 and on the other hand to drain said reservoir 8.  The sump 7 of the wash tank 2 comprises a water passage opening 19 to a water circulation pump 6 and a water passage opening 20 to a drain pump 24.  The water circulation pump 6 is connected at the inlet to a water circulation pipe 21 with the sump 7 of the washing tank 2, and at the outlet to at least one water circulation pipe 13a, 13b with a or more water spraying means 4a, 4b disposed in the washing tub 2, and a water circulation pipe 9 with the water storage tank 8.  The drain pump 24 is connected at the inlet to a water circulation pipe 22 with the sump 7 of the washing tank 2, and at the outlet to a water circulation pipe 23 with a waste water network.  Preferably, the water storage tank 8 comprises a water passage opening 14 fluidly connected to the valve 10 and situated above the maximum water level in the washing tank 2 when the water of the washing and / or rinsing bath inside said washing tub 2 is static.  The water evacuation of the water storage tank 8 is provided by the valve 10 and carried out by the water passage opening 14 formed in the lower part of said water storage tank 8.  The emptying of the water storage tank 8 is implemented by the opening of the valve 10 for a predetermined duration so that the water of said tank 8 flows by gravity into the washing tank 2 when the pump of water circulation 6 is at a standstill.  The predetermined duration of opening of the valve 10, during the emptying of the water storage tank 8, is controlled by control means of the dishwashing machine 1, such as for example by a microcontroller.  The emptying of the water storage tank 8 is controlled by pre-programmed control means of the dishwashing machine 1 during the water recovery for a subsequent operating cycle of said machine 1.  The emptying of the water storage tank 8 can also be controlled by a user or by means of control of the dishwashing machine 1 so as to evacuate the water from said tank 8 to a wastewater network, especially before or after an extended period of non-use of said machine 1.  During the evacuation of the water from the water storage tank 8 to a wastewater network: a first emptying phase of the water storage tank 8 is implemented by opening the valve During a predetermined period of time so that the water of said tank 8 flows by gravity into the washing tank 2, in particular into the sump 7, when the water circulation pump 6 is at a standstill; then a second phase of evacuation of water to a wastewater network by the operation of the drain pump 24.  Advantageously, the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 comprises a water filtration device 18 located upstream of the water storage tank 8 so as to supply filtered water to said water storage tank 8.  The water supplying the water storage tank 8 is filtered by the filtration device 18 since the filtration device 18 is situated upstream of the water circulation pump 6.  The water circulation pump 6 draws water from the washing tank 2, in particular the sump 7, following the passage of said water in the filtration device 18 to supply water to the water storage tank 8 of the so as to avoid fouling of said tank 8 and part 5a of the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5.  In one embodiment, the filtration device 18 is housed at least partially inside the sump 7 of the washing tank 2.  The filtration device 18 may comprise a waste trap, an intermediate filter and a micro filter.  Advantageously, the water storage tank 8 is thermally insulated by at least one layer of thermal insulation (not shown).  The thermal insulation covering the water storage tank 8 may consist of one or more layers made from a single material or several materials, such as for example felt.  Of course, the number of layers of thermal insulation and the type of thermal insulation are in no way limiting and may be different.  The thermal insulation of the water storage tank 8 makes it possible to guarantee a better conservation of the heat energy of the water of at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase for reuse during a period of time. next operating cycle operated by the dishwashing machine 1.  We will now describe a method of cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine according to the invention.  The method comprises at least the following steps: opening of the valve 10 mounted on the water circulation pipe 9 connecting the water circulation pump 6 to the water storage tank 8; circulating a cleaning liquid through the water circulation pipe 9 and then the water storage tank 8 by the water circulation pump 6; returning the cleaning liquid to the wash tub 2 by overflow through said at least one opening 15 in fluid communication with the wash tub 2; and evacuating the cleaning liquid from the water storage tank 8 to the washing tub 2 by gravity through the valve 10 in the open position and through the water circulation pump 6 at a standstill.  Thus, the method of cleaning a water storage tank 8 of a washing machine 1 makes it possible to clean said water storage tank 8 by filling it with a cleaning liquid up to a maximum of overflow zone connecting said reservoir 8 to the washing tank 2, wherein said overflow zone defining a maximum water level inside said tank 8.  In this way, the water storage tank 8 is filled with cleaning liquid by means of a water circulation pump 6 so as to effect a forced circulation of a cleaning liquid.  Then, the cleaning liquid having circulated inside the water storage tank 8 is returned by overflow in the washing tank 2.  And then, the amount of cleaning liquid remaining in the water storage tank 8 below the overflow area is drained by gravity into the wash tub 2 by the valve 10 held in the open position and through the water. water circulation pump 6 stopped.  