WASHING MACHINE WITH ONE FILTER ELEMENT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a washing machine comprising a filtering member for filtering the washing water taken from the tub.

[0002] In washing machines, the laundry is loaded into a drum disposed in a washing tub supplied with detergent-water mixture and is washed in the drum which is rotated. During the washing process, fibers separated from the laundry subjected to both mechanical and chemical effects are discharged, together with the water discharged at the end of the washing process, to the waste water line whereto the washing machine is connected. In traditional washing machines, each washing process causes approximately 1 milligrams of fibers to be discharged to the waste water line. It is determined that more than half of microplastic accumulation in the nature is caused by waste waters originating from washing machines. Especially, taking into account the damage caused by synthetic fibers and particles in the nature, it is observed that waste waters originating from washing machines causes a critical environmental pollution. Therefore, the use of filtering members which filter the washing water is becoming widespread. Most of the fibers in the water passed through the filtering member accumulates on the surfaces of the filter. In the course of time, the fibers sticking and accumulating on the filter surface causes the clogging of the filter surface. Therefore, the filtering members lose the capacity of filtration before the fiber collection volume is full, frequently requiring cleaning or replacement.

[0003] In the state of the art Korean Patent Application No. KR20070063996, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising a filter which is positioned under the detergent dispenser.

[0004] In the state of the art Chinese Patent Application No. CN201172752, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising a filter which is disposed into the detergent compartment.

[0005] In the state of the art German Patent Application No. DE3041594A1, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising a liquid circulation system in which the liquid is pumped upwards through a filter chamber.

[0006] In the state of the art Japanese Patent Application No. JP2018143524A, a washing machine is disclosed, comprising circulation path for circulating water in the water tub and a filter for capturing foreign substances contained in the water circulated in the circulation path.

[0007] In the state of the art Japanese Patent Application No. JPH0928986A, suction structure of a self-contained type pump for washing machine is disclosed.

[0008] The aim of the present invention is the realization of a washing machine comprising a filtering member which is prevented from getting clogged quickly.

[0009] The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention, explicated in the first claim and the respective claims thereof, comprises a washing tub wherein the washing process is performed; a delivery line through which the water taken from the washing tub is carried; and a filtering member having a receptacle whereon at least one water inlet through which the water coming from the delivery line is taken and a water outlet for discharging the water are arranged, and at least one mesh filter which enables the water taken from the water inlet to be passed therethrough and filtered, at least one additional filter which is disposed in the receptacle at a distance from the water inlet for retaining fibers floating in the receptacle characterized by the additional filter having a sponge structure which is porous and manufactured from an open-pore material and which is positioned in the receptacle in an inclined manner in the vertical plane. Some of the fibers in the receptacle are retained by the additional filter and collected on the additional filter. Thus, the fiber accumulation on the filter surfaces is decreased, and the economic life of the filtering member is increased.

[0010] In the present invention, the additional filter is positioned at a distance from the water inlet so as not to cover the water inlet. Thus, fiber collection in front of the water inlet is prevented.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present invention, the additional filter extends along the receptacle from one side of the receptacle to the opposite diagonal side thereof. Thus, the capacity of the additional filter to retain the fibers floating in the receptacle is increased.

[0012] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of additional filters are disposed on the receptacle side by side. Thus, by increasing the filtration surface, the amount of fibers retained is increased.

[0013] In another embodiment of the present invention, the additional filter is disposed in a frame. The frame supports the additional filter while facilitating the placement of the additional filter.

[0014] In another embodiment of the present invention, the frame is a casing with grilled walls, which encloses the additional filter. Thus, the position and form of the additional filter in the receptacle are maintained.

[0015] In another embodiment of the present invention, the frame is attached to the opposite walls of the receptacle. Thus, the additional filter is enabled to be kept suspended in the receptacle in a rigid manner without being affected by the water flow.

[0016] In another embodiment of the present invention, the form of the frame is suitable for the form of the receptacle, and bears against the inner walls of the receptacle all around. Thus, the inner volume of the receptacle is divided into two sections by the frame and the additional filter, and most of the fibers carried by the water coming from the water inlet are prevented from reaching the other section.

[0017] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one protrusion is provided, which supports the frame from inside the receptacle. Thus, the placement of the frame is facilitated, and the frame is prevented from dislodging.

[0018] In another embodiment of the present invention, the diameters of the pores of the additional filter are different from each other. Thus, the additional filter is configured to retain fibers in different sizes.

[0019] In another embodiment of the present invention, the diameter of the pores of the additional filter close to the water inlet is higher than the diameter of the pores away from the water inlet. Thus, only larger fibers are retained at the section close to the water inlet, and the accumulation in front of the water inlet is decreased.

[0020] In another embodiment of the present invention, the additional filter is manufactured from polyurethane foam material. Thus, the additional filter is prevented from being damaged by water and detergent.

[0021] In another embodiment of the present invention, the additional filter is manufactured from a material having antimicrobial additive. Thus, the problems of odor and hygiene caused by microbial accumulation on the additional filter are eliminated.

