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EP2325378A1 - Waschmaschine mit verbessertem Filter für die Abflussschaltung - Google Patents

Waschmaschine mit verbessertem Filter für die Abflussschaltung Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2325378A1
EP2325378A1 EP09176718A EP09176718A EP2325378A1 EP 2325378 A1 EP2325378 A1 EP 2325378A1 EP 09176718 A EP09176718 A EP 09176718A EP 09176718 A EP09176718 A EP 09176718A EP 2325378 A1 EP2325378 A1 EP 2325378A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filter
washing
pass conduit
draining
liquid
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP09176718A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Inventor
Danny Buso
Mirko Gasparini
Valter Lazzer
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Original Assignee
Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Electrolux Home Products Corp NV filed Critical Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority to EP09176718A priority Critical patent/EP2325378A1/de
Priority to CN201010624970.0A priority patent/CN102071559B/zh
Publication of EP2325378A1 publication Critical patent/EP2325378A1/de
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • D—TEXTILES; PAPER
    • D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
    • D06F39/00—Details of washing machines not specific to a single type of machines covered by groups D06F9/00 - D06F27/00 
    • D06F39/10—Filtering arrangements

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a laundry washing machine with an improved filter for the draining circuit.
  • washing machine may as well indicate a “simple” washing machine (i.e. a washing machine which can only wash and rinse the laundry) and a washing-drying machine (i.e. a washing machine which can also dry the laundry).
  • washing machines generally comprise an external casing provided with a loading/unloading door which allows the access to a washing tub containing a rotatable perforated drum in which the laundry to be washed can be loaded.
  • washing machines comprise a water inlet circuit adapted for feeding water and washing/rinsing products (i.e. detergent, softener, etc.) into the tub.
  • washing/rinsing products i.e. detergent, softener, etc.
  • washing machines also comprise a water outlet circuit, typically comprising a drain pump and some draining pipes, adapted for draining the washing/rinsing liquid (i.e. water and water mixed with washing and/or rinsing products) from the tub after the washing and rinsing phases.
  • a water outlet circuit typically comprising a drain pump and some draining pipes, adapted for draining the washing/rinsing liquid (i.e. water and water mixed with washing and/or rinsing products) from the tub after the washing and rinsing phases.
  • the water outlet circuit usually comprises a filtering device, placed between the bottom of the tub and the drain pump, adapted to retain all undesirable bodies (for example buttons came off from the laundry, coins erroneously introduced into the washing machine, etc.) passed through the holes located on the periphery of the drum, or fell to the bottom of the tub by passing between the drum and the tub, which could damage or obstruct the drain pump.
  • a filtering device placed between the bottom of the tub and the drain pump, adapted to retain all undesirable bodies (for example buttons came off from the laundry, coins erroneously introduced into the washing machine, etc.) passed through the holes located on the periphery of the drum, or fell to the bottom of the tub by passing between the drum and the tub, which could damage or obstruct the drain pump.
  • the most common of these filtering devices consists of a cylindrical box attached to the base of the washing machine and containing a removable filter fluidly connected upstream of the drain pump.
  • This box containing the filter is accessible through a quick-removable plug that allows the filter to be removed and cleaned, the plug being hidden by a gate located, depending on the case, on the front or back wall of the external casing of the washing machine.
  • washing machines comprising a draining sump, obtained on the lower region of the lateral surface of the tub (i.e. in the bottom of the tub), fluidly communicating with the internal of the latter and fluidly connected upstream of the drain pump.
  • a filter is placed in the draining sump for retaining all undesirable bodies which may be contained in the washing/rinsing liquid, so as to avoid that such bodies could reach the draining pump;
  • this filter is typically a cup-shaped body provided with a filtering surface, i.e. a surface provided with a plurality of apertures which are dimensioned in order to allow the passage of the washing/rinsing liquid, but to impede the passage of foreign bodies of prefixed dimensions.
  • the rotatable drum of the washing machine is provided with at least one opening, closed by a removable lid, adapted for allowing a user to reach the filter from the internal of the washing machine, for example for cleaning such filter; typically the filter may be removed from the sump, so as to facilitate its cleaning.
  • a prior art washing machine containing a filter used to prevent residual particles of dirt from reaching and obstructing the pump and its drainage duct, and which can be removed from the internal of the tub, for inspection, cleaning and replacement, is illustrated, for example, in GB 1197919 , which discloses a washing machine comprising a tank (i.e. a tub) for liquid with an opening in its base, a draining pump connected by a pipe to the opening of the tank, and a basket (i.e. a rotary drum) disposed within the tank; a cup-like filter element having filter openings in its side wall is removably seated in the tank opening, and an opening is provided in the basket, provided with a removable closure, to provide access to the filter element.
