U.S. patent application number 14/232644 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-31 for drum washing machine.
This patent application is currently assigned to ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS CORPORATION N.V.. The applicant listed for this patent is Calum Armstrong, Davide Bignu', Monica Celotto, Nicola Reid, Elisa Stabon, Levente Szabo, Maurizio Ugel, Andrea Zattin. Invention is credited to Calum Armstrong, Davide Bignu', Monica Celotto, Nicola Reid, Elisa Stabon, Levente Szabo, Maurizio Ugel, Andrea Zattin.
Application Number | 20140208810 14/232644 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 46583981 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140208810 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Zattin; Andrea ; et
al. |
July 31, 2014 |
Drum Washing Machine
Abstract
A drum for a laundry washing machine (W) has side walls (50, 51,
52, 53; 110, 111, 112, 113) defining a laundry receiving space (53,
113). At least one of the side walls is circular and comprises a
plurality of openings (41, 61) for the passage of a liquid
therethrough. The drum comprises at least a circular member (55,
65, 115) circumferentially associated to an inner portion (50a,
110a) of the circular side wall. The circular member defines a
chamber (59, 119) for receiving the liquid from at least one
receiving opening (43, 163) of the openings and comprises at least
one aperture (66, 126, 266) facing the laundry receiving space
suitable to modify the flow of the liquid from the at least one
receiving opening to the laundry receiving space.
Inventors: |
Zattin; Andrea; (Solesino
(PN), IT) ; Armstrong; Calum; (Montereale Valcellina
(PN), IT) ; Bignu'; Davide; (San Vendemiano (TV),
IT) ; Stabon; Elisa; (Gorizia, IT) ; Szabo;
Levente; (Pordenone, IT) ; Ugel; Maurizio;
(Fiume Veneto (PN), IT) ; Celotto; Monica; (Motta
di Livenza (TV), IT) ; Reid; Nicola; (Budoia (PN),
IT) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Zattin; Andrea
Armstrong; Calum
Bignu'; Davide
Stabon; Elisa
Szabo; Levente
Ugel; Maurizio
Celotto; Monica
Reid; Nicola |
Solesino (PN)
Montereale Valcellina (PN)
San Vendemiano (TV)
Gorizia
Pordenone
Fiume Veneto (PN)
Motta di Livenza (TV)
Budoia (PN) |
|
IT
IT
IT
IT
IT
IT
IT
IT |
|
|
Assignee: |
ELECTROLUX HOME PRODUCTS
CORPORATION N.V.
Brussels
BE
|
Family ID: |
46583981 |
Appl. No.: |
14/232644 |
Filed: |
July 16, 2012 |
PCT Filed: |
July 16, 2012 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/EP2012/063873 |
371 Date: |
April 8, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
68/58 ;
68/232 |
Current CPC
Class: |
D06F 39/083 20130101;
D06F 37/06 20130101; D06F 37/02 20130101; D06F 37/065 20130101;
D06F 37/04 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
68/58 ;
68/232 |
International
Class: |
D06F 37/06 20060101
D06F037/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Jul 14, 2011 |
EP |
11173925.6 |
Claims
1. A drum for a laundry washing machine comprising side walls
defining a laundry receiving space, at least one of said side walls
being circular and comprising a plurality of openings for the
passage of a liquid therethrough, wherein said drain comprises at
least a circular member circumferentially associated to an inner
portion of said circular side wall, said circular member defining a
chamber for receiving said liquid from at least one receiving
opening of said openings and comprising at least one aperture
facing said laundry receiving space suitable and serving to modify
the flow of said liquid from the at least one receiving opening to
said laundry receiving space.
2. A drum according to claim 1, wherein said circular member is
fixed to said inner portion of said circular side wall.
3. A drum according to claim 1, wherein said circular member is
associated to said inner portion of said circular side wall in a
removable way.
4. A drum according to claim 1, wherein said circular member is a
portion of a circumference.
5. A drum according to claim 1, wherein said circular member has a
substantially U-shaped section.
6. A drum according to claim 1, wherein the size of said at least
one aperture is less than the size of said at least one receiving
opening.
7. A drum according to claim 1, wherein said plurality of openings
of said circular side wall comprises a first plurality of openings
and a second plurality of openings, wherein the size of said first
plurality of openings is less than the size of said second
plurality of openings.
8. A drum according to claim 7, wherein said circular member is
associated to said inner portion of said circular side wall in
correspondence with said second plurality of openings.
9. A drum according to claim 1, wherein at least one of said side
walls is a rear side wall and said circular member is associated to
said inner portion of said circular side wall in a position close
to said rear side wall.
10. A drum according to claim 1, wherein the drum further comprises
at least one lifter associated to said inner portion of said
circular side wall.
11. A drum according to claim 10, wherein said at least one lifter
defines a chamber for receiving said liquid from said at least one
receiving opening and comprises at least one aperture facing said
laundry receiving space and serving to modify the flow of said
liquid from the at least one receiving opening to said laundry
receiving space.
12. A drum according to claim 11, wherein said chamber of said at
least one lifter communicates with said chamber of said circular
member.
13. A drum according to claim 10, wherein said at least one lifter
is fixed to said inner portion of said circular side wall.
14. A drum according to claim 10, wherein said at least one lifter
is associated to said inner portion of said circular side wall in a
removable way.
