WO2015008199A1

WO2015008199A1 - Supply and/or safety device with integrated anti slipping off

Info

Publication number: WO2015008199A1
Application number: PCT/IB2014/063024
Authority: WO
Inventors: Enzo Brignone; Paolo Chiapello; Davide Rivero
Original assignee: Bitron S.P.A.
Priority date: 2013-07-16
Filing date: 2014-07-11
Publication date: 2015-01-22
Also published as: ITTO20130598A1; PL230629B1; CN106170239B; WO2015008198A1; PL416904A1; CN105555179B; CN105555179A; PL230628B1; DE112014003322T5; PL416905A1; DE112014003303T5; CN106170239A

Abstract

Supply and/or safety device (2) for a washing machine. The device (2) comprises: a valve body (3) defining a passage duct (32), in its turn comprising: an inlet portion (321), for connecting the device (2) to a liquid supply source; an outlet portion (323) for connecting the device (2) to a flow pipe (P) for supplying said liquid to a washing machine; an intermediate portion (322) for the connection between said inlet portion (321) and said outlet portion (323); at least one shut-off device (4), comprising at least one electrovalve, associated with said passage duct (32) of the valve body (3); at least one clamping element (6) for clamping the flow pipe (P) to the passage duct (32), for the purpose of preventing it from sliding off. Said at least one clamping element (6) is integrated into the device (2) itself.

Description

TITLE: SUPPLY AND/OR SAFETY DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED ANTI SLIPPING OFF.

The present invention relates to an anti-flooding supply and/or safety device for a washing machine, such as laundry washing machines and dishwashers.

The device according to the present invention comprises at least one clamping element for clamping a flow pipe to the supply device and preventing it from slipping off, which is integrated, i.e. incorporated, into the supply device itself.

It is known to use separate clamping elements for clamping a flow pipe to a duct of a valve assembly. Said element is provided as a part which is independent from the body of the supply device. For this reason, it requires a great effort when assembling the device together with the flow pipe. Moreover, being an independent part, it adds to the number of elements constituting the device, resulting in higher assembly and production costs.

Retaining elements are also known which are adapted to retain a smooth pipe by using protuberances provided on the body of a duct, e.g. comprised in a valve assembly, which protuberances abut against the smooth inner surface of the pipe. Said solution requires that said pipe be made of deformable material, e.g. rubber, so that an elastic force can be exerted on such protuberances to prevent the pipe from slipping off the duct. This duct typology is not used in household appliances such as laundry washing machines or dishwashers .

The present invention aims at solving the above- mentioned technical problems by providing an anti-flooding supply and/or safety device for washing machines, such as, for example, laundry washing machines or dishwashers, which can be assembled easily and require low production and manufacturing costs.

In particular, the present invention intends to provide an integrated anti slipping device, in particular a clamping element integrated into the same device, meaning that it is incorporated into the device, being an integral part thereof. In particular, said clamping element is incorporated into device 2 and is not an additional element to be associated with the device.

One aspect of the present invention relates to a supply and/or safety device for washing machines according to the present invention, comprising a clamping element having the features set out in the appended claim 1.

A further aspect of the present invention relates to a connection assembly according to claim 10.

Accessory features of the supply and/or safety device and of the assembly are set out in the appended dependent claims .

The features and advantages of the supply and/or safety device and of the assembly according to the present invention will become clear and apparent from the following description of several non-limiting explanatory embodiments thereof and from the annexed drawings, wherein:

• Figure 1 is a sectional view of the supply and/or safety device along a vertical plane, according to a possible exemplary and non-limiting embodiment thereof;

• Figure 2 is a partially exploded view of the supply and/or safety device of Figure l;Figures 3A-3E show different embodiments of the clamping element for clamping the water flow pipe, which is comprised in the supply and/or safety device, being integrated/incorporated into it; in particular, Figure 3A shows a first embodiment wherein it is integrated into the valve body and comprises at least one first housing adapted to house at least one protuberance comprised in said flow pipe; Figures 3B and 3C show two embodiments wherein the clamping element is comprised in the power supply connector; Figures 3D and 3E show two embodiments wherein the clamping element is comprised in the valve body;

• Figure 4 shows an embodiment wherein hydraulic tightness is ensured without the use of any gaskets, but only through mechanical interference;

• Figures 5A and 5B show two possible embodiments of the flow pipe to be associated with a supply and/or safety device according to the present invention;

• Figure 6 shows an assembly including a supply and/or safety device and a flow pipe, wherein an air-break device is secured to the opposite end of the same pipe.