  • a tank i.e. a tub
  • a draining pump connected by a pipe to the opening of the tank
  • a basket i.e. a rotary drum
  • FR 2190966 discloses a top-loading washing machine comprising a tub containing a rotary drum provided, on its lateral surface, with a first door, adapted for loading/unloading the laundry, and with a second door, disposed opposite to the first door and adapted for allowing the recovering of linen which would have slipped between the tank and the drum.
  • a connector is fixed to the bottom of the tub, such connector being provided, at his inferior region, with a duct adapted to receive one of the extremities of a discharging pipe.
  • a housing is provided in the connector, adapted to receive a filter accessible by simultaneously opening the two doors of the drum.
  • a further known washing machine comprising a filter accessible from the internal of the tub is illustrated in the European patent n. EP 1849904 , which discloses a top-loading washing machine comprising a draining filter access apparatus integrated in a lifter diametrically opposite to the drum access door (i.e. to the internal lid allowing the access to the drum).
  • the draining filter access apparatus comprises a body, including an opening aligned with an opening of the same shape and dimensions made in the body of the drum, and a lid, hinged to the body and locking on the body by a simple ratchet mechanism.
  • the actual amount of detergent required for obtaining a certain washing effect is higher than the amount which would be sufficient if all the detergent would dissolve, and therefore there is a waste of detergent.
  • the detergent which accumulates in the bottom of the draining sump may sometimes obstruct the passage for the washing/rinsing liquid, with the subsequent problems of possible flooding of the washing machine that this may create.
  • the aim of the present invention is therefore ensuring that substantially all the washing/rinsing products (i.e. detergent, softener, etc.) admitted into the washing tub of a washing machine dissolves in the washing water, so as to efficiently employ substantially all the amount of washing/rinsing products which is admitted in the washing tub in a washing cycle.
  • substantially all the washing/rinsing products i.e. detergent, softener, etc.
  • Another object of the invention is avoiding that the washing/rinsing products would accumulate in the bottom of the washing sump obstructing the flow of the washing liquid towasrds the draining circuit.
  • Another object of the invention is to be applicable also to a known washing machine with only few modifications of the latter.
  • the Applicant has found that by using a filter for the draining circuit of a washing machine comprising at least one by-pass conduit which by-passes the filtering surface of the filter, and which is adapted for directing a flow of washing liquid from the washing tub to the bottom of a draining sump which connects the washing tub with the draining circuit, and to which the filter is associated or associable, it is possible to sweep away the washing/rinsing products accumulated in the bottom of the draining sump, favouring the melting of these products in the washing water and the re-admission of the water containing these melted products in the washing tub.
  • washing machine comprising:
  • the filter comprises at least one by-pass conduit adapted for directing a flow of washing liquid from the washing tub to the bottom of the draining sump, by-passing the filtering surface.
  • the by-pass conduit comprises a conduit adapted for fluidly connecting the internal of the washing tub with the bottom of the draining sump, and which has an imperforate lateral surface, so that substantially all the washing liquid entering the conduit in the washing tub is flown into the draining sump.
  • the shape and the dimensions the at least one by-pass conduit are adapted for allowing the passage of liquid and for avoiding the passage of foreign bodies of prefixed dimensions.
  • the shape and the dimensions of the at least one by-pass conduit are such that if a foreign body can't pass through the filtering surface it can't neither pass through the by-pass conduit.
  • the at least one by-pass conduit is dimensioned in such a way that the speed of a liquid exiting the at least one by-pass conduit is higher than the speed of a liquid entering the at least one by-pass conduit.
  • the cross-section of the outlet of the at least one by-pass conduit is smaller than the cross-section of the inlet of the by-pass conduit, so that the speed of the flux of liquid exiting the by-pass conduit is higher than the speed of the flux of liquid entering the by-pass conduit.
  • the inlet of the at least one by-pass conduit is positioned, when the filter is positioned in the draining sump, above the bottom of the washing tub, so as to be stricken by the flux of water moved by the rotatable drum during its rotation.
  • the filter is removable from the draining sump.
  • the filter may advantageously comprise a coupling device adapted for fixing it in a removable way to the draining sump.
  • the filter comprises a grasping element adapted for allowing a user to easily remove the filter form the draining sump.
  • the invention comprises a filter for the draining circuit of a washing machine, comprising a filtering surface adapted for allowing the passage of a liquid and for impeding the passage of bodies of fixed dimensions; the filter comprises at least one by-pass conduit adapted for directing a flow of liquid from one side of the filtering surface to the other side of the filtering surface, by-passing the filtering surface.
  • the shape and the dimensions of the at least one by-pass conduit are adapted for allowing the passage of liquid and for avoiding the passage of foreign bodies of prefixed dimensions.
  • the shape and the dimensions of the at least one by-pass conduit are such that if a foreign body can't pass through the filtering surface it can't neither pass through the by-pass conduit.
  • the at least one by-pass conduit is dimensioned in such a way that the speed of a liquid exiting the at least one by-pass conduit is higher than the speed of a liquid entering the at least one by-pass conduit.
