U.S. patent application number 12/679162 was filed with the patent office on 2011-01-20 for washing system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Wientjens Technology B.V.. Invention is credited to Gerry Wientjens.
Application Number | 20110011136 12/679162 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39031031 |
Filed Date | 2011-01-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110011136 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Wientjens; Gerry |
January 20, 2011 |
WASHING SYSTEM
Abstract
A washing system provided with a washing container for washing
laundry and provided with a heater device for heating water in the
washing container. In order to achieve a high energy efficiency the
washing container is provided with a water outlet, a water inlet
and an external connection extending between the water outlet and
the water inlet. A pump unit is provided for pumping water from the
water outlet to the water inlet through the external connection.
The heater device comprises a gas burning device for heating a
helical tube heat exchange portion in said connection. A water
filter is provided for filtering the water.
Inventors: |
Wientjens; Gerry; (Milsbeek,
NL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MERCHANT & GOULD PC
P.O. BOX 2903
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402-0903
US
|
Assignee: |
Wientjens Technology B.V.
Milsbeek
NL
|
Family ID: |
39031031 |
Appl. No.: |
12/679162 |
Filed: |
April 28, 2008 |
PCT Filed: |
April 28, 2008 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2008/055142 |
371 Date: |
October 1, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/15 ;
237/57 |
Current CPC
Class: |
C09K 8/5083 20130101;
C09K 8/602 20130101; Y02P 20/10 20151101; C09K 8/5086 20130101;
C09K 8/885 20130101; Y02P 20/123 20151101; C09K 8/882 20130101;
D06F 31/005 20130101; D06F 39/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/15 ;
237/57 |
International
Class: |
D06F 29/00 20060101
D06F029/00; F24H 1/00 20060101 F24H001/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 20, 2007 |
EP |
07116870.2 |
Claims
1. A washing system comprising a washing container for washing
laundry; and a heater device for heating water in the washing
container, the washing container comprising a first washing
compartment for washing laundry with water having a first
temperature and a second washing compartment for washing laundry
with water having a second temperature being higher than the first
temperature, and a conveying device for conveying at least laundry
from the first washing compartment to the second washing
compartment, the second washing compartment comprising a water
outlet, a water inlet, an external connection between the water
outlet and the water inlet, and a pump unit for pumping water from
the water outlet to the water inlet through the external
connection, and the heater device comprising a helical-tube heat
exchange in the external connection and a gas burning device for
heating the helical-tube heat exchange, and a water filter provided
in the external connection between the water outlet and the
helical-tube heat exchange.
2. A washing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the washing
container is provided with more than one second washing
compartment, wherein each of at least two second washing
compartments has its external connection between its water outlet
and its water inlet, wherein a valve system is provided for
selectively positioning the helical-tube heat exchange of the
heater device in at least one of the provided external
connections.
3. A washing system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the valve system
comprises a water outlet valve and a water inlet valve in each
external connection.
4. A washing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the washing
system is a continuous bath washer system.
5. A washing system comprising at least two washing containers for
washing laundry with water, each washing container comprising a
water outlet and a water inlet; and a heater device for heating
water in the washing containers, the heater device comprising a
helical-tube heat exchange a gas burning device for heating the
helical-tube heat exchange, a water filter, and a pump unit; and, a
piping comprising a valve system for selectively connecting the
helical-tube heat exchange to the water outlet and the water inlet
of at least one washing container.
6. A washing system as claimed claim 5, wherein the washing
containers are part of washing extractors.
7. A washing system as claimed claim 2, wherein the valve system is
provided for selectively positioning the water filter in at least
one of the provided external connections.
8. A washing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the helical-tube
heat exchange surrounds an inner space, wherein a gas flame
produced by the gas burning device, during operation, is directed
to the inner space.
9. A washing system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the gas burning
device is provided with a burner tube extending axially in the
helical-tube heat exchange, which burner tube has a circumferential
wall provided with burner openings directed to the inner space.
10. A washing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the heater
device is provided with an enclosure accommodating the helical-tube
heat exchange portion and the gas burning device.
11. A washing system as claimed in claim 10, wherein the
helical-tube heat exchange portion is provided with a heat exchange
sub-portion, said heat exchange and sub-portion being arranged in
series, wherein the heat exchange is accommodated in a combustion
gas exhaust of the enclosure.
