Top opening washing machine

Description

[001] The present invention relates to a washing machine filter. Specifically, the present invention relates to a washing machine filter applied to a top-loading washing machine. BACKGROUND

[002] Filters in washing machines are essential components to ensure washing efficiency and equipment durability, since in addition to protecting the machine by preventing the accumulation of debris, they also guarantee higher quality washes, removing dirt and particles that can return to clothes during the washing cycle. During the washing cycle, clothes can release fibers / lint, or even synthetic clothes can release microfibers and microplastics. In addition, the laundry load may also contain pet hair. Finally, the detergent itself, if not filtered correctly, can generate residual particles that remain in the washed clothes.

[003] The current state of the art comprises some variations of filters for washing machines, but in general, lint filters in a vertical shaft washing machine (also known as “top load”) are positioned inside the agitator or on the drum wall of the machine (especially in impeller washing machines). In horizontal washing machines (also known as “front load”), the filter is positioned just before the drain pump, configured to collect large materials that could impede the pump's operation.

[004] Plastic particles removed from products such as synthetic clothing contribute up to 35% of the primary plastic that pollutes our oceans. Every time clothes are washed, an average of 9 million microfibers are released into wastewater treatment plants that cannot filter them, consequently discharging them into the ocean. Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 16 / 41 / 14

[005] Thus, it is noteworthy that a problem present in state-of-the-art washing machines is the inefficiency of their filters. They fail to filter a high percentage of material, do not retain captured particles well (allowing them to return to the clothes), and fail to effectively capture all the materials to be filtered. OBJECTIVES

[006] A primary objective of the present invention is to solve the technical problem of the inefficiency of filters and filtration processes by providing a washing machine filter that can retain more material removed from clothes during washing, reducing particles present in clothes that are discharged into the public sewage system and reach the oceans. In other words, to develop a unit with better filtration of lint and pet hair, addressing a solution to the issue of microplastics, offering a new perspective to address the environmental problem, in addition to more efficiently retaining residual detergent particles.

[007] A second objective of the present invention is to solve this technical problem by providing a filter for washing machines.

[008] A third objective of the present invention is to provide a washing machine comprising said washing machine filter. SUMMARY

[009] The present invention relates to a top-loading washing machine comprising: a washing basket; a liquid recirculation system configured to recirculate the liquid present in the washing machine; a filter for filtering particles in the liquid; a flow divider communicating with the liquid recirculation system, wherein the flow divider comprises a flow inlet to receive liquid from the liquid recirculation system and a first and a second outlet; and wherein the first outlet of the flow divider directs a first Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 17 / 41 / 14 part of the liquid flow to the filter and the second outlet directs a second part of the liquid flow to the inside of the washing machine's washing basket; and wherein the filter and flow divider are positioned above the washing machine's washing basket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A fuller understanding of the present disclosure can be obtained by reference to the detailed description when considered in conjunction with the illustrative Figures that follow.

[0011] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded view of the washing machine filter according to the present invention.

[0012] Figure 2a illustrates a perspective view of the washing machine recirculation system.

[0013] Figure 2b illustrates a rear view of the washing machine comprising the washing machine filter used in the recirculation system.

[0014] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate one of the washing machines according to the present invention.

[0015] Figures 4a and 4b illustrate a washing machine drum cover.

[0016] Figure 5 illustrates a comparison between the waste material from the prior art and the filter of the present invention.

[0017] Figure 6 illustrates a bar graph comparing microplastic drainage between the prior art and the present invention.

[0018] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate the filter according to the present invention in the washing machine drum cover.

[0019] Figure 8 illustrates a bar graph comparing the efficiency of the filters.

[0020] Figure 9 illustrates the possible positions for using the flow divider. Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 18 / 41 / 14 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The present invention relates to a top-loading washing machine comprising: a washing basket; a liquid recirculation system configured to recirculate the liquid present in the washing machine; a filter for filtering particles in the liquid; a flow divider communicating with the liquid recirculation system, wherein the flow divider comprises a flow inlet to receive the liquid from the liquid recirculation system and a first and a second outlet; and wherein the first outlet of the flow divider directs a first part of the liquid flow to the filter and the second outlet directs a second part of the liquid flow to the interior of the washing basket of the washing machine; and wherein the filter and the flow divider are positioned above the washing basket of the washing machine.

[0022] The detailed description of exemplary embodiments herein refers to the accompanying drawings which show embodiments of the present invention. Although these exemplary embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosures, it should be understood that other embodiments may be realized and that logical changes and adaptations in design and construction may be made in accordance with this disclosure and the teachings of this document. Thus, the detailed description herein is presented for illustrative purposes only and not as a limitation.

