Washing and / or drying machine

Abstract

Machine (10) for washing and / or drying objects that includes at least one emitter unit (23) comprising a set of three of primary emitters (26A, 26B, 26C) and a secondary emitter (27).

Description

[0001] "WASHING AND / OR DRYING MACHINE"

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention concerns a machine for washing, or drying, or combined washing and drying machine, used in the domestic or professional environment, such as for example a dishwasher, a washing machine, a dryer or other similar or analogous machine. The machine in accordance with the present invention adds to the normal or conventional functions an additional disinfecting function that, as will be explained in greater detail below, makes it possible to reduce and / or inhibit the action of one or more microorganisms such as, for example, bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, or moulds, within an operating chamber of the machine itself, whether it is the dishwashing chamber, or the basket for washing and / or drying cloths.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Machines for washing and / or drying dishes, cloths or other objects are known, which typically define an operating chamber in which the washing and / or drying of such objects takes place by means of liquid or gaseous fluids, at different temperatures, to carry out predefined, or predefinable, operating cycles.

[0006] It is also known that, precisely for the cleaning action or, in any case, for the washing and / or drying treatment that these known machines carry out, different types of microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, spores, or moulds can be generated or developed, even on several occasions, within their operating chambers. The presence of these microorganisms within the operating chamber partially compromises the treatment carried out by the known machine, especially with regard to the degree of final hygiene of the objects being washed and / or dried.

[0007] Currently, the removal of microbial loads inside the operating chambers of known machines takes place through systematic cleaning cycles, using, for example, chemical additives and starting predefined washing cycles.

[0008] This solution, although dependent on the user's consistency in carrying it out, does not always guarantee sufficient and effective removal of microorganisms. In addition, chemical additives can be particularly aggressive to the internal components of the machine, in particular with regard to plastic components or metal coatings, which, with repeated cleaning cycles, can be damaged to the point that they lose their original functionality, necessitating extraordinary maintenance, or replacement, at the user's expense.

[0009] Machines are also known that have lighting devices configured to light up when opened to inspect the interior, and these are typically oriented to illuminate the dishes directly.

[0010] There are also well-known washing and / or drying machines which, in order to keep energy consumption and running costs low, provide UV-C diffusers therein. However, UV-C rays, by their nature, do not guarantee the elimination of microorganisms, but only carry out an action of temporary inactivation thereof, meaning that the pathogens resume their vitality after a certain period of time, which means that effective disinfecting of the environments and surfaces is not guaranteed.

[0011] UV-C also has the additional defect that it is often absorbed by water vapour and therefore cannot effectively illuminate the compartment. This is also the case on the walls because they absorb part of the electromagnetic radiation.

[0012] Furthermore, these and other types of known devices, for example not necessarily using UV-C ray diffusers, have been found to be particularly aggressive on the materials of the machine components and of the objects treated in the washing / drying, for example by interacting and deteriorating polymers and rubbery materials and by discolouring some fabric colours and / or the materials themselves.

[0013] In addition, the known devices, to emit the desired radiation for both light and disinfecting, work at voltages of approx. 22-36 V, requiring customized power supplies, or drivers, therefore with increased costs and higher energy consumption.

[0014] Furthermore, when using certain solutions with more advanced LED emitters, lighting devices currently need to be operated by the user from the outside, meaning that the effectiveness of disinfecting operations is heavily dependent on both the user's skill in operating these devices and, in any case, the consistency and frequency of use, in accordance with the user's preferences. This external manual action carried out by the user does not guarantee a qualitative repeatability of the disinfecting treatment carried out.

[0015] There is therefore the need to perfect a washing and / or drying machine, that can overcome at least one of the disadvantages of the state of the art. It is also known that there is a need to create a washing and / or drying machine, capable of obtaining uniform and homogeneous diffusion of electromagnetic radiation, for protection against microbiological contamination, at least within its operating chamber and throughout its entire volume.

[0016] It is also known that there is a need for a washing and / or drying machine that allows to obtain effective disinfecting quickly with low energy consumption.

[0017] To do this, it is necessary to solve the technical problem of disinfecting the operating chamber of a washing and / or drying machine without the need for external manual intervention and without requiring special expertise and individual skills.