12. A washing system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a header is
provided in the external connection, which header is arranged in
parallel with the helical-tube heat exchange of the heater device
or with the combination of helical-tube heat exchange and water
filter.
13. A heater unit suitable for use in a washing system of the kind
as claimed in claim 1, comprising a heater device provided with a
helical-tube heat exchange having a water entrance and a water
exit, and provided with a gas burning device for heating the
helical-tube heat exchange, and comprising a water filter arranged
in series with the water entrance of the helical-tube heat
exchange.
14. A heater unit as claimed in claim 13, wherein the helical-tube
heat exchange surrounds an inner space, wherein the gas burning
device is provided with a burner tube extending axially in the
helical-tube heat exchange, which burner tube has a circumferential
wall provided with burner openings directed to the inner space.
15. A heater unit as claimed in claim 13, provided with a frame
supporting the heater device and water filter.
16. A heater unit as claimed in claim 13, wherein the water filter
is a self-cleaning filter.
17. A heater unit as claimed in claim 13, wherein the helical-tube
heat exchange is provided with a helical-tube heat exchange
sub-portion, said heat exchange and sub-portion being arranged in
series, wherein the heat exchange sub-portion is accommodated in a
combustion gas exhaust portion of the enclosure.
18. Use of the washing system as claimed in claim 1.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to washing system provided with a
washing container for washing laundry and provided with a heating
device for heating water in the washing container.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Energy costs are becoming increasingly important factors in
laundries and laundry processes. Due to the growing
energy-consciousness reduction of energy consumption in laundry
processes has a high priority. Laundry systems are industrial
systems comprising washing systems for washing dirty sheets,
tablecloths and other linen, from e.g. hotels and hospitals as well
as dirty clothing and other textiles. Laundry systems further
comprise moisture extracting units, such as ironers, dryers or
irons, for extracting moisture from the washed lines and
textiles.
[0003] One of the laundry processes where a substantial part of the
total energy consumption within a laundry system takes place is the
washing process itself, because the water used in at least a main
wash program has to be heated up to a high temperature. In the
washing process of e.g. hospital linen a water temperature of about
90 degrees Celsius is required for disinfection reasons.
[0004] In known washing systems it is common and standard to reach
a required or desired water temperature by injecting hot steam into
the washing machine. Due to condensation the steam changes into
water becoming part of the washing water, resulting in energy
transfer from the steam to the washing water and thus to an
increase of the water temperature. However, a drawback of this
known heating method is the requirement of an in-house steam boiler
and the required piping for supplying the steam to the washing
machine. As a rule such a boiler is part of a central energy supply
unit of a laundry system, whereby in general the piping is
extensive, complicated and has to be maintained and checked
regularly. Moreover, such an arrangement of boiler and piping
suffers from energy losses.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] It is an object of the invention to provide an energy-saving
washing system.
[0006] According to a first aspect this object is achieved by the
washing system as defined in claim 1. This washing system according
to the invention is provided with a washing container for washing
laundry and further provided with a heater device for heating water
in the washing container, wherein the washing container comprises a
first washing compartment for washing laundry with water having a
first temperature and a second washing compartment for washing
laundry with water having a second temperature being higher than
the first temperature, wherein a conveying device is provided for
conveying at least laundry from the first washing compartment to
the second washing compartment, wherein the second washing
compartment is provided with a water outlet and a water inlet,
wherein an external connection extends between the water outlet and
the water inlet, wherein a pump unit is provided for pumping water
from the water outlet to the water inlet through the external
connection, wherein the heater device comprises a helical-tube heat
exchange portion positioned in the external connection and a gas
burning device for heating the helical-tube heat exchange portion,
and wherein a water filter is provided in the external connection
between the water outlet and the helical-tube heat exchange
portion. This washing system according to the invention is
preferable a continuous bath washer system.
[0007] In the washing system according to the invention the washing
water is directly heated by burning gas, i.e without intermediate
steps and/or processes. Due to this feature the energy efficiency
is substantially increased with regard to the energy efficiency of
the heating devices in existing washing systems. Moreover, the
heater device for heating water, i.e. the wash water, need not to
be an integral part of a central energy supply system of a laundry,
but is preferably a separate heating unit which can be compact of
construction and is located outside the washing machine itself.
Heating wash water has therefore become independently from other
energy supply sources of a laundry. Another important advantage is
that the constancy of the washing process is increased with regard
to this factor in known washing processes because the water wash
volume is more stabile as no steam condensate is added.
