EP2455535A1 - Waschmaschine - Google Patents

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Publication number
EP2455535A1
EP2455535A1 EP10192058A EP10192058A EP2455535A1 EP 2455535 A1 EP2455535 A1 EP 2455535A1 EP 10192058 A EP10192058 A EP 10192058A EP 10192058 A EP10192058 A EP 10192058A EP 2455535 A1 EP2455535 A1 EP 2455535A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
tub
filter
filter element
washing machine
draining
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP10192058A
Other languages
English (en)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP2455535B1 (de
Inventor
Martino Bondi
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
Priority to EP10192058.5A priority Critical patent/EP2455535B1/de
Application filed by Electrolux Home Products Corp NV filed Critical Electrolux Home Products Corp NV
Priority to PCT/EP2011/070494 priority patent/WO2012069390A1/en
Priority to BR112013012554A priority patent/BR112013012554A2/pt
Priority to US13/885,548 priority patent/US20140083145A1/en
Priority to RU2013126874/12A priority patent/RU2013126874A/ru
Priority to CN201180055908.7A priority patent/CN103348052B/zh
Priority to AU2011333928A priority patent/AU2011333928B2/en
Publication of EP2455535A1 publication Critical patent/EP2455535A1/de
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP2455535B1 publication Critical patent/EP2455535B1/de
Active legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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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
    • 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 
    • D06F39/08—Liquid supply or discharge arrangements
    • D06F39/083—Liquid discharge or recirculation arrangements

