Laundry washing machine equipped with filter assembly

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry washing machine (1; 301); 401) for washing laundry, the laundry washing machine comprising: an outer cabinet (2); 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) for discharging the liquid to the outside of the tank (2); and a filter assembly (30). The filtration assembly (30) comprises a housing body (32), an inlet (34) for liquid to be filtered, and a main outlet (36) for discharging filtered liquid outside the housing body (32). A coarse object filter arrangement (140) is housed inside the housing body (32) and includes an object filter element (144) that obstructs objects as liquid flows therethrough. The particulate filter device (40) is housed inside the housing body (32) and arranged downstream of the coarse object filter device (140) such that during operation of the filter assembly (30), liquid flows first through the coarse object filter device (140) and then through the particulate filter device (40). A particulate filter device (40) includes a particulate filter element (44) having a filter surface (46) on which particulates accumulate as liquid flows through the filter surface. The filter assembly (30) comprises a cleaning device (50) arranged in a gap (25) formed between the coarse object filter device (140) and the particulate filter element (44), where the cleaning device (50) comprises a wiper (51) for removing particulates accumulated on the filter surface (46) by means of a relative movement between the wiper (51) and the particulate filter element (44). The particles removed from the filter surface (46) are moved towards a storage volume (61) of a collection chamber (60) removably associated with the housing body (32).

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In particular, the present invention relates to a laundry washing machine equipped with a filter assembly, in particular comprising a particulate filter arrangement. Background Art

[0003] Nowadays, laundry washing machines are widely used, including both "simple" laundry washing machines (i.e. laundry washing machines capable of basically washing, rinsing and drying laundry) and laundry washing-drying machines (i.e. laundry washing machines which, in addition to the washing process, can also dry 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 particulate filter is placed outside the machine along a discharge hose connected to a discharge point.

[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 2020089727 A1. Here, an assembly comprising a particle filter group is positioned along a discharge hose, and a filter body accommodates the filter group. The assembly is made in a cylindrical shape and can be inserted / removed as a filter cartridge through an opening made in the outer wall of the washing machine to allow maintenance operations and replacement operations on the filter group.

[0013] The filter group comprises a cylindrical filter medium for synthetic microfibers and according to a preferred embodiment the filter group further comprises a safety pre-filter positioned fluidly upstream of the filter medium. The pre-filter is arranged coaxially with said filter medium inside the filter medium.

[0014] A second 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.

[0015] 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.

[0016] The object of the present invention is to optimize a filter system in a laundry washing machine.

[0017] The object of the present invention is to provide a laundry washing machine which reduces the constructional complexity of the filtering system with which the machine is equipped.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solution that makes maintenance operations of a laundry washing machine more comfortable compared to known systems.

[0019] Another object of the present invention is to provide a solution that allows maintenance of one or more filter elements, such as cleaning or replacement operations of one or more filter elements.

[0020] 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

[0021] The applicant has found that the mentioned objects can be achieved by providing a laundry washing machine equipped with a filter assembly, which comprises: a coarse object filter device, which has an object filter element, which blocks objects when liquid flows through it; and a particle filter device, which is arranged downstream of the coarse object filter device and has a particle filter element, which has a filtering surface on which particles accumulate when liquid flows through the filtering surface, and by providing a cleaning device, which is arranged in a gap formed between the coarse object filter device and the particle filter element.

[0022] Therefore, in a first aspect of the invention, the invention relates to a laundry washing machine comprising:

[0023] -Outer box;

[0024] - a washing tub comprising a washing drum suitable for receiving the laundry to be washed;

[0025] - a liquid supply system adapted to deliver liquid to the washing tub;

[0026] - a discharge system for discharging the liquid to the outside of the tank;

[0027] - a filter assembly arranged in the flow path between the water supply system and the drainage system;

[0028] The filter assembly comprises:

[0029] - housing body;

[0030] - an inlet for the liquid to be filtered and a main outlet for discharging the filtered liquid outside the housing body, wherein the liquid passing through the filter assembly flows from the inlet towards the main outlet;

[0031] - a coarse object filter device, which is accommodated inside the housing body and includes an object filter element, which blocks objects when the liquid flows therethrough;

[0032] a particle filter device housed inside the housing body and arranged downstream of the coarse body filter device, such that during operation of the filter assembly, the liquid first flows through the coarse body filter device and then through the particle filter device, the particle filter device comprising a particle filter element having a filtering surface on which particles accumulate when the liquid flows through the filtering surface;

[0033] Wherein, the filter assembly includes a cleaning device, which is arranged in a gap formed between the coarse object filter device and the particle filter element, and the cleaning device includes a wiper, which is used to remove particles accumulated on the filter surface by means of relative movement between the wiper and the particle filter element, and the relative movement causes the particles removed from the filter surface to move toward the storage volume of the collection chamber removably associated with the shell body.

[0034] Advantageously, the coarse object filter device prevents unwanted objects from reaching the pump and potentially damaging it, and before the liquid reaches the drain outside the machine, the liquid is subjected to a filtering process through the particle filter device, thereby preventing particles from leaving the laundry washing machine. The operating time of the filter assembly before requiring maintenance intervention by the user is advantageously extended by the wiping action which, after removing particles accumulated on the filtering surface of the particle filter element, substantially restores the substantially full efficiency of the filtering surface.

[0035] Further advantageously, providing a collection chamber in which particles removed from the filtering surface of the particle filter element are stored allows the laundry washing machine to be operated for several laundry treatment cycles without any user intervention, whereby user interaction with the filter assembly has a relatively long periodicity.

[0036] In a preferred embodiment, the coarse object filter device according to the invention extends along a main axis and / or the particle filter device according to the invention extends along said main axis.

[0037] This allows to use efficiently the space available in the outer cabinet of the laundry washing machine and to provide a suitably extended filtering surface.

[0038] It should be noted that throughout this description, the expression "main" axis is used to indicate an axis of a device or, in general, a component, about which a general part of the device extends, among any possible axes of the same device.

[0039] According to a preferred embodiment, the object filter element according to the invention and / or the particle filter element according to the invention has a tubular shape, preferably a cylindrical tubular shape.

[0040] This allows limiting the extension of the filtering surface along its main axis while ensuring an appropriate surface size.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, the object filter element according to the invention and the particle filter element according to the invention are arranged coaxially to one another.

[0042] This allows limiting the overall size of the filter assembly so as to be easily placed within the volume defined by the outer box of the laundry washing machine. In addition, advantageously, the space available inside the housing body of the filter assembly can be used more efficiently.

[0043] Preferably, an object filter element according to the invention has walls delimiting an object filter volume, and a particle filter element according to the invention has walls delimiting a particle filter volume, wherein a majority of one of the object filter volume or the particle filter volume is contained within the other.

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment, the collecting chamber according to the invention is arranged at one side of the gap and communicates therewith.

[0045] In this way, the movement and accumulation of particles removed from the filtering surface of the particle filter and collected in the collecting chamber is made efficient.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the collecting chamber according to the invention is embodied as a cap for closing an opening provided in the housing body.

[0047] The cap can be easily handled by a user and removed from the housing body of the filter assembly.

[0048] According to a preferred embodiment, the main outlet is arranged radially outwardly with respect to the inlet, so that the liquid flowing through the filter assembly according to the invention flows radially outwardly from the inlet towards the main outlet.

[0049] According to another preferred embodiment, the inlet is arranged radially outwardly with respect to the main outlet, so that the liquid flowing through the filter assembly according to the invention flows radially inwardly from the inlet towards the main outlet.

[0050] In a preferred embodiment, the particle filter element according to the invention is removably arranged in the housing body and / or the object filter element according to the invention is removably arranged in the housing body.

[0051] To enhance periodic cleaning of the filter assembly, particularly after multiple wiping actions of the wiper on the filtering surface of the particulate filter element, the particulate filter element can be removed to allow a user to perform a manual cleaning process to remove particles that may not be removed by the wiping action of the wiper.

[0052] In embodiments, advantageously, the object filter element according to the invention can be removed from the filter chamber and the housing body, if necessary, for a suitable cleaning procedure or replacement.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, an opening is provided in the housing body, and wherein the particle filter element according to the invention and / or the object filter element according to the invention can be removed from the housing body by passing through the opening.

[0054] Advantageously, the particle filter element and / or the object filter element is easily removed from the housing body through an opening provided in the housing body.Such an opening reduces the dispersion of liquid and particles during the removal process of the particle filter element and / or the object filter element.

[0055] In a further preferred embodiment, the particle filter element according to the invention and / or the object filter element according to the invention can be configured so as not to be removable from the housing body of the filter assembly.

[0056] Advantageously, maintenance interventions on the particle filter element and / or the object filter element are avoided.In case of damage to the particle filter element and / or the object filter element, the entire filter assembly can be replaced.

[0057] According to a preferred embodiment, the wiper according to the invention is a movable wiper.

[0058] In a preferred embodiment, the wiper according to the invention is a rotationally movable wiper.

[0059] In another embodiment, the wiper according to the invention is a translatable wiper, which preferably comprises a piston.

[0060] According to a preferred embodiment, the wiper according to the invention comprises a worm extending along a main axis, said worm comprising a helical element wound around said main axis.

[0061] In an embodiment of the invention, advantageously, the movable wiper wipes one side of the filtering surface of the particle filter element and moves the particles towards the collecting chamber, thereby acting as a screw conveyor.

[0062] The worm allows a wider area of ​​the filtering surface of the particulate filter element to be wiped when relative movement between the wiper and the particulate filter element occurs.

[0063] In a preferred embodiment, the spiral element according to the invention is connected to the coarse object filter device according to the invention, preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element according to the invention.

[0064] The connection of the spiral element to the coarse object filter arrangement facilitates user intervention for periodic cleaning or inspection of the filter assembly.

[0065] Preferably, the coarse object filter device according to the invention is arranged inside a particle filter element according to the invention, wherein the spiral element according to the invention extends outwards from a radially outer surface of the object filter element and towards the particle filter element.

[0066] According to a preferred embodiment, the particle filter element according to the invention is arranged inside the coarse object filter device according to the invention, wherein the spiral element according to the invention extends inwardly from the radial inner surface of the object filter element and towards the particle filter element.

[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the coarse object filter device according to the invention is rotatable.

[0068] In embodiments of the invention, wherein the spiral element is connected to the coarse object filter device and rotation of the coarse object filter device causes rotation of the spiral element, advantageously creating a movement that compacts the filtered filter material and makes it easier to remove from the filter assembly.

[0069] Preferably, the washing machine according to the invention comprises actuating means for moving the cleaning device according to the invention.

[0070] In an embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device may advantageously be moved by a mechanical drive device actuated by a user or by an electric motor.

[0071] According to a preferred embodiment, the actuation device according to the invention comprises a handle or a crank or an automated actuation device.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the particle filter element according to the invention is a movable element, preferably a rotatable element.

[0073] Movement of the particulate filter element allows its filtering surface to be cleaned of particulates that have accumulated thereon.

[0074] Preferably, in an embodiment of the present invention, if the laundry washing machine includes at least the feature that the inlet is arranged radially outward relative to the main outlet, the filter assembly according to the present invention further includes a coarse material removal auxiliary system, which facilitates the movement of objects blocked by the object filter element according to the present invention toward an opening provided in the shell body, wherein most of the particle filter volume according to the present invention is contained in the object filter volume according to the present invention.

[0075] Providing a coarse material removal assist system allows for simplifying cleaning operations of the filter assembly that a user may need to perform periodically.Moving objects blocked by the object filter element toward the opening allows a user to easily access these objects and remove them from the filter assembly.

[0076] According to a preferred embodiment, the system for assisting the removal of coarse material according to the invention comprises a worm extending along a main axis, said worm comprising a helical element wound around said main axis.

[0077] In a preferred embodiment, the spiral element according to the invention is connected to the coarse object filter device according to the invention, preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element according to the invention.

