ES2538901A1 - Washing machine and procedure for using said washing machine (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

Washing machine and method for using said washing machine, comprising a tub (1) inside which is defined a washing chamber (2) adapted to receive at least one element to be washed (3) and be filled, at least partially, with a washing liquid, which comprises water mixed with a washing product. The washing machine comprises at least one ultrasonic device (5) provided for irradiating ultrasound (6) in the washing liquid, making it possible to achieve a rapid mixing of water and washing product, as well as to efficiently remove foam. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

5 TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine with a

ultrasonic device, while a second aspect of the invention relates to a

use of an ultrasonic device in a washing machine, having application in the

10 industry of automatic washing machines, and more specifically in the field of washing machines, allowing to improve the mixture between detergent and water in the initial phase of washing, as well as minimizing the foam that inevitably forms during washing, which results especially advantageous in the rinsing phase, all through simple means, easy integration into any washing machine and with low cost and consumption

15 energy.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Currently during a wash cycle in both automatic washing machines,

20 commonly referred to as washing machines, as in a dishwasher, specifically during the initial phase in which water and washing product are mixed, such as detergent or softener, to proceed with the cycle, there is a need to minimize the time required to perform said mixing optimally, that is, so that the amount of detergent used in a wash cycle is used, so that it is not necessary to provide an excess amount.

25 This use is achieved by making a good mixture between the water and the washing product, otherwise, there is some water without washing product and the washing results are not optimal. The drawback that arises, therefore, is that achieving said optimum mixture requires a certain time, which in turn has a negative impact on prolonging the cycle and wash times.

30 In order to solve this problem, there are currently several domestic solutions, which consists of blocking the water outlet duct, before entering the

washing room, to avoid losses of detergent, giving enough time for mixing, which obviously has a negative impact on the cycle time.

On the other hand, independently of the problem described above, during

5 washing in washing machines and dishwashers, already in the intermediate phase of the cycle, inevitably produces a foam phase, especially foam, as a result of the movement of the Water mixture with washing product during washing. Said foam requires the contribution of additional amounts of water in order to achieve its complete elimination during the rinsing phase, which has a negative impact from the point of view of the

10 efficiency in both energy and water consumption. In the absence of such additional contribution, that is, in the event that during the rinse phase only the mixture of water and washing product is eliminated and not the foam, the inconvenience occurs that the remains of the clothing or dishes will remain detergent, with the dire consequences that this entails from the point of view of skin irritations and risk of poisoning.

15 In this sense, there are also solutions that allow detecting foam at the end of the wash cycle, prior to rinsing, consisting of pressure or turbulence sensors, incorporating in the programs functions that according to predetermined parameters decide whether to perform additional rinses, with the consequent extra expense of

20 water and cycle time increase.

In short, each of the two problems described above is treated as

independently today, and in any case, these solutions refer to the

domestic environment and always involve an increase in cycle time and water consumption, and

25 therefore of energy, so that although they can be considered effective, they cannot be considered efficient in order to achieve optimal washing cycles.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention relates to a washing machine, which allows to solve in a simple and effective way the two problems set forth above, that is, to achieve a fast and efficient mixing of the water and the washing product to be used during a wash cycle and quickly remove a foam phase, especially prior to the rinse phase, and can be integrated directly into any

35 washing machine

The washing machine that the invention proposes, which can be both a washing machine and a dishwasher, comprises a tank in which a washing room adapted to be filled, at least partially, with washing liquid, comprising water, is defined

5 mixed with washing product. In addition, said washing room is adapted to receive at least one element to be washed.

Well, according to the invention, the washing machine comprises at least one ultrasonic device intended to irradiate ultrasound in said washing liquid. In a

As an embodiment, the ultrasonic device may be located on the perimeter of the washing room and be operatively oriented so that it can radiate ultrasound, especially transmitting a plurality of ultrasonic waves, towards an area of the washing room capable of receiving the elements to be washed, especially towards a lower area of said washing area.