15. A drum according to claim 10, wherein said at least one lifter
is fixed to said circular member.
16. A drum according to claim 10, wherein said at least one lifter
and said circular member are formed as a single piece
construction.
17. A laundry washing machine comprising a casing supporting a
washing tub external to a washing drum suitable to receive the
laundry to be washed, wherein said washing drum is a drum according
to claim 1.
18. A laundry washing machine comprising a casing supporting a
washing tub external to a washing drum suitable to receive the
laundry to be washed, wherein said washing drum is a drum according
to claim 7.
19. A laundry washing machine comprising a casing supporting a
washing tub external to a washing drum suitable to receive the
laundry to be washed, wherein said washing drum is a drum according
to claim 8.
20. A laundry washing machine comprising a casing supporting a
washing tub external to a washing drum suitable to receive the
laundry to be washed, wherein said washing drum is a drum according
to claim 11.
Description
[0001] The present invention concerns the field of laundry washing
techniques. In particular, the present invention refers to a drum
for a laundry washing machine.
BACKGROUND ART
[0002] Nowadays the use of laundry washing machines, both "simple"
laundry washing machines (i.e. laundry washing machines which can
only wash and rinse laundry) and washing-drying machines (i.e.
laundry washing machines which can also dry laundry), is
widespread.
[0003] In the present description the term "laundry washing
machine" will refer to both simple laundry washing machines and
laundry washing-drying machines.
[0004] Laundry washing machines generally comprise an external
casing provided with a washing tub inside which there is a
rotatable perforated drum in which the laundry is placed.
[0005] A loading/unloading door ensures access to the tub and the
drum.
[0006] Laundry washing machines typically comprise a detergent
supply unit containing washing and/or rinsing products (i.e.
detergent, softener, etc.).
[0007] Laundry washing machines of known type typically comprise a
water inlet circuit for supplying water inside the tub and also a
recirculation circuit adapted to drain the liquid from the bottom
of the tub and to re-admit such liquid into an another part of the
tub. The water inlet circuit and the recirculation circuit
preferably comprise ducts terminating with respective injection
nozzles from which the water or the liquid is sprayed toward the
perforated drum. Usually the ducts of the water inlet circuit and
of the recirculation circuit terminate at common spraying
nozzles.
[0008] The water or the liquid admitted in the tub either through
the water inlet circuit or the recirculation circuit reaches the
laundry inside the drum by means of the holes present in the
peripheral wall of the perforated drum.
[0009] A laundry washing machine with a perforated drum belonging
to the know technique is disclosed in document U.S. Pat. No.
2,357,909.
[0010] In this document a substantially cylindrical tub and a
perforated drum arranged therein is described.
[0011] The perforated drum comprises a substantially cylindrical
side wall. The drum is perforated throughout substantially the
extent of the side wall. The side wall comprises a number of first
small opening and a series of second larger openings which are
circumferentially spaced around the sidewall in groups which are
spaced axially of the drum.
[0012] The laundry washing machine further comprises a conduit for
admitting fresh water into the tub and a plurality of water nozzles
which are spaced apart and disposed, respectively, in the planes of
the axially-spaced groups of large openings.
[0013] The laundry washing machine also comprises a re-circulation
circuit wherein the liquid from the bottom of the tub is withdrawn
through a conduit and conveyed to the water nozzles.
[0014] The water conveyed to the nozzles is discharged by means of
the nozzles into the drum through the circumferentially-spaced
large openings.
[0015] The large openings of the perforated drum enhance the water
flow entering into the drum for wetting the laundry.
[0016] The water enters radially inside the drum towards the centre
of the drum itself.
[0017] However, the laundry washing machine with perforated drum
above described belonging to the known art poses some
drawbacks.
[0018] A first drawback posed by this known technique is
constituted by the fact that the clothes disposed inside the drum
may be damaged during the rotation of the drum due to the large
size of the openings, especially when the drum is made rotate at
high speed with the clothes subjected to a high centrifugal
force.
[0019] A further drawback of the known technique is represented by
the fact that the water is not uniformly distributed inside the
drum but it is concentrated in correspondence of the large
openings.
[0020] The main object of the present invention is therefore to
overcome said drawbacks.
[0021] In particular, it is one object of the present invention to
provide a drum for laundry washing machine which allows a gently
treatment of the clothes during rotations.
[0022] Another object of the present invention is to provide a drum
for laundry washing machine which allows a more uniform
distribution of water/liquid to the clothes than the laundry
washing machine of known type.
DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION
[0023] The present invention therefore relates, in a first aspect
thereof, to a drum for a laundry washing machine comprising side
walls defining a laundry receiving space, at least one of said side
walls being circular and comprising a plurality of openings for the
passage of a liquid therethrough, the drum comprising at least a
circular member circumferentially associated to an inner portion of
said circular side wall, said circular member defining a chamber
for receiving said liquid from at least one receiving opening of
said openings and comprising at least one aperture facing said
laundry receiving space suitable to modify the flow of said liquid
from the at least one receiving opening to said laundry receiving
space.
[0024] Preferably the circular member is fixed to the inner portion
of the circular side wall.
[0025] More preferably the circular member is associated to the
inner portion of the circular side wall in a removable way.
[0026] Advantageously the circular member is a portion of
circumference.
[0027] In a preferred embodiment the circular member has a
substantially U-shaped section.
