DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

The present invention relates to a laundry washing machine, and to a process for washing laundry.

Background of the invention

Laundry washing machines can be basically classified into two main types, defined hereinafter for simplicity as "machines of a European type" and "machines of a U.S. type".

In front-loading machines of a European type, the laundry drum is mounted in a washing tub so as to rotate about a substantially horizontal or slightly inclined axis, with the tub that is housed in a cabinet. The cabinet has a front-loading opening, mounted on which is a door, and this opening is substantially aligned to the area in which the tub is mounted, which is in turn substantially aligned to a front opening of the laundry drum. The tub is elastically suspended inside the cabinet so as to be able to perform oscillations determined by the loads acting on the laundry drum during its rotation, said loads being due to the weight of the laundry being treated.

Top-loading machines of the European type have a substantially similar structure, but with the difference that the tub has an upper opening, facing a circumferential wall of the laundry drum, provided on which is a corresponding hatch. The cabinet in turn comprises a respective upper door, which enables access to the opening of the tub, and hence to the hatch of the laundry drum. For the purposes of the operations of loading and unloading of the laundry, the drum is brought into an angular position such that the corresponding hatch is located at the top opening of the tub.

In machines of a U.S. type, the tub is constituted basically by a cylindrical container open at the top, within which the laundry drum or an agitator is mounted for turning according to a substantially vertical axis. Also the laundry drum is open at the top, and the cabinet of the machine, within which the tub is housed, is provided with an upper hatch.

Machines of a European type are particularly appreciated on account of the high quality of washing that can be obtained with relatively small amounts of water. In these machines, however, on account of the substantially horizontal arrangement of the axis of rotation of the drum and of the gravitational force, there is the need to balance precisely the load of laundry in order to execute certain steps of the cycle, such as the centrifugation steps. This need, in addition to complicating to a certain extent the pre- arrangement of the operating programs (on account of the need to detect and correct any possible unbalancing of the load), imposes structural solutions and solutions regarding positioning of the counterweights for the oscillating assembly that complicate production of the machine.

The washing results obtained with machines of a U.S. type are qualitatively inferior to those of European machines, at least given the same amount of water used, but, also by virtue of the vertical disposition of the axis of rotation of the drum, are affected to a limited extent by possible unbalancing of the load of laundry, and are hence structurally simpler and less expensive than machines of a European type. Machines of a U.S. type are moreover appreciated, as on the other hand top-loading machines of a European type, on account of their high level of ergonomics of use and their flexibility of installation, owing to the fact that loading/unloading of the laundry can be carried out from the upper part of the cabinet.

Also known from the document No. US 5,327,603, on which the preamble of Claim 1 is based, is a laundry washing machine of a "hybrid" type, i.e., one in which an oscillating assembly including tub and laundry drum is rotatably mounted so as to be displaceable, about a substantially horizontal axis of inclination, between at least one upright position and a reclined position, where the driving axis of the drum is oriented substantially in a vertical direction or else horizontally, respectively. The oscillating assembly is housed in a cabinet of the machine and, in conditions of normal operation, is displaced between the upright position and the reclined position via purposely provided motor means, controlled by the control system of the machine. The oscillating assembly is accessible from above, when it is in the upright position, via an upper hatch of the cabinet, and is in turn provided with a door of its own, having the purpose of preventing the laundry from coming out of the assembly, in its two operating positions.

The machine known from US 5,327,603 is generally complicated in construction, cumbersome and costly, and not effectively ergonomic for the user.

Summary and object of the invention

In view of what has been set forth above, the object of the present invention is to provide a laundry washing machine that is simple and economically advantageous to produce and presents an operation that is as a whole improved compared with machines according to the prior art.

The above and further purposes, which will emerge more clearly hereinafter, are achieved according to the present invention by a laundry washing machine and by a process for washing laundry having the characteristics specified in Claims 1 and 13, respectively. Preferred characteristics of the invention are indicated in the dependent claims. The claims form an integral part of the technical teaching provided herein in relation to the invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The objects, characteristics, and advantages of the present invention will emerge clearly from the ensuing description, with reference to the annexed drawings, which are provided purely by way of non- limiting example, and in which:

- Figure 1 is a perspective view of a laundry washing machine according to the invention, in a first condition;

- Figure 2 is an enlarged detail of Figure 1;

- Figures 3 and 4 are two schematic views, in front and side elevation, respectively, of a laundry washing machine according to the invention, in a second condition;

- Figure 5 is a schematic view similar to that of Figure 3, but in front elevation, with the machine in a third condition;

- Figure 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to the line VI-VI of Figure 3;

- Figure 7 is an enlarged detail of Figure 6;

- Figure 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to the line VIII-VIII of

Figure 4;

- Figure 9 is an enlarged detail of Figure 8;

- Figure 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view according to the line X-X of Figure 5;

- Figure 1 1 is a partially exploded view of a part of the machine of Figure 1;

- Figure 12 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the part of Figure 11, in the assembled condition; and - Figures 13 to 20 are schematic views, in side elevation, of the machine according to the invention, aimed at illustrating a possible use thereof.

