ITTO20120637A1 - WASHING MACHINE WITH RECIRCULATION CIRCUIT - Google Patents

Description

Description of the Industrial Invention entitled:

"WASHING MACHINE WITH RECIRCULATION CIRCUIT"

DESCRIPTION

[FIELD OF TECHNIQUE]

The present invention refers to a washing machine with a recirculation circuit.

[ART NOTE]

As is known, washing machines, and in particular washing machines and washer-dryers, comprise a support frame, on which a washing tank is mounted in which a basket rotates, inside which the garments to be washed are arranged. .

The tank has an opening through which it is possible to access the basket and clothes can be placed inside the basket.

These machines also comprise a controlled hydraulic system, which supplies water, suitably mixed with detergent substances, so that the garments are subjected to the washing process.

A recirculation circuit is also provided, which has the purpose of favoring the dissolution of the detergent in the water and promoting the circulation of the water and the detergent inside the tank.

An example of a recirculation circuit is presented in the document US 2005/0132758 A1. With reference to figure 1 of this document, it is possible to note the duct 110, exiting the washing tank, which carries the water and the detergent to the pump 130 The latter directs the water and the detergent towards the valve 150. Depending on the operating configuration of the valve 150, the washing fluid can be selectively inserted into the duct 120, to be then distributed "like rain" on the drum, or it can be diverted into the conduit 140, which returns it to the pump 130 so as to describe a closed circuit substantially external to the tank. The valve 140 is piloted on the basis of whether the detergent needs to be further dissolved in the water (deviation in the conduit 140), or on the basis that the washing fluid must be distributed on the garments to be washed (forwarding into the conduit It should be noted that the solution presented in US 2005/0132758 A1 has evident structural drawbacks.

In fact, the washing machine described in this document is characterized by a considerable constructive complexity and by consequent particularly significant assembly difficulties.

It is enough to note, by way of example only, how articulated the structure configured to perform a recirculation entirely external to the washing tank, the structure configured to bring the water and detergent back to a height higher than the maximum height of the drum, as well as the structure are control which is responsible for the selective piloting of the position of the valve 140.

[OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION]

The object of the present invention is to provide a washing machine having a simplified structure, which can be easily and quickly assembled.

Another object of the invention is to provide a washing machine which has reduced manufacturing costs.

Another object of the invention is to provide a washing machine capable of optimizing the cleaning action of the washing fluid through its own recirculation circuit.

These and still other purposes are substantially achieved by a washing machine with a recirculation circuit according to what is described in the attached claims.

An idea underlying the invention provides for the provision, in a washing machine, of a recirculation circuit comprising a first duct, a recirculation pump and a second duct, one of which:

- the first conduit connects the end portion of an outlet conduit to the recirculation pump;

- the second conduit allows a connection between the pump and the tank;

- the pump is configured to withdraw the fluid consisting of water and detergent from the tank through the first duct and to reintroduce this fluid into the tank through the second duct.

The Applicant believes that, in this way, a washing machine can be made in which the recirculation circuit has a particularly simplified structure, easy to assemble and has low costs.

Preferably, the second duct allows the fluid to be reintroduced into the tank through a lower surface of the tank itself.

Preferably the terminal portion of the outlet conduit has a substantially cylindrical conformation; the first duct is connected to a first radial opening of this terminal portion.

Preferably the second duct has a first end connected to the recirculation pump, and a second end afferent to the tank.

Preferably, the second end of the second duct affects the tank in a different position with respect to the terminal portion of the outlet duct.

Preferably, the outlet conduit comprises a main body and the aforementioned terminal portion; the main body and the terminal portion are in particular made of one piece, preferably of elastomeric material.

Preferably the second duct has a first end connected to the recirculation pump and a second end afferent to the terminal portion of the outlet duct.

Preferably, the outlet conduit comprises a main body and the aforementioned terminal portion; the main body and the terminal portion are in particular separate pieces and assembled in a sealed manner to define the outlet duct.