With reference to the above-mentioned drawings, the subject of the present invention is a supply and/or safety device 2 for a washing machine.

Device 2 comprises: a valve body 3 defining a passage duct 32, in its turn comprising: an inlet portion 321 for connecting device 2 to a liquid supply source; an outlet portion 323 for connecting device 2 to a flow pipe "P" for supplying said liquid to a washing machine; and an intermediate portion 322 for the connection between said inlet portion 321 and said outlet portion 323.

Said flow pipe "P" is surrounded by a protection pipe

"Ps" arranged coaxially to said flow pipe "P". Preferably, both flow pipe "P" and protection pipe "Ps" are of the corrugated type. The technical and functional features of said two pipes P, Ps are known to those skilled in the art. Said pipes P, Ps comprise a plurality of protuberances "T" and a plurality of hollows "V" . Preferably, said protuberances and hollows are alternated .

When viewing the pipes from the outer surface, protuberances "T" protrude towards the outside from the pipe itself, while hollows "V" protrude towards the inside of the pipe. When viewing the pipe from the inner surface, instead, those that were considered to be hollows will become protuberances protruding towards the inside of the pipe, and those that were considered to be protuberances on the outer surface will become hollows.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, a ring nut 25 is preferably associated with said inlet portion 321 for coupling device 2 to a liquid supply source, in particular to the water main, through a tap.

In an equivalent embodiment (not shown), said supply and/or safety device is integrated into the supply circuit inside the washing machine, in particular it is associated with a supply valve.

Sealing gaskets, filters and flow regulators, all of which are known to those skilled in the art, may be positioned in said inlet portion 321.

Device 2 also comprises at least one shut-off device 4 comprising in turn at least one electrovalve 42 and associated with said passage duct 32 of valve body 3. Preferably, said device 2 comprises at least one electric cable "W" conducting an electric current for controlling shut-off device 4 for the purpose of closing passage duct 32.

Shut-off device 4 is controlled in a manner which is known to those skilled in the art to allow the supply of liquid to a washing machine and, should a leak occur, to ensure the closing of passage duct 32.

In order to bring electric cable "W" near device 2, the same cable "W" is placed into the interstice between flow pipe "P" and protection pipe "Ps", e.g. as shown in Figures 1, 2, 4.

In a possible exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, supply and/or safety device 2 according to the present invention comprises a power supply connector 5, which in its turn comprises: a through hole 52 allowing at least a partial passage of a portion of said valve body 3; and an orifice 54 allowing the passage of said at least one electric cable "W" .

In general, said device 2 comprises at least one clamping element 6 for clamping flow pipe "P" to passage duct 32, for the purpose of preventing it from slipping off.

Said clamping element 6 may be able to take a released configuration, in which it does not interact with flow pipe "P", thus not performing its function as an anti slipping element, and an interference configuration, in which it performs its anti slipping function, e.g. through mechanical interference.

Supply and/or safety device 2 according to the present invention ensures anti slipping retention of flow pipe "P", so that flow pipe "P" cannot slip from supply device 2, in particular from valve body 3. Thus, device 2 comprises at least one clamping element 6 for clamping flow pipe "P" to passage duct 32.

Said at least one clamping element 6 is integrated into device 2 itself, being an integral part thereof. Said clamping element 6 is incorporated into device 2. It is not a separate element to be associated with the supply and/or safety device for clamping the flow pipe to passage duct 32, but an integral part of device 2 itself. The present solution allows, therefore, to reduce the number of elements to be assembled, thus simplifying the assembling of the device.

In a first exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, said at least one clamping element 6 is integrated, i.e. incorporated, into valve body 3. In this embodiment, clamping element 6 belongs to valve body 3, e.g. as shown in Figures 1, 2, 3A, 3D, 3E, 4 and 6.

In an equivalent exemplary and non-limiting embodiment, said at least one clamping element 6 for clamping flow pipe "P" to passage duct 32 is integrated, i.e. incorporated, into said connector 5. In this embodiment, said clamping element belongs to electric connector 5, e.g. as shown in Figures 3B, 3C.

