Description A WASHING MACHINE

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine wherein energy savings is provided.

[0002] In washing machines, the wash water has to be heated in different phases in accordance with the program operated. Mostly electric heaters that require high power are utilized for heating the water. The energy needed for heating constitutes approximately 75 % of the energy consumed for the entire washing process. Therefore, in recent years the research realized for decreasing the energy consumption of washing machines is directed towards reducing the energy consumed especially by the heater.

[0003] In the United States of America patent application no US4245488, the explanation is given for the cold water taken into the machine is heated by the heat spreading from the motor circuits.

[0004] The object of the present invention is to realize a washing machine wherein the washing water is heated by less energy.

[0005] The washing machine designed to fulfill the objective of the present invention is explicated in the attached claims.

[0006] In the washing machine of the present invention, the condenser of the heat pump used for heating water is directly disposed in the space between the tub and the drum. By means of this embodiment, the pocket formed at the bottom of the tub, wherein the electric heaters used in conventional art are disposed for not damaging the tub or the drum when they reach high surface temperatures, is rendered useless. Because the condenser used in the present invention does not reach high temperatures that will damage the tub or the drum. Furthermore, since the condenser can spread all over the surfaces below the water level of the tub instead of being collected in a receptacle, it is possible to heat the water more homogeneously.

[0007] In another embodiment of the present invention, some of the condenser windings are disposed between the tub and the drum such that they will be above the water level. Accordingly, in particularly cold weather, besides water, the air just above the water is also heated providing a homogeneous heat distribution within the drum. Since the condenser will not reach high surface temperatures even in waterless conditions thus emplacement thereof does not harm the tub in anyway.

[0008] The washing machine designed to fulfill the objective of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where:

[0009] Figure 1 - is the sideways schematic view of a washing machine. [0010] Figure 2 - is the front schematic view of the washing machine. [0011] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows:

1. Washing machine

2. Body

3. Drum

4. Tub

5. Detergent dispenser

6. Water inlet duct

7. Compressor

8. Condenser

9. Evaporator

10. Capillary tube

11. Heat pump

[0012] The washing machine (1) comprises a body (2), a tub (4) situated within the body (2), a drum (3) disposed in the tub (4) wherein items to be washed are emplaced, a water inlet duct (6) for receiving water from the main supply and a detergent dispenser (5) wherein the washing agent is put. The washing machine (1) furthermore comprises a heat pump (11) disposed within the body (2) that is utilized for heating the water.

[0013] The heat pump (11) comprises a compressor (7) providing the circulating fluid to be aspirated and pumped, a condenser (8) for condensing this fluid and thus heating the wash water, a capillary tube (10) providing to decrease the pressure of the fluid leaving the condenser (8) and an evaporator (9) providing the fluid to absorb the ambient heat and to be vaporized again.

[0014] In the embodiment of the present invention, the condenser (8) is directly disposed inside the tub (4), in the space (clearance) between the tub (4) and the drum (3) (Figure 1). In this embodiment, the condenser (8) windings are preferably spread over the entire portion of the tub (4) that is placed under the water level during washing. Thus, all of the water can be heated homogeneously.

[0015] In this embodiment of the present invention, furthermore the condenser (8) is disposed such that some portion thereof stays above the water level in the tub (4) (Figure 2). Accordingly, the air above the water is heated, providing to conserve the heat of the water during the washing program and also the hot air to contribute to the washing effectiveness.

[0016] In the washing machine (1) of the present invention, the wash water is received

from the main supply by means of the water inlet duct (6) and is directed to the tub (4) passing through the detergent dispenser (5). The water collects inside the tub (4) around the condenser (8). Afterwards, the heat pump (11) is operated and water is heated with the heat emanating from the condenser (8) to the temperature required by the washing program selected by the user. In the washing machine (1) of the present invention, energy consumption is reduced since the wash water is heated by a heat pump (11). Furthermore, since the condenser (8) does not heat up to high temperatures, the drum (3) or the tub (4) is not damaged. Again by this means, the air can also be heated by arranging the condenser (8) windings above the water level.