[0022] By means of the present invention, the filtration performance and the economic life of the filtering member are increased.

[0023] The washing machine realized in order to attain the aim of the present invention is illustrated in the attached figures, where: Figure 1 - is the schematic view of the washing machine related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 - is the exploded view of the filtering member related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 - is the sideways schematic view of the filtering member related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 - is the sideways schematic view of the filtering member wherein the additional filter is positioned in an inclined manner related to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 5 - is the sideways schematic view of the filtering member comprising a plurality of additional filters related to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] The elements illustrated in the figures are numbered as follows: 1. Washing machine 2. Washing tub 3. Delivery line 4. Water inlet 5. Water outlet 6. Filter 7. Receptacle 8. Filtering member 9. Additional filter 10. Frame 11. Protrusion

[0025] The washing machine (1) comprises a washing tub (2) wherein the washing process is performed; a delivery line (3) through which the water taken from the washing tub (2) is carried; and a filtering member (8) having a receptacle (7) whereon at least one water inlet (4) through which the water coming from the delivery line (3) is taken and a water outlet (5) for discharging the water are arranged, and at least one mesh filter (6) which enables the water taken from the water inlet (4) to be passed therethrough and filtered. The water with fibers carrying the fibers breaking off from the laundry washed in the washing tub (2) is delivered to the filtering member (8) to be filtered by means of the delivery line (3). The filtering member (8) comprises a box-shaped receptacle which is filled with the water taken from the water inlet (4), at least one mesh filter (6) in the form of a fine screen which filters the water taken into the receptacle (7), and a water outlet (5) in the form of openings on the receptacle (7), which discharges the water passed through the filter (6) from the receptacle (7). The filter (6) is preferably positioned on the receptacle (7) so as to cover the water outlet (5). The filter (6) is preferably a microfilter suitable for filtering micron-sized particles and fibers.

[0026] The washing machine (1) of the present invention comprises at least one additional filter (9) having a sponge-like structure and which is disposed in the receptacle (7). The additional filter (9) is in the form of a sponge, which is manufactured from a soft, porous material. The additional filter (9) is placed into the receptacle (7). The sponge-like additional filter (9) allows the water flow in the receptacle (7) thanks to the porous structure thereof while retaining the fibers floating in the receptacle (7). Thus, the accumulation on the filter (6) is decreased while a higher amount of fiber is collected in the receptacle (7), and the economic life of the filter (6) is increased.

[0027] In the present invention, the additional filter (9) is positioned in the receptacle (7) at a distance from the water inlet (4). The additional filter (9) extends at a distance from the water inlet (4) so as not to be adjacent to the water inlet (4). Thus, fiber accumulation in front of the water inlet (4) is prevented while the risk of preventing the water flow in the vicinity of the water inlet (4) is eliminated.

[0028] In the present invention, the additional filter is positioned in an inclined manner in the vertical plane in the receptacle (7). In an embodiment of the invention, the additional filter (9) is in the form of a planar plate, and extends diagonally in the receptacle (7) at an angle in the horizontal plane. The additional filter (9) extending from one corner of the receptacle (7) to the opposite corner thereof retains most of the fibers floating in the receptacle (7).

[0029] In another embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of additional filters (9) are placed in the receptacle (7) at intervals. A plurality of additional filters (9) are placed into the receptacle (7) side by side. Thus, the water in the receptacle (7) is filtered by means of a plurality of additional filters (9), increasing the amount of fibers collected in the receptacle (7).

[0030] In another embodiment of the present invention, the filtering member (8) comprises a frame (10) whereon the additional filter (9) is placed, and which supports the additional filter (9). The additional filter (9) is placed onto the frame (10). The frame (10) carries the additional filter (9) and provides a support for the additional filter (9). This embodiment is advantageous due to the light and soft structure of the additional filter (9), and the frame (10) enables the position of the additional filter (9) in the receptacle (7) to be maintained.

[0031] In another embodiment of the present invention, the frame (10) is in the form of a cage almost completely enclosing the additional filter (9). The frame (10) is in the form of a cage having grilled walls wherein the additional filter (9) is placed. The openings of the grill are configured to be wide enough to allow the passage of the water and fibers. The frame (10) supports the additional filter (9) all around. Thus, the frame (10) prevents the additional filter (9) from falling apart and protects the same against physical deformations.

[0032] In another embodiment of the present invention, the frame (10) is suspended from the walls of the receptacle (7) so as to suspend in the additional filter (9) in the receptacle (7). The frame (10) is suspended from the walls of the receptacle (7) from at least two sides thereof. Thus, the additional filter (9) is positioned at a central part of the receptacle (7) so as to efficiently retain the fibers floating in the receptacle (7).

