WO2013098247A1

WO2013098247A1 - A washing machine comprising a hydraulic drive means

Info

Publication number: WO2013098247A1
Application number: PCT/EP2012/076693
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mustafa Omer Akbas
Original assignee: Arcelik Anonim Sirketi
Priority date: 2011-12-30
Filing date: 2012-12-21
Publication date: 2013-07-04

Abstract

The present invention relates to a washing machine (1) wherein the idle energy generated by the rotation of the drum (4) is recovered and used again by means of the hydraulic drive means (5) and wherein the fluid in the circulation line (6), that is moved by the turbine (7) that operates like a compressor by the rotation of the drum (4), provides the pressure level in the pressure reservoir (8) to increase and the storing of kinetic energy by converting into potential energy.

Description

A WASHING MACHINE COMPRISING A HYDRAULIC DRIVE MEANS

The present invention relates to a washing machine that comprises a hydraulic drive means.

In washing machines suitable for washing laundry or washing and drying laundry, the washing operations are realized by converting electric energy into mechanical energy and heat by means of an electric motor. During the washing process, considerable amounts of energy losses are encountered during activating, stopping and activating in the opposite direction of the drum and especially stopping the drum after the high speeds reached during the spin-drying process. The said losses adversely affect the energy consumption levels of the washing machines. In state of the art, improvements in washing control methods are made in order to eliminate the said losses.

The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine, of which the energy consumption is decreased.

The hydraulic drive system comprised by the washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, provides the kinetic energy generated during the rotation of the drum to be stored and to be used again.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic drive system provides the storing of the kinetic energy generated at the end of the spin-drying process prior to stopping of the drum.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic drive system comprises a turbine situated on a closed loop fluid circulation line, a pressure reservoir and a valve group that regulates the flow in the circulation line.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the hydraulic drive system comprises a pump that provides the circulation of the fluid inside the circulation line.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the valve group provides the pressure level in the pressure reservoir to be increased with the fluid moved by the pump by isolating the pump and the pressure reservoir from other factors.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the valve group provides the pressure level in the pressure reservoir to be increased with the fluid moved by the turbine that operates like a compressor by isolating the turbine and the pressure reservoir from other factors.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the pressure reservoir comprises a flexible member that is compressed by the pressure of the fluid in the circulation line or that moves the fluid by applying pressure to the fluid in the circulation line, and an inlet and an outlet that enable circulation of the fluid.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the washing machine comprises a pressure sensor that provides the pressure in the pressure reservoir to be measured and a control unit that controls the fluid flow by means of the valve group depending on the measured pressure values.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the turbine comprises an impeller that is functionally connected to the drum and a chamber wherein the impeller is situated. The impeller is mounted on the shaft of the drum. The leak-proofing between the shaft and the chamber is provided by a sealing gasket.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine comprises an electric motor that is operated alternately with the hydraulic drive means.

The fluid that is circulated inside the circulation line is water or oil.

In the washing machine of the present invention, the recovery of the kinetic energy generated in the stopping phase of the drum and reusing thereafter is realized by the hydraulic drive means.

The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

Figure 1 – is the schematic view of a washing machine.

Figure 2 – is the schematic view of another washing machine.

The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

Washing machine
Body
Tub
Drum
Hydraulic drive means
Circulation line
Turbine
Pressure reservoir
Valve group
Pump
Flexible member
Inlet
Outlet
Pressure sensor
Control unit
Impeller
Chamber
Shaft
Sealing element
Electric motor

The washing machine (1), suitable for washing laundry or washing and drying laundry, comprises a body (2), a tub (3), a drum (4) situated inside the tub (3), wherein laundry is placed and a hydraulic drive means (5) that stores the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the drum (4) during the washing cycle and transfers to the drum (4) to be used in another phase of the washing cycle (Figure 1 and Figure 2).

In the washing machine (1), the process wherein the operations of washing, rinsing, spin-drying and drying depending on selection are realized is named as a washing cycle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic drive means (5) stores the kinetic energy that is generated during the period between the high rotational speed of the drum (4) reached during the spin-drying process and the time the drum (4) stops as a result of free fall to be used in the subsequent stages of the washing cycle.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the hydraulic drive means (5) comprises a closed loop fluid circulation line (6), a turbine (7) situated on the fluid circulation line (6), connected functionally with the drum (4), that activates the fluid in the fluid circulation line (6) depending on the movement of the drum (4), a pressure reservoir (8) situated on the fluid circulation line (6), that stores the pressure applied by the fluid moved by the turbine (7) and a valve group (9) situated on the fluid circulation line (6), that provides the control of the fluid flow in the fluid circulation line (6). The flow direction and flow speed of the fluid in the fluid circulation line (6) and the active sections of the fluid circulation line (6) are changed by means of the valve group (9) (Figure 1).