[0078] Preferably, the worm extends outwardly from a radially outer surface of the object filter element according to the invention.

[0079] According to a preferred embodiment, the cleaning device according to the invention and the collecting chamber according to the invention 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.

[0080] Advantageously, disconnecting the collection chamber from the cleaning device allows a user to dispose of relatively small components of the filter assembly, thereby avoiding demanding operations to periodically maintain the filter assembly.

[0081] In a further preferred embodiment, the cleaning device according to the invention and the collecting chamber according to the invention are removably coupled to each other, such that they can be disconnected from each other after integral removal from the housing body.

[0082] In another embodiment of the present invention, the collection chamber can be a device through which the cleaning device can be removed from the housing body of the filter assembly. In this way, the user does not need to interact directly with the cleaning device to remove the cleaning device, thereby basically disposing of the cleaning elements when the filter assembly must be maintained.

[0083] Preferably, the particle filter device according to the invention is a filter suitable for filtering 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.

[0084] 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.

[0085] According to a preferred embodiment, the coarse object filter device according to the invention has a meandering structure or a grid structure which retains objects having a prevalent size greater than 5 mm.

[0086] Advantageously, the coarse object filter means is arranged for objects dispersed in the liquid to be retained by the tortuous or labyrinthine structure through which the liquid passes. Objects which may be blocked by the coarse object filter means have a size which exceeds that of other objects and are typically rigid objects, such as metal, wood or polymer elongated objects. Typical objects which may be blocked by the coarse object filter means are: needles, coins, buttons, staples, i.e. all those objects which cannot freely follow the tortuous path defining the liquid flow without interacting with the walls of said path.

[0087] In a preferred embodiment, the filter assembly according to the invention is arranged in an exhaust system.

[0088] Placing a filter assembly in a laundry washing machine exhaust system prevents the machine from releasing particulates into the surrounding environment, thereby avoiding foreign body contamination of the ocean.

[0089] Preferably, the liquid supply system according to the invention comprises at least one recirculation system for draining liquid from the bottom region of the washing tub to supply said liquid to the second region of the washing tub.

[0090] Advantageously, the recirculation system allows to improve the efficiency of the laundry treatment process, thereby reducing the overall treatment process duration and thus reducing the generation of particles detached from the laundry fabrics.

[0091] According to a preferred embodiment, the outer casing of the machine further comprises an aperture, such that the collecting chamber of the filter assembly is accessible through the aperture.

[0092] Advantageously, providing a filter assembly accessible from outside the cabinet within the volume defined by the outer cabinet of the laundry washing machine avoids the need for a user to mount the filter assembly on a side of the laundry washing machine and hydraulically connect the filter assembly to the filter.

[0093] In a preferred embodiment, the outer housing further comprises an openable door associated with said aperture.

[0094] Providing an openable door covering the aperture for accessing the filter assembly helps to enhance the aesthetics of the laundry washing machine and protects the filter assembly from any undesirable interaction.

[0095] Preferably, the filter assembly according to the invention further comprises a second outlet, which is hydraulically connected to a portion of the hydraulic circuit of said washing machine situated upstream of the filter assembly.

[0096] In a preferred embodiment, the second outlet is provided in a liquid stagnation or sump portion of the housing body.

[0097] Advantageously, the residual liquid in the housing body can be discharged through the second outlet and discharged from the housing body. Therefore, the housing body remains completely emptied and advantageously becomes dry.

[0098] Furthermore, advantageously, removing any residual liquid in the housing body avoids the growth of bacteria and / or yeast, thereby improving hygiene and preventing odors. In addition, maintenance operations of the filter assembly are improved by allowing the user to interact with the drying component of the filter assembly to avoid liquid dripping from the assembly during periodic maintenance of the assembly.

[0099] According to a preferred embodiment, the discharge system includes a conduit suitable for connecting to the barrel outlet port, a discharge pump hydraulically connected to the conduit, and an outlet pipe arranged downstream of the discharge pump and terminating outside the outer box body, and the filter assembly is arranged in the conduit between the barrel outlet port and the discharge pump or in a part of the outlet pipe.

[0100] In a preferred embodiment, the discharge system comprises a discharge pump and a further coarse object filter device arranged upstream of the discharge pump.

[0101] Advantageously, the further object filter arrangement prevents undesirable objects from reaching the drain pump and potentially damaging it, particularly when the filter assembly is arranged downstream of the drain pump. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0102] 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 by the same reference numerals. In particular:

[0103] - Figure 1 shows a front view of a laundry washing machine equipped with a filter assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0104] - Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a clothes washing machine;

[0105] - Figure 3 shows an isometric view of a filter assembly according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0106] - Figure 4 Shows Figure 3 A first side view of a filter assembly;

[0107] - Figure 5 Shows Figure 3 A second side view of the filter assembly;

[0108] - Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A longitudinal cross section of a filter assembly;

[0109] - Figure 7 The first operating position is shown Figure 6 Filter assembly;

[0110] - Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 an exploded view of a filter assembly;

[0111] - Fig. 9 Shows Figure 8 An element of a filter assembly isolated from the rest of the assembly;

[0112] - Fig.10 The invention shows a possible installation configuration in a laundry washing machine. Figure 5 Filter assembly;

[0113] - Fig.11 is in the first operating position Fig.10 A longitudinal cross section of a filter assembly;

[0114] - Fig.12 A longitudinal cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a filter assembly of the present invention is shown in a first operational position;

[0115] - Fig.13 The apparatus is provided with an actuating device. Figure 3 Filter assembly;

[0116] - Fig.14 Shows Fig.13 A partial exploded view of

[0117] - Fig.15 Another type of actuating device is shown. Figure 3 Filter assembly;

[0118] - Fig.16 Shows Figure 6 A cross-section of another embodiment of a filter assembly;

[0119] - Fig.17 The first operating position is shown Fig.16 Filter assembly;

[0120] - Fig.18 Shows Fig.16 an exploded view of a filter assembly;

[0121] - Fig.19 showing an isometric view of another embodiment of a filter bank according to an aspect of the present invention;

[0122] - Fig. 20 Shows Fig.19 A first side view of a filter assembly;

[0123] - Fig.21 yes Fig. 20 A cross-section of the filter assembly along line XXI-XXI, wherein some components inside the filter assembly have been removed;

[0124] - Fig. 22 shows a cross section of another embodiment of a filter group according to an aspect of the invention;

[0125] - Fig.23 Shows Fig. 22 an exploded view of a filter assembly;

[0126] - Fig.24 Shows Fig.23 a cross-section of an element of a filter assembly isolated from the remainder of the filter assembly;

[0127] - Fig.25 shows a cross section of another embodiment of a filter group according to an aspect of the invention;

[0128] - Fig.26 The first operating position is shown Fig.25 Filter assembly;

[0129] - Fig. 27 Shows Fig.25 an exploded view of a filter assembly;

[0130] - Fig.28 Shows Fig. 27 a cross-section of an element of a filter assembly isolated from the remainder of the filter assembly;

[0131] - Fig.29 shows a cross section of another embodiment of a filter group according to an aspect of the invention;

[0132] - Fig.30 Shows Fig.29 an exploded view of a filter assembly;

[0133] - Fig.31 Shows Fig.30 a cross-section of an element of a filter assembly isolated from the remainder of the filter assembly;

[0134] - Fig.32 shows a schematic isometric view of some elements of another embodiment of a filter group according to an aspect of the invention;

[0135] - Fig.33 Shows Fig.32 Exploded view of;

[0136] - Fig.34Shows Fig.32 longitudinal section;

[0137] - Fig.35 A schematic diagram showing a laundry washing machine of the present invention according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown;

[0138] - Fig.36 Shows Fig.35 Another embodiment of a laundry washing machine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0139] 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 also to a laundry washing-drying machine (i.e., an appliance capable of performing not only a washing process but also a drying process on laundry).

[0140] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 , a preferred embodiment of a laundry washing machine 1 according to the present invention is described.

[0141] 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.

[0142] The box body 2 preferably includes a front side wall 2a (at Figure 1 ), lateral side walls and upper side walls, and preferably (but not necessarily) lower side walls (not visible).

[0143] Both the washing tub 3 and the washing drum 4 preferably have a substantially cylindrical shape.

[0144] The cabinet 2 is preferably provided at its front side wall 2 a with a loading / unloading door 8 allowing access to the washing drum 4 .

[0145] 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 can be directly associated with the shaft of the washing drum 4 without the need for a drive belt.

[0146] 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.

[0147] 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.

[0148] In further embodiments, other types of heating devices may advantageously be placed in the machine 1 to heat the liquid.

[0149] Preferably, the laundry washing machine 1 comprises means 19 adapted to sense (or detect) the liquid level inside the washing tub 3 .

[0150] 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.

[0151] The liquid (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 comprises a controlled supply valve 5a, which is properly controlled, opened and closed during the washing cycle or the drying cycle so as to properly perform all its phases. The water supply system of the laundry washing machine is well known in the art and will not be described in detail.

[0152] A liquid supply system generally refers to any system that facilitates the supply of water or any liquid into a bucket.

[0153] 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 a washing cycle or a drying 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.

[0154] Preferably, the process reagent dispenser 14 comprises a removable drawer 6 provided with various compartments suitable for filling with process reagents.

[0155] In the preferred embodiment shown herein, water is supplied from the water supply system 5 to the wash tub 3 by passing the water through the treatment reagent dispenser 14 and then through the supply conduit 18. The provision of one or more treatment reagents to the wash tub 3 may be performed by automatically dosing a certain amount of reagent and then delivering the reagent to the wash tub 3. Such dosing is preferably performed by a dosing device having a metering device for measuring the desired amount of reagent to be obtained from the treatment reagent storage device and delivered to the wash tub 3.

[0156] 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.

[0157] 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.

[0158] 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.

[0159] The laundry washing machine 1 according to the invention 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 and / or drying parameters, in particular a desired laundry washing and / or drying program.

[0160] The laundry washing machine 1 according to the present invention preferably comprises a drain system 20 for draining liquid outside the cabinet 2 to a drain point (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.

[0161] Drain system 20 preferably includes a drain conduit 22 connected to a bowl outlet port (eg, an outlet port of sump 15 ), a drain pump 24 hydraulically connected to drain conduit 22 , and an outlet pipe 26 terminating outside of tank 2 .

[0162] Preferably, the discharge pump 24 is a centrifugal pump provided with a rotating member or impeller that moves liquid towards the pump outlet.

[0163] According to the first aspect of the present invention, a filter assembly 30 is arranged in the flow path between the water supply system 5 and the exhaust system 20 .

[0164] Preferably, the filter assembly 30 is arranged in the discharge system 20. More preferably, the filter assembly 30 is arranged in the discharge conduit 22 between the bowl outlet port and the discharge pump 24, ie, the filter assembly 30 is arranged upstream of the discharge pump 24.

[0165] In a different preferred embodiment, the filter assembly according to the invention can be arranged downstream of a discharge pump, as better described later.

[0166] The filter assembly 30 comprises a particle filter device 40 for retaining particles and a coarse object filter device 140 for blocking objects having a general size greater than 5 mm.

[0167] The coarse object filter device 140 is preferably adapted to block objects before they reach, for example, the discharge pump 24 when the filter assembly is arranged upstream of the discharge pump, or before they reach a discharge point, for example, outside the tank when the filter assembly is arranged downstream of the discharge pump, as better described later.

[0168] The purpose of the coarse object filter device 140 is preferably to trap undesirable objects that could damage the pump, preferably the discharge pump 24, such as the impeller in the case of a centrifugal pump design.

[0169] Objects of the kind described (also indicated hereinafter as coarse materials) have dimensions exceeding those of other objects and are typically rigid objects, such as metal, wood or polymer elongated objects, and may include, for example, needles, coins, buttons, staples, screws, paper clips, pieces of clothing, etc.

