Laundry washing machine having particulate filter device provided with cleaning device and method for removing cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry washing machine (1) comprising: a washing tub (3) comprising a washing drum (4) adapted to receive laundry to be washed; a liquid supply system (5) adapted to deliver liquid to the washing tub (3); a discharge system (20) adapted to discharge the liquid outside the outer tank (2); and a particulate filter device (30). A particulate filter device (30) includes: a housing body (32); an inlet (34) for the liquid to be filtered; and an outlet (38) for the filtered liquid; the invention relates to a particulate filter comprising a housing body (32), a filter chamber (36) housed in the housing body (32), the filter chamber (36) comprising a particulate filter element (40) having a filter surface (42) on which particulate accumulates as liquid flows through. A cleaning device (50) is movably arranged in the filtration chamber (36) for removing particulates accumulated on the filtration surface (42), said cleaning device (50) moving particulates removed from said filtration surface (42) towards a storage volume (61) of a collection chamber (60) arranged at one side of and communicating with the filtration chamber (36). The collection chamber (60) is configured to be removably coupled with respect to the housing body (32), and the cleaning device (50) comprises at least a portion (90) extending into the storage volume (61) of the collection chamber (60), thereby providing a removal aid member (90) for removing the cleaning device (50) from the housing body (32) when the collection chamber (60) is removed from the housing body (32).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of clothing washing.

[0002] In particular, the invention relates to a laundry washing machine having a particle filter arrangement provided with a cleaning device. The invention also relates to a method for removing the cleaning device. Background Art

[0003] Nowadays, laundry washing machines are widely used, including both "simple" laundry washing machines, ie laundry washing machines that can only wash, rinse and spin-dry the laundry, and laundry washing-dryers, ie laundry washing machines that can also dry the laundry with the aid of a drying air flow.

[0004] In this description, the term "laundry washing machine" will refer to either a simple laundry washing machine or a laundry washing-drying machine.

[0005] As is known, in laundry washing machines the laundry to be washed is received in a rotatable washing drum contained in a washing tub.

[0006] It is known that during a laundry wash cycle, the laundry is subjected to mechanical treatment inside a washing drum and / or chemical treatment with the aid of a wash liquor (typically water to which wash / rinse products such as detergent, softener, rinse conditioner etc. may be added).

[0007] The laundry to be processed in a laundry washing machine typically includes clothes and linens made of natural or synthetic fabrics. During the washing and / or rinsing process, the laundry sheds tiny particles (called microparticles or microfibers). In particular, clothes containing synthetic materials shed tiny plastic particle fibers (called microplastics), which are non-biodegradable.

[0008] Microplastics end up in wastewater discharged from laundry washing machines and eventually enter the environment, causing environmental pollution. For example, microplastics washed off from clothes contribute significantly to plastic pollution in the seas and oceans.

[0009] In known laundry washing machines, different solutions have been proposed, namely arranging a particle filter to capture particles in order to reduce the discharge of particles with the waste water.

[0010] In a first type of known systems, the particle filter is placed outside the machine along a discharge hose connected to a sewer.

[0011] In various embodiments of the known system, a particulate filter is placed inside the machine along appropriate hydraulic lines.

[0012] A first known system for particle filtration used in a laundry washing machine is disclosed in WO 2019081013 A1. Here, a particle filter is arranged along a recirculation line that takes liquid from the bottom of a washing tub and delivers it to an upper point of the same washing tub.

[0013] The particle filter comprises a filter element or a membrane filter arranged in a filter chamber of the filter. According to some embodiments disclosed therein, a cleaning device is movably arranged in the filter chamber for removing particles accumulated on the membrane filter. The particles removed from the membrane filter by the cleaning device are pushed to a particle collection chamber arranged at one side of the filter chamber and separated from the filter chamber. The removed particles enter the particle collection chamber through an opening closed by a controllable valve flap. The user can then access the collection chamber from the outside via a door implemented on the outer box of the machine so that the collection chamber can be manually removed.

[0014] In known particulate filters, despite the wiping action of the cleaning device, the membrane filter may still suffer a certain level of clogging over time.

[0015] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a solution that allows maintenance operations on the filter element, such as cleaning or replacement operations on the filter element.

[0016] Another object of the present invention is to develop a filter system in a laundry washing machine which ensures easy access to the filter element during maintenance. Summary of the invention

[0017] The applicant has found that the objects mentioned can be achieved by providing a laundry washing machine comprising a particle filter device having a particle filter element and a cleaning device, the particle filter element having a filter surface on which particles accumulate while liquid flows through the filter surface, the cleaning device for removing particles accumulated on the filter surface and moving the particles towards a collection chamber, and by providing the cleaning device with a portion extending into the collection chamber.

[0018] Therefore, in a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a laundry washing machine comprising:

[0019] -Outer box;

[0020] - a washing tub comprising a washing drum suitable for receiving the laundry to be washed;

[0021] - a liquid supply system adapted to deliver liquid to the washing tub;

[0022] - a discharge system adapted to discharge the liquid to the outside of the outer casing;

[0023] - a particle filter device, the particle filter device comprising:

[0024] - housing body;

[0025] - an inlet for the liquid to be filtered;

[0026] a filter chamber housed in the housing body, the filter chamber comprising a particle filter element having a filter surface on which particles accumulate while the liquid flows through the filter surface;

[0027] - an outlet for filtered liquid;

[0028] a cleaning device movably arranged in the filter chamber for removing particles accumulated on the filter surface, the cleaning device moving the particles removed from the filter surface towards a storage volume of a collection chamber arranged at one side of the filter chamber and communicating with the filter chamber;

[0029] wherein the collection chamber is configured to be removably connected relative to the shell body, and wherein the cleaning device includes at least a portion extending into the storage volume of the collection chamber, thereby providing a removal aid for removing the cleaning device from the shell body when the collection chamber is removed from the shell body.

[0030] Advantageously, the collection chamber, when coupled to the housing body of the particle filter device, closes an opening provided in the housing body through which or by means of which a user can reach the removal aid component to remove the cleaning device from the housing body. In one embodiment, the removal aid component can be removed from the housing body by passing the cleaning device through the opening.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the collecting chamber is embodied as a cap for closing an opening provided in the housing body.

[0032] In a preferred embodiment, the portion of the cleaning device extending into the storage volume arranged in the collection chamber for accumulating particles occupies a volume fraction in the storage volume ranging from 2% to 30%, or 25%, or 20%, or 15%, or 10%, or 8%, or 5% of the total storage volume. The size of the volume fraction occupied by the portion of the cleaning device extending into the storage volume is determined according to the particle accumulation capacity that the particle filter device needs to have, taking into account the free space available in the outer casing of the laundry treatment machine and the resulting size of the particle filter device. This advantageously contributes to increasing the number of laundry treatments that the machine can perform without emptying the collection chamber.

[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device extends into the storage volume of the collecting chamber along the extension direction, and the extension range is 15% to 100% of the extension range of the storage volume along the same direction.

[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the cleaning device extends into the storage volume of the collection chamber along an extension direction, and the extension range is less than 100% of the extension range of the storage volume along the same direction. In such an embodiment, the cleaning device has a cantilever end portion inside the storage volume (i.e., inside the collection chamber).

[0035] Advantageously, when the collecting chamber is removed from the housing body, the portion of the cleaning device extending into the collecting chamber can be used as a removal aid for removing the cleaning device.After removal of the cleaning device, the particle filter element is advantageously subjected to a suitable cleaning process.

[0036] Preferably, the filter chamber is formed by a portion of the housing body.

[0037] Preferably, the majority of the particle filter device is arranged inside the outer casing of the laundry washing machine.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the particle filter element is removably arranged in the filter chamber.

[0039] Advantageously, the particulate filter element may be removed from the filter chamber and housing body for appropriate cleaning procedures or replacement, if necessary.

[0040] Further advantageously, the particle filter element can be removed from the filter chamber and the housing body through the opening provided in the housing body.

[0041] In one embodiment, the same opening provided in the housing body allows removal of the cleaning device and the particle filter element from the housing body.

[0042] Preferably, the cleaning device is configured to be removably coupled to the filter chamber.

[0043] Advantageously, the cleaning device can be easily removed from the filter chamber, so that the particle filter element and its filter surface are advantageously accessible from the outside. Thus, the user can advantageously reach the particle filter element and its filter surface for a suitable cleaning process.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device comprises a rotatable element which facilitates the removal of particles accumulated on the filter surface.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the rotatable element comprises a worm including a first stub shaft body, a second stub shaft body, and a helical element connecting the stub shaft bodies and surrounding the main axis.

[0046] Preferably, the rotatable element further comprises a central shaft body extending along the main axis between the first end shaft body and the second end shaft body, wherein the helical element surrounds the central shaft body.

[0047] Advantageously, the rotatable element wipes one side of the filtering surface of the particle filter element and moves the particles towards the collection chamber, thereby acting as a worm conveyor.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the spiral element extends at least partially into the collecting chamber.

[0049] Advantageously, particles moving towards the collection chamber are compressed in the collection chamber, thereby maximizing the storage volume of particles inside the collection chamber.

[0050] In another preferred embodiment, the cleaning device comprises a translatable element arranged for wiping one side of the filter surface, said translatable element preferably comprising a piston.

[0051] Preferably, actuating means are provided for moving the cleaning means.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating means comprises an electric motor.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device and the collecting chamber are removably coupled to each other, such that the collecting chamber is disconnected from the cleaning device when the collecting chamber is removed from the housing body.

