WO2004072354A1 - Machine a laver et procede ameliores - Google Patents

Machine a laver et procede ameliores Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004072354A1
WO2004072354A1 PCT/US2003/012156 US0312156W WO2004072354A1 WO 2004072354 A1 WO2004072354 A1 WO 2004072354A1 US 0312156 W US0312156 W US 0312156W WO 2004072354 A1 WO2004072354 A1 WO 2004072354A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
water
washer
fill
quick
wash chamber
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2003/012156
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Su Heon Kim
Original Assignee
Su Heon Kim
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Su Heon Kim filed Critical Su Heon Kim
Priority to US10/545,503 priority Critical patent/US20070130698A1/en
Priority to AU2003237085A priority patent/AU2003237085A1/en
Publication of WO2004072354A1 publication Critical patent/WO2004072354A1/fr

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F37/00—Details specific to washing machines covered by groups D06F21/00 - D06F25/00
    • D06F37/02—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums
    • D06F37/04—Rotary receptacles, e.g. drums adapted for rotation or oscillation about a horizontal or inclined axis
    • D06F37/06—Ribs, lifters, or rubbing means forming part of the receptacle
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F35/00—Washing machines, apparatus, or methods not otherwise provided for
    • D06F35/005—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying
    • D06F35/006—Methods for washing, rinsing or spin-drying for washing or rinsing only

Definitions

  • This United States PCT application is a continuation-in-part of United States provisional patent application Serial No. 60/446,928 filed February 12, 2003, by the same inventor on which claim of priority is made.
  • This invention relates to a method and apparatus for a clothes washer and particularly relates to a "quick" type washer for commercial or domestic use additionally capable of cold water alternative washing to conventional ("perc”) dry cleaning of fine clothes.
  • the present invention provides a method and apparatus for a washer that has a considerably shortened cycle time and can generally do about two loads of wash in the time one load of wash would be done in a prior art washer.
  • the present invention achieves the increased washing capacity without reducing the actual washing action or wash time.
  • the washer apparatus and method of the present invention provides extremely quick filling and quick draining of the wash chamber to essentially shorten the overall wash cycle.
  • a quick fill means for filling and a quick drain for draining the wash chamber means of the washer is provided. For example, filling can be reduced from three (3) minutes to fifteen (15) seconds or shorter, say 10 seconds, while draining can be reduced from sixty (60) seconds to fifteen (15) seconds or shorter, say 10 seconds.
  • draining was controlled by the public water supply pressure (say normally 80 psi) and the smallest size pipe from there to the washer.
  • This pipe was usually about one inch or less in diameter and limited the supply or fill rate resulting in slow filling.
  • this normal pressure is not always available and can be considerably lower when several washing machines or other devices are using water at about the same time. If the normal city water pressure were 80 psi, the pressure in the laundry at the washer could be 30 psi or lower, greatly slowing filling times.
  • the drain was limited by the size pipe used to drain the washer. This was usually about a two inch diameter pipe or less.
  • the washer method and apparatus of the present invention achieves a quick fill by providing a quick fill tank above the washer which can be constantly filled by the public water supply if needed, but via a large diameter pipe or pipes say two pipes of two inches in diameter or more used to quickly fill (15 seconds or less) the wash chamber.
  • a large diameter pipe or pipes say two pipes of two inches in diameter or more used to quickly fill (15 seconds or less) the wash chamber.
  • Another alternative is to provide a single large diameter pipe say of 3 or 4 inches or more in diameter between the quick fill tank and wash chamber with a drain flow area of greater than 3 and preferably 4 square inches in area.
  • the inlet pipe or pipes would be fitted with a suitably sized fill control valve(s), preferably controlled for operation either by pneumatic, hydraulics or electrical means.
  • the quick fill tank might be sized for 30 gallons or more to hold all the water for the entire wash cycle, including the wash and all rinses.
  • the quick fill tank could fill the washer chamber by gravity, but as a preferred alternative, or in addition, a quick fill pump could be supplied to do so.
  • a quick fill pump it may be desirable to close the fill tank so it can be pressurized by the pump to achieve a short fill-time.
