GB2271783A

GB2271783A - A washing machine and hydraulic distributor for use in such machines

Info

Publication number: GB2271783A
Application number: GB9321119A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Pont Paolo Da; Pietro Villani
Original assignee: Elbi International SpA
Current assignee: Elbi International SpA
Priority date: 1992-10-23
Filing date: 1993-10-13
Publication date: 1994-04-27
Also published as: GB9321119D0; ITTO920854A1; IT1257163B; ITTO920854A0; FR2697269A1; FR2697269B1; DE4335600A1

Abstract

The washing machine includes an hydraulic circuit which, with a single pump (P) and a multiple-way hydraulic distributor (D) allows both recirculation of water contained in the washing chamber or bowl (L) and discharge of water contained in this chamber or bowl (L) to be achieved. The distributor has an inlet (1) connected to the pump and optionally an inlet (7) connected to the water supply and selectively connects the flow to one of outlets (2,3,4) communicating with washing agent chambers, an outlet (6) communicating with the bowl (L) directly on a discharge outlet (5). The distributor comprises two circular plates with curved walls (34, 35) mounted between them to define an outlet channel and with inlet-defining walls (37 - 41). The plates are rotated about their centre by a motor through gearing. <IMAGE>

Description

1

DESCRIPTION

2271783 The subj ect of the present invention is a washing machin (C10theS-Washing machine or. dishwasher) characterised in that i4 comprises, in combination washing chamber or bowl, solenoid controlled inlet valve operable to control the supply of water to the washing chamber or bowl, a discharge duct for emptying the washing chamber or bowl, a pump operable to withdraw water from the washing chamber or bowl, a container in which there is defined a plurality of compartments for receiving quantities of washing agents; each compartment being provided with an inlet opening for the introduction of water and an outlet opening leading to the washing chamber or bowl; an hydraulic distributor with at least one inlet connected to the output of the said pump and at least one first outlet communicating with the discharge duct; the distributor including distribution means operable selectively to direct a flow of water from the inlet of the distributor to one of the compartments of the said container or to the said first outlet of the distributor, and 2 control and command means connected to the said solenoid valve, the pump and the distributor; the said control and command means being arranged to:

activate the pump and control the distributor to supply to the washing chamber, at least in one phase of the washing cycle, a flow of water taken by the pump from the washing chamber itself; and activate the pump and control the distributor in such a way as to allow a flow of water between the inlet and the said first outlet of the distributor to cause emptying of the washing chamber or bowl.

Thanks to this characteristic, in a washing machine according to the invention it is possible, using the same pump, to effect both emptying of the water contained in the washing chamber or bowl and recirculation of the water contained in this bowl, to allow a better and more effective utilisation of the detergents or to achieve, for example (in the case of a washing machine) recirculation of the water with water spray distribution onto the clothing contained in the washing chamber.

According to a further characteristic of the invention the control and command means of the washing machine are further operable to activate the said pump and to control the distributor to supply a flow of water selectively to a compartment of the said container to cause selective 3 dispensing of a washing agent.

Thanks to this characteristic dispensing of washing agents or detergents is achieved by means of a f low of water taken by the said pump from the washing chamber.

This dispensing takes place therefore at a substantially constant pressure and delivery rate, whilst conventional dispensing, achieved with a flow of water coming from the mains, can take place at pressures and flow rates which are significantly variable, in particular at low pressures. The dispensing of detergent by washing away with water supplied under substantially constant pressure allows an optimum utilisation of the washing agents and an improved washing out of the compartments containing is the said agents by the effect of the greater washing out jL.ime.

The subject of the invention is, moreover, an hydraulic distributor for a washing machine the characteristics of which are defined in the attached claims 6-11.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description which is made with reference to the attached drawings, provided purely by way of non limitative example, in which:

Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a first embodiment invention; is 4 of a washing machine according to the Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a second 6mbodiment of a washing machine according to the invention; Figure 3 is a partly sectioned plan view of a first embodiment of the hydraulic distributor f or a washing machine according to the invention; Figure 4 is a partially sectioned plan view of a second embodiment of hydraulic distributor according to the invention; Figure 5 is a partially sectioned plan view of an hydraulic distributor according to the invention, andthe associated control devices; Figure 6 is a partially sectioned view taken on the line VI-VI of figure 5; and Figure 7 is a partially sectioned view taken on the Line VII-VII of figure 5, on an enlarged scale.