In a first embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 1, said at least one opening 15 of the water storage tank 8 in fluid communication with the washing tub 2 allowing the return of the cleaning liquid in said washing tank 2 is situated in the upper part of said water storage tank 8.  In a second embodiment of the invention, said at least one opening 15 of the water storage tank 8 in fluid communication with the washing tub 2 allowing the return of the cleaning liquid in said washing tub 2 is located in the lower part of said water storage tank 8 and fluidly connected to an internal overflow device (not shown) at said water storage tank 8.  In practice, said at least one opening 15 of the water storage tank 8 is connected to at least one opening 16 of the washing tub 2 by a passage of air and / or water 17.  The method of cleaning a water storage tank 8 of a washing machine 1 makes it possible to guarantee the cleaning of all the internal surfaces of said tank 8 in contact with the water of recovery coming from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase.  Furthermore, the implementation of this method of cleaning a water storage tank 8 of a washing machine 1 makes it possible to maintain the hydraulic water distribution circuit of a washing machine without said tank 8 .  The cleaning liquid of the water storage tank 8 comprises at least 10 of the mains water fed into the washing tank 2 of the washing machine 1.  The network water may be mixed with a cleaning product to form the cleaning liquid.  The cleaning product may for example be a detergent.  Furthermore, the water of the network constituting at least partly the cleaning liquid can be used previously during a washing phase of an operating cycle of the washing machine 1.  Preferably, the steps of circulating a cleaning liquid and returning the cleaning liquid in the washing tub 2 by overflow are implemented in a loop for a predetermined period D.  Thus, the cleaning liquid introduced during the first filling of the water storage tank 8 to the overflow zone connecting said tank 8 to the washing tank 2 is reused and reintroduced into said tank 8 by means of the pump. circulating water 6 so as to circulate said cleaning liquid between the water storage tank 8 and the washing tank 2 and said washing tank 2 and said tank 8 for a predetermined period D.  The predetermined duration D of repetition of the steps of circulating a cleaning liquid and returning the cleaning liquid in the washing tub 2 by overflow is for example of the order of 15 minutes.  Of course, the predetermined duration of repetition of the steps of circulating a cleaning liquid and returning the cleaning liquid to the overflow wash tank is in no way limiting and may be different.  The cleaning method of the water storage tank 8 of the washing machine 1 may be implemented either as an operating cycle dedicated to the cleaning of said tank 8 implemented by said machine 1, or by the addition of sequences at the end of the washing and / or rinsing phases of an operating cycle implemented by said machine 1.  The cleaning process of the water storage tank 8 of the washing machine 1 can be carried out with the addition of a detergent to the water used for cleaning said reservoir 8, such as by example a cleaning product and / or disinfection.  The method of cleaning the water storage tank 8 of the washing machine 1 may comprise a step of heating the cleaning liquid comprising water and optionally a cleaning and / or disinfecting product.  In one embodiment, the step of circulating a cleaning liquid is carried out following the closure of the water distribution means 12, where the water storage tank 8 is connected to the circuit hydraulic water distribution system 5 upstream of said water distribution means 12, and wherein said water distribution means 12 selects the supply of cleaning liquid by the water circulation pump 6 to the storage tank of water 8 and / or at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b in the washing tub 2.  Thus, the cleaning liquid contained in the washing tank 2 is only directed towards the water storage tank 8 when the water distribution means 12 is in a first position so as to fill the tank with cleaning liquid 8 and blocking the supply of cleaning liquid from said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b for cleaning said tank 8.  In one embodiment, the cleaning liquid contained in the washing tub 2 is directed only towards said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b when the water distribution means 12 is in a second position of water. so as to supply cleaning liquid with said at least at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b and blocking the supply of cleaning liquid from said tank 8 for cleaning the washing tub 2.  In this way, the water distribution means 12 comprises at least two positions so as to supply cleaning liquid either the water storage tank 25 or said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b .  In this embodiment of the invention, the cleaning liquid filling of the water storage tank 8 is carried out by control means of the dishwashing machine 1, such as, for example, a microcontroller, controlling the water distribution means 12 in a first position, ie in a closed state, so that at least one water circulation line 13a, 13b supplying water to said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b is closed.  Thus, following the opening of the valve 10 mounted on the water circulation pipe 9 connecting the water circulation pump 6 to the water storage tank 8, the water circulation pump 6 sends the liquid cleaning in the water circulation pipe 35 9 and then in the water storage tank 8 so as to fill the latter with cleaning liquid.  