DESCRIPTION

Field of application

[0001] The present invention relates to a filter assembly for filtering water . In particular, the filter assembly is speci fically suitable for filtering the water coming out from a washing machine drum . In addition, the present invention relates to a washing machine comprising said filter ass emb 1 y .

[0002] In the prior art , filter assembly solutions are known which are suitable for filtering water, and in particular suitable for filtering the water coming out from a washing machine drum of a washing machine .

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to the filtration of the water coming out from a washing machine drum . Speci fically, we refer to the action of filtering the water coming out from the drum from both " large" and " small" elements . In particular, in the present disclosure , the definition " large elements" includes unwanted contaminating elements such as coins , buttons , hairpins , paper clips , handkerchiefs , pieces of organic material , for example , food or grass or leaves , that is , solid bodies which are easily visible as well as manipulable . Instead, " small elements" include all those unwanted contaminating elements of complex collection and separation or filtration from the water, including microplastics or microfibers , released from garments at least partially made of synthetic fiber, and natural fibers .

[0004] With particular reference to the abovementioned " small elements" , microplastics and generally microfibers , it should be noted that these are created during domestic and/or industrial washing operations of fabrics and consequently of fabric products , such as , for example , garments : the creation and/or release of microplastics occurs during the washing of synthetic fabrics , that is , fabrics which, entirely or for a portion thereof , comprise synthetic fibers , such as , for example , polyester, polypropylene , polyamide and/or acrylic ; the creation and/or release of natural fibers , which may also have micrometric or sub-micrometric dimensions , occurs during the washing operations of fabrics at least partially made of natural fibers , such as cotton and/or linen and/or wool .

[0005] Furthermore , it should be noted that the term "washing machine" also generically means a washer-dryer, that is , a washing machine which also has the drying function .

Background art

[0006] In the state of art , a plurality of filter assembly solutions are known, suitable for filtering the water both from " large" and " small" elements . Similarly, in the prior art , washing machines are known which are suitable for comprising filter assemblies suitable for filtering the water exiting washing machine drums .

[0007] A typical issue of the known filter assembly solutions is related to the need to filter water ef fectively, but , at the same time , to have simple and intuitive maintenance operations .

[0008] Another typical issue of known filter assembly solutions is related to the modes in which the water is moved through the filter assembly .

[0009] In fact , it has been found that researching ef fective water filtration, especially from " small" elements , requires the presence of complex filter assemblies and sometimes the presence of pump groups which, in turn, have complex operating modes .

[0010] It has therefore been found that the known filter assemblies as well as the pump groups which move the water through said assemblies have the aforesaid issues and require complex and frequent maintenance operations . Solution of the invention

[0011] In view of the above , the need is strongly felt to solve such issue by providing a fi lter assembly suitable for performing an ef fective filtration, but which, at the same time , simpli fies the circuit layout of the water circulation system and allows for a simple and fast maintenance .

[0012] Therefore , it is the obj ect of the present invention to provide a filter assembly and a washing machine comprising such filter assembly which satis fy such a need .

[0013] With particular reference to washing machines , such need becomes even more important since the maintenance operations are typically performed by a non-speciali zed user .

[0014] Such an obj ect is achieved by means of a filter assembly according to what is claimed in claim 1 . Similarly, such an obj ect is achieved by a washing machine claimed in claim 19 .

[0015] The claims dependent thereon show preferred embodiments implying further advantageous aspects . Description of the drawings

[0016] The features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the description provided below of preferred embodiments thereof , given by way of nonlimiting indication, with reference to the accompanying Figures , in which :

[0017] - Figures la and lb show two washing machine diagrams , each representing a preferred embodiment , according to the present invention;

[0018] - Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a filter assembly, in an assembled configuration, according to the present invention, according to a first preferred embodiment ;

[0019] - Figures 3a, 3b and 3c respectively are a front view, a side view and a top sectional view along the cross-section plane C-C referred to in Figure 3b, of the filter assembly referred to in Figure 2 ;

[0020] - Figure 4 shows a perspective view of a filter assembly, in an assembled configuration, according to the present invention, according to a second preferred embodiment ;

[0021] - Figures 4 ' and 4" show two perspective views with separate parts of the filter assembly referred to in Figure 4 ;

[0022] - Figures 5a, 5b and 5c respectively are a front view, a sectional side view along the cross-section plane B-B referred to in Figure 5a and a longitudinal sectional view along the cross-section plane C-C referred to in Figure 5b, of the filter assembly referred to in Figure 4 ;

[0023] - Figure 6 shows a side view of the filter assembly of Figure 4 ;