[0008] In the first washing compartment a pre-wash process may be
executed on a temperature of e.g. 30 or 40 degrees Celsius, while
in the second compartment a main wash process may be executed on a
temperature of e.g. 85 or 90 degrees Celsius. A third compartment
may be provided for executing a rinsing process, at e.g. room
temperature. The conveying device may be a device known per se and
serves to convey during the washing process the wash, together in
general with a certain amount of water.
[0009] Due to the essential provision of the water filter, textile
fibres and other contaminations are easily, but properly removed
from the wash water during use, without executing a separate or
additional process step. Preferably, the water filter is a
self-cleaning filter. Such filters are known per se. A known
embodiment of a self-cleaning filter is provided with a pile of
cleaning rings having cleaning grooves. If these grooves have
reached during use a certain degree of filthiness the cleaning
process is temporarily stopped, e.g. for a few seconds, and
cleansing water is conducted through the pile of cleaning rings in
a reverse flow.
[0010] In a preferred embodiment the washing container is provided
with more than one second washing compartment, wherein each of at
least two second washing compartments has its external connection
between its water outlet and its water inlet, wherein a valve
system is provided for selectively positioning the helical-tube
heat exchange portion of the heater device in at least one of the
provided external connections. Such second compartments may be
separate compartments or may be chambers or sub-compartments of one
or more second compartments.
[0011] Generally, the washing container performs certain swinging
motions and/or rotating motions during the washing process. The
washing steps in each compartment are in general rather short, e.g.
180 sec. This requires a rapid heating-up of the washing water in
each individual compartment. Due to the specific heater device and
its specific arrangement the washing system is perfectly able to
fulfill this requirement. More particularly, experiments have
demonstrated that the washing system according to the invention is
able to a fast delivery of sufficient energy for heating-up water
of several compartments, i.e. within the required short time
cycles.
[0012] In a practical embodiment the valve system comprises a water
outlet valve and a water inlet valve in each external
connection.
[0013] Preferred embodiments of the washing machine according to
the invention are defined in the claims 2 to 4.
[0014] According to a second aspect the object of the invention is
achieved by the washing system as defined in claim 5. This washing
system is provided with washing containers for washing laundry with
water and provided with a heater device for heating water in the
washing containers, wherein at least two washing containers each
are provided with a water outlet and a water inlet, wherein the
heater device comprises a helical-tube heat exchange portion and a
gas burning device for heating the helical-tube heat exchange
portion, wherein a piping provided with a valve system is provided
for selectively connecting the helical-tube heat exchange portion
to the water outlet and the water inlet of at least one washing
container, wherein the helical-tube heat exchange portion is
provide with a water filter at its water entrance side, and wherein
a pump unit is provided for pumping water through the helical-tube
heat exchange portion. This washing system according to the
invention has similar advantages as discussed above.
[0015] In a practical embodiment the washing containers are parts
of washing extractors. More particularly, each washing container
may be a part of a washing machine, particularly a tumbler washing
machine. A specific advantage of the proposed washing system is
that only one heater device is required to heat-up the wash water
in several washing machines. This is a considerable simplification
with regard to existing washing systems consisting of a number of
washing machines. Moreover, the washing system according to the
invention is very economical as to energy-consumption.
[0016] In a preferred embodiment the valve system is provided for
selectively positioning the water filter in at least one of the
provided external connections. By this feature, only one filter for
filtering or purifying the wash water is required, which further
simplifies the arrangement.
[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the washing system according to
the invention the helical tube portion surrounds an inner space,
wherein the gas burning device is such constructed and arranged
that a gas flame is directed to the inner space during use. In this
way an efficient heating arrangement is achieved.
[0018] In a further improved embodiment the gas burning device is
provided with a burner tube extending axially in the helical-tube
heat exchange portion, the burner tube having a circumferential
wall provided with burner openings directed to the inner space. In
this way a regular burning area is obtained.
[0019] In a practical embodiment the heater device is provided with
an enclosure accommodating the helical-tube heat exchange portion
and the gas burning device.
[0020] In a preferred embodiment the helical-tube heat exchange
portion is provided with a heat exchange sub-portion, said portion
and sub-portion being arranged in series, wherein the heat exchange
sub-portion is accommodated in a combustion gas exhaust portion of
the enclosure. In this embodiment an optical use is made of the
available combustion energy. By connecting the water outlet of a
compartment, of which the wash water is to be heated, to said
sub-portion the remainder of the combustion energy present in the
exhaust gases is effectively used to preheat the wash water.
