A storage tank for washing devices

Abstract

The present invention discloses a storage tank (D) suitable for use in a washing device (C) which comprises at least one body (G); at least one inner compartment (B) within the body (G); and at least one door for accessing into the inner compartment. Said storage tank (D) comprises at least a first chamber (1) suitable for storing a fluid therein; at least a second chamber (2) provided next to the first chamber (1) and suitable for storing a fluid therein; at least one inlet channel (4) connected with at least one inlet opening (3) on at least one side thereof, and communicating into an upper part of the first chamber (1) on at least another side thereof; at least one intermediate opening (5) provided between the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2); at least one intermediate channel (6) provided between the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2), wherein the intermediate channel (6) is connected with said intermediate opening (5) on at least one side thereof, and communicates into the upper parts of the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) on at least another side thereof; at least one passage line (7) connecting said first chamber (1) and second chamber (2) to each other; at least one outlet opening (8) connected with the first chamber (1) and / or the second chamber (2).

Description

[0001] A STORAGE TANK FOR WASHING DEVICES

[0002] Technical Field

[0003] The present invention relates to a storage tank provided in a washing device for storing water.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] A washing device such as a washing machine or a dishwasher generally comprises at least one body; at least one inner compartment within the body, which is suitable for receiving the items to be washed; and at least one door providing access to said inner compartment. Users moves the door in an open position to place the items in the inner compartment. Then, a washing liquid, e.g. detergent water, is used to wash and clean the items placed in the inner compartment.

[0006] In a washing device, the washing liquid can be heated in order to better dissolve the stains on the items to be washed, thus increasing the effectiveness of the washing process. Said heating process can be carried out by a heating element, which is a resistance and / or a heat pump. Here, users can choose a desired temperature for the washing process to be carried out, and the heating process is performed in accordance with the temperature value selected by the users.

[0007] The water used as a washing liquid in washing devices is obtained from a water main by means of an interconnection element, e.g. a tap. Here, temperature of the water in the water main is relatively low (13-17°C). For this reason, the amount of energy consumed for heating the water is relatively high. In order to solve said problem, a washing device with a storage tank is used in the known-art. In such applications, the water received from the mains at a relatively low temperature is filled into the storage tank. The water filled into the storage tank is heated by the temperature of the external environment, reaching a temperature of 20-24°C until the next washing process. Thus, the amount of energy required to heat the water is reduced. However, in such applications, there may be problems as air compression in the storage tank while filling the storage tank and / or overflow due to excess water being sent into the storage tank.

[0008] Brief Description of the Invention

[0009] The present invention discloses a storage tank suitable for use in a washing device which comprises at least one body, at least one inner compartment within the body, and at least one door for accessing into the inner compartment. Said storage tank comprises at least a first chamber suitable for storing a fluid therein; at least a second chamber provided next to the first chamber and suitable for storing a fluid therein; at least one inlet channel connected with at least one inlet opening on at least one side thereof, and communicating into an upper part of the first chamber on at least another side thereof; at least one intermediate opening provided between the first chamber and second chamber; at least one intermediate channel provided between the first chamber and second chamber, wherein the intermediate channel is connected with said intermediate opening on at least one side thereof, and communicates into the upper parts of the first chamber and the second chamber on at least another side thereof; at least one passage line connecting said first chamber and second chamber to each other; at least one outlet opening connected with the first chamber and / or the second chamber.

[0010] Since the first chamber and second chamber are used in combination in the storage tank according to the present invention, the water storage capacity is increased. In addition, thanks to the intermediate channel and intermediate opening, air compression is prevented while filling the first chamber and the second chamber with the water, and if excessive water is introduced into the storage tank, the excess water is also discharged. Thus, the storage tank and the washing device comprising the same are allowed to operate more reliably.