[0028] In a further preferred the circular member has a
substantially trapezoidal-shaped section.
[0029] Preferably the size of the aperture is less than the size of
the receiving opening.
[0030] Advantageously the plurality of openings of the circular
side wall comprises a first plurality of openings and a second
plurality of openings wherein the size of the first plurality of
openings is less than the size of the second plurality of
openings.
[0031] Opportunely the circular member is associated to the inner
portion of the circular side wall in correspondence of the second
plurality of openings.
[0032] In a preferred embodiment at least one of the side walls is
a rear side wall and the circular member is associated to the inner
portion of the circular side wall in a position close to the rear
side wall.
[0033] Preferably the drum further comprises at least one lifter
associated to the inner portion of the circular side wall.
[0034] Advantageously the lifter defines a chamber for receiving
the liquid from the at least one receiving opening and comprises at
least one aperture facing the laundry receiving space suitable to
modify the flow of the liquid from the at least one receiving
opening to the laundry receiving space.
[0035] Preferably the chamber of the at least one lifter
communicates with the chamber of the circular member.
[0036] In a preferred embodiment the at least one lifter is fixed
to the inner portion of the circular side wall.
[0037] Advantageously the at least one lifter is associated to the
inner portion of the circular side wall in a removable way.
[0038] Preferably the at least one lifter is fixed to the circular
member.
[0039] In a preferred embodiment the at least one lifter and the
circular member are formed as a single piece construction.
[0040] In a second aspect thereof, the present invention concerns a
laundry washing machine comprising a casing supporting a washing
tub external to a washing drum suitable to receive the laundry to
be washed, said washing drum being a drum as described above.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Further characteristics and advantages of the present
invention will be highlighted in greater detail in the following
detailed description of some of its preferred embodiments, provided
with reference to the enclosed drawings. In the drawings,
corresponding characteristics and/or components are identified by
the same reference numbers. In particular:
[0042] FIG. 1 shows a isometric view of a laundry washing machine
according to a first embodiment of the invention;
[0043] FIG. 2 shows a isometric view of a drum for the laundry
washing machine of FIG. 1 according to a first embodiment of the
invention;
[0044] FIG. 3 shows a isometric view of some particulars of the
drum shown in FIG. 2;
[0045] FIG. 3A shows a section view along line
III.degree.-III.degree. of FIG. 3;
[0046] FIG. 3B shows a construction variant of FIG. 3A;
[0047] FIG. 4 shows a longitudinal section view of the drum of FIG.
2;
[0048] FIG. 4A shows an enlarged detail of FIG. 4;
[0049] FIG. 5 shows a construction variant of the drum of FIG.
2
[0050] FIG. 6 shows a isometric view of some particulars of the
drum shown in FIG. 5;
[0051] FIG. 7 shows a longitudinal section view of the drum of FIG.
5;
[0052] FIG. 8 shows a further construction variant of the washing
machine of FIG. 1;
[0053] FIG. 9 shows a isometric view of a drum for the laundry
washing machine of FIG. 8;
[0054] FIG. 10 shows a isometric view of some particulars of the
drum shown in FIG. 9;
[0055] FIG. 10A shows a section view along line X.degree.-X.degree.
of FIG. 10;
[0056] FIG. 11 shows a longitudinal section view of the drum of
FIG. 9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0057] A laundry washing machine W with a drum 1 according to a
first embodiment of the invention is described here below with
reference to Figures from 1 to 4.
[0058] The laundry washing machine W shown in FIG. 1 is a front
loading washing machine. The present invention has proved to be
particularly successful when applied to front loading laundry
washing machines. It should in any case be underlined that the
present invention is not limited to this type of application. On
the contrary, the present invention can be usefully applied to
different types of loading washing devices, as for example top
loading laundry washing machines or laundry washing-drying
machines.
[0059] The laundry washing machine W comprises an external casing
or casing 2, in which a washing tub 3 is provided that contains a
rotatable perforated drum 1, where the laundry to be washed can be
loaded.
[0060] The tub 3 and the drum 1 both have preferably a
substantially cylindrical shape.
[0061] A hollow space is defined between the tub 3 and the drum
1.
[0062] The casing 2 is provided with a loading/unloading door, not
illustrated, which allows access to the washing tub 3 and the drum
1.
[0063] The tub 3 is preferably suspended in a floating manner
inside the casing 2, advantageously by means of a number of coil
springs and shock-absorbers, that are not illustrated herein.
[0064] The tub 3 is preferably connected to the casing 2 and/or the
door by means of an elastic bellows 7, or gasket.
[0065] The drum 1 is advantageously rotated by an electric motor
which preferably transmits the rotating motion to the shaft 14 of
the drum 1, advantageously by means of a belt/pulley system. In a
different embodiment of the invention, the motor can be directly
associated with the shaft 14 of the drum 1.
[0066] A water inlet circuit 5 is arranged in the upper part of the
laundry washing machine W and is suited to supply water and
washing/rinsing products (i.e. detergent, softener, etc.) into the
tub 3.
[0067] The water inlet circuit 5 advantageously comprises a
removable drawer 6 provided with various compartments suited to be
filled with washing and/or rinsing products.
