Washing machine, its operating procedure, and industrial production line comprising it

Abstract

------ Washing machine, method of operation thereof, and industrial production line comprising thereof. The invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising a washing chamber (11), a detergent solution tank (12), a spray bar (11a), a pump (13), and a recovery tray (11c); characterized in that the machine (1) further comprises a heating line (14), a heat pump (15) configured to heat the detergent solution, the heat pump (15) being configured to recover heat from air heated in the washing chamber (11) and to transfer heat to the detergent solution circulating in the heating line (14), and a control device (16) configured to control the pump (13) and the heat pump (15).The invention also relates to a method of operating a washing machine, and an industrial production line comprising a washing machine. Figure to be published: Figure 1.

Description

Title of the invention: Washing machine, method of operation thereof, and industrial production line comprising thereof

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of washing machines, and more particularly to a washing machine, a method of operating it, and an industrial production line comprising it.

[0002] Washing machines configured to receive a part to be washed, to spray a washing liquid onto the part to wash it, and then to spray air onto the washed part to dry it, already exist in the prior art. European patent EP3718652 B1 discloses, for example, such a washing machine.

[0003] Furthermore, in existing washing machines, it is common practice to heat the washing liquid before spraying it onto the part to be washed, for example, to improve washing efficiency or to accelerate drying. The conventional solution for heating the washing liquid is to use an electric heating element located in the washing liquid storage tank. However, this heating solution has certain drawbacks. In particular, it requires a large amount of energy.

[0004] Consequently, the prior art solutions proposed for washing machines still have drawbacks and improvements are possible.

[0005] The present invention aims in particular to solve the problems indicated above by proposing a washing machine comprising a heat pump, a method of operating the latter, and an industrial production line comprising the latter.

[0006] Thus, the present invention relates to a washing machine comprising: a washing chamber, configured to receive a part to be washed; a detergent solution tank, configured to contain a detergent solution; a spray bar, disposed in the washing chamber and configured to spray detergent solution onto the part to be washed; a pump configured to pump detergent solution into the detergent solution tank and send said detergent solution to the spray bar; and a recovery tray placed, in use, at a lower part of the washing chamber, the recovery tray being configured to recover detergent solution having been sprayed by the spray bar and comprising a fluid outlet connected fluidically to an upper part of the detergent solution tank;characterized by the fact that the washing machine further comprises: a heating line configured to be supplied with washing solution by the pump and arranged to return said washing solution to the washing solution tank; a heat pump configured to heat the washing solution, the heat pump; comprising a heat transfer fluid circulation loop on which are arranged an evaporator and a condenser, the evaporator being configured to recover heat from heated air in the wash chamber and to transfer recovered heat to the heat transfer fluid of the heat transfer fluid circulation loop, and the condenser being configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid of the heat transfer fluid circulation loop to the washing solution circulating in the heating line, to heat said washing solution; and a control device configured to control the pump and the heat pump.

[0007] For the purposes of this invention, "air" means air possibly containing detergent solution vapor, the detergent solution vapor containing available latent heat. It will be understood that a machine according to the invention is configured to recover heat from the air, including latent heat from the detergent solution vapor.

[0008] This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to obtain a washing machine that provides efficient heating of the detergent solution by using the heat pump to heat the detergent solution during operation, but also from the machine's priming phase. Alternatively, a washing machine according to the invention can be configured to simultaneously receive several parts to be washed in the washing chamber. It will also be understood that the suction of detergent solution by the pump, its transmission to the heating line, and its return to the detergent solution tank allows for circulation of the detergent solution within the tank, which notably enables rapid homogenization of the detergent solution temperature within the tank.

[0009] The control device may, in particular, be an electronic device, for example a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), comprising or associated with memory containing instructions for controlling the machine. The control device may also include inputs / outputs or even communication devices, wireless or wired.

[0010] According to a particular embodiment, the machine further comprises an additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop, a heat exchanger, and at least one of a pipe configured to fluidically connect the heat exchanger to an interior of the washing chamber, and a free volume arranged in the detergent solution tank, above the detergent solution, configured to receive air from the washing chamber. The heat exchanger is configured to draw air from at least one of said pipe and said free volume to recover heat from said air. aspirated and to transfer recovered heat to the heat transfer fluid of the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop, the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop being arranged, at the level of the heat pump, to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid of the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop to the evaporator of the heat pump.

[0011] This configuration allows for indirect heat recovery from air heated in the washing chamber, via the heat exchanger and the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop. This configuration notably allows the use of a water-to-water heat pump.

[0012] According to a particular embodiment, the machine further comprises at least one of a pipe configured to fluidly connect the evaporator of the heat pump to an interior of the washing chamber, and a free volume arranged in the detergent solution tank, above the detergent solution, configured to receive air from the washing chamber, and the heat pump is an air-to-water type heat pump and comprises a first fan configured to draw air from at least one of said pipe and said free volume, and to circulate said drawn air in contact with the evaporator to recover heat from said drawn air.

[0013] This configuration allows direct heat recovery from air heated in the washing chamber via the air-to-water type heat pump, and has in particular a simple structure.