[0011] Object of the Invention

[0012] An object of the present invention is to provide a storage tank provided in a washing device for storing water.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a reliable and durable storage tank. A further object of the present invention is to provide a washing device comprising the storage tank. of the Invention

[0014] Exemplary embodiments of the storage tank according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

[0015] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a semi-assembled version of a washing device using the storage tank according to the invention.

[0016] Figure 2 is a front view of the storage tank according to the invention.

[0017] Figure 3 is a sectional perspective view of the storage tank according to the invention.

[0018] All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

[0019] Washing device (C)

[0020] Body (G)

[0021] Inner compartment (B)

[0022] Storage tank (D)

[0023] Water pocket (H)

[0024] First chamber (1)

[0025] Second chamber (2)

[0026] Inlet opening (3)

[0027] Inlet channel (4)

[0028] Intermediate opening (5)

[0029] Intermediate channel (6)

[0030] Passage line (7)

[0031] Outlet opening (8)

[0032] Outlet valve (9)

[0033] Space (10) Description of the Invention

[0034] In washing devices such as washing machines and dishwashers, water from the mains is used for the washing process. Here, in order to increase the effectiveness of the washing process, the water can be heated by means of a heating element. However, since the temperature of the water received from the mains is relatively low, vast amount of energy should be consumed for the heating process. For this reason, the present invention provides a storage tank for storing the water to be used in the washing process, which eliminates the problems such as air compression and water overflow during the storage process.

[0035] The storage tank (D) according to the present invention, which is illustrated in figures 1-3, is suitable for use in a washing device (C) which comprises at least one body (G); at least one inner compartment (B) within the body (G); and at least one door for accessing into the inner compartment. The storage tank (D), preferably provided at a side section of the body (G), comprises at least a first chamber (1) suitable for storing a fluid therein; at least a second chamber (2) provided next to the first chamber (1) and suitable for storing a fluid therein; at least one inlet channel (4) connected with at least one inlet opening (3) on at least one side thereof, and communicating into an upper part of the first chamber (1) on at least another side thereof; at least one intermediate opening (5) provided between the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2); at least one intermediate channel (6) provided between the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2), wherein the intermediate channel (6) is connected with said intermediate opening (5) on at least one side thereof, and communicates into the upper parts of the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) on at least another side thereof; at least one passage line (7) connecting said first chamber (1) and second chamber (2) to each other; at least one outlet opening (8) connected with the first chamber (1) and / or the second chamber (2).

[0036] In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the storage tank (D) is used in a washing device (C) which is a dishwasher. Here, said inlet opening (3) is connected to the mains for receiving water therefrom. The water received through the inlet opening (3) passes through the inlet channel (4) and reaches the upper part of the first chamber (1), thereby filling the first chamber (1). Some of the water filled into the first compartment (1) passes through the passage line (7) to fill the second chamber (2). Here, while the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) are filled, air in said compartments passes through the intermediate channel (6) to the intermediate opening (5) and is expelled from the storage tank (D) at this point. Thus, air compression is prevented in the storage tank (D) while filling the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) with water. Moreover, if excessive water is introduced into the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2), the water above the upper level of the intermediate channel (6) also flows through the intermediate channel (6) so as to be removed out of the storage tank (D) through the intermediate opening (5). Once the water stored in the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) is allowed to warm up to the ambient temperature over time, it is directed to the washing device (C) through the outlet opening (8) for use in a washing process. Therefore, the amount of energy required to heat the water for the washing process is reduced, enhancing the operational efficiency of the washing device.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said outlet opening (8) is provided at a lower part (bottom) of the first chamber (1) or the second chamber (2). Thus, all the water stored in the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) is easily discharged. In this case, the storage tank (D) also comprises at least one outlet valve (9) provided at the outlet opening (8). Thus, the water stored in the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) is discharged in a controlled manner.

[0038] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said passage line (7) is provided at the lower parts of the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2). In this way, the water directed to the first chamber (1) can also flow to the second chamber (2).