In a derivative of this embodiment, the hydraulic drive means (5) comprises a pump (10) that is situated on the fluid circulation line (6).

The fluid inside the circulation line (6) is moved by the pump (10) or the turbine (7) or by the pressure stored inside the pressure reservoir (8). When the fluid inside the circulation line (6) is moved by means of the pressure stored inside the pressure reservoir (8), the turbine (7) and the drum (4) connected to the turbine (7) are provided to be rotated. The turbine (7) and the drum (4) connected to the turbine (7) are provided to be rotated when the fluid inside the fluid circulation line (6) is moved by the pump (10). When the fluid inside the circulation line (6) is moved by the turbine (7) that is operated like a compressor depending on the rotation of the drum (4), energy is stored in the pressure reservoir (8) by means of pressure increase. Accordingly, the hydraulic drive means (5) provides the actuation of the drum (4) in all stages of the washing cycle and the realization of the washing cycle.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the fluid inside the circulation line (6) is prevented from reaching the turbine (7) by means of the valve group (9) at the initial stage of the washing cycle. The section of the circulation line (6) between the pump (10) and the pressure reservoir (8) is open to fluid flow. When the pump (10) is operated, the fluid that is moved by the pump (10) causes the level of pressure in the pressure reservoir (8) to increase. When a predetermined pressure level is reached in the pressure reservoir (8), the valve group (9) provides the fluid inside the circulation line (6) to reach the turbine (7) and the fluid that is moved by the effect of rising pressure in the pressure reservoir (8) to start the washing operation by rotating the turbine (7). By means of the phase difference created between operating the pump (10) and rotating the drum (4), the high torque values required for the initial start-up of the drum (4) are reached with the level of pressure stored in the pressure reservoir (8). Consequently, the washing cycle is realized by the pump (10) that supplies a power level lower than the peak point of the power amount needed during the washing cycle.

In a derivative of this embodiment, the fluid inside the circulation line (6) is provided to reach to the pressure reservoir (8) from the turbine (7) by means of the valve group (9) at the end of the spin-drying operation. Meanwhile, the pump (10) is not operated. At the end of the spin-drying operation, the drum (4) continues to rotate until it stops by free fall. The turbine (7) moves the fluid in the circulation line (6) depending on the rotation of the drum (4) and causes the pressure level in the pressure reservoir (8) to increase. The pressure reservoir (8) stores the kinetic energy produced by the turbine (7) as potential energy. In the period until the drum (4) stops, the pressure level in the pressure reservoir (8) increases and the kinetic energy of the drum (4) is stored as potential energy. The energy stored in the pressure reservoir (8) is used for actuating the drum (4) in the subsequent stages of the washing cycle or in another washing cycle. When the energy stored in the pressure reservoir (8) is desired to be used, the valve group (9) provides the fluid inside the circulation line (6) to reach the turbine (7) and the fluid moved by the effect of rising pressure in the pressure reservoir (8) is provided to rotate the turbine (7).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the pressure reservoir (8) comprises an inlet (12), an outlet (13) and a flexible member (11) that provides the storing of energy by being compressed with the pressure of the fluid inside the circulation line (6). When the outlet (13) is changed to the closed position and the inlet (12) to the open position by the valve group (9), the flexible member (11) is compressed with the pressure of the fluid that is moved by the pump (10) or the turbine (7). Consequently, the pressure level inside the pressure reservoir (8) is provided to rise and accordingly the stored potential energy to increase. When the outlet (13) is changed to the open position and the inlet (12) to the closed position by the valve group (9), the flexible member (11) resumes its initial position before compression with the effect of the pressure on the flexible member (11) and rotates the turbine (7) by moving the fluid inside the circulation line (6).

In a derivative of this embodiment, the washing machine (1) comprises a pressure sensor (14) that provides the pressure level inside the pressure reservoir (8) to be measured and a control unit (15). The control unit (15) provides the fluid to be directed inside the circulation line (6) by means of the valve group (9) by using the pressure level data measured by the pressure sensor (14).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the turbine (7) comprises an impeller (16) that is functionally connected to the drum (4), that rotates together with the drum (4) and a chamber (17) situated on the circulation line (6), connected to the tub (3) and wherein the impeller (16) is situated. The fluid that reaches the chamber (17) from the circulation line (6) is provided to return to the circulation line (6) by being moved by the impeller (16) that rotates by being connected to the drum (4).