[0014] According to a particular embodiment, the heat pump, where applicable the heat exchanger, further includes a drainage line configured to recover washing solution vapor contained in the aspirated air and condensing at the evaporator when the aspirated air passes into contact with the evaporator, where applicable at the heat exchanger when the aspirated air passes into contact with the heat exchanger, and to discharge the recovered condensed vapor to the washing solution reservoir.

[0015] This configuration allows the recovery of the washing solution and therefore reduces the washing solution consumption of the machine.

[0016] According to a particular embodiment, the first fan, where applicable the heat exchanger, is further configured to selectively draw in air from an immediate environment of the washing machine, so as to recover heat from said drawn-in air.

[0017] This configuration makes it possible, in particular, to selectively draw in air from the washing chamber or air from the immediate environment of the machine, or to mix air from the washing chamber and air from the immediate environment of the machine, for example to control the temperature of said air mixture. It will also be understood that this configuration allows a large quantity of air to be easily and quickly drawn in, which is advantageous for heating the washing solution with the heat pump during a priming phase, that is to say a phase during which the heat pump is used to heat the washing solution from an ambient temperature, for example 20 °C, up to a use temperature, for example 60 °C.It will also be understood that, as an alternative, the machine can be configured to open the wash chamber during the priming phase, so as to allow air to be drawn from the immediate environment of the washing machine through the wash chamber, or that the wash chamber can include a valve configured to open automatically when the pressure drops in the wash chamber, so as to allow air to enter from the immediate environment of the washing machine.

[0018] According to a particular embodiment, the machine further comprises a mesh filter, serving as a demister, disposed upstream of the evaporator, where appropriate upstream of the heat exchanger, the mesh filter being further configured to linearize the flow of the aspirated air passing through it.

[0019] It will be understood that this technical solution makes it possible to recover washing solution and therefore to reduce the washing solution consumption of the machine, but also to reduce a quantity of vapor, contained in the aspirated air, released into the immediate environment of the machine.

[0020] According to a particular embodiment, the machine includes a buffer tank, serving as a pressure reducer, arranged upstream of the mesh filter and configured to recover droplets of washing solution and linearize the flow of the aspirated air passing through it.

[0021] It will be understood that this technical solution makes it possible to recover washing solution, and therefore to reduce the washing solution consumption of the machine, but also to reduce a quantity of vapor, contained in the aspirated air, released into the immediate environment of the machine.

[0022] According to a particular embodiment, the recovery tray is mobile and the machine further includes a mechanical system configured to move the recovery tray vertically so as to open and close the washing chamber hermetically.

[0023] It will be understood that this configuration makes it possible in particular to easily load and unload one or more parts in the washing chamber.

[0024] According to a particular embodiment, to ensure degraded operation, the detergent solution reservoir includes an auxiliary heating means for the detergent solution, preferably an electric resistance.

[0025] Preferably, the auxiliary heating means is intended to improve the reliability of the washing machine but is not intended for use. Alternatively, the washing machine may use the auxiliary heating means, in combination with or instead of the heat pump, to heat the detergent solution during a machine priming phase.

[0026] According to a particular embodiment, the machine further comprises a detergent solution supply control valve disposed between the pump and the spray boom, and a blow fluid supply system fluidically connected to the spray boom via a blow fluid supply control valve, the spray boom being further configured to alternately spray detergent solution and blow fluid by being alternately connected to the detergent solution tank and the blow fluid supply system, and the control device being configured to control the supply control valves to control the supply of detergent solution and blow fluid to the spray boom.

[0027] It will be understood that a washing machine according to this embodiment is preferably configured to allow drying of the part by spraying of blowing fluid through the spray ramp.

[0028] According to a particular embodiment, the heat pump further comprises an air condenser disposed on the heat transfer fluid circulation loop, between the condenser and the evaporator and upstream of an expansion valve of the heat transfer fluid circulation loop, and a second fan configured to draw in at least one of the air exiting the evaporator and air from an immediate environment of the washing machine and to circulate said drawn-in air in contact with the air condenser.

[0029] It will be understood that the air-cooled condenser cools the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid circulation loop. It will therefore be understood that, if the temperature of the detergent solution is too high, a control of the second fan by the control device limits the heating of the detergent solution by the heat pump.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a method of operating a machine according to a particular embodiment of the invention, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: a) operating the pump to circulate the washing solution in the heating line, operating the first fan of the heat pump at a first speed to draw air from the immediate vicinity of the washing machine and circulating said air in contact with the evaporator, measuring the temperature of the washing solution using a a) activate the temperature sensor in the washing solution tank, and operate the heat pump to heat the washing solution to a first target temperature, so as to prime the washing machine; b) operate the pump to supply the spray boom with washing solution and to circulate washing solution in the heating line, operate the heat pump to heat the washing solution, operate the first fan at a second speed, less than or equal to the first speed, to draw air from the immediate environment of the washing machine and circulate said air in contact with the evaporator, and operate the second fan to draw both air from the evaporator and air from the immediate environment of the washing machine and circulate said air in contact with the air condenser;c) operate the pump to circulate the washing solution in the heating line, stop the supply of washing solution to the spray boom, operate the blowing fluid supply system to supply the spray boom with blowing fluid, operate the heat pump to heat the washing solution, operate the first fan at the second speed to draw air from the washing chamber and circulate said air in contact with the evaporator, and operate the second fan to draw both air from the evaporator and air from the immediate environment of the washing machine and circulate said air in contact with the air condenser; d) measure the temperature of the washing solution using the temperature sensor in the washing solution tank;and e) if the temperature of the detergent solution is above a second target temperature, increase the operating speed of the second fan, the second target temperature being greater than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0031] It will be understood that the control device is configured to control the machine in order to execute the process. It will also be understood that step a) corresponds to a priming step of the washing machine, that step b) corresponds to a washing step of a part, that step c) corresponds to a drying step of the part, and that steps d) and e) correspond to temperature monitoring and adjustment steps. It will therefore be understood that, for serial operation, step a) can be performed only once and that a plurality of parts can be successively introduced into the washing machine, with steps b) to e) being performed for each part (or possibly each group of parts) introduced into the machine.It will also be understood that, according to a non-preferred variant, the priming stage can use the auxiliary heating means, in combination with or instead of the heat pump, to heat the washing solution to the first target temperature.