[0068] In the embodiment herein described, the water is
advantageously supplied into the tub 3 by making it flow through
the drawer 6 and through a supply pipe 9 which extends toward the
front side of the washing machine 1. The supply pipe 9 is provided
with an output 9a placed partially inside the bellows 7 in the
proximity of the front door.
[0069] In a preferred embodiment, the water which reaches the tub 3
can selectively contain one of the products contained in the
compartments of the drawer 6, or such water can be clean and in
this case it may reach the tub 3 directly, bypassing the
compartments of the drawer 6.
[0070] This may depend on the phase of the washing cycle selected.
In the initial phases of the washing cycle, for example, the
products are conveyed into the tub 3 over the laundry. In other
phases, as for example during the rinsing phase, only water in
conveyed into the tub 3.
[0071] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, a further
separate water supply pipe can be provided, which supplies
exclusively clean water into the tub 3.
[0072] The water inlet circuit 5 also preferably comprises a water
flow sensor, for example a flow meter, which makes it possible to
calculate the quantity of water supplied into the tub 3.
[0073] The laundry washing machine W advantageously comprises a
water outlet circuit 25.
[0074] The water outlet circuit 25 advantageously comprises a drain
pump 26, a first pipe 27 connecting the tub 3 to the drain pump 26
and an outlet pipe 28 ending outside the casing 2. The water outlet
circuit 25 is suited to drain the liquid, i.e. dirty water or water
mixed with washing and/or rinsing products, from the tub 3 to the
outside.
[0075] The water outlet circuit 25 is advantageously provided with
a recirculation circuit 30 adapted to drain liquid from a bottom
region of the tub 3 and to re-admit such a liquid into a higher
region of the tub 3.
[0076] The recirculation circuit 30 comprises a recirculation pump
29 and a recirculation pipe 31. The recirculation pipe 31
advantageously ends with two injection nozzles 32, 33 in an upper
region of the tub 3 and with a third injection nozzle 34 in the
proximity of the front door.
[0077] The drain pump 26 and the recirculation pump 29 are properly
controlled in order to allow selective drainage of the liquid from
the tub 3 towards the outside through the outlet pipe 28 or towards
the upper region of the tub 3 through the recirculation pipe
31.
[0078] In case of drainage of the liquid from the tub 3 towards the
outside only the drain pump 26 is activated. In case of drainage of
the liquid from the tub 3 towards the towards the upper region of
the tub 3 only the recirculation pump 29 is activated.
[0079] In a further embodiment, not illustrated, the recirculation
circuit may comprise a dedicated recirculation pipe connecting a
bottom region of the tub with an higher region of the latter, and
provided with a dedicated recirculation pump; in this case the
recirculation circuit is advantageously completely separated from
the water outlet circuit.
[0080] The drum 1 comprises a cylindrical side wall 50, a rear side
wall 51 and a front side wall 52. The side walls 50, 51 and 52
define a laundry receiving space 53 where the laundry to be washed
is loaded.
[0081] The front side wall 52 comprises an aperture 54,
substantially aligned with the loading/unloading door of the
laundry washing machine W, from which the laundry is
loaded/unloaded.
[0082] The drum 1 is also advantageously provided with three
inwardly extending lifters 61, 62 and 63, as better visible in FIG.
3. The lifters 61, 62 and 63 extend over the inner surface 50a of
the cylindrical side wall 50 substantially from the rear side wall
51 to the front side wall 52.
[0083] The lifters 61, 62 and 63 are circumferentially spaced and
engage the laundry as the drum 1 is rotated.
[0084] The lifters 61, 62 and 63 raise the laundry contained in the
laundry receiving space 53 toward the top of the drum 1 and then
release the laundry to cause the laundry to be dropped to the
bottom of the drum 1, in accordance with the rotation of the drum
1.
[0085] The cylindrical side wall 50 of the drum 1 is provided with
openings 41, as better visible in FIG. 2.
[0086] The openings 41 comprises a plurality of first openings 42
preferably uniformly distributed over the cylindrical side wall 50.
The first openings 42 preferably have a circular shape with a
diameter preferably comprised between 2 mm and 4 mm.
[0087] More generally, the first openings may have different shape
than the circular one shown in the figures, as for example an oval
shape. The maximum size of each of the first openings is preferably
less than 4 mm.
[0088] The openings 41 further comprises a plurality of second
openings 43 preferably distributed circumferentially over the
cylindrical side wall 50 in two parallel rows 43a and 43b. Each of
the two parallel rows 43a and 43b of the second openings 43
advantageously faces a respective injection nozzle 32, 33 of the
recirculation pipe 31.
[0089] Second openings 43 advantageously have a larger size than
the first openings 42.
[0090] The second openings 43 preferably have a circular shape with
a diameter comprised between 8 mm and 20 mm.
[0091] Second openings may have different shape than the circular
one shown in the figures, as for example an oval shape. The maximum
size of each of the second openings is preferably less than 20
mm.
[0092] Both the first and the second openings 42 and 43 allow the
passage of a liquid therethrough, in particular the passage of a
liquid from outside of the drum 1 to the laundry receiving space
53.
[0093] The larger size of the second openings 43 with respect to
the size of the first openings 42 advantageously enhances the
passage of the liquid from the injection nozzles 32, 33 to the
laundry receiving space 53 inside the drum 1.
[0094] The drum 1 advantageously comprises two cover rings 55, 65
which extend circumferentially over the inner surface 50a of the
cylindrical side wall 50. The cover rings 55, 65 face the second
openings rows 43a and 43b.