Description of preferred embodiments of the invention

Reference to "an embodiment" or "one embodiment" in the framework of this description is intended to indicate that a particular configuration, structure, or characteristic described in relation to the embodiment is comprised in at least one embodiment. Hence, phrases such as "in an embodiment" or "in one embodiment" and the like that may be present in different parts in the framework of this description do not necessarily all refer to one and the same embodiment. Moreover, the particular configurations, structures, or characteristics can be combined in any adequate way in one or more embodiments. The references used herein are merely for convenience and do not define the sphere of protection or scope of the embodiments.

With particular reference to Figures 1-5, designated as a whole by 1 is a laundry washing machine according to one embodiment of the present invention. The machine 1 comprises a load-bearing structure, designated as a whole by 2, which includes a base part 3 and two uprights or sides 4, substantially parallel to one another. The sides 4 are elastically mounted on opposite sides of the base part 3, via damping means, designated by 5 only in Figure 1, of any type suitable for the purpose, for example, in the form of shock absorbers substantially of the leaf type. Defined in the lower region of the base part 3 is a housing compartment 6 for two removable containers 7a and 7b, the functions of which will be clarified hereinafter. The bottom face of the base part 3 is provided with feet 8 for resting on the floor; said bottom face of the base part has, in its front area, an inclined surface, mounted on which are wheels or rollers, designated by 9 in Figure 3.

Positioned between the sides 4 is an oscillating assembly, designated as a whole by 10, which is articulated in diametrally opposite points to the upper regions of the sides 4. The coupling between the oscillating assembly 5 and the sides 4, obtained via articulation joints 11, is such that the oscillating assembly 10 is subject to displacement about a substantially horizontal inclination axis, designated by A in Figures 3 and 5.

In the embodiment exemplified, the structure 2 provides or substantially integrates also part of the cabinet of the machine, i.e., a part of casing directly in view. A further part of the machine 1 directly in view is formed by the oscillating assembly 10, which is accessible by a user, so that it can be manoeuvred manually, as explained hereinafter.

With particular reference also to Figures 6 and 10, the oscillating assembly 10 comprises a tub 12, of an at least approximately cylindrical shape, having a bottom 12a and an access opening 12b (Figure 1) at the end opposite to the bottom, provided with a seal gasket 13 having an annular shape. Housed inside the tub 12 is a laundry drum 14, which is able to rotate according to a respective driving or working axis, designated by B. Also the laundry drum 14 has a generally cylindrical shape, with a respective bottom facing the bottom 12a of the tub 12 and an access opening, designated by 14a in Figure 7, at the opposite end with respect to the bottom, substantially aligned or coaxial to the opening 12b of the tub 12. The cylindrical wall of the laundry drum 14 has arrays of holes (not represented) and is provided with lifter elements, two of which are designated by 14b. The tub 12 can advantageously be made altogether or in part of moulded thermoplastic material, preferably in at least two pieces coupled to one another in a fluid-tight way, for example, via welding; also the laundry drum 14 can be made of moulded plastic material, or else be made at least in part of metal. Provided at the upper region of the laundry drum 14 there may be a counterweight element, having a generally annular or semi-annular shape. Instead of a counterweight, the laundry drum 14 can be provided with dynamic self-balancing means of any type known in the sector. For example, in one embodiment, these elements include one or more annular seats, designated by 14c, each defined in the proximity of the circumference of the front and/or of the back of the laundry drum 14, where housed in each seat is a movable balancing mass, such as a mass of liquid or a set of balls. Said self-balancing elements have relatively contained dimensions, and hence do not reduce significantly the loading capacity of the machine.

The oscillating assembly 10 further comprises a door 15, which is articulated to the casing of the assembly itself; in the example, the door 15 is hinged to the tub body in the areas designated by H. The door preferably comprises a frame 15a and a containment body 15b, for example, made of transparent material. Preferably, as may be seen in Figures 6 and 10, the containment body 15b is shaped so as to project towards the inside of the tub 12, until it penetrates into the access mouth of the laundry drum 14, i.e., its front part, which delimits the opening 14a. As may be seen, the machine 1 has a single door, i.e., the one designated by 15, which is directly accessible from outside the structure 2.

The machine comprises motor means, represented by an electric motor, controlled by the control system to set the laundry drum 14 in rotation, in the appropriate times and with the appropriate modalities (speed, periods of rotation, periods of pause, possible reversal of rotation, etc.), according to techniques in themselves known. In the example represented (see Figures 4 and 6) the machine has a system for driving the laundry drum of the type referred to in general as "direct drive", i.e., with a motor 16, the stator of which is fixed directly on the outside of the tub bottom 12a, in a central position, and with the rotor directly associated to the shaft for driving the laundry drum 14. Of course, this type of drive is not to be understood as in any way limiting; alternatively, a traditional electric motor can be provided, connected via suitable transmission (for instance, via a belt and pulley system) to the shaft of the laundry drum 14.

Illustrated in the figures merely by way of example is a machine according to a particularly simplified embodiment of the invention, where charging of the liquid required for execution of a treatment cycle is carried out manually and without heating of the liquid itself; in said machine, moreover, the liquid used during a treatment cycle is collected within the containers 7a, 7b, as will be described hereinafter. The machine 1 hence does not envisage connections with an external water mains or a drain or sewage system. Designated by C is a power cable, for connection of the machine 1 to the electric mains supply.