[0032] The present invention also relates to an industrial production line, characterized in that the industrial production line comprises at least one washing machine according to the invention configured to receive sequentially, with washing cycles of less than 5 minutes, a plurality of parts to be washed and at least one transport device configured to transport the plurality of parts to be washed and to introduce sequentially the plurality of parts to be washed into the at least one washing machine.

[0033] Particular embodiments of the present invention will now be described, with reference to the attached drawings.

[0034] On these drawings:

[0035] [Fig-1] is a schematic representation of a washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] [Fig.2] is an enlarged schematic representation of the heat pump of the washing machine of the [Fig.l].

[0037] [Fig.3] is a schematic representation of a washing machine according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] If we refer first of all to [Fig.1], we can see that a washing machine 1 is represented therein according to a first embodiment of the present invention, comprising a washing chamber 11, a washing solution reservoir 12, a spray ramp 1la, a pump 13, a recovery tray 1le, a heating pipe 14, a heat pump 15, and a control device 16.

[0039] The washing chamber 11 is configured to receive a part P to be washed, for example, a part P that has just been machined. It will be understood that, alternatively, a washing machine 1 according to the invention can be configured to simultaneously receive several parts P to be washed in the washing chamber 11.

[0040] The washing solution reservoir 12 is configured to contain a washing solution for washing the part P to be washed. The washing solution may, for example, be water, a water-based washing solution, a detergent solution, or even an oil-based solution. In the case where the part P to be washed is a newly machined part P, it will be understood that the washing solution is preferably chosen to allow the removal of a lubricating fluid, used during the machining of the part P to be washed, from the surface of the part P.

[0041] The washing machine 1 further comprises a detergent solution supply source 12a configured to supply detergent solution to the detergent solution tank 12 and, preferably, a drainage system 12b configured to remove detergent solution from the detergent solution tank 12. It will be understood that the detergent solution supply source 12a and the drainage system 12b are configured to adjust the detergent solution level in the tank of washing solution 12, and that the drainage system 12b is further configured to allow, if necessary, the washing solution tank 12 to be completely emptied, for example, to clean the washing solution tank 12. It will also be understood that the washing solution supply source 12a may, for example, include a supply line connected to a building's water supply line, and possibly an additive mixing device configured to add additives to the water to form the washing solution. Alternatively, the washing solution supply source 12a may be an opening configured to supply the washing solution tank 12 from one or more external containers, for example, from bottles of washing solution or detergent solution.

[0042] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], the detergent solution reservoir 12 includes a temperature sensor 12c configured to measure a temperature of the detergent solution and a liquid level probe 12d configured to measure a level of the detergent solution.

[0043] The spray ramp 1 is arranged in the washing chamber 11 and is configured to spray washing solution onto the part P to be washed.

[0044] The pump 13 is fluidically connected to the spray bar 1a and is configured to pump washing solution into the washing solution tank 12 and send said washing solution to the spray bar 1a. In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the pump 13 is configured to pump the washing solution from a lower part of the washing solution tank 12 through a strainer 12g configured to filter any impurities present in the washing solution tank 12. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the washing machine 1 further includes a filter 13a disposed at the outlet of the pump 13.

[0045] The recovery tray 1 is positioned, during operation, at the bottom of the washing chamber 11 and is configured to recover washing solution sprayed by the spray bar 1a. The recovery tray 1 includes a fluid outlet 1Id connected fluidically to the top of the washing solution tank 12. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the top of the washing solution tank 12 includes an inlet filter 12h configured to filter the washing solution and air from the washing chamber 11 as it enters the washing solution tank 12. The inlet filter 12h can, for example, be a chip basket configured to collect chips formed during machining of the workpiece P to be washed.

[0046] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the recovery tray 1 is mobile and machine 1 further comprises a mechanical system 1, by for example an electric actuator, for example an electric cylinder, configured to vertically move the recovery tray 1 so as to open and close the washing chamber 11 hermetically. It will be understood however that alternatively the recovery tray 1 could be fixed and that the washing chamber 11 could include another means for introducing a part P, for example a door formed in a side wall of the washing chamber 11.