[0021] In a preferred embodiment a header is provided in the
external connection, which header is arranged in parallel with the
helical-tube heat exchange portion of the heater device or with the
combination of helical-tube heat exchange portion and water filter.
In this embodiment it is possible to stop the water circulation
from water outlet via heater device to water inlet for a desired
time period, e.g. for cleaning the water filter, without switching
off the gas burning device to prevent overheating of the heater
device.
[0022] Preferred embodiments of the washing machine according to
the invention are defined in the claims 6 to 12.
[0023] It is to be noted that GB-A 1 107 345 discloses a domestic
washing machine comprising a washing liquid container, a
continuous-through-flow heat exchanger communicating with the
washing liquid through conduits and heated by a gas burner
positioned below the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is mounted
in a recess in a door of the washing machine. No information about
the heat exchanger itself is given. An emptying pump is provided
for circulating the washing liquid. Upstream of the pump is
situated a fluff trap and a clip trap.
[0024] The invention also relates to a heater unit specifically
designed for use in the washing system according to the invention.
The heater unit according to the invention comprises a heater
device is provided with a helical-tube heat exchange portion having
a water entrance and a water exit, and provided with a gas burning
device for heating the helical-tube heat exchange portion, and
comprising a water filter arranged in series with the water
entrance of the helical-tube heat exchange portion.
[0025] The heater unit according to the invention possess the
essential features which are needed for a fast and efficient
heating and clearing of wash water in modern industrial washing
systems. The filter is an essential part of the heater unit in
order to prevent any blockage in the helical-tube heat exchange
portion by contamination particles or the like in the wash water.
Moreover the integrated filter makes filtering somewhere else in
the piping unnecessary. The heater unit according to the invention
can be applied into new-built washing systems, but can also be used
for replacing conventional heaters. Preferably, the water filter is
a self-cleaning filter, of a kind as already described in the
foregoing.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment the helical-tube heat exchange
portion surrounds an inner space, wherein the gas burning device is
provided with a burner tube extending axially in the helical-tube
heat exchange portion, which burner tube has a circumferential wall
provided with burner openings directed to the inner space.
[0027] In a practical embodiment the heater unit is provided with a
frame carrying the heater device and water filter. The frame is
preferably a part of a housing accommodating at least the heater
device.
[0028] In a preferred embodiment the helical-tube heat exchange
portion is provided with a helical-tube heat exchange sub-portion,
said heat exchange portion and sub-portion being arranged in
series, wherein the heat exchange sub-portion is accommodated in a
combustion gas exhaust portion of the enclosure. Experimentally it
has been proven that this version of the heater unit according to
the invention has all the qualities, particularly capacity of
energy delivery and speed of heating, for use in any now-a-days
large washing system. Of course each heater unit should be tuned to
the requirements of its washing system. Moreover, this version is a
real high efficient heater unit. In order to get a compact heater
unit the heat exchange sub-portion is preferably located above the
heat exchange portion.
[0029] Preferred embodiments of the heater unit according to the
invention are defined in the claims 14-17.
[0030] The effects and advantages of the these embodiments of the
heater unit have already been discussed in the foregoing.
[0031] The invention further relates to an use of the washing
system according to the invention.
[0032] These and other aspects of the invention are apparent from
and will be elucidated with reference to the examples described
hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic disclosure of a first embodiment of
the washing system according to the invention.
[0034] FIG. 2 is a schematic disclosure of a preferred embodiment
of a gas heater system applied into the washing system according to
the invention.
[0035] FIG. 3 is a schematic disclosure of a second embodiment of
the washing system according to the invention.
[0036] FIG. 4 is a schematic disclosure of a third embodiment of
the washing system according to the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] The washing system depicted in FIG. 1 is provided with a
washing machine 1 including a washing container 3 for washing
laundry and is further provided with a heating device 5 for heating
water meant for use in the washing container 1. The washing machine
is a so-called continuous bath machine. In the present embodiment
the washing container 3 has several chambers or areas, indicated by
the letters A to L in FIG. 1. The chambers A and B form a first
washing compartment A-B meant for the pre-wash. The chambers C to H
form a second washing compartment C-H meant for the main wash
cycle. The chambers I to K form a compartment I-K meant for
rinsing. The chamber L is meant for neutralization. The washing
machine 1 is provided with a conveying device, which may be of a
construction known per se, e.g. a conveying device comprising an
Archimedes' screw, for conveying laundry from the first washing
compartment to the second washing compartment and the further
compartments. During such conveyance some water is also replaced
from a compartment to a next compartment, thus also from the first
compartment A-B to the second washing compartment C-H.
