EP2564753A2 - Water-softening device containing anhydrous salt - Google Patents

Water-softening device containing anhydrous salt Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2564753A2
EP2564753A2 EP12182604A EP12182604A EP2564753A2 EP 2564753 A2 EP2564753 A2 EP 2564753A2 EP 12182604 A EP12182604 A EP 12182604A EP 12182604 A EP12182604 A EP 12182604A EP 2564753 A2 EP2564753 A2 EP 2564753A2
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
water
tank
softening
chamber
salt
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP12182604A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2564753A3 (en
EP2564753B1 (en
Inventor
Enzo Brignone
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Bitron SpA
Original Assignee
Bitron SpA
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Bitron SpA filed Critical Bitron SpA
Priority to PL12182604T priority Critical patent/PL2564753T3/en
Publication of EP2564753A2 publication Critical patent/EP2564753A2/en
Publication of EP2564753A3 publication Critical patent/EP2564753A3/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2564753B1 publication Critical patent/EP2564753B1/en
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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L15/00—Washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware
    • A47L15/42—Details
    • A47L15/4229—Water softening arrangements
    • A47L15/4231—Constructional details of the salt container or the ion exchanger
    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/007—Arrangements of water softeners
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/02—Consumable products information, e.g. information on detergent, rinsing aid or salt; Dispensing device information, e.g. information on the type, e.g. detachable, or status of the device
    • A47L2401/023—Quantity or concentration of the consumable product
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2401/00—Automatic detection in controlling methods of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, e.g. information provided by sensors entered into controlling devices
    • A47L2401/09—Water level
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L—DOMESTIC WASHING OR CLEANING; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47L2501/00—Output in controlling method of washing or rinsing machines for crockery or tableware, i.e. quantities or components controlled, or actions performed by the controlling device executing the controlling method
    • A47L2501/18—Water softening devices

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a water-softening device for softening water supplied to an electrical household washing machine, such as a dishwasher or a washing machine for laundry purposes.
  • a device of this type comprises:
  • the operating cycle of this device is such that, after a predetermined number of passages of supplied water through the water-softening substances, the latter, which are typically ion exchange resins, are regenerated by the passage of a brine formed in the second tank as a result of the entry of water into this tank, which causes the dissolution of some of the salt contained therein.
  • the salt tank always contains brine. Therefore, when the salt is topped up in order to restore the amount used up, the brine may overflow out of the inlet used for topping up.
  • the leaked brine may be discharged through the well of the washing chamber, causing problems of corrosion of any metal parts with which it may come into contact. In the case of a washing machine, this possible discharge route does not exist, and therefore the situation becomes even more problematic.
  • the object of the present invention is to provide a water-softening device which is improved with respect to the prior art devices, and which is, in particular, free of the drawbacks mentioned above.
  • a water-softening device of the type indicated at the beginning of the present description, characterized in that it comprises a chamber for containing a brine formed as a result of the entry of water into the second tank and the dissolution of the salt contained therein and intended for regenerating said water-softening substances, said chamber being located below the second tank to which it is hydraulically connected, and being provided with a discharge conduit which is directed towards said first tank and is provided with a pump.