[0018] In particular, one purpose of the present invention is to make a washing and / or drying machine that makes it possible to perform an effective disinfecting, of at least one operating chamber thereof, in an optimized, uniform and repeatable way, with low energy consumption and costs.

[0019] Another purpose of the invention is to provide a washing and / or drying machine that provides highly effective disinfecting in the reduction of microorganisms sensitive to electromagnetic radiation.

[0020] The Applicant has devised, tested and embodied the present invention to overcome the disadvantages of the state of the art and to obtain these and other purposes and advantages.

[0021] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0022] The present invention is set forth and characterized in the independent claims. The dependent claims describe other characteristics of the present invention or variants to the main inventive idea.

[0023] In accordance with the above purposes, and to resolve the technical problems disclosed above in a new and original way, also achieving considerable advantages compared to the state of the prior art, a machine in accordance with the present invention is applied for washing and / or drying objects, such as for example dishes, cloths or others, in a domestic or professional operating context.

[0024] The machine in accordance with the present invention generally comprises at least one operating chamber substantially defined by a containing structure, by a front and / or upper aperture, from which the objects are loaded, and by at least one bottom wall, opposite to the front aperture or to the upper one with respect to the containing structure.

[0025] Advantageously, the front / top aperture can be associated with a door, a porthole or in any case a movable element that defines the watertight closure of the operating chamber.

[0026] In embodiments, wherein the machine in accordance with the present invention is intended for washing and / or drying dishes, the containing structure is substantially defined by at least two side walls, a lower wall and an upper wall, all connected to each other and to the bottom wall, to define a substantially parallelepiped or cubiform operating chamber.

[0027] In other embodiments, wherein the machine in accordance with the present invention is intended for washing and / or drying clothes, the containing structure is substantially defined by a rotating basket and at least one circular gasket, interposed between the rotating basket and the front aperture, to define a substantially cylindrical operating chamber.

[0028] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the machine comprises at least one housing seating, which is created in cooperation with the operating chamber, for example on a profile of the containing structure, or on the movable element associated with the front or upper aperture, or in other positions. Furthermore, the machine in accordance with the present invention comprises at least one emitter unit, which in turn comprises a set of three of primary emitters and at least one secondary emitter. At least one emitter unit can be housed in the housing.

[0029] Each set of three comprises three primary emitters that are different from each other, each configured to emit electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength with a specific peak value different from the other two primary emitters.

[0030] Preferably, the primary emitters are adapted to emit a light radiation in the violet spectrum, indicatively comprised between 380 rnn and 435 rnn and the at least one secondary emitter is adapted to emit a light radiation in the blue spectrum, indicatively comprised between 435 rnn and 500 nm.

[0031] In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, the set of three primary emitters comprises:

[0032] - a first emitter configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value with wavelength comprised between 404 nm and 410 nm; - a second emiter configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value with wavelength comprised between 410 nm and 416 nm;

[0033] - a third emiter configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value with wavelength comprised between 418 nm and 424 nm.

[0034] The at least one secondary emiter is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value with wavelength comprised between 452 nm and 458 nm, with a preferential peak value of 455 nm.

[0035] Such a combination of primary emiters with different wavelengths together with the secondary emiter, for example in a 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 proportion, allows to obtain a substantially uniform overall electromagnetic radiation flux having wavelengths with respective peak values between 400 nm and 470 nm and preferably between 402 nm and 460 nm, even more preferably centred in the range from 404 nm to 424 nm and between 450 nm and 460 nm.

[0036] Therefore, with the solution in accordance with the present invention, a washing and / or drying machine is made that makes it possible to perform an internal disinfecting of the operating chamber, in accordance with pre-ordered and / or programmable cycles, that is, without the need for the intervention of an external operator, particularly to remove microorganisms including Gram+, Gram-, viruses, spores, moulds, fungi, mites and yeasts that are potentially harmful to humans.

[0037] In particular, the superposition of the irradiated cones emited by the individual primary emiters with different wavelengths means that the overall cone emitted by the emiter unit, defined by the interference and combination of the individual cones emited by the four emiters or respective multiples, is already focused and centred on the wavelengths with a high antimicrobial and bactericidal effect.