The machine 1 can comprise safety means (not represented) including a door- locking device, having a structure in itself known, controlled by the control system of the machine. As per the known art, said device can be switched between an operative condition and an inoperative condition, where opening of the door 15 is prevented or enabled, respectively.

The aforesaid control system preferably comprises a microcontroller control logic, with associated memory means, encoded in which are the instructions regarding the general functions of the machine and one or more corresponding operating programs. In the case where the machine 1 is prearranged for execution of a number of treatment programs, the control system can comprise a control panel or user interface, represented only in Figure 11 , where it is designated by 17, having means (such as keys or push-buttons) through which a user can select the desired treatment program. The control system preferably includes command means (described hereinafter) that can be switched by the user for controlling starting or enabling execution of an operating program.

As emerges from the comparison between Figures 3, 6 and 5, 10, in the machine 1 according to the invention the oscillating assembly 10 is supported rotatably by the load-bearing structure 2 in a way displaceable about the axis A, between at least one upright position, where the driving axis B of the laundry drum 14 is directed substantially vertically, and at least one reclined position, where the axis B is directed substantially horizontally.

It should be noted that, in the present description, the phrases "directed substantially vertically " and "directed substantially horizontally " referring to the driving axis B are intended to designate positions of the axis itself at least approximately vertical or horizontal. In particular, in the preferred embodiment, in the at least one upright position, the axis B of the laundry drum 14 forms an angle comprised between approximately 75° and 90° with respect to a horizontal plane, whilst in the at least one reclined position, said angle is comprised between approximately 0° and 15°, preferably approximately 5°-10°. As will emerge more clearly hereinafter, moreover, in a preferred embodiment, the oscillating assembly 10 is able to assume and maintain stably two different upright positions, where the inclination of the driving axis B of the laundry drum with respect to the aforesaid horizontal plane is different. In particular, in a first upright position, visible, for example, in Figure 10, the aforesaid angle (preferably approximately 75°-85°) is smaller than the one envisaged in a second upright position, visible, for example, in Figure 14, preferably approximately 90°.

In order to keep the oscillating assembly 10 stably in the reclined position of Figures 3, 4 and 6, the machine 1 can be provided with switchable retention means, which can be preferably but not necessarily controlled electrically by the control system of the machine. In one embodiment, these retention means (not represented) can be obtained using the technology typical of door-locking devices for electrical household appliances. In said embodiment, for example, on the outside of the assembly 10, an engagement element is provided, which, when the assembly itself is in the reclined position, is engaged and withheld by a retention member, driven by an electric actuator. Another technique that can be used for providing the aforesaid retention means is that of drum-blocking devices, used in certain top-loading laundry washing machines for blocking rotation of the laundry drum at the end of the washing cycle. The retention means designed to prevent angular movement of the oscillating assembly 10 when this is in the reclined position can be integrated in at least one of the articulations 11, for example, as in an embodiment described hereinafter with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

As mentioned previously, the control system of the machine is preferably provided with command means that can be switched by the user for controlling starting, or enabling execution, of a treatment program. In a preferred embodiment, said command means are prearranged in such a way that the switching thereof is obtained following upon a manual displacement of the oscillating assembly 10 from the at least one upright position to the at least one reclined position, and more precisely from the position of Figure 14 to the position of Figure 16 (corresponding to the positions of Figures 1 and 4, respectively).

The above switching means can be constituted, for example, by a simple electrical switch or push-button, which is switched by the assembly 10 when this reaches the position of Figure 4 or Figure 16. Said switching of the switch enables electric power supply of the machine, and hence of its internal electrical components. In one embodiment, the aforesaid switching brings about closing of an electrical switch controllable by the control system, such as, for example, a relay, in such a way that the supply circuit of the machine 1 is kept in the closed condition also when - as will be seen hereinafter - during execution of a treatment program the assembly 10 displaces autonomously towards an upright position. A different embodiment of the aforesaid control means will be described hereinafter with reference to Figures 11 and 12.

Among the electrical components that are supplied after the reclined position has been reached, there may be the aforesaid door-locking device, purposely controlled by the control system. The safety means of the machine are prearranged in such a way that the door-locking device is made to assume its operative condition, for locking the door 15, after the reclined position has been reached, and said operative condition is practically maintained up to the end of the treatment program and/or until the electrical components carried by the oscillating assembly 10 can be supplied electrically. Consequently, as may be appreciated, the door 15 can be opened when the assembly 10 is located in an angular position comprised between the upright position and the reclined position, before starting-up a treatment program (i.e., until the assembly is brought manually from the position of Figure 14 to the position of Figure 16).