In a first embodiment, said clamping element 6 comprises at least one first housing 62 adapted to house at least one protuberance "T" comprised in said flow pipe "P". In the present embodiment, said clamping element 6 can retain flow pipe "P" by acting upon a protuberance "T", thereby exerting an interference locking action. One possible embodiment is illustrated by way of example in Figures 1, 2, 3A, 4, 6. The shape of said first housing 62 is preferbly complementary to the shape of protuberance a

In an equivalent descriptive and non-limiting embodiment, said clamping element 6 comprises at least one first tooth 64 adapted to be inserted into at least one hollow "V" comprised in said flow pipe "P".

In the present embodiment, said clamping element 6 can retain flow pipe "P" by acting upon one or more hollows "V", thereby exerting an interference locking action. One possible embodiment is illustrated by way of example in Figures 3B, 3C, 3D and 3E. In a possible embodiment, said clamping element 6 comprises at least one first tooth 64 adapted to engage with one or more hollows or corrugations of flow pipe "P", and at least one second tooth 66 adapted to engage into a suitable housing for the purpose of preventing the same clamping element 6 from accidentally disengaging from said flow pipe "P".

For simplicity, but without any limitation whatsoever, in the following description and in the annexed drawings said protuberance "T" and/or said hollow "V", on which clamping element 6 exerts a clamping force in order to provide the desired anti slipping effect, are described and illustrated as being formed on the outer surface of flow pipe "P", along the outer perimeter thereof. In an alternative embodiment (not shown), said one or more protuberances "T" and/or said one or more hollows "V" are comprised on the inner surface of the flow pipe "P", along the inner perimeter thereof, and are acted upon by said clamping element 6.

In general, in supply and/or safety device 2 according to the present invention, the hydraulic sealing between flow pipe "P" and a protection pipe "Ps" is obtained through mechanical interference, e.g. plastic on plastic, between said outlet portion 323 of passage duct 32 and the inner wall of through hole 52, and/or through cooperation with said abutment portion 50 of power supply connector 5.

In an equivalent embodiment, the hydraulic sealing between flow pipe "P" and a protection pipe "Ps" is achieved through at least one gasket "f", e.g. interposed between the valve body and abutment portion 50 of power supply connector 5.

In a preferred possible embodiment, said power supply connector 5 is made as one piece, distinct from valve body 3. Said connector 5 is made, for example, by means of an injection or moulding process.

Preferably, said through hole 52 allows at least a partial passage of said outlet portion 323 of passage duct 32.

In general, said power supply connector 5, when assembled, is arranged substantially, and at least partially, coaxial to passage duct 32, in particular to outlet portion 323; this feature is clearly visible in the annexed Figures 1, 3B, 5A-5D, 6 and 7.

Said power supply connector 5 is at least partially fitted onto said passage duct 32, in particular onto outlet portion 323.

Preferably, power supply connector 5 has a substantially annular shape, e.g. extending around said through hole 52.

Preferably, when connector 5 is in the assembled condition, said through hole 52 surrounds at least a part of said outlet portion 323. Figures 1, 2 illustrate a preferred embodiment of power supply connector 5. In particular, said power supply connector 5 comprises a supporting element 56 for supporting first terminals "Wf" associated with said electric cable "W", in particular with the ends of said electric cable "W", for the electric connection to said shut-off device 4, in particular after said electric cable "W" has been inserted through orifice 54.

Preferably, said first terminals "Wf" are associated with electric cable "W" before the same cable "W" is inserted through said orifice 54.

In the preferred embodiment, shown in the annexed drawings, said supporting element 56 comprises, preferably at one end thereof, supporting housings 562 for holding said first terminals "Wf" connected to each end of the electric wires comprised in said electric cable "W" . The opposite end of said supporting element 56 is preferably rigidly secured to the annular structure of power supply connector 5.

In addition to supporting the first terminals "Wf", the electric connector 5 according to the present invention also provides hydraulic sealing of the interspace generated between flow pipe "P" and protection pipe "Ps".

The solution of the present invention turns out to be particularly advantageous because it allows said first terminals "Wf" to be positioned into said supporting housings 562 during a step that precedes the assembly of connector 5 with supply and/or safety device 2, and also the step of securing flow pipe "P" to device 2. This allows to automate all the steps required for assembling every part of supply and/or safety device 2. Once electric cable "W" has been inserted through orifice 54, first terminals "Wf" have been properly secured in said supporting housings 562, and said power supply connector 5 has been joined to device 2, thus establishing the electric connection to shut-off device 4, same orifice 54 can be sealed with insulating material, such as epoxy resin .