[0038] According to embodiments, emiter units are provided in which the number N of first emiters, N second emiters, N third emiters and N secondary emiters are provided so that the 1 : 1 : 1 : 1 proportion is maintained and repeated from time to time.

[0039] In another embodiment, there are 2, 3, 4, 5 or more secondary emiters for each set of three of primary emiters.

[0040] The solution in accordance with the present invention therefore has the advantage of allowing the execution of an effective disinfecting at least of the operating chamber, in an optimized and repeatable way, with low energy consumption and low costs.

[0041] In fact, considering a current voltage of approx. 3 V, for each of the primary emitters and the secondary emitter, each emitter unit requires a voltage of approx. 12V, or multiples thereof, that is, a voltage that is likely to be manageable with standardized power supplies, or drivers, therefore with low costs and reduced energy consumption.

[0042] This functional advantage allows a perfect integration of the at least one emitter unit in a traditional washing and / or drying machine, guaranteeing an additional power absorption, however, of less than 15W.

[0043] In other words, the emitter unit in accordance with the present invention, being designed to operate at 12V or its multiples, makes it possible to extend the possible combinations that can be used while maintaining low consumption, even in the order of approx. 4W. In the specific application, the powers in play have been modified so that the disinfecting system can be inserted into the control electronics of the washing and / or drying machine, falling into low consumption energy bands.

[0044] The washing and / or drying machine in accordance with the present invention provides the possibility of performing highly effective disinfecting by destroying microorganisms sensitive to electromagnetic radiation.

[0045] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the emitter unit comprises at least one electronic support configured to support the set of three of primary emitters and the at least one secondary emitter, and at least one support element, which is arranged in direct cooperation with the housing seat, and is configured to support and maintain the electronic board, in a certain position, in which the set of three of primary emitters and the at least one secondary emitter, emit the light radiation inside the operating chamber.

[0046] Here and in the following, by way of example and not for this limiting, the electronic board may be a support package for emitters, for example LEDs. Advantageously, the electronic board can be a package of the type SMD, COB, DOB, Flip LED, or other similar packages.

[0047] In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the emitter unit comprises at least one refraction element, arranged in direct cooperation with the housing seat, and configured to cooperate with the set of three of primary emitters and the at least one secondary emitter, so as to asymmetrically condition the refraction of the light radiation emitted within the operating chamber.

[0048] In advantageous embodiments, the refraction element may comprise at least one shaped portion, which faces the operating chamber and is configured so as to asymmetrically direct the refraction of the emitted light radiation, on a refraction plane defining a given angle of refraction, with respect to an emission plane, the latter substantially orthogonal to the lateral containing structure.

[0049] In other advantageous embodiments, the shaped portion is oriented, with respect to the operating chamber, so as to asymmetrically direct the refraction of the light radiation at least towards the bottom wall with a certain angle of incidence.

[0050] In this advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the reflective capacity of the bottom surface is exploited to substantially uniformly spread the electromagnetic emission inside the operating chamber, also bypassing the functional equipment of the machine, for example the racks in the dishwashers, so as to guarantee complete disinfecting of the operating chamber.

[0051] The LEDs used in the present invention are designed to emit electromagnetic radiation in the violet and blue spectrum, with wavelengths between 400 nm and 420 nm. This choice of wavelengths offers some significant advantages over the use of UV-C rays or other disinfecting technologies.

[0052] For example, the wavelengths produced by the emitters present in the LEDs in accordance with the present invention (380-500 nm) interact with water differently than the UV-C rays traditionally used (200-280 nm), where the interaction of light with water is mainly influenced by refraction, absorption and dispersion phenomena, better known as scattering.

[0053] In fact, the index of refraction of water varies with the wavelength of light due to a phenomenon known as optical dispersion, decreasing as the wavelength increases. For UV-C wavelengths between 200 nm and 250 nm this ranges from 14.98 • 10'1to 13.96 • 10’1, while for wavelengths in the portion of the visible spectrum between 380 nm and 500 nm, as from the solution in accordance with the present invention, this ranges from 13.43 • 10'1to 13.33 • 10'1. This difference reduces the angle of refraction for the wavelengths of the LEDs in accordance with the present invention, minimizing the dispersion of light.