[0023] Figure 1 illustrates the preferred embodiment of the washing machine filter of the present invention. The washing machine filter comprises a filter housing 10 comprising a central opening configured to receive at least one filtering device. In this preferred embodiment, a filtering assembly is used, in which a first-stage filtering element 11 is fitted to the top of the filter housing 10. The filter housing 10 may further comprise Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 19 / 41 / 14 tabs 10b to receive a fitting opening 11b of the first-stage filter element 11 for removable attachment. The first-stage filter element 11 is configured to filter larger particles such as lint and define a first filtration layer. In addition, a second-stage filter element is fitted into the filter housing 10, below the first-stage filter element 11.

[0024] The second-stage filter element consists of a filter frame 12 which has openings for liquid passage 12a and lateral burrs so that a filter screen 13 can be positioned and fixed inside, in the path of the liquid passage. Optionally, the filter frame 12 comprises a snap-fit ​​tab 12d and pins 12c configured for fixing to the filter housing 10. The filter housing comprises a recess 10d and holes 10c for fixing the snap-fit ​​tab 12d and the pins 10c, respectively. The second-stage filter element defines a second filtration layer and is responsible for filtering smaller materials not captured by the first-stage filter element 11, such as microplastics and detergent residues used in washing.

[0025] The use of this combination of first and second stage filters ensures greater efficiency in the filtration process, since it divides the type of particle that each washing machine filter is responsible for retaining, facilitating the sizing of the filters. In this modality, the fixing of the first 11 and second stage filter elements to the filter housing 10 is carried out by means of snap-fit ​​fittings, to facilitate their removal and cleaning.

[0026] Given that the present invention proposes an active filter system, the invention preferably comprises a liquid recirculation pump 30 and a flow divider 14, in order to promote active filtration of the material. In an optional embodiment, the divider of Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 20 / 41 / 14 flow 14 has fastening means 14f that allow it to be fixed to the drum cover of the washing machine. In the configuration of Figure 1, the fastening means 14f is formed by a pair of through holes arranged in projections of the flow divider 14 and the holes are configured to receive a set of screws for fixing the flow divider 14 to the drum cover.

[0027] During the washing cycle, the recirculation pump 30, which is in fluid communication with the flow divider 14, directs water to an inlet 14e of the flow divider 14, which divides the water flow between a first outlet 14s coupled to the filter to direct a first part of the flow to the filter and a second outlet 14b to direct a second part of the flow directly to the machine drum, thus bypassing filtration. Preferably, the second outlet 14b comprises a water dispersing nozzle 18 (Figure 3). In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the dispersing nozzle 18 is formed at one end of the flow divider 14, and is configured to increase the dispersion of water over the load (clothes, sheets, etc.) present inside the washing machine drum.In order to prevent water from flowing back outside the flow divider 14, the washing machine according to the present invention may comprise barriers, also preventing water from traveling outside the recirculation hose 32 and then falling out of the tank / washing unit. The first barrier stage is implemented by the flow divider 14, which has a cone-shaped geometry, positioned so as to force the water returning from the filter housing 10 to encounter this barrier and then fall into the washing basket 25. Water that eventually passes through this first barrier would tend to travel outside the flow divider 14. According to the preferred embodiment, the flow divider 14 is formed by a first section of ducts that connects the flow inlet 14e to the first outlet 14s, being joined in fluid communication with a second portion of duct that allows flow to the second outlet 14b. Furthermore, for... Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 21 / 41 / 14 to avoid clogging of the flow divider 14, the second portion of the duct comprises an angle of between 0° and 180°, more specifically between 15° and 45° and, preferably, 30° in relation to the first outlet 14s.

[0028] In an optional embodiment, illustrated in Figure 1, the water that is directed to the washing machine filter passes through a section of fins 10a present on the side of the filter housing 10, responsible for generating turbulence in the water flow, ensuring that the water spreads uniformly over the filters present in the filter housing 10.

[0029] Finally, after passing through the filter, through the liquid passage opening 12a, the water forms a cascade and returns to the washing machine drum and, after being moved by the agitator, which moves the clothes and the water present in the machine, helping to loosen the dirt and particles, it is sucked by the recirculation pump 30 and directed to the flow divider 14, starting the active filtration process once again.