  • the tank bottom can be funnel shaped and of a smaller size, say 5 gallons as the pump and its pressure will still achieve a quick fill.
  • an appropriate storage tank or reservoir tank means is provided so that the quick fill pump can draw from such storage tank or reservoir tank means and is not dependent on the slow fill rate of the city water supply.
  • a quick drain is also provided from the wash chamber to the public sewer system.
  • the drain flow path from the wash chamber to the laundry drain tank is sized larger than heretofore to permit a very quick drain (15 seconds or less).
  • the drain might consist of several two inch diameter or larger drain pipes or a single yet larger drain pipe.
  • suitable drain control valve or valves are provided in the washer to control the drain as required by the various washer cycle. While “diameters" are mentioned, the inlet and drain pipes could be of other shapes than round cross-section.
  • the washer of the method and apparatus of present invention can not only do a "regular” and/or “gentle” wash cycle, it is also capable of washing some forms of fine clothing, such as woolens, rayons, silks and acetates and even leathers or furs, that heretofore, were hand washed or only dry cleaned.
  • the washer method and apparatus of the present invention is provided with a very cold water source, say under 50°F, and preferably around 40°F, say plus or minus 5°F.
  • the advantage of the very cold water wash is that it minimizes distortion or shrinking of the clothing being washed.
  • the very cold water wash with a suitable soap or cleaning chemical can in many cases replace dry cleaning done with environmentally hazardous "perc".
  • the city or public water supply flows into a large insulated tank which is several times larger than the quick fill tank and even the washers washing chamber.
  • a means is provided for cooling the water flowing into or in the tank and/or to be supplied to the washer to the desired very cold temperature.
  • Various means could be used such as a heat exchanger, a refrigeration unit, icemaker, ice or the like to keep the water in the washer cold.
  • the cooling could take place before the tank or before the washer chamber, but preferably takes place in the tank. This very cold water can be recirculated from the wash chamber to the cold tank or cooling means to keep the water cold.
  • Such may be in the form of a pipe or line taking wash or rinse water from the washer chamber and cooling it and returning it to the wash chamber.
  • Such means can be a pump for recirculating flow and heat exchanger in the cooling tank, or even a separate cooling or refrigerating unit.
  • the filling and draining of the wash chamber can, if desired, be done very quickly (15 seconds or less).
  • the very cold wash concept integrates into the quick wash concept so that the desired features of both can be realized.
  • the quick fill tank, and connecting lines or pipe are also insulated to prevent heating of the water and to decrease the energy required by the refrigeration or other means providing the very cold water.
  • the method and washer of the present invention can also be provided with a similar hot water quick fill tank which can be filled from a conventional hot water heater or the heater integrated into the hot water tank. Also, if desired, a third tank at city water temperature could be provided for conventional washing and rinses.
  • the washer and method of the present invention can do a regular hot, warm or cold wash, a gentle hot, warm or cold wash, along with an alternative to dry cleaning, a very cold water wash, and the latter could also optionally include a very cold water or city water rinse.
  • the inner basket of the wash chamber may have increased surface area such as by providing fins and/or raised inwardly or outwardly embossments on the cylindrical surface and end wall of the basket. The function of the increased surface area is to enhance the washing action on the clothes therein in a gentle but positive manner, without causing undo turbulence which might damage fine clothing and their buttons, while enhancing water flow area such as on a rinse or extraction cycle.
  • This type embossed basket could also be used in a dryer.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic view of the water supply and flow used in the method and apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 2 is a schematic perspective view of the washer for the method and apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 3 is a schematic view of an alternative washer flow portion for the method and apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 4 is a schematic perspective view of the embossed washer basket for the method and apparatus of the present invention.
  • Figure 4A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the basket 600' s cylindrical wall or shell 602 and end wall 604 with openings 606 therethrough and inward and outward embossments 612 thereon.
  • Figure 5 is a schematic time diagram of the fill, wash rinse drain cycles of a conventional washer (TOP) and of the quick fill, wash, rinse, quick drain cycles of the washer method and apparatus of the present invention (BOTTOM).
  • TOP conventional washer
  • BOTTOM quick fill, wash, rinse, quick drain cycles of the washer method and apparatus of the present invention
  • Figure 6 is a perspective view from the top of another embodiment of the washer apparatus and method of the present invention.