The machine 1 according to the invention is preferably prearranged for displacing, in an automated way during execution of a treatment program in progress, the oscillating assembly 10 from the reclined position to an upright position, namely the position illustrated in Figures 5, 10 and 18, where the axis B is substantially vertical. In one embodiment, the aforesaid driving means comprise at least one accumulator of mechanical energy, for example, a spring, which is loaded following upon manual displacement of the oscillating assembly 10 from the position of Figure 14 to the position of Figure 16. As explained previously, when the assembly 10 is brought into the reclined position, it is kept in said position by the retention means: also the accumulator of mechanical energy is hence kept in the respective loaded condition. In the course of execution of a treatment program, the control system then issues a release command of the retention means, with the consequence that also the accumulator of mechanical energy is released in such a way that its elastic reaction will cause displacement of the oscillating assembly 10 from the reclined position to the upright position of Figures 5, 10 and 18. An accumulator of energy of this sort can, for example, be positioned in the area of each articulation 11 , as in an embodiment described hereinafter with reference to Figures 1 1 and 12. The aforesaid driving means can also include friction means, which can be obtained with any known technique, in order to slow down the movement induced in the assembly 10 by the release of the spring or of the springs used.

The embodiment provided with means for accumulating mechanical energy is particularly simple and inexpensive to produce. On the other hand, in a simplified embodiment, the displacement of the assembly 10 from the position of Figure 16 to the position of Figure 18 or of Figure 19 can be obtained or facilitated also in the absence of said means by configuring the oscillating assembly 10 in such a way that it is the position of its barycentre that determines autonomously the aforesaid displacement.

Preferably, but not necessarily, the machine 1 is also provided with switchable retention means, which operate to keep the oscillating assembly 10 stably in the upright position of Figures 5, 10 and 18. Also these retention means can be of a type electrically controllable by the control system of the machine and devised in a way similar to the ones used to keep the assembly 10 in the reclined position. Possibly, retention means can themselves be prearranged to keep the assembly both in the reclined position and in the upright position, as in an embodiment described hereinafter with reference to Figures 11 and 12. In order to keep the assembly 10 in the upright position of Figures 5, 10 and 18 the retention means can in any case comprise a locking device of a mechanical type, which can be switched manually by a user via a release and reset element.

In general terms, the at least one treatment program that can be carried out by the machine 1 includes at least one washing step, during which the laundry drum 14 is turned in the presence of washing liquid in the tub 12, at least one rinsing step, during which the laundry drum 14 is turned in the presence of rinsing liquid in the tub 12, and at least one centrifugation step, during which the laundry drum 14 is turned at a relatively high speed, in the substantial absence of liquid in the tub 12.

In a preferred embodiment, the control system is configured for controlling execution of the washing step when the oscillating assembly 10 is in a reclined position, and in particular the position of Figures 3, 4, 6 or 16, and for controlling execution of at least one of the rinsing step and the centrifugation step, preferably both the rinsing step and the centrifugation step, when the oscillating assembly 10 is in an upright position, and in particular the position of Figures 5, 10 and 18.

Illustrated in Figures 11 and 12 is a possible embodiment of the aforesaid retention means designed to keep the oscillating assembly 10 in the reclined and upright positions, a possible embodiment of the aforesaid command means, and a possible embodiment of the aforesaid driving means.

In said embodiment, the structure of the oscillating assembly 10 has two opposed articulation pins, only one of which is visible, designated by 20. The pin 20, which is here generally tubular, is, for example, to be coupled to a bearing (not visible) housed in a seat provided in the corresponding sides 4.

The pin 20 is surrounded by a ring 21, made in the outer surface of which are recesses 22, 23 and 24, in pre-defined angular positions, each recess corresponding to a stable position that can be assumed by the oscillating assembly 10, as described hereinafter. The pin 20 and the ring 21 are in fixed relative positions and can be made integrally with the structure of the oscillating assembly, for example, with the tub body.

Designated by 25 is an electrically controllable blocking device, which provides the aforesaid retention means and is fixed to the structure of the sides 4. The device 25 comprises an arrest element 25a, loaded by a spring (not indicated) in an extracted or blocking position. In particular, the device 25 is positioned in such a way that the aforesaid spring pushes a head of the arrest element 25a towards the external annular surface of the ring 21. The head of the element 25a is conveniently shaped to engage each time in the recesses 22-24, according to the angular position of the assembly 10. The device 25 further comprises electrically controlled actuator means (not visible) designed to bring about recession and selective blocking of the element 25a in position; said actuator means can comprise, for example, a solenoid or an electric thermo- actuator.

Designated by 26 is a torsion spring, which provides the accumulator of mechanical energy referred to previously. In the example, the spring 26 is positioned in an annular region or seat 27 comprised between the pin 20 and the ring 21. The ends of the spring 26 are engaged, one to the oscillating assembly 10 and the other to the structure of the sides 4 in such a way that, when the assembly 10 is brought from the position of Figure 14 to the position of Figure 16, the spring 26 is loaded.

In the example of Figures 11 and 12, the control means referred to previously comprise a movable contact, designated by 28, carried by the assembly 10, and in particular fixed to the outer surface of the ring 21, and a pair of fixed contacts 29a and 29b, which in the example are defined by an element 29 having an electrically conductive body, substantially shaped like an arc of circumference and fixed on the structure of the sides 4, in a position facing the outer surface of the ring 21. The fixed contacts 29a and 29b are designed to co-operate with the movable contact 28, as will be explained hereinafter, only when the assembly 10 is in the positions corresponding to those of Figure 6 and Figure 10, respectively. From Figure 12 it may be noted how the switching means constituted by the contacts 28 and 29a-29b are connected in series on the electric power line of the electrical components mounted on the oscillating assembly 10, designated as a whole by 30 and comprising at least the motor 16, the possible door- locking device and two controllable devices, which perform the functions of valve described hereinafter; in Figure 12, + and - indicate, respectively, live and neutral of a supply voltage coming from the cable C.