[0170] The particle filter device 40 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] Therefore, the particulate filter device 40 advantageously acts as a microplastic filter device 40 .

[0173] As described above, the coarse object filter device 140 is preferably adapted to block coarse materials. At the same time, the coarse object filter device 140 allows particulates to pass therethrough.

[0174] Therefore, according to a preferred aspect of the invention, the filter assembly 30 prevents coarse material from reaching the discharge pump 24 or the discharge point outside the tank, and the liquid is also advantageously subjected to a filtering process before it reaches the discharge point outside the laundry washing machine 1, thereby preventing particles from leaving the machine 1.

[0175] Therefore, the liquid flowing through the filter assembly 30 and discharged to the outside through the exhaust system 20 is advantageously subjected to the action of both the coarse object filter device 140 and the particulate filter device 40, as better described later.

[0176] refer to Figures 3 to 9 An embodiment of the filter assembly 30 according to the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0177] The filter assembly 30 preferably shows an elongated shape and preferably extends along a main axis X0. However, in different embodiments, the filter assembly may be differently shaped, for example, it may be box-like in shape and not even define any particular main axis of extension.

[0178] The filter assembly 30 comprises a housing body 32 which is preferably made of a plastic material (i.e., a polymer material). Thus, the housing body 32 of the filter assembly 30 preferably extends between a front side 32a and a rear side 32b thereof. The housing body 32 preferably comprises a wall so as to enclose a volume therein. In particular, the rear wall 29 encloses the housing body 32 at its rear side 32b.

[0179] The particulate filter device 40 and the coarse object filter device 140 preferably extend within the same body member (ie, the housing body 32).

[0180] according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The preferred embodiment shown, the filter assembly 30 is preferably arranged in a lower part of the laundry washing machine 1 , more preferably in the lower right side of the laundry washing machine 1 .

[0181] The filter assembly 30 is preferably placed just below the sump 15 and is connected to the sump by means of the first portion 22a of the discharge conduit 22. The filter assembly 30 is preferably placed just above the discharge pump 24.

[0182] The filter assembly 30 preferably includes an inlet 34 for the liquid to be filtered and a main outlet 36 for discharging the filtered liquid to the outside of the housing body 32. The liquid passing through the filter assembly 30 flows from the inlet 34 toward the main outlet 36.

[0183] The inlet 34 of the filter assembly 30 is preferably connected to the first portion 22 a of the exhaust conduit 22 .

[0184] The inlet 34 is preferably arranged at the rear side 32 b of the housing body 32 , and is preferably arranged at the point where the main axis X0 along which the filter assembly 30 extends intersects the rear wall 29 of the housing body 32 .

[0185] The main outlet 36 of the filter assembly 30 is preferably connected to the discharge pump 24 , preferably via the second portion 22 b of the discharge conduit 22 .

[0186] The main outlet 36 is also preferably arranged at the rear side 32 b of the housing body 32 .

[0187] With reference to the section of liquid passing through the rear side 32b of the housing body 32, the main outlet 36 is preferably disposed radially outwardly relative to the inlet 34. Thus, liquid passing through the filter assembly 30 flows radially outwardly from the inlet 34 toward the main outlet 36.

[0188] According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the particulate filter device 40 is arranged downstream of the coarse filter device 140, so that during operation of the filter assembly 30, liquid flows through the coarse filter device 140 first and then through the particulate filter device 40. Liquid entering the filter assembly 30 via the inlet 34 leaves the coarse filter device 140 radially.

[0189] Thus, the term “downstream” herein refers to the direction of flow of liquid that enters the filter assembly 30 through the inlet 34 and reaches the primary outlet 36 during operation of the filter assembly 30 .

[0190] As described above, the filter assembly 30 includes a particulate filter device 40 for retaining particulates.

[0191] The particulate filter device 40 extends along a main axis X1 which preferably, but not necessarily, coincides with the main axis X0 of the filter assembly 30 .

[0192] The particulate filter device 40 is housed in the housing body 32 and includes a particulate filter element 44 having a filter surface 46 at which particulates accumulate when liquid flows therethrough.

[0193] The particle filter element 44 preferably has a tubular shape, more preferably a cylindrical tubular shape. The particle filter element 44 preferably extends along said main axis X1. The filtering surface 46 preferably comprises a plurality of grids 46a, more preferably rectangular grids 46a (e.g. Figure 8 (see ).

[0194] The grids 46a are preferably implemented using braided wire. In a preferred embodiment, the wire is made of polyethylene. The plurality of grids 46a may be provided by one or more braided wire layers covering a plurality of openings formed in the wall of the particle filter element 44. In particular, the wall may be formed by over-injecting a polymer material onto a mesh foil.

[0195] Typically, the particulate filter element 44 has walls defining a particulate filter volume 42, such as Figure 8Better visible in.

[0196] 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.

[0197] Under normal operating conditions of the particulate filter device 40, the liquid leaving the coarse object filter device 140 undergoes filtration by passing through the particulate filter element 44, in particular by passing through the mesh 46a. Thus, the filtered liquid leaving the particulate filter element 44 reaches the elongated annular chamber 48, which is located radially outside the particulate filter element 44. The elongated annular chamber 48 is in hydraulic communication with the main outlet 36 of the filter assembly 30 and allows the liquid to drain to the outside of the filter assembly 30.

[0198] As liquid flows through the particulate filter element 44 , particulates gradually accumulate on the filter surface 46 .

[0199] As mentioned above, the filter assembly 30 also includes a coarse filter device 140 for retaining coarse material. The coarse filter device 140 is located between the inlet 34 of the liquid to be filtered and the particle filter device 40 so as to intercept all liquid entering the filter assembly 30.

[0200] The coarse object filter device 140 includes an object filter element 144 that is configured to retain coarse elements when liquid flows therethrough.

[0201] The coarse object filter device 140 preferably extends along a main axis X2 which preferably, but not necessarily, coincides with the main axis X0 of the filter assembly 30 and / or with the main axis X1 of the particulate filter device 40 .

[0202] The coarse material filter arrangement 140 is housed within the housing body 32 and includes a material filter element 144 that blocks coarse material as the liquid flows therethrough.

[0203] The object filter element 144 preferably has a tubular shape, more preferably a cylindrical tubular shape.The object filter element 144 preferably extends along said main axis X2.

[0204] Typically, the object filter element 144 has walls defining an object filter volume 43. Figure 7 Better visible in.

[0205] The object filter element 144 is placed inside the housing body 32 such that the inlet 34 of the filter assembly 30 is in hydraulic communication with the interior of the object filter element 144 , ie, with the object filter volume 43 .

[0206] The object filter element 144 preferably has a grid structure and preferably includes apertures 146 of appropriate size to intercept objects with a prevalent size greater than 5 mm, for example, parallelogram-shaped apertures as shown in the figures.

[0207] In other preferred embodiments, the object filter element may be configured differently, for example, it may have a Fig.16 and Fig.17 The tortuous structure described in the embodiment.

[0208] Preferably, object filter element 144 and particulate filter element 44 are arranged coaxially with each other.

[0209] According to the first preferred embodiment and as Figures 1 to 9 As shown, object filter element 144 is disposed inside particle filter element 44. In other words, object filter volume 43 defined by object filter element 144 is contained within particle filter volume 42 defined by particle filter element 44. Preferably, a majority of object filter volume 43 is contained within particle filter volume 42.

[0210] Advantageously, the space available inside the housing body 32 can be used more efficiently. Thus, preferably, the object filter element 144 is arranged inside and coaxially with the particle filter element 44.

[0211] A gap 25 is formed between the particle filter element 44 and the coarse object filter device 140. More preferably, the gap 25 is defined between the particle filter element 44 and the object filter element 144. Such gap 25 receives liquid exiting the object filter element 144 before the liquid enters the particle filter element 44. Thus, in a configuration where both the particle filter element 44 and the object filter element 144 have a tubular shape, the gap 25 is preferably located radially outside the object filter element 144 and radially inside the particle filter element 44.

[0212] When the discharge system 20 is in operation, with the discharge pump 24 activated, the object filter element 144 of the coarse object filter device 140 receives liquid from the inlet 34, and the liquid then undergoes coarse filtration by passing through the object filter element 144 and its apertures 146. Thus, the filtered liquid reaches the gap 25. The coarse object filter device 140 thus traps in the coarse object filter volume 43 undesirable objects that could damage the discharge pump 24 (e.g., could damage the impeller in the case of a centrifugal pump design).

[0213] The liquid leaving the object filter element 144 then undergoes particle filtering by passing through the particle filter element 44 and then, once leaving the particle filter element 44, reaches the annular chamber 48. Finally, the filtered liquid leaves the filter assembly 30 through the main outlet 36 and is discharged to the outside through the second portion 22b of the exhaust conduit 22 and the outlet pipe 26.

[0214] Thus, liquid flowing through filter assembly 30 and from inlet 34 preferably flows radially outward from interior volume 43 of filter assembly 30 (ie, from object filter volume 43 ) toward annular chamber 48 and ultimately to primary outlet 36 .

[0215] Therefore, the liquid flowing through the filter assembly 30 and discharged to the outside of the laundry washing machine 1 is subjected to the action of both the coarse object filter device 140 and the particle filter device 40. According to an aspect of the invention, the filter assembly 30 is equipped with a cleaning device 50 configured to remove particles accumulated on a first side of the filtering surface 46 of the particle filter element 44 encountered by the liquid when passing through said filtering surface 46. The cleaning device 50 is arranged in the gap 25 between the coarse object filter device 140 and the particle filter element 44.

[0216] The cleaning device 50 is configured to move particles removed from the filter surface 46 towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 .

[0217] More preferably, the cleaning device 50 is configured for moving particles removed from the filter surface 46 along a main axis X1 along which the particle filter element 44 extends towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 .

[0218] According to another aspect of the present invention, collection chamber 60 is removably associated with housing body 32 of filter assembly 30 .

[0219] The collecting chamber 60 is preferably arranged at one side (particularly the end side) of the gap 25 and communicates therewith.

[0220] According to another aspect of the invention, cleaning device 50 preferably includes a wiper 51 that wipes one side of filter surface 46 , preferably a first side of filter surface 46 that is encountered by liquid and where particulates accumulate during operation of filter assembly 30 .

[0221] Removal of particles accumulated on the filter surface 46 is achieved by means of relative movement between the wiper 51 and the particle filter element 44 .

[0222] exist Figures 1 to 9 In the preferred embodiment shown, the wiping action is obtained by moving the wiper 51 while keeping the particle filter element 44 stationary, more preferably by rotating the wiper 51, as better described later. The wiper 51 is therefore a movable wiper, in particular a rotationally movable wiper 51.

[0223] Preferably, the wiper 51 is implemented as a worm extending along the main axis X3 and having a spiral element 56 wound around the main axis X3. The spiral element 56 extends outwards from the radially outer surface of the object filter element 144 and towards the particle filter element 44.

[0224] In the preferred embodiment described herein, the main axis X3 preferably coincides with the main axis X2 of the coarse object filter device 140. The edge of the spiral element 56 advantageously wipes the filtering surface 46 of the particle filter element 44 as the spiral element 56 rotates.

[0225] exist Figures 1 to 9 In the preferred embodiment shown, the cleaning device 50 is connected to the coarse object filter device 140, preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element 144. Preferably, the cleaning device 50 is made integrally with the coarse object filter device 140, more preferably integrally with the object filter element 144.

[0226] In particular, the spiral element 56 is preferably connected to the coarse object filter device 140, more preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element 144. Preferably, the spiral element 56 is preferably made integrally with the coarse object filter device 140, more preferably integrally with the object filter element 144. Preferably, the spiral element 56 is wound around the coarse object filter device 140 on its radially outer surface, more preferably around the object filter element 144. The spiral element 56 is preferably a circular spiral element 56. According to this embodiment, the spiral element 56 substantially defines a helical surface.

