ITAN20110056A1 - DEVICE FOR ENERGY SAVING, FOR WASHING DEVICE. - Google Patents

Description

DESCRIPTION

accompanying a patent application for an industrial invention entitled:

"DEVICE FOR ENERGY SAVING, FOR WASHING DEVICE".

TEXT OF THE DESCRIPTION

The present patent application for industrial invention relates to an energy saving device, for a washing device, in particular for household appliances such as dishwashers and washing machines, but the present invention also extends to industrial washing devices with autoclaves and the like.

As is known, washing devices, such as washing machines and dishwashers, are equipped with a cold water inlet and an internal electrical resistance to heat the water in accordance with the washing cycle selected by the user. The operation of the heating element implies a large consumption of electrical energy which, in proportion to its efficiency, determines the consequent time necessary to reach the expected washing temperatures.

This drawbacks are solved, at least in part, by the known device, described in EP 1 902 658.

This device is adapted to be interposed between a washing appliance and a hot and cold water plumbing system.

On the basis of a pre-set program, this device mixes hot and cold water from the hydraulic network, in order to save the operation of the electric resistance.

However, this energy saving device has several drawbacks from the point of view of its versatility, flexibility and adaptability to the washing cycles of the appliance.

In fact, this known device is not able to measure the quantity and temperature of the water introduced, nor is it able to monitor the energy absorption of the appliance. As a result, it is unable to analyze the washing cycles, but simply assumes a session of hot and cold cycles valid for each appliance.

The device introduces water into the appliance at the same temperature at which it comes out of the domestic supply, removing the possibility of washing at an intermediate temperature or at increasing temperatures as it requires, for example, washing dishes in order to avoid the stabilization of some substances such as proteins and albumin on the dishes.

It is not able to adapt to washing, but rather controls the incoming water, according to pre-set programs that could sometimes not correctly interpret the real requests for hot or cold water of some loading phases, not guaranteeing the efficiency of the water. household appliance for all types of washing.

As a result, each change of the washing program in the appliance must also be previously selected in the device. In this way, a double operation is required from the end user. In reality, this is not a real program change, since there is only one preset program. The only possibility of this system is to carry out a cold wash or provide a pre-wash.

The known device requires a pipe for draining the water. This pipe serves to divert the water that does not arrive immediately hot from the network, for various reasons (excessive distance of the water point from the boiler, inefficiency of the boiler, etc.) and provides for this water to be dispersed, therefore wasted, towards the drain, for a predefined time. This is to avoid introducing cold water directly into the appliance, since in this case the system would have no use. These measures involve an excessive complexity of installation and space.

In particular, this known device must necessarily be installed in a position reachable by the user and in any case in such a way as to have easy access to the control keys as it provides an on, off and manual program selection key.

In addition, to power this device, an additional power outlet is required in the area of the appliance.

It is evident that the aforementioned expedients entail complexity, bulk and logistical problems for the installation of the device.

The object of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks of the known art by providing an energy saving device for washing machines or dishwashers which is efficient, effective, versatile, flexible, not bulky and easy to install.

These purposes are achieved in accordance with the invention, with the characteristics listed in the attached independent claim 1.

Advantageous embodiments appear from the dependent claims.

The energy saving device, for washing appliance according to the invention, comprises at least a hydraulic unit and an electronic unit.

According to a variant, the invention also includes a command and visualization module via display.

The hydraulic part includes:

- a hot water inlet duct and a cold water inlet duct, intended to be connected respectively to the domestic supply of hot water and cold water;

- an outlet duct, intended to be connected to a water inlet duct of the washing appliance;

- a first and a second solenoid valve arranged in the respective inlet ducts;

said solenoid valves having outlets connected to a connection duct, connected to the outlet duct, allow you to mix hot and cold water.

The electronic part includes a data collection unit, a data storage and processing module and an actuator module for the control of said solenoid valves.

The device further comprises

- a temperature sensor for example arranged in said connection duct to detect the temperature of the water supplied to the appliance;

- a flow meter placed in the aforementioned outlet connection duct to measure the flow of water supplied to the appliance.

• A current consumption detection module

• A form for sending and receiving data to the controller / display

• a data acquisition module which, connected to the temperature sensor, the flow meter and the current consumption detection module, is able to send the detected values to the processing unit. In this way the system can develop a strategy to control the solenoid valves based on the detected temperature and flow values.

The advantages of the device according to the invention are evident. This device responds to a specific customer need, namely that of obtaining maximum performance from household appliances for washing and at the same time optimizing operating costs. The device according to the present invention reduces the energy consumption of these household appliances and speeds up washing times, keeping their quality unchanged.

In addition to saving electricity and washing time, there are other advantages:

By limiting the ignition time of the electrical resistance by using the aforementioned invention, it is likely to be assumed that less wear is caused by the limestone deposits in the heating part. The mortality of the appliance is therefore reduced thanks to the reduced wear of the mechanical parts and the reduction in the overall time of use of the appliance.