Provided at the bottom 12a of the tub is a drain passageway 40 (Figures 6 and 10), which includes a shut-off device, which can be switched between a first condition and a second condition, where the discharge of liquid from the tub 12 is prevented or enabled, respectively. In one embodiment, the aforesaid device, designated by 41, is a valve device of a normally closed type with electric actuator, for example, a thermo- actuator, mounted directly on the tub 12; its functions can be obtained also by means of a discharge pump, preferably mounted on the tub body.

The drain 40 can be located in a position corresponding the tub bottom 12a in a position such as to enable practically complete discharge of the liquid also with the assembly 10 in the reclined position. Complete discharge of the washing water from the tub 12 can in any case be obtained also subsequently, when the assembly 10 is brought into the upright position and before start of a rinsing step.

According to the invention, the oscillating assembly 10 comprises a tank for containing a volume of liquid necessary for execution of at least one rinsing step. In the example illustrated, the aforesaid tank is basically constituted by a chamber, defined in an upper region of the tub body, having a substantially annular or C shape. The aforesaid tank, partially visible in Figures 6, 9 and 10, where it is designated by 42, is defined by the union between two pieces belonging to the tub 12 (not indicated). Housed in the tank 42, and precisely in its region that - when the assembly 10 is in the reclined position - is set further down (see the line of section VIII-VIII of Figure 4) is the valve body of a second shut-off device. The aforesaid valve body, designated by 43 in Figures 8 and 9, has an inlet, designated by 43a, in fluid communication with the inside of the tank 42, and an outlet, designated by 43b, which is set facing - or in any case in fluid communication with - the inside of the tub 12, i.e., with the space for housing the laundry drum 14. It should be noted that the tank 42 has portions with different sections (a more restricted section towards the regions H of hinging of the door 15 and a wider section on the side opposite to the regions H). The overall shape of the tank 42 is moreover asymmetrical, and in any case configured in such a way that in the inlet 43a of the valve body 43 there can converge the liquid from both of its two substantially semicircular branches, between which the inlet 43a is located.

In the non-limiting example represented, the valve body 43 of the second shut- off device, which is also of a normally closed type, has an intermediate wall provided with a passage, designated by 43c in Figures 7 and 9. Provided inside the body 43 is an open/close means, such as a flap 44a, which is hinged in the point designated by 44b in Figure 9 and is displaceable between a position of closing and a position of opening of the passage 43c, where the outflow of liquid between the inlet 43a and the outlet 43b is prevented or enabled, respectively (and then a pouring of liquid from the tank 42 into the washing tub 12 is prevented or enabled, respectively).

The displacement of the open/close flap 44a from the closing position to the opening position is obtainable via an electric actuator, designated by 44 in Figure 7, constituted, for example, by a thermo-actuator, with preferably associated elastic return means. It should be noted that the actuator 44, with the corresponding electrical connections, projects in a corresponding compartment 42a (see, for example, Figure 7), which is insulated with respect to the inside of the tank 42. The compartment 42a can also be defined by the union of two pieces belonging to the tub. It should be noted that in Figures 7-9 no sealing means have been represented, such as gaskets made of elastomer, set between the valve body 43 and the tub body, to guarantee hydraulic sealing and insulation of the compartment 42a. It should likewise be noted that the first shut-off device 41 may be of a conception similar to that of the device 43-44.

In a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, the structure 2 of the machine 1 includes two different regions for collection of the liquid evacuated each time from the tub 12, during a corresponding discharge step envisaged by the treatment program.

In the non-limiting example illustrated, and as may be seen in particular in

Figures 6 and 10, these liquid-collecting regions comprise two compartments, defined in the base 3 underneath the assembly 10 and open upwards, designated by 45 and 46, separated from one another by an intermediate wall 45a. Preferably, the compartments 45 and 46 have a substantially funnel-like profile, or are in any case configured to perform substantially functions of collecting and directing a liquid towards a respective outlet. Once again with reference to the example of embodiment presented, the outlet of each compartment 45 and 46 (not visible in the figures) gives out into a respective container 7a and 7b. The seat 6, in which the containers 7a and 7b are housed in a removable way, thus extends at least in part underneath the compartments 45 and 46.

According to a preferential characteristic, the outlet of the drain 40 of the tub 12 is in an eccentric position relative to the driving axis B of the laundry drum 14, and in any case in a position such that, in the raised position and in the reclined position, the outlet itself is oriented differently. In particular, with the oscillating assembly 10 in the reclined position, the outlet of the drain 40 - i.e., of the shut-off device 41 - is generally directed towards the collection compartment 45, as may be seen in particular in Figure 6. In said condition, with the shut-off device 41 open during the discharge step that follows a washing step, in the compartment 45 the water previously used for execution of the washing step of the cycle is discharged from the tub 12. Instead, as may be seen in Figure 10, with the oscillating assembly 10 in the upright position, the outlet of the discharge 40 - i.e., of the shut-off device 41 - generally faces the compartment 46, in particular for releasing therein liquid that is evacuated during the discharge step that follows a rinsing step, or during a centrifugation step.