Preferably the tank and the main body are associated with respective longitudinal ends of the aforementioned terminal portion having a cylindrical shape; preferably the second duct refers to a second radial opening of this terminal portion.

Preferably the angular distance between the first radial opening and the second radial opening is between 80 ° and 100 °.

Preferably, the terminal portion has a connecting element shaped in such a way as to direct the fluid coming from the second duct towards the inside of the washing tank.

Preferably the connecting element has a substantially "L" shape.

Preferably, the washing machine according to the invention further comprises a substantially box-like support structure, having a base surface, a top surface, a front surface and a bottom surface, and a pair of opposite side surfaces; preferably the recirculation pump is mounted near an edge defined by the bottom surface and the base surface. Preferably, the recirculation pump has an inlet connected to the first conduit and an outlet connected to the second conduit.

Preferably the inlet of the recirculation pump is at a lower level than the outlet of the pump itself.

Preferably the inlet of the recirculation pump develops in a direction substantially parallel to a base surface of the washing machine; preferably the outlet of the recirculating pump develops in a transverse direction, and in particular substantially orthogonal, with respect to the base surface.

Preferably the first and / or second duct has a corrugated conformation in at least a substantially central portion thereof.

Preferably, the recirculation circuit further comprises a removable insert mounted at the second end of the second duct; in particular, said insert is such as to deviate the flow of fluid leaving the second conduit substantially by 90 ° and make the flow itself substantially parallel to the bottom of the tank.

Preferably, the recirculation pump comprises an auger made of one piece with a protection element or small plate, the latter being able to protect said recirculation pump from any water leaks.

Preferably the tank has, in a lower portion thereof, a connection collar co-molded to an external surface of the tank itself for a connection with the aforementioned second duct; in particular, the connection collar is natively blind, and the blind bottom of this connection collar is able to be opened by means of a drilling operation to put the second duct in fluid communication with the inside of the tank.

Further features and advantages will become more apparent from the detailed description of a preferred and non-exclusive embodiment of the invention. This description is provided hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, which also have purely illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes.

[BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS]

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a washing machine according to the invention, with some parts eliminated to better highlight others.

Figure 2 shows a detail of the washing machine of Figure 1.

Figure 3 shows a side view of the washing machine of Figure 1.

Figure 4 shows a detail of the washing machine of Figure 1.

Figure 5 shows an exploded view of the detail of Figure 4.

Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a washing machine according to the invention, in which some parts have been eliminated to better highlight others.

Figure 7 shows a detail of Figure 6.

Figure 8 shows a plan view of the detail of Figure 7.

The figures illustrate different aspects and embodiments of the present invention and, where appropriate, similar structures, components, materials and / or elements in different figures are indicated by the same reference numerals.

[DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION]

With reference to the accompanying figures, the reference numeral 1 generally indicates a washing machine in accordance with the present invention.

The washing machine 1 is preferably a washing machine or a washer-dryer.

By way of example, the washing machine 1 can be a front loading washing machine or alternatively a top loading washing machine.

Preferably the washing machine 1 comprises a support structure 70 (Figures 1, 3, 6) having a substantially box-like shape, for example substantially parallelepiped.

The support structure 70 has a base surface 71, a top surface 72, a front surface 73, a bottom surface 74, and a pair of opposite side surfaces 75, 76.

Inside the support structure 70 there is a washing tank 10, in which a basket 20 is rotatably mounted.

The tub 10 has a loading opening, through which the items to be washed can be inserted.

The loading opening is closed by a door 15 (Figure 3). The door 15 can comprise a transparent porthole, which allows the user to observe the internal portion of the basket 20 and the items inserted therein. In various embodiments, the door 15 is entirely opaque and does not allow such observation. The basket 20 is moved in rotation by suitable actuator members, known per se and therefore not described in detail below.