  • the cross section of the outlet of the at least one by-pass conduit is smaller than the cross section of the inlet of the by-pass conduit, so that the speed of the flux of liquid exiting the by-pass conduit is higher than the speed of the flux of liquid entering the by-pass conduit.
  • the washing machine 1 according to the invention which is illustrated in the enclosed Figures is advantageously of the front-loading type; it is however clear that the invention is applicable, substantially without any crucial modification, to a top-loading washing machine.
  • the invention can be applied, substantially without any modification, both to a "simple" washing machine (i.e. a washing machine which can only wash and rinse the laundry) and to a washing-drying machine (i.e. a washing machine which can also dry the laundry).
  • a "simple" washing machine i.e. a washing machine which can only wash and rinse the laundry
  • a washing-drying machine i.e. a washing machine which can also dry the laundry.
  • the washing machine 1 according to the invention, schematically represented in Figure 1 , comprises an external casing 2 in which frontal wall 2a an access opening 3 is obtained, provided with a loading/unloading door 4, which allows the access to a washing tub 5 contained in the external casing 2; the washing tub 5 contains a rotatable perforated drum 6 in which the laundry to be washed, not illustrated, can be loaded (in the enclosed Figures, the holes obtained in the lateral surface of the rotatable perforated drum 6 have not been represented).
  • the washing machine 1 comprises a water inlet circuit 8 adapted to feed water and washing/rinsing products (i.e. detergents, softeners, etc.) into the washing tub 5;
  • the water inlet circuit 8 advantageously comprises a removable drawer 8a, adapted to be filled with washing and/or rinsing products, for example detersives, softener, bleaching substances, etc.
  • the water inlet circuit 8 comprises also an inlet duct 8b, connectable to water delivery mains present outside the washing machine 1, and adapted to deliver fresh water to the drawer 8a; the water inlet circuit 8 comprises also an outlet duct 8c, fluidly connecting the drawer 8a and the tub 5 and adapted to deliver water and washing/rinsing products into the washing tub 5.
  • the water inlet circuit 8 comprises also one or more valves, not represented, adapted to regulate the flow of water.
  • the water inlet circuit 8 comprises one or more reservoirs for one or more washing/rinsing products from which a certain amount of these washing/rinsing products, depending on the washing program, is automatically delivered to the washing tub 5.
  • the washing machine 1 comprises a draining sump 9, obtained preferably on the lateral surface 5a of the tub 5, fluidly communicating with the internal of the tub 5, and fluidly connected to a draining circuit 10 adapted to drain the washing/rinsing liquid (i.e. water and water mixed with washing and/or rinsing products) from the tub 5.
  • a draining sump 9 obtained preferably on the lateral surface 5a of the tub 5, fluidly communicating with the internal of the tub 5, and fluidly connected to a draining circuit 10 adapted to drain the washing/rinsing liquid (i.e. water and water mixed with washing and/or rinsing products) from the tub 5.
  • draining sump 9 is placed in the lower region of the washing tub 5, so that the liquid contained in the latter can be conveyed by gravity towards this draining sump 9, and therefore to the draining circuit 10.
  • the draining sump 9 is obtained in a single-piece construction with the lower region of the tub 5, advantageously by moulding of a plastic material.
  • the draining circuit 10 comprises a draining pump 11 provided with an impeller, not illustrated, housed in an impeller chamber 11 a which is preferably, but not necessarily, obtained in a single-piece construction with the draining sump 9 and with the washing tub 5, preferably in correspondence to an extension of the draining sump 9.
  • the washing machine 1 comprises a filter 12 associated or associable to the draining sump 9 and adapted for allowing the passage of washing liquid and for impeding the passage of bodies of fixed dimensions from the washing tub 5 to the draining circuit 10 (and therefore to the pump 11 of the latter).
  • These bodies can be, for example, buttons came off from the laundry, coins or other little objects contained in the pockets of trousers or other clothes and erroneously introduced into the washing machine 1, lint, fluff, etc.
  • the filter 12 is box-shaped (or cup-shaped) and it is advantageously substantially cylindrical, but it may be also prismatic, or cubic, or parallelepiped, or may have any other box-shaped conformation.
  • the filter 12 advantageously comprises a filtering surface 19 adapted for allowing the passage of a liquid and for impeding the passage of bodies of fixed dimensions; the filtering surface 19 allows the passage of the washing liquid from the washing tub 5 to the draining circuit 10, but impedes the passage of bodies of prefixed dimensions, for example buttons, coins, etc.
  • the filter 12 is substantially cylindrical, and the filtering surface 19 is comprised in the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12.
  • the filtering surface 19 is advantageously part of the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12.
  • the filtering surface 19 is comprised both in the lateral cylindrical surface and in the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12.
  • the filter 12 may comprise a single filtering surface or a plurality of filtering surfaces.