[0095] Cover rings 55, 65 are substantially equal to each other and
therefore only one is described in detail hereinafter.
[0096] The cover ring 55 is substantially circular so as to fit the
inner surface 50a of the cylindrical side wall 50. The cover ring
55 comprises three adjacent circular portions 55a, 55b and 55c
which are disposed between the lifters 61, 62 and 63, as shown in
FIG. 3 where the cover rings 55, 65 and the lifters 61, 62, 63 are
illustrated separated from the rest.
[0097] Each of the circular portions 55a, 55b and 55c is preferably
a portion of circumference.
[0098] The cover ring 55 preferably has a substantially U-shaped
section, as better shown in FIG. 3A. The cover ring 55 comprises
two lateral sides 56, 57 and a link side 58 between the two lateral
sides 56, 57. The cover ring 55 in combination with the inner
surface 50a of the cylindrical side wall 50 defines a liquid
receiving chamber 59, as shown in FIG. 4A.
[0099] The link side 58 of the cover ring 55 advantageously
comprises apertures 66 for the communication of the liquid
receiving chamber 59 with the laundry receiving space 53 inside the
drum 1.
[0100] The apertures 66 preferably have a circular shape with a
diameter comprised between 2 mm and 8 mm.
[0101] The apertures may have different shape than the circular one
shown in the figures, as for example an oval shape. The maximum
size of each of the second openings is preferably less than 8
mm.
[0102] The apertures 66 may have preferably the same shape and size
of the first openings 42 of the cylindrical side wall 50.
[0103] According to the preferred embodiment of the laundry washing
machine W above described, the liquid at the bottom of the tub 3,
usually comprising water and/or detergent, may be re-circulated and
re-introduced inside the drum 1 by means of the activation of the
recirculation circuit 30.
[0104] The recirculation pump 29 is activated and the drained
liquid may flow from the bottom of the tub 3 along the
recirculation pipe 31 up to injection nozzles 32, 33 and 34. In
particular, the liquid is sprayed with a proper pressure from the
injection nozzles 32, 33 in the upper region of the tub 3 towards
the second openings 43 of the cylindrical side wall 50 of the drum
1. The drum 1 advantageously rotates during this recirculation
phase. The larger size of the second openings 43 with respect to
the size of the first openings 42, as said before, enhances the
passage of the liquid inside the drum 1. Part of the liquid may
reach the first openings 42 of the cylindrical side wall 50 of the
drum 1 and gets in through the first openings 42 inside the drum
1.
[0105] The liquid coming from the injection nozzles 32, 33 which
gets in through the second openings 43 is received in the liquid
receiving chamber 59 formed by the cover ring 55. From the liquid
receiving chamber 59 the liquid under pressure is then conveyed
through the apertures 66 inside the laundry receiving space 53
along a preferred radial direction R1.
[0106] The liquid direction R1 inside the laundry receiving space
53 depends substantially on the orientation of the link side 58 of
the cover ring 55 and on the number and size of the apertures
66.
[0107] It is clear that in different embodiments such direction may
be different and opportunely set according to a different shape of
the link side and of the apertures.
[0108] Advantageously, the provision of the cover rings 55, 65 with
apertures 66 having reduced size with respect to the second opening
43 of the cylindrical side wall 50 avoid damaging of the laundry
during the rotation of the drum 1, especially when the drum 1 is
made rotate at high speed with the laundry subjected to a high
centrifugal force.
[0109] In the preferred embodiment herewith described, the cover
rings and the lifters are advantageously fixedly connected to each
other.
[0110] In different embodiments, the cover rings and the lifters
may be separated parts.
[0111] In a preferred embodiment of the drum of the invention, the
cover rings are fixedly connected to the inner surface of the
cylindrical side wall, for example by means of snap-fit, screws,
welding, gluing or other suited fastening means.
[0112] Preferably the cover rings are made of the same material of
the cylindrical side wall. In further embodiments the cover rings
may be of a different material, as for example plastic.
[0113] In another preferred embodiment, the cover rings may be
associated to the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall in a
removable way. In this case the cover rings may be advantageously
replaced. This is particularly useful when the cover rings are
damaged or when the cover rings are being replaced with different
cover rings having different disposition and/or shape of the
apertures. This may advantageously confer different desiderate
directions to the liquid.
[0114] With reference to FIG. 3B a construction variant of the
cover ring 255 is described.
[0115] This cover ring 255 differs from the one described above
with reference to FIG. 3A for the fact that the lateral sides 256,
257 comprise further apertures 266 for the communication of the
liquid receiving chamber 259 with the laundry receiving space 53
inside the drum 1.
[0116] Advantageously in the washing machine provided with this
cover ring 255 the liquid coming from the injection nozzles 32, 33
reaches the laundry from different directions R1, R2 and R3. This
determines a more uniform distribution of the liquid over the
laundry.
[0117] The liquid directions R1, R2 and R3 inside the laundry
receiving space 53 depend substantially on the orientation of the
lateral sides 256, 257 and 258 of the cover ring 255 and on the
number and size of the apertures 66, 266 formed therein.
[0118] It is clear that in different embodiments such directions
may be different and opportunely set according to a different shape
of the sides and of the apertures.