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a washing machine (this expression including also a washing machine having dryer function), comprising a filter element for a recirculation circuit thereof.
  • DE 100 46 349 A1 discloses a washing machine having a draining circuit and a recirculation circuit for circulating washing water from a lower portion of a tub to an upper portion thereof.
  • a fine mesh filter is spanned across the inlet of the recirculation circuit to prevent fluff to enter the recirculation circuit.
  • the filter element is cleaned by a backflow of water through the recirculation circuit, wherein removed fluff is washed away by water flowing past the mesh filter during a draining phase.
  • EP 0 240 911 B1 discloses a removable filter for a washing machine.
  • the washing machine comprises a recirculation circuit and a draining circuit fluidly connected to a tub via a conduit.
  • the filter is placed at the outlet of the conduit such that washing water which is drained from the tub or which is circulated back into the tub passes through the filter.
  • a draining phase of a washing cycle the fluff fibers caught at a surface of a fine filter portion of the filter are removed by water flowing past the surface of the fine filter portion.
  • washing machine can denote a front-loading type or a top-loading type washing machine, both having or not also a dryer function.
  • a filter element of the washing machine is located upstream of an inlet of the recirculation circuit for preventing foreign objects (e.g. fluff, buttons, coins, etc.) to enter the recirculation circuit.
  • foreign objects e.g. fluff, buttons, coins, etc.
  • At least one filter aperture of the filter element to let pass water extends to a lateral border or perimeter (which may be a circumference if the filter has a circular shape) of the filter element.
  • the at least one filter aperture comprises an interrupted perimeter or an opening like a gap in its perimeter.
  • the at least one filter aperture forms a spacing between at least two filter fingers, or stings forming filter or rake pins.
  • fluff and other foreign objects are caught in the at least one aperture of the filter element or the at least two fingers of the filter element.
  • fluff and foreign objects might get entangled in the mesh, such that water flowing past or through the mesh filter cannot remove the entangled fluff any more. In this case the only possibility to clean the mesh filter is to replace it or to clean it mechanically or by hand.
  • the opening in the perimeter of the at least one filter aperture or the filter fingers of the filter element prevent that fluff/foreign objects get entangled in the filter element.
  • the opening in the perimeter of the at least one filter aperture or the filter fingers assist in washing away fluff/foreign objects from the filter element, e.g. during a draining phase of the washing machine.
  • the filter element extends or protrudes at least partially or with a main section thereof into the draining circuit, the tub, or a sump of the washing machine.
  • the filter element is preferably attached to the washing machine in a cantilevered manner. I.e. only one part of the filter element is advantageously fixed or attached to the washing machine, such that the filter element is a self supporting or free-standing element. Consequently the filter element preferably does not extend across the entire cross-section of the drain circuit or sump of the washing machine.
  • the cantilevered attachment which results in a free end of the filter element, assists in washing fluff off the filter element into the draining circuit, tub or sump.
  • a gap is provided at least over a portion of an area between a lower surface of the filter element and the upper surface of a region below the filter element. This gap assists in washing away deposits and fluff from the filter element and the recirculation circuit when the draining circuit is operated and water is drained out of the washing machine.
  • the filter fingers or rake pins are aligned parallel to or are partially extending into a flow direction of water flowing from the tub to the draining pump when the draining pump is operating. Consequently, in a draining phase fluff and foreign objects are washed in direction of the opening in the at least one filter aperture or in direction of the free end of the at least two filter fingers. Thus the washing away of fluff is further facilitated.
  • the opening in the perimeter of the at least one filter aperture takes up at least 1/16, 1/10, 1/5 or 1/4 of the perimeter of the at least one filter aperture. Thereby the gap is sufficiently large to allow e.g. fluff to be readily washed away from the filter element.
  • the at least one aperture comprises a shape which is tapered from the opening in the at least one aperture to a base of the at least one aperture opposite to the opening.
  • the base of the at least one aperture is narrower than the opening in the perimeter of the at least one aperture.
  • each of the at least two filter fingers are advantageously tapered from a base to the free end thereof.
  • the narrowing of the cross-section of the at least one aperture in direction to the base of the at least one aperture assists in catching or trapping of fluff and foreign objects in the at least one aperture.
  • the widening of the cross-section of the aperture from the base to the gap assists the removal or washing away of fluff or foreign objects which are caught in the aperture.
  • the at least one filter aperture comprises a shape selected from rectangular, substantially rectangular, triangular, substantially triangular, semicircular or substantially semicircular.
  • the filter element comprises at least four filter fingers, preferably at least six filter fingers.
  • any number of filter fingers may be provided.
  • the apertures are preferably arranged parallel or substantially parallel to each other, such that the apertures form a rake-like filter element.
  • the washing machine comprises a valve having a valve body arranged between the tub and the draining circuit.
  • a valve having a valve body arranged between the tub and the draining circuit.
  • valve body is formed by the sump container or a portion thereof or by a portion of a draining suction duct connecting the tub to a draining pump.
  • the number of elements for providing the valve is reduced as compared to a valve having a separate body.