15 With the irradiation of ultrasound in the washing liquid, especially in a liquid phase of the washing liquid, the ultrasonic waves generate in the water, without generating noise, a plurality of small waves that produce bubbles and the agitation of the water, thereby enhancing and accelerating the effect of mixing between water and washing product, especially

20 detergent This rationalizes the use of washing products, especially detergents, since no additional contributions are required as an effective mixture is achieved, allowing all this to increase efficiency and have shorter cycle programs. Preferably, the ultrasound irradiation can be carried out in an initial washing phase, that is, when the tank is filled with water and detergent, with the consequent saving of time and energy that

25 entails.

On the other hand, the ultrasonic device may be provided to radiate

ultrasonic in a foam phase of the washing liquid, especially in foam formed in

the surface of the mixture of water and washing product. In this way, the foam phase

30 can be eliminated by the ultrasound waves, which also contributes to shorten the cycles, avoiding additional water costs to have to dilute said foam in the water, avoiding in any case that there are remains of detergents, thereby avoiding itching in garment users as well as the risk of poisoning in the event that detergent is left in the dishes washed in a dishwasher. Preferably, ultrasound irradiation can

35 be carried out once the washing phase is finished, prior to rinsing, allowing

effectively remove the foam formed.

In one embodiment, at least one ultrasonic device is provided to radiate ultrasound in a washing liquid that is in the washing room. It is contemplated that the 5 ultrasonic device may be provided to irradiate ultrasound from above a level surface of a washing liquid that is in the washing room. I also know contemplates that the ultrasonic device is intended to radiate ultrasound from below a level surface of a washing liquid that is in the washing room. In this sense also contemplates that the ultrasonic device is intended to radiate

10 ultrasounds in a washing liquid that is in an area between the tank and the drum.

The ultrasound device may be located in an area corresponding to a

loading opening of items to be washed comprising the tank. To do this it can be fixed

for example to the tank or cargo door.

In other embodiments, the washing machine comprises a passage of washing liquid to the tank, to introduce washing liquid into the tank. At least one ultrasonic device may be provided to irradiate ultrasound in a washing liquid that is in the washing liquid passage. For this, the ultrasonic device can be fixed to the cuvette of

20 detergent or to the tank. In the detergent drawer, the ultrasonic device can be fixed in a fixed part of the detergent drawer.

A second aspect of the invention relates to a method of using a washing machine. Said process comprises: mixing water with a washing product, to obtain a washing liquid, and irradiating ultrasounds in the washing liquid by means of an ultrasonic device.

This allows an efficient mixture of water and detergent, especially

30 a quick mix, this function can be incorporated in the washing programs. Likewise, a foam removal that can appear during washing can be achieved as a result of mixing the water with the washing product.

The method may comprise filling a washing enclosure with washing liquid, adapted to receive at least one element to be washed, and irradiating ultrasound in the washing liquid for at least one moment of filling. The ultrasonic device can be activated at the time of filling the washing enclosure with washing liquid.

It is contemplated that the use procedure may include 5 deactivate said ultrasonic device once the washing liquid reaches a certain maximum level

In one embodiment, it is contemplated that the method comprises irradiating ultrasound in at least one liquid phase of the washing liquid. In this way it is possible to accelerate the mixing of the water with the washing product.

In another embodiment, the method of use comprises: - emptying a washing liquid from a washing liquid, adapted to receive at least one element to be washed, 15 - clarifying the elements to be washed from washing liquid, introducing water into the washing area , and -radiate ultrasound in the washing liquid for at least one moment of emptying

or rinse.

20 It is contemplated that the method of use comprises irradiating ultrasound in at least one foam phase of the washing liquid, to reduce the foam phase. This results in a rapid and effective removal of the foam residues present on the surface of the mixture, without the need for additional water costs or the extension of the cycle time.