Preferably, said first terminals "Wf" are of the blade type, commonly referred to as faston connectors.

Each one of said first terminals "Wf" is adapted to generate an electric contact with a respective second connector 45 comprised in shut-off device 4. Said first terminal "Wf" has a shape which is complementary to said second connector 45. In general, said supporting element 56 extends substantially radially relative to through hole 52, and substantially perpendicular to longitudinal axis "X" of said passage duct 32, in particular to outlet portion 323. This arrangement allows keeping first terminals "Wf" in proximity to said second connectors 45. Said power supply connector 5 according to the present invention comprises: an abutment portion 50 disposed at the periphery of said hole 52, adapted to abut against valve body 3; and a retaining portion 51, adapted to cooperate with a protection pipe "Ps" for ensuring that the same protection pipe "Ps" is clamped to supply and/or safety device 2. Power supply connector 5 according to the present invention also acts as a support for protection pipe "Ps".

In a preferred embodiment, said supporting element 56 is rigidly secured to said abutment portion 50.

In general, supply and/or safety device 2 comprises at least a first protection shell 21 for protecting the shut- off device, in particular the electric portion of electrovalve 42. Preferably, said first protection shell 21, once installed, also encloses supporting element 56 of connector 5.

Said shut-off device 4, as aforementioned, comprises at least one electrovalve 42, which comprises a coil 44 that, when current flows through it, operates said electrovalve, thereby closing said passage duct 32. Such aspects of the shut-off device will not be described any further herein because they are known to those skilled in the art .

To said coil 44 said second connectors 45 are electrically connected, which are adapted to be coupled to the respective first terminals "Wf" to ensure the electric connection between electrovalve 42 and said electric cable "W" .

The external enclosure of the shut-off device, in particular the external enclosure that covers coil 44 of electrovalve 42, comprises at least one locking element 47, which, when power supply connector 5 is installed on said valve body 3, retains supporting element 56 of the same power supply connector 5, thus ensuring that there is constant interaction between the first terminal "Wf" and the second connector 45. This solution ensures electric safety and prevents any false contacts or separation from occurring between the first terminals "Wf" and the second connectors 45, e.g. due to the electric cable and/or the two pipes P, Ps being pulled.

In general, supply and/or safety device 2 comprises at least a second protection shell 23 that encloses all the devices comprised in supply and/or safety device 2 according to the present invention. Said second protection shell 23 also performs the function of preventing protection pipe "Ps" from slipping off. Said second protection shell 23 is preferably made out of two half- shells, which are assembled together by means of coupling means, e.g. snap-type coupling means.

As aforementioned, supply and/or safety device 2 according to the present invention ensures anti slipping retention of flow pipe "P", so that flow pipe "P" cannot slip from supply and/or safety device 2, in particular from valve body 3. Thus, device 2 comprises at least one clamping element 6 for clamping flow pipe "P" to passage duct 32. Said clamping element 6 is integrated into said device 2.

In the embodiment of Figure 3A, said clamping element

6 comprises at least one first housing 62 adapted to engage with at least one protuberance or corrugation "T" of flow pipe "P", which engages into said first housing 62. Said first housing 62 is, for example, a cavity formed in outlet portion 323 of passage duct 32, e.g. a hole, the shape of which is preferably complementary to the shape of protuberance "T". Clamping element 6 exerts its action by interference. In the present embodiment, said clamping element 6 is therefore integrated, i.e. incorporated, into said valve body 3.

Said clamping element 6 can take the released operating configuration and the interference operating configuration. To do so, that part of outlet portion 323 of passage duct 32, in particular the outermost part thereof, which is located near said first housing 62 is designed in a manner such that it can at least partly flex, e.g. by reducing its thickness and/or by using plastic materials having appropriate elastic properties, when said flow pipe "P" is inserted into said outlet portion 323, thereby allowing said at least one protuberance "T" or corrugation to engage with said first housing 62 and then return into its original position, thus ensuring retention of the same flow pipe "P".

In the embodiment illustrated herein, outlet portion 323, once flow pipe "P" has been joined to device 2, surrounds the same pipe "P", arranging itself coaxially thereto .