  • the filtering surface 19 is provided with a plurality of openings 20 adapted for allowing the passage of liquids, but for avoiding the passage of objects (e.g. coins, buttons, etc.) whose dimensions are higher than a prefixed value depending on the dimensions of the openings 20.
  • objects e.g. coins, buttons, etc.
  • the filter 12 may be removed from the draining sump 9, for example for its cleaning, and it can be afterwards repositioned in the draining sump 9.
  • the filter 12 comprises a coupling device adapted for fixing it in a removable way to the draining sump 9.
  • the coupling device comprises an outwards-projecting peripheral flange 13, projecting from the upper border 12b of the filter 12 and adapted to be put in abutment against the border of the washing tub 5 surrounding the draining sump 9, while the rest of the filter 12 is positioned into the draining sump 9, for avoiding that such filter 12 would fall into the draining sump 9.
  • the coupling device also comprises snap-fitting means adapted for allowing a snap-fitting connection of the filter 12 to the sump 9.
  • the snap-fitting means comprise two or more arms 14a, 14b, fixed to the lateral surface of the filter 12, and elastically deformable so that they may be elastically pressed in a radial direction with respect to the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12.
  • the arms may be connected to the filter 12 in proximity of the bottom surface 12a of the latter, as the arms numbered 14a in Figures 2 to 10 , or they may be connected to the filter 12 in proximity of a central region of its lateral cylindrical surface, as the arms numbered 14b; clearly a filter 12 may comprise only arms connected to the filter 12 in proximity of the bottom surface 12a of the latter, or only arms 14b connected to the filter 12 in proximity of a central region of its lateral cylindrical surface, or one or more arms connected to the filter 12 in proximity of the bottom surface 12a of the latter and one or more arms connected to the filter 12 in proximity of a central region of its lateral cylindrical surface.
  • At least part of a lower region 15 of the arms 14a, 14b is sloped in such a way that its distance from the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12 increases while approaching the upper border 12b of the filter 12.
  • the free end 16 of the arms 14a, 14b is sloped in an opposite direction with respect to the lower region 15 of the same arm; in other words the arms 14a, 14b in proximity of their free ends 16 are sloped in such a way that their distance from the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12 decreases while approaching the upper border 12b of the filter 12.
  • An annular riddle 17 advantageously protrudes from the border of the washing tub 5 surrounding the draining sump 9, towards the internal of the latter.
  • the lower region 15 of the arms 14a, 14b slides against the annular riddle 17, and, due to the slope of such lower region 15, the arms 14a, 14b are elastically pushed towards the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12.
  • the arms 14a, 14b elastically move towards the external of the filter 12, positioning with their free ends 16 below the annular riddle 17; the filter 12 is therefore locked to the draining sump 9.
  • a user For removing the filter 12 from the draining sump 9, a user has to pull the filter 12 in the opposite direction with respect to the draining sump 9; the free ends 16 of the arms 14a, 14b slide against the annular riddle 17, and, due to their particular slope, they cause the arms 14a, 14b to elastically move towards the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12, releasing the arms 14a, 14b from the annular riddle 17, and allowing the free removal of the filter 12.
  • the coupling device may comprise a thread, not illustrated, provided on the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12; this thread is adapted to engage a corresponding further thread, also not illustrated, provided on the internal surface of the draining sump 9, so that the filter 12 may be fixed to and removed from the draining sump 9 by screwing.
  • the coupling device may comprise a bayonet coupling.
  • the filter 12 comprises a grasping element, which will be better described in the following, adapted for allowing a user to easily remove the filter 12 form the draining sump 9.
  • the filter 12 is fixed to the draining sump 9 and/or obtained in a single-piece construction with the latter; in the last case a user can perform the cleaning of the filter 12 directly in the draining sump 9. It is clear that in the case in which the filter 12 is a single-piece construction with the draining sump 9, the filter 12 and the draining sump 9 partially or totally coincide.
  • the access to the filter 12, for example for its cleaning and/or replacement, is performed from the internal of the rotatable perforated drum 6 via a suitable aperture, not illustrated, provided on the lateral surface 6a of drum 6 so that in a particular angular position of the latter this aperture faces the draining sump 9; during the functioning of the washing machine this aperture is closed by a closing device 18, for example a lid or a porthole, adapted to selectively close the opening.
  • a closing device 18 for example a lid or a porthole
  • the closing device 18 advantageously comprises a lifter which is pivotable with respect to the lateral surface 6a of the drum 6, so that it can be lifted for allowing the access to the underlying aperture; when not lifted, this lifter operates as a traditional lifter, and it is therefore useful for improving the stirring of the laundry during the rotation of the drum 6.
  • the filter 12 comprises at least a by-pass conduit 21 adapted to direct a flow of washing liquid from the washing tub 5 to the bottom of the draining sump 9, by-passing the filtering surface 19; this flow of washing liquid, therefore, sweeps away the washing/rinsing products which may have been accumulated in the bottom of the draining sump 9, favouring their melting in the washing water.