In Figure 1 M generally indicates a wa-kdxg machine, particularly a clo'd-ies-w,-aabing nEtr, ,line. This mac.I.CLne comprises a casing 1 with-in which is defined a washing chamber or bowl L.

In the casing I there is mounted an inlet solenoid valve EV1 intended to control the supply of water taken f,-an the mains to the washing chamber or bowl L. The machine M further has a discharge duct SC to allow emptying of the washing chamber L.

An electric PUMP indicated P is operable to withdrew water fmn Id-ie washing chamber L. The outlet or delivery of the pump P is connected to a first inlet 1 of an hydraulic distributor D. This distributor has a plurality of outlets 2 to 4 communicating with corresponding compartments V1, V2, V3 of the container or drawer C operable to receive quantities of washing agents. Each of these compartments has a respective outlet aperture leading to the washing chamber L.

The distributor D further has an outlet 5 connected to the discharge duct SC.

The control unit for controlling the operation of the machine M is indicated UC. This unit, which can be of electromechanical or electronic type, controls, in particular, the operation of the solenoid valve EV1, the pump P, the distributor D, as well as other devices of the washing machine not illustrated, such as, for example, the motor which drives the main drum, etc.

In particular, the unit UC is arranged to control the supply of water to the washing chamber L by means of the solenoid valve EV1. The said unit is further arranged to control the distributor D in such a 6 way as to direct a flow of water from the inlet 1 of the distributor selectively to one of the outlet 2 to.4, or to the outlet 5 thereof (after activation of the pump P).

When the distributor D is controlled for the first tim in a washing cycle in such a way as to establish a flaw of water from its inlet 1 to one of its outlets 2 to 4, washing agents contained within the corresponding chamber of the container C are dispensed to the washing chamber L. This dispensing takes place by washing out the compartment of the drawer C with water taken by the pump P f rom the washing chamber L. This washing out occurs, in particular, at a substantially constant hydraulic pressure.

Subsequently by controlling the distributor D in such a way as to establish a flow of water between its inlet I and one of its outlets 2 to 4 it is possible to achieve, during a washing phase, the so-called recirculation of water contained in the chamber L to achieve, f or example, water spray distribution onto the clothes being washed or to cause remixing of the body of water contained in the bowl for improved utilisation of the detergents.

Finally, when the distributor D is controlled in such a way as to establish a flow of water between its inlet 1 and its outlet 5 the washing chamber or bowl is emptied 7 by means of the pump P.

It is therefore possible, utilising a single pump P, to achieve both distribution of detergent or washing agents and recirculation of the water contained in the washing chamber, and emptying of the water contained in this chamber.

The distributor D can possibly be provided with a further outlet, indicated 6 in Figure 1, communicating directly with the washing chamber L without passing through the washing agent container C. In this case recirculation of water contained in the washing chamber L can be achieved by controlling the distributor D in such a way as to establish a f low of water between its inlet 1 and its outlet 6, in this way avoiding passing the recirculation water through the washing agent container C.

The solenoid valve EV1 can have its outlet directly communicating with the washing chamber L.

Alternatively, the outlet from the solenoid valve EV1 can be connected to a further inlet 7 of the hydraulic distributor D, as is shown by a broken line connection in Figure 1. In this case the f illing of water into the washing chamber L can take place through the distributor D and the washing agent container C or via only the a distributor D, naturally only if this is provided with the supplementary outlet 6.

A further possible different embodiment is shown in Figure 2, in which the parts and elements already described have again been given the same alphanumeric references.

The machine M shown in Figure 2 includes two solenoid valves EV1 and EV2 intended to be connected at their inlets to a source of cold water such as, for example, a normal mains supply, and respectively to a source of hot water such as a hot tank or a hot water mains supply. The outlets of these solenoid valves are connected to the same inlet of the hydraulic distributor D, again indicated 7.

Alternatively, the outlets of the solenoid valves EVI and EV2 could be connected to corresponding separate inlets of the hydraulic distributor D.