As has been said, in the embodiment exemplified herein, charging of the liquid into the machine 1 is carried out manually. For this purpose, the tank 42 has an opening for charging the liquid, designated by 42b in Figure 2, which is located in an upper region of the oscillating assembly 10. The opening 42b can be provided with a corresponding removable plug or else, in a particularly advantageous embodiment, as illustrated, the door 15 itself of the assembly 10 is configured for closing, when in the respective closed position, both the opening 12b of the tub 12 and the opening 42b of the tank 42. For this purpose, as may be seen in Figure 2, in the bottom face of the frame of the door 15 a plug element 47 is present, designed to close the opening 42b in a fluid-tight way. Figures 1 and 2 also illustrate a funnel 48, which can possibly equip the machine, in order to facilitate charging of the tank 42.

An example of use and of operation of the machine 1 is described hereinafter, with reference to Figures 13-20.

In Figure 13, the machine is represented with the oscillating assembly 10 in the typical position that precedes start-up of an operating program, with the door 15 open (condition similar to those of Figure 1). As has been seen, in said position the axis of the laundry drum is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical, and this favours from the ergonomic standpoint the operations of loading (and unloading, at end of cycle) of the laundry. In said condition, the user charges directly into the tub 12 - through the opening 12b - the amount of water necessary for execution of the washing step and into the tank 42 - through the opening 42b - the amount of water necessary for execution of the rinsing step. The machine can also be equipped with one or more purposely provided dosage containers (not illustrated) provided with graduated scale to indicate the volumes of water to be charged according to the amount and/or type of load of laundry. As has been said, the shut -off devices 40-41 and 43-44 are of a normally closed type, and consequently the water introduced into the tub 12 and into the tank 40 cannot flow out therefrom.

By way of indication, for 3.5 kg of laundry, there can be introduced approximately 12-15 1 of water for the washing operation, preferably approximately 13 1, and approximately 10 1 of water in the tank 42 for the rinsing operation.

The user, before or after charging of the water, introduces the laundry into the drum and, when the desired load is complete, re-closes the door 15, as represented in Figure 14. In the simplest embodiment, the machine 1 is not provided with a dispenser of washing agent, so that the user introduces the detergent directly into the laundry drum, whilst the door 15 is still open. In more sophisticated solutions, the machine 1 can in any case be provided with a dispenser, designed to supply the washing detergent and the possible rinsing additive at appropriate moments of the cycle, according to techniques in themselves known.

In the case of the embodiment of Figures 11-12, in the position of Figure 14, the electrical components 30 of the oscillating assembly 10 (the motor 16, the possible door-locking device, the valve devices 40-41 and 43-44), cannot receive voltage in so far as the movable contact 28 is not electrically in contact either with the fixed contact 29a or with the fixed contact 29b (Figure 12). In said position, moreover, the arrest element 25a is engaged in the recess 22, thanks to the action of the corresponding spring.

If the machine envisages a number of treatment programs, the user can then set the one desired via the user interface 17 of Figure 1 1. In a simplified embodiment, the control provided on the user interface comprise keys substantially of a push-push type, i.e., of the type where closing of the corresponding electrical contacts is maintained mechanically until the same key or another key is pressed. A solution of this type enables selection of the treatment program, and the possible associated options, even if the entire machine 1 is not yet electrically supplied, as in one embodiment - not represented - where the oscillating assembly 10 passes from the position of Figure 14 to the position of Figure 16 to enable supply to the entire machine.

In another embodiment, for example, but not necessarily, that of Figures 11-12, the electrical circuit of the machine 1 is prearranged in such a way that the control system is supplied, following upon switching of an ON/OFF switch operable on the interface 17, in such a way that the possible selection of the program and start-up thereof can be carried out by the user also after displacement of the oscillating assembly 10 into the reclined position, where also supply of the electrical parts of the assembly 10 is enabled.

The user turns the oscillating assembly 10 manually, as represented schematically in Figure 15, where the rotation is in the clockwise direction, until the reclined position is reached, as may be seen in Figure 16. The assembly 10, preferably the door 15, can be purposely provided with a handle. The movement imparted manually on the assembly 10 brings about disengagement of the arrest element 25a of the blocking device 25 (which in this step is not supplied) from the recess 22, overcoming the reaction of the corresponding spring. After disengagement, said spring in any case brings about a pressure of the element 25 on the outer surface of the ring 21 (Figure 12; it should be noted that the directions of reference of Figure 12, on the one hand, and of Figures 13-20, on the other hand, are different, so that to a movement in the clockwise direction in one of Figures 13-20 there corresponds a couterclockwise movement in Figure 12). Moreover, during the displacement of the assembly 10, the spring or springs 26 that constitute the means for accumulating mechanical energy are loaded, as explained previously.

When the position of Figure 16 is reached, which can possibly be determined by a mechanical end-of-travel element, the movable contact 28 (Figure 12) comes into to contact with the fixed contact 29a, and in the recess 23 (Figure 12) engages the arrest element 25a of the blocking device 25 under the action of the corresponding spring.