  • the flow of washing liquid entering the draining sump 9 via the by-pass conduit 21 crates also a vortical motion in the liquid contained in the draining sump 9 which causes such liquid (in which the washing/rinsing products previously accumulated in the bottom of the draining sump 9 are now melted) to go through the filtering surface 19, so as to reach the washing tub 5.
  • the by-pass conduit 21 is a conduit adapted for fluidly connecting the internal of the washing tub 5 with the bottom of the draining sump, and which has an imperforate lateral surface, so that substantially all the washing liquid entering the conduit in the washing tub 5 is flown into the draining sump 9.
  • the by-pass conduit 21 doesn't belong to the filtering surface 19, i.e. it is not comprised in the latter.
  • the shape and the dimensions of the by-pass conduit 21 are adapted for allowing the passage of liquid and for avoiding the passage of foreign bodies of prefixed dimensions, for example coins, rings, buttons and similar small objects; in particular the by-pass conduit 21 is dimensioned in such a way that if a foreign body can't pass through the filtering surface 19, it can't neither pass through the by-pass conduit 21.
  • the by-pass conduit 21 is arranged in such a way that, during the rotation of the drum 6, the flux of washing liquid moved by the rotation of the drum 6 enters the by-pass conduit 21 and, because of the particular shape of the by-pass conduit 21, is accelerated towards the bottom and/or to the lateral surface of the draining sump 9, so as to hit the washing/rinsing products accumulated on the bottom of the draining sump 9 with a force sufficient to sweep them away and to promote their melting in the washing water.
  • the by-pass conduit 21 is arranged in such a way that its inlet is positioned, when the filter 12 is positioned in the draining sump 9, above the bottom of the washing tub 5, so as to be stricken by the flux of water moved by the rotatable drum (6) during its rotation.
  • the filter 12 is substantially cylindrical, and the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12 is substantially frustum-conical, with an aperture 12c preferably provided in correspondence of the minor base of the frustum of cone.
  • the filtering surface 19 is comprised in the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12.
  • the filter 12 advantageously comprises a hollow body 22, preferably tubular, projecting from the border of the aperture 12c provided at the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12, partially positioned internally to the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12 and extending with its upper end 22a above the upper border 12b of the filter 12, so that when the filter is positioned in the draining sump 9 the upper end 22a of the hollow body 22 protrudes above the bottom of the washing tub 5, so as to be stricken by the flux of water moved by the rotatable drum 6 during its rotation.
  • the hollow body 22 extending with its upper end 22a above the upper border 12b of the filter 12, may be grasped by a user in order to remove the filter 12 from the draining sump 9; in this case, therefore, the grasping element of the filter comprises the upper end 22a of the hollow body 22.
  • the hollow body 22 is substantially concentric with the filter 12, that is the hollow body 22 is positioned in such a way that its longitudinal axis, not represented, substantially coincides with the longitudinal axis, also not represented, of the filter 12.
  • the hollow body 22 is positioned in such a way that its longitudinal axis doesn't coincide with the longitudinal axis of the filter 12; for example the longitudinal axes of the hollow body 22 and of the filter 12 may be parallel one another, or may also be sloped one with respect to the other.
  • the washing liquid enters the filter 12 from the upper border 12b of the latter, and goes to the draining sump 9 traversing the filtering surface 19 (i.e. traversing the holes 20); foreign bodies contained in the washing liquid and which dimensions are bigger than the holes 20 remains trapped between the filtering surface 19, the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12 and the external surface of the hollow body 22.
  • washing/rinsing products i.e. detergent
  • a certain amount of washing/rinsing products i.e. detergent
  • the draining sump 9 via the holes 20, and so it may accumulate on the bottom of the draining sump 9.
  • a hollow guide 23, preferably substantially cylindrical, is advantageously fixed inside the hollow body 22, preferably, but not necessarily, concentrically to the latter, in such a way that there is a first gap 24 between the internal surface of the hollow body 22 and the external surface of the hollow guide 23; advantageously the by-pass conduit 21 comprises this first gap 24.
  • the upper end 23a of the hollow guide 23 is opened, and it is placed in correspondence of the free end 22a of the hollow body 22.
  • the hollow body 22 comprises one or more apertures 25, provided on its upper end 22a, fludily communicating with the first gap 24 and adapted for allowing the entrance of washing liquid from the washing tub 5 into the above mentioned first gap 24, and therefore into the by-pass conduit 21.
  • the apertures 25 are adapted for allowing the passage of liquids, but for avoiding the passage of objects (e.g. coins, buttons, etc.) whose dimensions are higher than a prefixed value depending on the dimensions of the apertures 25; in particular the dimensions of the apertures 25 are such that if a body can't pass through the filtering surface 19, it can't neither pass through the apertures 25 (in the embodiments illustrated in the enclosed figures, therefore, the dimensions of the apertures 25 are equal or smaller than the dimensions of the holes 20).
