Apparatus for avoiding damage due to washing machine hose failure

Abstract

First and second solenoid valves are connected respectively to a cold water supply pipe and hot water supply pipe. Washing machines having first and second inlets are connected through the pair of hoses to the solenoid valves on the water supply pipes. The circuit means are connected to the solenoid valves on the water supply pipe and the washing machine internal solenoid valves, so that the valves are operated in synchronism whereby the inlet valves internal to the washing machine are enabled prior to enabling the solenoid valves connected to the water supply pipes. The valve sequence is reversed during a disabled operation, so that the solenoid valves connected to the water supply pipes are closed prior to closing the inlet valves. The operational sequence of the valves reduces the static pressure within the hoses to substantially zero.

1 . A device for preventing flooding from a washing machine hose comprising: 
 a first solenoid valve connected to a water supply pipe; and    a hose connecting said solenoid valve to a water inlet of said washing machine, said washing machine inlet having an internal solenoid valve connected to receive an enable signal from a wash cycle controller; and    circuit means for providing a second enable signal to said first solenoid valve which is delayed in time from said enable signal to said second solenoid valve.    
   
   
       2 . A device according to  claim 2 , wherein said circuit means enable signals close said first solenoid valve before closing said second solenoid whereby said hose pressure is maintained at substantially zero when said washing machine is not filling with water.  
   
   
       3 . A device for preventing a washing machine from flooding comprising: 
 first and second solenoid valves connected, respectively, to a cold water supply pipe and a hot water supply pipe;    a washing machine having first and second inlets connected through first and second hoses to said first and second solenoid valves, each of said inlets having a solenoid valve operable to fill a wash tub with water from one of said hot and cold water supply pipes, said washing machine having a controller which selects one or more of said washing machine solenoid valves for operation; and    circuit means connected to said controller to provide first and second signals to said first and second solenoid valves to operate said valves in synchronism with said washing machine inlet valves so as to maintain static pressure in the hoses at a minimum.    
   
   
       4 . A device according to  claim 3 , wherein said first and second signals delay the opening of said first and second solenoid valves until a respective inlet valve has been opened.  
   
   
       5 . A device according to  claim 4 , wherein said circuit means closes said first and second solenoid valves before a respective inlet valve closes.  
   
   
       6 . A device for preventing flooding from a hose connecting an inlet of a washing machine to a water supply pipe, said inlet being connected to an internal solenoid valve controlled by said washing machine controller to fill a wash tub, comprising: 
 an external solenoid valve which connects said hose to said water supply pipe; and    a circuit connected to said controller of said washing machine to receive a fill signal indicating said washing machine is to be filled to capacity with water, and to receive a level full signal indicating said tub has been filled, said circuit providing a first signal to control said internal solenoid valve and providing a second signal to control said external solenoid valve, said circuit enabling said internal solenoid valve to open before said external solenoid valve when a fill signal is received, and closing said external valve before said internal valve when said level full signal is received, thereby maintaining a minimum static pressure in said hose.    
   
   
       7 . A device for preventing flooding from a hose connecting an inlet of a washing machine to a water supply pipe, said inlet being connected to an internal solenoid valve controlled by said washing machine controller to fill a wash tub, comprising: 
 a solenoid valve which connects said hose to said water supply pipe;    a circuit connected to a controller of said washing machine to receive a fill signal indicating said washing machine is to be filled with water, and to receive a level full signal indicating said wash tub has been filled, comprising:    a first delay circuit for delaying said fill signal a period of time;    a second delay circuit for delaying said level full signal a period of time;    a first flip-flop to be set by said fill signal, and reset by a signal from said second delay circuit;    a second flip-flop to be set by a signal from said first delay circuit and reset by said level full signal;    a first valve controller for enabling and disabling an internal solenoid valve connected to said inlet in response to said first flip-flop; and    a second valve controller for enabling and disabling said solenoid valve connecting said hose to said water supply pipe, in response to said second flip-flop.