[0227] In a further preferred embodiment, the wiper can be implemented as a separate device relative to the coarse object filter device, as shown in FIG. Figure 32 to Figure 34 As shown and described.

[0228] The cleaning effect of the wiper 51 is performed when the wiper 51 rotates about the main axis X3. During rotation, the spiral element 56 wipes one side of the filtering surface 46 of the particle filter element 44, thereby removing the particles accumulated on this side, while at the same time the rotatable element is able to move the particles towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60, thereby ultimately acting as a screw conveyor.

[0229] Thus, as the wiper 51 rotates, particles are collected into the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60. The particles removed from the filter surface 46 are transported toward the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 and toward the opening 37 provided in the shell body 32. The collection chamber 60 has a storage volume 61 that is preferably sized to store a certain amount of particles generated after several laundry washing cycles. In this way, the filter assembly 30 can be operated for a relatively long time without the need to empty the collection chamber 60. The particles can be removed from the filter assembly 30 by removing the collection chamber 60 from the shell body 32.

[0230] Advantageously, the particles moving towards the collection chamber 60 are pressed into the storage area 61 by the action of the spiral element 56 .

[0231] according to Figures 1 to 9 In the first preferred embodiment shown, the rotation of the wiper 51 is obtained by a rotation of the coarse object filter device 140 , in particular of the object filter element 144 , since the wiper 51 is connected to the coarse object filter device 140 .

[0232] For this purpose, the object filter element 144 is configured to rotate about the axis X2. The first end 144a or the rear end 144a of the object filter element 144 is received in a corresponding support seat 45 of the particle filter element 44. Preferably, the first end 144a of the object filter element 144 and the support seat 45 of the particle filter element 44 are cylindrical in shape.

[0233] The support bracket 45 and the rear end 144a of the object filter element 144 are shaped, for example, both are cylindrical in shape, and are connected so that the object filter element 144 can rotate relative to the support bracket 45 when the object filter element 144 and the wiper 51 rotate.

[0234] The second end 144 b or front end 144 b of the object filter element 144 is received in a corresponding support seat 63 of the collection chamber 60 .

[0235] The support bracket 63 and the second end 144b of the object filter element 144 are shaped, for example, both are cylindrical, and are connected so that when the object filter element 144 and the wiper 51 are rotated, the object filter element 144 can rotate relative to the support bracket 63, and when the collection chamber 60 is removed from the shell body 32, the collection chamber 60 can be disengaged from the object filter element 144.

[0236] The support seat 63 of the collecting chamber 60 is preferably open to the outside, ie it is a through hole, and the second end 144 b of the object filter element 144 is preferably accessible from the outside of the filter assembly 30 .

[0237] The second end 144b of the object filter element 144 is also preferably provided with an actuation seat 145. The actuation seat 145 preferably faces outwardly so that it can be accessed from the exterior of the filter assembly 30.

[0238] Rotation of the object filter element 144 is preferably achieved by an actuating device 70 that can engage the actuating support 145, the actuating device being, for example, a flat head screwdriver or a crank or handle 70, such as Fig.13 and Fig.14 The handle 70 is preferably removably connected to the object filter element 144 at the actuation seat 145 .

[0239] Rotation of the actuation device 70, in particular the handle 70, allows rotation of the object filter element 144 and the wiper 51. Thus, particles are removed from the filter surface 46 and conveyed towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 by rotation of the handle 70, when necessary.

[0240] Said operation is preferably performed manually by a user when required, for example after a predetermined number of washing cycles.

[0241] In another preferred embodiment, Fig.15 As shown, the rotation of the object filter element 144 may be obtained by automated actuation means 170 , for example a rotatable shaft moved by a motor and engaging the actuation support 145 . The automated actuation means 170 may preferably be controlled by the control unit 11 of the laundry washing machine 1 .

[0242] The object filter element 144 and the wiper 51 implemented therewith are also configured such that they can be removed from the housing body 32 , preferably by taking out the object filter element 144 in the direction of the main axis X2 .

[0243] As described above, the collection chamber 60 is configured to be removably associated with the housing body 32. The collection chamber 60 serves as a cap for the opening 37 of the housing body 32 and closes the opening 37 when the collection chamber 60 is coupled to the housing body 32.

[0244] according to Figures 3 to 9 In the illustrated preferred embodiment, the collection chamber 60 is preferably removably associated with the housing body 32 by mechanical interference, and thus, the collection chamber 60 is preferably removably associated with the housing body 32 by a push / pull action.

[0245] In a further preferred embodiment, the collecting chamber may be configured to be screwable to the housing body.

[0246] A sealing element 60a, such as a plastic (ie polymer) O-ring, is preferably arranged between the collecting chamber 60 and the housing body 32 to ensure water tightness during the filtering process and also to form a mechanical interference.

[0247] The object filter element 144 and the collection chamber 60 are preferably removably coupled to one another such that the collection chamber 60 can be disconnected from the object filter element 144 when the collection chamber 60 is removed from the housing body 32 .

[0248] When the collection chamber 60 is removed from the housing body 32, as shown Figure 7 As shown, the object filter element 144 and the wiper 51 implemented therewith are accessible so that they can be removed from the housing body 32 and completely taken out of the housing body 32. Therefore, the object filter element 144 and the wiper 51 can be used for a proper cleaning process, which does not include rinsing them under a flow of liquid that would be wasted if nothing is done, and / or replacing them in the event that the object filter element 144 and / or the wiper 51 are damaged or worn due to long-term operation. In particular, the object filter element 144 and the wiper 51 can be taken out of the housing body through the opening 37 of the housing body 32.

[0249] After the object filter element 144 and the wiper 51 are completely removed from the housing body 32, the particle filter element 44 and its filtering surface 46 are advantageously accessible from the outside. If necessary, the user can access the particle filter element 44 and its filtering surface 46 for another appropriate cleaning process.

[0250] More preferably, the particle filter element 44 is removably arranged in the housing body 32. Advantageously, after removing the collecting chamber 60 and the object filter element 144, the user can also remove the particle filter element 44 from the housing body 32 and thus facilitate the cleaning process, still without excluding the need to rinse the particle filter element 44 and its filtering surface 46 under a flow of liquid that would otherwise be wasted, and / or replace the particle filter element 44 in the event that it is worn or damaged, such as in Figure 8 In particular, the particle filter element 44 can be removed from the housing body 32 through its opening 37 .

[0251] Between the particulate filter element 44 of the particulate filter device 40 and the housing body 32 , sealing elements, such as plastic (ie polymer) O-rings, are preferably arranged in corresponding grooves 47 to ensure water tightness during the filtering process.

[0252] The particulate filter element 44 preferably includes a front portion 44 a that extends toward a front portion of the housing body 32 of the particulate filter device 40 .

[0253] The collection chamber 60 preferably contacts the outer surface of the front portion 44 a of the particulate filter element 44 when connected to the housing body 32 .

[0254] After removal of the collection chamber 60 , the front portion 44 a of the particulate filter element 44 may advantageously be grasped by a user, thereby facilitating extraction of the particulate filter element 44 .

[0255] As described above, the collection chamber 60 is configured to be removably associated with the housing body 32 and Figures 3 to 9 In the preferred embodiment shown, the collection chamber 60 is connected to the housing body 32 by mechanical interference. In another preferred embodiment (not shown), the collection chamber can be removably associated with the housing body, rather than directly coupling the collection chamber to the housing body. For example, the collection chamber can be removably associated (e.g., screwable) with the front portion of the particulate filter element 44 rather than the housing body 32, the former being connected to the latter.

[0256] In the preferred embodiment shown herein, the housing 2 comprises an opening 7 such as Figure 1 As shown, the collection chamber 60 and the filter element 44 , 144 of the particle filter device 30 are made accessible to a user from the outside.

[0257] The aperture 7 is preferably realized in the lower right side of the front side wall 2 a of the laundry washing machine 1 and is aligned with the filter assembly 30 .

[0258] The box 2 then preferably comprises an openable door 13 associated with the orifice 7 to allow access to this orifice.

[0259] Operationally, when maintenance needs to be performed, the user can proceed as follows. First, the user can perform a cleaning process by, for example, rotating the object filter element 144 and the wiper 51 using a handle 70 that can be connected to the actuation support 145, forming the orifice 7. Then, the user can remove the collection chamber 60 from the housing body 32, and the collection chamber 60 can thus be cleaned of particles stored in the storage area 61.

[0260] Furthermore, if desired, a user may remove the object filter element 144 and / or the particle filter element 44 for appropriate cleaning procedures or replacement.

[0261] Advantageously, the particle filter device 30 according to the invention makes maintenance operations of the laundry washing machine 1 , such as maintenance of the filter element 44 , 144 or replacement operations thereof, more comfortable compared to known systems.

[0262] exist Figures 4 to 9 In the figure, the filter assembly 30 and / or its parts are shown in a horizontal position. This is a possible practical position in which the filter assembly 30 can be installed inside the laundry washing machine 1.

[0263] As described above, the filter assembly 30 is placed just above the drain pump 24, and when the drain pump 24 is not in operation, liquid is prevented from flowing back from the drain pump 24 to the interior of the housing body 32. In addition, the liquid within the housing body 32 can return toward the first portion 22a of the discharge conduit 22 through the inlet 34 by means of gravity and at least partially empty the housing body 32. Therefore, the housing body 32 can even dry out.

[0264] The risk that liquid may overflow outside the machine 1 and end up dripping on the floor is then reduced or eliminated, in particular when a user removes the collection chamber 60 and / or the filter element 44 , 144 during maintenance operations.

[0265] Furthermore, removing residual liquid in the housing body avoids the growth of bacteria and / or yeasts, thus improving hygiene and preventing odors.

[0266] Fig.10 and Fig.11 Another possible practical location where the filter assembly 30 may be mounted inside the laundry washing machine 1 is shown.

[0267] Considering that the laundry washing machine 1 and the filter assembly 30 are placed in their standing working position, the filter assembly 30 can preferably be installed inside the laundry washing machine 1 in an inclined position so that the front part of the filter assembly 30 is in a higher position relative to its rear part.

[0268] When the discharge pump 24 is not operated, the liquid is not discharged to the outside of the tank 2 , and residual liquid may remain inside the housing body 32 .

[0269] By installing the filter assembly 30 in said inclined position and when the discharge pump 24 is not in operation, the liquid or residual liquid collected in the housing body 32 returns by means of gravity through the inlet 34 towards the first portion 22a of the discharge conduit 22. Thus, the housing body 32 remains substantially empty and can even dry out. Compared to a horizontal arrangement of the filter assembly 30, the inclined position of the filter assembly 30 increases the liquid discharged through the inlet 34.

[0270] Likewise, the risk that liquid may overflow outside the machine 1 and eventually drip onto the floor is then reduced or eliminated.

[0271] Furthermore, removing residual liquid in the housing body avoids the growth of bacteria and / or yeasts, thus improving hygiene and preventing odors.

[0272] Fig.12 Another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, which differs from the previously described preferred embodiment in that the object filter element 144 and the collection chamber 60 of the particle filter device 30 are removably connected to each other, so that when the collection chamber 60 is removed from the shell body 32, the object filter element 144 preferably remains connected to the collection chamber 60, and the collection chamber 60 can then be removed from the object filter element 144.

[0273] In the drawings, previously referenced Figures 6 to 11 Corresponding features and / or components of the described first embodiment are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0274] According to this preferred embodiment, the front end 144b of the object filter element 144 is preferably configured to be received in the corresponding support seat 63 of the collection chamber 60 with a predetermined mechanical interference value. The mechanical interference value is sized to allow the object filter element 144 to rotate relative to the support seat 63, as described above with reference to the cleaning process when the object filter element 144 and the wiper 51 are rotated to wipe the filtering surface 46 of the particle filter element 44. At the same time, the mechanical interference value is sized so that when the collection chamber 60 is removed from the housing body 32, the collection chamber 60 remains engaged with the front end 144b of the object filter element 144, as shown in the operating position in the figure.