  • objects e.g. coins, buttons, etc.
  • the apertures 25 are positioned in such a way that when the filter 12 is in the draining sump 9, they are stricken by the flux of water moved by the rotatable drum 6 during its rotation.
  • the filter 12 illustrated in Figures 2 to 10 comprises a sliding element 26 comprising a foot 27, preferably at least partially countershaped to the external surface of the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12, and therefore, in this embodiment, substantially frustum-conical.
  • the sliding element 26 comprises also a pin 28, protruding from the foot 27, slidably arranged inside the hollow guide 23; the pin 28 may therefore slide from an internal position, illustrated in Figure 9 , in which the foot 27 contacts a plurality of spacing elements 29 protruding from the external surface of the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12, and an external position, not illustrated, in which a stopping element 30 (for example an annular riddle) provided on the lateral surface of the pin 28, contacts an internal flange 31 protruding from a lower end 23b of the hollow guide 23, towards the internal of the latter.
  • a stopping element 30 for example an annular riddle
  • the outlet of the by-pass conduit 21 has a cross section (in this embodiment it is the cross section of the second gap 32) which is smaller than the cross section of the inlet of the by-pass conduit 21.
  • the speed of the flux of liquid exiting the by-pass conduit 21 is higher than the speed of the flux of liquid entering the by-pass conduit 21; this ensures that the flux of liquid hits the washing/rinsing products accumulated on the bottom of the draining sump 9 with a force sufficient to sweep them away and to promote their melting in the washing water.
  • the by-pass conduit 21 advantageously comprises the apertures 25, the first gap 24 and the second gap 32.
  • the washing water pushed by the rotation of the drum 6, enters the apertures 25 (which in this case corresponds to the inlet of the by-pass circuit 21), goes through the first gap 24 and to the second gap 32 (i.e. passes through the by-pass conduit 21), and is spurted towards the bottom and the lateral surface of the draining sump 9, so as to hit the washing/rinsing products which may be accumulated thereon, sweeping them away and favouring their melting in the washing water.
  • the apertures 25 which in this case corresponds to the inlet of the by-pass circuit 21
  • the second gap 32 i.e. passes through the by-pass conduit 21
  • the liquid entering the draining sump 9 via the by-pass conduit 21 also causes a vortical motion which favours the re-admission of the water contained in the draining sump 9 (in which the washing/rinsing products previously accumulated in the bottom of the draining sump 9 are now melted) in the washing tub 5.
  • the length of the pin 28 is such that when it is in the above mentioned internal position, illustrated in Figure 9 , the free end 28a of the pin 28 protrudes from the upper end 23a of the hollow guide 23, so as to be visible from outside the filter 22.
  • This feature allows a user to visually verify if the filter 12 has been correctly inserted into the draining sump 9; in fact if the filter 12 has not been fully inserted into the draining sump 9, the pin 28 isn't in the internal position, and the free end 28a of the pin 28 doesn't protrude from the upper end 23a of the hollow guide 23, and therefore a user, simply by looking at the upper end 22a of the hollow body 22, may know if the filter 12 is correctly positioned or not.
  • FIGS 11 to 14 illustrate a second embodiment of a filter 12 according to the invention; in this case the filter 12 is substantially cylindrical, and the filtering surface 19 is comprised in the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12.
  • the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12 is advantageously substantially frustum-conical.
  • the filter 12 comprises a hollow body 22, preferably tubular, projecting from the border of the aperture 12c provided at the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12, partially positioned internally to the lateral cylindrical surface of the filter 12 and extending with its upper end 22a above the upper border 12b of the filter 12, so that when the filter is positioned in the draining sump 9 the upper end 22a of the hollow body 22 protrudes above the bottom of the washing tub 5, so as to be stricken by the flux of water moved by the rotatable drum 6 during its rotation.
  • the hollow body 22 comprises one or more apertures 25, provided on its upper end 22a, positioned in such a way that when the filter 12 is in the draining sump 9, they are stricken by the flux of water moved by the rotatable drum 6 during its rotation.
  • a septum 33 which subdivides the internal of the hollow body 22 in two first ducts 34a, 34b, each one fluidly communicating with at least one of the one or more apertures 25.
  • a base 35 protrudes from the end of the septum 33 opposite to the upper end 22a of the hollow body 22; the base 35 is preferably at least partially countershaped to the external surface of the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12, and therefore, in this embodiment, it is substantially frustum-conical.
  • a second duct 36 fluidly communicating with the first ducts 34a, 34b.
  • the cross section of the second duct 36 (in particularly of the outlet of the second duct 36) is smaller than the sum of the cross sections of the first ducts 34a and 34b, so that a liquid is accelerated when passes from the first ducts 34a, 34b to the second duct 36.