In another embodiment of the invention, the water distribution means may comprise more than two positions so as to supply cleaning liquid on the one hand alternatively the water storage tank 8 and said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b and simultaneously simultaneously the water storage tank 8 and said at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b.  The cleaning liquid contained in the washing tub 2 may also be distributed between the water storage tank 8 and the at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b when the water distribution means 12 is in a third position, or even distributed between several water spraying means 4a, 4b when the water distribution means 12 is in a fourth position depending on the number of positions 10 of said water distribution means 12.  In another embodiment, the step of circulating a cleaning liquid is carried out following the activation of a water distribution means in a water filling position of the storage tank. water 8, wherein said water circulation conduit 9 connected to said water storage tank 8 is connected to said water dispensing means, and wherein said water dispensing means selects the cleaning liquid supply by said water circulation pump 6 to said water storage tank 8 or at least one water spraying means 4a, 4b in the washing tub 2.  Thus, the water circulation duct 9 is connected directly to the water supply means ensuring a supply of cleaning liquid exclusively either to the water storage tank 8 or to said at least one water spraying means. water 4a, 4b.  The cleaning liquid filling of the water storage tank 8 is provided by the water circulation pump 6 and is provided by a liquid passage opening 14 provided in the lower part of said water storage tank 8.  Preferably, the step of circulating a cleaning liquid is preceded by a step of filtering water from the cleaning liquid contained in the washing tub 2.  Thus, the water circulation pump 6 draws cleaning liquid from the washing tank 2, in particular the sump 7, following the filtration of said cleaning liquid to supply cleaning liquid to the water storage tank 8 so as to avoid fouling of said tank 8 and part 5a of the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5.  In addition, the cleaning liquid returned to the washing tub 2 by overflow from the water storage tank 8 is filtered again for reuse in the cleaning liquid circulation step through the water circulation pipe 9 and then said water storage tank 8 by the water circulation pump 6.  The water filtration device 18 of the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5 situated upstream of the water storage tank 8 makes it possible to filter the cleaning liquid so as to supply filtered cleaning liquid to said storage tank of water 8.  The cleaning liquid supplying the water storage tank 8 is filtered by the filtration device 18 since said filtration device 18 is situated upstream of the water circulation pump 6.  The water circulation pump 6 draws cleaning liquid from the washing tank 2, in particular from the sump 7, following the passage of said cleaning liquid in the filtration device 18 to supply cleaning liquid to the storage tank. 8 so as to avoid fouling of said tank 8 and part 5a of the hydraulic water distribution circuit 5.  Advantageously, the method comprises a step of heating the cleaning product.  Thus, the cleaning of the water storage tank 8 is improved by circulating the heated cleaning liquid through the water circulation pipe 9 and then said water storage tank 8 by the circulation pump. of water 6.  The cleaning liquid contained in the washing tank 2, and in particular in the sump 7, can be heated by a heating means (not shown), such as for example an electric heating resistor.  On the other hand, in the case where the cleaning liquid comprises a cleaning product, the chemical action of cleaning the cleaning liquid is improved by heating said cleaning liquid.  In one embodiment, following the step of discharging the cleaning liquid from the water storage tank 8 to the washing tank 2 by gravity, the method 25 comprises a step of rinsing the water storage tank 8 implementation by the circulation of a rinsing liquid through the water circulation pipe 9 and then said water storage tank 8 by the water circulation pump 6.  Thus, the water storage tank 8 is rinsed with a rinsing liquid comprising water renewed with respect to the cleaning liquid so as to remove the traces of remaining cleaning liquid and, if necessary, the micro-soils not evacuated during steps of circulating a cleaning liquid and returning the cleaning liquid in the washing tub 2 by overflow.  The rinsing liquid of the water storage tank 8 comprises at least mains water supplied into the washing tub 2 of the washing machine 1.  The water in the network may be mixed with a rinsing product so as to form the rinsing liquid.  Moreover, the water of the network constituting at least partly the rinsing liquid can be used previously during a rinsing phase of a cycle of operation of the washing machine 1.  The step of rinsing the water storage tank 8 with the rinsing liquid can be carried out according to the same steps using the cleaning liquid, and in particular the steps of circulating a cleaning liquid and return of the cleaning liquid in the washing tub 2 by overflow.  In addition, following the rinsing step of the water storage tank 8, the method comprises a step of evacuating the rinsing liquid from the water storage tank 8 to the washing tub 2 by gravity through the valve 10 in the open position and through the water circulation pump 6 at a standstill.  