In use, the garments to be washed are arranged inside the drum 20.

A fluid is dispensed into the tank 10 and the basket 20 which, depending on the single washing phase that is carried out, can comprise only water, or water mixed with one or more detergent substances.

An outlet conduit 40 is connected to the tank 10 to convey the fluid outside the tank 10 itself; the outlet duct 40, also known as discharge bellows, is connected to a discharge pump (not shown) in turn connected to a further outlet duct (also not illustrated), so as to let the fluid escape at the end of pre-set washing or rinsing phases.

Preferably, the outlet duct 40 comprises a main body 30 and an end portion 50.

The main body 30 can be made of elastomeric material, and is provided with a "bellows" portion, schematically illustrated for example in Figures 3-5 and 7-8.

The terminal portion 50 preferably has a substantially cylindrical conformation.

In a first embodiment (Figures 1-5) the main body 30 and the end portion 50 are made of one piece.

In this first embodiment, therefore, also the terminal portion 50 is made of elastomeric material.

In a second embodiment (Figures 6-8) the main body 30 and the terminal portion 50 are made as separate pieces, then assembled in a sealed manner so as to allow a correct outflow of the fluid leaving the tank 10.

In this second embodiment, the terminal portion 50 can be made of a different material (e.g. a plastic material) with respect to the main body 30.

In accordance with the invention, the washing machine 1 further comprises a recirculation circuit 60.

The recirculation circuit 60 in turn comprises a first duct 61, a recirculation pump 62 and a second duct 63.

The first conduit 61 connects the end portion 50 of the outlet conduit 40 to the recirculation pump 62.

The second conduit 63 allows a connection between the recirculation pump 62 and the tank 10. As will become clearer below, the characteristics of this connection will be different depending on the embodiment of the washing machine 1.

The recirculation pump 62 is configured to withdraw the fluid from the tank 10 through the first duct 61 and to reintroduce this fluid into the tank 10 through the second duct 63.

As shown by way of example in Figure 3 and Figure 6, the recirculation pump 62 can be mounted inside the support structure 70 in proximity to an edge defined by the bottom surface 74 and by the base surface 71 of the structure 70 itself.

In this way, the space available inside the support structure 70 is optimally exploited.

Advantageously, the screw 62c, in which the impeller of the recirculation pump 62 is mounted, is made in one piece with a protection element or small plate 62d, which protects the recirculation pump 62 itself from any water leaks, and therefore confers particular safety. to the washing machine 1.

The recirculation pump 62 has an inlet 62a and an outlet 62b (Figure 5). The inlet 62a is connected to the first duct 61, while the outlet 62b is connected to the second duct 63, and in particular to a first end 63a of the latter.

It should be noted that the inlet 62a of the recirculation pump 62 is at a lower level than the outlet 62b of the pump 62 itself.

In particular, the inlet 62a develops in a direction substantially parallel to the base surface 71, and the outlet 62b develops in a transverse direction, and preferably substantially orthogonal, with respect to the base surface 71 itself.

In practice, the inlet 62a develops in a substantially horizontal direction (ie parallel to the ground), while the outlet 62b develops in a substantially vertical direction (Figures 1 and 6).

In use, a quantity of fluid accumulates on the bottom of the tank 10 which, as mentioned, can consist of a mixture of water and detergent. Thanks to the recirculation circuit 60, and in particular to the path defined, in succession, by the first duct 61, the recirculation pump 62 and the second duct 63, it is possible to reintroduce the fluid into the washing tank 10, optimizing the dissolution of the detergent in water and reusing the fluid until the end of the scheduled washing phase.

As shown in Figure 1, the second duct allows the fluid to be re-introduced into the tank 10 through a lower surface 10a of the latter. It follows that the recirculation circuit 60 has an extremely simple and easily assembled structure, as well as having particularly reduced overall dimensions.