By selectively controlling the solenoid valves EV1, EV2 and the distributor D the control unit UC can now cause supply of hot or cold water or a mixture of hot and cold water to the washing chamber L. As in the arrangement shown in Figure 1 the unit UC can control its dispensing of washing agents, cause recirculation of the water 9 contained in the washing chamber, and emptying the water f ron this chamber or using the same pump P and a suitable control of the distributor D.

In Figure 3 an embodiment of the hydraulic distributor D of Figure 1 is schematically shown in its simplest configuration. This distributor comprises a hollow body 10 in one wall 11 of which are f ormed two connectors 1 and 5, respectively for inlet and outlet. The connector 1 is intended to be connected to the delivery of the pump P, whilst the connector 5 is intended to be connected to the discharge duct SC of the washing machine.

Within the body 10 is defined a distribution chamber 12 delimited by a semi-circular wall 13 in which is formed an aperture 14 facing and adjacent to the inlet connector 1, and another semi-circular wall 15 having a greater radius of curvature and joined at its ends to the ends of the wall 13.

In the wall 15 is f ormed a series of angularly spaced apertures indicated 22, 23, 24 and 25 which, respectively, communicate with outlet ducts indicated 32 to 35 which extend outwardly from the distribution chamber 12. At the opposite end from the distribution chamber 12 the ducts 32 to 34 terminate with respective apertures indicated 2 to 4 corresponding to the outlets indicated with the same numerals in Figure 1.

The duct 35 puts the distribution chamber 12 into communication with the outlet connector 5.

In the chamber 12 is rotatably mounted a distributor member 30. This member is rotatable about an axis orthogonal to the plane of Figure 3 and passing through the point, indicated A, substantially corresponding to the centre of curvature of the walls 13 and 15 of the distribution chamber.

In the exemplary embodiment illustrated (see in particular Figures 3 and 6) the distributor member comprises two facing circular walls 31, 32 transverse the axis of rotation of the said member. Between these walls extend a pair of main sectors 34, 35 (illustrated in broken outline in Figure 3) which converge substantially in a V-shape with an open vertex. Between the corresponding nearer ends 34a, 35a of these sectors and the circular walls 31 and 32 is defined a distributor member outlet duct 36.

Between the corresponding spaced ends 34b, 35b of these sectors there is provided a plurality of auxiliary sectors 37 to 41 angularly spaced from one another, which interconnect the circular walls 31 and 32 and define with 7 1 11 them a plurality of inlet ducts of the distributor member which converge and f low into the outlet duct 36. This outlet duct has a radial extension in the f orm of a nozzle indicated 36a.

The ducts of the distribution member defined between the main sectors 34 and 35 and the quasi-radial sectors 37 to 41 have respective angularly spaced inlet apertures along a portion of the periphery of the distributor member 30.

This member is rotatable and can assume a plurality of discrete angular working positions in each of which one of its lateral inlet apertures faces the aperture 14 of the wall 13 and the inlet connector 1 of the distributor is D. In each of these angular positions the outlet nozzle 36a of the distributor member faces the inlet aperture of a particular outlet duct 32 to 35 of the distributor.

By positioning the distributor member 30 selectively in one of the said different angular positions this member is able to direct a flow of water from the inlet connector 1 of the distributor selectively to one of the outlets 2 to 5 thereof.

As is shown in Figure 3, in the wall 15 of the distribution chamber 12 of the distributor there can be provided a further aperture, indicated 26, constituting 12 the inlet aperture of the further duct 36 communicating directly with the washing chamber L of the machine. The outlet aperture of this duct has been indicated 6 in conformity with the numbering adopted in Figure 1. The distribution member 30 is able to assume an angular position in which it establishes communication between the inlet connector 1 and the outlet 6 of the distributor D to allow recirculation of the water contained in the washing chamber L without passing through the washing agent container C.