[0054] In addition, water has an absorption coefficient for UV-C rays between 200 and 250nm of approx. 104-103cm-1, while for the violet and blue wavelengths the absorption coefficient falls to values between approx. 0.01 cm1and 0.001 cm'1. This means that the wavelengths emitted by the LEDs in accordance with the present invention are absorbed much less by water than traditional solutions, allowing a deeper penetration.

[0055] With the solution in accordance with the present invention, the water and the walls do not have absorption effects but rather effectively reflect light so as to homogeneously illuminate the compartment. In addition, these UV-C lights are also somewhat energy-intensive and need dedicated power supply systems. In our case, the necessary power supply can be taken directly from the control unit.

[0056] Finally, the phenomenon of scattering is also a key factor that influences the effectiveness of electromagnetic radiation in the penetration of water droplets. With regard to the scattering phenomenon, a distinction is made between Rayleigh scattering and Mie scattering.

[0057] With regard to Rayleigh scattering for water, a proportional coefficient of L4is expected, while for UV-C rays the scattering coefficient is significantly higher than for violet and blue wavelengths. This means, that applying the known formulas, the scattering coefficient for wavelengths at 250 nm is approx. 9.73 X 1022m-1, while for wavelengths at 400 nm it is approx. 1.48 X 1022m-1.

[0058] With regard to Mie scattering, there is a substantially less wavelength-dependent condition than Rayleigh scattering, but in any case the shorter wavelengths (UV-C rays) suffer a greater scattering effect.

[0059] Thus, since the wavelengths of the LEDs in accordance with the present invention are less susceptible to both the effects of refraction and absorption, and the effects of Rayleigh scattering and Mie scattering with respect to UV-C rays, the visible electromagnetic radiation can be more uniformly distributed within the operating chamber.

[0060] This advantageous aspect of the solution in accordance with the present invention ensures that all surfaces and objects inside the chamber receive an adequate dose of disinfecting radiation.

[0061] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] These and other aspects, characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of some embodiments, given as a non-restrictive example with reference to the attached drawings wherein: - fig. 1 is a schematic and partially sectioned view of a first embodiment of a washing and / or drying machine, in accordance with the present invention;

[0063] - fig. 2 is a schematic view of a second embodiment of a washing and / or drying machine in accordance with the present invention;

[0064] - fig. 3 shows an enlarged detail of fig. 1;

[0065] - fig. 4 shows a section along the line IV-IV of fig. 3;

[0066] - fig. 5 is a schematic view of an emission unit in accordance with a first variant of the invention, in which the different emitters are indicated by respective letters

[0067] - fig. 6 is a graph showing the emission spectrum of the individual primary emitters and the spectrum resulting from their combination;

[0068] - fig. 7 is a graph showing the emission spectrum of the primary and secondary emitters of one or more emitter units alone;

[0069] - fig. 8 is a graph showing the emission spectrum of a lighting and sanitizing device in accordance with the invention given by the combination of the radiations emitted by the emitter units with a phosphor coating layer;

[0070] - fig. 9 is a schematic view of an emission unit in accordance with an embodiment variant of the invention;

[0071] - fig. 10 is a schematic view of an emission unit in accordance with an embodiment variant of the invention, in 1+1+ 1+1 configuration without a phosphor coating;

[0072] - fig. 11 is a graph showing the emission spectrum of the emission unit of fig. 10; - fig. 12 is a schematic view of an emission unit in accordance with a further embodiment variant of the invention, in 2+2+2+2 configuration without a phosphor coating; and

[0073] - fig. 13 is a graph showing the emission spectrum of the emission unit of fig. 10;

[0074] We must clarify that in the present description the phraseology and terminology used, as well as the figures in the attached drawings also as described, have the sole function of better illustrating and explaining the present invention, their function being to provide a non-limiting example of the invention itself, since the scope of protection is defined by the claims.

[0075] To facilitate comprehension, the same reference numbers have been used, where possible, to identify identical common elements in the drawings. It is understood that elements and characteristics of one embodiment can be conveniently combined or incorporated into other embodiments without further clarifications.