[0054] In another alternative preferred embodiment, the cleaning device and the collecting chamber are removably connected to each other by means of a releasable locking device, such that the cleaning device and the collecting chamber can be disconnected from each other by releasing the releasable locking device after integral removal from said housing body.

[0055] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the collecting chamber is screwable to the housing body.

[0056] Advantageously, the collecting chamber can be easily disconnected / connected to the housing body.

[0057] In a preferred embodiment, the particulate filter element is a disposable filter element.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, a particulate filter device is arranged in the flow path between the liquid supply system and the exhaust system.

[0059] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a particle filter device is arranged in the exhaust system.

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the exhaust system comprises an exhaust pump and an outlet conduit terminating outside the outer housing, wherein the particulate filter device is arranged in a portion of the outlet conduit contained within the volume defined by the outer housing.

[0061] In a further preferred embodiment, the particle filter device is arranged downstream of the fluid outlet of the discharge pump.

[0062] Advantageously, the liquid is subjected to a filtering process before it reaches a drain outside the machine, thereby preventing particles from leaving the laundry washing machine.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the outer casing of the machine further comprises an aperture such that the collection chamber of the particle filter device is accessible from the aperture.Preferably, the outer casing further comprises an openable door associated with the aperture.

[0064] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the collecting chamber is arranged to close the orifice, such that the collecting chamber is advantageously directly accessible to a user.

[0065] According to another preferred embodiment of the invention, the particle filter device is mounted to the outside of the wall of the outer cabinet and the inlet of the particle filter device is connected to the exhaust system by means of an outlet conduit terminating outside the outer cabinet of the laundry washing machine.

[0066] Preferably, the particle filter device is mounted to the outside of the wall of the outer housing by means of connecting means.

[0067] According to this embodiment, advantageously, an existing laundry washing machine may be equipped with a particle filter arrangement which prevents particles from leaving the laundry washing machine.

[0068] Preferably, the particle filter device is a filter adapted to retain particles having a minimum size between 0.1 μm and 5 mm, preferably between 10 μm and 100 μm, more preferably between 10 μm and 75 μm.

[0069] Advantageously, the particle filter device is suitable for retaining particles present in the waste liquid resulting from the mechanical and / or chemical treatment of laundry inside the washing drum, preferably tiny plastic particles (also indicated as microplastics) released by the laundry, which particles are non-biodegradable.

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the laundry washing machine further comprises an object filter device, which is arranged upstream of the particle filter device and is used to block objects with a maximum size greater than 5 mm contained in the liquid to be filtered when the liquid flows through the object filter device.

[0071] In a preferred embodiment, the object filter device is housed in a housing body, wherein the object filter device and the particle filter device define a filter assembly, wherein the object filter device is arranged at a position opposite to the collection chamber and between the inlet of the filter assembly and the particle filter device, and the object filter device includes a second filter chamber, which receives a portion of the cleaning device therein.

[0072] Preferably, the liquid supply system comprises at least one recirculation system for draining liquid from the bottom region of the washing tub to the second region of the washing tub.

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid supply system comprises a water supply system adapted to be connected to an external water supply line, the external water supply line preferably comprising a controlled supply valve.

[0074] In a preferred embodiment, the liquid supply system further comprises a treatment reagent dispenser adapted to receive one or more treatment reagents, wherein water and one or more treatment reagents may be supplied to the washing tub by supplying water from an external water supply line to the washing tub by flowing water through the treatment reagent dispenser.

[0075] In another aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a method for removing a cleaning device of a particle filter device in a laundry washing machine realized as described above, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0076] removing the collection chamber from the housing body;

[0077] The cleaning device is removed from the housing body by means of the removal aid.

[0078] In a preferred embodiment, the step of removing the cleaning device from the housing body by means of a removal aid is performed after the step of removing the collecting chamber from the housing body, wherein the removal aid is accessible to a user after the collecting chamber has been removed.

[0079] In another preferred alternative embodiment, the step of removing the collecting chamber from the housing body and the step of removing the cleaning device from the housing body are performed simultaneously, wherein the collecting chamber and the removal aid component remain engaged when the collecting chamber is removed from the housing body. In this case, preferably, the method further comprises the step of disengaging the removal aid component from the collecting chamber after the removal aid component and the collecting chamber have been removed simultaneously from the housing body. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0080] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be highlighted in more detail in the following detailed description of some of the preferred embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings, corresponding features and / or components are identified with the same reference numerals. In particular:

[0081] - Figure 1 shows a front view of a laundry washing machine according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] - Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a clothes washing machine;

[0083] - Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A side view of a laundry washing machine with an outer side wall of the laundry washing machine removed;

[0084] - Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A particulate filter device isolated from the rest of a laundry washing machine;

[0085] - Figure 5 yes Figure 4 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of a particulate filter device;

[0086] - Figure 6 The first operating position is shown Figure 5 a particulate filter device;

[0087] - Figure 7 Shows Figure 5 An exploded view of a particulate filter assembly;

[0088] - Figure 8 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a particulate filter device of the present invention, the particulate filter device being in a first operating position;

[0089] - Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 Magnified details of

[0090] - Fig.10 A further embodiment of an element of a particle filter device according to the invention is shown;

[0091] - Fig.11 Another embodiment of a particle filter device according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5 Another embodiment of;

[0092] - Fig.12 A schematic diagram showing a laundry washing machine of the present invention according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0093] - Fig.13A and Fig. 13B Shown according to Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a front view of a clothes washing machine;

[0094] - Fig. 13C Shows Fig. 13B Another embodiment of;

[0095] - Fig.14 and Fig.15 A schematic diagram showing a laundry washing machine of the present invention according to a further embodiment of the present invention;

[0096] - Fig.16 Another embodiment of a particle filter device according to the present invention is shown. Figure 5 Another embodiment of;

[0097] - Fig.17 A schematic diagram of a laundry washing machine of the present invention is shown according to another embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0098] As described below, the present invention has proven to be particularly advantageous when applied to a laundry washing machine (i.e., an appliance capable of performing at least a washing process on laundry and optionally further capable of performing a drying process on laundry). In this regard, the present invention can be applied to laundry washing and drying machines.

[0099] refer to Figures 1 to 3 , a preferred embodiment of a laundry washing machine 1 according to the present invention is described.

[0100] The laundry washing machine 1 preferably comprises a housing or outer casing 2, a washing tub 3, a container 4, preferably a perforated washing drum 4, in which the laundry to be treated can be loaded.

[0101] Both the washing tub 3 and the washing drum 4 preferably have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0102] The cabinet 2 is provided at its front side wall 2a with a loading / unloading door 8 allowing access to the washing drum 4 .

[0103] The washing drum 4 is advantageously rotated by an electric motor (as known in the art) which preferably transmits the rotational movement to the shaft of the washing drum 4, advantageously by means of a belt / pulley system. In different embodiments of the invention, the motor may be directly associated with the shaft of the washing drum 4.

[0104] The washing drum 4 is advantageously provided with holes or orifices which allow liquid to flow therethrough. The holes are typically and preferably evenly distributed on the cylindrical side wall of the washing drum 4.

[0105] The bottom area 3a of the washing tub 3 preferably comprises a seat 15 or sump suitable for receiving the heating device 10. The heating device 10 heats the liquid collected inside the sump 15 when activated.

[0106] In further embodiments, other types of heating devices may advantageously be placed in the machine 1 to heat the liquid.

[0107] Preferably, the laundry washing machine 1 comprises means 19 adapted to sense (or detect) the liquid level inside the washing tub 3 .

[0108] The sensor device 19 preferably comprises a pressure sensor, which senses the pressure in a chamber formed in or connected to the washing tub 3. Such a chamber can be partially filled with liquid contained in the washing tub 3, thereby changing the pressure in the unfilled part of the chamber. According to the pressure value sensed by the sensor device 19, the liquid level of the liquid inside the washing tub 3 can be determined. In another embodiment (not shown), the laundry washing machine may preferably include (in addition to or as an alternative to the pressure sensor) a liquid level sensor (e.g. mechanical, electromechanical, optical, etc.), which is suitable for sensing (or detecting) the liquid level inside the washing tub 3.

[0109] The liquid supply (water supply) system 5 is preferably arranged in the upper part of the laundry washing machine 1 and is suitable for supplying water into the washing tub 3 from an external water supply line E. The water supply system 5 preferably includes a controlled supply valve 5a, which is properly controlled, opened and closed during the washing cycle to properly perform all its stages. The water supply system of the laundry washing machine is well known in the art, so it will not be described in detail.

[0110] A liquid supply system generally refers to any system that facilitates the supply of water or any liquid into a bucket.

[0111] The laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a treatment agent dispenser 14 for supplying one or more treatment agents into the washing tub 3 during the washing cycle. The treatment agents may comprise, for example, detergents, rinse additives, fabric softeners or conditioners, water repellents, fabric enhancers, rinse disinfectant additives, chlorine-based additives, etc.

[0112] Preferably, the process reagent dispenser 14 comprises a removable drawer 6 provided with various compartments suitable for filling with process reagents.

[0113] In the preferred embodiment presented herein, water is supplied from the water supply system 5 to the washing tub 3 by passing the water through the treatment reagent dispenser 14 and then through the supply conduit 18. The provision of the treatment reagent to the washing tub 3 may be performed by automatically dosing a certain amount of the treatment reagent and then delivering the reagent to the washing tub 3. Such dosing is preferably performed by a dosing device having a metering device for measuring the desired amount of the reagent to be obtained from the treatment reagent storage device and delivered to the washing tub 3.