[0030] During the tests carried out, it was observed that without the use of fins 10a, the water flow received by the washing machine filter followed a non-ideal path along the side of the filter housing 10, generating a non-uniform flow distribution through the filter and promoting the accumulation of material in only one part of the filter.

[0031] After continuous use, material (fibers, lint, hair, microplastics, etc.) will accumulate in the filter. In this case, the filter must be cleaned by the user to restore its filtering performance. If it is not cleaned, the filtering performance decreases, but the washing machine continues to function without significant changes.

[0032] Figure 2A illustrates the preferred embodiment of the present invention with filtration filter, flow divider 14 and recirculation pump 30. Preferably, as illustrated, the filter is positioned at the top of the washing machine, in the drum cover of the washing machine, above the drum, in the path of the water coming from the recirculation pump, in order to Petition 870250007557, dated 29 / 01 / 2025, page 22 / 41 / 14 to promote active filtration of the material removed during washing. The flow divider 14 can be employed in various ways and in different positions, as illustrated in figure 2B and described in detail in figure 8.

[0033] Figure 2B illustrates an alternative embodiment of the invention, in which the water dispersing nozzle 18 and the filter are not adjacent, requiring the use of pipes to guide the water.

[0034] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, in addition to being fixed to the washing machine drum cover, there is an angle of between 120° and 180°, preferably 150°, between the outlets 14s, 14b of the flow divider. This angle ensures that the speed of the elements to be filtered is greater in the direction of the filter, preventing the particles from returning to the water dispersing nozzle 18, thus increasing the efficiency of the filtration process.

[0035] In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the water dispersing nozzle 18 is located at one end of the flow divider 14 and has two functions: one is to generate the spray onto the clothes inside the washing machine drum, and the other is to ensure the system functions when the filter becomes clogged.

[0036] Figures 3a and 3b illustrate a washing machine according to the present invention. In Figure 3a, it is possible to see the filter housing 10 positioned at the top of the washing machine, being housed in the cover 20 of the washing machine. Figure 3b shows a top view of the machine showing the position of the filter housing 10 in relation to the washing basket 25 of the washing machine.

[0037] Figure 4a illustrates a top view of a washing basket 25 having the cover 20 attached. As can be seen, the washing machine filter according to the present invention is positioned in the cover 20, above the basket 25 at the top of the washing machine. According to the present invention, the filter positioned at the top of the top-loading washing machine enables filtration in the passage path of the Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 23 / 41 / 14 liquid circulated to the washing assembly, going to basket 25. Furthermore, the filter according to the present invention provides greater visibility of the housing 10 for the user, as well as ample access for the consumer to insert and remove the load in the washing machine. Thus, in addition to being easily identified by the user, it is also possible for the user to constantly clean the filter, as it is easily removable and repositioned.

[0038] Figure 4b illustrates a bottom view of the washing machine drum cover 20, detailing the position of the flow divider 14 in relation to the rest of the drum cover. In this figure, it is possible to observe the water dispersing nozzle 18 positioned adjacent to the filter housing 10 of the washing machine filter. In this way, it is not necessary to use pipes to guide the water from one side of the machine to the other, improving the flow of the resulting water cascade.

[0039] As mentioned above, the water that eventually passes through the first barrier formed by the flow divider 14 would tend to follow an external path. To prevent this water from reaching the region outside the recirculation hose 32, ribs 23 are provided in the tank cover to force the remaining water to fall into the tank.

[0040] Figure 5 illustrates the amount of microplastics dispensed after a wash cycle with washing machines that use prior art filters compared with the amount of microplastics dispensed after a wash cycle with a machine comprising the washing machine filter of the present invention in its preferred embodiment, i.e., with the use of a flow divider 14 and two filtration layers.

[0041] Figure 6 illustrates a graphical comparison of the results obtained when using only conventional filters, only the filter of the present invention, and the preferred embodiment of the washing machine filter. Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 24 / 41 / 14 in conjunction with the active filtration of the flow divider 14. The results, expressed in milligrams of microplastic remaining after drainage, show that there is a slight improvement when comparing the conventional filter and the washing machine filter of the present invention. However, the use of the washing machine filter of the present invention in conjunction with the flow divider 14 ensures a significant improvement, reducing the amount of unfiltered microplastics by approximately 95%.

[0042] More specifically, the purple bar represents conventional state-of-the-art washing machines, with the worst result regarding the amount of microplastics present in the drain (55mg). The blue bar represents a conventional washing machine implementing only the preferred embodiment of the washing machine filter of the present invention, with the two filtration layers. This bar already shows a significant improvement in the amount of microplastics retained in the filter, and a consequent reduction of microplastics present in the drain.