[0275] exist Fig.12In the illustrated operating position, which may refer to a maintenance phase of the laundry washing machine 1, the collecting chamber 60 together with the object filter element 144 is completely removed from the housing body 32. The collecting chamber 60 can then be removed from the object filter element 144 by a stronger mutual separation force exerted on the elements 60, 144 by the user.

[0276] In an alternative embodiment, the front end 144b of the object filter element 144 may be provided with a hook-like element that engages a portion of the support support 63 and / or the collecting chamber 60 in order to ensure that the object filter element 144 and the collecting chamber 60 remain connected to each other if a pushing or pulling action is exerted on the collecting chamber 60, and in order to allow a relative rotation between the collecting chamber and the object filter element 144. Disconnection between the object filter element 144 and the support support 63 and / or the collecting chamber 60 may be performed by acting on the hook-like element, by removing its engagement with a portion of the support support 63 and / or the collecting chamber 60. A hook-like element may also be provided in the support support 63 and / or the collecting chamber 60 to engage a portion of the front end 144b of the object filter element 144.

[0277] Figures 16 to 18 An alternative preferred embodiment of a coarse object filter arrangement 240 of the filter assembly 30 of the present invention is shown.

[0278] In the accompanying drawings, reference Figures 3 to 15 Corresponding features and / or components of the described embodiments are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0279] The coarse object filter device 240 includes an object filter element 244 that is configured to retain coarse elements when liquid flows therethrough.

[0280] exist Figures 16 to 18 In the preferred embodiment shown, the object filter element 244 preferably has a cylindrical tubular shape so as to define a channel 245 and preferably extends along a main axis X2.

[0281] Object filter element 244 is placed inside housing body 32 such that inlet 34 of filter assembly 30 is in hydraulic communication with passage 245 .

[0282] The channel 245 of the object filter element 244 is preferably provided with a tortuous structure, for example in the form of tabs 246 arranged along the channel 245 to create a labyrinthine path. Liquid from the inlet 34 flows through the channel 245, while objects (coarse material) are blocked by the tabs 246.

[0283] Liquid flowing through the channel 245 exits the object filter element 244 through one or more apertures 247 at the front end 244b of the object filter element 244 and reaches the gap 25. From there, the liquid then undergoes particle filtration as described above for the first preferred embodiment.

[0284] Figures 19 to 21 A filter assembly 430 is shown according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention.

[0285] In the accompanying drawings, Figures 3 to 18 Corresponding features and / or components of the embodiments of the filter assembly described in are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0286] The filter assembly 430 differs from the previously described preferred embodiment in that the filter assembly 430 further includes a second outlet 402 .

[0287] Preferably, the second outlet 402 is disposed in a liquid stagnant or sump portion 33 of the housing body 32. The liquid stagnant or sump portion 33 preferably coincides with a lower region of the housing body 32, such as at Fig.21 Better visible in.

[0288] Preferably, the second outlet 402 of the filter assembly 430 is hydraulically connected to a pipeline arranged upstream of the filter assembly 430, ie a pipeline supplying the liquid to be filtered to the filter assembly 430, for example, as described later with reference to Fig.36 As shown and described, the second outlet 402 of the filter assembly 430 is hydraulically connected to the first portion 26 a of the outlet conduit 26 via the discharge conduit 404 .

[0289] According to an aspect of the present invention, the second outlet 402 is provided for discharging the liquid collected in the sump portion 33 from the housing body 32 .

[0290] When the filter assembly 430 is in operation, the liquid to be filtered is delivered to the inlet 34 of the filter assembly 430, and the filtered liquid is discharged through the main outlet 36, as has been extensively explained above. In particular, the liquid to be filtered and flowing into the filter assembly 430 through the inlet 34 undergoes a filtering process through the particle filter element 44 and is then discharged through the main outlet 36. According to this embodiment, when the filter assembly 430 is in operation, the liquid that has undergone a filtering process through the particle filter element 44 is also discharged through the second outlet 402.

[0291] When the filter assembly 430 is not in operation, for example after the washing cycle has terminated, the liquid to be filtered is no longer delivered to the inlet 34 of the filter assembly 430 .

[0292] The filtered liquid having undergone the filtering process through the particulate filter element 44 inside the housing body 32 falls into the sump portion 33 of the housing body 32 by means of gravity, thereby defining residual liquid.

[0293] The residual liquid in the sump portion 33 is advantageously drained through the second outlet 402 and drained by gravity from the body 32 of the filter assembly 430. Thus, the housing body 32 remains completely emptied and can run dry.

[0294] Removing any residual liquid in the housing body 32 avoids the growth of bacteria and / or yeast, thereby improving sanitation and preventing odors.

[0295] Furthermore, removing any residual liquid in the housing body 32 avoids the possibility that liquid may spill to the exterior and eventually drip onto the floor when the collection chamber 60 is removed from the housing body 32, and / or when the rotatable element 144 is removed from the housing body 32, and / or when the particulate filter element 44 is removed from the housing body 32.

[0296] In a preferred embodiment of the filter assembly described above, the object filter element is arranged inside the particle filter element, or as described above, the object filter volume defined by the object filter element is contained within the particle filter volume defined by the particle filter element. Preferably, a majority of the object filter volume is contained within the particle filter volume. Furthermore, the liquid flowing through the filter assembly flows radially outwards from the inlet toward the main outlet.

[0297] However, in further preferred embodiments, the particle filter element may be arranged inside the object filter element and liquid flowing through the filter assembly may flow radially inwardly from the inlet towards the main outlet.

[0298] Figure 22 to Figure 24 A filter assembly 530 of this type is shown. In the drawings, corresponding features and / or components of previously described embodiments are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0299] According to this preferred embodiment, the particle filter element 544 of the particle filter device 540 is arranged inside the object filter element 644 of the coarse object filter device 640. In other words, the particle filter volume 542 defined by the particle filter element 544 is contained within the object filter volume 543 defined by the object filter element 644. Preferably, a large part of the particle filter volume 542 is contained within the object filter volume 543. In addition, preferably, with reference to the section of the rear side 32b of the housing body 32 of the filter assembly 540 through which the liquid passes, the inlet 534 is preferably arranged radially outwardly relative to the main outlet 536. Thus, compared to the previous embodiment, the mutual positions of the inlet 534 and the outlet 536 of the present embodiment are inverted. Thus, as better described later, the liquid flowing through the filter assembly 530 flows radially inwardly from the inlet 534 towards the main outlet 536.

[0300] According to this embodiment, the particulate filter device 540 is still advantageously arranged downstream of the coarse filter device 640 , so that during operation of the filter assembly 530 , the liquid flows first through the coarse filter device 640 and then through the particulate filter device 540 .

[0301] The particle filter device 540 extends along a main axis X1, which preferably but not necessarily coincides with the main axis X0 of the filter assembly 530. The particle filter device 540 is housed in the housing body 32 and comprises a particle filter element 544 having a filter surface 546 where particles accumulate when the liquid flows through the filter surface. In this preferred embodiment, the particles then accumulate outside the filter surface 546.

[0302] The particle filter element 544 preferably has a tubular shape, more preferably a cylindrical tubular shape. The particle filter element 544 preferably extends along said main axis X1. The filtering surface 546 preferably comprises a plurality of grids 546a, more preferably rectangular grids 546a, for example grids of the type described above.

[0303] Particulate filter element 544 has walls that define a particulate filter volume 542 .

[0304] Particulate filter volume 542 is in hydraulic communication with primary outlet 536 of filter assembly 530 .

[0305] The coarse body filter device 640 is located between the inlet 534 for the liquid to be filtered and the particle filter device 540 .

[0306] The coarse material filter arrangement 640 is housed within the housing body 32 and includes a material filter element 644 that blocks coarse material as the liquid flows therethrough.

[0307] The coarse object filter device 640 preferably extends along a main axis X2 which preferably, but not necessarily, coincides with the main axis X0 of the filter assembly 530 and / or with the main axis X1 of the particulate filter device 540 .

[0308] The object filter element 644 preferably has a tubular shape, more preferably a cylindrical tubular shape.The object filter element 644 preferably extends along said main axis X2.

[0309] The object filter element 644 has walls that define the object filter volume 543 .

[0310] The object filter element 644 preferably has a grid structure and preferably includes apertures 646 of appropriate size to intercept objects with a prevalent size greater than 5 mm, for example, parallelogram-shaped apertures as shown in the figure.

[0311] An elongated annular chamber 548 is preferably defined between the housing body 32 and the object filter element 644. The elongated annular chamber 548 is in hydraulic communication with the inlet 534 of the filter assembly 530.

[0312] As described above, particulate filter element 544 of particulate filter device 540 is disposed within object filter element 644 of coarse object filter device 640 .

[0313] Preferably, the object filter element 644 and the particle filter element 544 are arranged coaxially with each other. More preferably, the object filter element 644 and the particle filter element 544 are arranged coaxially with each other such that their respective axes X2, X1 coincide.

[0314] A gap 525 is formed between the particulate filter element 544 and the coarse object filter device 640. More preferably, the gap 525 is defined between the particulate filter element 544 and the object filter element 644.

[0315] This gap 525 receives liquid that exits the object filter element 644 before it enters the particle filter element 544. Thus, in a configuration where both the particle filter element 544 and the object filter element 644 have a tubular shape, the gap 525 is preferably located radially inside the object filter element 644 and radially outside the particle filter element 544.

[0316] When the drain system of a laundry washing machine receiving the filter assembly 530 is operating, for example, with the drain pump activated, the object filter element 644 of the coarse object filter device 640 receives liquid from the inlet 534, and the liquid then undergoes coarse filtration by passing through the object filter element 644 and its orifice 646.

[0317] Thus, the filtered liquid reaches the gap 525. Thus, undesirable objects that could damage the discharge pump (eg the impeller in case a centrifugal pump design is used) are trapped in the elongated annular chamber 548.

[0318] Liquid exiting object filter element 644 then undergoes a particle filtering action by passing through particle filter element 544 and then, once exiting particle filter element 544, reaches particle filter volume 542. Finally, the filtered liquid exits filter assembly 530 through primary outlet 536. Thus, liquid flowing through filter assembly 530 and from inlet 534 preferably flows radially inwardly from annular chamber 548 toward particle filter volume 542 and finally reaches primary outlet 536.

[0319] The liquid flowing through the filter assembly 530 and discharged to the outside of the laundry washing machine is thus advantageously subjected to the action of both the coarse object filter device 640 and the particulate filter device 540 .

[0320] The filter assembly 530 is then preferably equipped with a cleaning device 550 configured to remove particles accumulated on a first side of the filtering surface 546 of the particle filter element 544 encountered by the liquid when passing through said filtering surface 546. The cleaning device 550 is arranged in the gap 525 between the coarse object filter device 640 and the particle filter element 544.

[0321] The cleaning device 550 is configured to move particles removed from the filter surface 546 towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 .

[0322] According to this embodiment, the cleaning device 550 preferably includes a wiper 551 that wipes one side of the filter surface 546 , preferably a first side of the filter surface 546 that is encountered by the liquid and where particulates accumulate during operation of the filter assembly 530 .

[0323] Removal of particles accumulated on the filter surface 546 is achieved by means of relative movement between the wiper 551 and the particle filter element 544 .

[0324] exist Figure 22 to Figure 24 In the preferred embodiment shown, the wiping action is obtained by moving the particle filter element 544 and its filtering surface 546 while keeping the wiper 551 stationary, more preferably by rotating the particle filter element 544, as better described later.