Preferably, the first duct 61 pertains to a first radial opening 51 of the end portion 50. The first radial opening 51 can be associated with a fitting, so as to facilitate the connection with the first duct 61.

Preferably, in correspondence with the first radial opening 51, there are one or more fins, which act as a reference during the assembly phase: the first duct 61, in correspondence with its end adapted to be coupled to the first radial opening 51, in turn has appropriate reference marks or notches, which must be suitably aligned with the aforementioned fins for a correct reciprocal orientation of the various parts.

In practice, while the tank 10 and the main body 30 are associated with respective axial ends of the substantially cylindrical conformation of the terminal portion 50, the first duct 61 is connected to an opening obtained in the lateral surface of this cylindrical conformation (Figures 4-5 ).

The second duct 63 has first and second ends 63a, 63b.

In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1-5, the first end 63a is connected to the recirculation pump 62 (in particular to its outlet 62b), while the second end 63b is connected to the tank 10.

Preferably the second end 63b is connected to a lower surface of the tank 10 itself.

In particular, the second end 63b of the second conduit 63 reaches the tank 10 in a different position with respect to the terminal portion 50 of the outlet conduit 40.

In fact, as shown by way of example in Figure 3, the terminal portion 50 of the outlet duct 40 is connected to the tank 10 in a position closer to the front surface 73, while the second end 63b of the second duct is connected to the tank 10 in a more close to the bottom surface 74.

Preferably, at the second end 63b of the second duct 63, a removable insert is mounted, which diverts the fluid substantially by 90 ° and makes it substantially parallel to the bottom of the tank 10, so that any detergent accumulated on the bottom of the tank 10 itself can be hit by this flow and then be reactivated.

Preferably, in correspondence with the bottom of the tank 10, a collar co-molded with the external surface of the tank 10 is provided. This collar is natively blind, ie it is defined by a substantially cylindrical element which extends from the external surface of the tank 10, but is separated from the inside of the tank 10 by the external surface of the latter. In washing machines in which the system according to the invention is actually applied (such as the washing machine 1 described and claimed here), by means of an operation of drilling the bottom of the aforementioned cylindrical element it will be possible to make the connection with the second duct 63.

In this way, considerable advantages are obtained in terms of standardization, since substantially identical tubs can be produced for all washing machines; as said, it is then sufficient to carry out a simple drilling operation to make these tanks suitable for the application of the present invention.

In the second embodiment shown in Figures 6-8, the first end 63a of the second duct 63 is connected to the recirculation pump 62 (similarly to the first embodiment), while a second end 63b of the second duct 63 itself is connected to the terminal portion 50 of the outlet duct 40.

In greater detail, the tank 10 and the main body 30 are associated with respective longitudinal ends 50a, 50b of the terminal portion 50, while the second conduit 63 is connected to a second radial opening 52 obtained in the lateral surface of the terminal portion 50 itself.

As mentioned, the first duct 61 is also associated with a respective first radial opening 51 made in the lateral surface of the terminal portion 50.

In a preferred embodiment, the angular distance between the first radial opening 51 and the second radial opening 52 is between 80 ° and 100 °. By way of example, this angular distance can be substantially equal to about 90 °, as shown in Figure 8.

Figures 7-8 show a connecting element 53, forming part of the terminal portion 50 of the outlet duct 40.

The connecting element 53 is shaped in such a way as to direct the fluid coming from the second conduit 63 towards the inside of the tank 10.

By way of example, the connecting element 53 has a substantially L-shaped conformation, preferably having a first portion substantially aligned with the second end 63b of the second duct 63, and a second portion substantially orthogonal to the first portion and directed towards the inside the washing tank 10.

In practice, the connecting element 53 has the task of favoring the flow towards the inside of the tank 10 of the fluid which has passed through the recirculation circuit 60.

Both in the first and in the second embodiment, the first and / or the second duct 61, 63 is made in one piece with two different materials.

Preferably the first and / or the second duct 61, 63 are substantially transparent.

