U.S. patent application number 14/415250 was filed with the patent office on 2015-07-09 for washing machine provided with a recirculation circuit.
This patent application is currently assigned to Indesit Company S.P.A.. The applicant listed for this patent is Indesit Company S.P.A.. Invention is credited to Mauro Alessandrini, Renato Costantini, Mariangiola Dottori, Gianluca Ferro, Mauro Mancini, Mariarosaria Schettini.
Application Number | 20150191861 14/415250 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46845929 |
Filed Date | 2015-07-09 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150191861 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Alessandrini; Mauro ; et
al. |
July 9, 2015 |
WASHING MACHINE PROVIDED WITH A RECIRCULATION CIRCUIT
Abstract
A washing machine comprising: a washing tub (10) wherein a
rotatably drum (20) is mounted, adapted to contain garments to be
washed, a washing fluid comprising water and one or more detergent
substances to be delivered into the tub (10) and the drum (20); an
outlet conduit (40) connected, through its end portion (50), to the
tub (10) for conveying the washing fluid outside of the tub (10); a
recirculation circuit (60) comprising a first conduit (61), a
recirculation pump (62) and a second conduit (63), wherein: the
first conduit (61) connecting the end portion (50) of the outlet
conduit (40) to the recirculation pump (62); the second conduit
(63) allowing a connection between the recirculation pump (62) and
the tub (10); the recirculation pump (62) is configured to draw the
fluid from the tub (10) through the first conduit (61) and to feed
the fluid back in the tub (10) through the second conduit (63).
Inventors: |
Alessandrini; Mauro;
(Fabriano, IT) ; Costantini; Renato; (Fabriano,
IT) ; Dottori; Mariangiola; (Fabriano, IT) ;
Ferro; Gianluca; (Fabriano, IT) ; Mancini; Mauro;
(Fabriano, IT) ; Schettini; Mariarosaria;
(Fabriano, IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Indesit Company S.P.A. |
Fabriano |
|
IT |
|
|
Assignee: |
Indesit Company S.P.A.
Fabriano
IT
|
Family ID: |
46845929 |
Appl. No.: |
14/415250 |
Filed: |
July 10, 2013 |
PCT Filed: |
July 10, 2013 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/IB2013/055653 |
371 Date: |
January 16, 2015 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/207 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/085 20130101;
D06F 37/267 20130101; D06F 39/081 20130101; D06F 39/083
20130101 |
International
Class: |
D06F 39/08 20060101
D06F039/08 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 19, 2012 |
IT |
TO2012A000637 |
Claims
1. A washing machine, comprising: a washing tub, for a washing
fluid comprising water and one or more detergent substances to be
delivered in said tub; an outlet conduit connected by an end
portion to the tub, for conveying said washing fluid out of said
washing machine; a recirculation circuit comprising a first
conduit, a recirculation pump and a second conduit, wherein: said
first conduit connects said outlet conduit, particularly said end
portion of said outlet conduit, to said recirculation pump; said
second conduit allows connection between said recirculation pump
and said tub; said recirculation pump is designed to draw said
fluid from said tub through said first conduit and to feed said
fluid back into said tub through said second conduit and said
second conduit has a first and a second end, the first end being
connected to said recirculation pump, the second end being
connected to a lower surface of said tub.
2. A washing machine of claim 1, wherein said second conduit allows
said fluid to be fed back into the tub through a lower surface of
said tub.
3. A washing machine of claim 1, wherein the end portion of said
outlet conduit has a substantially cylindrical shape, with said
first conduit leading to a first radial opening of said end
portion.
4. A washing machine of claim 1, wherein said second conduit has a
first end connected to said recirculation pump, and a second end
leading to said tub.
5. A washing machine claim 4, wherein the second end of said second
conduit leads to said tub in a position other than that of the end
portion of said outlet conduit.