It contributes to the reduction of CO2 emissions into the atmosphere, as the energy requirement during washing is reduced.

Often you expect to wash in the evening to get back to an affordable energy rate, but the disadvantages of this choice affect the quality of the wash; in fact, as the hours go by, the substances tend to solidify in the dishes, making washing more difficult. Likewise, leaving a washing machine full of clothes for hours allows bacteria to multiply and proliferate, making it difficult to eliminate them, especially at low washing temperatures.

Compatibility with all washing devices, such as washing machines and dishwashers, on the market and earlier. Easy installation thanks to standard electrical and hydraulic connections (three-pole schuko sockets).

Small size for easy installation even in the case of built-in appliances.

Ease of use thanks to a self-learning system of the operating modes.

Automatic switching on and off, without the need for manual intervention.

"sleep-mode" for low energy consumption when the appliance is off.

Signaling of general operating problems, caused by product anomalies or product inefficiency, by means of an acoustic alarm.

Electrical safety thanks to the separation between the electrical power supply circuit and the hydraulic circuit

Possibility of monitoring and reporting energy, water and washing time consumptions through the display module.

The device protects the appliance from excessive temperatures of the incoming water above a safety threshold, which could damage some sensitive mechanical parts.

This device simplifies its electrical connection to the appliance, reducing the number of power sockets. In fact, this device can incorporate a power socket suitable for connecting the appliance, and a power cable for the device, in this way, with a single domestic socket it is possible to power the appliance and the device.

The device prevents the use of an additional pipe where the water can flow to bring it to the washing temperature, as envisaged by the known device, described in EP 1 902 658. This is thanks to the control software, capable of storing and analyzing the signals coming from the sensors provided in the device object of this invention.

Thanks to these sensors, the device is able to implement a strategy that provides for Γ injection of mixed water or hot water into the appliance until the temperature is no longer increasing, in the withdrawal of water prior to the withdrawal that it will use, in accordance with the stored strategy, only hot water (hot cycle). Once a temperature that is no longer increasing, the rest of the expected water withdrawal will end using cold water, this to avoid entering only hot water in a cycle that involves cold water. With this precaution, we are able to preheat the hot water pipes, in anticipation of the hot cycle, thus ensuring the efficiency of the device and the non-use of a pipe to drain and therefore waste hot water.

Thanks to a selection button, it is possible to choose a strategy that foresees, for the learning phase of the washing cycle, the use of water at a variable temperature, presumably between 0 ° and 40 °, this to guarantee savings from the first installation and at the same time guaranteeing the end user the possibility of carrying out the washing cycle by cold learning

There is a selection button for cold washing. Further features of the invention will appear clearer from the detailed description that follows, referring to a purely exemplary and therefore non-limiting embodiment, illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the operation of the energy saving device according to the invention;

Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing an exploded view of the components of the hydraulic module described in the diagram of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3 is an exemplary diagram of the connections of the electrical part of the device of Fig. 1.

With the aid of the figures, the energy saving device according to the invention is described, indicated as a whole with the reference number (1).

With reference to Fig. 1, the device (1) comprises a hydraulic part (2) and an electronic part (4).

With reference also to Fig. 2, the hydraulic part (2) comprises a first conduit (20) intended to be connected to the domestic hot water supply and a second conduit (21) intended to be connected to the domestic cold water supply.

A first solenoid valve (El) for hot water and a second solenoid valve (E2) for cold water are respectively mounted in the first and second ducts. Each solenoid valve (El, E2) includes an inlet, an outlet and an electrically controlled shutter that controls the flow of water from the inlet to the outlet.

A check valve (VR) is installed inside the inlet duct for hot water, in order to ensure the tightness of the solenoid valve (El) that controls the flow of hot water. This is because in most cases, the pressure in the cold water inlet duct is greater than the hot water flow.

The outputs of the two solenoid valves (El, E2) are connected to a connection duct (22), so that hot water, cold water or mixed water can flow, in accordance with the control of the solenoid valves.

In the connection duct (22) there is a temperature sensor (23) suitable for detecting the temperature of the water flowing into the connection duct (22). Preferably the temperature sensor (23) is a thermistor or NTC sensor.

A flow meter (24) is connected to the connecting pipe (22) and is adapted to detect the flow of water that comes out of the connecting pipe.

The flow meter (24) is equipped with an outlet duct (25) designed to be connected to a water inlet duct of a washing appliance (100).

With reference to Fig. 1, the electronic part (4) includes a processing unit (40) equipped with a memory (41).

The processing unit (40) is connected to a control module (42) for controlling the shutters of the solenoid valves (El, E2). Therefore, the control module (42) is electrically connected to the solenoid valves (El, E2), so as to be able to provide electrical signals that control the operation of the shutters of the solenoid valves.