[0076] DESCRIPTION OF SOME EMBODIMENTS OF THE PRESENT

[0077] INVENTION

[0078] With reference to figures 1 and 2, two different embodiments of a washing and / or drying machine 10 in accordance with the present invention are illustrated, both provided with an operating chamber 11 defined by a containing structure 12, by a front aperture 13 and by at least one bottom wall 14.

[0079] The machine 10 should be considered as only representative of other types of washing / drying machines, for example with top openings, with multiple and separate washing chambers, of any shape and size.

[0080] Furthermore, although the description refers mainly to washing and / or drying machines mainly of the domestic type, the invention can also be applied in washing / drying machines of the industrial type and of much larger or even smaller dimensions than machines for predominantly domestic use.

[0081] In particular, the schematized and partially sectioned machine 10 of fig. 1 is configured in a dishwasher, whether domestic or professional, in which the lateral containing structure 12 is defined by two side walls 15, a bottom wall 16, and a top wall 17, connected to each other and to the bottom wall 14, so as to give the operating chamber 11, which in this solution can be called a washing chamber, a substantially parallelepiped conformation.

[0082] Typically, the front aperture 13 is selectively reclosable by means of a door 18, hinged to the bottom wall 16, so as to define the watertight closure of the operating chamber 11, allowing the operations to start the operating cycle.

[0083] In the embodiment illustrated in fig. 2, the machine 10 is intended to represent a washing machine, i.e. a dryer, whether of the domestic or professional type, in which the containing structure 12 is defined by a rotating basket 19 and at least one circular gasket 20, interposed between the rotating basket 19 and the front aperture 13.

[0084] Typically, the front aperture 13 can be selectively closed by means of a door 21, so as to define the watertight closure of the operating chamber 11, allowing the operations to start the operating cycle.

[0085] Both in the solution of the dishwasher schematized in fig. 1, and in the solution of the washer / dryer shown in fig. 2, the machine 10 in accordance with the present invention can comprise at least one housing seating 22 in which the emitter unit 23 of electromagnetic radiation can be positioned, in a suitable manner and with suitable orientation.

[0086] Advantageously, in the solution illustrated in figures 1, 3 and 4 there are eight housing seats 22, of which only four are represented, and created on relative niches 24, the latter defined by the structural stiffening bosses of the side walls 15 normally present in this type of machine. This solution makes it possible to maintain the normal structural designs of traditional dishwashers, without requiring specific modifications to the production moulds, or any of its components.

[0087] Advantageously, in the solution illustrated in figure 2, the housing seating 22 is created in the upper part of a typical groove 25 of the circular gasket 20. Here too, taking advantage of the parts already present in the traditional washer / dryer, it is possible to maintain the normal designs, without requiring specific modifications of the production moulds, or its components.

[0088] Common to the two solutions, each emitter unit 23 comprises a support, or electronic board 28, configured to support a set of three of primary emitters 26A, 26B and 26C, and at least one secondary emitter 27, of the same emitter unit 23. Advantageously, the electronic board 28, or at least the portion thereof on which the emitters 26A, 26B, 26C and 27 are installed, has a substantially rectangular shape, so as to allow the emission of an overall light ray within a well-defined cone.

[0089] According to the embodiment in fig. 5 the emitter unit 23 provides for a single unit of primary emitters 26A, 26B and 26C, and a secondary emitter 27, while in other embodiments not represented in the accompanying figures, 3, 6, i.e. 12, units of primary emitter units 26A, 26B and 26C, and a secondary emitter 27, can be provided in the same emitter unit 23.

[0090] As a general scheme, each emitter unit 23 can comprise four emitters from among the three primary emitters 26A, 26B, 26C, and the secondary emitter 27, in a proportion of 1 : 1 : 1 : 1, and in any case providing overall for the possibility of there being N first emitters 26A, N second emitters 26B, N third emitters 26C and N secondary emitters 27, so that the proportion 26A:26B:26C:27 = 1: 1: 1: 1 is always maintained. According to the embodiment in fig. 9 the emitter unit 23 provides for eight emitters between the three primary 26A, 26B, 26C, and three secondary 27, in a 1: 1: 1:5 ratio, and in any case providing overall for the possibility that there are N first emitters 26A, N second emitters 26B, N third emitters 26C and N secondary emitters 27, in such a way that the 26A:26B: 26C: 27 = 1: 1: 1:5 ratio is always maintained.