6. A washing machine of claim 1, wherein said outlet conduit
comprises a main body and said end portion, wherein said main body
and said end portion are formed enbloc, preferably of elastomeric
material.
7. A washing machine of claim 3, wherein said second conduit has a
first end connected to said recirculation pump, and a second end
leading to the end portion of said outlet conduit.
8. A washing machine as claimed in claim 7, wherein said outlet
conduit comprises a main body and said end portion, wherein said
main body and said end portion are distinct pieces, fluid-tightly
assembled together to define said outlet conduit.
9. A washing machine of claim 7, wherein said tub and said main
body are associated with respective longitudinal ends of said
cylindrical shape, and said second conduit leads to a second radial
opening of said end portion.
10. A washing machine of claim 9, wherein an angular distance
between said first radial opening and said second radial opening
ranges from 60.degree. to 150.degree., particularly from 80.degree.
to 100.degree..
11. A washing machine claim 7, wherein said end portion has a
connection member which is shaped to convey the fluid that comes
out from said second conduit into said tub.
12. A washing machine of claim 11, wherein said connection member
is "L-shaped".
13. A washing machine of claim 1, further comprising a box-like
support structure having a bottom surface, a top surface, a front
surface, a back surface and a pair of opposed lateral surfaces,
wherein said recirculation pump is mounted in said support
structure close to a corner defined by said back surface and said
bottom surface.
14. A washing machine of claim 1, wherein said recirculation pump
has an inlet connected to said first conduit and an outlet
connected to said second conduit.
15. A washing machine of claim 14, wherein said inlet is at a lower
height than said outlet.
16. A washing machine of claim 14, wherein said inlet extends in a
direction parallel to a bottom surface of said washing machine, and
said outlet extends in a direction transverse, preferably
orthogonal, to said bottom surface.
17. A washing machine of claim 1, wherein said first and/or second
conduits have a corrugated shape, at least at a middle portion
thereof.
18. A washing machine of claim 4, wherein said recirculation
circuit further comprises a removable insert, which is mounted at
the second end of said second conduit, said insert being designed
to divert the fluid flow that comes out of the second conduit by
90.degree., and to convey the flow parallel to the bottom of the
tub.
19. A washing machine of claim 1, wherein said recirculation pump
comprises a volute formed enbloc with a protective element or
cover, the latter being adapted to protect said recirculation pump
from any water leakage.
20. A washing machine of claim 1, wherein said tub has an integral
connection collar at a bottom portion thereof, which is applied to
an outer surface of said tub for connection to said second conduit,
said connection collar being originally blind, the blind bottom of
said connection collar being adapted to be opened by boring, for
providing fluid communication between said second conduit and the
interior of said tub.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present invention refers to a washing machine provided
with a recirculation circuit.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] It is known that washing machines, and in particular washing
machines and washer-dryers, include a support frame, on which a
washing tub is mounted, inside which rotates a drum, wherein the
garments to be washed are placed.
[0003] The tub has an opening through which the access to the drum
is possible and clothes can be placed inside the drum.
[0004] Such machines also comprise a controlled hydraulic system,
which provides the water supply, suitably mixed with detergent
substances, so that the garments are subjected to the washing
process.
[0005] It is also provided a recirculation circuit, which has the
aim to facilitate the dissolution of the detergent in the water and
to promote the circulation of water and detergent into the tub.
[0006] An exemplary recirculation circuit is disclosed in U.S.
2005/0132758 A1. Referring to FIG. 1 of that document, it should be
noted the conduit 110, output from the washing tub, which conveys
the water and the detergent to the pump 130. The latter provides to
convey the water and the detergent towards the valve 150. Depending
on the operative configuration of the valve 150, the washing fluid
can be selectively inserted in the conduit 120, to then be
distributed in a "rain mode" on the drum, or it can be diverted
into the conduit 140, which brings it back to the pump 130 so as to
define a closed circuit substantially outside the tub. The valve
140 is controlled on the basis of the fact that the detergent needs
to be further dissolved in water (deviation inside the conduit
140), or on the basis of the fact that the washing fluid should foe
distributed on the garments to foe washed (forwarding to the
conduit 120).