[0047] The heating line 14 is configured to be supplied with detergent solution by the pump 13 and is arranged to return said detergent solution to the detergent solution tank 12, preferably to the lower part of the detergent solution tank 12 to promote temperature homogenization within the detergent solution tank 12. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the heating line 14 branches from a line connecting the pump 13 to the spray bar 1a; however, it will be understood that, alternatively, the heating line 14 may be a dedicated line. It will also be understood that, alternatively, the pump 13 may comprise a first pumping unit configured to send detergent solution to the spray bar 1a and a second pumping unit configured to send detergent solution to the heating line 14.

[0048] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the washing machine 1 further includes a return line 12j configured to directly return detergent solution to the detergent solution tank 12 when the detergent solution supply to the spray boom 1la is stopped. Alternatively, the machine 1 may be without the return line 12j, the excess detergent solution then being returned to the detergent solution tank 12 via the heating line 14.

[0049] The heat pump 15 is configured to heat the washing solution used by the washing machine 1 during all phases of operation of the machine 1. It will be understood, however, that, for example, to improve the reliability of the washing machine 1, the heating means of the machine 1 may be duplicated. In particular, the washing solution tank 12 may further include an auxiliary heating means 17 for the washing solution; the auxiliary heating means 17 may advantageously be an electric heating element.

[0050] Referring also to [Fig.2], it can be seen that the heat pump 15 includes a heat transfer fluid circulation loop 15a on which an evaporator 15b and a condenser 15c are arranged.

[0051] As will be described in more detail below, the evaporator 15b is configured to recover, directly or indirectly, heat from air heated in the wash chamber 11 and to transfer the recovered heat to the fluid heat transfer fluid of the heat transfer fluid circulation loop 15a, and the condenser 15c is configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid of the heat transfer fluid circulation loop 15a to the washing solution circulating in the heating line 14, to heat said washing solution.

[0052] For the purposes of this invention, "air" means air possibly containing detergent solution vapor, the detergent solution vapor containing available latent heat. It will be understood that a machine 1 according to the invention is configured to recover heat from the air, including latent heat from the detergent solution vapor.

[0053] It will also be understood that the suction of washing solution by the pump 13 for sending into the heating line 14 and then back into the washing solution tank 12 allows the washing solution to be circulated in the washing solution tank 12, which in particular allows the temperature of the washing solution to be homogenized quickly in the washing solution tank 12.

[0054] The control device 16 is configured to control the pump 13 and the heat pump 15.

[0055] The control device 16 may in particular be an electronic device, for example a processor, a microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), comprising or associated with memory which contains instructions for controlling the machine 1. The control device 16 may also include inputs / outputs or even communication devices, wireless or wired.

[0056] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the evaporator 15b is configured to directly recover heat from air heated in the washing chamber 11, while in the second embodiment shown in [Fig.3], the evaporator 15b is configured to indirectly recover heat from air heated in the washing chamber 11.

[0057] In the first embodiment shown in Figures 1 and 2, the machine 1 further comprises a free volume 12i, arranged in the detergent solution reservoir 12 above the detergent solution, configured to receive air from the wash chamber 11. It will be understood that, in operation, air present in the wash chamber 11 passes through the fluid outlet 1Id of the recovery tray 1le and enters the free volume 12i. Moreover, the heat pump 15 is an air-to-water type heat pump and comprises a first fan 15d configured to draw air from the free volume 12i through a first air inlet 151 of the heat pump 15, and to circulate said drawn air in contact with the evaporator 15b to recover heat from said drawn air. It will be understood that, During use, the air heats up in the washing chamber 11, the washing chamber 11 being heated by the washing solution.

[0058] It will also be understood that, according to variants, the machine 1 may include, as a replacement for or in addition to the free volume 12i, a pipe configured to fluidically connect the evaporator 15b of the heat pump 15 to an interior of the washing chamber 11, via the first air inlet 151 of the heat pump 15. It will be understood that the first fan 15d of the heat pump 15 is then configured to draw air from said pipe through the first air inlet 151, as a replacement for or in addition to the intake from the free volume 12i described above. For example, said pipe could be connected to the washing chamber 11 in a manner analogous to pipe 1 If of the second embodiment, which will be described in more detail below.

[0059] In the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the first fan 15d is further configured to selectively draw air from the immediate surroundings of the washing machine 1, via a second air inlet 152, so as to recover heat from said drawn air. It will be understood that the heat pump 15 may, for example, include a valve configured to selectively open and close the second air inlet 152, for example, a valve controlled, directly or indirectly, by the control device. It will also be understood that the control device 16 of the machine 1 is configured to control the heat pump 15 so as to selectively draw air from the first air inlet 151 and from the second air inlet 152.It will also be understood that this allows, in particular, for air to be drawn in from either of the air inlets 151, 152, or for air entering through the first air inlet 151 to be mixed with air entering through the second air inlet 152, for example, to control the temperature of said air mixture. It will also be understood that this configuration allows a large quantity of air to be drawn in easily and quickly through the second air inlet 152, which is advantageous for heating the detergent solution with the heat pump 15 during a priming phase, that is to say, a phase during which the heat pump 15 is used to heat the detergent solution from an ambient temperature, for example 20 °C, to a working temperature, for example 60 °C.It will also be understood that, alternatively, the machine 1 can be configured to open the washing chamber 11 during the priming phase, so as to allow air to be drawn in from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1 through the washing chamber 11, or that the washing chamber 11 can include a valve configured to open automatically when a pressure drops in the washing chamber 11, so as to allow air to enter from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1.