In an alternative embodiment (not shown), said outlet portion 323, once flow pipe "P" has been joined to device 2, is surrounded by the same pipe "P", and said first housing 62 interacts with a protuberance on the inner surface of the same flow pipe "P".

In the embodiments shown in Figures 3B-3E, said clamping element comprises at least one first tooth 64 adapted to interact with corrugations (protuberances "T" or hollows "V") of flow pipe "P" for the purpose of preventing the same pipe from slipping off, and at least one second tooth 66 adapted to engage into at least one housing for the purpose of preventing said at least one first tooth 64 from accidentally becoming unhooked. In the illustrated embodiments, said clamping element 6 is adapted to switch from said released configuration to said interference configuration through at least a rotary movement.

In the embodiments shown in Figures 3B and 3C, anti slipping retention is provided by the interaction between power supply connector 5 and valve body 3. In such embodiments, at least one clamping element 6, adapted to clamp flow pipe "P" to passage duct 32, is comprised, preferably incorporated, in power supply connector 5, which is made as one piece.

In the embodiment of Figure 3B, said clamping element 6 comprises first teeth 64 adapted to interact with at least one hollow "V" or corrugation of flow pipe "P". Said at least one second tooth 66, instead, is adapted to engage with at least one second housing 68, formed in a portion of the same power supply connector 5, preferably parallel to said passage duct 32. In particular, said clamping element 6 is formed in sections of a portion of said connector 5. In particular, in the present embodiment said clamping element 6 is secured at one end to said connector 5, and at the other end it comprises at least one second tooth 66 adapted to engage with a second housing 68, in particular a hole, provided in the same connector 5, so as to lock said clamping element 6, and in particular said first teeth 64, into an interference configuration. Said first teeth 64 are arranged between the two ends of clamping element 6.

Said second housing 68 is so shaped as to be able to receive said clamping element, so that said first teeth 64 can interact with flow pipe "P". Preferably, said second housing has a shape which is complementary to the shape of the structure of the clamping element in which said first teeth 64 and said second teeth 66 are comprised.

For the purposes of the present invention, the term interference configuration means the configuration taken by clamping element 6 when it acts as an element for preventing flow pipe "P" from slipping off.

In the embodiment of Figure 3C, said clamping element

6 is secured at one end to said connector 5, and at the opposite end it comprises at least one second tooth 66 adapted to engage with a locking housing 324, formed in the outlet portion 323 of passage duct 32, such that said clamping element 6 is locked into an interference configuration. Said one or more first teeth 64, as in the preceding embodiment, are arranged between the two ends of clamping element 6, so as to interact with one or more hollows "V" comprised in flow pipe "P".

Said locking housing 324, which preferably has a shape complementary with said clamping element 6, cooperates with said second tooth 66 by interference, so as to allow said clamping element 6 to remain in the interference configuration. In particular, it avoids that the same clamping element 6 might disengage, e.g. open or not exert its anti slipping function on flow pipe "P".

In the embodiment of Figure 3D, said clamping element 6 is secured at one end to passage duct 32, in particular to outlet portion 323, and at the opposite end it comprises at least one second tooth 66 adapted to engage with a second housing 68, formed in the same outlet portion 323 of passage duct 32, such that said clamping element 6 is locked into an interference configuration. In this case as well, the second housing 68 cooperates with said second tooth 66 by interference, so as to allow said clamping element 6 to remain in the interference configuration. As in the preceding embodiments, said second housing 68 preferably has a shape which is complementary to said clamping element 6.

Said one or more first teeth 64 are arranged between the two ends of clamping element 6, so as to interact with one or more hollows "V" comprised in flow pipe "P". In this embodiment, as well as in the embodiments shown in Figures 3B and 3C, said clamping element extends along longitudinal axis "X" of passage duct 32. In said embodiments, in order to switch between the two configurations said clamping element 6 makes a rotary movement about an axis transversal to said longitudinal axis "X", as shown by way of example in the respective annexed drawings .