  • the inlet of the recirculation circuit is arranged at a bottom or lower region of the valve body, the recirculation circuit has an improved ability to suck in undissolved detergent that has collected at the lower region of the valve body (e.g. sump or draining suction duct) due to gravity.
  • the filter element or the inlet of the recirculation circuit is placed downstream of the valve.
  • the inlet of the recirculation circuit is positioned, with respect to the flow of water which exits the tub through the valve and goes to the draining circuit, after the valve (i.e. the water exiting the tub meets the inlet of the recirculation circuit after passing the valve). It may occur that undissolved detergent has passed the valve (e.g. during the water filling process when detergent is flushed into the tub) due to a not perfectly watertight sealing of the valve. This detergent collects in the draining circuit substantially below the valve seat around the valve opening in the tub.
  • the valve body has the valve seat and a movable closure element adapted to be releasable engaged with the valve seat for closing the valve opening through the valve seat.
  • the valve is preferably automatically closed or opened in dependency of a water level in the draining circuit and/or tub.
  • the valve is preferably adapted to be self*-actuated in dependency of a water level, for example by a closure element which is adapted to float in or on the (washing) water.
  • the closure element floats on the water gradually filling the draining circuit or sump and is eventually pressed towards the valve seat by the rising water level, i.e. by buoyant force, and seals thereby the valve opening in the valve seat.
  • the tub is shut off from the draining circuit, wherein a simple and robust valve is provided which is maintenance-free or substantially maintenance-free.
  • a surface of the filter element facing the valve is shaped to receive or support the movable closure element of the valve on or at the surface.
  • the filter element partially or totally receives the closure element on its surface when water level is low and when the closure element is not longer buoyant on the water or is pressed down by flowing water. Due to the water flowing past the closure element a (mainly rotational) movement of the closure element occurs on or above the filter element, wherein a vortex is created which helps in removing fluff or other foreign objects from the filter element.
  • the movable closure element has a spherical or substantially spherical shape, such that it is adapted to engage with the valve seat in any (rotated) position.
  • the closure element is formed e.g. by a hinged flap, e.g. like in a swing check valve, which is closed by buoyant force and water pressure.
  • valves e.g. electrically controlled
  • other kind of valves may be used for allowing/impeding water to flow from the tub to the draining circuit.
  • the filter element comprises, in at least one cross-section plane, a totally or partially arched or bent or hemispherical cross-section, and/or it is totally or partially concave in drain flow direction or as seen from the tub side.
  • the filter element comprises a bowl-like form which assists in catching foreign objects and/or in supporting the movable closure element.
  • the inlet of the recirculation circuit for example a pipe thereof, is attached to a lower portion of the tub, i.e. upstream the valve.
  • the filter element which is located upstream the inlet, in this case advantageously extends into the tub, in particular into a space between the tub and a drum of the washing machine mounted therein.
  • the filter element is cleaned by the water flowing past the filter element during the at least one draining phase of a washing cycle.
  • a rotational movement of the drum causes a flow or stream of washing water past the filter element in the tub and assists thereby in washing fluff or foreign objects from the filter element.
  • each isolated feature of the claims or description can be added or any arbitrary combination of isolated or individual features can be added to the claims.
  • Fig. 1 depicts a schematic cross-sectional front view of a washing machine 1 comprising a tub 2 with a drum 4 rotatably arranged therein.
  • a draining circuit 16 is provided, preferably comprising a draining pump 18, a draining suction pipe 17, a draining riser pipe 19 and a draining filter 20.
  • the draining suction pipe 17 is fluidly connected to the tub 2 to drain water, washing water, or fluid from the tub 2 during a draining phase when the draining pump 18 is operated.
  • a valve 26 is advantageously provided, advantageously comprising a valve body 27; the valve 26 preferably comprises a valve seat 22 in form of a diaphragm with an opening, arranged between the tub 2 and the draining circuit 16.
  • the movable closure element 24 is made of floatable material e.g. plastic and floats on the water depending on the water level in the draining suction pipe 17 or valve body 27. When the water level rises, the movable closure element 24 is raised towards the valve seat 22 until the surface of the movable closure element closes the opening at the valve seat 22.
  • the valve seat may be formed in a diaphragm or plate as shown in Fig. 1 .
  • draining suction pipe 17 is pipe-shaped and forms (at least part of) the sump and the valve body 27 connected to the lowest point for the tub 2.
  • the draining suction pipe 17 may have different shapes, at least in the region directly below the opening of the tub.
  • the water in the tub 2 is advantageously heated by a heating element (not shown) arranged in the tub.
  • a heating element not shown
  • the valve 26 When the valve 26 is closed, only the water in the tub 2 is heated but not the water in the draining circuit 16, whereby the energy consumption of the washing machine is reduced.
  • a recirculation circuit 10 is provided to circulate water or washing water from a lower portion of the tub 2 to an upper portion of the tub 2 (as in the embodiment shown), or to a middle portion of the tub.
  • the recirculation circuit 10 preferably comprises a suction pipe 13 preferably fluidly connected to the draining suction pipe 17 (forming the sump), a recirculation pump 12 and a recirculation pipe 11.
  • the recirculation pump 12 When the recirculation pump 12 is operated, the laundry 44 in the tub 2 is efficiently wetted without having to provide an amount of water in the tub 2 which completely (or even partially) covers the laundry 44. I.e. on the one hand the water consumption during a washing cycle is reduced and on the other hand, due to reduced water consumption, less water has to be heated, whereby the energy consumption is reduced.