[0060] Referring to [Fig. 2], it can be seen that in the first embodiment, the heat pump 15 further comprises an air-cooled condenser 15e disposed on the heat transfer fluid circulation loop 15a, between the condenser 15c and the evaporator 15b and upstream of an expansion valve 15f of the heat transfer fluid circulation loop 15a. It will be understood that the expansion valve 15f is disposed on the heat transfer fluid circulation loop 15a between the condenser 15c and the evaporator 15b, and that the heat pump 15 also comprises a compressor 15i disposed on the heat transfer fluid circulation loop 15a between the evaporator 15b and the condenser 15c.The heat pump 15 further includes a second fan 15g configured to draw in air exiting the evaporator 15b and air from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1, via an air inlet / outlet 153, and to circulate said drawn-in air in contact with the air condenser 15e before being discharged from the heat pump 15 through an air outlet 154. It will be understood that, when the second fan 15g is not operated, the air exiting the evaporator 15b exits through the inlet / outlet 153 of the heat pump 15, due to the pressure losses induced by the air condenser 15e located in front of the air outlet 154.

[0061] It will also be understood that the air-cooled condenser 15e cools the heat transfer fluid in the heat transfer fluid circulation loop. It will therefore be understood that if the temperature of the detergent solution measured by the temperature sensor 12c is higher than a desired value, the control device 16 is configured to increase the operating speed of the second fan 15g in order to limit the heating of the detergent solution by the heat pump 15.

[0062] The intake of both air exiting the evaporator 15b and air from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1 by means of the second fan 15g makes it possible to mix air that has been cooled by contact with the evaporator 15b with air from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1 and to reheat this mixture, by cooling the air condenser 15e, so as not to create a trace of mist at the air outlet 154 of the heat pump 15. It will be understood, however, that according to variations, the second fan 15g can be configured to intake only air exiting the evaporator 15b or only air from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1.

[0063] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], the heat pump 15 further includes a drainage line 15h configured to recover washing solution vapor contained in the aspirated air and condensing at the evaporator 15b when the aspirated air passes into contact with the evaporator 15b, and to discharge the recovered condensed vapor to the washing solution reservoir 12.

[0064] According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the machine 1 further comprises a mesh filter 18, serving as a demister, arranged upstream of The evaporator 15b. The mesh filter 18 is further configured to linearize the flow rate of the aspirated air passing through it. The mesh filter 18 is preferably a plastic mesh filter. Furthermore, the machine 1 includes a buffer tank 19, serving as an expansion chamber, located upstream of the mesh filter 18 and configured to collect droplets of the detergent solution, particularly by the fall of droplets during variations in air velocity within the buffer tank 19, and to linearize the flow rate of the aspirated air passing through it. Preferably, the mesh filter 18 is located directly at the outlet of the buffer tank 19. According to the embodiment shown in [Fig. 1], the buffer tank 19 has a rectangular prism shape with a volume of 1 m³, but could have another shape, for example, a cylindrical shape, or a different volume.The air drawn in by the first fan 15d of the heat pump 15 is introduced into the buffer tank 19 through an upper surface at one end, then circulates within the buffer tank 19, and is then extracted, by suction from the first fan 15d, at a second end of the buffer tank 19, opposite the first end. Preferably, the height at which the air is drawn into the buffer tank 19 is lower than the height at which the air is introduced into the buffer tank 19. Even more preferably, the air is drawn into the buffer tank 19 through a tube whose distal end forms a bevel, for example at 45°, oriented towards the air inlet point, such that the air circulating in the buffer tank 19 is slowed down more between the inlet and outlet points.Linearization of the intake air flow rate means a reduction and homogenization of the intake air velocity, i.e., that the variations in air velocity at the outlet are smaller than at the inlet, and a reduction in the amount of detergent solution vapor aspirated.

[0065] It will be understood that the buffer tank 19 is configured to be regularly emptied of the washing solution recovered by the mesh filter 18 and the buffer tank 19, for example manually, into the washing solution tank 12. It will also be understood that, alternatively, the machine 1 may further include a drainage line configured to evacuate the recovered washing solution to the washing solution tank 12, the drainage line connecting, for example, a bottom of the buffer tank 19 to the top of the washing solution tank 12.

[0066] According to a non-preferred embodiment, the lattice filter 18 can be used in combination with the free volume 12i. According to this embodiment, the lattice filter 18 is placed directly at the outlet of the detergent solution reservoir 12, such that the free volume 12i then acts as a buffer reservoir.

[0067] It will be understood that the technical solutions indicated above make it possible to recover washing solution and therefore to reduce the washing solution consumption of machine 1, but also to reduce a quantity of steam, contained in the aspirated air, released into the immediate environment of machine 1. It will also be understood that the reduction in the consumption of washing solution also reduces the energy consumption of washing machine 1, since the quantity evaporated is less, which reduces the amount of heat required for evaporation.

[0068] It will be understood that, preferably, the evaporator 15b of the heat pump 15, the mesh filter 18 and the buffer tank 19 are configured and sized so that all the washing solution vapor contained in the air drawn into the heat pump 15 is condensed and recovered, so that the air drawn into the heat pump 15 can be released into the immediate environment of the washing machine 1 without loading the air of the immediate environment of the machine 1 with washing solution vapor. In the case where the washing solution is a washing solution or a detergent solution, the air outlet 154 and the air inlet / outlet 153 of the heat pump 15 may include filters configured to trap any airborne harmful compounds from the washing solution before releasing the air into the immediate environment of the machine 1.