[0114] In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, another separate water supply conduit may be provided which is dedicated to supplying clean water from an external water supply line into the washing tub.

[0115] In another preferred embodiment (not shown herein), a water softening device may be preferably arranged / inserted between the external water supply line and the treatment reagent dispenser so that the clean water flowing out of the external water supply line passes through the water softening device. As is well known, the water softening device is structured to reduce the hardness of the clean water drawn out from the external water supply line and delivered to the treatment reagent dispenser.

[0116] In various embodiments, the water softening device may be arranged / interposed between the external water supply line and the washing tub, so that the clean water flowing out of the external water supply line passes through the water softening device and is directly delivered to the washing tub.

[0117] The laundry washing machine 1 preferably comprises a drain system 20 for draining liquid outside the cabinet 2 to a drain (not shown). More preferably, the drain system 20 extracts liquid from the bottom area 3a of the washing tub 3 and drains it outside the cabinet 2.

[0118] The exhaust system 20 preferably includes a main pipe 22 , a exhaust pump 24 , and an outlet pipe 26 terminating outside the tank 2 .

[0119] Preferably, the discharge pump 24 is a centrifugal pump provided with a rotating member or impeller that moves liquid to the pump fluid outlet 24a.

[0120] The discharge system 20 preferably further includes an object filter device 28 disposed between the main conduit 22 and the discharge pump 24 .

[0121] The object filter device 28 is adapted to stop objects before they reach the discharge pump 24. The purpose of the object filter device 28 is to trap unwanted objects that could damage the discharge pump 24, such as the impeller in the case of a centrifugal pump design.

[0122] Objects of said kind (hereinafter also indicated as coarse materials) may include, for example, buttons, coins, screws, needles, paper clips, pieces of clothing or the like.

[0123] Preferably, the object filter device 28 is adapted to filter objects having a maximum dimension greater than 5 mm.

[0124] In a preferred embodiment, the object filter device preferably comprises a housing having a shell in which the object filter element is received. The shell preferably forms a channel through which the liquid to be filtered flows. The object filter element is preferably provided with a tortuous structure, for example in the form of tabs, which are arranged along the channel when the object filter element is placed in the housing, thereby creating a labyrinthine path through which the liquid flows while the objects are blocked by the tabs.

[0125] For cleaning purposes, the object filter device 28 can be removed from the housing and the box 2, preferably through an openable shutter 13, which is advantageously placed on the front side wall 2a of the box 2, such as Figure 1 shown.

[0126] The object filter device 28 and the corresponding shutter 13 are arranged in the lower part of the laundry washing machine 1 , more preferably in the lower right side of the laundry washing machine 1 .

[0127] The drain pump 24 and the object filter device 28 are preferably implemented as an assembly, for example by directly connecting the drain pump 24 to a housing defining a housing of the object filter device 28 .

[0128] The main conduit 22 preferably connects the bottom area 3 a of the washing tub 3 to the object filter arrangement 28 .

[0129] In another embodiment (not shown), the housing of the object filter device can be directly arranged in the washing tub, preferably obtained in a one-piece construction with the washing tub. In this case, the object filter device is fluidically connected to the outlet of the washing tub in a manner that the liquid discharged from the washing tub enters the object filter device.

[0130] Activation of the drain pump 24 drains liquid (ie, water or water mixed with washing and / or rinsing products) from the washing tub 3 to the outside.

[0131] The laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a control unit 11 which is in signal and / or electrical communication with various operating parts of the laundry washing machine 1, such as the drum motor, sensors, etc., in order to ensure the operation of the laundry washing machine for executing a laundry treatment program. The control unit 11 is advantageously also connected to an interface unit 11a which is accessible to the user and by means of which the user from time to time selects and sets washing parameters, in particular a desired laundry washing or treatment program.

[0132] According to an aspect of the invention, the laundry washing machine 1 comprises a particle filter device 30. Figures 1 to 7 In the preferred embodiment shown, the particle filter device 30 is preferably arranged in the tank 2, in the flow path between the water supply system 5 and the exhaust system 20. Preferably, the particle filter device 30 is arranged in the exhaust system 20, preferably along the outlet conduit 26 of the exhaust system 20, more preferably in the portion of the outlet conduit 26 contained in the volume defined by the tank 2.

[0133] The particulate filter device 30 is then preferably arranged downstream of the fluid outlet 24 a of the discharge pump 24 .

[0134] Thus, before the liquid reaches the drain outside the machine 1 , the liquid undergoes a filtering process, thereby preventing particles from leaving the laundry washing machine 1 .

[0135] The particulate filter device 30 is configured to retain particles having a minimum size between 0.1 μm and 5 mm, preferably between 10 μm and 100 μm, more preferably between 10 μm and 75 μm.

[0136] Particles of this type are typically present in waste liquids generated by mechanical and / or chemical treatment of laundry inside the washing drum 4, as the laundry releases microscopic particles. In particular, laundry comprising synthetic materials sheds microscopic plastic particle fibers (also indicated as microplastics), which are non-biodegradable.

[0137] Therefore, the particulate filter device 30 advantageously acts as a microplastic filter device 30 .

[0138] Particulate filter device 30 is preferably disposed downstream of object filter device 28, or in other words, object filter device 28 is preferably disposed upstream of particulate filter device 30 to advantageously prevent coarse material from reaching particulate filter device 30 to potentially damage the particulate filter device.

[0139] Reference Figures 4 to 7 The particulate filter device 30 is described in greater detail.

[0140] The particulate filter device 30 preferably exhibits an elongated shape and preferably extends along a main axis X.

[0141] The particulate filter device 30 comprises a housing body 32 which is preferably made of a plastic material, ie a polymer material.

[0142] according to Figures 1 to 7 The preferred embodiment shown, the particulate filter device 30 is preferably arranged in the upper part of the laundry washing machine 1, more preferably in the upper right side of the laundry washing machine 1. Positioning the particulate filter device 30 in the upper position enhances user interaction with the particulate filter device 30.

[0143] The particulate filter device 30 is preferably vertically aligned with the exhaust pump 24 to keep the length of the piping connecting the exhaust pump 24 to the particulate filter device 30 as short as possible, thereby reducing the strength of the pump 24 .

[0144] The particle filter device 30 comprises an inlet 34 for the liquid to be filtered, a filter chamber 36, and an outlet 38 for the filtered liquid.

[0145] An inlet 34 of the particle filter device 30 is connected to a first portion 26a of the outlet duct 26 and an outlet 38 of the particle filter device 30 is connected to a second portion 26b of the outlet duct 26 which preferably protrudes from the housing 2 , preferably from a rear side wall of the housing 2 .

[0146] The second portion 26b of the outlet duct 26 preferably comprises an end connector on an outer surface of the cabinet 2 , preferably the rear wall, to hydraulically connect the laundry washing machine 1 to a sewer external to the machine 1 .

[0147] A first portion 26 a of the outlet conduit 26 fluidly connects the exhaust pump 24 and the particulate filter device 30 .

[0148] Filter chamber 36 (in Figure 7 A particle filter element 40 ) is received therein, which has a filter surface 42 at which particles accumulate while liquid flows through the filter surface.

[0149] The amount of volume enclosed by the housing body 32 defines a filter chamber 36 .

[0150] The filter chamber 36 is therefore accommodated in the housing body 32 .

[0151] The filter chamber 36 is preferably cylindrical in shape and the particle filter element 40 preferably has a cylindrical tubular shape. The filter chamber 36 and the particle filter element 40 preferably extend along the main axis X. The filter surface 42 preferably comprises a plurality of grids 42a, more preferably rectangular grids 42a (e.g. Figure 7 (see ).

[0152] The meshes 42a are preferably implemented using braided wire. In a preferred embodiment, the wire is made of polyethylene. The plurality of meshes 42a may be provided by one or more braided wire layers covering a plurality of openings formed in the body portion of the particle filter element 40.

[0153] Preferably, the mesh is selected to have a mesh size configured to retain particles having a minimum dimension between 0.1 μm and 5 mm, preferably between 10 μm and 100 μm, more preferably between 10 μm and 75 μm, as described above.

[0154] The particle filter element 40 preferably defines an unfiltered volume 43 which is apt to receive liquid from the inlet 34 which has not yet been subjected to liquid filtering. According to the preferred embodiment presented here, the unfiltered volume 43 corresponds to the cylindrical inner volume of the particle filter element 40. Under normal operating conditions of the particle filter device 30, liquid is supplied from the inlet 34 into the unfiltered volume 43 and then undergoes filtration by passing through the particle filter element 40, in particular through the mesh 42a. Thus, the filtered liquid reaches an elongated annular chamber 44 which is radially outside the particle filter element 40 and forms part of the filtration chamber 36. The elongated annular chamber 44 is in hydraulic communication with the outlet 38 of the particle filter device 30.

[0155] As liquid flows through the particulate filter element 40 , particulates gradually accumulate on the filter surface 42 .

[0156] The extension of the filter chamber 36 along the main axis X substantially corresponds to the filter area defined by the particle filter element 40 , more preferably by said mesh 42 a .

[0157] However, the filter chamber 36 may include portions extending outside the filter region and preferably used for assembling the particulate filter element (eg, for receiving a sealing element as described later, or for connecting the particulate filter element to other parts of the particulate filter device).