[0325] Preferably, the wiper 551 is implemented as a worm, which extends along the main axis X3 and has a spiral element 556 wound around the main axis X3. The spiral element 556 extends inwardly from the radial inner surface of the object filter element 644 and towards the particle filter element 544, which preferably has a large part of its volume contained in the object filter volume 543 defined by the object filter element 644. In the preferred embodiment described herein, the main axis X3 preferably coincides with the main axis X2 of the coarse object filter device 640. When the particle filter element 544 rotates, the edge of the spiral element 556 advantageously wipes the filtering surface 546 of the particle filter element 544.

[0326] exist Figure 22 to Figure 24 In the preferred embodiment shown, the cleaning device 550 is connected to the coarse object filter device 640, preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element 644. Preferably, the cleaning device 550 is made integrally with the coarse object filter device 640, more preferably integrally with the object filter element 644.

[0327] In particular, the spiral element 556 is preferably connected to the coarse object filter device 640, more preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element 644. Preferably, the spiral element 556 is preferably made integrally with the coarse object filter device 640, more preferably integrally with the object filter element 644. Preferably, the spiral element 556 is wound inside the coarse object filter device 640 on its radial inner surface, more preferably wound outside the object filter element 644.

[0328] The cleaning effect of the wiper 551 is performed when the particle filter element 544 rotates about the main axis X1. During rotation, the spiral element 556 wipes one side of the filtering surface 546 of the particle filter element 544, thereby removing particles accumulated on this side, while at the same time the particles move towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60.

[0329] Thus, as the particle filter element 544 rotates, particles are collected into the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60. The particles removed from the filter surface 546 are transported toward the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 and toward the opening 37 provided in the housing body 32. The particles can then be removed from the filter assembly 530 by removing the collection chamber 60 from the housing body 32.

[0330] according to Figure 22 to Figure 24In the preferred embodiment shown, the particle filter element 544 is configured to rotate about its axis X1. The first end 544a or rear end 544a of the particle filter element 544 is received in a corresponding support seat 545 of the object filter device 640. Preferably, the first end 544a of the particle filter element 544 and the support seat 545 of the object filter device 640 are cylindrical in shape.

[0331] The support bracket 545 and the rear end 544a of the particulate filter element 544 are shaped, for example, both are cylindrical in shape, and are coupled so that the particulate filter element 544 can rotate relative to the support bracket 545 when the particulate filter element 544 rotates.

[0332] The second end 544 b or front end 544 b of the particulate filter element 544 is received in a corresponding support seat 63 of the collection chamber 60 .

[0333] The support bracket 63 and the second end 544b of the particulate filter element 544 are shaped, for example, both are cylindrical, and are connected so that the particulate filter element 544 can rotate relative to the support bracket 63 when the particulate filter element 544 rotates, and the collection chamber 60 can be disengaged from the particulate filter element 544 when the collection chamber 60 is removed from the shell body 32.

[0334] The support seat 63 of the collecting chamber 60 is preferably open to the outside, ie it is a through hole, and the second end 544 b of the particle filter element 544 is preferably accessible from the outside of the filter assembly 530 .

[0335] The second end 544b of the particulate filter element 544 is also preferably provided with an actuation seat 645. The actuation seat 645 preferably faces outwardly so that it can be accessed from the exterior of the filter assembly 530.

[0336] Rotation of the particulate filter element 544 may preferably be achieved by an actuation device, such as a flat head screwdriver or a crank or handle, which may engage the actuation mount 645, as previously described.

[0337] The rotation of the actuating device allows the rotation of the particle filter element 544. Thus, when necessary, particles are removed from the filtering surface 546 and conveyed towards the storage volume 61 of the collecting chamber 60 by the rotation of the actuating device.

[0338] The object filter element 644 and the wiper 551 implemented therewith are also configured such that they can be removed from the housing body 32, preferably by taking out the object filter element 644 in the direction of the main axis X2.

[0339] The particle filter element 544 is also configured such that it can be removed from the housing body 32 , preferably by extracting the particle filter element 544 in the direction of the main axis X1 .

[0340] The particulate filter element 544 and the collection chamber 60 are preferably removably coupled to one another such that the collection chamber 60 may be disconnected from the particulate filter element 544 when the collection chamber 60 is removed from the housing body 32 .

[0341] When the collection chamber 60 is removed from the housing body 32, the particle filter element 544 is accessible so that it can be removed from the housing body 32 and completely removed from the housing body 32. Therefore, the particle filter element 544 can be used for a proper cleaning process, which does not include rinsing them under a flow of liquid that would be wasted if nothing is done, and / or replacing the particle filter element 544 if it is damaged or worn due to long-term operation. In particular, the particle filter element 544 can be removed from the housing body 32 through its opening 37.

[0342] The object filter element 644 is advantageously accessible from the outside after the particle filter element 544 is completely removed from the housing body 32. If necessary, the user can access the object filter element 644 and its filtering surface 646 for another appropriate cleaning process.

[0343] More preferably, the object filter element 644 is removably arranged in the housing body 32. Advantageously, after removing the collecting chamber 60 and the particle filter element 544, the user can also remove the object filter element 644 from the housing body 32 and thus facilitate the cleaning process, which does not include rinsing them under a flow of liquid that would be wasted if nothing was done, and / or replacing the object filter element 644 if it is damaged or worn due to long-term operation. In particular, the object filter element 644 can be removed from the housing body 32 through its opening 37.

[0344] Between the object filter element 644 of the object filter device 640 and the housing body 32, a sealing element (not shown) (e.g., a plastic (ie, polymer) O-ring) is preferably arranged in a corresponding groove 647 to ensure water tightness during the filtering process.

[0345] The object filter device 640 preferably includes a front portion 644a that extends toward the front portion of the housing body 32 of the object filter device 640. The collection chamber 60 preferably contacts the outer surface of the front portion 644a of the particulate filter element 544 when connected to the housing body 32.

[0346] After removal of the collecting chamber 60, the front portion 644a of the object filter device 640 may advantageously be grasped by a user and is therefore intended to facilitate removal of the object filter device 640 from the housing body.

[0347] Figure 25 to Figure 28 A filter assembly 730 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the drawings, corresponding features and / or components of previously described embodiments are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0348] This embodiment is similar to the previous Figure 22 to Figure 24 The preferred embodiment described in the drawings differs mainly in that the object filter device 840, the particle filter device 740 and the cleaning device 750 are configured so that the wiping action is obtained by moving the wiper 751 while keeping the particle filter element 744 stationary, more preferably by rotating the wiper 751, as better described later.

[0349] The particle filter device 740 extends along a main axis X1 which preferably, but not necessarily, coincides with the main axis X0 of the filter assembly 730. The particle filter device 740 is housed in the housing body 32 and comprises a particle filter element 744 having a filtering surface 746 at which particles accumulate when liquid flows through the filtering surface.

[0350] The particle filter element 744 preferably has a tubular shape, more preferably a cylindrical tubular shape. The particle filter element 744 preferably extends along said main axis X1. The filtering surface 746 preferably comprises a plurality of grids 746a, more preferably rectangular grids 746a, for example grids of the type described above.

[0351] Particulate filter element 744 has walls that define a particulate filter volume 742 .

[0352] Particulate filter volume 742 is in hydraulic communication with primary outlet 536 of filter assembly 730 .

[0353] The coarse material filter arrangement 840 is housed within the housing body 32 and includes a material filter element 844 that blocks coarse material as the liquid flows therethrough.

[0354] The coarse object filter device 840 preferably extends along a main axis X2 which preferably, but not necessarily, coincides with the main axis X0 of the filter assembly 730 and / or with the main axis X1 of the particulate filter device 740 .

[0355] The object filter element 844 preferably has a tubular shape, more preferably a cylindrical tubular shape.The object filter element 844 preferably extends along said main axis X2.

[0356] The object filter element 844 has walls that define the object filter volume 743 .

[0357] The object filter element 844 preferably has a grid structure and preferably includes apertures 846 of appropriate size to intercept objects with a prevalent size greater than 5 mm, for example, parallelogram-shaped apertures as shown in the figure.

[0358] An elongated annular chamber 548 is preferably defined between the housing body 32 and the object filter element 844. The elongated annular chamber 548 is in hydraulic communication with the inlet 534 of the filter assembly 730.

[0359] The particle filter element 744 of the particle filter device 740 is arranged inside the particle filter element 844 of the coarse particle filter device 840 .

[0360] Preferably, the object filter element 844 and the particle filter element 744 are arranged coaxially with each other. More preferably, the object filter element 844 and the particle filter element 744 are arranged coaxially with each other such that their respective axes X2, X1 coincide.

[0361] A gap 525 is formed between the particulate filter element 744 and the coarse object filter device 840. More preferably, the gap 525 is defined between the particulate filter element 744 and the object filter element 844.

[0362] The filter assembly 730 is then preferably equipped with a cleaning device 750 configured to remove particles accumulated on a first side of the filtering surface 746 of the particle filter element 744 encountered by the liquid when passing through said filtering surface 746. The cleaning device 750 is arranged in the gap 525 between the coarse object filter device 840 and the particle filter element 744.

[0363] The cleaning device 750 is configured to move particles removed from the filter surface 746 towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 .

[0364] According to this embodiment, the cleaning device 750 preferably includes a wiper 751 that wipes one side of the filter surface 746 , preferably a first side of the filter surface 746 that is encountered by liquid and where particulates accumulate during operation of the filter assembly 730 .

[0365] Removal of particles accumulated on the filter surface 746 is achieved by means of relative movement between the wiper 751 and the particle filter element 744 .

[0366] exist Figure 25 to Figure 28In the preferred embodiment shown, the wiping action is obtained by moving the wiper 751 while keeping the particle filter element 744 stationary, more preferably by rotating the wiper 751. The wiper 751 is thus a movable wiper, in particular a wiper 751 that is movable in rotation.

[0367] Preferably, the wiper 751 is implemented as a worm, which extends along a main axis X3 and has a spiral element 756 wound around the main axis X3. The spiral element 756 extends inwardly from the radial inner surface of the object filter element 844 and towards the particle filter element 744, which preferably has a majority of its volume contained within the object filter volume 743 defined by the object filter element 844. In the preferred embodiment described herein, this main axis X3 preferably coincides with the main axis X2 of the coarse object filter device 840.

[0368] As spiral element 756 rotates, the edge of spiral element 756 advantageously wipes filtering surface 746 of particulate filter element 744 .

[0369] Preferably, the cleaning device 750 is connected to the coarse object filter device 840, preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element 844. Preferably, the cleaning device 750 is made integrally with the coarse object filter device 840, more preferably integrally with the object filter element 844.

[0370] In particular, the spiral element 756 is preferably connected to the coarse object filter device 840, more preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element 844. Preferably, the spiral element 756 is preferably made integrally with the coarse object filter device 840, more preferably integrally with the object filter element 844. Preferably, the spiral element 756 is wound inside the coarse object filter device 840 on its radial inner surface, more preferably wound outside the object filter element 844.

[0371] Preferably, the rotation of the wiper 751 is obtained by a rotation of the coarse object filter device 840 , in particular the object filter element 844 , since the wiper 751 is connected to the coarse object filter device 840 .

[0372] For this purpose, the object filter element 844 is configured to rotate about the axis X2. The first end 844a or the rear end 844a of the object filter element 844 is arranged outside the first end 745 of the particle filter element 744. Preferably, the first end 844a of the object filter element 844 and the first end 745 of the particle filter element 744 are cylindrical in shape.

[0373] The second end 844b or front end 844b of the object filter element 844 is received in a corresponding support bracket 63 of the collection chamber 60.

[0374] The support bracket 63 and the second end 844b of the object filter element 844 are shaped, for example, both are cylindrical, and are connected so that when the object filter element 844 and the wiper 751 are rotated, the object filter element 844 can rotate relative to the support bracket 63, and when the collection chamber 60 is removed from the shell body 32, the collection chamber 60 can be disengaged from the object filter element 844.