[0038] The second washing compartment of the washing container 3,
particularly the chamber C, is provided with a water outlet 3a and
a water inlet 3b, wherein an external connection 7, being a pipe
connection, extends between the water outlet 3a and the water inlet
3b. The connection 7 comprises a piping 9 having a drainage pipe
portion 9a, a supply pipe portion 9b and a heat exchange pipe
portion 9c extending between the pipe portions 9a and 9b. The
drainage pipe portion 9a runs from the water outlet 3a, while the
supply pipe portion 9b ends at the water inlet 3b. The heating
device 5, also called heater device, comprises a gas burning device
for heating the heat exchange pipe portion 9c and a heat exchange
pipe portion 9c forming together a gas heater system or heater
unit. In order to pump water from the water outlet 3a through the
gas heater system to the water inlet 3b, a pump unit 11 is mounted
in the piping 9. A water filter 13 is provided in the piping 9 in
order to filter the water coming from the water outlet 3a. A tube
17 is via a valve unit 15 connected to the gas burning device for
letting in gas coming from a gas source Eg.
[0039] During use of the above described embodiment of the washing
device according to the invention water having a relatively low
temperature, e.g. 30 degrees Celsius, moves from the first washing
compartment A-B to the second washing compartment C-H. Because of
the fact that in the second washing compartment C-H a considerably
higher water temperature, usually between 60 and 90 degrees
Celsius, is required the water used in the second washing
compartment C-H has to be heated. This heating is obtained in an
efficient way by gas heating using the gas heater system as
explained above.
[0040] In FIG. 2 a suitable gas heater system is depicted. This
heater system, which has the reference numeral 150 and is also
mentioned heater unit in this paper, is provided with an enclosure
151 accommodating a heat exchange pipe having one or more portions
having the shape of a helical tube. In this embodiment the heat
exchange pipe has a helical tube portion 152 and a helical tube
sub-portion 152', wherein the portion 152 and the sub-portion 152'
are arranged in series and constitute together a helical tube heat
exchange pipe. The helical tube portion 152 surrounds an inner
space 154. The sub-portion 152' is accommodated in a combustion gas
exhaust portion 151a of the enclosure 151 and is positioned above
the portion 152. The gas heater system 150 is provided with an air
entry 153 and comprises a gas burning device 156 for generating
flames 158 in the inner space 154. The gas burning device 156 is
provided with a burner tube 159 extending axially in the
helical-tube heat exchange portion 152. The burner tube 159 has a
circumferential wall portion 159a provided with a plurality of
burner openings 159b directed to the inner space 154. The helical
tube sub-portion 152' has a cold water manifold 152a, also called
water entrance, for connecting to a drainage pipe portion, e.g.
similar to the drainage pipe portion 9a connected to the water
outlet 3a of the washing system depicted in FIG. 1, and a hot water
manifold 152b, also called water exit, for connecting to a supply
pipe portion, e.g. similar to the supply pipe portion 9b connected
to the water inlet 3b of the washing system depicted FIG. 1. The
gas heater system 150 is also provided with a gas exhaust 160.
During use, cold or relatively cold water entering via the water
entrance 152a is pre-heated in the helical tube heat exchange
sub-portion 152' and subsequently heated to the desired temperature
in the helical tube heat exchange portion 152. In this way the
available energy is optimally utilized.
[0041] With reference to FIG. 1, it is noted that the heater unit
150 is only very schematically depicted in this figure. For the
sake of completeness it is informed that the heater unit as shown
in the FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises the helical-tube heat exchange
sub-portion 152' having the water entrance 152a and the
helical-tube heat exchange portion 152 having the water exit 152b,
comprises the gas burning device 156, and comprises the water
filter 13 arranged in series with the water entrance 152a. More
generally said, the heater unit 150 includes at least the heater
device 5 and water filter 13. The heater unit 150 is provided with
a housing 125 accommodating at least the heater device 5 and water
filter 13. Preferably the filter 13 is a self-cleaning filter.