[0158] The particle filter device 30 is equipped with a cleaning device 50 which is configured to remove particles accumulated on a first side of the filter surface 42 of the filter element 40 which the liquid encounters when passing through said filter surface 42 .

[0159] The cleaning device 50 is preferably arranged inside the particle filter element 40 to move the particles removed from the filter surface 42 towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60. The collection chamber 60 is arranged at one side of the filter chamber 36, in particular the end side, and communicates therewith.

[0160] According to the preferred embodiment described herein, the movable cleaning device 50 comprises a rotatable element 51 which wipes one side of the filter surface 42, preferably a first side of the filter surface 42, where the liquid encounters and the particles accumulate. More preferably, the rotatable element 51 can be implemented as a worm having a first end shaft body 52, a second end shaft body 54, and a spiral element 56 connecting the end shaft bodies 52, 54 and surrounding the main axis X.

[0161] The main axis X corresponds to the direction through which the rotatable element 51 extends. In the preferred embodiment described herein, the main axis X preferably coincides with the main axis X of the particulate filter device 30.

[0162] The spiral element 56 is preferably a circular spiral element 56. Hence, the central part of the rotatable element 51 embodied as a worm between the stub bodies 52, 54 and surrounded by the spiral element 56 is hollow, so that the rotatable element 51 is embodied as a hollow worm.

[0163] In the embodiment described above, the rotatable element 51 rotates about the main axis X, the spiral element 56 wipes one side of the filtering surface 42 of the particle filter element 40, thereby removing the particles accumulated on this side, and at the same time, the rotatable element is able to move the particles towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60, thereby acting as a screw conveyor.

[0164] Thus, as the rotatable element 51 rotates, the particles are collected in the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60. The particles removed from the filter surface 42 are transported towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 and towards the opening 37 provided in the housing body 32, so that the particles can be removed from the particle filter device by removing the collection chamber 60 from the particle filter device 30.

[0165] Preferably, the spiral element 56 of the rotatable element 51 has its end portion 56 a extending at least partially into the storage volume 61 of the collecting chamber 60 .

[0166] Advantageously, the particles moving towards the collection chamber 60 are pressed into the storage volume 61 by the end portion 56a of the rotatable element 51. The particles are preferably pressed inside the storage volume 61, thereby removing excess liquid contained therein, causing it to flow back into the filtration chamber 36. This maximizes the storage capacity of the particles inside the storage volume 61 and provides easy removal of the dried, compacted particulate matter.

[0167] The rotation of the rotatable element 51 is preferably obtained by means of an actuating device 70 .

[0168] The actuating device 70 is preferably arranged at said first stub shaft body 52 of the rotatable element 51 and preferably comprises an electric motor 72 having a rotatable shaft 74 cooperating with the first stub shaft body 52 of the rotatable element 51 .

[0169] An interconnection device 76 is preferably arranged between the first end shaft body 52 of the rotatable element 51 and the rotatable shaft 74 of the electric motor 72. The interconnection device 76 allows the rotation of the rotatable shaft 74 to be transmitted to the rotatable element 51, and also allows the rotatable element 51 to be disconnected from the rotatable shaft 74, so that the rotatable element 51 can be removed from the filter chamber 36, as better described later.

[0170] Preferably, the interconnection device 76 comprises a joint element 78 which is rotatably mounted on the housing body 32 of the particulate filter device 30 via a ball bearing 80. The joint element 78 comprises a first end 82 connected to the shaft 74 of the motor 72 and a second end having a seat 84 for receiving the first end shaft body 52 of the rotatable element 51. The seat 84 and the first end shaft body 52 of the rotatable element 51 are complementary in shape, for example using a cylindrical shape with a flat portion, so that when the rotatable element 51 is working / rotating, the seat and the first end shaft body can rotate together, and when the rotatable element 51 stops, the seat and the first end shaft body can be disconnected, preferably by removing the rotatable element 51 from the seat 84 while pulling the rotatable element 51 in the direction of the main axis X.

[0171] According to an aspect of the present invention, the collection chamber 60 is configured to be removably coupled relative to the housing body 32. The collection chamber 60 serves as a cap for the opening 37, thereby closing the opening when the collection chamber is coupled to the housing body 32.

[0172] according to Figures 4 to 7 In the preferred embodiment shown, the collection chamber 60 is preferably threadable to the housing body 32. The external threads 62 of the collection chamber 60 preferably engage with the internal threads 64 on the housing body 32 of the particulate filter device 30.

[0173] Preferably, the collection chamber 60 can be screwed to the housing body 32 in a first direction (preferably clockwise), and the rotatable element 51 is also operated / rotated in the same first direction. Advantageously, the risk of disconnecting the collection chamber 60 from the housing body 32 (e.g. unscrewing the collection chamber from the housing body) when the rotatable element 51 is operated / rotated is prevented.

[0174] In further preferred embodiments, the collection chamber may be configured to be removably coupled to the housing body 32 via a push or snap action.

[0175] According to another aspect of the invention, the cleaning device 50 comprises a portion 90 extending into the storage volume 61 of the collecting chamber 60, thereby providing a removal aid 90 for removing the cleaning device 50 from the housing body 32 when the collecting chamber 60 is removed from the housing body 32, as will be better described later.

[0176] according to Figures 4 to 7 In the preferred embodiment shown, the portion 90 of the cleaning device 50 extending into the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 is preferably implemented as a portion 90 protruding from the filter chamber 36 and extending into the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60. In this embodiment, the cleaning device 50 extends into the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 along the axis X, reaching the entire extension range of the storage volume 61 along the same axis X. The volume occupied by the portion of the cleaning device 90 extending into the storage volume 61 is about 5% of the storage volume of the accumulated particles. In a different embodiment (not shown in the figure), the cleaning device 50 can be extended along a certain direction (for example, Figures 4 to 7 The axis X) in the embodiment extends into the storage volume 61, reaching only a part of the extension of the storage volume in the same direction. Thus, the cleaning device can have a cantilever end portion.

[0177] Preferably, the portion 90 comprises an elongated pin at the second end shaft body 54 of the rotatable element 51. The elongated pin 90 is preferably realized integrally with the rotatable element 51.

[0178] The elongated pin 90 and the collecting chamber 60 are preferably removably coupled to each other. The elongated pin 90 is preferably received in a support seat 63 which is realized in the storage volume 61 of the collecting chamber 60 .

[0179] As the rotatable element 51 rotates, the elongated pin 90 rotates within the support mount 63. The support mount 63 preferably acts as a centering device while the rotatable element 51 is operating / rotating.

[0180] The shapes of the support bracket 63 and the elongated pin 90 are determined (for example, both are cylindrical in shape) so that when the rotatable element 51 rotates, the elongated pin 90 can rotate relative to the support bracket 63, and when the collection chamber 60 is removed from the shell body 32 (for example, unscrewed), the collection chamber 60 can disengage from the elongated pin 90.

[0181] Thus, the cleaning device 50 and the collection chamber 60 are preferably removably coupled to each other such that the collection chamber 60 can be disconnected from the cleaning device 50 when the collection chamber 60 is removed from the housing body 32 .

[0182] When the collection chamber 60 is removed (e.g., unscrewed) from the housing body 32, as shown in FIG. Figure 6 As shown, the elongated pin 90 provides a removal aid 90 for removing the rotatable element 51 from the housing body 32. Therefore, the rotatable element 51 is also advantageously removable from the filter chamber 36. In particular, the rotatable element 51 can be removed from the filter chamber 36 by removing the rotatable element 51 through the opening 37 of the housing body 32.

[0183] In fact, the elongated pin 90 can be usefully grasped by a user and pulled along the main axis X, so that the rotatable element 51 is disconnected from the joint element 78 and can be completely removed from the housing body 32 .

[0184] like Figure 6 The illustrated operating position preferably refers to a maintenance phase of the laundry washing machine 1 , when it is necessary to remove the collecting chamber 60 and then to clean the particles stored in the storage volume 61 from the collecting chamber.

[0185] As described above, from this operating position, the rotatable element 51 can be completely removed from the housing body 32 by means of the removal aid 90 formed by the elongated pin 90 .

[0186] The particle filter element 40 and its filtering surface 42 are advantageously accessible from the outside after the rotatable element 51 has been completely removed from the housing body 32. The user can reach the particle filter element 40 and its filtering surface 42 in order to carry out a suitable cleaning process, which may be carried out after a relatively long operating time in which the rotatable element 51 wipes one side of the filtering surface 42.

[0187] More preferably, the particle filter element 40 is removably arranged in the filter chamber 36. Advantageously, after removing the collecting chamber 60, the user can also take the particle filter element 40 out of the filter chamber 36, thus facilitating a cleaning process and / or replacement of the particle filter element in the event that the particle filter element 40 is worn or damaged, such as for example Figure 7In particular, the particle filter element 40 can be removed from the filter chamber 36 through the opening 37 of the housing body 32 .

[0188] according to Figures 4 to 7 In the preferred embodiment shown, the particle filter element 40 is preferably removably received in the housing body 32 of the particle filter device 30 and can preferably be inserted and removed along the main axis X, in particular through the opening 37 of the housing body 32. Thus, the particle filter element 40 can be embodied as a disposable filter element, which can be replaced at any time when necessary.