25 The possibility is contemplated that once a washing phase with a mixture of water and detergent has been completed, inside a washing enclosure in which said mixture reaches a maximum level, activate the ultrasonic device beforehand. at a rinsing phase, radiating with ultrasound towards the surface defined by said maximum level from

30 an upper zone.

The possibility of the use procedure also includes

deactivating said ultrasonic device once, at least, it has been reduced to a

predetermined level, the volume of foam formed by the mixture above said level

35 washing liquid.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To complement the description that is being made and in order to help a

5 better understanding of the features of the invention, according to a preferred example of practical realization thereof, is accompanied as an integral part of said description, a set of drawings in which with an illustrative and non-limiting nature, the next:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a longitudinal section of a first embodiment of the washing machine of the invention, including the representation of garments in the washing machine during the cycle and the level of washing liquid, being especially indicated to achieve a greater extent the effect of mixing water and washing product.

Figure 2.- Shows a schematic view of a longitudinal section like that of the previous figure of a second embodiment of the washing machine, being especially indicated to achieve the foam removal effect.

Figure 3.- Shows a schematic view of a longitudinal section like that of the previous 20 figures of a third embodiment of the washing machine, being equally indicated to achieve the foam removal effect.

Figure 4.- Shows a schematic view of a cross section of a fourth embodiment of the washing machine of the invention, including the representation of garments 25 in the washing machine during the cycle and the level of washing liquid, especially being

indicated to achieve a greater extent the effect of mixing water and washing product.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

30 In view of the figures outlined, it can be seen how in one of the possible embodiments of the invention the washing machine proposed by the invention comprises a tank (1) in which a washing room (2) can be filled, which can be filled. during a wash cycle, at least partially, with water to a level (4) of washing liquid.

35 Likewise, said washing room (2) is capable of accommodating in a lower area of the

P20133191 2

inside the tank (1) at least one element to be washed (3).

According to the invention, the washing machine comprises at least one device ultrasonic (5) located on the perimeter of the washing room (2) and being operatively 5 oriented so that it can radiate ultrasound (6) towards the lower area of the enclosure of

washing (2) capable of housing the items to be washed (3).

As shown in Figures 2 and 3, according to a second and third embodiment at least one ultrasonic device (5) is located above level 10 of (4) of maximum washing liquid that can reach the water inside the tank (1), in accordance with the normal operation of the washing machine, with this, an optimal foam removal is achieved, although waves are also transmitted, although with less intensity inside the water to enhance mix. The different disposition between the second and third disposition determines the intensity with which one acts

15 on the surface, as well as the possibility in the second embodiment that the level can exceed the ultrasonic device (5), with which it could perform the double function of mixing and removing foam depending on the moment of activation and the situation of the level (4) of washing liquid.

Also, as shown in Figure 1, according to a first embodiment at least one ultrasonic device (5) is located below the maximum level of washing liquid (4) that the water can reach in the inside the tank (1), thereby enhancing the effect of the mixture of detergent and water.

Obviously, any combination of the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 4 is contemplated in relation to the arrangement of the ultrasonic devices (5).

According to an embodiment of the invention, in which the washing machine is a washing machine, in which case the elements to be washed (3) are garments, as shown

30 in the figures, the machine comprises a drum (7) located inside the tank (1) that can rotate with respect to an axis (8), wherein said drum (7) comprises a plurality of openings through which the water can pass, where the elements to be washed (3) can be placed in a lower area inside the drum (7).

35 In such a case, it is contemplated that at least one ultrasonic device (5) is located below the level of (4) maximum washing liquid that can reach the water inside

of the tank (1) And above the space existing inferiorly between the tank (1) and the drum (7), as shown in the first embodiment shown in Figure 1.

5 Likewise, as shown in Figure 3, it is contemplated that at least one ultrasonic device (5) is located in an upper area corresponding to a filling opening (9) of items to be washed (3) comprising the tank (1) and the drum (7).