In addition, the processing unit (40) is connected to a detection module (43) which in turn is electrically connected to the temperature sensor (23), to the flow meter (24) and to a current sensor (45).

In this way, the temperature, flow and power values, detected by the temperature sensor (23), by the flow meter (24), and by the current sensor (45), through the module (43), are sent to the processing unit (40) which, on the basis of these values, controls the solenoid valves (El, E2), through the control module (42).

The electronic part (4) also comprises an electric power supply (44) connected to the domestic electrical network (200). The power supply (44) transforms the voltage (Vac) coming from the mains, into a low voltage, into direct current (Vcc) suitable for powering the electronic devices of the electronic part (4) and in particular the processing unit (40) .

The control module (42) can be electrically powered directly by the alternating current voltage (Vac) of the network.

The electronic part (4) comprises a power socket (5), or any other element capable of supplying electrical energy to the appliance.

The power socket (5), which can be a standard electrical socket or a clamp, alternatively or jointly, is reserved to be connected to the appliance plug (100). In this way, in addition to supplying power, it allows to detect the power dissipated by the appliance (100), therefore indicative of the energy consumption, identified by means of the power sensor (45) and the detection module (43) so that the data acquired are sent to the processing unit (40) which processes them appropriately to control the solenoid valves (El, E2).

The electronic part also includes an acoustic warning device (10), preferably a buzzer, the functionality of which will be described in detail.

With reference to Fig. 3, in a variant of the invention, the electronic part (4) is connected to a user interface (6) comprising a display (60) to display the data processed by the device (1) and a control panel control (61) which can be operated by the user to control the device (1).

The user interface (60) is advantageously connected to the energy saving device described, for example wirelessly, so that it can be easily accessible and positioned even at a distance from the appliance. This connection mode also allows you to use a single display and control interface for multiple devices installed.

The operating logic of the device (1) is described below.

At the first installation, the maximum possible efficiency will not be immediately reached as a self-learning mechanism of the various washing phases will be started, automatically implementing the best water inlet control strategy also to the advantage of automatic adaptation to the needs of each appliance. .

When the device (1) is off, the solenoid valves (El, E2) are both closed. When the appliance is switched on (100), having previously set a minimum power absorption threshold and constantly monitoring the absorbed power through the appropriate sensor (45), the load variation is detected, recognizing the start-up.

Once this “awakening threshold” is exceeded, the device will become operational, immediately opening the flow of hot water.

This operation has a dual purpose:

- always detect the water pressure on the appliance piping (100), thus avoiding that the sensors in the duct block the loading pumps.

- immediately bring the hot water to the maximum available temperature, thus reducing the inertia effect of the water present in the pipes.

During the first wash, therefore, the device will command the opening of the hot water inlet solenoid valve only (El) monitored by the temperature sensor (23) and when the temperature stabilizes, it will complete the first load required with cold water only, by means of opening of the solenoid valve only (E2).

The subsequent water charge, not yet identified, therefore not defined as hot or cold, will occur by mixing the two inlets, simultaneously controlling the two solenoid valves (El, E2).

Given that the first water load required (cycle) by the appliance (100) is of the "cold" type, the subsequent loads (cycles) will be determined and recognized with precision only during the following washes, by means of acquisition and storage of the various washing programs by reprocessing the previously acquired data detected by the appropriate sensors (23, 24, 45).

In this way, a special internal software will develop a control strategy, identifying the hot and cold cycles depending on whether they have required the intervention of the electrical resistance of the appliance. Thanks to this analysis, the device will only recall hot water in the cycles in which it is really necessary, also calculating the absorption of electrical power (through the power sensor (45) and the water present in the tub of the appliance (through the flowmeter (24)), the device (1) is able to estimate the temperatures required for that specific washing cycle.

The subsequent washes will be recognized by the device (1) if stored in the memory (41), and will automatically start working. If this is not the case or if a change in the washing program is detected, the device (1) will recognize the difference in the water load and current absorption sequences, and will enter the learning phase again, implementing a standard mixing strategy. Manual storage of the washing program is also provided thanks to a button in the control device. It is also possible to cancel or repeat the wash in the event of an interruption, a lack of electricity or any problem that makes the stored program not definitive.

Any operating anomaly, constantly monitored by the software, will be appropriately highlighted to the user through an acoustic signal

Once washing is finished, the device (1), after 15 minutes of inactivity, will enter the stand-by mode (sleepmode).

Thanks to the user interface equipped with a display (60), the device (1) is able to display, for example, the consumption of electricity, water in real time and also a statistic for all the washings carried out, evaluate the quantity of C02 emitted in the environment, but above all to start evaluating the savings made with the device.