[0091] In each case, each emitter unit 23 further comprises a refraction element, or lens 29, arranged facing inside the operating chamber 11 and in direct cooperation with the housing seating 22, and a supporting element, or capsule 30, arranged in direct cooperation with the housing seating 22, on the opposite side to the lens 29 and configured to maintain the electronic board 28, in a certain position of emission of the light radiation, towards the inside of the operating chamber 11.

[0092] Advantageously, the lens 29 and the capsule 30 cooperate elastically with each other, by means of relative snap-fit members 31, which also define a stable clamping of the side wall 15 between the lens 29 and the capsule 30.

[0093] Advantageously, on the inside of the operating chamber 11, i.e. in cooperation with the lens 29, at least one gasket is provided, for example an o-ring, so as to make the mounting of each emission unit 23 in the relative housing seating 22 watertight.

[0094] In particular, the lens 29 has a shaped portion 33, which faces inside the operating chamber 11, and provides a surface pattern such that it asymmetrically conditions the refraction of the light radiation emitted by the set of three primary emitters 26A, 26B and 26C, and a secondary emitter 27. In the solution shown in fig. 4, the asymmetric conditioning of the light radiation takes place on a refraction plane P 1 defining a certain refraction angle a, with respect to an emission plane P2, the latter substantially orthogonal to the side wall 15 on which the housing seating 22 is created. Advantageously, the refraction angle a can be between approx. 50° and approx. 70°.

[0095] Furthermore, as schematized in fig. 3, the shaped portion 33 is configured so as to expand the refraction of the emitted light radiation with a certain expansion angle fl, the latter lying on the refraction plane Pl.

[0096] A compact and homogeneous beam of light radiation is thus defined which, in accordance with the orientation given to the shaped portion 33, is directed towards the bottom wall 14, or towards another suitable wall suitably selected on the basis of the specific geometry, such as for example the door 18.

[0097] In other embodiments, part of the emission units 23 provided can affect the rear wall 14, while others the door 18, but also the upper walls 17 or lower walls 16, depending on convenience, the specific geometry and the internal structures of the machine, with a certain angle of incidence [3 (fig. 4), and from here the radiation can be reflected uniformly inside the operating chamber 11. Advantageously, the angle of incidence [3 may be between approx. 20° and approx. 40°.

[0098] According to some variants not illustrated in the attached figures, in combination or in place of the oriented lens 29 the radiation can also be directed by appropriately shaping the housing seating 22.

[0099] With regard to the set of three primary emitters 26A, 26B and 26C, and to the secondary emitter 27, the solution in accordance with the present invention provides that the set of three of primary emitters 26A, 26B and 26C comprises:

[0100] - a first emitter 26A configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value with wavelength Al comprised between 404 nm and 410 nm, with a preferential peak value of 407 nm;

[0101] - a second emitter 26B configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value A2 with wavelength comprised between 410 nm and 416 nm, with a preferential peak value of 413 nm; and

[0102] - a third emitter 27C configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value with wavelength A3 comprised between 418 nm and 424 nm, with a preferential peak value of 421 nm.

[0103] The secondary emitter 27 is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value with a wavelength A4 comprised between 452 nm and 458 nm, with a preferential peak value of 455 nm.

[0104] Other components, not illustrated, such as for example one or more temperature sensing sensors, power supply, conversion systems, microcontrollers or the like may also be provided on the electronic board 28.

[0105] According to some variants, the primary emitters 26A, 26B and 26C and the secondary emitter 27, may comprise a platelet, not illustrated and known as chip or DIE, which is made of semiconductor material and configured to emit a substantially mono-frequency highly focused radiation with the desired wavelength. For example, this may be achieved by doping the semiconductor material.

[0106] Preferably, both the primary emitters 26A, 26B, 26C and the secondary emitter 27 are configured to emit a radiation within a very narrow and precise range of the wavelength, for example of about 4-8 nm centred on the respective peak value. Preferably, the range of the wavelength around the respective peak value is ± 3nm.

[0107] In accordance with embodiments, the emitters 26A, 26B, 26C, and 27 are connected by gold connecting wires, not depicted, preferably gold having a purity greater than 99%, more preferably greater than 99.95%.