[0189] Sealing elements 46a, 46b, such as plastic (ie polymer) O-rings, are preferably arranged between the particle filter element 40 and the housing body 32 in order to ensure water tightness of the filter chamber 36 during the filtering process.

[0190] The particulate filter element 40 preferably extends toward a front portion of the housing body 32 of the particulate filter device 30 and preferably receives a portion of the collection chamber 60 therein.

[0191] This facilitates removal of the particulate filter element 40 , which a user may grasp after removing the collection chamber 60 .

[0192] Preferably, a sealing element 47 , such as a plastic (ie polymer) O-ring, is arranged between the particle filter element 40 and the collecting chamber 60 to ensure water tightness of the filter chamber 36 during the filtering process.

[0193] As described above, the collection chamber 60 is configured to be removably coupled relative to the housing body 32 and Figures 4 to 7 In the preferred embodiment shown, the collection chamber 60 can be directly connected (e.g., screwed) to the housing body 32 via the external threads 62 and the internal threads 64. In other preferred embodiments (not shown), the collection chamber can be removably coupled relative to the housing body, rather than directly coupling the collection chamber to the housing body. For example, the collection chamber can be removably coupled (e.g., screwed) to the front portion of the particulate filter element, rather than being coupled (e.g., screwed) to the housing body.

[0194] In the preferred embodiment shown herein, the housing 2 comprises an opening 7 such as Figure 1 As shown, the collection chamber 60 of the particulate filter device 30 is made accessible to a user from outside the housing 2 .

[0195] The aperture 7 is preferably realized at the upper right side of the front side wall 2 a of the laundry washing machine 1 and is aligned with the particle filter device 30 .

[0196] The collection chamber 60 is preferably arranged to close the aperture 7 of the housing 2 so that it is directly accessible to a user from a portion of the housing that remains exposed to user interaction.

[0197] More preferably, the particle filter device 30 is arranged relative to said aperture 7 of the housing 2 such that an exposed surface 65 of the collecting chamber 60 preferably fits flush with the front side wall 2a of the housing 2 of the laundry washing machine 1 .

[0198] Therefore, most of the particulate filter device 30 is preferably arranged inside the housing 2. The user-accessible portion of the collection chamber 60 (eg, the exposed surface 65 flush with the front side wall 2a of the housing 2) may not be arranged inside the housing 2.

[0199] In another preferred embodiment (not shown), the housing may include an openable door associated with the aperture 7 to provide access to the aperture and enable the particulate filter device to be preferably placed completely inside the housing.

[0200] Figure 8 and Fig. 9 A further preferred embodiment of the invention is shown, which differs from the previously described preferred embodiment in that a rotatable element 151 forming part of a cleaning device 150 (which is still implemented as a worm including a spiral element 56) and a collecting chamber 160 of a particle filter device 130 are removably connected to each other, so that when the collecting chamber 160 is removed from the filter chamber 36, the rotatable element 151 preferably remains connected to the collecting chamber 160, after which the collecting chamber 160 can be removed from the rotatable element 151.

[0201] In the accompanying drawings, corresponding features and / or components of the previously described first embodiment are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0202] According to this preferred embodiment, the elongated pin 190 of the rotatable element 151 and the collection chamber 160 are preferably removably connected to each other.

[0203] like Fig. 9 As shown, the elongated pin 190 is removably connected to the first connecting element 164 via a removable locking device 165 .

[0204] The releasable locking means 165 preferably comprises a releasable bayonet-like locking system.

[0205] The first connecting element 164 is rotatably mounted on the second connecting element 163, which is fixedly mounted on the collecting chamber 160. The second connecting element 163 is disposed in the storage area 161 of the collecting chamber 160.

[0206] When the rotatable element 151 rotates, the elongated pin 190 and the first connecting element 164 rotate together relative to the second connecting element 163 and the collection chamber 160 .

[0207] When the collection chamber 160 is removed (e.g., unscrewed) from the housing body 32, the collection chamber 160 remains engaged with the elongated pin 190. When the collection chamber 160 is removed (e.g., unscrewed) from the housing body 32, the elongated pin 190 remains engaged with the collection chamber 160, thus providing a removal aid 190 for removing the rotatable element 151 from the housing body 32 and the filter chamber 36.

[0208] exist Figure 8 In the illustrated operating position, which refers to a maintenance phase of the laundry washing machine 1, the collecting chamber 160 and the rotatable element 151 are completely removed from the housing body 32, so that the particle filter element 40 and its filtering surface 42 are advantageously accessible from the outside. The particle filter element 40 and its filtering surface 42 can be reached by a user in order to carry out a suitable cleaning process, which may be carried out after a relatively long operating time in which the rotatable element 151 wipes one side of the filtering surface 42. More preferably, as described above, the particle filter element 40 is removably arranged in the filter chamber 36, so that a user can remove the particle filter element 40 from the filter chamber 36, thus facilitating a cleaning process and / or a replacement of the particle filter element in case the particle filter element 40 is worn or damaged.

[0209] Furthermore, once the collecting chamber 160 has been removed (eg unscrewed) from the filter chamber 36 , the collecting chamber 160 can be removed from the elongated pin 190 and hence from the rotatable element 151 by removing the elongated pin 190 from the first element 164 via the releasable locking device 165 .

[0210] Therefore, the particles stored in the storage area 161 may be removed from the collection chamber 160 .

[0211] Fig.10 An alternative preferred embodiment of a rotatable element 251 of the invention is shown, which rotatable element forms part of a cleaning device 250, which differs from the previously described preferred embodiments in that the rotatable element 251 is not a hollow worm.

[0212] The rotatable element 251 comprises a central shaft body 252 extending between the end shaft bodies 52, 54 along the main axis X and a helical element 256 surrounding the central shaft body 252, preferably made integrally with the central shaft body 252. The helical element 256 is preferably a circular helical element 256. According to this embodiment, the helical element 256 substantially defines a helicoidal surface.

[0213] Fig.11 Another preferred embodiment of a particulate filter device 330 is shown.

[0214] According to this other preferred embodiment of the present invention, an object filter device 328 for retaining coarse materials and a particle filter device 330 corresponding to the object filter device 28 described previously are integrated to define a filter assembly 310 .

[0215] Preferably, the filter assembly 310 according to the present invention is arranged in the exhaust system 20 of the laundry washing machine 1. More preferably, the filter assembly 310 is arranged between the main exhaust pipe 22 and the exhaust pump 24.

[0216] The filter assembly 310 is preferably arranged in the lower part of the laundry washing machine 1, more preferably in the lower right side of the laundry washing machine 1. The filter assembly 310 is preferably placed just below the sump 15 and connected to the sump by means of said main drain conduit 22.

[0217] The particle filter arrangement 330 and the object filter arrangement 328 preferably extend adjacent to each other within the same body member.

[0218] The filter assembly 310 preferably shows an elongated shape and preferably extends along a main axis X.

[0219] The filter assembly 310 includes a housing body 332 that is preferably made of a plastic material (ie, a polymer material).

[0220] The filter assembly 310 includes an inlet 334 that is connected to the main exhaust conduit 22 and allows liquid to enter the filter assembly 310 , preferably into the object filter device 328 .

[0221] The filter assembly 310 then comprises a main outlet 336 for filtered liquid which is connected to the drain pump 24 .

[0222] As described above, the filter assembly 310 includes a particulate filter device 330 for retaining particulates.

[0223] The particulate filter device 330 includes a first filter chamber 342 that receives therein a particulate filter element 344 having a filter surface 346 where particles accumulate while liquid flows therethrough.

[0224] The amount of volume enclosed by the housing body 332 defines a first filter chamber 342 .

[0225] The first filter chamber 342 is therefore housed in the housing body 332 .

[0226] The first filter chamber 342 is preferably cylindrical in shape and the particle filter element 344 preferably has a cylindrical tubular shape. The first filter chamber 342 and the particle filter element 344 preferably extend along said main axis X. The filter surface 46 preferably comprises a plurality of grids, more preferably a rectangular grid.

[0227] The particle filter element 344 preferably defines an unfiltered volume 343 that is susceptible to receiving liquid that has not yet been microfiltered. The unfiltered volume 343 corresponds to the cylindrical inner volume of the particle filter element 344. Liquid is supplied into the unfiltered volume 343 and then undergoes filtration by passing through the particle filter element 344, in particular through the mesh. Thus, the filtered liquid reaches an elongated annular chamber 348, which is radially outside the particle filter element 344 and forms part of the first filter chamber 342. The elongated annular chamber 348 is in hydraulic communication with the main outlet 336 of the filter assembly 310. Thus, the main outlet 336 and the first filter chamber 342 are in hydraulic communication with each other.

[0228] As liquid flows through the particulate filter element 344 , particulates gradually accumulate on the filtering surface 346 .

[0229] The extension of the first filter chamber 342 along the main axis X substantially corresponds to the filtering area defined by the particle filter element 344 , more preferably by the mesh.

[0230] However, the first filter chamber 342 may include a portion that extends outside the filter region and is preferably used to assemble a particulate filter element (eg, to receive a sealing element, or to connect the particulate filter element to other portions of the filter assembly 310).

[0231] As described above, the filter assembly 310 also includes an object filter device 328 for retaining coarse materials. The object filter device 328 is preferably disposed adjacent to the particle filter device 330 within the same housing body 332.

[0232] Object filter device 328 is arranged upstream of particulate filter device 330 .