[0375] The support seat 63 of the collection chamber 60 is preferably open to the outside, ie it is a through hole, and the second end 844b of the object filter element 844 is preferably accessible from the outside of the filter assembly 730.

[0376] The second end 844b of the object filter element 844 is also preferably provided with an actuation mount 845. The actuation mount 845 preferably faces outwardly so that it can be accessed from the exterior of the filter assembly 730.

[0377] Rotation of the object filter element 844 may preferably be achieved by an actuation device that may engage said actuation support 845, such as a flat head screwdriver or a crank or handle, as previously described.

[0378] The rotation of the actuator allows the rotation of the object filter element 844 and the wiper 751. Thus, when necessary, particles are removed from the filtering surface 746 and transported towards the storage volume 61 of the collection chamber 60 by the rotation of the actuator.

[0379] The front portion 744a of the particle filter element 744 is preferably provided with a pin 744b. After removal of the collecting chamber 60 and the coarse object filter arrangement 840, the pin 744b can advantageously be grasped by a user, thus facilitating the removal of the particle filter element 744 from the housing body 32.

[0380] Figure 29 to Figure 31 A filter assembly 930 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown. In the drawings, corresponding features and / or components of previously described embodiments are identified by the same reference numerals.

[0381] This embodiment is similar to the previous Figure 25 to Figure 28 The preferred embodiment described in is different in that filter assembly 930 further includes a coarse material removal assist system 980 .

[0382] As explained above, when the drain system of the laundry washing machine operates, the object filter element 644 of the coarse object filter arrangement 640 receives liquid from the inlet 534 and undesirable objects or coarse material that could damage the drain pump is trapped in the elongated annular chamber 548 .

[0383] In order to facilitate the removal of coarse material from the elongated annular chamber 548 , the filter assembly 930 is therefore preferably provided with said coarse material removal assisting system 980 , which has the function of moving the coarse material in the elongated annular chamber 548 towards the opening 37 of the housing body 32 .

[0384] The coarse material removal assisting system 980 is preferably implemented as a worm extending along the main axis X4 and having a spiral element 986 wound around the main axis X4. The spiral element 986 preferably extends outwardly from the radially outer surface of the object filter element 844 and toward the radially inner surface of the housing body 32. The spiral element 986 extends within the elongated annular chamber 548.

[0385] As the spiral element 986 rotates, coarse material in the elongated annular chamber 548 moves toward the opening 37 of the housing body 32 and toward the collection chamber 60 .

[0386] When the collection chamber 60 is removed from the housing body 32, the coarse material moved by the coarse material removal assist system 980 is externally accessible to the user, thereby aiding the cleaning process.

[0387] Preferably, the coarse material removal assisting system 980 is integrally formed with the coarse object filter arrangement 840 , more preferably integrally formed with the object filter element 844 .

[0388] Preferably, the spiral element 986 is preferably connected to the coarse object filter device 840, more preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element 844. Preferably, the spiral element 986 is integrally made with the coarse object filter device 840, more preferably integrally made with the object filter element 844.

[0389] Preferably, the rotation of the spiral element 986 is obtained by a rotation of the coarse object filter device 840 , in particular the object filter element 844 , since the spiral element 956 is connected to the coarse object filter device 840 .

[0390] according to Figure 25 to Figure 28 In the preferred embodiment shown, rotation of the coarse material filter device 840 thus moves both the particulates toward the collection chamber 60 and the coarse material toward the opening 37 of the housing body 32 .

[0391] In the preferred embodiments of the above-mentioned filter assembly, these devices or components are generally preferably configured to extend along corresponding axes. In particular, the filter assembly extends along the main axis X0, the particulate filter device extends along the main axis X1, the coarse object filter device extends along the main axis X2, and the wiper is implemented as a worm extending along the main axis X3. In addition, in the above-mentioned preferred embodiments, the axes are preferably coincident. This feature allows for a simple construction and / or operation of the devices / components of the filter assembly of the present invention. For example, as described above, the particulate filter device and the coarse object filter device are cylindrical in shape and have corresponding coincident axes X1 and X2. Therefore, the gap formed between them is symmetrical and advantageously accommodates a rotatable wiper implemented as a worm with a spiral element. However, in different preferred embodiments, these devices / components may generally extend along corresponding axes that do not coincide. For example, the particulate filter device may extend along the main axis X1, and the coarse object filter device may extend along the main axis X2, which is inclined to a certain degree relative to the main axis X1 of the particulate filter device.

[0392] Therefore, the gap formed between them is asymmetrical and the wiper can preferably be embodied as a worm with a flexible helical element. Thus, the helical element can be deformed during rotation of the helical element within the gap so that, despite the asymmetrical shape of the gap, the helical element maintains contact with the filtering surface of the particle filter element to obtain the desired wiping action.

[0393] The flexibility of a portion of the wiper thus compensates for the asymmetry caused by the fact that the axes do not coincide.

[0394] Furthermore, in a preferred embodiment of the above-mentioned filter assembly, the cleaning device and in particular the wiper arranged in the gap formed between the coarse object filter device and the particle filter element is implemented as an element connected to the coarse object filter device and more preferably directly fixedly connected to the particle filter element, for example, a spiral element.

[0395] However, in further preferred embodiments, the wiper can be embodied as a separate device relative to the coarse object filter device.

[0396] Figure 32 to Figure 34 A preferred solution for a wiper of this type is schematically shown. In the accompanying drawings, corresponding features and / or components of the previously described embodiments are identified by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, in the accompanying drawings, only some components of the filter assembly are depicted, and construction details of the same components described in detail above are omitted.

[0397] exist Figure 32 to Figure 34In the preferred embodiment shown, the filter assembly 1030 according to the present invention preferably includes a particle filter device 1040 for retaining particles and a coarse object filter device 1140 for blocking coarse materials. The particle filter device 1040 and the coarse object filter device 1140 preferably extend within the same body element, i.e., the housing body (not shown). The particle filter device 1040 preferably extends along the main axis X1, and the coarse object filter device 1140 preferably extends along the main axis X2.

[0398] The particle filter device 1040 preferably comprises a particle filter element 1044 having a filtering surface 1046 at which particles accumulate when the liquid flows through the filtering surface. The particle filter element 1044 preferably has a tubular shape, more preferably a cylindrical tubular shape. The particle filter element 1044 preferably extends along the main axis X1. The filtering surface 1046 preferably comprises a plurality of grids, which are not shown and are previously described, for example with reference to Figure 8 The type of description.

[0399] The coarse object filter device 1140 preferably includes an object filter element 1144 that blocks coarse material as the liquid flows therethrough.

[0400] The object filter element 1144 preferably has a tubular shape, more preferably a cylindrical tubular shape.The object filter element 1144 preferably extends along said main axis X2.

[0401] According to one aspect of this preferred embodiment, object filter element 1144 is arranged inside particle filter element 1044. Object filter element 1144 and particle filter element 1044 are arranged relative to each other such that their respective axes X2, X1 are parallel and coplanar, but they do not coincide.

[0402] A gap 1025 is formed between the particulate filter element 1044 and the coarse object filter device 1140. More preferably, the gap 1025 is defined between the particulate filter element 1044 and the object filter element 1144.

[0403] According to another aspect of the invention, the filter assembly 1030 is equipped with a cleaning device 1050 configured to remove particles accumulated on a first side of the filtering surface 1046 of the particle filter element 1044 encountered by the liquid when passing through the filtering surface 1046. The cleaning device 1050 is arranged in the gap 1025 between the coarse object filter device 1140 and the particle filter element 1044.

[0404] The cleaning device 1050 is configured to move particles removed from the filtering surface 1046 towards a storage volume of a collection chamber (not shown) facing one end region of the particle filter element 1044 and preferably intersecting the main axis X1 of the particle filter element 1044 .

[0405] More preferably, the cleaning device 1050 is configured to move the particles removed from the filtering surface 1046 towards the storage volume of the collection chamber. The particles are preferably moved along a direction parallel to the axes X1 , X2.

[0406] The cleaning device 1050 preferably includes a wiper 1051 that wipes one side of the filter surface 1046 , preferably a first side of the filter surface 1046 that is encountered by liquid and where particulates accumulate during operation of the filter assembly 1030 .

[0407] Removal of particles accumulated on the filter surface 1046 is achieved by means of relative movement between the wiper 1051 and the particle filter element 1044 .

[0408] In the preferred embodiment illustrated in the figures, the wiping action is obtained by moving the wiper 1051, more preferably by translating the wiper 1051 in a direction parallel to the axes X1, X2, while keeping the particle filter element 1044 stationary. The wiper 1051 is thus a movable wiper, in particular a translatable wiper 1051.

[0409] Preferably, the wiper 1051 is implemented as a piston having a reciprocating linear motion along the direction parallel to the axes X1, X2.

[0410] The piston 1051 preferably includes a head portion 1054 and a main shaft 1056. The outer edge of the head portion 1054 wipes the filtering surface 1046 of the particle filter element 1040. The particles removed from the filtering surface 1046 are moved towards the collection chamber by the translational movement of the piston 1051.

[0411] The reciprocating linear motion of the piston 1051 is preferably obtained by an actuating device (not shown).

[0412] In the preferred embodiment of the filter assembly 1040 just described, the particulate filter device 1040 extends along a main axis X1 and the coarse object filter device 1140 extends along a main axis X2, wherein the axes X2, X1 are parallel and coplanar, but they do not coincide.

[0413] However, in a different preferred embodiment, the particle filter device 1040 may extend along a main axis X1 and the coarse object filter device 1140 may extend along a main axis X2 which is somewhat inclined relative to the main axis X1 of the particle filter device 1040. Therefore, the gap 1025 formed therebetween is asymmetrical and the wiper 1051 may preferably be implemented with a flexible head portion 1054. Therefore, the head portion 1054 may be deformed during the translation of the head portion within the gap so that, despite the asymmetrical shape of the gap 1025, the head portion maintains contact with the filtering surface 1046 of the particle filter element 1040 to obtain a desired wiping action.

[0414] Thus, the flexibility of the head portion 1054 compensates for the asymmetry caused by the fact that the axes are inclined with respect to each other.

[0415] Fig.35 A schematic diagram of another preferred embodiment of a laundry washing machine 301 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 by the same reference numerals.

[0416] This preferred embodiment of the present invention is consistent with the previously referenced Figure 2 The preferred embodiment described differs firstly in that the filter assembly 30 is arranged downstream of the discharge pump 24 , preferably along the outlet duct 26 .

[0417] In the drawings, the filter assembly is simply indicated by reference numeral 30. However, the filter assembly used herein may be a filter assembly according to any one of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0418] The inlet 34 of the filter assembly 30 is connected to the first portion 26a of the outlet duct 26, and the main outlet 36 of the filter assembly 30 is connected to the second portion 26b of the outlet duct 26, which preferably protrudes from the housing 2. In one embodiment of the invention, the filter assembly 30 is arranged in the top portion of the housing 2.

[0419] The discharge system 20 of the laundry washing machine 301 then preferably comprises a further coarse object filter device 328 in a form known per se, which is arranged upstream of the discharge pump 24 .

[0420] More preferably, a further coarse object filter device 328 is arranged in the discharge conduit 22 between the bowl outlet port and the discharge pump 24 .

[0421] Another coarse object filter device 328 is adapted to block objects before they reach a pump (e.g., the discharge pump 24). Similar to what is described above with reference to the coarse object filter device 140 of the filter assembly 30, the purpose of the other coarse object filter device 328 is to intercept undesirable objects (coarse material) that may damage the discharge pump 24 (e.g., may damage the impeller in the case of a centrifugal pump design). Therefore, preferably, the other coarse object filter device 328 is adapted to filter objects with a prevalent size greater than 5 mm.