[0007] It should be noted that the solution disclosed in U.S.
2005/0132758 A1 has evident structural drawbacks.
[0008] In fact, the washing machine described in this document is
characterized by a considerable constructional complexity and
consequent particularly significant difficulty of assembly.
[0009] It should be noted, by way of example only, how articulated
are the structure configured to perform a recirculation entirely
external to the washing tub, the structure configured to bring back
the water and detergent at a height above the maximum height of the
drum, as well as the control structure that is adapted to the
selective driving of the position of the valve 140.
OBJECTIVES AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a washing
machine having a simplified structure, which can be easily and
quickly assembled.
[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a washing
machine which has lower implementation costs.
[0012] Another object of the invention is to provide a washing
machine able to optimize the cleaning action of the washing fluid
by means of its recirculation circuit.
[0013] These and still other objects are substantially obtained by
a washing machine provided with a recirculation circuit as
described in the appended claims.
[0014] An idea underlying the invention provides for the
arrangement, in a washing machine, of a recirculation circuit
comprising a first conduit, a recirculation pump and a second
conduit, wherein: [0015] the first conduit connects the end portion
of an outlet conduit to the recirculation pump; [0016] the second
conduit allows a connection between the pump and the tub; [0017]
the pump is configured to draw the fluid consisting of water and
detergent from the tub through the first conduit and to feed said
fluid back into the tub through the second conduit.
[0018] The Applicant believes that, in this way, a washing machine
can be implemented wherein the recirculation circuit has a
particularly simplified structure, easy to assemble and with a
lower cost.
[0019] Preferably the second conduit allows a reintroduction of the
fluid into the tub through a lower surface of the tub itself.
[0020] Preferably, the end portion of the outlet conduit has a
substantially cylindrical shape; the first conduit leads to a first
radial opening of such an end portion.
[0021] Preferably the second conduit has a first end connected to
the recirculation pump, and a second end leading to the tub.
[0022] Preferably, the second end of the second conduit leads to
the tub in a different position with respect to the end portion of
the outlet conduit.
[0023] Preferably, the outlet conduit comprises a main body and the
aforementioned end portion; the main body and the end portion being
particularly formed enbloc, preferably of elastomeric material.
[0024] Preferably the second conduit has a first end connected to
the recirculation pump and a second end leading to the end portion
of the outlet conduit.
[0025] Preferably, the outlet conduit comprises a main body and the
aforementioned end portion; the main body and the end portion being
particularly distinct pieces and fluid-tightly assembled together
to define the outlet conduit.
[0026] Preferably, the tub and the main body are associated with
respective longitudinal ends of the aforementioned end portion
having a cylindrical shape, preferably the second conduit pertains
to a second radial opening of such an end portion.
[0027] Preferably the angular distance between the first radial
opening and the second radial opening ranges from 80.degree. to
100.degree..
[0028] Preferably, the end portion has a connection member formed
so as to convey toward the inside of the washing tub the washing
fluid coming out from the second conduit.
[0029] Preferably the connection member is substantially
"L-shaped".
[0030] Preferably the washing machine according to the invention
also comprises a substantially box-like support structure, having a
bottom surface, a top surface, a front surface and a back surface,
and a pair of opposed lateral surfaces; preferably the
recirculation pump is mounted close to a corner defined by the back
surface and the bottom surface.
[0031] Preferably, the recirculation pump has an inlet connected to
the first conduit and an outlet connected to the second
conduit.
[0032] Preferably the inlet of the recirculation pump is to a
lesser extent compared to the outlet of the pump itself.