In one embodiment, the method of cleaning the water storage tank 8 is: a specific operating cycle of the washing machine 1 that can be controlled by a user or by control means of the washing machine 1 of so as to clean said tank 8, in particular before or after a prolonged period of non-use of said machine 1; and / or integrated in an operating cycle of the washing machine 1, where the steps of using a cleaning liquid are carried out following a washing phase of said cycle so as to clean said tank 8, in particular using the water of a wash bath as a cleaning liquid; o and possibly where the rinsing step is carried out following a rinsing phase of said cycle so as to rinse said reservoir 8, in particular by using the water of a rinsing bath as a rinsing liquid.

In one embodiment, the control means of the washing machine 1 propose to the user by means of a display device to implement a specific operating cycle corresponding to the cleaning process of the storage tank of the washing machine 1. water 8 or when a predetermined number of operating cycles of the washing machine 1 using said tank 8 is reached, or when a sensor for detecting a level of soiling detects a level of soiling greater than a predetermined threshold. Advantageously, at least one of the steps of discharging a cleaning liquid and / or rinsing water storage tank 8 to the washing tank 2 by gravity is followed by a step of draining said liquid from cleaning and / or rinsing from said wash tank 2 to a waste water network by means of the drain pump 24. Preferably, each of the steps of discharging a cleaning liquid and / or 2953117 -21- rinsing the water storage tank 8 to the washing tub 2 by gravity is followed by a step of draining a cleaning and / or rinsing liquid from said washing tub 2 to a waste water network The method of cleaning the water storage tank 8 may also include a step of inert storage of the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank 8 carried out. before and / or after the step of returning said cleaning liquid to the washing tub 2 by overflow so as to bring said cleaning liquid into contact with the walls of said water storage tank 8. Thus, the method of cleaning the water storage tank 8 comprises a pause phase where the storage tank water 8 is filled with cleaning liquid so as to let said cleaning liquid act in contact with the walls of said water storage tank 8 and to facilitate the cleaning thereof. The step of inert storage of the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank 8 is carried out following the step of circulating said cleaning liquid through the circulation pipe of the cleaning liquid. water 9 and then said water storage tank 8 by said water circulation pump 6 so as to fill said water storage tank 8 with cleaning liquid, and either before, after or before and after the step of returning said cleaning liquid in the washing tub 2 by overflow. In this way, the step of inert storage of the cleaning liquid in the water storage tank 8 can be carried out either from the beginning of a cleaning cycle of said water storage tank. 8, or during the repetition of the steps of circulating said cleaning liquid and return of said cleaning liquid in the washing tub 2 by overflow. The washing machine 1 comprises an electronic card (not shown) which comprises a control unit adapted to implement the cleaning method of the water storage tank according to the invention. Thus, the control unit controls the valve 10, the water circulation pump 6, the water distribution means 12 or the water distribution means, and the drain pump 24 so as to clean the reservoir storing water 8 with the cleaning liquid and rinsing said reservoir with the rinsing liquid as previously described. Thus, by virtue of the present invention, the method of cleaning a water storage tank of a washing machine makes it possible to clean said water storage tank by filling it with a cleaning liquid until an overflow area connecting said tank to the wash tank, wherein said overflow area 35 defining a maximum water level within said tank. In this way, the water storage tank is filled with cleaning liquid by means of a water circulation pump so as to effect a forced circulation of a cleaning liquid. Then, the cleaning liquid circulating inside the water storage tank is overflowed into the wash tub. And then, the amount of cleaning liquid remaining in the water storage tank below the overflow area is drained by gravity into the wash tank by the valve held in the open position and through the circulation pump. of water at a standstill. Of course, many modifications can be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the scope of the invention. Thus, the washing machine implementing the method of cleaning a water storage tank 10 according to the invention may be a dishwashing machine as illustrated in FIG. invention can also be applied to a washing machine, or a washing machine and dryer. And in particular, the water storage tank may include a storage of heat storage material so as to recover the heat energy of the water from at least one wash and / or wash and / or drying.