  • the recirculation pump 12 and the draining pump 18 may be not watertight.
  • the water level in the recirculation pipe 11 and the draining riser pipe 19 corresponds to the water level in the tub 2 or draining suction pipe 17 when the pumps 12 and 18 are not operated and the valve 26 is open.
  • a filter element 28 is advantageously arranged downstream the valve seat 22 in front of an inlet 14 of suction pipe 13 of the recirculation circuit 10.
  • the water passes the filter element 28 before it enters the recirculation circuit 10.
  • the filter element 28 prevents that fluff and foreign objects which may pass through the opened or partially opened valve 26 enter the recirculation circuit 10, where they might obstruct a nozzle at the outlet of the recirculation pipe 11 or the recirculation pump 12.
  • the movable closure element 24 rests on the bottom of the valve body 27 and/or on the filter element 28.
  • Fig. 2 depicts a schematic cross sectional front view of the washing machine of Fig. 1 at the beginning of a washing cycle.
  • tap water flows into the tub 2 via a water inlet 6.
  • the tap water flows through a detergent drawer 8, from where it carries detergent into the tub 2 and drum 4 as indicated with the arrows.
  • the water level 42a is in a range where the movable closure element 24 is not abutting the valve seat 22 such that the valve 26 is open.
  • the water fills the draining circuit 16 and partially the recirculation circuit 10.
  • Fig. 3 depicts a schematic cross sectional view of the washing machine of Fig. 1 during a phase of the washing cycle when the tub 2 is filled with water up to the maximum water level 42b for the selected washing program.
  • the draining pump 16 and the recirculation pump 12 are not activated.
  • the washing water has reached maximum level 42b which partially covers the laundry 44 in the tub 2. While the water level was rising from level 42a to 42b and due to the hydrostatic buoyant force, the movable closure element 24 is pushed or pressed against the valve seat 22 and closes thereby the valve 26.
  • the valve 26 provides a simple and robust way for automatically shutting off the tub 2 from the draining circuit 16 during those phases of the washing cycle, in which the pumps 12, 18 are not operated and in which the water level has a minimum height to press the movable closure element 24 against the valve seat 22.
  • the valve 26 is preferably closed during a heating phase when the water is filled to close the valve and when no pumps are operated.
  • Fig. 4 depicts a schematic cross sectional front view of the washing machine 1 of Fig. 1 during a recirculation phase of a washing cycle.
  • the recirculation pump 12 is activated and pumps the washing water from the sump or the draining suction pipe 17 to the outlet of the recirculation pipe 11 (which may have a nozzle) which is connected to the interior of the tub 2.
  • recirculation pipe 11 While operating the recirculation circuit 10, recirculation pipe 11 is filled with water and the water level drops from maximum level 42b to an intermediate washing level 42c.
  • the recirculation circuit feeds the water into the tub 2 and onto the drum 4.
  • the drum 4 comprises holes or perforations through which the washing water enters the drum 4 and wets the laundry 44.
  • the recirculation circuit 10 feeds the water directly into the drum 4 through an outlet at a rotational axis of the drum 4 ( Fig. 6 ).
  • the outlet of pipe 11 or nozzle is arranged at a loading door of front-loader washing machine such that the recirculated water can be sprayed or sprinkled through the loading opening of the drum directly into the drum and the laundry 44 therein (not shown).
  • detergent in particular powder detergent
  • the valve 26 see e.g. water level 42a
  • some detergent may remain undissolved and can be flushed along the tub inner wall through the opening in the seat 22 into the sump or draining suction pipe 17. There it may collect due to gravity. Additionally, even if the water level is high enough to close the valve 26, undissolved detergent collecting at the lowest point of the tub 2 may enter the draining circuit if valve 26 not perfectly closes the opening in the seat 22. E.g. during drum rotation operation of the washing machine.
  • the activated recirculation pump 12 creates a suction force on its suction side which opens or partially opens the valve 26 due to the pressure difference acting on the movable closure element from above and below and the movable closure element's buoyant force.
  • the movable closure element 24 is moved away from its seat 22. Thereby water can be pumped from the tub 2 although the inlet 14 of the recirculation circuit 10 is placed downstream the valve seat 22. I.e. the valve 26 is automatically opened during a recirculation phase of a washing cycle by the suction force of the recirculation pump 12.
  • any detergent deposited or collected in the sump or pipe 17 is recirculated back into the tub 2 when operating the recirculation circuit, whereby the detergent is effectively and efficiently used for the washing cycle.
  • the filter element 28 is arranged in the draining flow, draining circuit 16 or valve body, such that the water flowing from the tub 2 in a draining phase hits the filter element 28 at an acute angle with respect to the upper surface 30 of the filter element 28.
  • the water flow hits the portion of the filter element 28 which is close to the inlet 14 of the recirculation circuit at an acute angle.
  • this portion of the filter element 28 comprises a closed surface and forms thereby a deflecting portion or part of the filter element 28.
  • the actual filtering portion of the filter element 28 which is formed by filter fingers 35a-d (e.g. Figs. 12a-d ) is arranged at the free end of the filter element 28 which extends into the draining suction pipe 17.
  • the filter element 28 forms a deflector element which deflects or redirects the draining flow from the tub 2 to the draining circuit 16, in particular to the draining suction pipe 17.
  • the movable closure element 24 moves mainly in a rotational movement (arrow).
  • This movement of the movable closure element 24 creates a vortex which assists in removing fluff and foreign objects from the filter element 28.
  • a "self-cleaning" filter element 28 is provided.