[0108] According to embodiments, the emitter unit 23 comprises a photosensitive coating layer 34 arranged in such a way as to enclose the primary emitters 26A, 26B and 26C and the secondary emitter 27, to modify the overall emitted electromagnetic spectrum.

[0109] According to embodiments, the photosensitive coating layer 34 is configured to emit a spectrum with wavelength comprised between 400 nm and 700 nm, in which the peak values of the wavelengths XI, X2, X3 of the primary emitters 12 and possibly also the peak value of the wavelength X4 of the secondary emitter 27 are present.

[0110] According to embodiments, the phosphor coating layer 34 is configured to modify the frequency, i.e. the wavelength of the emitted radiation, bringing it at least partially outside the specific frequency / wavelength of the respective emitter unit 23, but letting pass, substantially without modifying them, i.e. without significantly affecting them, the radiations with wavelengths XI, X2, X3 generated by the primary emitters 26A, 26B, 26C, so as to have a high sanitizing effect on the sensitive microorganisms in this band.

[0111] The emitters 26A, 26B, 26C, and 27 are preferably of the high light efficiency type, preferably comprised between 120 and 200 Im / w, even more preferably comprised between 140 and 180 Im / w.

[0112] Figs. 6-8 illustrate the spectra of the electromagnetic radiation emitted respectively by the set of three primary emitters 26A, 26B, 26C, by one or more emitter units 23 comprising the set of three primary emitters 26 A, 26B, 26C and the secondary emitter 27, or respective multiples, and by one or more emitter units 23 in combination with a phosphor coating layer 34, i.e., suitable for conversion from blue light to white light with a continuous spectrum, respectively.

[0113] As can be seen in fig. 6, the presence of the three electromagnetic radiations having respective wavelengths XI, X2, X3 centred on peak values close to each other allow to obtain a resulting spectral emission S that covers substantially the entire Soret band, so as to be strongly effective on certain microorganisms.

[0114] Fig. 7 shows the radiations emitted respectively by the set of three primary emitters 26A, 26B, 26C and by the secondary emitter 27 without the phosphor coating layer 34, the spectral emission of the emitters S 1 given by the combination of the radiations of the primary 26A, 26B, 26C and secondary 27 emitters and the resulting spectral emission S2 given by the combination of the radiations of the primary 26A, 26B, 26C and secondary 27 emitters and of the photosensitive coating layer 34.

[0115] Fig. 8, finally, shows the resulting spectral emission S2 with the use of phosphorus coating layer 34, compared to fig. 7, so as to be able to observe the overall trend thereof in detail.

[0116] The comparison serves to demonstrate how radiation at 455nm is almost completely absorbed by the phosphor coating 34, to generate white light, while radiation in the Soret band remains almost unchanged.

[0117] With reference to figs. 10 and 12, two emission unit variants 23 are schematically shown, in which different layouts are provided by the set of three of primary emitters 26A, 26B, 26C and by the secondary emitters 27, with respect to the electronic board 28, in formats 2835 and 1616, with pure blue chromatic emission, which are particularly developed for vertical applications such as, for example, in the applications schematized in figures 1 and 2.

[0118] In particular, in figs. 10 and I l a configuration of l+l+l+l, 1616 or 2016 is schematized, with the graph showing the relative spectral emission S; while in figs. 12 and 13 a configuration of 2+2+2+2, 2835 or 3030 is schematized, with the graph showing the relative spectral emission S.

[0119] In the l+l+l+l configuration (fig. 10), the arrangement was designed for vertical applications, using emitters in 1616 or 2016 formats, particularly suitable for restricted spaces or specific configurations. The 2+2+2+2 configuration (fig. 12) uses emitters in the 2835 or 3030 formats, which are best suited for applications where a higher emission intensity or a more uniform distribution of radiation is required.

[0120] The two configurations illustrated are not simply aesthetic or constructive variants, but represent distinct technical approaches to solve specific disinfecting needs within the machines. The 1+1+ 1+1 configuration is ideal for applications where compactness and precise radiation distribution are critical, while the 2+2+2+2 configuration is designed for situations where higher emission power is needed, for example for the disinfecting of large operating chambers or with particularly contaminated loads.