[0069] In the embodiment shown in [Fig.1], the washing machine 1 is further configured to allow drying of the part P. In particular, the machine 1 further includes a detergent supply control valve 20 disposed between the pump 13 and the spray bar 1la, and a blow fluid supply system 22 fluidically connected to the spray bar lia via a blow fluid supply control valve 21.The spray bar 1la is further configured to alternately spray detergent solution and blowing fluid by being alternately connected to the detergent solution tank 12 and the blowing fluid supply system 22, and the control device 16 is configured to control the supply control valves 20, 21 to control the supply of detergent solution and blowing fluid to the spray bar 1la. The blowing fluid can, for example, be air, and the blowing fluid supply system 22 can, for example, be a compressed air supply system or a pulsed compressed air supply system. It will be understood that, when supplying the spray bar 1la with blowing fluid, varying blowing fluid pressures can be used.Alternatively, the spray boom can be supplied with blowing air by a fan, or the washing machine 1 can further include a second blowing boom supplied with blowing air by a fan.

[0070] We will now briefly describe a method of operation of a washing machine 1 according to the embodiment shown in [Fig.1].

[0071] The method includes a step a) of operating the pump 13 to circulate the washing solution in the heating line 14, of operating the first fan 15d of the heat pump 15 at a first speed (for example 60 Hz) to draw air from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1 and to circulate said air in contact with the evaporator 15b, of measuring a temperature of the washing solution using the temperature sensor 12c in the washing solution tank 12, and of operating the heat pump 15 to heat the washing solution to a first target temperature (for example a temperature between 55 and 60 °C), so as to prime the washing machine 1.

[0072] The process then includes a step b) of operating the pump 13 to supply the spray bar 1 with washing solution and to circulate washing solution in the heating line 14, of operating the heat pump 15 to heat the washing solution, of operating the first fan 15d at a second speed (for example 30 Hz or 60 Hz), less than or equal to the first speed, to draw air from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1 and to circulate said air in contact with the evaporator 15b, and of operating the second fan 15g (for example 30 Hz) to draw both air exiting the evaporator 15b and air from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1 and to circulate said air in contact with the air condenser 15e.

[0073] The process then includes a step c) consisting of actuating the pump 13 to circulate the washing solution through the heating line 14, stopping the supply of washing solution to the spray bar 1la, actuating the blowing fluid supply system 22 to supply the spray bar 1la with blowing fluid, actuating the heat pump 15 to heat the washing solution, actuating the first fan 15d at the second speed (for example, 30 Hz or 60 Hz) to draw air from the washing chamber 11 and circulate said air in contact with the evaporator 15b, and actuating the second fan 15g (for example, at 30 Hz) to draw in both air exiting the evaporator 15b and air from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1 and circulate said air in contact with the 15th air condenser.

[0074] The process then includes a step d) consisting of measuring the temperature of the washing solution using the temperature sensor 12c in the washing solution reservoir 12.

[0075] The process then includes a step e) consisting, if the temperature of the washing solution is above a second target temperature (for example between 60 and 65 °C), of increasing the operating speed of the second fan (by example at 60 Hz), the second target temperature being greater than or equal to the first target temperature.

[0076] It will be understood that the control device 16 is configured to control the machine 1 in order to execute the process.

[0077] It will also be understood that step a) corresponds to a priming step of the washing machine 1, that step b) corresponds to a washing step of a part P, that step c) corresponds to a drying step of the part P, and that steps d) and e) correspond to temperature monitoring and adjustment steps. It will therefore be understood that, for serial operation, step a) can be performed only once and that a plurality of parts (possibly a plurality of groups of parts) can be successively introduced into the washing machine, steps b) to e) being performed for each part P (where applicable, each group of parts) introduced into the machine 1. It will also be understood that, according to a non-preferred embodiment, the priming step can use the auxiliary heating means 17, in combination with or instead of the heat pump 15, to heat the washing solution to the first target temperature.

[0078] If we now refer to [Fig.3], we can see that a washing machine 1 is represented there according to a second embodiment of the invention, the elements having the same function as in the first embodiment are indicated by the same reference number.

[0079] The second embodiment differs from the first embodiment only in that, in the second embodiment, the evaporator 15b is configured to indirectly recover heat from air heated in the washing chamber 11.

[0080] For this purpose, the washing machine 1 includes an additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop 23, a heat exchanger 24 and a pipe 1 If configured to fluidly connect the heat exchanger 24 to the inside of the washing chamber 11. The pipe 1 If is preferably connected to an upper part of the washing chamber 11.

[0081] The heat exchanger 24 is configured to draw air from the pipe 1 If, to recover heat from said drawn air and to transfer recovered heat to the heat transfer fluid of the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop 23. In addition, the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop 23 is arranged, at the heat pump 15, to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid of the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop 23 to the evaporator 15b of the heat pump 15.