[0033] In another embodiment of the present invention, the frame (10) is seated into the receptacle (7) such that the sides thereof bear against the walls of the receptacle (7) all around. The frame (10) has a width suitable for the width of the receptacle (7), and is placed into the receptacle (7) such that the sides thereof bear against the walls of the receptacle (7). Thus, the placement of the frame (10) into the receptacle (7) is facilitated, and the frame (10) is supported in a rigid manner so as not to be affected by the water flow.

[0034] In another embodiment of the present invention, at least one protrusion (11) against which the frame (10) bears is provided on the receptacle (7). The frame (10) is placed into the receptacle (7) so as to bear against the protrusion (11). Thus, the frame (10) is supported and prevented from dislodging.

[0035] In another embodiment of the present invention, the widths of the pores of the additional filter (9) vary. The additional filter (9) is configured to have pores with different widths. Thus, the additional filter (9) is configured to retain fibers in different sizes, and the amount of fibers retained on the additional filter (9) is increased.

[0036] In another embodiment of the present invention, the widths of the pores of the additional filter (9) are between 0.4 to 2.4 pores per millimeter (pores / mm) (10 to 60 PPI (pores per inch)). The widths of the pores of the additional filter (9) vary between 0.4 to 2.4 pores per millimeter (pores / mm) (10 to 60 PPI (pores per inch)) which allows the highest fiber retention. Thus, the fiber retention efficiency of the additional filter (9) is improved.

[0037] In another embodiment of the present invention, the widths of the pores of the additional filter (9) increase towards the water inlet (4). The additional filter (9) is configured such that the widths of the pores thereof facing the water inlet (4) are larger than the widths of the pores at other regions thereof. Thus, the water passage through the part of the additional filter (9) facing the water inlet (4) is facilitated, and the additional filter (9) is prevented from blocking the water coming from the water inlet (4).

[0038] In another embodiment of the present invention, the additional filter (9) is manufactured from a material containing polyurethane foam, preferably polyether-reinforced polyurethane foam. By manufacturing the additional filter (9) from a polyurethane foam material, the water in the additional filter (9) is enabled to be quickly filtered when the water flow from the water inlet (4) into the filtering member (8) stops.

[0039] In another embodiment of the present invention, the additional filter (9) is manufactured from a material containing antimicrobial additive. Thus, microbial contamination due to the accumulation of substances such as fiber, dirt, detergent, etc. on the gaps and surfaces of the sponge-like additional filter (9) containing antimicrobial additive material is prevented.

[0040] By means of the present invention, relatively larger fibers and particles are enabled to be retained by the additional filter (9) and trapped in the receptacle (7). Thus, by retaining the free fibers in the receptacle (7) by means of the additional filter (9), the amount of fibers retained on the filter (6) surfaces is decreased, increasing the economic life of the filtering member (8).

Claims

1. A washing machine (1) comprising a washing tub (2) wherein the washing process is performed; a delivery line (3) through which the water taken from the washing tub (2) is carried; and a filtering member (8) having a receptacle (7) whereon at least one water inlet (4) through which the water coming from the delivery line (3) is taken and a water outlet (5) for discharging the water are arranged, and at least one mesh filter (6) which enables the water taken from the water inlet (4) to be passed therethrough and filtered, at least one additional filter (9) which is disposed in the receptacle (7) at a distance from the water inlet (4) for retaining fibers floating in the receptacle (7) characterized by the additional filter (9) having a sponge structure which is porous and manufactured from an open-pore material and which is positioned in the receptacle (7) in an inclined manner in the vertical plane.

2. A washing machine (1) as in claim 1, characterized by a plurality of additional filters (9) which are placed in the receptacle (7) at intervals.

3. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a frame (10) whereon the additional filter (9) is placed, and which supports the additional filter (9).

4. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 3, characterized by the frame (10) which is in the form of a cage almost completely enclosing the additional filter (9).

5. A washing machine (1) as in Claim 3 or Claim 4, characterized by the frame (10) which is suspended from the walls of the receptacle (7) so as to suspend in the additional filter (9) in the receptacle (7).

6. A washing machine (1) as in any one of Claim 3 to Claim 5, characterized by the frame (10) which is seated into the receptacle (7) such that the sides thereof bear against the walls of the receptacle (7) all around.

7. A washing machine (1) as in any one of Claim 3 to Claim 6, characterized by at least one protrusion (11) which is provided on the receptacle (7) and against which the frame (10) bears.

8. A washing machine (1) as in any of the above claims, characterized by the additional filter (9) of which the widths of the pores vary.

9. A washing machine (1) as in any of the above claims, characterized by the additional filter (9) of which the widths of the pores are between 0.4 to 2.4 pores per millimeter (10 to 60 pores per inch)10. A washing machine (10) as in Claim 8 or Claim 9, characterized by the additional filter (9) of which the widths of the pores increase towards the water inlet (4).

11. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the additional filter (9) which is manufactured from a material containing polyurethane foam, preferably polyether-reinforced polyurethane foam.

12. A washing machine (1) as in any of the above claims, characterized by the additional filter (9) which is manufactured from a material containing antimicrobial additive.