[0033] Preferably the inlet of the recirculation pump is extends in
a direction substantially parallel to a bottom surface of the
washing machine; and preferably the outlet of the recirculating
pump extends in a direction transverse, preferably substantially
orthogonal with respect to the bottom surface.
[0034] Preferably the first and/or second conduit have a corrugated
shape, at least at a substantially middle portion thereof.
[0035] Preferably, the recirculation circuit further includes a
removable insert mounted at the second end of the second conduit;
particularly said insert is such as to divert the flow of the fluid
coming out from the second conduit by substantially 90.degree. and
make the same flow substantially parallel to the bottom the
tub.
[0036] Preferably, the recirculation pump comprises a volute formed
enbloc with a protective element or cover, the latter being adapted
to protect said recirculation pump from any water leakage.
[0037] Preferably the tub has, in a lower portion thereof, a
connection collar molded to an outer surface of the tub itself for
a connection with said second conduit, particularly the collar
connection is natively blind, and the blind end of such a
connection collar is adapted to be opened by a boring operation for
providing fluid communication between the second conduit and the
interior of the tub.
[0038] Further characteristics and advantages will become more
apparent from the detailed description of a preferred but not
exclusive embodiment of the invention. This description is provided
below with reference to the accompanying drawings, illustrated by
way of non limiting example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0039] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a
washing machine according to the invention, with some parts removed
to better illustrate others.
[0040] FIG. 2 shows a detail of the washing machine of FIG. 1.
[0041] FIG. 3 shows a side view of the washing machine of FIG.
1.
[0042] FIG. 4 shows a detail of the washing machine of FIG. 1.
[0043] FIG. 5 shows an exploded view of the detail of FIG. 4.
[0044] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of a
washing machine in accordance with the invention, in which some
parts have been removed to better illustrate others.
[0045] FIG. 7 shows a detail of FIG. 6.
[0046] FIG. 8 shows a plan view of the detail of FIG. 7.
[0047] The figures show different aspects and embodiments of the
present invention and, where appropriate, structures, components,
materials and/or similar elements in different figures are
indicated by identical reference numerals.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0048] With reference to the accompanying Figures, 1 denotes in its
entirety a washing machine in accordance with the present
invention.
[0049] The washing machine 1 is preferably a washing machine or a
washer-dryer.
[0050] For example, the washing machine 1 may be a front loading
washing machine or, alternatively, a top-loading washing
machine.
[0051] Preferably the washing machine 1 comprises a support
structure 70 (FIGS. 1, 3, 6) being substantially box-like, for
example substantially parallelepiped.
[0052] The support structure 70 has a bottom surface 71, a top
surface 72, a front surface 73, a back surface 74, and a pair of
opposed lateral surfaces 75, 76.
[0053] Inside the support structure 70 is arranged a washing tub
10, wherein a drum 20 is rotatably mounted.
[0054] The tub 10 has a loading opening, through which the garments
to be washed can be placed.
[0055] The load opening is closed by a door 15 (FIG. 3). The door
15 may comprise a transparent porthole, which allows the user to
observe the internal portion of the drum 20 and the garments placed
therein. In different embodiments, the door 15 is entirely opaque
and does not allow such observation.
[0056] The drum 20 is rotatably driven by suitable actuators, known
per se and therefore not described in detail below.
[0057] In use, inside the arum 20 garments to be washed are
placed.
[0058] Inside the tub 10 and the drum 20 is provided a fluid which,
depending on the single washing step, can include only water, or
water mixed with one or more detergents.
[0059] An outlet conduit 40 is connected to the tub 10 for
conveying the fluid out of the tub 10 itself; the outlet conduit
40, also called exhaust bellows, is connected to a drain pump (not
shown) in turn connected to a further outflow conduit (also not
shown), so as to exhaust the fluid at the end of predetermined
washing or rinsing steps.
[0060] Preferably the outlet conduit 40 comprises a main body 30
and an end portion 50.