At least a substantially central portion of the first and / or second duct 61, 63 can advantageously have a corrugated conformation, so as to increase the turbulence of the fluid flowing inside and facilitate the activation of the detergent.

Preferably, a diverter (not shown) is mounted inside the second duct 63, comprising for example a solenoid valve or a thermoactuator.

This diverter can be piloted in at least two operating configurations: in a first configuration, it allows a flow of fluid inside the second duct 63 (from the recirculation pump 62 to the tank 10), while in the second configuration it diverts this flow towards an auxiliary duct (not shown), which carries the fluid up to an upper end of the tank 10. In this way the fluid can be sprayed inside the tank from a different position, for example near the upper portion of the gasket that surrounds the porthole.

The diverter is suitably piloted by the electronic control system of the washing machine 1, for example by time or according to the measurements performed by a sensor capable of generating signals representing the level of water inside the tub.

Preferably, the control technique provides that a limited quantity of water is kept in the lower part of the tank 10 (in correspondence with a resistor, not shown, used to heat the water); when the water present exceeds a predetermined threshold, the diverter is piloted in such a way as to interrupt the recirculation (which, through the second conduit 63, reintroduces fluid into the lower part of the tank 10), and to divert the flow towards the aforementioned auxiliary conduit.

In this way a "staged" loading of the liquid into the tank is carried out.

A significant advantage is also obtained in terms of simplicity and economy, since two different hydraulic circuits are managed with a single pump, that is the recirculation pump 62.

In light of the above, the operation of the washing machine 1 according to the invention can be summarized as follows.

The washing fluid, comprising water and one or more detergent substances, is inserted inside the tank 10 and the basket 20.

This fluid tends to accumulate on the bottom of the tank 10, in particular near the aforementioned lower surface 10a of the tank 10 itself.

If the expected washing phase is completed, the fluid is made to flow into the outlet duct 40 and, by means of the drain pump, sent outside the washing machine 1.

Conversely, if the expected washing phase has not yet been completed, the fluid is made to flow into the recirculation circuit 60, by means of the first duct 61, the recirculation pump 62 and the second duct 63.

In this way the fluid can be reused until the planned operations are completed.

Going into greater detail, the activation of the recirculation pump 62 for each cycle takes place after about 5 minutes, during which a water heating phase is carried out; pump 62 is activated when a set target temperature is reached. The recirculation pump 62 then remains active for the next 15-20 minutes. Thereafter, it is activated for about 30 seconds at regular intervals of about 10 minutes, until the mechanical washing is completed. It should be noted that the times indicated may undergo slight variations depending on the cycle performed.

Advantageously, the recirculation circuit 60 is also active in the rinses: in particular for a time of about 30 seconds during the exchange time of each rinse, and at the end of the final spin during draining.

In this way, both an optimal cleaning of the circuit and a resuspension of any quantities of detergent present in the water and on the bottom of the tank are guaranteed, so that the detergent itself can be removed more easily, avoiding depositing on the load.

The invention achieves important advantages.

First of all, the washing machine according to the invention has a simplified structure, which can be easily and quickly assembled.

Another advantage is found in the fact that the washing machine according to the invention has reduced manufacturing costs.

A further advantage consists in the fact that the washing machine according to the invention is able to optimize the cleaning action of the washing fluid through its own recirculation circuit, since it obtains an early mixing of the washing agent in water, so that it can be effective in a faster time.