  • Figure 7 is a further perspective view of the washer shown in Figure 6.
  • Figure 8 is a front view of the washer shown in Figures 6 and 7.
  • Figure 9 is a schematic of water flow for additional embodiment having 3 tanks, no quick fill tank, a single pump and a plurality of control valves.
  • Figure 10 is an operating chart for some of the conditions of the embodiment shown in Figure 9.
  • FIG. 1 a schematic of the water flow system of the method and apparatus of the present invention is shown.
  • the washer 10 with washer chamber means or drum 12.
  • the cylindrical drum 12 has a cylindrical side wall 13 and end wall 14, which has an opening for a door (similar to opening 220 and door 219 of Figure 2) to permit loading and unloading of clothes into and from the washer.
  • a conventional water supply including water from the public supply and a hot water heater are included and represented by the lines 9 and 11 with control valves 9A and 11A therein.
  • the supplies 9 and 11 are used for the conventional regular and conventional gentle cycle washes.
  • the drum 12 is understood to be able to contain wash water or rinse water.
  • pipes or lines 9 and 11 and their valves could also be of an existing conventional washer.
  • a washer basket 15 Inside the washer 12 drum is a washer basket 15 (also see Figure 2, part 218 and Figure 4, part 600).
  • the washer basket 15, 218 or 600 (represented by dashed lines in Figure 1) can move relative to the drum 12 as represented by the arrow 20.
  • this washer basket 15 can be embossed to increase surface area and liquid flow area.
  • the quick fill washer means includes a line 32, comprising either several conventional size pipes (several say two inches in diameter or large pipes) or a single large diameter pipe (say three inches in diameter or larger) and an associated quick fill valve 34.
  • the function of the quick fill line(s) 32 and quick fill valve(s) 34 is to quickly fill the drum 12 by gravity flow with an appropriate quantity of wash or rinse water, much faster (say 8 or more times faster) than in prior art washers.
  • the quick fill means could also be a pump forced flow such as via a quick fill pump means for filling the washer means, and could also be used alone or in conjunction with the gravity flow.
  • the supply tank 30 is provided with vent line 36 and vent valve 38, to permit quick drain of the supply tank 30 and quick fill of the drum 12. The vent would be omitted if a quick fill pump is used to prevent flow therefrom.
  • the supply tank 30 is sized to hold and supply all the water for at least one complete wash cycle, and preferably somewhat more, say one to two complete wash cycles.
  • the quick fill tank can be funnel shaped to enhance filling for said wash chamber, and can be closed so it can be pressurized by the pump if one is used to increase flow therefrom, and if a pump is used, made smaller than or eliminated, if only gravity flow were used.
  • the supply water tank 30 is connected via a fill line 40 to a storage or reserve very cold water tank means 50.
  • This fill line 40 and line 54 is of conventional size, say one half inch diameter pipe or line.
  • the reserve tank is several times larger than the supply tank, say two to three times, and many times larger (3 to 6 or more) than the water required in the drum for a wash or rinse.
  • the supply tank might be 30 to 50 gallons, with about 40 gallons preferred, and the reserve tank of 60 to 100 gallons, with about 80 gallons preferred. These sizes may vary by say + 25% of the total gallons of water used in a wash cycle.
  • the wash cycle water usage would be that required in the fine clothing, very cold water wash cycle discussed below. If that cycle is not included, then the regular wash cycle could be used in sizing components.
  • the reserve or storage very cold water tank 50 itself, might be shaped somewhat like a large hot water heater with insulation on the outside surface of the tank 52.
  • the reserve water tank 50 can be filled by the line 54 connected to the outside or public water supply represented by the arrow 56.
  • a cooling means 60 for cooling the water, such as the evaporator 62 of a refrigerating unit 64 or other cooling means, like ice or the discharge of an ice maker.
  • the function of the cooling means 60, evaporator 62, and refrigerating unit 64, or the like is for providing very cold water inside the reserve water tank 50.
  • a control means 70 for regulating temperature such as a water temperature sensor or thermocouple 72 is provided and connected to the refrigeration unit via a control line 73.