[0119] With reference to Figures from 5 to 7 a construction variant
of the drum 71 is described.
[0120] This drum 71 differs from the drum 1 shown in FIG. 2 for the
different construction of the lifters 81, 82 and 83.
[0121] The lifters 81, 82 and 83 are substantially equal to each
other and therefore only one is described in detail
hereinafter.
[0122] The lifter 81 extends inwardly from the inner surface 50a of
the cylindrical side wall 50 and extend longitudinally between the
rear side wall 51 and the front side wall 52 of the drum 1.
[0123] The lifter is substantially U-shaped, as better shown in
FIG. 6, comprising two lateral sides 85a, 85b and a link side 85c
between the two lateral sides 85a, 85b. The two lateral sides 85a,
85b and the link side 85c have respective smooth outer surfaces in
order to engage gently the laundry and avoid laundry damages.
[0124] The lifter 81 in combination with the inner surface 50a of
the cylindrical side wall 50 defines a liquid receiving chamber
87.
[0125] The lateral sides 85a, 85b and the link side 85c of the
lifter 85 advantageously comprise apertures 90 for the
communication of the liquid receiving chamber 87 with the laundry
receiving space 53 inside the drum 1.
[0126] The apertures 90 preferably have an oval shape with a
maximum size comprised between 5 mm and 12 mm.
[0127] The apertures may have different shape than the oval one
shown in the figures, as for example a circular shape. The maximum
size of each of the second openings is preferably less than 12
mm.
[0128] At least one of the second openings 43 of the cylindrical
side wall 50 communicates with the liquid receiving chamber 87 of
the lifter 81. More particularly, one opening 43'a of the first row
43a of the second openings 43 communicates with the liquid
receiving chamber 87.
[0129] Preferably also at least one of the first openings 42 of the
cylindrical side wall 50 may communicate with the chamber 87.
[0130] Preferably the liquid receiving chamber 87 of the lifter 81
may communicate with the liquid receiving chambers 59 of the
adjacent cover rings 55, 65.
[0131] The lifter 81 is advantageously associated to the inner
surface 50a of the cylindrical side wall 50 in a removable way.
Preferably a snap fit connection between the lifter 81 and the
cylindrical side wall 50 is provided. The snap fit connection
comprises two couples of attaching elastic wings 91-94 which engage
respective receiving holes 97-100 in the cylindrical side wall
50.
[0132] The lifter 81 further comprises two threaded holes 88 for
receiving fixing screws, not illustrated, passing through
respective holes 78 of the side wall 50 of the drum 1.
[0133] The lifter 81 therefore may be easily detached and, in case,
replaced with a new one. The new lifter may have, for example, a
new configuration of the apertures.
[0134] In a further embodiment, the lifter may be fixedly connected
to the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall, for example by
means of snap-fit, screws, welding, gluing or other suited
fastening means.
[0135] According to this embodiment the liquid coming from the
injection nozzles 32, 33 is sprayed with a proper pressure from the
injection nozzles 32, 33 in the upper region of the tub 3 towards
the second openings 43 of the cylindrical side wall 50 of the drum
1.
[0136] The liquid coming from the injection nozzles 32, 33 which
gets in through the second openings 43 is received in the liquid
receiving chamber 87 of the lifter 81. From the liquid receiving
chamber 87 the liquid under pressure is then conveyed through the
apertures 90 inside the drum 1 along different directions according
to the orientations of the apertures 90 along the lifter 81.
[0137] Advantageously the liquid coming from the injection nozzles
32, 33 reaches the laundry from different directions. This causes
an enhanced and uniform distribution of the liquid over the
laundry.
[0138] The liquid directions inside the laundry receiving space
depend on the orientation of the lateral sides 85a, 85b and 85c of
the lifter 81 and on the number and size of the apertures 90 formed
therein.
[0139] It is clear that in different embodiments such directions
may be different and opportunely set according to a different shape
of the lifters and of the apertures.
[0140] In this embodiment the lifters 81, 82 and 83, therefore, do
not have only the function of raising the laundry contained in the
laundry receiving space 53.
[0141] In a preferred embodiment a lifter and at least one of the
adjacent circular portions of the cover rings may be formed as a
single piece construction, obtained for example by means of an
injection moulding process.
[0142] The lifter and the adjacent circular portions of the cover
ring are preferably associated to the inner surface of the
cylindrical side wall of the drum in a removable way.
[0143] This is particularly useful when the cover rings or the
lifters are damaged or when the cover rings or the lifters are
being replaced with new ones having different disposition and/or
shape of the apertures. This may advantageously confer different
desiderate directions to the liquid.
[0144] Preferably the lifters are made of the same material of the
cover rings.
[0145] With reference to Figures from 8 to 11 a construction
variant of a laundry washing machine W and of the drum 101 is
described.
[0146] Apart from the drum 101, the laundry washing machine W shows
in FIG. 8 differs from the laundry washing machine W described with
reference to FIG. 1 only for the fact that the recirculation pipe
31 ends with a rear injection nozzle 35 in a rear upper region of
the tub 3 instead of the two injection nozzles 32, 33 in the upper
central region of the tub 3.
[0147] The drum 101 comprises a cylindrical side wall 110, a rear
side wall 111 and a front side wall 112. The side walls 110, 111
and 112 define a laundry receiving space 113 where the laundry to
be washed is loaded.