[0024] - Figures 7a, 7b and 7c respectively show a sectional view along the cross-section plane A-A and the cross-section plane B-B referred to in Figure 6 and a side sectional view;

[0025] - Figures 8 ' and 8" show two perspective views of a filter assembly, in an assembled configuration, according to the present invention, according to a third preferred embodiment ;

[0026] - Figures 9 ' and 9" show two perspective views of a filter assembly, in an assembled configuration, according to the present invention, according to a fourth preferred embodiment ;

[0027] - Figure 10 shows some components of the filter assembly, in particular a lid device and a filter group according to a preferred embodiment ;

[0028] - Figure 11 shows a perspective view with separate parts of a filtering medium comprised in a filter comprised in the filter assembly according to the present invention .

Detailed description

[0029] With reference to the accompanying Figures , reference number 1 indicates a filter assembly for filtering water according to the present invention .

[0030] In addition, with reference to the accompanying Figures , reference number 900 indicates a washing machine according to the present invention . As already mentioned, the term washing machine also means a washer-dryer solution, that is , a washing machine which also has the drying function .

[0031] Preferably, the washing machine 900 comprises a drum 910 in which the washing operations are performed . It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the type , shape , dimensions , positioning, orientation, that is , rotation axis , operating mode ( for example , the rotation speed and the centri fuge ) of the drum .

[0032] Preferably, the washing machine 900 comprises a washing machine duct 950 .

[0033] According to a preferred embodiment , the washing machine duct 950 is the discharge duct of the washing machine 900 fluidically connected to the drum 910 ( or, more generally, to the drum housing) and fluidically connectable to a household or industrial discharge system for discharging the water used in the drum 910 .

[0034] According to a preferred embodiment , the washing machine duct 950 is the drum water recirculation duct , that is the duct receiving the water exiting the drum 910 to bring it back to the drum 910 .

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment , the washing machine further comprises a detergent drawer 970 . Preferably, the washing machine duct 950 is fluidically connected to said detergent drawer 970 . [0036] Preferably, the washing machine duct 950 is a drum water recirculation duct fluidically connected to said detergent drawer 970 .

[0037] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter assembly 1 is fluidically connectable to said washing machine duct 950 .

[0038] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter assembly 1 is positioned along said washing machine duct 950 .

[0039] Preferably, the filter assembly 1 is housed outside the washing machine 900 .

[0040] Preferably, the filter assembly 1 is housed outside the washing machine 900 , fluidically downstream of the pump group 960 .

[0041] Preferably, the filter assembly 1 is housed inside the washing machine 900 .

[0042] According to a preferred embodiment , the washing machine 900 comprises a pump group 960 positioned along the washing machine duct 950 to discharge the water from the drum 910 towards the discharge system . According to such preferred embodiment , it is therefore the obj ect of said pump group 960 to discharge through the washing machine duct 950 , also known as the discharge duct , the water towards a discharge system .

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment , the washing machine 900 comprises a pump group 960 positioned along said washing machine duct 950 being said pump group 960 suitable for carrying out the recirculation of the water towards the drum 910 . According to such preferred embodiment , it is therefore the obj ect of said pump group 960 to recirculate the water in the drum 910 through the washing machine duct 950 .

[0044] According to a preferred embodiment , the washing machine 900 comprises a pump group 960 positioned along said washing machine duct 950 being said pump group 960 suitable for carrying out both the discharge of the water towards a discharge system and the recirculation of the water towards the drum 910 . In particular, according to such preferred embodiment , the discharge duct 950 branches of f and is connected to the drum 910 and to the discharge system, according to the needs .

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment , said pump group 960 operates in suction with respect to the drum 910 . Preferably, the discharge pump group 960 comprises an impeller, the rotation of which controls the suction action .

[0046] According to a preferred embodiment , the washing machine 900 comprises a pump group 960 fluidically positioned downstream of the drum 910 and fluidically positioned upstream of the filter assembly 1 . [0047] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter assembly 1 is positioned along said washing machine duct 950 dividing it into a first section 951 and a second section 952 . The first section 951 is fluidically connected to the drum 910 and the second section 952 is fluidically connectable to the discharge system or again to the drum 910 . In the first section 951 , "dirty" water flows , that is water containing water, dissolved detergents , dirt , natural fibers and above all microplastics , while in the second section 952 , "treated water" flows , that is water filtered from microplastics .

[0048] According to the present invention, the filter assembly 1 comprises a housing group 2 , comprising a filtration chamber 20 and a filter group 5 housed in said filtration chamber 20 .

[0049] Still according to the present invention, the housing group 2 comprises a housing body 3 and a lid device 4 both of which are fully described below .

