Washing machine with a control system for controlling the supply of water

DETAILED DESCRIPTION With the above discussion in mind, it is an object of the present invention to provide a washing machine equipped with an improved water supply control system of simple and reliable operation and which is capable of accurately establishing the minimum water level required for optimum operation of a circulation pump provided in the washing machine.
This and other objects are achieved in accordance with the present invention by the provision of a washing machine including a tub having a water collecting well, a water supply conduit provided with a controllable valve for supplying water to the well during at least one water supply phase of the operation of the washing machine, and a circulation pump for circulating water collected in the well during at least a latter portion of the supply phase.
Specifically according to the present invention there is provided an improved control system for automatically controlling the operation of the valve and thereby the supply of water to the washing machine to establish a minimum water level within the well required for optimum operation of the circulation pump.
The control system includes a pressure control chamber, at least one overflow wall having a predetermined overflow level and communicating the well with the control chamber, such that when the level of water in the well reaches the overflow level the water overflows the overflow wall into the control chamber.
A calibrated flow communication means communicates on one side thereof with an inlet or intake or the circulation pump and on the other side with the control chamber.
Accordingly, operation of the circulation pump draws water from the control chamber through the flow communication means to be circulated by the circulation pump.
Pressure responsive means is operatively connected to the controllable water supply valve and is responsive to the pressure within the control chamber to close the valve when the rate of water overflowing the overflow wall into the control chamber is at least equal to the rate of water flowing from the control chamber through the flow communication means