Claims (20)

CLAIMS 1. Washing machine comprising: a washing tank (10), a washing fluid comprising water and one or more detergent substances being delivered inside said tank (10); an outlet conduit (40) connected, through an end portion thereof (50), to the tub (10) to convey said washing fluid outside said washing machine (1); a recirculation circuit (60) comprising a first duct (61), a recirculation pump (62) and a second duct (63), one of which: said first duct (61) connects said outlet duct (40), in particular said end portion (50) of said outlet duct (40), to said recirculation pump (62); said second conduit (63) allows a connection between said recirculation pump (62) and said tank (10); said recirculation pump (62) is configured to withdraw said fluid from said tank (10) through said first duct (61) and to re-introduce said fluid into said tank (10) through said second duct (63). 2. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1 wherein said second conduit (63) allows a re-introduction of said fluid into the tub (10) through a lower surface (10a) of said tub (10). Washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2 in which the terminal portion (50) of said outlet duct (40) has a substantially cylindrical conformation, in which said first duct (61) is connected to a first radial opening (51) ) of said terminal portion (50). Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims in which said second duct (63) has a first end (63a) connected to said recirculation pump (62), and a second end (63b) afferent to said tank (10 ). 5. Washing machine (1) according to claim 4 wherein the second end (63b) of said second duct (63) reaches said tub (10) in a different position with respect to the end portion (50) of said outlet duct (40 ). Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said outlet duct (40) comprises a main body (30) and said end portion (50), wherein said main body (30) and said end portion (50 ) are made in one piece, preferably in elastomeric material. Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein said second duct (63) has a first end (63a) connected to said recirculation pump (62) and a second end (63b) afferent to the terminal portion (50) of said outlet conduit (40). Washing machine (1) according to claim 7 wherein said outlet duct (40) comprises a main body (30) and said end portion (50), wherein said main body (30) and said end portion (50) are distinct and sealed pieces assembled to define said outlet conduit (40). 9. Washing machine (1) according to claim 7 or 8 when dependent on claim 3 in which said tank (10) and said main body (30) are associated with respective longitudinal ends (50a, 50b) of said cylindrical conformation, and said second duct (63) pertains to a second radial opening (52) of said end portion (50). Washing machine (1) according to claim 9 wherein an angular distance between said first radial opening (51) and said second radial opening (52) is between 60 ° and 150 °, in particular between 80 ° and 100 °. 11. Washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein said terminal portion (50) has a connecting element (53) shaped in such a way as to direct the fluid coming from said second conduit (63). Washing machine (1) according to claim 11 wherein said connecting element (53) has a substantially "L" shape. 13. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a substantially box-like support structure (70), having a base surface (71), a top surface (72), a front surface (73), a surface bottom (74), and a pair of opposite lateral surfaces (75, 76), in which said recirculation pump (62) is mounted inside said support structure (70) in proximity to an edge defined by said surface bottom (74) and said base surface (71). Laundry washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said recirculation pump (62) has an inlet (62a) connected to said first duct (61) and an outlet (62b) connected to said second duct (63) . Laundry washing machine (1) according to claim 14 wherein said inlet (62a) is at a lower level than said outlet (62b). 16. Washing machine (1) according to claim 14 or 15 wherein said inlet (62a) develops according to a direction substantially parallel to a base surface (71) of said washing machine (1), and said outlet (62b) develops according to a transverse direction, and preferably substantially orthogonal, with respect to said base surface (71). Laundry washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said first and / or second duct (61, 63) has a corrugated conformation in at least one substantially central portion thereof. 18. Washing machine (1) according to claim 4 or 5 wherein said recirculation circuit (60) further comprises a removable insert mounted at the second end (63b) of said second duct (63), said insert being such as to divert the flow of fluid leaving the second conduit (63) substantially 90 ° and making the flow itself substantially parallel to the bottom of the tank (10). 19. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said recirculation pump (62) comprises an auger (62c) made in one piece with a protection element or small pan (62d), the latter being able to protect said pump recirculation circuit (62) from any water leaks. 20. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which said tub (10) integrally has, in a lower portion thereof, a connection collar applied to an external surface of said tub (10) for a connection with said second duct (63), said connection collar being natively blind, the blind bottom of said connection collar being able to be opened by a drilling operation to put said second duct (63) in fluid communication with the interior of said tub (10).