In Figure 4 is shown a variant embodiment of the distributor D which can be used to form a washing machine M of the type shown in Figure 2. This distributor has a further inlet connector 7 intended to be connected to the outlets of the solenoid valves EV1 and EV2. This connector is formed, like the connectors 1 and 5, in correspondence with the wall 11 of the body 10 of the distributor. Within this body the inlet connector 7 extends up to a point close to the curved wall 13 of the distribution chamber 12. In correspondence with this connector the wall 13 has a further aperture 17 which is angularly spaced from the aperture 14.

The angular position of this aperture 17 of this wall is such that the distributor member 30 is able to establish fluid communication in four different positions between 13 the inlet connector 7 and, selectively, one of the outlets 2, 3, 4 and 6 of the distributor D.

The positioning of this distributor member 30 in one of its possible angular positions can be controlled via a control device, for example of the type which will now be described with reference to Figures 5 to 7. As is shown in Figures 5 and 6, the distributor member 30 has a hub or shaft 40 (Figure 6) which extends through an opening arranged in the upper wall of the body 10 of the distributor. To the end of the shaft 40 which projects from the body 10 is fixed a toothed sector 41 the teeth of which mesh with those of a toothed sector 42 carried by a first arm 43a of a rocker 43 pivoted at 44 to the body of the distributor. The other arm 43b of the rocker 43 has an end slot 45 in which engages a pin 46 carried eccentrically by a wheel 36 mounted rotably in an aperture of a support casing 48 fixed to one side of the body 10 of the distributor (Figures 5 and 7). Within the casing 48 the wheel 47 is kinematically coupled to the shaft 50a of an electric drive motor 50 via a gear transmission generally indicated 49.

The electric motor 50 is controlled by the control unit UC of the washing machine and can be activated to cause rotation of the distributor member 30 by the gear transmission 49, oscillation of the rocker 43 about its 14 pivot point 44, and consequent rotation of the toothed sector 42 of this rocker. Activation of the motor 50 is therefore able to cause the rotation of the distributor member 30 about its axis to put it in the angular position necessary from time to time.

is The distributor member 30, or one of the members of the kinematic chain which couples it to the electric drive motor 50 conveniently may have a position sensor (not illustrated) of known type associated with it; this may be, for example, a potentiometer or a rotory encoder to provide the control unit UC of the washing machine with electrical signals indicative of the angular position assumed by the said distributor member.

Naturally, the principle of the invention remaining the same, the embodiments and details of construction can be widely varied with respect to what has been described and illustrated purely by way of non limitative example, without by this departing from the ambit of the present invention.

1

Claims

A washing machine, characterised in that it comprises, in combination: a washing chamber or bowl (L), an inlet solenoid valve (EV1) operable to control the supply of water to the washing chamber or bowl (L), a discharge duct (SC) for emptying the washing chamber or bowl (L), a pump (P) operable to withdraw water from the washing chamber or bowl (L), a container (C) in which is defined a plurality of compartments (V1, V2, V3) which can receive quantities of washing agents; each compartment (V1, V2, V3) being provided with an inlet opening for the introduction of water and an outlet opening leading to the washing chamber or bowl (L); an hydraulic distributor (D) with at least one inlet (1) connected to the outlet of the said pump (P) and at least a first outlet (5) communicating with the discharge duct (SC); the distributor (D)including distribution means (30) operable selectively to direct a flow of water f rom the inlet (1) of the distributor to one of the compartments (V1, V2, V3) of the said container (C) or to the said first outlet (5) of the distributor (D), and control and command means (UC) connected to the said solenoid valve (EV1), the pump (P) and the distributor (D); the said control and command means (UC) being iz 16 arranged to..

- activate the pump (P) and, in at least one phase of the washing cycle, control the distributor (D) to supply a flow of water to the washing chamber (L) withdrawn by the pump (P) from the washing chamber (L) itself; and - activate the pump (P) and control the distributor (D) in such a way as to cause a f low of water between the inlet (1) and the said first outlet (5) of the distributor (D) to cause emptying of the washing chamber or vessel (L).
2. A washing machine according to claim (1), characterised in that the said control and drive means (UC) are further operable to activate the pump (P) and control the distributor (D) in such a way as to supply a flow of water selectively to one compartment of the said container (C) to cause selective dispensing of a washing agent.
3. A washing machine according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterised in that the said distributor (D) has a further inlet (7) connected to the outlet of the said solenoid valve (EV1) and its distribution means 30 are operable selectively to direct a flow of water from the said further inlet (7) of the distributor (D) towards at least one of the compartments of the said container (C), 17 and in that the control and command means (x) are further operable to excite the said solenoid valve (EV1) and to control the distributor (D) in such a way as to; - cause f illing of water into the washing chamber (L) through the distributor (D), and - supply a f low of water from the said solenoid valve (EV1) through the distributor (D) to the said at least one compartment of the said container (C) to cause dispensing of the washing agent contained therein.