  • the backflow of water from the recirculation circuit 10 and out of the recirculation pipe 11 assists in washing any caught foreign objects away from the filter element 28.
  • Foreign objects which are washed from the filter element 28 or out of the tub 2 are subsequently caught in the draining filter 20, which is accessible from the outside for a user for cleaning. This is particularly advantageous if the filter element 28 itself is not accessible for a user from outside the washing machine.
  • Fig. 6 depicts a perspective, partially cross-sectional side view of a part of an exemplary internal structure of a washing machine 1 as schematically depicted in Fig. 1 , which in this embodiment is a top-loading washing machine.
  • the same reference signs are used for the same features of the washing machine 1 as described above. Relating to technical details and functional operation, full reference is made to the above embodiment schematically shown.
  • the drum 4 is rotationally supported in the tub 2. Below the tub 2 the valve 26 is shown in a partial cross-sectional view.
  • the movable closure element 24 (in this example ball-shaped) is engaged in the valve seat 22 and shuts the tub 2 from the draining circuit 16 in the state as depicted in Fig. 6 .
  • the inlet 14 of the recirculation circuit 10 is located below the valve 26, in particular below the valve seat 22.
  • the suction side of the recirculation pump 12 is connected via suction pipe 13 to the sump or draining suction pipe 17.
  • the output side of the pump 12 is advantageously connected via recirculation pipe 11 to a passage through and having an outlet at a rotational axis of the drum 4.
  • the draining circuit 16 is fluidly connected to the tub 2 through the opening in the valve seat 22 (having the form of a diaphragm or plate) such that washing water can be drained from the tub 2 through pipe 17, draining filter 20, pump 18 and draining riser pipe 19 to the outside of the machine with the draining pump 18 operating.
  • Fig. 7 shows a perspective, partially cross-sectional side view of the structure of Fig. 6 .
  • the filter element 28 can be seen, which is arranged at the inlet 14 of the recirculation circuit 10.
  • Fig. 8 shows a partial cross-sectional view of a detail of the structure of Fig. 6 .
  • the diaphragm or plate of the valve seat 22 is attached at the lower rim of an extension of the tub 2, extending at the bottom of the tub.
  • the valve body 27 receiving the movable closure element 24 is preferably attached to the tub extension at the diaphragm and is forming part of the draining section pipe.
  • both the suction pipe 13 and the draining suction pipe 17 have sections formed as a bellows. The bellows serve for damping vibrations of the tub from being transferred to the pumps 12, 18.
  • Figs. 9a-d depict perspective, cross sectional views of the valve 26 as shown in Fig. 6 .
  • Fig. 9a shows a top view of the valve 26, wherein the diaphragm forming the valve seat 22 is shown from the tub side.
  • a lug 29 is advantageously attached to and protruding from the valve body 27 which is used to attach one end of the suction pipe 13.
  • the filter element 28 is advantageously attached to the lug 29; preferably, but not necessarily, the filter element 28 is made as a single or monolithic part with the lug.
  • the lug 29 is preferably used to mount the filter element 28 at an outlet in the valve body 27, wherein the outlet forms the inlet 14 to the suction circuit 10.
  • a further opening 37 (shown in Fig. 10 ) in the valve body 27 fluidly connects the interior of the valve body 27 to a duct 36 depicted in Fig. 9a-d .
  • the duct is advantageously connected to a pressure control (pressostat; not shown) for detecting the water level 42 in the tub 2.
  • the filter element 28 is preferably attached to the lug 29 forming the inlet 14 in a cantilevered manner, such that the main body of the filter element 28 extends into inner volume of the valve body 27 in a free-standing manner.
  • a portion of the filter element 28 facing the inner space of the valve body 27 preferably has a shape which corresponds or basically corresponds to the shape of the movable closure element 24; for example, if the movable closure element 24 is spherical, the filter element 28 advantageously comprises a bent and/or hemispherical shape which substantially corresponds or partially corresponds to the shape of the movable closure element 24.
  • Fig. 9d shows a cross sectional view from below along the line B-B shown in Fig. 9c .
  • the filter element 28 has advantageously a fork-like shape and comprises fingers 35a-d with apertures 34a-e between the fingers having the open entrances 38a-e (or gaps) to the fingers.
  • the fingers of the filter form the teeth or pins of a rake.
  • the fingers 35a-d are preferably parallel or essentially parallel to a flow path of water flowing from the tub through the valve body 27 to the draining pump 18 in draining phases.
  • the fingers 35a-d are advantageously parallel or essentially parallel to a flow path of water, which has been redirected or deflected by a closed portion or deflecting portion of the filter element 28.
  • the deflected water flow washes away fluff from the base of the fingers 35a-d to the gaps and assists thereby in cleaning the filter fingers 35a-d.
  • Fig. 10 shows a cross-sectional side view of the valve of Figs. 9a-d in a closed state, which has been described with respect to Fig. 3 . Due to the water filling the tub 2, the draining circuit 16 and partially the recirculation circuit 10 the resulting buoyant force on the floatable movable closure element 24 presses the latter against the valve seat 22 (in this state both pumps 12, 18 are not operating).
  • Fig. 11 shows a cross-sectional side view of the valve of Figs. 9a-d in an opened state, which has been described with respect to Figs. 2 , 4 and 5 .
  • the movable closure element 24 is advantageously in close proximity to the filter element 28 or supported by the filter element, which advantageously comprises a shape which matches or substantially matches the shape of the movable closure element 24.
  • a rotational movement of the movable closure element 24 due to the water flow during a draining phase crates a sort of vortex which assists the removal of e.g. fluff from the filter element 28 as described above.
  • Figs. 12a-d show perspective views of the filter element 28 as shown in Fig. 6 .
  • Fig. 12a shows the filter element 28 from above, i.e. the upper surface 30 of the filter element which faces the interior of valve body 27.