[0061] The main body 30 can be made of elastomeric material, and is
provided with a portion "bellows-shaped", schematically illustrated
for example in FIGS. 3-5 and 7-8.
[0062] The end portion 50 preferably has a substantially
cylindrical shape.
[0063] In a first embodiment (FIGS. 1-5) the main body 30 and the
end portion 50 are formed enbloc.
[0064] In this first embodiment, therefore, also the end portion 50
is made of elastomeric material.
[0065] In a second embodiment (FIGS. 6-8) the main body 30 and the
end portion 50 are made as distinct pieces, fluid-tightly assembled
together so as to enable a correct outflow of fluid coming out from
the tub 10.
[0066] In this second embodiment, the end portion 50 can be made of
different material (e.g. a plastic material) with respect to the
main body 30.
[0067] In accordance with the invention, the washing machine 1 also
comprises a recirculation circuit 60.
[0068] The recirculation circuit 60 in turn comprises a first
conduit 61, a recirculation pump 62 and a second conduit 63.
[0069] The first conduit 61 connects the end portion 50 of the
outlet conduit 40 to the recirculation pump 62.
[0070] The second conduit 63 allows a connection between the
recirculation pump 62 and the tub 10. As will be more clear in the
following, the characteristics of this connection will be different
depending on the embodiment of the washing machine 1.
[0071] The recirculation pump 62 is configured to draw the fluid
from the tub 10 through the first conduit 61 and to feed said fluid
back into the tub 10 through the second conduit 63.
[0072] As shown by way of example in FIG. 3 and in FIG. 6, the
recirculation pump 62 may be mounted within the support structure
70 close to a corner defined by the back surface 74 and by the
bottom surface 71 of the structure 70 itself.
[0073] In this way, the available space within the support
structure 70 is exploited in an optimal way.
[0074] Advantageously, the volute 62c, wherein the impeller of the
recirculation pump 62 is mounted, is formed enbloc with a
protective element or cover 62d, which protects the circulation
pump 62 itself from any water leakage, and therefore assigns
particular safety to the washing machine 1.
[0075] The recirculation pump 62 has an inlet 62a and an outlet 62b
(FIG. 5). The inlet 62a is connected to the first conduit 61, while
the output 62b is connected to the second conduit 63, and in
particular at a first end 63a of the latter.
[0076] It should be noted that the inlet 62a of the recirculation
pump 62 is located at a lower height than the outlet 62b of the
pump 62 itself.
[0077] Particularly, the inlet 62a extending in a direction
substantially parallel to the bottom surface 71, and the output 62b
extending in a transverse direction, and preferably substantially
orthogonal, with respect to the bottom surface 71 thereof.
[0078] In practice, the inlet 62a extending in a substantially
horizontal direction (i.e. parallel to the ground), while the
outlet 62b extending in a substantially vertical direction (FIGS. 1
and 6).
[0079] In use, the bottom of the tub 10 accumulates a quantity of
fluid which, as aforementioned, can be constituted by a mixture of
water and detergent. Thanks to the recirculation circuit 60, and in
particular to the defined path, in succession, by the first conduit
61, the circulation pump 62 and the second conduit 63, it is
possible to feed back into the tub 10 the cleaning fluid,
optimizing the dissolution of the detergent in water and reusing
the fluid until the conclusion of the washing phase provided.
[0080] As shown in FIG. 1, the second conduit allows a
reintroduction of the fluid into the tub 10 through a lower surface
10a of the latter. Therefore the recirculation circuit 60 having an
extremely simple structure and easy to assemble, as well as having
particularly reduced overall dimensions.
[0081] Preferably the first conduit 61 leads to a first radial
opening 51 of the end portion 50. The first radial opening 51 may
be associated with a fitting, so as to facilitate the connection
with the first conduit 61.