is
4. A washing machine according to claim 3, characterised in that the said hydraulic distributor (D) has a second outlet (6) communicating directly with the washing chamber or bowl (L), and in that its distribution means (30) are operable selectively to direct a flow of water from an inlet (1, 7) of the distributor (D) towards the said second outlet (6) of the distributor (D).
5. A washing machine according to claim 3, including a f urther inlet solenoid valve (EV2) operable to control the supply to the washing chamber or bowl (L) of hot water coming from an external source; characterised in that the said second solenoid valve (EV2) has its outlet connected to a further inlet (7) of the distributor (D); the control and command means (UC) being further operable to cause activation of one or both inlet solenoid valves (EV1, EV2) to supply cold water or is hot water or hot and cold water selectively to the distributor (D).

is
6. An hydraulic distributor for washing machines (M), comprising a hollow body (10) with at least one inlet aperture (1) and a plurality of outlet apertures (2 to 6) communicating with a distribution chamber (12) def ined in the body (10) and in which is disposed a movable distributor member (30) operable selectively to put the said at least one inlet aperture (1) into communication with one of the outlet apertures (2 to 6); characterised in that the said distributor member (30) is mounted rotably about an axis (A-A), and the inlet aperture (1) and the outlet apertures (2 to 6) of the said chamber (12) are angularly spaced about the said axis (A-A); within the distributor member (30) there being formed a plurality of ducts which extend between corresponding outer lateral apertures formed in portions of its periphery angularly spaced around the said axis (A-A) and flowing together within the said member (30) into a single duct (36) which opens into a peripheral outlet aperture (36a); the said member (30) being capable of assuming a plurality of discrete angular working positions in each of which its lateral inlet aperture is positioned facing the said at least one inlet aperture (1) of the body (10), and its outlet aperture (36) is in communication with an outlet aperture (2-6) of the body 19 (10) the said distributor member (30) having an electric drive motor (50) associated therewith, operable to cause passage from one working position to another working position.
7. An hydraulic distributor according to claim 5, characterised in that the distributor member (30) has two facing walls (31, 32) extending substantially transversely with respect to the said axis of rotation (A-A); between the said walls (31, 32) extending a pair of main sectors (34, 35) converging substantially in the form of a V having an open vertex; the corresponding near ends (34a, 35a) of these sectors (34, 35) defining the outlet duct (36) of the distributor member (30); between the corresponding further ends (34b, 35b) of these main sectors (34, 35) there being provided a plurality of auxiliary sectors (37 to 41) spaced from one another and which interconnect the said walls (31, 32) and which define with it a plurality of inlet ducts of the 20 distributor member (30) converging and flowing together into the said outlet duct (36).
8. An hydraulic distributor according to claim 7, characterised in that the said main sectors (34, 35) of the distributor member (30) are arcuate and each is positioned with its convex surface facing the other main sector.
9. An hydraulic distributor according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterised in that the said outlet duct (36) has a radial extension (36a) in the form of a nozzle.
10. An hydraulic distributor according to any of claims from 6 to 9, characterised in that the said distributor member (30) carries a toothed sector (41) coupled by a kinematic transmission (42-49) to the drive shaft (50a) of the said electric motor (50).
11. An hydraulic distributor according to any of claims from 5 to 9, characterised in that it further includes an electric position sensor operable to provide electrical signals indicative of the angular position of the is distributor member (30).
12. A washing machine according to one or more of claims from 1 to 5, characterised in that it includes an hydraulic distributor (D) according to one or more of claims 6 to 11.
13. A washing machine as claimed in Claim; and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.
14. An hydraulic distributor as claimed in Claim 6 and substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.