  • This means would control the operation of the cooling means to assure the water therein is at a desired temperature.
  • a similar water control means 75 could be provided in the quick supply tank 30 to be sure the water therein is appropriately “cold,” and if not, replaced by cold water from the reserve tank 50.
  • this control 75 could be a thermocouple and would be used to determine if circulation of very cold water from tank 50 was needed.
  • the washer could have additional tanks for hot water and city water at the public or city water supply temperature.
  • the cooling means 60 might be located at the top of the reserve water tank 50 to take advantage of the phenomenon of warmer water rises to the top then cools and fall to the bottom to provide some circulation in the reserve tank.
  • some form of circulation such as a pump or impeller could be provided to cause circulation within the tank 50.
  • means could be used to control such circulation, say operated in response to the thermocouples as noted.
  • the reserve water unit 50 can be drained via a line 74 and a reserve tank drain valve 76 which, though not shown, can connect to the main drain line 77.
  • a recirculation supply line 80 with its control valve 82 is connected to the reserve water tank 50.
  • This line connects to a circulating means 84, such as a pump 86, for circulating very cold water from the reserve water tank 50 to fill the supply tank 30, via line 84, valve 85 and line 88.
  • the cold recirculation system includes a cold return line 90, connecting, in this instance, to a commercial washer, conventional, button trap 92. From there a line 94 connects to a control valve 96 therein and in turn to a cooling coil, or recirculating heat exchanger 98 within the reserve tank 50. The other end of the cooling coil connects, via a line 100, to the line 80.
  • valves 76, 77 A, and 85 closed and valve 96 open, water can be taken from the wash chamber 12, via line 90, the button trap 92, valve 96, lines 94, cooling coil 98 line 100, and line 80 to the pump 86. From there, the recooled water can flow via line 84 to a line 100 and open valve 102 through line 104 to be sprayed through one or more nozzles 106 back into the wash chamber 12 and the clothes therein.
  • a suitable temperature sensing means can also be provided for the wash chamber and controls provided to insure the wash is done at a desired, controlled temperature.
  • the clothes are put in the basket 15, the door (like 219) is closed, the washer's control system activated, such as a computer control, the wash chamber 12 is filled from the quick fill tank 30 going through the appropriate fill wash, drain, fill rinse, drain, fill rinse and drain cycles. If the very cold water is used, fine woolens and other fine fabrics like silk, and even leathers or furs can be cleaned without hand washing or use of "perc" or other environmentally hazardous chemical cleaners.
  • hot water can be used for the wash and generally city water would be used for washing and rinsing.
  • city water would be used for both washing and rinsing.
  • very cold water washing a substitute for dry cleaning, very cold water may be used for both washing and rinsing.
  • this very cold water wash system could be adapted to and provided to work with an existing type conventional washer. In such a situation the necessary parts can be provided in "kit” form for installation on such existing washer.
  • FIG 2 another embodiment of washer 200 of the method and apparatus of the present invention utilizing the features discussed above is shown.
  • This embodiment has the washer structure 210, including a washer chamber 214 with basket 218 therein, closed by a door 219 fitting in the aperture 220.
  • a reserve very cold water tank 224 somewhat like tank 50 of Figure 1.
  • the hot water tank 230 On the other side is the hot water tank 230.
  • This tank 230 could also be in the form of a hot water heater having water heating means or just a hot water storage tank.
  • the tanks 210 and 230 are rectangular in cross sections and can form part of the washer 200.
  • the very cold water tank 224 can supply water to its own quick fill cold water tank 240.
  • the hot water tank 230 has its own quick fill hot water tank 244 and can supply water to the same.
  • Each of the quick fill tanks (240 or 244) can quickly fill the wash chamber via lines 248 and 249 in about 15 seconds or less, say 10 seconds.
  • the structure of Figure 2 is also provided with the quick drain lines 250 and 252 which can quickly empty the wash chamber to the drain tank 260 in 15 seconds or less, say 10 seconds.
  • the very cold or hot water can be transferred from their respective tanks to their respective quick fill tanks by pumps.
  • the cold water side would be equipped with suitable water cooling means, such as discussed with respect to the Figure 1 embodiment.