When the position of Figure 16 is reached, it has the effect of enabling the electric power supply to the components 30 of Figure 12, and closing of the contact 28- 29a informs the control system that the device 25 can now be governed electrically: consequently, the arrest element 25a, engaged in the recess 23, is blocked in position, hence blocking the assembly 10 in the reclined position. The control system can now control the electric power supply to the possible door-locking device, which passes into the respective condition for locking the door 15. Also the electric motor 16 can now receive the supply voltage, ready for being started up by the control system. The control system issues a command for start of the treatment program. Following upon start of the program, the control system governs agitation of the laundry drum via control of the motor 16.

At the end of the washing step, the control system issues a command for opening of the shut-off device 41, for example, supplying it for a pre-set period of time, so as to enable discharge of the washing water from the tub 12. In the condition of Figure 16, corresponding to that of Figure 6, the outlet of the drain 40 is in a position overlying the compartment 45: in this way, the water used for washing converges, via the compartment itself, into the container 7a, where it is collected. At the end of the aforesaid pre-set period of time, supply to the device 41 ceases, with the device itself that then closes the discharge 40.

After the discharge step, the control system governs the device 25 of Figure 12 in such a way as to cause a recession of the arrest element 25a. The head of the element 25a disengages from the recess 23 (Figure 12): in this way, the assembly 10 is released and, under the action of the spring 26 (Figures 11-12), is automatically displaced towards the upright position, as may be seen in Figure 17, with a rotation that is opposite to the previous one, and hence counterclockwise.

When the upright position is reached (visible in Figure 18, which is a condition similar to that of Figure 5 or Figure 10), it can be determined by a mechanical end-of- travel element, for example, of the releasable snap-action type. When said position is reached (which the control system recognizes thanks to closing of the contact 28-29b), the control system governs the device 25 in order to terminate recession of the element 25a: under the action of the corresponding spring, the element 25a can thus engage in the recess 24 of the ring 21. The control system then issues a command for blocking in position of the element 25a, and hence of the assembly 10, in the upright position. In said condition, moreover, the electrical parts of the assembly 10 can once again be supplied.

In the course of automatic displacement of the assembly 10 between the reclined position and the raised position, the electrical parts of the assembly 10, amongst which the possible door-locking device, are not powered. In any case, according to techniques in themselves known, the possible door-locking device includes means (for example, a bi-metal element, or a thermo-actuator) designed to keep the device itself in a condition for locking the door 15, for a certain safety period after interruption of the corresponding electrical supply: said safety period has a duration longer than the one required by the assembly 10 to displace automatically from the reclined position to the raised position.

When the assembly 10 is in a vertical position (Figure 18), the control system issues a command for opening of the shut-off device 43-44 in order to enable transfer of the contents of the tank 42 into the tub 12, via the outlet 43b, for execution of the rinsing step, with new controlled movement of the laundry drum, via the motor 16.

Also opening, i.e., supply of the device 43-44 can be carried out in a timed way.

It should be noted that, in the case where the treatment cycle envisages a number of rinsing steps, and according to the capacity of the tank 42, the duration of the first opening of the device 43-44 is chosen for causing transfer into the tub of just a part of the contents of the tank 42, the remaining part being transferred subsequently, at the start of the next rinsing step.

At the end of rinsing, the liquid is evacuated from the tub 12, via a new opening of the shut-off device 40-41. In the condition of Figure 18, corresponding to that of Figure 5 or Figure 10, the outlet of the drain 40 is now located in a position overlying the compartment 46: in this way, the water used for the rinsing operation converges, through the compartment itself, into the container 7b, where it is collected. At the end of the discharge step, power supply to the device 41 is once again interrupted.

Next, the control system governs the centrifugation step or steps. In the course of each centrifugation step the shut-off device 41 can be kept open, or else opened in a pulsed way to expel the liquid released from the laundry.

Once centrifugation is through, the control system removes supply from the device 25. The user can then displace the oscillating assembly 10 manually towards the initial position, as illustrated in Figure 19. The movement imparted manually by the user on the assembly 10 is such as to enable disengagement of the arrest element 25a of the blocking device 25 from the recess 24 (as well as release of the possible mechanical end-of-travel element referred to previously). Also in this case, after said disengagement and at a certain point of rotation of the assembly 10, the element 25a engages with the recess 22 of the ring 21, in the starting position. This displacement has moreover as consequence that the movable contact 28 is no longer in contact either with the fixed contact 29b or with the fixed contact 29a: the electrical components 30 of the assembly 10 can no longer receive the supply voltage, including the possible door- locking device. After the safety period mentioned previously, then, the user can open the door 15 and take the laundry out of the laundry drum 14, as in Figure 20.

At the end of the program, in the containers 7a and 7b there will be present the water used for washing and for the rinsing operation, respectively. The containers 7a and 7b can be removed from the structure 2, for example, to empty the contents of the drawer 7a into a sewage system. The contents of the drawer 7b can possibly be re-used, for example, for performing domestic tasks (for example washing a floor, or floor rags, etc.) or else can possibly be re-used as washing liquid for a subsequent treatment cycle, and hence re-introduced into the tub 12.

