Hydraulic distributor for a washing machine

• US 20040244437A1
• Filed: 03/22/2004
• Published: 12/09/2004
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Fagor S. Coop
• Original Assignee: Fagor S. Coop
• Inventors: Arregi, Jon, Elexpuru, Anton
• Granted Patent: US 7,293,435 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 68/13R
• CPC Class Codes: D06F 39/083 Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87523 Rotary valve
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/87563 With reverse flow direction
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 137/8782 Rotary valve or deflector

Abstract

A hydraulic distributor for a washing machine which comprises a rotating axle (7), water being directed from the mains to a plurality of compartments of the washing machine by means of the rotation of said rotating axle (7); a hydraulic body (2) which comprises an emptying pipe (10), a draining pipe (11) and an exit pipe (15) for re-circulation; and a valve body (6) housed inside said hydraulic body (2). By means of the rotation of the rotating axle (7) the valve body (6) can have a first position, in which the flow from the emptying pipe (10) is directed to the draining pipe (11), and a second position, in which the flow from the emptying pipe (10) is directed to the exit pipe (15) for re-circulation.

Claims

1. A hydraulic distributor for a washing machine comprising

a rotating axle, water being directed from the mains to a plurality of compartments of the washing machine by means of the rotation of said rotating axle;

a hydraulic body comprising an emptying pipe, a draining pipe and an exit pipe for re-circulation; and

a valve body housed inside said hydraulic body, wherein, by means of the rotation of the rotating axle, the valve body can have a first position, in which the flow from the emptying pipe is directed to the draining pipe, and a second position, in which the flow from the emptying pipe is directed to the exit pipe for re-circulation.

2. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 1, wherein the valve body comprises a first wall that seals off the exit pipe for re-circulation when said valve body is in said first position and that seals off the draining pipe when said valve body is in said second position.

3. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 2, wherein the hydraulic body comprises a profile which is substantially cylindrical and coaxial with the rotating axle, the emptying pipe and the exit pipe being joined to said profile, and said first wall of the valve body resting on the inner surface of said profile.

4. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 3, wherein the valve body comprises a bushing which is attached to the rotating axle, said bushing being joined to the first wall by means of ribs, and said valve body also comprising a second wall, which is not a sealing wall, positioned symmetrically to the first wall with respect to the bushing, said bushing being joined to said second wall also by means of ribs.

5. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 4, wherein the first wall of the valve body is flexible.

6. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 2, comprising a distribution nozzle which turns together with the rotating axle, said distribution nozzle transmitting the water coming from the mains to the corresponding washing machine compartment depending on its angular position.

7. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 6, wherein, when the first wall of the valve body seals off the draining pipe, the distribution nozzle is positioned such that said distribution nozzle transmits any water coming from the mains to the draining pipe.

8. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 7, wherein, when the first wall of the valve body seals off the draining pipe, the distribution nozzle points towards an area with a hole in its lower part which communicates with the draining pipe, there being a valve in said hole, said valve sealing said hole when there is a flow of water through the draining pipe from the hydraulic body.

9. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 8, wherein said valve comprises a flap which pivots with respect to the edge of the hole which is closest to the hydraulic body so that, when there is a flow of water through the draining pipe from said hydraulic body, said flow pushes said flap, making said flap seal said hole.

10. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 6, wherein the distribution nozzle comprises a central water inlet pipe coaxial with the rotating axle and a water outlet pipe which extends radially from said central pipe.

11. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 10, wherein the central pipe of the distribution nozzle has a substantially horizontal tray in its profile, said tray having an open end under the end of the water outlet pipe.

12. A hydraulic distributor according to claim 10, wherein the water outlet pipe of the distribution nozzle has a plate in its profile.