With respect to the embodiment described, numerous variants can be envisaged.

the device (1) can be configured to work "as software" inside a boiler or stove or any device for domestic water heating. In this way, no solenoid valve or flow detector or ntc is required, since the temperatures will be managed by the boiler, the flows detected by the boiler and the detection of current absorption could be sent in two variants wirelessly or wired from a sensor placed inside the boiler, or if the house is equipped with a device for centralized consumption control, analyze the absorption of the appliance by means of this, and send the data for the detection of the absorption and the subsequent elaboration of a strategy for placing hot water inside the appliance.

The display / controller (6) can communicate with the device (1) in different ways, with different wireless or wired technologies.

The display / controller (6) in other variants, can be integrated in the case that contains the electro / hydraulic device (1) or in the variant that foresees the electrical block and the hydraulic block separated in different units, located in one of the two houses.

The device (1) is equipped with a non-return valve in the hot and / or cold water inlets, to prevent the pressure difference in the 2 pipes from generating water backflows.

The device (1) can be equipped with a pressure reducer or air / water mixer which, by increasing the loading time, due to the limitation of the flow rate, however, allows the water to reach the highest possible temperature.

A variant of the device (1) involves the use of two pipes, each comprising a solenoid valve positioned at the top of the pipe and equipped with a 3⁄4 connection for connection to the domestic plumbing system. These pipes are connected to each other in the final part thanks to a Y fitting, from here the flow goes to a flow detector (flow meter) and to a temperature detector. In the final part of this assembly there is an outlet suitable for connecting the appliance. Said system will operate from the logical point of view, like the device (1) described above, but the arrangement of the valves will be external to the system in this way, the dimensions of the system are reduced and greater electrical safety is guaranteed.

Another variant provides that the absorbed current detection module (45) uses an amperometric ring to be connected to the power cable of the appliance, in order to detect the power absorbed by the appliance thanks to the hall effect.

A variant of the flow detection system could be carried out thanks to the same NTC supplied with the device, the temperature variation therefore signals a flow passage.

A variant of the system provides that the detection of the water flow takes place through an electromagnetic sensor or any other system for detecting the flow rate of a pipe.

In a variant the solenoid valves can be powered at low voltage.

The system can be connected to a home automation system and controlled by a centralized system. It can also be configured to be controlled by an external unit.

The display controller (6), in one of its variants, can manage multiple devices (1), selecting the desired one each time to show and control global and distinct consumption for each device.

In a variant, the device may not use a mixing solenoid valve, but any flow diverter or any other device capable of mixing, alternating or interrupting two water flows

A variant of the device (1) provides for the use of Normally Open solenoid valves.

In a variant device (1) it can be further miniaturized, and integrated at the request of a manufacturer of household appliances within the washing device, bringing benefits in terms of energy consumption and consequently increasing the energy class to which it belongs.

Numerous variations and modifications of detail can be made to the present embodiment of the invention, within the reach of a person skilled in the art, however falling within the scope of the invention expressed by the attached claims.

Claims (5)

CLAIMS 1) Energy saving device (1), for washing appliance (100), said device (1) comprising a hydraulic part (2) and an electronic part (4); the hydraulic part (2) comprising: - a hot water inlet pipe (20) with a check valve (VR) and a cold water inlet pipe (21) intended to be connected respectively to the domestic hot water and cold water supply; - an outlet duct (25) intended to be connected to a water inlet duct of the washing appliance (100); - a first and a second solenoid valve (El, E2) arranged in the respective inlet ducts (20, 21); said solenoid valves having outlets connected to a connection duct (22) connected to the outlet duct (25), so as to be able to mix hot and cold water, the electronic part (4) comprising a processing unit connected to a control module (42) to control said solenoid valves (El, E2), characterized in that it further comprises - a temperature sensor (23) arranged in said connection duct (22) to detect the temperature of the water supplied to the appliance; - a flow meter (24) arranged in said connection duct (22) to measure the flow of water supplied to the appliance, - a current sensor (45), able to detect the electrical power dissipated by the appliance, e - a detection module (43) connected to the temperature sensor (23), to the flow meter (24) and to the current sensor (45), to send the temperature, flow and flow values to the processing unit (40) current, detected by the temperature sensor, the flow meter and the current sensor, so that the processing unit can control the solenoid valves (El, E2) on the basis of the detected values. 2) Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that said electronic part (4) is connected to the electrical power supply network (200) and has a socket (5) to accommodate a plug of the household appliance (100) to power the appliance electrically. 3) Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that it also comprises a user interface (6) comprising a display (60) and a control panel (61). 4) Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises an acoustic alarm (10), which warns the user of a malfunction of the household appliance and / or of any malfunction of the device (1), in the event that the flow and current temperature sensors (23, 24, 45) detect temperature, flow and / or electrical power values different from the preset threshold values. 5) Device (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that said user interface (6) is wirelessly connected to said electronic part (4) of the device.