[0233] The term "upstream" herein refers to the flow direction of the liquid to be filtered entering the filter assembly 310 through the inlet and reaching the main outlet 336 during operation of the washing machine; the arrangement of the object filter device 328 upstream of the particulate filter device 330 means that, during operation of the discharge pump 24, the liquid first passes through the object filter device 328 and then flows into the particulate filter device 330.

[0234] The object filter device 328 is therefore located between the inlet for the liquid to be filtered and the particle filter device 330 .

[0235] The object filter device 328 includes a second filter chamber 382 that receives an object filter element 384 therein that is configured to retain coarse elements when liquid flows therethrough.

[0236] The amount of volume enclosed by the housing body 332 defines a second filter chamber 382 .

[0237] The second filter chamber 382 is therefore housed in the housing body 332 .

[0238] Therefore, the first filter chamber 342 and the second filter chamber 382 are housed within the same body member 332 .

[0239] In the preferred embodiment presented herein, the object filter element 384 is implemented as a hollow semi-cylinder provided with apertures 386 of an appropriate size to intercept objects having a maximum dimension greater than 5 mm (eg, a circular aperture of 5 mm in diameter).

[0240] In other preferred embodiments, the object filter element may be configured differently. For example, the object filter element may be implemented as a channel through which the liquid to be filtered flows, and it may be provided with a tortuous structure, for example in the form of tabs arranged along the channel, so as to create a labyrinthine path through which the liquid flows while objects are blocked by the tabs.

[0241] The second filter chamber 382 is preferably cylindrical in shape, and the object filter element 384 preferably has a shape matching the cylindrical shape, such as a semi-cylindrical shape.

[0242] The second filter chamber 382 and the object filter element 384 preferably extend along the main axis X.

[0243] The object filter element 384 is preferably arranged in a lower / bottom part of the second filter chamber 382 when the laundry washing machine 1 is in its upright working position.

[0244] The object filter element 384 receives liquid from the inlet 334 from above, and the liquid then undergoes filtration by passing through the object filter element 384 using its aperture 386. Thus, the filtered liquid reaches the elongated semi-annular chamber 388, which is radially outside the object filter element 384 and forms part of the second filter chamber 382. The liquid from the elongated semi-annular chamber 388 reaches the first filter chamber 342, as described below.

[0245] Advantageously, the radial thickness of the semi-annular chamber 388, defined by the shorter distance between the second filter chamber 382 and the object filter element 384, is dimensioned such that even in the event that an object extending primarily in a single direction, such as, for example, a needle, could pass through the orifice 386, the object would still be retained by the semi-annular chamber 388 because the longer dimension of the object would not allow sufficient movement to pass through the orifice 386 and exit the second filter chamber 382. In this manner, the semi-annular chamber 388 helps create a tortuous structure for blocking objects having a maximum dimension greater than 5 mm.

[0246] The object filter device 328 thus traps unwanted objects that could damage the discharge pump 24 (eg, could damage the impeller if a centrifugal pump design is used).

[0247] The object filter element 384 of the object filter device 328 is preferably arranged in the same housing body 332 adjacent to the particle filter element 344 of the particle filter device 330. More preferably, the object filter element 384 of the object filter device 328 is in contact with the particle filter element 344 of the particle filter device 330.

[0248] The object filter element 384 of the object filter device 328 and the particulate filter element 344 of the particulate filter device 330 are preferably in communication through respective apertures 345, 385 that face each other.

[0249] Thus, liquid may flow from the second filter chamber 382 to the first filter chamber 342 by passing through the apertures 345 , 385 .

[0250] When the discharge system 20 is operating, with the discharge pump 24 enabled, the liquid enters the second filter chamber 382 through the inlet 334, undergoes the filtering action of the object filter element 384, reaches the elongated semi-annular chamber 388, passes through the orifices 345, 345, enters the first filter chamber 342, undergoes the filtering action of the particle filter element 344, leaves the filter assembly 310 through the main outlet 336, and is then discharged to the outside through the outlet pipe 26.

[0251] Therefore, the liquid flowing through the filter assembly 310 and discharged to the outside of the laundry washing machine 1 is subjected to the action of both the object filter device 328 and the particle filter device 330 .

[0252] The filter assembly 310 is equipped with a cleaning device 350 configured to remove particles accumulated on a first side of the filter surface 346 of the particle filter element 344 that the liquid encounters when passing through said filter surface 346 .

[0253] The cleaning device 350 is preferably arranged inside the particle filter element 344 to move the particles removed from the filter surface 346 toward the storage volume 361 of the collection chamber 360. The collection chamber 360 is arranged at one side (particularly the end side) of the first filter chamber 342 and communicates with it. The particles removed from the filter surface 346 are transported toward the storage volume 361 of the collection chamber 360 and toward the opening 337 provided in the housing body 332, so that the particles can be removed from the filter assembly by removing the collection chamber 360 from the filter assembly 310.

[0254] According to the preferred embodiment described herein, the movable cleaning device 350 comprises a rotatable element 351 which wipes one side of the filtering surface 346, preferably a first side of the filtering surface 346, encountered by the liquid and where particles accumulate. More preferably, the rotatable element 351 can be implemented as a worm having a central shaft body 352 extending along the main axis X and a spiral element 356 surrounding the central shaft body 352 (preferably made integrally with the central shaft body 352).

[0255] This main axis X corresponds to the direction through which the rotatable element 351 extends. In the preferred embodiment described herein, this main axis X preferably coincides with the main axis X of the filter assembly 310.

[0256] The helical element 356 is preferably a circular helical element 356. According to this embodiment, the helical element 356 substantially defines a helical surface.

[0257] In the embodiment described above, the rotatable element 351 rotates about the main axis X, and the spiral element 356 wipes one side of the filtering surface 346 of the particle filter element 344, thereby removing the particles accumulated on this side. At the same time, the rotatable element is able to move the particles towards the storage volume 361 of the collection chamber 360, thereby ultimately acting as a worm conveyor.

[0258] Thus, as the rotatable element 351 rotates, particles are collected into the storage volume 361 of the collection chamber 360 .

[0259] Advantageously, the particles moving towards the collection chamber 360 are pressed into the storage volume 361 under the action of the spiral element 356 .

[0260] The object filter device 328 is disposed at a position opposite to the collection chamber 360, and the second filter chamber 382 of the object filter device 328 receives a portion 354 of the cleaning device 350 therein. Preferably, the second filter chamber 382 of the object filter device 328 receives a portion 354 of the central shaft body 352 of the cleaning device 350.

[0261] The rotation of the rotatable element 351 is preferably obtained by means of an actuating device 370 .

[0262] The actuating device 370 is preferably arranged at a first end of the central shaft body 352 of the rotatable element 351, preferably at a first end of a portion 354 of the central shaft 352 received in the second filter chamber 382. The actuating device 370 preferably comprises an electric motor 372 having a rotatable shaft 374 cooperating with the central shaft body 352 of the rotatable element 351.

[0263] An interconnection device 376 is preferably arranged between the central shaft body 352 of the rotatable element 351 and the rotatable shaft 374 of the electric motor 372. The interconnection device 376 (not described in detail) allows the rotation of the rotatable shaft 374 to be transmitted to the rotatable element 351, and also allows the rotatable element 351 to be disconnected from the rotatable shaft 374, so that the rotatable element 351 can be removed from the first housing body 332.

[0264] The collection chamber 360 is configured to be removably coupled relative to the housing body 332. The collection chamber 360 acts as a cap for the opening 337, thereby closing the opening when the collection chamber is coupled to the housing body 332.

[0265] The collection chamber 360 is preferably removably coupled to the housing body 332 by mechanical interference, and thus, the collection chamber 360 is preferably removably coupled to the housing body 332 by a push / pull action.

[0266] In further preferred embodiments, the collection chamber may be configured to be removably coupled to the housing body by a snap action, or to be screwable to the housing body.

[0267] A sealing element 360a, such as a plastic (ie polymer) O-ring, is preferably arranged between the collection chamber 360 and the housing body 332 to ensure water tightness and crating mechanical interference during the filtering process.

[0268] A sealing element 360b, such as a plastic (ie polymer) O-ring, is also preferably arranged between the collection chamber 360 and the particle filter element 344 to further ensure water tightness and cell box mechanical interference during the filtering process.

[0269] According to the invention, the cleaning device 350 comprises a portion 390 extending into the storage volume 361 of the collecting chamber 360 , whereby a removal aid 390 is provided for removing the cleaning device 350 from the housing body 332 when the collecting chamber 360 is removed from the housing body 332 .

[0270] The portion 390 of the cleaning device 350 extending into the storage volume 361 of the collection chamber 360 is preferably implemented as a portion 390 that protrudes from the first filter chamber 342 and extends into the storage volume 361 of the collection chamber 360. In this embodiment, the volume occupied by the portion of the cleaning device extending inside the storage volume 361 of the collection chamber 360 is about 2% of the storage volume 361 of the accumulated particles.

[0271] Preferably, portion 390 is implemented as an extension of central axis body 352 of rotatable element 351 .

[0272] The portion 390 and the collecting chamber 360 are preferably removably coupled to each other. The portion 390 is preferably received in a support seat 363 which is realized in the storage volume 361 of the collecting chamber 360.

[0273] As the rotatable element 351 rotates, the portion 390 rotates within the support mount 363. The support mount 363 preferably acts as a centering device while the rotatable element 351 operates / rotates.