[0050] The housing body 3 extends along an axis X-X .

[0051] Said filtration chamber 20 is defined, or delimited, by the mutual engagement between the housing body 3 and the lid device 4 .

[0052] According to the present invention, the filter group 5 extends along a filter axis F-F .

[0053] According to the present invention, the filter group 5 is suitable for being positioned in the filtration chamber 20. Preferably, in said positioning, the axis X-X and the filter axis F-F are mutually parallel, preferably mutually coinciding: for such reason, sometimes, we refer to the features of the filter group 5 with reference to the axis X-X.

[0054] According to the present invention, the filter group 5 comprising a pre-filter 51 and a filter 52. The filter group 5 therefore houses in the filtration chamber 20 identifying a pre-f iltration region 21 and a filtration region 22. In the pre-f iltration region 21, the water is subject of a cleaning action by the pre-filter 51; preferably, the water in circulation is subject of a coarse filtration; preferably, the water is filtered from the "large" elements. In the filtration region 22, the water is subject of a cleaning action by the filter 52; preferably, the water is subject of a fine filtration; preferably, the water is filtered from the "small" elements .

[0055] In other words, the filter group 5, inside the housing group 2, performs two distinct actions on the water .

[0056] According to the present invention, the housing group 2, preferably the housing body 3, comprises a prefilter inlet mouth 211 and a pre-filter outlet mouth 212. This means that the housing group 2 , preferably the housing body 3 , comprises an inlet mouth and an outlet mouth of the pre- f iltration region 21 .

[0057] According to the present invention, the pre- filter inlet mouth 211 is fluidically connectable to the first section 951 of the washing machine duct 950 .

[0058] According to the present invention, the prefiltration region 21 has the purpose of protecting the pump group fluidically connected to the pre- filter outlet mouth 212 suitable for circulating the water in the washing machine duct 950 .

[0059] Furthermore , according to the present invention, the housing group 2 comprises a filter inlet mouth 221 and a filter outlet mouth 222 . This means that the housing group 2 , preferably the housing body 3 , comprises an inlet mouth and an outlet mouth of the filtration region 22 .

[0060] According to the present invention, the filter outlet mouth 222 is fluidically connectable to the second section 952 of the washing machine duct 950 .

[0061] In particular, the filter inlet mouth 221 is fluidically connectable to the pre- filter outlet mouth 212 . In particular, the filter assembly 1 installable so that the water in circulation, therefore , first passes through the pre- f iltration region 21 , it crosses the pre- filter outlet mouth 212 to reach the filter inlet mouth 221 and therefore the filtration region 22 . Preferably, said fluidic passage is external to the filtration chamber 20 delimited by the housing group 2 . [0062] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter inlet mouth 221 is fluidically connectable to the prefilter outlet mouth 212 . The water in circulation, therefore , first passes through the pre- f iltration region 21 , it crosses the pre- filter outlet mouth 212 to reach the filter inlet mouth 221 and therefore the filtration region 22 . Preferably, said fluidic passage is external to the filtration chamber 20 delimited by the housing group 2 .

[0063] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter inlet mouth 221 is fluidically connected to the prefilter outlet mouth 212 . Preferably, said fluidic connection is of the direct type , by means of a speci fic fitting or duct , or of the indirect type . In this second case , the filter inlet mouth 221 is fluidically connected to the filter outlet mouth 212 by means of a pump group, for example , a pump group 960 comprised in a washing machine 900 .

[0064] Preferably, the filter inlet mouth 221 is connected to the outlet side of the pump group 960 , while the prefilter outlet mouth 212 is connected to the inlet side of the pump group 960 . According to this embodiment , the water in circulation, therefore , first passes through the pre- f iltration region 21 , it crosses the pre- filter outlet mouth 212 to circulate through the pump group 960 and reach the filter inlet mouth 221 and therefore the filtration region 22 . Preferably, said fluidic passage is external to the filtration chamber 20 delimited by the housing group 2 .

[0065] According to a preferred embodiment , the pre- filter mouths 211 , 212 are positioned so that the flow of water crossing them is substantially transverse to the axis X- X .

[0066] In other words , the main circulation direction of the water circulating in the pre- f iltration region 21 is transverse to the axis X-X . Preferably, said main circulation direction is transverse , preferably substantially orthogonal , to the insertion and/or extraction direction of the filter group 5 in the housing body 3 .

[0067] Preferably, the filter mouths 221 , 212 are positioned so that the flow of water crossing them is substantially transverse to the axis X-X .