[0082] Preferably, in correspondence with the first radial opening
51, there are one or more fins, which serve as a reference during
assembly: the first conduit 61, in correspondence of its end
adapted to be coupled to the first radial opening 51, has in turn
appropriate signs or reference marks, which must be properly
aligned to the aforementioned fins for a correct mutual orientation
of the various parts.
[0083] In practice, while the tub 10 and the main body 30 are
associated with respective axial ends of the substantially
cylindrical shape of the end portion 50, the first conduit 61 is
connected to an opening formed in the lateral surface of said
cylindrical shape (FIGS. 4-5).
[0084] The second conduit 63 has a first and a second end 63a,
63b.
[0085] In the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-5, the first end
63a is connected to the recirculation pump 62 (in particular the
outlet 62b of the same), while the second end 63b leads to the tub
10.
[0086] Preferably, the second end 63b is connected to a lower
surface of the tub 10 itself.
[0087] In particular the second end 63b of the second conduit 63
pertains to the tub 10 in a different position with respect to the
end portion 50 of the outlet conduit 40.
[0088] In fact, as shown by way of example in FIG. 3, the end
portion 50 of the outlet conduit 40 is connected to the tub 10 in a
position closer to the front surface 73, while the second end 63b
of the second conduit is connected to the tub 10 in a position
closer to the back surface 74.
[0089] Preferably, in correspondence of the second end 63b of the
second conduit 63, a removable insert is mounted, which diverts the
fluid substantially by 90.degree. and makes it substantially
parallel to the bottom of the tub 10, so that any detergent
accumulated on the bottom of the tub 10 itself may be hit by this
flow and being then reactivated.
[0090] Preferably, in correspondence of the bottom of the tub 10,
there is provided a collar co-molded with the outer surface of the
tub 10 itself. Natively this collar is blind, i.e. is defined by a
substantially cylindrical element extending from the outer surface
of the tub 10, but is separated from the inside of the tub 10 by
the outer surface of the latter. In the washing machines wherein
the system according to the invention is actually applied (such as
the washing machine 1 described and claimed herein), via a boring
operation of the bottom of said cylindrical element will be
possible to realize the connection with the second conduit 63.
[0091] In this way, significant advantages in terms of
standardization are obtained, since it can be made substantially
identical tubs for ail washing machines, as mentioned, it is
therefore sufficient to perform a simple boring operation to make
such tubs suitable to the application of the present invention.
[0092] In the second embodiment shown in FIGS. 6-8, the first end
63a of the second conduit 63 is connected to the recirculation pump
62 (similarly to the first embodiment), while a second end 63b of
the second conduit 63 itself leads to the end portion 50 of the
outlet conduit 40.
[0093] In greater detail, the tub 10 and the main body 30 are
associated with respective longitudinal ends 50a, 50b of the end
portion 50, while the second conduit 63 leads to a second radial
opening 52 formed in the lateral surface of the end portion 50
thereof.
[0094] As mentioned, also the first conduit 61 is associated with a
respective first radial opening 51 formed in the lateral surface of
the end portion 50.
[0095] In a preferred embodiment, the angular distance between the
first radial opening 51 and the second radial opening 52 ranges
from 80.degree. to 100.degree.. By way of example, this angular
distance may be substantially equal to approximately 90.degree., as
shown in FIG. 8.
[0096] FIGS. 7-8 show a connection member 53, forming part of the
end portion 50 of the outlet conduit 40.
[0097] The connection member 53 is shaped so as to convey the fluid
coming out from the second conduit 63 toward the interior of the
tub 10.
[0098] By way of example, the connection member 53 being
substantially "L-shaped", preferably having a first portion
substantially aligned with the second end 63b of the second conduit
63, and a second portion substantially orthogonal to the first
portion and leading towards the interior of the washing tub 10.
[0099] In practice, the connection member 53 has the task of
facilitating the flow towards the interior of the tub 10 of the
fluid that has flown inside the recirculation circuit 60.
[0100] Both in the first, and in the second embodiment, the first
and/or second conduit 61, 63 are formed enbloc with two different
materials.