[0274] The shapes of the support bracket 363 and the portion 390 are determined (for example, both are cylindrical in shape) so that when the rotatable element 351 rotates, the portion 390 can rotate relative to the support bracket 363, and when the collection chamber 360 is removed from the shell body 332, the collection chamber 360 can disengage from the portion 390.

[0275] Thus, the cleaning device 350 and the collection chamber 360 are preferably removably coupled to each other such that the collection chamber 360 can be disconnected from the cleaning device 350 when the collection chamber 360 is removed from the housing body 332 .

[0276] When the collecting chamber 360 is removed from the housing body 332, the portion 390 provides a removal aid 390 for removing the rotatable element 351 from the housing body 332. Therefore, the rotatable element 351 is also advantageously removable from the first filter chamber 342 and the second filter chamber 382 of the respective filter device 330, 328. In particular, the rotatable element 351 can be removed from the first filter chamber 342 and the second filter chamber 382 by removing the rotatable element 351 through the opening 337 of the housing body 332.

[0277] In practice, portion 390 can be usefully grasped by a user and pulled along main axis X so that rotatable element 351 is disconnected from motor 72 and can be completely removed from housing body 332 .

[0278] After the rotatable element 351 is completely removed from the housing body 332, the particle filter element 344 and its filtering surface 346 and the object filter element 384 of the object filter device 328 are advantageously accessible from the outside. The user can reach the particle filter element 344 and its filtering surface 346 and / or the object filter element 384 of the object filter device 328 in order to carry out a proper cleaning process.

[0279] More preferably, the particle filter element 344 is removably arranged in the first filter chamber 342 of the particle filter device 330. Advantageously, after removing the collecting chamber 360, the user can also take the particle filter element 344 out of the first filter chamber 342, thus facilitating a cleaning process and / or replacement of the particle filter element in the event of wear or damage to the particle filter element 344. In particular, the particle filter element 344 can be taken out of the first filter chamber 342 through the opening 337 of the housing body 332.

[0280] More preferably, the object filter element 384 is removably arranged in the second filter chamber 382 of the object filter device 328. Advantageously, after removing the collection chamber 360 and removing the particle filter element 344 of the particle filter device 330, the user can also remove the object filter element 384 from the second filter chamber 382 of the object filter device 328, thereby facilitating the cleaning process and / or replacement of the object filter element in the event that the object filter element 384 is damaged. In particular, the object filter device 328 can be removed from the second filter chamber 382 through the opening 337 of the housing body 332.

[0281] A sealing element 347 , such as a plastic (ie polymer) O-ring, is preferably arranged between the particle filter element 344 and the housing body 332 of the particle filter device 330 in order to ensure water tightness of the first filter chamber 342 during the filtering process.

[0282] The particulate filter element 344 preferably extends toward a front portion of the housing body 332 of the particulate filter device 330 and preferably receives a portion of the collection chamber 360 therein.

[0283] This facilitates removal of the particulate filter element 344, which a user may grasp after removing the collection chamber 360.

[0284] Fig.12 A schematic diagram showing another preferred embodiment of a laundry washing machine 400 according to the present invention is shown. Fig.13A and Fig. 13B A front view of a laundry washing machine 400 is shown. In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 and Figure 2Corresponding features and / or components of the embodiments described in the accompanying drawings are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0285] This other preferred embodiment of the present invention is similar to the previously mentioned Figures 1 to 7 The described preferred embodiment differs in that the particle filter device 30 is arranged in the exhaust system 20 in the lower part of the laundry washing machine 400 .

[0286] The particulate filter device 30 is preferably aligned horizontally with the drain pump 24, ie, the particulate filter device 30 may be placed at substantially the same height as the drain pump 24 relative to the surface on which the entire laundry washing machine 400 stands.

[0287] The housing 2 preferably includes an aperture 407 so that the collection chamber 60 of the particle filter device 30 is accessible to a user from the outside, such as Fig. 13B The housing 2 preferably includes an openable door 413 associated with the aperture 407 to allow access to the aperture.

[0288] The aperture 407 and the corresponding openable door 413 are preferably placed on the front side wall 2 a of the cabinet 2 .

[0289] according to Fig.12 , Fig.13A , Fig. 13B In the illustrated embodiment, the particle filter device 30 is arranged in the exhaust system 20 in the lower side of the laundry washing machine 400 , preferably in the lower right side of the laundry washing machine, further preferably close to the object filter device 28 .

[0290] The aperture 407 and the corresponding door 413 are preferably aligned with the particle filter device 30 and are therefore arranged in the lower side of the laundry washing machine 400 , preferably in the lower right side of the laundry washing machine, more preferably close to the openable shutter 13 for the object filter device 28 .

[0291] However, in different embodiments, the object filter device 28, the particle filter device 30 and the corresponding door 13, 413 may be arranged differently in the lower part of the laundry washing machine 400, for example Fig. 13C It is shown in which the object filter device 28 and the particle filter device 30 are arranged on opposite areas of the laundry washing machine 400 separated by a vertical middle plane which divides the front side wall 2a of the cabinet 2 into two equal parts.

[0292] Fig.14 A schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of a laundry washing machine 500 according to the present invention is shown. In the accompanying drawings, Figure 2 Corresponding features and / or components of the embodiments described in the accompanying drawings are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0293] This preferred embodiment of the present invention is consistent with the previously referenced Figure 2 The preferred embodiment described differs in that the laundry washing machine 500 preferably comprises: a first recycling system 530 adapted to discharge liquid from a bottom area 3a placed at the bottom portion of the washing tub 3 and to re-feed such liquid back again to the bottom area 3a of the washing tub 3; and a second recycling system 540 adapted to discharge liquid from the bottom area 3a of the washing tub 3 and to re-feed such liquid into a second area 3b of the washing tub 3 which is placed at a higher level relative to the bottom area 3a.

[0294] Liquid taken from the washing tub 3 is preferably fed back to the bottom area 3a of the washing tub 3 for mixing and / or dissolving a laundry treatment product, in particular a detergent in powder or liquid form. The mixing and / or dissolving of the laundry treatment product is preferably performed during the wash cycle when one product is supplied from the treatment agent dispenser 14 into the washing tub 3.

[0295] Preferably, the second area 3b of the washing tub 3 corresponds substantially to the upper area 3b of the washing tub 3. Liquid is preferably re-fed to the upper area 3b of the washing tub 3 in order to improve the wetting of the clothes inside the washing drum 4. This action is preferably performed at the beginning of the washing cycle when the clothes need to be completely wetted. In addition, this action is preferably performed during the rinsing phase at the beginning of the washing cycle or during the rinsing phase in the subsequent steps of the washing cycle. In addition, this action can also be performed during the main washing phase in order to effectively reach the clothes resting in the upper area of ​​the drum.

[0296] The first recirculation system 530 preferably comprises a first recirculation pump 532 connected downstream of the object filter device 28 and a first recirculation line 534 for conveying liquid to the bottom area 3 a of the washing tub 3 .

[0297] The second recirculation system 540 preferably comprises a second recirculation pump 542 connected downstream of the object filter device 28 and a second recirculation line 544 for delivering liquid to the second area 3 b of the washing tub 3 .

[0298] Fig.15 A schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of a laundry washing machine 600 according to the present invention is shown. In the accompanying drawings, Fig.14 Corresponding features and / or components of the embodiments described in the accompanying drawings are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0299] This preferred embodiment of the present invention is consistent with the previously referenced Fig.14The described preferred embodiment differs in that the particle filter device 30 is arranged in the exhaust system 20 in the lower part of the laundry washing machine 600 , more preferably in the lower right side of the laundry washing machine 600 .

[0300] In the preferred embodiments described above, the cleaning device preferably comprises a rotatable element, in particular a worm, which is provided with a portion which acts as a removal aid.

[0301] In further preferred embodiments, the cleaning device may preferably comprise a translatable element that wipes one side of the filtering surface of the particle filter member.

[0302] Fig.16 This type of solution is shown by way of example. In the accompanying drawings, Figure 5 Corresponding features and / or components of the embodiments described in the accompanying drawings are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0303] In the particulate filter device 730 according to this embodiment, the cleaning device 750 includes a translatable element 751 .

[0304] The translatable element 751 preferably comprises a piston that reciprocates linearly along the main axis direction X.

[0305] The piston 751 preferably includes a head portion 754 and a main shaft 756. The outer surface of the head portion 754 wipes one side of the filtering surface 42 of the particle filter element 40. The particles removed from the filtering surface 42 are moved toward the collection chamber 60 by the translational movement of the piston 751.

[0306] The reciprocating linear motion of the piston 751 is preferably obtained by an actuating device 770 .

[0307] The actuating device 770 preferably cooperates with the main shaft 756 of the piston 751 and preferably includes two wheels 758b, 758b which engage the main shaft 756 and rotate appropriately to move the piston 751 back and forth.

[0308] According to the invention, the translatable element 751 is further provided with a portion 790 which acts as a retrieval aid 790 , as explained above.

[0309] In the preferred embodiments described above, the particle filter device is preferably arranged in the cabinet of the laundry washing machine.

[0310] In a further preferred embodiment, the particle filter device may be mounted to the outside of the cabinet wall and may be fluidly connected to the laundry washing machine exhaust system. In this way, the particle filter device may be easily handled by a user when it is necessary to remove particles accumulated in the particle filter device. In addition, by providing the particle filter device mounted to one side of the cabinet wall (i.e., outside the internal volume defined by the laundry washing machine cabinet wall), the particle storage capacity of the filter device may be increased so as to prolong the operation of the filter device before particle removal intervention is required.