[0068] In other words , the main circulation direction of the water circulating in the filtration region 22 is transverse to the axis X-X . Preferably, said main circulation direction is transverse , preferably substantially orthogonal , to the insertion and/or extraction direction of the filter group 5 in the housing body 3 .

[0069] According to a preferred embodiment , the two flows of water circulating in the pre- f iltration region 21 and in the filtration region 22 are respectively angularly inclined to each other .

[0070] According to a preferred embodiment , the two flows of water circulating in the pre- f iltration region 21 and in the filtration region 22 are oriented substantially in parallel .

[0071] Preferably, according to a preferred embodiment , the two flows of water circulating in the pre- f iltration region 21 and in the filtration region 22 are oriented in mutually opposite directions .

[0072] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter group 5 comprises , along the filter axis F-F, the prefilter 51 and the filter 52 . In other words , the filter group 5 identi fies in the filtration chamber 20 , along the axis X-X, the pre- f iltration region 21 and the filtration region 22 , respectively .

[0073] According to a preferred embodiment , the prefiltration region 21 is proximal to the lid device 4 whereas the filtration region 22 is distal from the lid device 4 .

[0074] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter 52 comprises an end plate 525 .

[0075] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter group 5 comprises a barrier element 59 positioned axially between the pre- filter 51 and the filter 52 .

[0076] Preferably, the barrier element 59 sealingly engages the housing body 3 .

[0077] Preferably, the barrier element 59 sealingly separates the pre- f iltration region 21 from the filtration region 22 . This means that , with the filter group 5 installed in the housing group 2 , the barrier element 59 sealingly separates the pre- f iltration region 21 from the filtration region 22 .

[0078] According to a preferred embodiment , the barrier element 59 engages the side walls 31 , preferably perimetrically, of the housing body 3 .

[0079] Preferably, the barrier element 59 engages the housing body 3 by means of a seal of the radial type .

[0080] Preferably, the barrier element 59 engages the housing body 3 by means of a seal of the axial type .

[0081] According to a preferred embodiment , the housing body 3 comprises a peripheral seat 39 and the barrier element 59 is suitable for sealingly engaging, in the axial direction, said peripheral seat 39 . [0082] According to a preferred embodiment , the housing body 3 comprises a peripheral seat 39 and the barrier element 59 is suitable for sealingly engaging, in the radial direction, said peripheral seat 39 .

[0083] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter 52 comprises at least one protruding element 529 and the barrier element 59 comprises at least one through opening 599 in which, with the filter 52 housed on the filter group 5 , said through opening 599 is sealingly closed due to the engagement between the protruding element 529 and the barrier element 59 .

[0084] In other words , by means of the through opening 599 the pre- f iltration region 21 is in fluidic connection with the filtration region 22 . With the filter 52 installed on the filter group 5 and the protruding element 529 engaging the barrier element 59 said through opening 599 is sealingly closed and the two regions are mutually separated .

[0085] In other words , by means of the through opening 599 the pre- f iltration region 21 is in fluidic connection with the filtration region 22 . With the filter 52 installed on the filter group 5 and the protruding element 529 engaging the barrier element 59 , said through opening 599 is sealingly closed and the two regions are mutually separated with the fi lter group 5 installed in the housing group 2 .

[0086] According to a preferred embodiment , said protruding element 529 is comprised on the end plate of the filter 52 , preferably it is comprised in the end plate 525 .

[0087] According to a preferred embodiment , said protruding element 529 is integrally formed with the end plate of the filter 52 , preferably with the end plate 525 .

[0088] According to a preferred embodiment , said protruding element 529 is made in the form of a pin extending in the axial direction along the axis X-X from the end plate of the filter 52 , preferably from the end plate 525 .

[0089] According to a preferred embodiment , the through opening 599 extends up to a perimeter edge of the barrier element 59 and the protruding element 529 is insertable by sliding along the sides of said opening 599 according to a movement transverse with respect to the axis X-X . In this preferred embodiment , with the filter group 5 housed in the housing group 2 , the perimeter seat 39 is engaged both by the barrier element 59 and by the protruding element 529 .

[0090] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter group 5 comprises a frame 50 which extends along the axis X-X, and the filter axis F-F, and supports the pre- filter 51 and the filter 52 .

[0091] According to a preferred embodiment , the pre- filter 51 comprises a filtering element 510 , for example a plate element , or a grid element , or a labyrinth element , suitable for retaining " large" elements with dimensions larger than the passages defined in the filtering element 510 .

[0092] Preferably, the filtering element 510 is an integral part of the frame 50 . In other words , the pre- filter 51 is integrated on the frame 50 .

[0093] Preferably, the filtering element 510 is removably connected to the frame 50 .