In a derivative of this embodiment, the washing machine (1) comprises a shaft (18) connected to the drum (4) and an impeller (16) that is integrated with the shaft (18). In this embodiment, the chamber (17) surrounds the impeller (16) and the portion of the shaft (18) whereon the impeller (16) is mounted. The washing machine (1) furthermore comprises a sealing element (19) that prevents passage of fluid between the chamber (17) and the shaft (18).

In an embodiment of the present invention, the washing machine (1) comprises an electric motor (20). The electric motor (20) and the hydraulic drive means (5) form a hybrid drive system and are operated alternately. The electric motor (20) is operated when the energy stored in the hydraulic drive means (5) is depleted or when energy transmission is at a lower level than the required level in the continuing stage of the washing cycle. Energy is stored in the hydraulic drive means (5) in the spin-drying phase or in the stages wherein the electric motor (20) operates (Figure 2).

In the washing machine (1) of the present invention, the idle energy generated by the rotation of the drum (4) is recovered and used again by means of the hydraulic drive means (5). The fluid in the circulation line (6), that is moved by the turbine (7) that operates like a compressor by the rotation of the drum (4), provides the pressure level in the pressure reservoir (8) to increase and the storing of kinetic energy by converting into potential energy.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed above and a person skilled in the art can easily introduce different embodiments. These different embodiments should also be considered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

A washing machine (1), suitable for washing laundry or washing and drying laundry, comprising a body (2), a tub (3), a drum (4) situated inside the tub (3), wherein laundry is placed, characterized by a hydraulic drive means (5) that stores the kinetic energy generated by the rotation of the drum (4) during the washing cycle and transfers to the drum (4) to be used in another stage of the washing cycle.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1, characterized by the hydraulic drive means (5) that stores the kinetic energy that is generated during the period between the high rotational speed of the drum (4) reached during the spin-drying process and the time the drum (4) stops as a result of free fall, to be used in the subsequent stages of the washing cycle.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 1 or 2, characterized by the hydraulic drive means (5) comprising a closed loop fluid circulation line (6), a turbine (7) situated on the fluid circulation line (6), connected functionally with the drum (4), that moves the fluid in the fluid circulation line (6) depending on the movement of the drum (4), a pressure reservoir (8) situated on the fluid circulation line (6), that stores the pressure applied by the fluid moved by the turbine (7) and a valve group (9) situated on the fluid circulation line (6), that provides the control of the fluid flow in the fluid circulation line (6).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the hydraulic drive means (5) comprising a pump (10) that is situated on the fluid circulation line (6).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the Claims 3 to 4, characterized by the valve group (9) that prevents the fluid inside the circulation line (6) from reaching the turbine (7) at the initial stage of the washing cycle.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the Claims 3 to 5, characterized by the valve group (9) that provides the fluid inside the circulation line (6) to reach from the turbine (7) to the pressure reservoir (8) at the end of the spin-drying process and the pressure reservoir (8) that stores the kinetic energy produced by the turbine (7) as potential energy depending on the rotation of the drum (4) until it stops with free fall at the end of the spin-drying process.
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the Claims 3 to 6, characterized by the pressure reservoir (8) comprising an inlet (12), an outlet (13) and a flexible member (11) that provides the storing of energy by being compressed with the pressure of the fluid inside the circulation line (6).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the Claims 3 to 7, characterized by a pressure sensor (14) that provides the pressure level inside the pressure reservoir (8) to be measured and a control unit (15) that provides the fluid to be directed inside the circulation line (6) by means of the valve group (9) by using the pressure level data measured by the pressure sensor (14).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the Claims 3 to 8, characterized by the turbine (7) comprising an impeller (16) that is functionally connected to the drum (4), that rotates together with the drum (4) and a chamber (17) situated on the circulation line (6), connected to the tub (3) and wherein the impeller (16) is situated.
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 9, characterized by a shaft (18) connected to the drum (4) and an impeller (16) that is integrated with the shaft (18).
A washing machine (1) as in Claim 10, characterized by a sealing element (19) that prevents passage of fluid between the chamber (17) and the shaft (18).
A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above Claims, characterized by an electric motor (20) that is operated alternately with the hydraulic drive means (5).