[0043] The green bar represents the use of the washing machine filter of the present invention together with the flow divider 14 and the recirculation pump 30, promoting active filtration of the material through the recirculated water. The results show an approximately 95% improvement in material retention, with only 3mg of microplastics reaching the drain.

[0044] Figures 7A and 7B illustrate a preferred embodiment of the washing machine filter position in the washing machine drum cover. The washing machine filter can be positioned anywhere in the drum cover, however, when positioned adjacent to the flow divider 14 and consequently adjacent to the water dispersion nozzle 18, it is able to improve the water flow, generating an ideal cascade for water recirculation in the washing machine.

[0045] In the optional embodiment illustrated in Figures 7A and 7B, the Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 25 / 41 / 14: The washing machine filter has a 10r tab (illustrated by the red line) that extends beyond the edge of the drum to facilitate the removal of the washing machine filter. Furthermore, the 10r tab improves the visual aspect of the water spray, forming a cascade with laminar flow. To ensure that the 10r tab did not interfere with the removal of clothes after washing, several practical tests were carried out and it was found that an increase of approximately 15mm guarantees sufficient quality for the user and does not interfere with the usual activities of the machine.

[0046] Figure 8 illustrates the results obtained from conducting experiments aimed at measuring the amount of lint (in grams) after washing in each type of filter, introducing an equal amount of lint for each test. In particular, the experiments were carried out comparing the prior art filter with the washing machine filter of the present invention. The green bar illustrates the prior art filter in the center of the agitator together with the filter of the present invention, the blue bar illustrates only the prior art filter in the center of the agitator, and the gray bar illustrates the results obtained only with the proposed filter.

[0047] Through figure 8, it is possible to observe that the results obtained using only the conventional filter (blue bar) are drastically different from the results obtained with the filter of the present invention, whether alone or in conjunction with the filter of the prior art, with the filter of the present invention proving to be approximately 2.3 times more efficient than the filter of the prior art in terms of lint collection.

[0048] Figure 9 illustrates different positions that the flow divider 14 can assume with respect to its inlet and outlets. In addition to the positions of the flow divider, tests were also carried out with the power of the recirculation pump 30, fiber size and reduction of the cross-section of the water dispersing nozzle 18. During the tests, the variables of interest were collection efficiency (fiber collected / fiber inserted), spray opening, presence Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 26 / 41 / 14 of fibers or lint in the recirculation pump impeller and presence of fibers or lint in the flow divider 14. The results obtained are described in Table 1 below. Table 1 - Flow Divider Position Tests Pump Power (W) Diverter Nozzle Reduction Fiber Size (mm) Initial Fiber Weight (g) Fiber in Diverter Weight of Collected Fiber (g) Fiber Efficiency (%) Spray Opening (mm) Fiber in Pump Impeller 23 L4 0 20 10.674 No 0.5278 0.49 48 No 50 L4 0.3 40 10.518 Yes 0.7033 0.67 83 Yes 50 L2 0 40 0.9876 Yes 0.5057 0.51 76 Yes 33 L4 0 20 0.9856 No 0.1687 0.17 45 No 23 L3 0.3 40 10.652 Yes 0.3584 0.34 48 No 50 L4 0 20 0.9046 Yes 0.5267 0.58 53 No 50 L3 0.3 20 10.152 Yes 0.8927 0.88 68 Yes 33 L1 0 20 0.9891 Yes 0.6448 0.65 53 No 33 L2 0 40 11.892 Yes 0.8989 0.76 53 Yes 33 L1 0.3 40 0.9770 No 0.3613 0.37 73 No 23 L3 0 40 0.985 Yes 0.3914 0.4 48 No 33 L4 0 40 0.9205 Yes 0.4005 0.44 59 Yes

[0049] The results obtained show that, in particular, configuration L1 proved superior to all others in all aspects except spray opening, being the only configuration that did not present any clogging by fiber, due to a 150° opening between the outlets 14s, 14b of the flow divider 14, which prevents particles from returning to the water dispersing nozzle 18.

[0050] Furthermore, these tests concluded that nozzle reduction has no positive impact, the size of the fibers can influence the presence of fibers and lint in the recirculation pump impeller, depending on the pump power.