In the embodiment of Figure 3E, said clamping element 6 is secured at one end to passage duct 32, in particular to outlet portion 323, and at the opposite end it comprises at least one second tooth 66 adapted to engage with a second housing 68, formed in the same outlet portion 323 of passage duct 32, such that said clamping element 6 is locked into an interference configuration. In this embodiment, said clamping element 6 forms a part of the circumference of outlet portion 323 of passage duct 32. Such clamping elements can thus rotate about an axis parallel to longitudinal axis "X", as clearly shown in Figure 3E. In the present embodiment, said first tooth 64 can go into a hollow "V", following a part of its perimetric extension.

By observing Figures 3A-3E, a man skilled in the art will surely comprehend the operation of clamping element 6 and how it interacts with flow pipe "P" to prevent it from slipping off. Also, the drawings clearly show how the same clamping element 6 interacts with passage duct 32, in particular with outlet portion 323, and/or with power supply connector 5.

Flow pipe "P" is secured to outlet portion 323 in a manner such that flow pipe "P", once it has been associated with outlet portion 323, cannot accidentally slip , thanks to the anti slipping action exerted by said clamping element 6 as shown in any one of the previously described embodiments .

The clamping of a flow pipe "P", and possibly of protection pipe "Ps", only takes place through movements of the pipe along a longitudinal axis "X" of outlet portion 323 of passage duct 32.

Preferably, simultaneously with the insertion, at least partial, of an outlet portion 323 of passage duct 32 into a through hole 52 comprised in power supply connector 5, said first terminal "Wf" is electrically connected to a second connector 45 comprised in shut-off device 4, due to the thrust generated when inserting outlet portion 323 at least partially into through hole 52. This solution allows the electric connection to be easily established as power supply connector 5 is joined to device 2, without requiring any further steps for establishing the electric connection between electric cable "W" and shut-off device 4.

Figures 5A-5B illustrate different embodiments of flow pipe "P", which cooperates with device 2 to constitute an assembly forming at least a part of a hydraulic circuit, in particular a part of the supply duct of the household appliance, such as a laundry washing machine or a dishwasher.

Said flow pipe "P" is adapted to interact with clamping element 6. Such interactions ensures that the pipe cannot be unintentionally removed.

In both embodiments, said flow pipe comprises, at least at one end thereof, at least one protuberance "T" specially designed to interact with a first housing 62 of supply and/or safety device 2. Preferably, said protuberance "T" is wedge-shaped, and each end of the flow pipe comprise at least two of them, equidistant from each other .

When flow pipe "P", in particular a corrugated pipe, is joined to supply device 2, such parts will become an assembly .

The same clamping element 6 can be applied to other components of the hydraulic circuit of a washing machine, which have to be connected to a flow pipe "P" of the corrugated type, e.g. a device similar to the above- described clamping element 6 may also be implemented on another device, e.g. an air-break device 7.

With particular reference to Figures 5A and 5B, flow pipe "P" can be secured at one end to a supply device 2 according to the present invention, and at the opposite end to an air-break device 7.

In particular, Figure 5A shows a symmetrical flow pipe "P", whereas Figure 5B shows an asymmetrical flow pipe.

Figure 6 shows, by way of non-limiting example, a flow pipe connected to two devices. In particular, it is connected at one end to supply device 2 and at the other end to an air-break device 7. In the illustrated embodiment, said flow pipe "P" is of the symmetrical type.

As can be seen in Figure 6, supply device 2 comprises an integrated clamping element 6, and air-break device 7 comprises, at its inlet opening 70, a clamping element 72, the operation and purpose of which are essentially the same as those of clamping element 6 described with reference to supply device 2 according to the present invention. Also as concerns the air-break device 7, clamping element 72 is integrated into that device, being a part thereof, in particular being integrated/incorporated into the duct that defines inlet opening 70.

The corrugated pipe shown in Figure 6 is symmetrical comprising at each end at least to protuberances "T", e.g. wedge-shaped ones, adapted to interact with said clamping elements 6 , 72.

Therefore, the present solution allows to connect two devices to one corrugated pipe, e.g. to be used as a flow pipe for a washing machine, while avoiding the use of any supplementary, external clamping elements not belonging to the device itself.

Device 2 according to the present invention comprises, therefore, a power supply connector 5 that performs the function of supporting said first terminals "Wf" associated with the ends of electric cable "W" that supplies power to shut-off device 4, while also being an integral part of the system for hydraulically sealing the interspace created between flow pipe "P" and protection pipe "Ps", and contributing to the anti slipping effect on flow pipe "P".