[0148] The front side wall 112 comprises an aperture 114,
substantially aligned with the loading/unloading door of the
laundry washing machine W, from which the laundry is
loaded/unloaded.
[0149] The drum 101 is also advantageously provided with three
inwardly extending lifters 121, 122 and 123, as better visible in
FIG. 10. The lifters 121, 122 and 123 extend over the inner surface
110a of the cylindrical side wall 110 substantially from the rear
side wall 111 to the front side wall 112 of the drum 101.
[0150] The lifters 121, 122 and 123 are circumferentially spaced
and engage the laundry as the drum 101 is rotated.
[0151] The cylindrical side wall 110 of the drum 101 is provided
with openings 161, as better visible in FIG. 9.
[0152] The openings 161 comprises a plurality of first openings 162
preferably uniformly distributed over the cylindrical side wall
110. The first openings 162 preferably have a circular shape with a
diameter preferably comprised between 2 mm and 4 mm.
[0153] More generally, the first openings may have different shape
than the circular one shown in the figures, as for example an oval
shape. The maximum size of each of the first openings is preferably
less than 4 mm.
[0154] The openings 161 further comprises a plurality of second
openings 163 preferably distributed circumferentially over the
cylindrical side wall 110 in a single row 163a. The row 163a of the
second openings 163 advantageously face the rear injection nozzle
35 of the recirculation pipe 31, the latter shown in FIG. 8.
[0155] Second openings 163 preferably have a larger size than the
first openings 162. The second openings 163 preferably have a
circular shape with a diameter comprised between 8 mm and 20
mm.
[0156] Second openings may have different shape than the circular
one shown in the figures, as for example an oval shape. The maximum
size of each of the second openings is preferably less than 20
mm.
[0157] The larger size of the second openings 163 with respect to
the size of the first openings 162 advantageously enhances the
passage of the liquid from the rear injection nozzle 35 to the
laundry receiving space 113 inside the drum 101.
[0158] The drum 101 advantageously comprises a cover ring 115 which
extend circumferentially over the inner surface 110a of the
cylindrical side wall 110.
[0159] The cover ring 115 face the second openings row 163a. The
cover ring 115 is preferably placed in the proximity of the rear
side wall 111 of the drum 101.
[0160] The cover ring 115 is substantially circular so as to fit
the inner surface 110a of the cylindrical side wall 110. The cover
ring 115 comprises three adjacent circular portions 115a, 115b and
115c which are disposed between the lifters 121, 122 and 123, as
shown in FIG. 10 where the cover ring 115 and the lifters 121, 122,
123 are illustrated separated from the rest. Each of the circular
portions 115a, 115b and 115c is preferably a portion of
circumference.
[0161] The cover ring 115 preferably has a substantially
trapezoidal-shaped section, as better shown in FIG. 10A. The cover
ring 115 comprises two lateral sides 116, 117 and a front side 118
between the two lateral sides 116, 117. The lateral sides 116, 117
and the front side 118 define a liquid receiving chamber 119.
[0162] The front side 118 of the cover ring 115 advantageously
comprises apertures 126 for the communication of the liquid
receiving chamber 119 with the laundry receiving space 113 inside
the drum 101.
[0163] The apertures 126 preferably have a circular shape with a
diameter comprised between 2 mm and 8 mm.
[0164] The apertures may have different shape than the circular one
shown in the figures, as for example an oval shape. The maximum
size of each of the second openings is preferably less than 8
mm.
[0165] The apertures 126 may have preferably the same shape and
size of the first openings 162 of the cylindrical side wall
110.
[0166] The lifters 121, 122 and 123 are substantially equal to each
other and therefore only one is described in detail
hereinafter.
[0167] The lifter 121 is substantially U-shaped, as better shown in
FIG. 10, comprising two lateral sides 185a, 185b and a link side
185c between the two lateral sides 185a, 185b. The two lateral
sides 185a, 185b and the link side 185c have respective smooth
outer surfaces in order to engage gently the laundry and avoid
laundry damages.
[0168] The lifter 121 in combination with the inner surface 110a of
the cylindrical side wall 110 defines a liquid receiving chamber
187.
[0169] The lateral sides 185a, 185b and the link side 185c of the
lifter 121 advantageously comprise apertures 190 for the
communication of the liquid receiving chamber 187 with the laundry
receiving space 113 inside the drum 101.
[0170] The apertures 190 preferably have an oval shape with a
maximum size comprised between 5 mm and 12 mm.
[0171] The apertures may have different shape than the oval one
shown in the figures, as for example a circular shape. The maximum
size of each of the second openings is preferably less than 12
mm.
[0172] At least one of the second openings 163 of the cylindrical
side wall 110 communicates with the liquid receiving chamber 187 of
the lifter 121. More particularly, one opening 163'a of the first
row 163a of the second openings 163 communicates with the liquid
receiving chamber 187.
[0173] Preferably also at least one of the first openings 162 of
the cylindrical side wall 110 may communicate with the liquid
receiving chamber 187.
[0174] Preferably the liquid receiving chamber 187 of the lifter
121 communicates with the liquid receiving chambers 159 of the
adjacent cover ring 155 through a communicating channel 191.
[0175] The lifter 121 is advantageously associated to the inner
surface 110a of the cylindrical side wall 110 in a removable way.