  • the salt contained in the corresponding tank is anhydrous, since the brine formed as a result of previous entries of water into the tank and not yet supplied to the resin tank is accumulated in the underlying chamber.
  • the top-up operations are facilitated because the anhydrous salt can flow much more easily than wet salt, and does not come into contact with the pre-existing brine, thus avoiding the risk that the brine may overflow to the outside of the tank.
  • the presence of a pump in the chamber discharge conduit, which is directed towards the first tank, provides a simple way of measuring the quantity of regeneration brine used.
  • This pump can also overcome the effect of gravity, thus increasing the freedom of the positioning of the tanks and chamber: in particular, the first tank can be positioned at a higher level than the level of the chamber.
  • the second tank and the chamber are provided with corresponding means for monitoring the water level inside them, these means producing signals which can be used for the control of the operation of the pump and the sending of the regeneration brine towards the substances with water-softening properties.
  • a further object of the present invention is an electrical household washing machine comprising a water-softening device of the type described above.
  • a water-softening device for softening water supplied to an electrical household appliance comprises a first tank 10, for containing substances with water-softening properties, and a casing 12 in which a second tank 14 for containing salt and a chamber 16 are formed.
  • the chamber is positioned below the tank 14, from which it is separated by a porous partition placed horizontally, such as a filter 18, so as to provide a hydraulic connection.
  • the second tank 14 is provided with a plurality of openings 20, communicating with a water supply conduit 22, which has a shut-off valve 24, and with a discharge conduit 26, on which a pump 28 is positioned, this conduit being directed towards the first tank 10.
  • the tank 14 also has an inlet 30 for topping up the salt.
  • the second tank 14 and/or the chamber 16 can be provided with means for monitoring and/or measuring the level of water and/or salt inside them.
  • the second tank 14 and the chamber 16 are provided with corresponding means for monitoring the water level inside them.
  • the first tank 10 is provided with a water supply conduit 32 having a shut-off valve 34 and a discharge conduit 36.
  • the first tank 10 is also advantageously positioned at a higher level than the level of the chamber 16.
  • the water supplied by the conduit 32 passes through the first tank 10, is softened by the resins contained therein, and is finally sent to the washing chamber of the electrical household appliance. During this step there is no flow of water through the second tank 14.
  • the valve 24 is first opened (see Figure 2 , arrow 40), thus causing a flow of water in the conduit 22 towards the second tank 14.
  • a brine is formed, which flows out through the filter 18 into the chamber 16, until it reaches, for example, the level 42 in the tank 14 located above, to which the chamber 16 is hydraulically connected.
  • the pump 28 is then activated (see Fig. 3 , arrow 44), in such a way that the brine passes through the resins contained in the first tank 10 and regenerates them until its level in the chamber 16 falls to the point identified by the reference numeral 46.
  • the pump 28 can also act as a gauge of the volume of regeneration brine, thus allowing a precise measured dose to be sent to the first tank 10.
  • the operation of the pump 28 is stopped, and consequently the flow of brine through the tank 10 ceases, causing the operation of regenerating the resins contained in the tank 10 to be terminated.
  • the salt remaining in the tank 14 is completely anhydrous. Consequently, when the salt becomes depleted, it can be topped up through the inlet 30, this procedure being aided by the greater fluidity of the salt, without any risk of leakage of the brine, which is contained in the underlying chamber 16, separately from the salt.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Treatment Of Water By Ion Exchange (AREA)
  • Pharmaceuticals Containing Other Organic And Inorganic Compounds (AREA)
  • Saccharide Compounds (AREA)