Device 2 according to the present invention also offers the clear advantage of allowing the use of an electric connection that does not require soldering the ends of electric cable "W", since it is provided by means of a male-female connection, similar to a plug.

Device 2 according to the present invention has a low production cost and is easy to assemble.

Supply device 2 according to the present invention also offers the advantage of comprising an integrated clamping element 6, incorporated into a part thereof, thus reducing the costs incurred for manufacturing and assembling the same supply device 2. Furthermore, the present invention makes it easier to secure flow pipe "P" in order to create an assembly.

As described above, the clamping element can be applied to any device to be connected to a pipe, in particular a corrugated one.

Moreover, by modifying any pipe in such a way that it comprises at least one corrugated portion, in particular at least one protuberance "T" and/or at least one hollow "V", the clamping element described herein may possibly be used as an anti slipping element for any type of piping.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

Supply and/or safety device 2

First protection shell 21

Second protection shell 23 Ring nut 25

Valve body 3

Passage duct 32

Inlet portion 321

Intermediate portion 322 Outlet portion 323

Locking housing 324

Shut-off device 4

Electrovalve 42

Coil 44 Second connector 45 Locking element 47 Power supply connector 5

Abutment portion 50

Retaining portion 51

Through hole 52

Orifice 54

Supporting element 56

Supporting housings 562

Clamping element 6

First housing 62

First tooth 64

Second tooth 66

Second housing 68

Air-break device 7

Inlet opening 70

Clamping element 72

Electric cable "W"

First terminal "Wf

J /r

Flow pipe

Protection pipe "Ps a £ //

Gasket

JJ

Protuberance

Hollow "V"

Longitudinal axis "X"

/EB

Claims

1. Supply and/or safety device (2) for a washing machine, said device (2) comprising:

• a valve body (3) defining a passage duct (32), in its turn comprising:

o an inlet portion (321), for connecting the device

(2) to a liquid supply source;

o an outlet portion (323) for connecting the device

(2) to a flow pipe (P) , e.g. a corrugated one, for supplying said liquid to a washing machine;

o an intermediate portion (322) for the connection between said inlet portion (321) and said outlet portion (323) ;

• at least one shut-off device (4), comprising at least one electrovalve , associated with said passage duct (32) of the valve body (3);

• at least one clamping element (6) for clamping the flow pipe (P) to the passage duct (32), for the purpose of preventing it from sliding off;

the device (2) is characterized in that said at least one clamping element (6) is integrated into the device (2) itself .

2. Device according to claim 1, wherein said at least one clamping element (6) is integrated into the valve body (3) .

3. Device (2) according to claim 1, comprising a power supply connector (5) that comprises:

- a through hole (52) allowing at least a partial passage of said valve body (3);

- an orifice (54) allowing the passage of at least one electric cable (W) that conducts an electric current for controlling the shut-off device (4) .

4. Device according to claim 3, wherein said at least one clamping element (6) for clamping the flow pipe (P) to the passage duct (32) is integrated into said connector (5) .

5. Device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein said clamping element (6) comprises at least one first housing

(62) for housing at least one protuberance (T) comprised in said flow pipe (P) .

6. Device according to claim 2 or 4, wherein said clamping element (6) comprises at least one first tooth (64) for being inserted into at least one hollow (V) comprised in said flow pipe (P) .

7. Device according to claim 6, wherein said clamping element (6) comprises at least one second tooth (66) for engaging into a suitable housing (68, 324) for the purpose of preventing the same clamping element (6) from accidentally disassembling itself.

8. Device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein said protuberance (T) or said hollow (V) are comprised in the outer perimeter of the flow pipe (P) .

9. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein said clamping element (6) takes a first released configuration, in which it does not interact with the flow pipe (P) , and an interference configuration, in which it performs its function as an anti slipping element.

10. Assembly comprising:

- a supply and/or safety device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, and

- a flow pipe (P) , e.g. a corrugated pipe;

said pipe (P) is adapted to supply a liquid into a washing machine; said pipe (P) is connected, at one end, to said supply device ( 2 ) ;

said assembly is characterized in that said at least one clamping element (6) is integrated into the device (2) itself.

11. Assembly according to claim 10, wherein an air-break device (7), also comprising an integrated clamping element (72), is connected to the opposite end of said corrugated pipe .

12. Assembly according to claim 10 or 11, wherein said flow pipe (P) is symmetrical.