As shown in Figures 1 to 3, the ultrasonic device may be fixed, for example, to the tank (1) or to a loading door (10) provided to close the washing area (2).

Figure 4 shows an arrangement of the ultrasonic device intended to irradiate ultrasound in a washing liquid that is in a passage of washing liquid (11) to the tank

15 (2). The washing liquid passage (11) hydraulically connects a washing product tray (12) with the tank (1). The ultrasonic device (6) can be fixed, for example, to the detergent tray.

Finally, although it has not been represented, any of the embodiments represented 20 in Figures 1 to 4 may refer to a dishwasher, in which case the elements to be washed (3) are crockery and cutlery elements.

In view of this description and set of figures, the person skilled in the art will be able to understand that the embodiments of the invention that have been described can be combined with multiple

25 ways within the object of the invention. The invention has been described according to some preferred embodiments thereof, but it will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that multiple variations can be introduced in said preferred embodiments without exceeding the object of the claimed invention.

Claims (12)

1.-Washing machine, comprising a tank (1) inside which a washing room (2) adapted to receive at least one element to be washed (3) and be filled, when 5 less partially, with a washing liquid, which comprises water mixed with a washing product, characterized in that the washing machine comprises at least one device for ultrasound (5) intended to irradiate ultrasound (6) in the washing liquid. 2. Washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one ultrasonic device (5) is provided to irradiate ultrasound (6) in a washing liquid that is in the washing room (2). 3. Washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that the ultrasonic device (5) is provided to irradiate ultrasound (6) from above a level surface (4) of a washing liquid that is in the enclosure of wash (2). 4. Washing machine according to claim 2, characterized in that at least one ultrasonic device (5) is provided for irradiating ultrasound (6) from below a level superture (4) of a washing liquid that is in the washing room (2). 5. Washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 4, which It comprises a rotating drum (7) inside the tank (1), characterized in that at least An ultrasound device (5) is provided to irradiate ultrasound (6) in a liquid of 25 washing that is in an area between the tank (1) and the drum (7). 6. Washing machine according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that at least one ultrasonic device (5) is located in an area corresponding to a loading opening (9) of elements to be washed (3) comprising the Cuba 30 (1). 7. Washing machine according to claim 1, comprising a liquid passage of washing (12) to the tank (1), characterized in that at least one ultrasonic device (5) It is intended to irradiate ultrasound (6) in a washing liquid that is in the passage of 35 washing liquid (11). 8. Washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ultrasonic device (5) is provided to irradiate ultrasound (6) in a liquid phase of the washing liquid. 9. Washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the ultrasonic device (5) is provided to irradiate ultrasound (6) in a foam phase of the washing liquid. 10. Washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the washing machine is a washing machine. 11. Method of using a washing machine, especially a washing machine defined in any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 15 comprises: mixing water with a washing product to obtain a washing liquid, and radiating ultrasound (6) in the washing liquid by means of a device for ultrasound (6) 12. Method of using a washing machine, according to claim 11, characterized in that it comprises: -filling a washing chamber (2) with washing liquid, adapted to receive at least one element to be washed (3), irradiating ultrasound (6) in the washing liquid for at least one moment of filling. 13. Method of using a washing machine, according to any one of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that it comprises: -radiating ultrasound in at least one liquid phase of the washing liquid, to accelerate the mixing of water with the product washing 14. Method of using a washing machine, according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that it comprises: - emptying a washing chamber (3) from liquid, adapted to receive at least one element to be washed. (3),

-

rinse the elements to be washed (3) of the washing liquid, introducing water into the washing room (2), and - irradiating ultrasound into the washing liquid for at least a moment of emptying

or rinse. 15.-Procedure for using a washing machine, according to any one of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it comprises:

-

irradiate ultrasound in at least one foam phase of the washing liquid, to

Reduce the foam phase.