[0042] With reference to FIG. 1, it is noted that the washing
machine 1 may be provided with a further gas heater system for
heating water to be used in the rinsing process, thus in the
compartment I-K. In the depicted example a gas heater 105, similar
to the gas heater 5, and a heat exchange pipe portion 109c, similar
to the heat exchange pipe portion 9c, is provided. The gas heater
105 and the heat exchange pipe portion 109c form together a gas
heater system. The compartment I-K, particularly the room K, is
provided with a water inlet 103b, which is in communication with a
water let-out opening 102a of a water boiler 102. The water boiler
102 has two water let-in openings, viz. a first water let-in
opening 104a for receiving water heated by the gas heater 105 and a
second water let-in opening 104b connected via a valve unit 115a to
a tube 117 for receiving water delivered from a water source Ew.
The heat exchange pipe portion 109c is connected via a valve unit
115b for receiving gas from the source Eg. A pump unit 111 is
mounted in the applied piping for pumping water through the gas
heater 105 and to the water inlet 103b.
[0043] The washing system depicted in FIG. 3 is provided with a
washing machine 301 including a washing container 303 for washing
laundry and is provided with a heater unit 350 arranged for heating
wash water for use in the washing container 303. The washing system
is a so-called continuous bath washing system. In the present
embodiment the washing container 303 is drum-like and has several
compartments, chambers, areas or sub-compartments, indicated by the
numerals 1w to 12w in FIG. 3. In this example the chambers 1w and
2w form a first washing compartment serving for the pre-wash. The
chambers 3w to 8w form a second washing compartment serving for the
main wash cycle. The chambers 9w to 11w form a compartment serving
for rinsing. The chamber 12w forms a further compartment serving
for neutralization. The washing machine 301 is provided with a
conveying device, which may be of a construction known per se, e.g.
a conveying device comprising an Archimedes' screw, for conveying
laundry from the one washing compartment to the other washing
compartment. The drum-like washing container 303 may be
stationarily arranged or axially swingably and/or rotatably mounted
in a chassis.
[0044] The second washing compartment of the washing container 303,
particularly the chambers 4w, 5w and 6w, are provided with water
outlets 304a, 305a and 306a, respectively, and water inlets 304b,
305b and 306b, respectively. The water outlets 304a, 305a and 306a
are connected to drainage pipe portions 304c, 305c and 306c,
respectively, and the water inlets 304b, 305b and 306b are
connected to supply pipe portions 304d, 305d and 306d,
respectively. These pipe portions form external connections to the
heater unit 350. Some parts of the pipe portions may be common. The
washing system is provided with a valve system having a water valve
in each pipe portion 304c, 305c, 306c, 304d, 305d and 306d. The
valves are indicated by the numerals 304e, 305e, 306e, 304f, 305f
and 306f, respectively.
[0045] The heater unit 350 comprises a heating device 305 having a
helical-tube heat exchange pipe 352 provided with a water entrance
352a and a water exit 352b, and having a gas burning device 356 for
heating the helical-tube heat exchange pipe. The helical-tube heat
exchange pipe 352 has a helical-tube heat exchange portion similar
to the helical-tube heat exchange portion 152 in the heater unit
150 depicted in FIG. 2 and has a helical-tube heat exchange
sub-portion similar to the helical-tube heat exchange sub portion
152' in the heater unit 150 depicted in FIG. 2. The heater unit 350
further comprises a water filter 313, particularly a self-cleaning
filter, arranged in series with the water entrance 352a of the
helical-tube heat exchange sub-portion. The helical-tube heat
exchange portion surrounding an inner space, in a way as disclosed
in FIG. 2. The gas burning device 356 is provided with a burner
tube which extends axially in the helical-tube heat exchange
portion and has a circumferential wall provided with burner
openings directed to the inner space, in a way as disclosed in FIG.
2. The heater unit 350 also comprises a housing 325 accommodating
the heater device 305. The helical-tube heat exchange sub-portion
is arranged in series with the helical-tube heat exchange portion.
The heat exchange sub-portion is accommodated in a combustion gas
exhaust portion of an enclosure, in a way as disclosed in FIG. 2.
In principle, the heater unit 350 is similar to the heater unit 150
applied into the washing system depicted in FIG. 1. The same
applies to its working principle.