  • the filter element 28 advantageously comprises a plurality of apertures 34a-e, which extend to a lateral border of the filter element 28 such that each aperture 34a-e has a laterally open side.
  • Fig. 12b shows the filter element 28 from below, i.e. it shows the surface 32 of the filter element 28 which faces away from the movable closure element 24 or valve 26.
  • the filter element may advantageously be part of the lug 29 which forms at the same time a mounting portion for mounting the filter element 28 in the opening of the valve body 27.
  • the filter element 28 is supported on one side in a cantilevered manner and the main body of the filter element 28 projects into the inner space of the valve body 27.
  • the outer surface of the filter element 28 faces a portion of the inner surface of the valve body 27 and the filter element 28 is preferably arranged such that there is a gap 33 between the outer or lower surface 32 of the filter element and the inner surface of the valve body.
  • Fig. 12c shows a side view of the filter element 28, wherein an arrow depicts the flow of water during a recirculation phase of a washing cycle.
  • Fig. 12c also shows attachment of the recirculation pipe 11 on the lug 29.
  • the water passes through the apertures 34a-e of the filter element from the upper side 30 to the lower side 32 of the filter element 28 and enters the recirculation circuit 10, advantageously through an opening in the mounting portion or lug 29.
  • Fig. 12c and 12d indicate the water flow during a recirculation phase.
  • Fluff or foreign bodies are retained at the fingers 35a-d or teeth of the filter 28 and are washed along the fingers to a base of the fingers opposite to the aperture openings 34a-e where the fluff and foreign bodies collect.
  • the washing water flows past the filter element 28 from above coming through the aperture in the valve seat 22 and also some water flows in reverse direction out of the circulation circuit 10. This water flow washes the fluff and foreign bodies in direction from the base of the fingers towards the aperture entrances 38a-e.
  • a portion of the filter element 28 in proximity to the recirculation circuit 10 has a closed surface.
  • the apertures 34a-e preferably do not extend across the entire surface of the part of the filter element 28 which extends into the draining circuit 16.
  • the closed portion of the filter element 28 may catch larger foreign objects without the risk that these objects obstruct the apertures 34a-e of the filter element 28.
  • the closed portion of the filter element 28 assists the above described deflection of the drain water flow and assists thereby in efficiently cleaning the filter element 28.
  • the filter element 28 with the filter fingers 35a-d preferably comprises a concave or hemispherical shape.
  • Fig. 13 depicts a schematic cross-sectional front view of a washing machine 1' according to an alternative embodiment. Elements corresponding to above described elements are designated with the same reference signs. Relating to technical details and functional operation of these elements full reference is made to the above described embodiments.
  • an inlet 14' of the recirculation circuit 10 of the washing machine 1' of Fig. 13 is located upstream the valve 26, in particular the inlet 14' is connected to the tub 2.
  • the valve 26 remains shut or closed during a recirculation phase, i.e. only the water within the tub 2 is circulated.
  • the filter element 28 corresponds to the above described embodiment and prevents that fluff and foreign objects enter the recirculation circuit as described above.
  • the rotating drum causes a water flow in the tub 2 which flows past the filter element 28.
  • a water flow in direction of the end of fingers 35a-d washes fluff and other foreign objects caught in the apertures 34a-d of the filter element 28 out of the apertures 34a-d.
  • the filter element 28 is cleaned by the water flow in the gap between the tub 2 and the drum 4.
  • the washing machine operates in a tumbling mode, i.e. when the rotation direction of the drum 4 is repeatedly changed during a washing operation, the filter element is repeatedly and therefore thoroughly cleaned.
  • Fig. 14a shows a further embodiment of a filter element 28' in a perspective view. Similar or the same numerals are used for similar or the same elements as described above.
  • the filter fingers 35a'-d' of Fig. 14a are differently shaped and oriented. Each filter finger 35a'-d' comprises at least one straight portion. In contrast to the above described filter 28, at least a portion of each of the fingers 35a'-d' of filter 28' is not curved or concave.
  • the filter fingers 35a'-d' are oriented such that water flow coming from the opening of the valve seat 22 (e.g.
  • the filter fingers 35a'-d' hits the filter fingers 35a'-d' at a right angle or substantially right angle.
  • the water flow hits the straight portion of the fingers 35a'-d' at a substantially right angle.
  • the (drain) water flow direction or force of the water flow is substantially perpendicular to the filter fingers 35a'-d'.
  • the water flow exerts its maximum force on the filter fingers 35a'-d' (which form the actual filtering area of the filter element) and therefore exerts maximum force on fluff and foreign objects caught in the apertures between the filter fingers 35a'-d'. Fluff and foreign objects are thereby efficiently loosened and washed away from the filter fingers 35a'-d'.
  • the closed upper surface 30' of the filter element 28' deflects or redirects the water flow from the opening of the valve seat 22 substantially parallel to the filter fingers 35a'-d', such that due to the combined water flow directions - perpendicular and parallel to the filter fingers 35a'-d' - loosened fluff and foreign objects are efficiently washed away from the filter element 28' into the drain suction pipe 17.
  • Fig. 15a shows a perspective view of just another embodiment of a filter element 28". Similar or the same numerals are used for similar or the same elements as described above.
  • filter element 28" comprises filter fingers 35a"-f" which are extending from a preferably substantially circular main body having a closed surface.
  • the filter fingers 35a"-f" are formed preferably straight, i.e. not concave or curved, similarly as described with respect to filter 28' of Figs. 14a-b .
  • filter element 28" provides the same advantages as described with respect to Figs. 14a-b .