Abstract

The water-softening device for softening water supplied to an electrical household appliance comprises: a first tank (10) for containing substances with water-softening properties; a second salt-containing tank (14), having at least one water inlet opening (20); and a chamber (16) for containing brine formed as a result of the entry of water into the second tank (14) and the dissolution of the salt contained therein and intended for regenerating the water-softening substances. The chamber (16) is located below the second tank (14), to which it is hydraulically connected, and is provided with a discharge conduit (26) directed towards said first tank (10).

Description

  • The present invention relates to a water-softening device for softening water supplied to an electrical household washing machine, such as a dishwasher or a washing machine for laundry purposes.
  • More specifically, a device of this type comprises:
    • a first tank for containing substances with water-softening properties, and
    • a second salt-containing tank, having at least one water inlet opening.
  • The operating cycle of this device is such that, after a predetermined number of passages of supplied water through the water-softening substances, the latter, which are typically ion exchange resins, are regenerated by the passage of a brine formed in the second tank as a result of the entry of water into this tank, which causes the dissolution of some of the salt contained therein.
  • In one example of the prior art, the salt tank always contains brine. Therefore, when the salt is topped up in order to restore the amount used up, the brine may overflow out of the inlet used for topping up. In the case of a dishwasher, the leaked brine may be discharged through the well of the washing chamber, causing problems of corrosion of any metal parts with which it may come into contact. In the case of a washing machine, this possible discharge route does not exist, and therefore the situation becomes even more problematic.
  • The object of the present invention is to provide a water-softening device which is improved with respect to the prior art devices, and which is, in particular, free of the drawbacks mentioned above.
  • According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of a water-softening device of the type indicated at the beginning of the present description, characterized in that it comprises a chamber for containing a brine formed as a result of the entry of water into the second tank and the dissolution of the salt contained therein and intended for regenerating said water-softening substances, said chamber being located below the second tank to which it is hydraulically connected, and being provided with a discharge conduit which is directed towards said first tank and is provided with a pump.
  • In the device according to the invention, the salt contained in the corresponding tank is anhydrous, since the brine formed as a result of previous entries of water into the tank and not yet supplied to the resin tank is accumulated in the underlying chamber. Thus the top-up operations are facilitated because the anhydrous salt can flow much more easily than wet salt, and does not come into contact with the pre-existing brine, thus avoiding the risk that the brine may overflow to the outside of the tank.
  • Furthermore, the presence of a pump in the chamber discharge conduit, which is directed towards the first tank, provides a simple way of measuring the quantity of regeneration brine used. This pump can also overcome the effect of gravity, thus increasing the freedom of the positioning of the tanks and chamber: in particular, the first tank can be positioned at a higher level than the level of the chamber.
  • Advantageously, the second tank and the chamber are provided with corresponding means for monitoring the water level inside them, these means producing signals which can be used for the control of the operation of the pump and the sending of the regeneration brine towards the substances with water-softening properties.
  • A further object of the present invention is an electrical household washing machine comprising a water-softening device of the type described above.
  • Further advantages and characteristics of the present invention will be made clear by the following detailed description, which refers to the attached drawings provided by way of non-limiting example, in which:
    • Figure 1 is a schematic view of a device according to the invention during the step of water softening,
    • Figure 2 is a schematic view of the device of the preceding figure during the step of formation of the regeneration brine, and
    • Figure 3 is a schematic view of the device of the preceding figures during the step of the flow of the regeneration brine through the water-softening resins.
  • A water-softening device for softening water supplied to an electrical household appliance comprises a first tank 10, for containing substances with water-softening properties, and a casing 12 in which a second tank 14 for containing salt and a chamber 16 are formed. The chamber is positioned below the tank 14, from which it is separated by a porous partition placed horizontally, such as a filter 18, so as to provide a hydraulic connection.
  • The second tank 14 is provided with a plurality of openings 20, communicating with a water supply conduit 22, which has a shut-off valve 24, and with a discharge conduit 26, on which a pump 28 is positioned, this conduit being directed towards the first tank 10. The tank 14 also has an inlet 30 for topping up the salt.
  • The second tank 14 and/or the chamber 16 can be provided with means for monitoring and/or measuring the level of water and/or salt inside them. In particular, the second tank 14 and the chamber 16 are provided with corresponding means for monitoring the water level inside them.
  • In a known way, the first tank 10 is provided with a water supply conduit 32 having a shut-off valve 34 and a discharge conduit 36. The first tank 10 is also advantageously positioned at a higher level than the level of the chamber 16.
  • During the water-softening step (see Figure 1, arrow 38), the water supplied by the conduit 32 passes through the first tank 10, is softened by the resins contained therein, and is finally sent to the washing chamber of the electrical household appliance. During this step there is no flow of water through the second tank 14.
  • In order to carry out the regeneration step, the valve 24 is first opened (see Figure 2, arrow 40), thus causing a flow of water in the conduit 22 towards the second tank 14. In this tank a brine is formed, which flows out through the filter 18 into the chamber 16, until it reaches, for example, the level 42 in the tank 14 located above, to which the chamber 16 is hydraulically connected. The pump 28 is then activated (see Fig. 3, arrow 44), in such a way that the brine passes through the resins contained in the first tank 10 and regenerates them until its level in the chamber 16 falls to the point identified by the reference numeral 46. Advantageously, the pump 28 can also act as a gauge of the volume of regeneration brine, thus allowing a precise measured dose to be sent to the first tank 10. At this point, the operation of the pump 28 is stopped, and consequently the flow of brine through the tank 10 ceases, causing the operation of regenerating the resins contained in the tank 10 to be terminated.
  • In these conditions, which are those normally prevailing in the water-softening device except in the regeneration step, the salt remaining in the tank 14 is completely anhydrous. Consequently, when the salt becomes depleted, it can be topped up through the inlet 30, this procedure being aided by the greater fluidity of the salt, without any risk of leakage of the brine, which is contained in the underlying chamber 16, separately from the salt.
  • Clearly, provided that the principle of the invention is retained, the details of construction and the forms of embodiment can be varied widely from what has been described purely by way of example, without departure from the scope of the invention.