[0051] In conventional washing machines, a 23W pump generates a spray opening of approximately 100mm. However, with the introduction of the 14 flow divider in the system, a drop in pressure occurs, making it necessary to use a more powerful pump in order to guarantee a better spray opening, such as 33W or 50W. Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 27 / 41 / 14

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in order to guarantee the efficiency of the spray opening and recirculated water flow, a 33W pump is used, which generates an opening of approximately 75mm, together with the water cascade generated by the water directed to the washing machine filter, to achieve the ideal water flow for domestic uses.

[0053] Thus, the present invention provides for a top-loading washing machine comprising a washing basket (25) and a filter (10) for filtering particles in the liquid. Such a filter is preferably positioned in the upper portion of the washing machine, more specifically in the cover positioned above the tank.

[0054] The washing machine may further comprise a liquid recirculation system (30) configured to recirculate the liquid present in the washing machine, wherein in such configuration the washing machine may comprise a flow divider (14).

[0055] Such a flow divider may also be in fluid communication with the liquid recirculation system (30), wherein the flow divider (14) comprises a flow inlet (14e) to receive liquid from the liquid recirculation pump (30) and a first and a second outlet (14s, 14b), and wherein the first outlet (14s) of the flow divider (14) directs a first part of the liquid flow to the filter (10) and the second outlet directs a second part of the liquid flow to the interior of the washing basket (25) of the washing machine, and wherein the filter (10) and the flow divider (14) are positioned above the washing basket (25) of the washing machine. Such a liquid recirculation system may further comprise a liquid recirculation pump (30) in order to increase the water flow.

[0056] Obviously, although a specific washing machine is described in this report, modifications such as using the filter directly at the water inlet, without using a recirculation system, Petition 870250007557, dated 01 / 29 / 2025, page 28 / 41 / 14, also indicates that these methods are possible and foreseen, although their use is less efficient than their use during recirculation.

[0057] Thus, the present invention becomes advantageous compared to the state of the art because it increases the efficiency of filtration processes, decreasing the likelihood of residue on clothes, causes less detergent powder to remain on clothes by filtering out some of the carbonates in the detergent powder, reduces the amount of microplastics discharged into the environment through the special mesh capable of handling microfibers without compromising the recirculation flow (water jet), and ensures less residual detergent on clothes, resulting in clothes with vibrant colors after washing.

[0058] Numerous variations falling within the scope of protection of this application are permitted. Thus, it is reinforced that the present invention is not limited to the particular configurations / embodiments described above.

Claims

1. Top-loading washing machine comprising: a washing basket (25); a liquid recirculation system configured to recirculate the liquid present in the washing machine; a filter (10) for filtering particles in the liquid; characterized in that it comprises: a flow divider (14) in fluid communication with the liquid recirculation system, wherein the flow divider (14) comprises a flow inlet (14e) to receive the liquid from the liquid recirculation system (30) and a first and a second outlet (14s, 14b); and wherein the first outlet (14s) of the flow divider (14) directs a first part of the liquid flow to the filter (10) and the second outlet directs a second part of the liquid flow to the interior of the washing basket (25) of the washing machine; and wherein the filter (10) and the flow divider (14) are positioned above the washing basket (25) of the washing machine.

2. Washing machine according to claim 1 characterized in that the second outlet (14b) of the flow divider (14) comprises a dispersing nozzle (18).

3. Washing machine according to claim 1 or 2 characterized in that the flow divider (14) comprises a first duct portion connecting the flow inlet (14e) to the first outlet and a second duct portion connecting the first outlet (14s) to the second outlet (14b), wherein the flow divider (14) has an angle of between 15° and 45° between the second duct portion and the first outlet (14s); and wherein the flow divider comprises an angle of between 120° and 180° between the first outlet (14s) and the second outlet (14b).

4. Washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that the flow divider (14) comprises a first duct portion connecting the flow inlet (14e) to the first outlet and a second duct portion connecting the first outlet (14s) to the second outlet (14b), wherein the flow divider (14) has an angle of between 30° between the second duct portion and the first outlet (14s); and wherein the flow divider comprises an angle of between 150° between the first outlet (14s) and the second outlet (14b).

5. Washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4 characterized in that the flow divider (14) is positioned adjacent to the filter (10).

6. Washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 5 characterized in that it comprises a cover (20) on the upper part of the washing basket (25), and in that the filter (10) is fixed to the cover (20) of the washing machine basket (25).

7. Washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 6 characterized in that the flow divider (14) comprises fastening means (14f) for fastening to the washing machine.

8. Washing machine according to claim 7, characterized in that the fastening means (14f) are formed by through holes arranged in projections of the flow divider (14) and configured for fastening by means of a screw in the cover (20) of the washing basket (25) of the washing machine.

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