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Textile Engineering (AREA)
  • Detail Structures Of Washing Machines And Dryers (AREA)
EP10192058.5A 2010-11-22 2010-11-22 Waschmaschine Active EP2455535B1 (de)

Priority Applications (7)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10192058.5A EP2455535B1 (de) 2010-11-22 2010-11-22 Waschmaschine
BR112013012554A BR112013012554A2 (pt) 2010-11-22 2011-11-18 maquina de lavar
US13/885,548 US20140083145A1 (en) 2010-11-22 2011-11-18 Washing Machine
RU2013126874/12A RU2013126874A (ru) 2010-11-22 2011-11-18 Стиральная машина
PCT/EP2011/070494 WO2012069390A1 (en) 2010-11-22 2011-11-18 Washing machine
CN201180055908.7A CN103348052B (zh) 2010-11-22 2011-11-18 洗衣机
AU2011333928A AU2011333928B2 (en) 2010-11-22 2011-11-18 Washing machine

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP10192058.5A EP2455535B1 (de) 2010-11-22 2010-11-22 Waschmaschine

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP2455535A1 true EP2455535A1 (de) 2012-05-23
EP2455535B1 EP2455535B1 (de) 2017-06-28

Family

ID=44058990

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP10192058.5A Active EP2455535B1 (de) 2010-11-22 2010-11-22 Waschmaschine