[0046] In order to pump water from the water outlets 304a, 305a and
306a to the heater unit 350, through the heater unit 350 and back
to the water inlets 304b, 305b and 306b, a pump unit 311 is mounted
in a common piping 307. A gas supply tube 317 is via a gas valve
315 connected to the gas burning device for letting in gas coming
from a gas source.
[0047] The washing system may be provided with a water tank 380 for
storing temporarily wash water, if there is in a certain period no
demand for water. Due to this provision the heater unit 350 can
continuously heating and reserves of heated water can be created.
In order to prevent an interruption of the heating during cleaning
of the filter 313 and/or controlling the mentioned water valves the
heater unit 350 is provided with a so-called header 360. This
header is in principle a pipe arranged between the water entrance
352a and the water exit 352b and connected in parallel with the
helical-tube heat exchange pipe 352. During an interruption of the
regular water circulation, a circulation via the header takes
place. This feature can also be applied successfully into the other
shown embodiments.
[0048] During a washing process, the wash water of the chambers 4w,
5w and 6w can be heated-up independently from each other by the
single heater unit 350, simply by selectively controlling the
mentioned valves.
[0049] Relevant aspects of the invention not discussed here, can be
found in the description relating to the embodiments depicted in
the FIGS. 1 and 2. It is noted, that the individual chambers 3w to
8w can be or can be regarded as individual second washing
compartments.
[0050] It is further noted that it is an option to provide the
washing system according to the invention with only one kind of
compartments, e.g. only the second compartments. Moreover, it is
possible to arrange the heater unit such that water for different
kinds of compartments is heated.
[0051] In FIG. 4, another variant of the washing system according
to the invention is disclosed. This washing system is provided with
several individual washing machines 401A to 401E, particularly
washing extractors. Each extractor has a washing container 403A to
403E, respectively, for washing laundry with wash water. The
washing system is further provided with a heater unit 450 supported
by a frame, not shown in the drawing, and having a heater device
405 for heating the wash water for more than one washing machine,
in this example five washing machines 401A to 401E. The containers
403A to 403E of these washing machines are provided with water
outlets 403a to 403e, respectively, and water inlets 403f to 403j,
respectively, connected to valves 404a to 404j of a valve system.
The heater device 405 comprises a helical-tube heat exchange
portion having a water exit 425b and a helical-tube heat exchange
sub-portion having a water entrance 425a, configured in a similar
way as depicted in FIG. 2 and forming together a helical-tube heat
exchange pipe 452. The heater device 405 further comprises a gas
burning device for heating the helical-tube heat exchange portion
and sub-portion. A piping, generally indicated by the numeral 407,
being an external connection, provided with the valve system is
provided for selectively connecting the water exit 425b of the
helical-tube heat exchange portion and the water entrance 425a of
the heat exchange sub-portion to the water inlet and the water
outlet, respectively, of each washing container 403A to 403E. The
helical-tube heat exchange portion is provide with a water filter
413 at its water entrance side. The water filter is supported by
the frame supporting the heater unit. A pump unit 411 is provided
for pumping water through the helical-tube heat exchange
sub-portion and portion.
[0052] During a washing process, the wash water of the washing
machines 401A to 401E can be heated-up independently from each
other by the single heater unit 450, simply by selectively
controlling the mentioned valves. Such a controlling can be carried
out here, as well as in other embodiments, by applying a suitable
control circuit.
[0053] Relevant aspects of the invention not discussed here, can be
found in the description relating to the embodiments depicted in
the FIGS. 1 to 3. The heater unit may be identical or at least
similar to the already discussed heater units.
[0054] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, illustration and
description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not
restrictive. The invention is not limited to the disclosed
embodiments, for example, it is possible to apply several kinds of
gas burning devices and heat exchange pipe portions. Other
variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and
effected by the skilled person in practicing the claimed invention,
from a study of the drawings, the description and the claims.
Particular it is within the scope of the invention to apply the
measures taken by the inventor in a washing machine with more or
less compartments than applied in the depicted washing machine. In
this context it is emphasized that the washing system according to
the invention includes both industrial embodiments and domestic
embodiments.
[0055] It is further noted that the washing system according to the
invention and all its components can be made by applying processes
and materials known per se.
[0056] In the claims and the description the word "comprising" does
not exclude other elements, and the indefinite article "a" or "an"
does not exclude a plurality. Any reference sign in the Claims
should not be construed as limiting the scope.
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