Preferably a snap fit connection between the lifter 121 and the
cylindrical side wall 110 is provided. The snap fit connection
comprises two couples of attaching elastic wings 291-294 which
engage respective receiving holes 297-300 in the cylindrical side
wall 110.
[0176] The lifter 121 further comprises two threaded holes 288 for
receiving fixing screws, not illustrated, passing through
respective holes 278 of the side wall 110 of the drum 101.
[0177] The lifter 121 therefore may be easily detached and, in
case, replaced with a new one. The new lifter may have, for
example, a new configuration of the apertures.
[0178] In a further embodiment, the lifter may be fixedly connected
to the inner surface of the cylindrical side wall, for example by
means of snap-fit, screws, welding, gluing or other suited
fastening means.
[0179] According to the preferred embodiment of the laundry washing
machine W above described, the liquid at the bottom of the tub 3,
usually comprising water and/or detergent, may be re-circulated and
re-introduced inside the drum 101 by means of the activation of the
recirculation circuit 30.
[0180] The recirculation pump 29 is activated and the drained
liquid may flow from the bottom of the tub 3 along the
recirculation pipe 31 up to injection nozzles 34, 35.
[0181] In particular, the liquid is sprayed with a proper pressure
from the rear injection nozzle 35 in the upper and rear region of
the tub 3 towards the second openings 163 of the cylindrical side
wall 110 of the drum 101. The drum 101 advantageously rotates
during this recirculation phase. The larger size of the second
openings 163 with respect to the size of the first openings 162, as
said before, enhances the passage of the liquid inside the drum
101. Part of the liquid may reach the first openings 162 of the
cylindrical side wall 110 of the drum 101 and gets in through the
first openings 162 inside the drum 101.
[0182] The liquid coming from the rear injection nozzle 35 which
gets in through the second openings 163 is received in the liquid
receiving chamber 119 formed by the cover ring 115. From the liquid
receiving chamber 119 the liquid under pressure is then conveyed
through the apertures 126 inside the laundry receiving space 113
along a direction R4, which is preferably directed towards the
centre of the drum 101.
[0183] Advantageously the liquid coming from the rear injection
nozzle 35 reaches the laundry from the rear. This determines a more
uniform distribution of the liquid over the laundry.
[0184] The liquid direction R4 inside the laundry receiving space
113 depends on the orientation of the front side 118 of the cover
ring 115 and on the number and size of the apertures 126 formed
therein.
[0185] It is clear that in different embodiments such directions
may be different and opportunely set according to a different shape
of the side and of the apertures.
[0186] The provision of the cover ring 115 with apertures 126
having reduced size with respect to the second opening 163 of the
cylindrical side wall 110 avoid damaging of the laundry during the
rotation of the drum 101, especially when the drum 101 is made
rotate at high speed with the laundry subjected to a high
centrifugal force.
[0187] During the recirculation, as said before, the liquid is
sprayed with a proper pressure from the rear injection nozzle 35 in
the upper and rear region of the tub 3 towards the second openings
163 of the cylindrical side wall 110 of the drum 101.
[0188] The liquid which gets in through the second openings 163 is
also received in the liquid receiving chamber 187 of the lifter
121. The liquid also reaches the liquid receiving chamber 187 from
the liquid receiving chambers 119 of the cover ring 115 through the
communicating channel 191.
[0189] From the liquid receiving chamber 119 the liquid under
pressure is then conveyed inside the drum 101 through the apertures
190. The liquid enters the laundry receiving space 113 along
different directions.
[0190] This causes an enhanced and uniform distribution of the
liquid over the laundry.
[0191] As said for the previous embodiment, such directions may be
different and opportunely set according to the orientations of the
sides of the lifters and according to the number and size of the
apertures.
[0192] In a preferred embodiment a lifter and at least one of the
adjacent circular portions of the cover rings may be formed as a
single piece construction, obtained for example by means of an
injection moulding process.
[0193] The lifter and the adjacent circular portions of the cover
ring are preferably associated to the inner surface of the
cylindrical side wall of the drum in a removable way.
[0194] This is particularly useful when the cover ring or the
lifters are damaged or when the cover ring or the lifters are being
replaced with new ones having different disposition and/or shape of
the apertures. This may advantageously confer different desiderate
directions to the liquid.
[0195] Preferably the lifters are made of the same material of the
cover ring.
[0196] In a preferred embodiment of the drum of the invention, the
cover ring is fixedly connected to the inner surface of the
cylindrical side wall, for example by means of snap-fit, screws,
welding, gluing or other suited fastening means.
[0197] Preferably the cover ring is made of the same material of
the cylindrical side wall. In further embodiments the cover ring
may be of a different material, as for example plastic.
[0198] It has thus been shown that the present invention allows all
the set objects to be achieved. In particular, it makes it possible
to obtain a gently treatment of the clothes during rotations.
[0199] It is underlined that the laundry washing machines
illustrated in the enclosed figures, and with reference to which
some embodiments of the drum according to the invention have been
described, are of the front-loading type; however it is clear that
the drum according to the invention can be applied as well to a
top-loading washing machine, substantially without any
modification.
[0200] While the present invention has been described with
reference to the particular embodiments shown in the figures, it
should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the
specific embodiments illustrated and described herein; on the
contrary, further variants of the embodiments described herein fall
within the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the
claims.
* * * * *