[0422] In a preferred embodiment, as known in the art, another coarse object filter device preferably comprises a housing having a shell in which an object filter element is received. The housing 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 so as to create a labyrinthine path through which the liquid flows while objects are blocked by the tabs, for example similar to the object filter element 240 described above.

[0423] For cleaning purposes, the further coarse object filter device 328 can be removed from the housing and the tank, preferably via an openable shutter which is advantageously placed on the front side wall 2 a of the tank 2 .

[0424] A further coarse object filter device 328 and a corresponding damper are preferably arranged in the lower part of the laundry washing machine 301 , more preferably in the lower right side of the laundry washing machine 301 .

[0425] The discharge pump 24 and the further coarse matter filter device 328 are preferably embodied as an assembly, for example by directly connecting the discharge pump 24 to a housing defining a housing of the further coarse matter filter device 328 .

[0426] The first section 22 a of the discharge duct 22 preferably connects the bottom region 3 a of the washing tub 3 to a further coarse object filter device 328 .

[0427] In another embodiment (not shown), the housing of the further coarse matter filter device can be arranged directly in the washing tub, preferably in one piece with the washing tub. In this case, the further coarse matter filter device is fluidically connected to the outlet of the washing tub in such a way that the liquid discharged from the washing tub enters the further coarse matter filter device.

[0428] As is known in the art, the laundry washing machine 301 then preferably further comprises: a first recirculation system 330, which is suitable for discharging liquid from the bottom area 3a placed at the bottom part of the washing tub 3 and re-feeding such liquid back to the bottom area 3a of the washing tub 3 again; and preferably a second recirculation system 340, which is suitable for discharging liquid from the bottom area 3a of the washing tub 3 and re-feeding 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.

[0429] 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.

[0430] 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.

[0431] The first recirculation system 330 preferably comprises a first recirculation pump 332 connected downstream of the further coarse matter filter device 328 and a first recirculation line 334 for conveying liquid to the bottom region 3 a of the washing tub 3 .

[0432] The second recirculation system 340 preferably comprises a second recirculation pump 342 connected downstream of the further coarse matter filter device 328 and a second recirculation line 344 for conveying liquid to the second zone 3 b of the washing tub 3 .

[0433] According to the preferred embodiment, a further coarse object filter device 328 is advantageously arranged upstream of the pumps 24 , 332 , 342 and prevents coarse objects from damaging these pumps when they are in operation, as explained above.

[0434] Furthermore, the filter assembly 30 arranged downstream of the discharge pump 24 prevents residual coarse material (i.e., coarse material that has not been blocked by the further coarse object filter device 328) from reaching the discharge point outside the tank, and the liquid is subjected to a filtering process before reaching the discharge point outside the machine 301, thereby preventing particles from leaving the laundry washing machine 301. By providing effective filtration performed by the further coarse object filter device 328, the coarse object filter device 140 of the filter assembly 30 can be designed to filter out thinner objects than those blocked by the further coarse object filter device 328.

[0435] Furthermore, the filter assembly 30 allows for removal of particles stored in the storage area 61 of the collection chamber 60 and maintenance / cleaning of the filter element 44 , 144 when necessary.

[0436] Fig.36 A laundry washing machine 401 equipped with a filter assembly 430 according to another preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown, and an example thereof is shown in FIG. Figures 19 to 21 Depicted in.

[0437] The laundry washing machine 401 according to this preferred embodiment of the present invention has the same Fig.35 The laundry washing machine 301 described above is of the same configuration, wherein a further coarse object filter device 328, a first recirculation system 330 and a second recirculation system 340 are provided. This preferred embodiment of the invention is similar to the one previously described with reference to Fig.35 The preferred embodiment described differs in that the filter assembly 430 is constructed according to reference Figures 19 to 21 The filter assembly 430 of the described embodiment, ie, the filter assembly 430 includes the second outlet 402 .

[0438] Here, the second outlet 402 of the filter assembly 430 is hydraulically connected to the first portion 26 a of the outlet conduit 26 via a discharge conduit 404 .

[0439] In another preferred embodiment (not shown), the second outlet of the filter assembly can be hydraulically connected upstream of the discharge pump 24, for example at the second portion 22b of the discharge conduit 22, or upstream of another coarse object filter device 328, for example, at the sump 15 or at the first portion 22a of the discharge conduit 22.

[0440] In the preferred embodiments described and illustrated above, the wiper is preferably implemented as a spiral element, wherein the edge of the spiral element wipes the filtering surface of the particle filter element, or is implemented as a piston with a head portion, which has an edge that wipes the filtering surface of the particle filter element.

[0441] In further preferred embodiments (not shown), the wiper may be implemented differently. For example, the wiper may include a brush that tends to remove particles from the filtering surface of the particle filter element when a relative movement is performed between the wiper and the particle filter element.

[0442] In addition, in the preferred embodiments described and illustrated above, the particle filter element and the object filter element are removably arranged in the housing body of the filter assembly. In another preferred embodiment (not illustrated), the particle filter element and / or the object filter element can be configured to be non-removable from the housing body of the filter assembly. In this case, maintenance interventions on the particle filter element and / or the object filter element are avoided. In the event of damage to the particle filter element and / or the object filter element, the entire filter assembly can be replaced.

[0443] 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 reduces the construction complexity of the filter system and makes maintenance operations more comfortable compared to known laundry washing machines.

[0444] 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 clothes washing machine (1; 301; 401), including: -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) for discharging the liquid to the outside of the tank (2); - a filter assembly (30) arranged in the flow path between the water supply system and the drainage system (20); The filter assembly (30) comprises: - a housing body (32); an inlet (34) for the liquid to be filtered and a main outlet (36) for discharging the filtered liquid to the outside of the housing body (32), wherein the liquid passing through the filter assembly (30) flows from the inlet (34) towards the main outlet (36); a coarse object filter device (140) housed inside the housing body (32) and comprising an object filter element (144) that blocks objects when the liquid flows therethrough; a particle filter device (40) housed inside the housing body (32) and arranged downstream of the coarse filter device (140) so that during operation of the filter assembly (30), the liquid first flows through the coarse filter device (140) and then through the particle filter device (40), the particle filter device (40) comprising a particle filter element (44) having a filtering surface (46) on which particles accumulate when the liquid flows through the filtering surface; Characterized in that the filter assembly (30) comprises a cleaning device (50) which is arranged in a gap (25) formed between the coarse object filter device (140) and the particle filter element (44), the cleaning device (50) comprising a wiper (51) for removing particles accumulated on the filter surface (46) by means of a relative movement between the wiper (51) and the particle filter element (44), the relative movement causing the particles removed from the filter surface (46) to move towards a storage volume (61) of a collection chamber (60) removably associated with the housing body (32).

2. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The coarse material filter device (140) extends along a main axis (X2) and / or the particle filter device (40) extends along the main axis (X1).

3. A washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The object filter element (144) and / or the particle filter element (44) has a tubular shape, preferably a cylindrical tubular shape.

4. A washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that The object filter element (144) and the particle filter element (44) are arranged coaxially with each other.

5. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The object filter element (144) has walls defining an object filter volume (43), and the particle filter element (44) has walls defining a particle filter volume (42), wherein a majority of one of the object filter volume (43) or the particle filter volume (42) is contained within the other.

6. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The collecting chamber (60) is arranged at one side of the gap (25) and communicates therewith.

7. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The collecting chamber (60) is embodied as a cap for closing an opening (37) provided in the housing body (32).

8. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The main outlet (36) is arranged radially outward relative to the inlet (34) so ​​that liquid flowing through the filter assembly (30) flows radially outward from the inlet (34) toward the main outlet (36).

9. A washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that The inlet (534) is arranged radially outward relative to the main outlet (536) so that liquid flowing through the filter assembly (530) flows radially inward from the inlet (534) toward the main outlet (536).

10. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The particle filter element (44) is removably arranged in the housing body (32), and / or the object filter element (144) is removably arranged in the housing body (32).

11. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 10, characterized in that An opening (37) is provided in the housing body (32), wherein the particle filter element (44) and / or the object filter element (144) can be removed from the housing body (32) by passing through the opening (37).

12. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The wiper (51) is a movable wiper (51).

13. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 12, characterized in that The wiper (51) is a rotatably movable wiper (51).

14. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 12, characterized in that The wiper (1051) is a translatable wiper, which preferably comprises a piston.

15. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that The wiper (51) comprises a worm extending along a main axis (X3), the worm comprising a helical element (56) wound around the main axis (X3).

16. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 15, characterized in that The spiral element (56) is connected to the coarse object filter device (140), preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element (144).

17. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 16, characterized in that The coarse object filter device (140) is disposed within the interior of the particulate filter element (44), wherein the spiral element (56) extends outwardly from a radially outer surface of the object filter element (144) and toward the particulate filter element (44).

18. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 16, characterized in that The particle filter element (540) is disposed within the interior of the coarse object filter device (640), wherein the spiral element (556) extends inwardly from a radially inner surface of the object filter element (644) and toward the particle filter element (540).

19. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that The coarse object filter device (140) is rotatable.

20. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The washing machine (1; 301; 401) comprises an actuating device (70; 170) for moving the cleaning device (50).

21. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 20, characterized in that The actuating device (70; 170) comprises a handle (70) or a crank or an automated actuating device (170).

22. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The particle filter element (544) is a movable element, preferably a rotatable element (544).

23. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any of the preceding claims as appended to claims 9 and 5, characterised in that The filter assembly (930) further includes a coarse material removal assist system (980) that facilitates moving objects blocked by the object filter element (844) toward an opening (37) provided in the housing body (32), wherein a majority of the particulate filter volume (742) is contained within the object filter volume (743).

24. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 23, characterized in that The coarse material removal assistance system (980) comprises a worm extending along a main axis (X4), the worm comprising a helical element (986) wound around the main axis (X4).

25. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 24, characterized in that The spiral element (986) is connected to the coarse object filter device (840), preferably directly fixedly connected to the object filter element (844).

26. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 24 or 25, characterized in that The worm extends outwardly from a radially outer surface of the object filter element (844).

27. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) 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).

28. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of claims 1 to 26, characterized in that The cleaning device (50) and the collection chamber (60) are removably connected to each other so that the cleaning device and the collection chamber can be disconnected from each other after being integrally removed from the housing body (32).

29. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The particle filter device (40) is a filter suitable for filtering 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.

30. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The coarse object filter device (140; 240) has a zigzag structure or a grid structure for intercepting objects with a general size greater than 5 mm.

31. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The filter assembly (30) is arranged in the exhaust system (20).

32. Washing machine (301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The liquid supply system (5) comprises at least one recirculation system (330; 340) for draining liquid from a bottom area of ​​the washing tub (3) to supply the liquid to a second area of ​​the washing tub (3).

33. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The outer casing (2) of the machine further comprises an opening (7) through which the collecting chamber (60) of the filter assembly (30) is accessible.

34. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 33, characterized in that The outer box (2) further comprises an openable door (13) associated with the aperture (7).

35. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The filter assembly (430) further comprises a second outlet (402) which is hydraulically connected to a hydraulic circuit portion (26a) of the washing machine (1; 301; 401) located upstream of the filter assembly (430).

36. The washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to claim 35, characterized in that The second outlet (402) is disposed in a liquid stagnation or sump portion (33) of the housing body (32).

37. Washing machine (1; 301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The discharge system (20) comprises a conduit (22) adapted to be connected to a barrel outlet port, a discharge pump (24) hydraulically connected to the conduit (22), and an outlet pipe (26) arranged downstream of the discharge pump (24) and terminating outside the outer box (2), wherein the filter assembly (30) is arranged in the conduit (22) between the barrel outlet port and the discharge pump (24) or in a portion of the outlet pipe (26).

38. Washing machine (301; 401) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The discharge system (20) comprises a discharge pump (24) and a further coarse matter filter device (328) arranged upstream of the discharge pump.

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