[0311] Fig.17 This type of solution is shown by way of example. Figure 5 Corresponding features and / or components of the described first embodiment are identified with the same reference numerals.

[0312] According to this embodiment, the particulate filter device 830 is implemented as a unit provided to the laundry washing machine 800 by being mounted to the outer side of the wall of the outer case 2. The particulate filter device 830 is preferably mounted to the outer case 2 of the laundry washing machine 800 by a connecting device 850 (e.g., an L-shaped bracket or a hooking device). The particulate filter device 830 preferably (but not necessarily) includes an external housing 852, and the external housing is preferably connectable / connectable to the outer case 2 of the laundry washing machine 800 by the connecting device 850. In another embodiment, the housing body 32 of the particulate filter device 830 may be provided with a connecting member (such as an eyelet) so as to allow the housing body 32 to be mounted to the outer case 2 of the laundry washing machine 800.

[0313] The particulate filter device 830 may be implemented according to the preferred embodiments described above (eg, the particulate filter devices 30 , 130 , 730 shown and described above).

[0314] According to this embodiment, the inlet 34 of the particulate filter device 830 is preferably connected to the second portion 26 b of the outlet duct 26 protruding from the tank 2 , preferably via a suitable hydraulic connector 856 .

[0315] The outlet 38 of the particulate filter device 830 is arranged for hydraulic connection to a sewer external to the machine 800 , preferably via an outlet conduit 854 .

[0316] Thus, before the liquid reaches the drain outside the machine 800 , the liquid undergoes a filtering process by means of the particle filter device 830 , thereby preventing particles from leaving the laundry washing machine 800 .

[0317] In a preferred embodiment, the outer housing 852 preferably includes an aperture (not shown) such that a user can access the collection chamber of the particulate filter device 830 from outside the outer housing 852. The collection chamber is preferably arranged to close the aperture of the outer housing 832 such that the user can directly access the collection chamber from a portion of the outer housing 852 that is still exposed to user interaction.

[0318] More preferably, the particulate filter device 830 is arranged relative to the aperture of the outer housing 832 such that the exposed surface 65 of the collection chamber 60 preferably fits flush with the side wall of the outer housing 852 .

[0319] Thus, the majority of the particulate filter device 830 is preferably disposed within the exterior housing 852. In another preferred embodiment, the exterior housing 852 may include an openable door associated with the aperture to provide access to the aperture and allow the particulate filter device to be preferably completely disposed within the exterior housing 852.

[0320] According to this embodiment, advantageously, an existing laundry washing machine may be equipped with a particle filter arrangement according to the present invention preventing particles from leaving the laundry washing machine.

[0321] It has thus been shown that the invention allows all the set objects to be achieved. In particular, the invention makes it possible to provide a laundry washing machine which, relative to known laundry washing machines, allows maintenance of the particle filter element, such as cleaning operations or replacement operations of the filter element.

[0322] Although the present invention has been described with reference to the specific embodiments shown in the drawings, it should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown and described herein; on the contrary, further variations of the embodiments described herein fall within the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A laundry washing machine (1), comprising: -Outer box (2); - a washing tub (3) comprising a washing drum (4) suitable for receiving laundry to be washed; - a liquid supply system (5) suitable for delivering liquid to the washing tub (3); - a discharge system (20) suitable for discharging the liquid outside the outer casing (2); - a particle filter device (30), the particle filter device comprising: - a housing body (32); - an inlet (34) for the liquid to be filtered; a filter chamber (36) housed in the housing body (32), the filter chamber (36) comprising a particle filter element (40) having a filter surface (42) on which particles accumulate while the liquid flows through the filter surface; - an outlet (38) for the filtered liquid; a cleaning device (50) movably arranged in the filter chamber (36) for removing particles accumulated on the filter surface (42), the cleaning device (50) moving the particles removed from the filter surface (42) towards a storage volume (61) of a collection chamber (60) arranged at one side of the filter chamber (36) and communicating with the filter chamber; Characterized in that the collection chamber (60) is configured to be removably connected relative to the shell body (32), and the cleaning device (50) includes at least a portion (90) extending into the storage volume (61) of the collection chamber (60), thereby providing a removal auxiliary component (90) for removing the cleaning device (50) from the shell body (32) when the collection chamber (60) is removed from the shell body (32).

2. The washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The particulate filter element (40) is removably disposed in the filter chamber (36).

3. A washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The cleaning device (50) is configured to be removably coupled to the filter chamber (36).

4. The washing machine (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that The cleaning device (50) comprises a rotatable element (51) adapted to remove particles accumulated on the filtering surface (42).

5. The washing machine (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that The rotatable element (51) comprises a worm, which comprises a first stub shaft body (52), a second stub shaft body (54), and a helical element (56) connecting the stub shaft bodies (52, 54) and surrounding a main axis (X).

6. The washing machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that The rotatable element (251) further comprises a central shaft body (252) extending along the main axis (X) between the first and second end shaft bodies (52, 54), the spiral element (256) surrounding the central shaft body.

7. The washing machine (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that The spiral element (56, 256) extends at least partially into the collection chamber (60).

8. The washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The cleaning device (750) comprises a translatable element (751) arranged to wipe one side of the filtering surface (42).

9. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The washing machine comprises an actuating device (70) for moving the cleaning device (50).

10. The washing machine (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that The actuating device (70) comprises an electric motor (72).

11. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The cleaning device (50) and the collection chamber (60) are removably coupled to each other such that when the collection chamber (60) is removed from the housing body (32), the collection chamber (60) is disconnected from the cleaning device (50).

12. The washing machine (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that The cleaning device (150) and the collection chamber (160) are removably connected to each other by means of a releasable locking device (165), so that the cleaning device and the collection chamber can be disconnected from each other by releasing the releasable locking device (165) after being removed as a whole from the housing body (32).

13. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The collection chamber (60) is screwable to the housing body (32).

14. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The particulate filter element (40) is a disposable filter element.

15. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The particulate filter device (30) is arranged in the flow path between the liquid supply system (5) and the exhaust system (20).

16. The washing machine (1) according to claim 15, characterized in that The particulate filter device (30) is arranged in the exhaust system (20).

17. The washing machine (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that The exhaust system (20) comprises an exhaust pump (24) and an outlet conduit (26) terminating outside the outer housing (2), the particulate filter device (30) being arranged in a portion of the outlet conduit (26) contained within a volume defined by the outer housing (2).

18. Washing machine (1; 400) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The outer casing (2) further comprises an aperture (7; 407) through which the collecting chamber (60) of the particle filter device (30) is accessible.

19. The washing machine (1; 400) according to claim 18, characterized in that The outer housing (2) further comprises an openable door (413) associated with the aperture (407).

20. The washing machine (1) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that The collecting chamber (60) is arranged to close the orifice (7) so that the collecting chamber (60) is directly accessible to a user.

21. The washing machine (800) according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that: The particle filter device (830) is mounted to the outside of the wall of the outer casing (2), and the inlet (34) of the particle filter device (830) is connected to the exhaust system (20) by means of an outlet duct (26) terminating outside the outer casing (2) of the laundry washing machine (800).

22. The washing machine (800) according to claim 21, characterized in that: The particle filter device (830) is mounted to the outside of the wall of the outer housing (2) by means of connection means (850).

23. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The particle filter device (30) is a filter suitable for retaining particles having a minimum size between 0.1 μm and 5 mm, preferably between 10 μm and 100 μm, more preferably between 10 μm and 75 μm.

24. Washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The washing machine further comprises an object filter device (28; 328) which is arranged upstream of the particle filter device (30; 330) and is used to block objects with a maximum size greater than 5 mm contained in the liquid to be filtered when the liquid flows through the object filter device.

25. The washing machine (1) according to claim 24, characterized in that The object filter device (328) is housed in the shell body (332), wherein the object filter device (328) and the particle filter device (330) define a filter assembly (310), wherein the object filter device (328) is arranged at a position opposite to the collection chamber (60) and is located between the inlet (334) of the filter assembly (310) and the particle filter device (330), and the object filter device (328) includes a second filter chamber (382) which receives a portion (354) of the cleaning device (350) therein.

26. The washing machine (500) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The liquid supply system (5) comprises at least one recirculation system (530; 540) for discharging liquid from a bottom area (3a) of the washing tub (3) to a second area (3b) of the washing tub (3).

27. A method for removing a cleaning device (50) of a particle filter device (30) in a laundry washing machine (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The method comprises the following steps: removing the collection chamber (60) from the housing body (32); The cleaning device (50) is removed from the housing body (32) by means of the removal aid (90).

28. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that The step of removing the cleaning device (50) from the housing body (32) by means of the removal aid component (90) is performed after the step of removing the collection chamber (60) from the housing body (32), wherein the removal aid component (90) is accessible to a user after the collection chamber (60) has been removed.

29. The method according to claim 27, characterized in that The step of removing the collecting chamber (160) from the shell body (32) and the step of removing the cleaning device (150) from the shell body (32) are performed simultaneously, wherein when the collecting chamber (160) is removed from the shell body (32), the collecting chamber (160) and the removal auxiliary member (190) remain engaged.

30. The method according to claim 29, characterized in that The method further includes the step of disengaging the retrieval aid member (190) from the collection chamber (160) after the retrieval aid member (190) and the collection chamber (160) have been simultaneously removed from the housing body (32).

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