[0082] Furthermore, it will be understood that, according to variants of the second embodiment, the machine 1 may include, as a replacement or in addition to Pipe 1 If, a free volume arranged in the detergent solution reservoir 12, above the detergent solution, is configured to receive air from the wash chamber 11. It will be understood that the heat exchanger 24 is then configured to draw air from this free volume, either replacing or supplementing the air drawn from pipe 1 If described above. For example, this free volume could be arranged in the detergent solution reservoir 12 in a manner similar to the free volume 12i of the first embodiment described above.

[0083] It will also be understood that, in the second embodiment, it is the heat exchanger 24 which includes the drainage line 15h configured to recover washing solution vapor contained in the aspirated air and condensing at the level of the heat exchanger 24, and to evacuate the recovered condensed vapor to the washing solution reservoir 12.

[0084] It will also be understood that, preferably, in a manner analogous to what has been described for the first embodiment, in the second embodiment, the heat exchanger 24 is configured to selectively draw air from the immediate environment of the washing machine 1, so as to recover heat from said drawn air. It will also be understood that the machine 1 may include a mesh filter 18, serving as a demister, disposed upstream of the heat exchanger 24, the mesh filter 18 being further configured to linearize the flow of the drawn air passing through it, and the machine 1 may include a buffer tank 19, serving as an expansion chamber, disposed upstream of the mesh filter 18 and configured to collect droplets of detergent solution and linearize the flow of the drawn air passing through it.

[0085] It will be understood that, in this case, the heat exchanger 24, the mesh filter 18, and the buffer tank 19 are preferably configured and sized so that all the detergent solution vapor contained in the air drawn into the heat exchanger 24 is condensed and recovered, so that the air drawn into the heat exchanger 24 can be released into the immediate environment of the washing machine 1 without contaminating the air in the immediate environment of the machine 1 with detergent solution vapor. It will also be understood that, where the detergent solution is a washing solution or a detergent solution, the air outlet of the heat exchanger 24 may include filters configured to trap any potentially harmful airborne compounds from the detergent solution before releasing the air into the immediate environment of the machine 1.

[0086] The invention also relates to an industrial production line comprising one or more washing machines 1 according to the invention configured to sequentially receive, with washing cycles of less than 5 minutes, a plurality of parts P to be washed and one or more transport devices configured to transport the plurality of parts P to be washed and sequentially introduce the plurality of parts P to be washed into the washing machine(s) 1. A transport device may for example include a conveyor belt, a rotating platform or a robotic arm.

[0087] It will be understood that a washing machine 1 according to the invention can, for example, be a washing machine configured for washing parts P coming off the machining process, or any other washing machine 1 using a heated detergent solution. A washing machine 1 according to the invention is further particularly suitable for performing washing cycles of between 3 and 5 minutes.

[0088] It is understood that the particular embodiments which have just been described have been given by way of indication and not limitation, and that modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. Demands - Washing machine (1) comprising: - a washing chamber (11), configured to receive a part to be washed (P); - a detergent solution reservoir (12), configured to contain a detergent solution; - a spray boom (1 la), arranged in the washing chamber (11) and configured to spray washing solution onto the part to be washed (P); - a pump (13) configured to pump washing solution into the washing solution tank (12) and send said washing solution to the spray boom (1la); and - a recovery tray (1 le) placed, in use, at a lower part of the washing chamber (11), the recovery tray (1 le) being configured to recover washing solution having been sprayed by the spraying ramp (1 la) and comprising a fluid outlet (1 Id) connected in a fluidic way to an upper part of the washing solution tank (12); - a heating pipe (14) configured to be supplied with washing solution by the pump (13) and arranged to return said washing solution to the washing solution tank (12); - a heat pump (15) configured to heat the detergent solution, the heat pump (15) comprising a heat transfer fluid circulation loop (15a) on which are arranged an evaporator (15b) and a condenser (15c), the evaporator (15b) being configured to recover heat from air heated in the wash chamber (11) and to transfer recovered heat to the heat transfer fluid of the heat transfer fluid circulation loop (15a), and the condenser (15c) being configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid of the heat transfer fluid circulation loop (15a) to the detergent solution circulating in the heating line (14), to heat said detergent solution; and - a control device (16) configured to control the pump (13) and the heat pump (15) characterized by the fact that the washing machine (1) further comprises one of the following:

2.

3. - a first fan (15d) configured to selectively draw in air from an immediate environment of the washing machine (1) and to circulate said drawn-in air in contact with the evaporator (15b) to recover heat from said drawn-in air, the heat pump (15) being an air-to-water type heat pump (15) and comprising said first fan (15d);and - a heat exchanger (24) configured to selectively draw in air from an immediate environment of the washing machine (1) to recover heat from said drawn-in air and to transfer recovered heat to a heat transfer fluid of an additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop (23) of the machine (1), the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop (23) being arranged, at the heat pump (15), to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid of the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop (23) to the evaporator (15b) of the heat pump (15).; - Machine (1) according to claim 1 when it comprises the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop (23) and the heat exchanger (24), characterized in that: the machine (1) further comprises at least one of a pipe (1 If) configured to fluidically connect the heat exchanger (24) to an interior of the wash chamber (11), and a free volume (12i) arranged in the detergent solution tank (12), above the detergent solution, configured to receive air from the wash chamber (11); and the heat exchanger (24) is further configured to draw air from at least one of said pipe (1 If) and said free volume (12i), to recover heat from said drawn air and to transfer recovered heat to the heat transfer fluid of the additional heat transfer fluid circulation loop (23).- Machine (1) according to claim 1 where the heat pump (15) is of the air-water type and includes the first fan (15d), characterized in that: the machine (1) further comprises at least one of a conduit (1 If) configured to fluidically connect the evaporator (15b) of the heat pump (15) to an interior of the washing chamber (11), and a free volume (12i) arranged in the detergent solution tank (12), above the solution washing machine, configured to receive air from the wash chamber(11); and the first fan (15d) is further configured to draw air from at least one of said duct (1 If) and said free volume (12i), and to circulate said drawn air in contact with the evaporator (15b) to recover heat from said drawn air.