Claims (7)

  1. Water-softening device for softening water supplied to an electrical household appliance, comprising:
    - a first tank (10) for containing substances with water-softening properties, and
    - a second salt-containing tank (14), having at least one water inlet opening (20), said device being characterized in that it comprises a chamber (16) for containing brine formed as a result of the entry of water into the second reservoir (14) and the dissolution of the salt contained therein and intended for regenerating said water-softening substances, said chamber (16) being located below the second tank (14) to which it is hydraulically connected and being provided with a discharge conduit (26) directed towards said first tank (10) and provided with a pump (28).
  2. Device according to Claim 1, wherein said second tank (14) and said chamber (16) are formed within a single casing (12), within which they are separated by a porous partition, such as a filter (18).
  3. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said first tank (10) is located at a level higher than the level of said chamber (16).
  4. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second tank (14) and said chamber (16) are provided with respective means for monitoring the water level inside.
  5. Device according to any one of the preceding Claims 1 to 3, wherein said second tank (14) and/or said chamber (16) are provided with means for monitoring and/or measuring the water and/or salt level inside them.
  6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said pump (28) also acts as a gauge of the volume of brine formed as a result of the entry of water into the second tank (14) and the dissolution of the salt contained therein and intended for regenerating said water-softening substances in the first tank (10).
  7. Electrical household washing appliance comprising a water-softening device according to any one of the preceding claims.
EP12182604.4A 2011-09-02 2012-08-31 Water-softening device containing anhydrous salt Active EP2564753B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PL12182604T PL2564753T3 (en) 2011-09-02 2012-08-31 Water-softening device containing anhydrous salt

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT000788A ITTO20110788A1 (en) 2011-09-02 2011-09-02 DECALCIFICATION DEVICE CONTAINING ANHYDROUS SALT

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2564753A2 true EP2564753A2 (en) 2013-03-06
EP2564753A3 EP2564753A3 (en) 2017-12-27
EP2564753B1 EP2564753B1 (en) 2020-11-25

Family

ID=44899197

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP12182604.4A Active EP2564753B1 (en) 2011-09-02 2012-08-31 Water-softening device containing anhydrous salt

Country Status (4)

Country Link
EP (1) EP2564753B1 (en)
CN (1) CN102976444A (en)
IT (1) ITTO20110788A1 (en)
PL (1) PL2564753T3 (en)

Family Cites Families (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1250189A (en) * 1967-11-15 1971-10-20
DE2548605C3 (en) * 1975-10-30 1980-02-21 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeraete Gmbh, 7000 Stuttgart Containers for holding regenerants for water softeners in dishwashers
DE3234527C1 (en) * 1982-09-17 1984-01-19 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart Water softener device for domestic dish-washing machines
DE3328382C2 (en) * 1983-08-05 1985-09-26 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 7000 Stuttgart Softener for dishwashers
DE9017780U1 (en) * 1990-12-11 1992-01-23 Bosch-Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH, 8000 München Household dishwasher
DE4100067C2 (en) * 1991-01-03 1996-06-20 Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Salt containers for softening devices of household appliances, in particular dishwashers
DE4142697A1 (en) * 1991-12-21 1993-07-01 Miele & Cie Water softening device for dishwashers - includes a salt container in which collecting space is sepd. apart from salt receiving space
NZ518288A (en) * 2002-04-10 2004-09-24 Fisher & Paykel Appliances Ltd Washing appliance water softner
DE102004021197A1 (en) * 2004-04-29 2005-11-24 Aweco Appliance Systems Gmbh & Co. Kg Water-treatment unit for e.g. dishwashers comprises ion exchanger and salt container with chamber for storing salt which is separated from second chamber below it by membrane which allows sol to pass but retains dissolved solid salt
ITTO20060269A1 (en) * 2006-04-11 2007-10-12 Bitron Spa INTEGRATED WATER SUPPLY AND TREATMENT SYSTEM FOR DISHWASHER MACHINE
CN101570932B (en) * 2008-04-29 2012-06-27 海尔集团公司 Washing machine with improved water way

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
None

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP2564753A3 (en) 2017-12-27
CN102976444A (en) 2013-03-20
PL2564753T3 (en) 2021-05-31
EP2564753B1 (en) 2020-11-25
ITTO20110788A1 (en) 2013-03-03

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