  • the Figure 2 embodiment could be a stand alone unit.
  • the quick fill could be by gravity but preferably is facilitated by a pump to quicldy pump water from the tank to fill the chamber.
  • the quick fill tank in that case can be either smaller and/or shaped as a funnel and have a funnel shape bottom, or even eliminated.
  • the pump would pump water from the respective storage tank 224 or 230 into the wash chamber 214.
  • a one or more horsepower motor say a 2 or 3 horsepower motor, and to achieve the desired quick flow rate, say 10 gallons or more in 10 seconds.
  • FIG. 3 another washer 300 of the method and apparatus of the present invention is shown.
  • This embodiment has a wash chamber 304 with a basket (Uke)
  • the quick supply tank can be supplied from either a very cold supply tank 316 or a hot water tank 320.
  • the cold water tank 316 would have the water cooling system therein and has the recirculating cold water system including the refrigeration or cooling coil 324 connected via line 326 with valve 328 therein, button trap 330 and line 332.
  • the other end of the cooling coil is connected via line 334 to a recirculation pump 336.
  • the pump 336 in turn is connected to line 338 to supply a nozzle 340 or other means to return the recooled water to the chamber 304 and clothes therein.
  • Cold water can be supplied to the reserve cold water tank 316 by city water line 54.
  • Water can be supplied to the hot water tank 320 by line 54A which may be connected either to a conventional water heater, or if the tank 320 has its own water heating means, to the city water supply.
  • the quick supply tank 310 has a vent 350 with a vent valve 352 therein.
  • Hot water can be supplied from tank 320 to the quick fill tank 310 by flow of water through line 360, open valves 362A, valve 364 being closed, through lines 365 and 365A by a fill pump 368, which pumps the hot water up through line 370 into the tank 310.
  • Very cold water can be supplied to the quick fill tank 310 by closing valve 362 and 362A and opening valve 364 and 364A, so that very cold water can flow from tank 316, through line 365A to line 365 moved by pump 368, which can pump the very cold water into tank 310.
  • the quick fill tank 310 is quickly emptied via one or more fast flow lines 360 and opening quick fill valve 364 therein, the cross sectional area of this line or lines 360 and valve or valves 364 being such to provide the desired quick fill rate.
  • the wash chamber 304 can be quickly drained by closing valve 328 and opening valve 77A to permit the water to quick flow through line 332, button trap 330, open valve 77A and line 77 to the drain or drain tank.
  • drain lines are sized to give the desired fast drain rate.
  • a properly sized pump 368 (say of several horsepower) could be utilized to achieve the quick fill means for increasing the water level of either the very cold water from tank 316 or hot water from tank 320, and the tank 310 could be reduced in size or eliminated, as would be the vent 350 and vent valve 352.
  • an embossed washer basket 600 is shown which can be used and is part of the method of the present invention.
  • the washer basket 600 fits within the wash chamber (say 12 or 304), and can rotate or spin therein and has a cylindrical shell
  • the shell 602 and end wall 604 can have a multitude of small passages or openings 606 therethrough for flow of water.
  • the function of the raised portions or embossments 612 are to provide increased surface area and flow area by also providing fins 608 on the inside and/or raised or indented inward and/or outward on shell 602 and end wall 604 embossed portions 612 on the surfaces of the basket with additional water flow passages therethrough.
  • These embossed portions 612 increase the action of the moving basket on the clothes therein in a gentle but positive manner without endangering fine clothes or their buttons.
  • This embossed basket concept can also be utilized in other type laundry machines than washers, such as in a dryer basket to increase the surface area and flow of drying air in and out of the basket to improve drying.
  • FIG. 4A an enlarged cross-sectional view of a portion of the basket's 600 cylindrical wall or shell 602 and end wall 604, showing openings 606 or the small passages for the flow of water, and the embossed portions 612 formed on the surface of the basket.
  • a time diagram shows the time for a prior art washer cycle in column 710 and the present invention washer apparatus and method time for a wash cycle in column 720. It can be seen the invention results in shorter overall wash cycle time without reduced washing action time or rinsing action time. This advantage is due to the quick fill and quick drain features described above.