  • the by-pass conduit 21 advantageously comprises the apertures 25, the first ducts 34a, 34b, and the second duct 36.
  • FIGs 15 and 16 illustrate a third embodiment of a filter 12 according to the invention; in this case the filter 12 differs from the filter illustrated in Figures 11 to 14 because in the filter 12 illustrated in Figures 15 and 16 the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12 is substantially inverted funnel-shaped (i.e. it is substantially a frustum of cone with its lateral surface rounded), and the base 35 is substantially flat; this results in a different shape of the second duct 36, and therefore of the outlet of the by-pass conduit 21.
  • FIGs 17 and 18 illustrate a fourth embodiment of a filter 12 according to the invention; in this case the filter 12 differs from the filter illustrated in Figures 11 to 14 because in the filter 12 illustrated in Figures 17 and 18 the septum 33 isn't provided with a base, and the first ducts 34a and 34b converge in proximity to the aperture 12c provided at the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12; in this case the by-pass conduit 21 comprises the apertures 25 and the first ducts 34a, 34b, and the aperture 12c.
  • the filter 12 differs from the filter illustrated in Figures 11 to 14 also because in the filter 12 illustrated in Figures 17 and 18 the bottom surface 12a of the filter is also substantially frustum conical, but the lateral surface of the frustum of cone has an opposite slope with respect to the one of Figures 11 to 14 ; in other words, from a point of view placed outside the filter 12, the bottom surface 12a of the latter is substantially convex.
  • FIGS 19 and 20 illustrate a fifth embodiment of a filter 12 according to the invention; in this case the filter 12 differs from the filter illustrated in Figures 17 and 18 because in the filter 12 illustrated in Figures 19 and 20 the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12 is substantially inverted funnel-shaped (i.e. it is substantially a frustum of cone with its lateral surface rounded), and because the septum 33 reaches the bottom surface 12a of the filter, in such a way that the first channels 34a and 34b remains separate; in this case, therefore, there are two by-pass circuits 21, one by-pass circuit 21 comprising one of the first ducts 34a and the corresponding aperture 25, and the other by-pass circuit 21 comprising the other first duct 34b and the corresponding aperture 25.
  • Figures 21 to 24 illustrate a sixth embodiment of a filter 12 according to the invention; in this case the filter 12 is substantially cylindrical, and the filtering surface 19 is comprised in the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12; in particular the filtering surface 19 (and therefore the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12) is provided with a plurality of openings 20 adapted for allowing the passage of liquids, but for avoiding the passage of objects (e.g. coins, buttons, etc.) whose dimensions are higher than a prefixed value depending on the dimensions of the openings 20.
  • objects e.g. coins, buttons, etc.
  • the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12 in this case preferably, but not necessarily substantially flat.
  • the filter 12 comprises one or more bulkheads 37a, 37b associated to the lateral surface of the filter in such a way that a channel 38a, 38b is defined between each bulkhead 37a, 37b, the lateral surface of the filter 12, and the bottom surface 12a of the filter; the position of the bulkheads 37a, 37b is such that the portion of the bottom surface 12a of the filter 12 defining the channel 38a, 38b doesn't comprise the filtering surface 19.
  • the channels 38a, 38b are opened in correspondence of the upper border 12b of the filter, so that the washing liquid contained in the washing tub 5 may enter into the channels 38a, 38b; at least one outlet aperture 39 is provided on the bottom surface 12a and/or on the lateral surface of the filter 12 in correspondence of the channels 38a, 38b, so that a liquid may flow out of a channel 38a, 38b via this aperture 39.
  • the filter 12 may as well comprise only one channel, and therefore only one by-pass conduit 21, or it may comprise two or more channels, and therefore two by-pass conduits 21.
  • the upper end 40 of the bulkheads 37a, 37b extends above the upper border 12b of the filter 12, so that when the filter 12 is positioned in the draining sump 9 the inlets of the channels 38a, 38b protrudes above the bottom of the washing tub 5 so as to be stricken by the flux of water moved by the rotatable drum 6 during its rotation.
  • the upper end 40 of the bulkheads 37a, 37b have a curved shape, so as to favour the entrance of the washing liquid into the respective by-pass circuit 21.
  • the filter 12 comprises a grasping element adapted for allowing a user to easily remove the filter 12 form the draining sump 9; in this embodiment the grasping element comprises a handle 41, preferably fixed to the upper ends 40 of the bulkheads 37a, 37b.
  • the handle 41 may connect two regions of the upper border 12b of the filter 12.
  • the by-pass conduit may comprise one or more pipes or ducts connected for example to the lateral surface of the filter 12 and adapted to direct a flow of washing liquid from the washing tub 5 to the bottom of the draining sump 9, by-passing the filtering surface 19 of the filter 12; these one or more pipes or ducts may be associated to the external side of the lateral surface of the filter, or to the internal side of the lateral surface of the filter, or one or more pipes or ducts may be associated to the external side of the lateral surface of the filter, and one or more other pipes or ducts may be associated to the internal side of the lateral surface of the filter.