Country Status (6)

Country Link
US (1) US20140083145A1 (de)
EP (1) EP2455535B1 (de)
AU (1) AU2011333928B2 (de)
BR (1) BR112013012554A2 (de)
RU (1) RU2013126874A (de)
WO (1) WO2012069390A1 (de)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108570832A (zh) * 2017-03-08 2018-09-25 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种具有净水装置的洗衣机
EP3674472A1 (de) * 2018-12-28 2020-07-01 Whirlpool Corporation Knopffalle und sieb für eine waschmaschine

Families Citing this family (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2016112660A1 (zh) * 2015-01-12 2016-07-21 青岛海尔洗衣机有限公司 一种洗衣机排水装置、洗衣机及控制方法
US11377772B2 (en) 2019-05-23 2022-07-05 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry appliance
US11761134B2 (en) 2019-05-23 2023-09-19 Whirlpool Corporation Laundry appliance
US11851805B2 (en) 2021-11-22 2023-12-26 Whirlpool Corporation Deflector assembly for laundry appliance

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US2939305A (en) * 1956-12-05 1960-06-07 Gen Motors Corp Lint filter for washing machine
US3429444A (en) * 1966-10-31 1969-02-25 Whirlpool Co Cone filter for an automatic washer
US3466901A (en) * 1967-09-25 1969-09-16 Philco Ford Corp Laundry apparatus
US3684096A (en) * 1970-09-24 1972-08-15 Whirlpool Co Expandable spiral filter
US3977219A (en) * 1975-09-15 1976-08-31 General Electric Company Lint filter for automatic washer
US4075876A (en) * 1976-04-27 1978-02-28 Whirlpool Corporation Filter system for washing machine
EP0240911B1 (de) 1986-04-09 1991-03-20 INDUSTRIE ZANUSSI S.p.A. Filter für eine Waschmaschine
DE10046349A1 (de) 2000-09-19 2002-03-28 Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Haushaltgerät
US6402962B1 (en) * 2000-07-26 2002-06-11 Maytag Corporation Self-cleaning filter with bypass
WO2002097184A1 (en) * 2001-05-25 2002-12-05 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Washing machine with clog-proof lint filter

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US7406843B2 (en) * 2002-05-08 2008-08-05 Whirlpool Corporation Remote sump with film heater and auto purge

Patent Citations (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2939305A (en) * 1956-12-05 1960-06-07 Gen Motors Corp Lint filter for washing machine
US3429444A (en) * 1966-10-31 1969-02-25 Whirlpool Co Cone filter for an automatic washer
US3466901A (en) * 1967-09-25 1969-09-16 Philco Ford Corp Laundry apparatus
US3684096A (en) * 1970-09-24 1972-08-15 Whirlpool Co Expandable spiral filter
US3977219A (en) * 1975-09-15 1976-08-31 General Electric Company Lint filter for automatic washer
US4075876A (en) * 1976-04-27 1978-02-28 Whirlpool Corporation Filter system for washing machine
EP0240911B1 (de) 1986-04-09 1991-03-20 INDUSTRIE ZANUSSI S.p.A. Filter für eine Waschmaschine
US6402962B1 (en) * 2000-07-26 2002-06-11 Maytag Corporation Self-cleaning filter with bypass
DE10046349A1 (de) 2000-09-19 2002-03-28 Bsh Bosch Siemens Hausgeraete Haushaltgerät
WO2002097184A1 (en) * 2001-05-25 2002-12-05 Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. Washing machine with clog-proof lint filter

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
CN108570832A (zh) * 2017-03-08 2018-09-25 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 一种具有净水装置的洗衣机
EP3674472A1 (de) * 2018-12-28 2020-07-01 Whirlpool Corporation Knopffalle und sieb für eine waschmaschine

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2011333928A1 (en) 2013-05-02
RU2013126874A (ru) 2014-12-20
CN103348052A (zh) 2013-10-09
EP2455535B1 (de) 2017-06-28
BR112013012554A2 (pt) 2016-08-30
WO2012069390A1 (en) 2012-05-31
AU2011333928B2 (en) 2015-06-18
US20140083145A1 (en) 2014-03-27

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