  • the horizontal represents time and "F” stands for fill, "W” stands for wash, “D” stands for drain and “R” stands for rinse. While not shown, the cycles could also include extraction or spin cycles.
  • the overall cycle time for the invention is shorter and about half compared to a prior art washer. Where a prior art wash cycle might be Fill 180 sec.
  • the washer method and apparatus results in greatly reduced overall wash cycle time, without diminished wash or rinse time or action.
  • the washer method and apparatus of the present invention can clean fine clothing such as those made out of woolens, rayon or acetates, leathers, furs, etc. which previously had to be hand washed and/or dry cleaned say with "perc" or other clothes previously only hand washed.
  • FIG. 6 and 7 another embodiment of the washer method and apparatus of the present invention is shown.
  • structure is similar to that of the earlier figures, it is given a similar reference number, but use a 700 series.
  • the drum 12 of Figure 1 would be 712 in Figures 6 and 7.
  • Shown in Figures 6 and 7 is the washer 710 with washer drum 712.
  • cylindrical drum washer 712 has a cylindrical side wall 713 and end walls and one of which, the front, has an opening for a door (similar to opening 220 and door 219 of Figure 2) to permit loading and unloading of clothes into and from the washer.
  • a conventional city water supply including water from the public supply and a hot water heater are included.
  • the public or city supply water and water heater are used for the conventional regular and conventional gentle cycle washes.
  • the drum 712 is understood to be able to contain wash water or rinse water.
  • washer basket Inside washer 712 drum is a washer basket (like 600), not shown.
  • the washer basket can move or turn in either direction relative to the drum 712. As noted above this washer basket can be embossed to increase surface and flow areas.
  • a closed quick water supply tank or funnel 730 which preferably is mounted at the top of the washer for, preferably, a pressurized fill of the drum 712 by a quick fill pump 787 and hne 787 A.
  • a quick fill hne 732 comprising either several conventional size pipes (several say two inches in diameter or large pipes in this instance) or a single large diameter pipe of four inches diameter or larger, alternatively, an associated quick fill valve (not shown) can be provided to connect the tank or funnel 730 to the drum 713.
  • quick pump 787 and fill lines 732 and, if present, quick fill valve The function of the quick pump 787 and fill lines 732 and, if present, quick fill valve, is to quickly fill the drum 712 by pressure pump or gravity flow with an appropriate quantity of wash or rinse water, much faster (say 8 or more times faster) than prior art washers.
  • gravity flow the tank would be vented.
  • no vent is provided, and the tank is closed except for an entrance and exit therefrom.
  • the supply tank 730 is provided with vent
  • the supply tank 730 can be sized to hold a supply all water for at least one complete wash cycle, and preferably somewhat more, say one to two complete wash cycles.
  • tank 730 would not be vented, is capable of being pressurized by the fill pump 787 no fill valve is needed, and can be of smaller size or eliminated.
  • the washer 710 has the three water tanks 750 A, B and C and is enclosed in a suitable housing (see Figure 8).
  • the washer mechanism including drum 712 is mounted on a base structure 779 in a frame 781.
  • the washer mechanism in the frame includes the washer motor 782 which carries a drive pulley 783, which via belts 784, drive the driven pulley 784A.
  • the frame 781 mounts the washer mechanism on a plurality of springs 785 with shock absorbers 786 to limit vibrations.
  • the embodiment 710 has a digital control 777 which controls the operation of the refrigerator unit and its compressor 765 and pump(s) and/or circulating means 787, and all other features and functions of the washer and the various wash cycles.
  • Lines for injecting soap into the drum 712 are shown at 790 and 791.
  • a triple water level gauge is shown at 792, one for each tank.
  • multiple bin means 794 are provided to add solid type soaps, conditioners, etc. on the front of the washer.
  • the fill water tank 730 is connected via line 751 to a reserve very cold water tank
  • Each of the reserve or storage tanks 750A,B and C are several times larger than the supply tank and can quickly fill the top supply tank 730 and washer drum 713 with the desired quantity of coater.
  • a nominal 50 lbs. of clothing washer, the quick, supply tank might be 5 or less gallons, with each of the reserve tanks 750A,B, C of 60 to 100 gallons, with about 80 gallons preferred.