  • one or more by-pass conduits adapted to direct a flow of washing liquid from the washing tub to the bottom of the draining sump by-passing the filtering surface of the filter, may be obtained inside the lateral surface of the filter (i.e. these one ore more by-pass conduits pass through the lateral surface of the filter), for example by a suitable moulding of the latter.
  • a washing machine which, thanks to the one or more by-pass conduits provided on the filter for directing a flow of washing liquid from the washing tub to the bottom of the draining sump, by-passing the filtering surface, allows sweeping away the washing/rinsing products accumulated in the bottom of the draining sump, favouring the melting of these products in the washing water and the re-admission of the water containing these melted products in the washing tub.
  • the one or more by-pass conduits ensuring the removal of the washing/rinsing products accumulated in the bottom of the draining sump, avoids that these accumulated washing/rinsing products could obstruct the draining circuit, reducing in this way the risk of flooding of the washing machine.
  • a filter according to the invention provided with one or more by-pass conduits, may be used, instead of a traditional filter, in a known washing machine, so as to obtain, also in this known washing machine, the sweeping away of the washing/rinsing products accumulated in the bottom of the draining sump, so as to favour the melting of these products in the washing water and the re-admission of the water containing these melted products in the washing tub.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
EP09176718A 2009-11-23 2009-11-23 Waschmaschine mit verbessertem Filter für die Abflussschaltung Withdrawn EP2325378A1 (de)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09176718A EP2325378A1 (de) 2009-11-23 2009-11-23 Waschmaschine mit verbessertem Filter für die Abflussschaltung
CN201010624970.0A CN102071559B (zh) 2009-11-23 2010-11-23 具有用于排水回路的改进的过滤器的洗衣机

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP09176718A EP2325378A1 (de) 2009-11-23 2009-11-23 Waschmaschine mit verbessertem Filter für die Abflussschaltung

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2325378A1 true EP2325378A1 (de) 2011-05-25

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EP09176718A Withdrawn EP2325378A1 (de) 2009-11-23 2009-11-23 Waschmaschine mit verbessertem Filter für die Abflussschaltung

Country Status (2)

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EP (1) EP2325378A1 (de)
CN (1) CN102071559B (de)

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103789973A (zh) * 2012-10-29 2014-05-14 海尔集团公司 一种洗衣机排水过滤系统及具有该排水过滤系统的洗衣机
EP4085984A1 (de) * 2021-05-07 2022-11-09 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Filteranordnung für abfallflüssigkeit, die durch ein haushaltsgerät abgegeben wird
US11993891B2 (en) 2022-02-14 2024-05-28 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry treating appliance with foreign object barrier

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1197919A (en) 1966-10-08 1970-07-08 Candy Spa Improvements to Linen Washing and Like Machines
FR2190966A1 (de) 1972-07-05 1974-02-01 Chalectro
DE19919910A1 (de) * 1999-04-30 2000-11-02 Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Vorrichtung mit zumdindest einem Fluidkanal
US6402962B1 (en) * 2000-07-26 2002-06-11 Maytag Corporation Self-cleaning filter with bypass
EP1849904A1 (de) 2006-04-27 2007-10-31 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Selbstschliessende Ablassfilter-Zugriff-Vorrichtung für eine mantelbeschickbare Waschmaschine

Family Cites Families (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN2841729Y (zh) * 2005-03-16 2006-11-29 无锡小天鹅股份有限公司 一种排水过滤装置

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
GB1197919A (en) 1966-10-08 1970-07-08 Candy Spa Improvements to Linen Washing and Like Machines
FR2190966A1 (de) 1972-07-05 1974-02-01 Chalectro
DE19919910A1 (de) * 1999-04-30 2000-11-02 Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Vorrichtung mit zumdindest einem Fluidkanal
US6402962B1 (en) * 2000-07-26 2002-06-11 Maytag Corporation Self-cleaning filter with bypass
EP1849904A1 (de) 2006-04-27 2007-10-31 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Selbstschliessende Ablassfilter-Zugriff-Vorrichtung für eine mantelbeschickbare Waschmaschine

Cited By (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN103789973A (zh) * 2012-10-29 2014-05-14 海尔集团公司 一种洗衣机排水过滤系统及具有该排水过滤系统的洗衣机
EP4085984A1 (de) * 2021-05-07 2022-11-09 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Filteranordnung für abfallflüssigkeit, die durch ein haushaltsgerät abgegeben wird
WO2022233928A1 (en) * 2021-05-07 2022-11-10 Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag Filter assembly for waste fluid discharged by a household appliance
US11993891B2 (en) 2022-02-14 2024-05-28 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry treating appliance with foreign object barrier

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CN102071559A (zh) 2011-05-25
CN102071559B (zh) 2015-01-07

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