4. - Machine (1) according to claim 2 or claim 3, characterized in that the heat pump (15), where applicable the heat exchanger (24), further comprises a drain line (15h) configured to recover washing solution vapor contained in the aspirated air and condensing at the evaporator (15b) when the aspirated air passes into contact with the evaporator (15b), where applicable at the heat exchanger (24) when the aspirated air passes into contact with the heat exchanger (24), and to discharge the recovered condensed vapor into the washing solution reservoir (12).

5. - Machine (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the machine (1) further comprises a mesh filter (18), serving as a demister, disposed upstream of the evaporator (15b), optionally upstream of the heat exchanger (24), the mesh filter (18) further being configured to linearize the flow of the aspirated air passing through it.

6. - Machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the machine (1) includes a buffer tank (19), serving as a pressure reducer, arranged upstream of the mesh filter (18) and configured to recover droplets of washing solution and linearize the flow of the aspirated air passing through it.

7. - Machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the recovery tray (1 the) is movable and the machine (1) further comprises a mechanical system (1 the) configured to move the recovery tray (1 the) vertically so as to open and close the washing chamber (11) hermetically.

8. - Machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that, to ensure degraded operation, the detergent solution reservoir (12) includes a means of auxiliary heating (17) of the washing solution, preferably an electric resistance.

9. - A machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the machine (1) further comprises a detergent solution supply control valve (20) disposed between the pump (13) and the spray bar (1a), and a blow fluid supply system (22) fluidically connected to the spray bar (1a) via a blow fluid supply control valve (21), the spray bar (1a) further being configured to alternately spray detergent solution and blow fluid by being alternately connected to the detergent solution reservoir (12) and the blow fluid supply system (22), and the control device (16) being configured to control the supply control valves (20, 21) to control the supply of detergent solution and blow fluid to the spray bar (1a). blowing.

10. - Machine (1) according to claim 3 or any one of claims 4 to 9 taken in dependence on claim 3, characterized in that: the heat pump (15) further comprises an air condenser (15e) disposed on the heat transfer fluid circulation loop (15a), between the condenser (15c) and the evaporator (15b) and upstream of an expansion valve (15f) of the heat transfer fluid circulation loop (15a), and a second fan (15g) configured to draw at least one of the air exiting the evaporator (15b) and air from an immediate environment of the washing machine (1) and to circulate said drawn air in contact with the air condenser (15e).

11. - A method for operating a machine (1) according to claim 10, taken in dependence on claim 9, characterized in that the method comprises the steps of: a) actuating the pump (13) to circulate the washing solution through the heating line (14), actuating the first fan (15d) of the heat pump (15) at a first speed to draw air from the immediate vicinity of the washing machine (1) and circulate said air in contact with the evaporator (15b), and measuring the temperature of the solution

12. detergent using a temperature sensor (12c) in the detergent solution tank (12), and operate the heat pump (15) to heat the detergent solution to a first target temperature, so as to prime the washing machine (1);b) operate the pump (13) to supply the spray boom (1la) with washing solution and to circulate washing solution in the heating line (14), operate the heat pump (15) to heat the washing solution, operate the first fan (15d) at a second speed, less than or equal to the first speed, to draw air from the immediate environment of the washing machine (1) and circulate said air in contact with the evaporator (15b), and operate the second fan (15g) to draw both air from the evaporator (15b) and air from the immediate environment of the washing machine (1) and circulate said air in contact with the air condenser (15e); (c) operate the pump (13) to circulate the washing solution in the heating line (14), stop the supply of washing solution to the spray bar (1la), operate the blowing fluid supply system (22) to supply the spray bar (1la) with blowing fluid, operate the heat pump (15) to heat the washing solution, operate the first fan (15d) at the second speed to draw in air from the washing chamber (11) and circulate said air in contact with the evaporator (15b), and operate the second fan (15g) to draw in both air from the evaporator (15b) and air from the immediate environment of the washing machine (1) and circulate said air in contact with the air condenser (15e); d) measure the temperature of the washing solution using the temperature sensor (12c) in the washing solution tank (12); and e) if the temperature of the washing solution is above a second target temperature, increase the operating speed of the second fan (15g), the second target temperature being greater than or equal to the first target temperature. - Industrial production line, characterized in that the industrial production line comprises at least one washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10 configured for receive sequentially, with wash cycles of less than 5 minutes, a plurality of parts (P) to be washed and at least one transport device configured to transport the plurality of parts (P) to be washed and to introduce sequentially the plurality of parts (P) to be washed into at least one washing machine (1).

Images