  • the sizes may vary by say ⁇ 25% of the gallons used in a wash cycle.
  • wash cycle water usage for sizing purposes would be that required in the fine clothing very cold water wash cycle discussed below. If that cycle is not present then the regular wash cycle could be used.
  • the washer of the present invention could be built in larger or smaller sizes to handle say 75 lb. or 35 lb. (measured dry) loads of wash.
  • Each of the reserve water tanks 750A, B and C might be shaped somewhat like a large hot water heater with insulation on the outside surface 752 of the tanks. For compactness, these tanks may be rectangular in shape.
  • Inside the reserve water tank 750A is a cooling means 760 for cooling the water, not shown, such as the evaporator coil of a refrigerating unit 765 or other cooling means, like ice or the discharge of an ice maker.
  • the refrigeration unit includes a compressor.
  • the function of the cooling means 760, evaporator, and refrigerating unit, or the like is for providing very cold water inside the reserve water tank
  • a control means for regulating temperature such as water temperature sensor or thermocouple, is provided and connected to the refrigeration unit via a control.
  • This means would control the operation of the cooling means to assure the water therein is at a desired temperature.
  • a similar water control means would be provided in the tank 730 to be sure the water therein is appropriately “cold,” and if not, replaced by cold water from the reserve tank 750.
  • this control could be a thermocouple and would be used to determine if circulation of very cold water from tank 750 was needed.
  • Similar systems are provided for the other tanks 750B and 750C, except there is no refrigeration and tank 750C has a heating element, such as a steam coil or other type heater, to make hot water.
  • each of the tanks 750A,B and C can be drained via a line and tank drain valve(s) which connect to the main drain line.
  • a recirculation supply line with its control is connected to the reserve tank 750A.
  • This line connects to a circulating means for recirculating very cold water such as a pump for circulating very cold water from the reserve water tank 750A to fill the supply tank 730 and drum 713 back to the tank 750 A..
  • FIG 8 a frontal view of the washer 710 of the method an apparatus of the present invention of Figures 6 and 7 is shown.
  • the door 219 of Figure 2 would be 819 in Figure 8.
  • Door 819 is attached to washer 710 by hinge 819A.
  • Latch 819B is attached to door 819 and allows for the opening and closing mechanism of door 819.
  • a bumper 808 to prevent damage by carts typically used at a commercial laundry or cleaner to load and unload the washer.
  • bin means 794 having four rectangular compartments, 801, 802, 803 and 804. Soap may be placed in compartment 801.
  • Bleach may be placed in compartment 802. Sour may be placed in compartment 803, and starch may be placed in compartment 804.
  • the "dumping" of these ingredients, soap, bleach, sour, etc. are computer controlled and made at the appropriate time in the wash cycle.
  • This embodiment has a control panel 777 on one side of the washer 710 of the method and apparatus of the present invention. This control panel provides for regulation of the water temperature and wash cycles. Situated next to control panel 777 is water level monitor 792.
  • FIG. 9 a schematic of the water flow for an additional embodiment washer 910 is illustrated.
  • the washer drum 12 of Fig. 1 is 912 in Fig. 9.
  • This embodiment includes 3 water tanks 950 A,B and C. Each tank has a separate discharge valve at the base of the tank. 950 A has valve 3, 950B has valve 2 and 950C has valve 1.
  • This embodiment of the washer mechanism includes a single pump means 987 for recirculating flow that carries out many of the features and functions of the washer during various parts of the wash cycles.
  • valves 1, 2 and 3 valves 6-9 and a closeable vent 10 are provided.
  • the various valve positions and pump 987 operations for filling of the drum 912, for a wash or a rinse, or for draining the drum and during very cold water recirculation from tank 950A having the cooling coil 960 therein, is set forth in Figure 10.
  • pump 987 drains water from one of the tanks 950 A-C and discharges it directly into the drum 912 in a very quick manner.
  • the same pump by changing setting of valves 1-9 and vent 10 can be used for recirculating very cold water from the drum 912 back to the tank 950A and then adding cooled water back into the drum.