Claims (11)

CLAIMS1- A method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine (1), said washing machine (1) comprising a washing tank (2), a hydraulic distribution circuit of water (5) comprising a water circulation pump (6), said water storage tank (8) being supplied with water from at least one washing and / or rinsing and / or drying phase for reuse during a subsequent operating cycle carried out by said machine (1), characterized in that said method comprises at least the following steps: opening of a valve (10) mounted on a water circulation pipe (9) ) connecting said water circulation pump (6) to said water storage tank (8); circulating a cleaning liquid through said water circulation pipe (9) and then said water storage tank (8) by said water circulation pump (6); returning said cleaning liquid to said wash tub (2) by overflow through at least one opening (15) in fluid communication with said wash tub (2); and evacuating said cleaning liquid from said water storage tank (8) to said wash tank (2) by gravity through said valve (10) in the open position and through said water circulation pump (6) to shutdown. 2- A method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said steps of circulating a liquid cleaning and return said cleaning liquid in said overflow wash tub (2) is looped for a predetermined time (D). 3- A method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said step of circulating a cleaning liquid is implementation following the closure of a water distribution means (12), wherein said water storage tank (8) is connected to said hydraulic water distribution circuit (5) upstream of said distribution means of water (12), and wherein said water distribution means (12) selects the supply of cleaning liquid by said water circulation pump (6) to said water storage tank (8) and / or at least one water spraying means (4a, 4b) in said washing tub (2). 4- A method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said step of setting in circulation a circulation of cleaning liquid is carried out following activation of a water distribution means in a water filling position of said water storage tank (8), wherein said water circulation pipe (9) connected to said water storage tank (8) is connected to said water supply means, and wherein said water distribution means selects the supply of cleaning liquid from said water circulation pump (6) said water storage tank (8) or at least one water spraying means (4a, 4b) in said washing tank (2). 5- A method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine 10 (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that said step of circulation of a cleaning liquid is preceded by a step of filtering water of said cleaning liquid contained in said washing tub (2). 6. A method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said method comprises a heating step of said cleaning product. 7- A method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that following said step of evacuation of said liquid cleaning said water storage tank (8) to said wash tank (2) by gravity, said method comprises a step of rinsing said water storage tank (8) carried out by putting into circulation of water a rinsing liquid through said water circulation pipe (9) and then said water storage tank (8) by said water circulation pump (6). 8- A method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine 25 (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that following said step of rinsing said water storage tank ( 8), said method comprises a step of evacuating said rinsing liquid from said water storage tank (8) to said washing tank (2) by gravity through said valve (10) in the open position and through said pump water circulation (6) stopped. 30 9- A method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that at least one of said steps of draining a cleaning and / or rinsing liquid from said water storage tank (8) to said washing tub (2) by gravity is followed by a step of draining said cleaning and / or rinsing liquid from said wash tank (2) to a wastewater network by means of a drain pump (24). 10- A method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) of a washing machine (25) (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that said method comprises a step of inert storage of said cleaning liquid in said water storage tank (8) carried out before and / or after said step of returning said cleaning liquid to said wash tank (2) by overflow so as to contacting said cleaning liquid with the walls of said water storage tank (8). 11-washing machine (1) comprising an electronic card which comprises a control unit, characterized in that said control unit is adapted to implement the method of cleaning a water storage tank (8) according to one of claims 1 to 10.