[0101] Preferably the first and/or second conduit 61, 63 are
substantially transparent.
[0102] At least a substantially central portion of the first and/or
second conduit 61, 63 may advantageously have a corrugated shape,
so as to increase the turbulence of the fluid flowing inside and
facilitate the activation of the detergent.
[0103] Preferably, within the second conduit 63 is mounted a switch
(not shown), comprising for example a solenoid or a thermal
actuator.
[0104] This diverter can be driven in at least two operating
configurations: in a first configuration, it allows a flow of fluid
within the second conduit 63 (from the recirculation pump 62 to the
tub 10), while in the second configuration it diverts the flow to
an auxiliary conduit (not shown), which carries the fluid up to an
upper end of the tub 10. In this way the fluid can be sprayed
inside the tub by a different position, for example in the vicinity
of the upper portion of the gasket surrounding the porthole.
[0105] The diverter is suitably driven by the electronic control
system of the washing machine 1, for example time-based or
depending on the measurements performed by a sensor capable of
generating signals representative of the level of water inside the
tub.
[0106] Preferably, the control technique provides that a limited
amount of water should be retained in the lower part of the tub 10
(in correspondence of a resistor, not shown, used to heat water);
when the existing water exceeds a predetermined threshold, the
diverter is controlled so as to interrupt the recirculation (that
through the second conduit 63 enters again the fluid in the lower
part of the tub 10), and to divert the flow toward said auxiliary
conduit.
[0107] In this way a "staging" load of the liquid into the tub is
implemented.
[0108] It is also obtained a significant advantage in terms of
simplicity and economy, since with a single pump, i.e. the
recirculation pump 62, two different hydraulic circuits are
managed.
[0109] In light of the above, the operation of the washing machine
1 according to the invention can be summarized as follows.
[0110] The washing fluid is inserted into the tub 10 and the drum
20, comprising water and one or more detergent substances.
[0111] Such fluid tends to accumulate on the bottom of the tub 10,
in particular near said back surface 10a of the tub 10 itself.
[0112] If the washing phase provided has ended, the fluid is made
to slide in the outlet conduit 40 and, via the drain pump, sent
outside of the washing machine 1.
[0113] Conversely, if the washing phase provided has not yet ended,
the fluid is made to slide in the recirculation circuit 60, by
means of the first conduit 61, the recirculation pump 62 and the
second conduit 63.
[0114] In this way the fluid can be reused up to completion of the
operations envisaged.
[0115] In more detail, the activation of the recirculation pump 62
for each cycle occurs after about 5 minutes, during which a water
heating step is carried out; and the pump 62 is activated when it
reaches a predetermined target temperature. The recirculation pump
62 then remains active for the next 15-20 minutes. Thereafter, it
is activated for about 30 seconds at regular intervals of about 10
minutes, until the conclusion of the mechanical washing. It should
be noted that the periods can vary slightly depending on the cycle
run.
[0116] Advantageously, the recirculation circuit 60 is also active
during the rinsing phases: in particular for a time of about 30
seconds during the exchange time of each rinsing, and at the end of
the final spin during unloading.
[0117] In this way both an optimal cleaning of the circuit, and a
resuspension of any amount of detergent existing in the water and
on the bottom of the tub are guaranteed, so that the detergent
itself can be eliminated more easily, avoiding to settle onto the
load.
[0118] The invention achieves important advantages.
[0119] First of all, the washing machine according to the invention
has a simplified structure, which can be easily and quickly
assembled.
[0120] Another advantage is found in the fact that the washing
machine in accordance with the invention has lower implementation
costs.
[0121] A further advantage consists in the fact that the washing
machine according to the invention is able to optimize the cleaning
action of the washing fluid by means of its recirculation circuit,
since it obtains a premature mixing in the water of the washing
agent, so that it can be effective in a quicker time.
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