  • Digital drive for the pump permits the computer control (like 777) to set pump motor speed to give a desired delivery rate, high for fill and slower for recirculation.
  • Line 951 is connected to the city water supply and is utilized to keep in tanks 950A,B and C full.
  • a valve (not shown) may be used in line 951, to close that line, particularly when doing very cold water recirculation.
  • FIG 10 is a chart of the same of the operating conditions for the valves 1-9, vent 10 and pump 987 of this embodiment. In this operating chart “C” means “closed” and “O” means “open”. The operation of the embodiment 910 is apparent from the chart in Fig. 10.
  • the washers shown have the normal motor drive to rotate the basket and a control unit to operate the various valves and motor as needed for the various portions of the wash cycle. If desired, the motor may rotate the basket in either direction of rotation. It is believed that the specifics of such control operations of the valves and motor drive would be known to person's skilled in the art from the disclosure herein and particularly the flow paths shown herein. Also if desired only one or the other of the quick fill or quick drain features could be used. Likewise, the embossed or a conventional basket could be used. All this could be provided in a new washer specially constructed, or adapted to an existing washer by installing the necessary new parts, such as from an installation kit. As used herein clothes, includes all forms of clothes and the materials or cloths whether in the form of clothes or not. The equivalent of the elements and steps described above of the present invention are understood to be included herein and within the scope of the appended claims.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne une machine à laver améliorée (10, 210, 710) qui présente un système de remplissage rapide (32, 34) et un système d'évacuation rapide (36, 38) et avec laquelle le temps de lavage total est réduit. Des systèmes sont conçus pour effectuer un lavage à température très froide afin de pouvoir laver des vêtements délicats qui jusqu'ici devaient être lavés à la main ou nettoyés à sec. Cette machine à laver (10, 210, 710) peut être équipée d'un (30), de deux (224, 230) ou de trois réservoirs (750A, B & C, 950A, B & C) pour de l'eau à trois températures : température très froide (réfrigérée), température du robinet ou de l'alimentation en eau municipale ou température chaude. La température très froide peut être atteinte au moyen de systèmes de réfrigération (62, 64, 98) situés dans ou à côté du réservoir d'eau très froide. L'eau chaude peut provenir d'un des réservoirs dans lequel un système de chauffage (230, 320, 750C, 950C) peut être intégré. La machine à laver peut également comprendre un panier en relief évolué (600) qui présente une plus grande surface active. Les caractéristiques selon cette invention peuvent être intégrées dans une nouvelle machine à laver ou être adaptées sur une machine à laver existante. Cette machine présente une fonction de lavage et de rinçage à l'eau très froide, qui permet de laver en machine, sans utiliser de produits chimiques dangereux et sans apparition de retrait, des vêtements, notamment des vêtements en laine, en rayonne, en acétate ou d'autres vêtements, tels que des cuirs ou des fourrures, qui sont habituellement nettoyés à sec ou lavés à la main.
PCT/US2003/012156 2003-02-12 2003-04-18 Machine a laver et procede ameliores WO2004072354A1 (fr)

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US10/545,503 US20070130698A1 (en) 2003-02-12 2003-04-18 Washer method and apparatus
AU2003237085A AU2003237085A1 (en) 2003-02-12 2003-04-18 Improved washer method and apparatus

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US44692803P 2003-02-12 2003-02-12
US60/446,928 2003-02-12

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US8887540B2 (en) 2010-07-28 2014-11-18 Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgeraete Gmbh Laundry drum for a laundry treatment machine

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US20070283728A1 (en) * 2006-06-09 2007-12-13 Nyik Siong Wong Prevention of scale and sludge in a steam generator of a fabric treatment appliance
US20080040869A1 (en) * 2006-08-15 2008-02-21 Nyik Siong Wong Determining Fabric Temperature in a Fabric Treating Appliance
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EP2145992A1 (fr) 2008-07-18 2010-01-20 BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH Tambour pour une machine de traitement du linge
US8887540B2 (en) 2010-07-28 2014-11-18 Bsh Bosch Und Siemens Hausgeraete Gmbh Laundry drum for a laundry treatment machine

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US20070130698A1 (en) 2007-06-14

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