[0121] This distinction supports the flexibility of the patent in covering different applications and product variants, allowing a wide range of disinfecting needs to be addressed with optimized solutions.

[0122] Both solutions allow the joint use of LED+LENS or LED+Micro reflector, where the disinfecting function is maximized due to the mixing of frequencies inside the LED itself, and the minimum size allows the use of small concentrating optics and excellent flow and direction control.

[0123] It is clear that modifications and / or additions of parts may be made to the machine 10 described heretofore, without departing from the field and scope of the present invention, as defined by the claims.

[0124] It is also clear that, although the present invention has been described with reference to some specific examples, a person of skill in the art shall certainly be able to achieve other equivalent forms of the washing and / or drying machine having the characteristics as set forth in the claims and hence all coming within the field of protection defined thereby.

[0125] In the following claims, the sole purpose of the references in brackets is to facilitate their reading and they must not be considered as restrictive factors with regard to the scope of protection defined by the claims.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. Machine (10) for washing and / or drying objects comprising at least one operating chamber (11) defined by a containing structure (12), by a front and / or upper aperture (13) and by at least one bottom wall (14), characterized by at least one emitter unit (23) cooperating with said operating chamber (11) and comprising a set of three primary emitters (26A, 26B, 26C) and at least one secondary emitter (27), wherein:- a first emitter (26A) configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value with wavelength (LI) comprised between 404 rnn and 410 rnn;- a second emitter (26B) configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value with wavelength (L2) comprised between 410 rnn and 416 nm;- a third emitter (26C) configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation having a peak value with wavelength (L3) comprised between 418 nm and 424 nm; and wherein said at least one secondary emitter (27) is configured to emit an electromagnetic radiation toward at least one internal portion of said operating chamber (11) having a peak value with a wavelength (L4) comprised between 452 nm and 458 nm.

2. Machine (10) as in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least one housing seating (22) created in cooperation with said operating chamber (11), and configured to house at least part of said emitter unit (23).

3. Machine (10) as in claim 2, characterized in that said emitter unit (23) comprises at least one electronic support (28) configured to support said set of three primary emitters (26A, 26B, 26C) and said secondary emitter (27), and at least one support element (30) positioned in direct cooperation with said housing seating (22) to keep said electronic support (28) in a specific position for the emission of the light radiation.

4. Machine (10) as in claim 2 or 3, characterized in that said emitter unit (23) comprises at least one refraction element (29), positioned in direct cooperation with said housing seating (22) and configured to cooperate with said set of three primary emitters (26A, 26B, 26C) and said secondary emitter (27) to asymmetrically condition the refraction of the emitted light radiation.

5. Machine (10) as in claim 4, characterized in that said refraction element (29) comprises at least one shaped portion (33) facing in said operating chamber (11)and configured so as to asymmetrically direct the refraction of the emitted light radiation onto a refraction plane (Pl) defining a specific angle of refraction (a), with respect to an emission plane (P2) substantially orthogonal to said lateral containing structure (12).

6. Machine (10) as in claim 5, characterized in that said shaped portion (33) is oriented, with respect to said operating chamber (11), so as to asymmetrically direct the refraction of the light radiation at least toward said bottom wall (14) with a specific angle of incidence (P).

7. Machine (10) as in claim 5, characterized in that said shaped portion (33) is oriented, with respect to said operating chamber (11), so as to asymmetrically direct the refraction of the light radiation at least toward a closing wall (18) of said front and / or upper aperture (13), with a specific angle of incidence (P).

8. Machine (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that said support element (30) keeps said electronic support (28) oriented, with respect to said operating chamber (11), so as to direct the light radiation at least toward said bottom wall (14) with a specific angle of incidence (P).

9. Machine (10) as in claim 3, characterized in that said support element (30) keeps said electronic support (28) oriented, with respect to said operating chamber (11), so as to direct the light radiation at least toward a closing wall (18) of said front and / or upper aperture (13), with a specific angle of incidence (P).

10. Machine (10) as in any claim hereinbefore, wherein said containing structure comprises at least one rotating basket (19) and at least one circular gasket (20) which is interposed between said rotating basket (19) and said front aperture (13), characterized in that said housing seating (22) is created on a groove (25) of said circular gasket (20).

Images