Previously, reference was made to an embodiment, alternative to those of Figures 11-12, where the command means comprise an electrical switch or push-button, switching of which is caused by manual displacement of the assembly 10 from the upright position to the reclined position in order to bring about closing of a relay. In said embodiment, at the end of the washing cycle, it is the control system that causes opening of the relay, in such a way that the electric power supply to the machine 1 is interrupted. Also in this case, consequently, supply to the possible door-locking device ceases, and consequently the door 15 can be opened by the user, for unloading the laundry.

As explained previously, the machine is provided with wheels or rollers 9 on an inclined surface defined on the bottom of the structure 2, in the corresponding front area. This arrangement enables, if need be, convenient displacement of the machine 1 , simply by tilting it slightly forwards.

The machine according to the present invention enables combination of the advantageous characteristics proper to vertical-axis machines (lightness, ergonomics of use, centrifuging that are not affected by substantial unbalancing of the load) with the advantageous characteristics proper to horizontal-axis machines (effective washing with small amount of water). The overall structure of the machine is relatively simple, far from cumbersome and lighter than that of known machines, given the same laundry- loading capacity. A substantial advantage is represented precisely by the structural simplicity and lightness of the machine, above all thanks to the absence of permanent counterweights on the tub 12. It is in fact the contents of the tank 42 that fulfil functions of counterweight, when the machine operates with the oscillating assembly 10 in the reclined position, contributing to stabilizing the machine. Instead, when the oscillating assembly 10 is in the raised position, the contents of the tank 42 can be emptied, in so far as in said condition - substantially corresponding to that of a machine of a U.S. type - the load of laundry is decidedly less subject to unbalancing. In this way, the structure of the machine is moreover simplified and easy to displace.

The possibility, provided in a particularly advantageous embodiment of the invention, of directing in a different way the liquid discharged from the tub following upon different steps of the program enables disposal in a different way of the washing liquid and the rinsing liquid, possibly enabling, as has been said, re-use of the latter liquid.

The fact that, in a preferred embodiment, starting of an operating program and/or the electric power supply of the entire machine or of its components associated to the oscillating assembly and/or locking the door is enabled by manual displacement of the assembly itself into a given position enables simplification of the user interface of the machine, its characteristics of safety, and the modalities of use by the user. The direct accessibility to the assembly 10, from outside the structure 2, in addition to simplifying the operations of loading and unloading of the laundry, enables the machine to be equipped with a single door (and possibly with a single door-locking device), as well as facilitating visual inspection of the load of laundry, through the transparent part of said single door.

Of course, without prejudice to the principle of the invention, the details of construction and the embodiments may vary widely with respect to what has been described and illustrated herein purely by way of example, without thereby departing from the scope of the present invention as defined in the annexed claims. In the embodiment exemplified in the figures the oscillating assembly 10 is able to assume two different upright positions, one of which is slightly inclined with respect to the vertical in order to facilitate from the ergonomic standpoint the operations of loading and unloading of the laundry. It will be appreciated, however, that, in alternative and simpler embodiments, the machine 1 can be pre-arranged in such a way that the assembly 10 can assume just one upright position, preferably corresponding to that of Figure 10, with axis B substantially vertical, both for execution of the steps of rinsing and/or centrifugation, and for execution of the operations of loading and unloading of the laundry.

As mentioned previously, the example of embodiment previously provided regards a machine of a particularly simplified conception, but in possible variant embodiments the machine can comprise all the components traditionally necessary for its normal operation, amongst which means for charging the machine with liquid, means for heating the liquid, discharge means.

The charging means can comprise, for example, a supply pipe with solenoid valve, of a type in itself known, which can be connected between a water-mains supply and the tank 42. In such an embodiment, in order to charge the tub 12 with water the shut-off device 43-44 is kept temporarily open, in such a way that the water can flow freely from the tank 42 to the tub 12, until a substantially pre-set amount is reached, which can be detected, for example, via a level sensor or a volumetric impeller sensor. Also filling of the tank 42 can be controlled via similar sensor means. In another embodiment, along the supply pipe with solenoid valve there can be provided a diverter member, which can be governed by the control system, for directing the incoming water to the tub or to the tank.

The means for heating the liquid can comprise an electrical resistor, positioned inside the tub 12, in the proximity of its bottom, supply of said resistor being controlled by the control system of the machine, which comprises for this purpose a temperature sensor or thermostat.

The discharge means, in one embodiment that does not envisage the two compartments 45, 46 and the drawers 7a, 7b, can include a pump, the inlet of which is connected to the drain 40 and the delivery of which is connected to a tube for connection to a sewage system. The presence of the containers 7a, 7b, albeit preferable, is not indispensable. In this perspective, for example, the collection compartments 45 and 46 could each be provided with a pump, for evacuation of the corresponding liquid towards different discharges, for example, a sewage-water system and a waste-water system.

Obviously, the solution of directing in a different way the liquid discharged from the tub of the machine is totally irrespective of the presence or otherwise of the tank 42.

As mentioned previously, in a possible embodiment, the actuator means constituted by the springs 26 of Figure 11 are not envisaged. In said embodiment, the structure 2 and the oscillating assembly 10 are designed in such a way that the barycentre of the assembly itself is such as to facilitate rotation from the reclined position to the upright position in order to obtain an automatic displacement or, in the case where said displacement is to be made manually, in order to reduce the effort for performing this operation manually.

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