[0039] In another preferred embodiment of the invention, said intermediate opening (5) is provided at a middle part (middle height) of the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2). In this embodiment, the storage tank (D) also comprises at least one space (10) provided below the intermediate opening (5). In said space, a water pocket (H) can be provided for connecting the intermediate opening (5) to the inner compartment (B) of the washing device (C). In this embodiment, for example, if the storage tank (D) is filled with redundant amount of water, the excess water removed out of the storage tank (D) through the intermediate opening (5) is moved through the water pocket (H) to the inner compartment (B). In this way, said excess water is prevented from overflowing and causing harm to the outside environment. Additionally, in this case, the excess water can be contained in the inner compartment (B) for use in the next washing process. Therefore, water waste is prevented, ensuring the environmental sustainability of the washing device (C).

[0040] The present invention further provides a washing device (C) comprising said storage tank (D). The washing device (C), preferably a dishwasher or a washing machine, comprises at least one body (G); at least one inner compartment (B) within the body (G); and at least one door for accessing into the inner compartment. Said storage tank (D) is preferably provided at a side section of the body (G). Said washing device (C) also comprises at least one water pocket (H) connected to the intermediate opening (5) on at least one side thereof, and to the inner compartment (B) on at least another side thereof.

[0041] Since the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2) are used in combination in the storage tank (D) according to the present invention, the water storage capacity is increased. In addition, thanks to the intermediate channel (6) and intermediate opening (5), air compression is prevented while filling the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) with water, and if excessive water is introduced into the storage tank (D), the excess water is also discharged. Thus, the storage tank (D) and the washing device (C) comprising the same are allowed to operate more reliably.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A storage tank (D) suitable for use in a washing device (C) which comprises at least one body (G); at least one inner compartment (B) within the body (G); and at least one door for accessing into the inner compartment, the storage tank (D) characterized by comprising: at least a first chamber (1) suitable for storing a fluid therein; at least a second chamber (2) provided next to the first chamber (1) and suitable for storing a fluid therein; at least one inlet channel (4) connected with at least one inlet opening (3) on at least one side thereof, and communicating into an upper part of the first chamber (1) on at least another side thereof; at least one intermediate opening (5) provided between the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2); at least one intermediate channel (6) provided between the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2), wherein the intermediate channel (6) is connected with said intermediate opening (5) on at least one side thereof, and communicates into the upper parts of the first chamber (1) and the second chamber (2) on at least another side thereof; at least one passage line (7) connecting said first chamber (1) and second chamber (2) to each other; at least one outlet opening (8) connected with the first chamber (1) and / or the second chamber (2).

2. A storage tank (D) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said outlet opening (8) is provided at a lower part of the first chamber (1) or the second chamber (2).

3. A storage tank (D) according to claim 2, characterized in that the storage tank (D) comprises at least one outlet valve (9) provided at the outlet opening (8).

4. A storage tank (D) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passage line (7) is provided at the lower parts of the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2).

5. A storage tank (D) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that said intermediate opening (5) is provided at a middle part of the first chamber (1) and second chamber (2).

6. A storage tank (D) according to claim 5, characterized in that the storage tank (D) comprises at least one space (10) provided below the intermediate opening (5).

7. A washing device (C) comprising a storage tank (D) according to any of the preceding claims.

8. A washing device (C) according to claim 7, characterized in that the washing device (C) comprises at least one body (G); at least one inner compartment (B) within the body (G); and at least one door for accessing into the inner compartment.

9. A washing device (C) according to claim 8, characterized in that said storage tank (D) is provided at a side section of the body (G).

10. A washing device (C) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the washing device (C) comprises at least one water pocket (H) connected to the intermediate opening (5) on at least one side thereof, and to the inner compartment (B) on at least another side thereof.

11. A washing device (C) according to any of the claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the washing device (C) is a dishwasher.

12. A washing device (C) according to any of the claims 7 to 10, characterized in that the washing device (C) is a washing machine.

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