[0094] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter 52 comprises a filtering medium 520 , wherein the frame 50 comprises a filter support 502 , wherein the filter support 502 is suitable for supporting the filter 52 .

[0095] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter 52 comprises a filtering medium 520 , wherein the frame 50 comprises a filter support 502 , wherein said filter 52 is operatively connected to said filter support 502 .

[0096] Preferably, the filter 52 is operatively connected to said filter support 502 by means of a filter plate , preferably by means of the end plate 525 .

[0097] Preferably, the filtering medium 520 is substantially panel-shaped and the filter support 502 provides a perimeter containment structure , with substantially quadrangular shape , preferably rectangular, wherein the filtering medium 520 is housed in said filter support 502 .

[0098] Preferably, the filtering medium 520 is substantially panel-shaped, being supported by a perimetral filter structure 521 coupled to the filtering medium 520 , preferably rectangular, suitable for housing said panel . Preferably, at least one side of said perimetral filter structure 521 is operatively connected to said filter support 502 .

[0099] According to a preferred embodiment , the filtering medium 520 comprises a plurality of mutually engaged, preferably planar, filtering layers 520 ' .

[00100] Preferably, the filtering medium 520 comprises a filtering layer 520 ' made of a material selected from open cell foams .

[00101] Preferably, each filtering layer 520 ' is made of a material selected from open cell foams .

[00102] According to a preferred embodiment , the filtering medium 520 has a cellular structure with a variable pore diameter along the thickness of the filtering medium 520 , preferably having pores of a di f ferent diameter according to a decreasing trend along the thickness of the filtering medium in the flow direction .

[00103] According to a preferred embodiment , the filtering medium 520 is selected from among polyurethane foams .

[00104] According to a preferred embodiment , the frame 50 is operatively connected with the lid device 4 .

[00105] According to a variant embodiment , the frame 50 is in one piece with the lid device 4 .

[00106] According to a preferred embodiment , the barrier element 59 is comprised, preferably integrally formed in one piece , into the frame 50 .

[00107] According to a preferred embodiment , the barrier element 59 is comprised in the pre- filter 51 .

[00108] According to a preferred embodiment , the barrier element 59 is comprised in the filter 52 .

[00109] According to this embodiment , the barrier element 59 is comprised in the filter end plate 525 .

[00110] As shown by way of example in the attached

Figures , the frame 50 is designed to support the prefilter 51 and the filter 52 , allowing the flow of water .

[00111] According to the present invention, said housing group 2 comprises a housing body 3 extending along an axis X-X .

[00112] The housing body 3 comprises side walls 31 , substantially parallel to the axis X-X .

[00113] The side walls 31 af fect the shape of the housing body 3 . In a preferred embodiment , the housing body 3 has a prismatic shape , comprising a plurality of side walls 31 .

[00114] In a preferred embodiment , the housing body has a substantially cylindrical shape comprising arcuate side walls 31 ; in a preferred embodiment , it comprises a single cylindrical side wall .

[00115] According to a preferred embodiment , such as , for example in a prismatic, substantially parallelepiped, embodiment , the housing body 3 comprises at least two planar side walls 31 , distally facing each other .

[00116] According to the present invention, the housing body 3 comprises a bottom wall 32 , preferably substantially orthogonal to the axis X-X, and an inlet opening 33 opposite to the bottom wal l 32 .

[00117] The inlet opening 33 is perimetrally delimited by an opening edge 313 .

[00118] Preferably, the inlet opening 33 has the shape of the prismatic base , for example , it has a square or rectangular shape .

[00119] Preferably, the housing body 3 has a substantially cylindrical shape . Preferably, the inlet opening 33 has a circular or elliptical shape . 3 is fluidically connectable to the washing machine duct 950 .

[00120] Preferably, the housing body 3 is housed in the body of the washing machine 900 , that is , it is aboard it .

[00121] Preferably, the housing body 3 is positioned externally to the body of the washing machine 900 .

[00122] As previously described, the housing group 2 comprises a lid device 4 suitable for closing the inlet opening 33 .

[00123] The lid device 4 compri ses a plug member 40 insertable into the inlet opening 33 , sealingly engaging the opening edge 313 .

[00124] Preferably, the plug member 40 has a shape substantially complementary to that of the inlet opening 33 so as to sealingly engage the hous ing body 3 .

[00125] Preferably, the plug member 40 sealingly engages the opening edge 313 .

[00126] The engagement between the housing body 3 and the lid device 4 , in particular the plug member 40 , involves at least partially defining the filtration chamber 20 .

[00127] According to a preferred embodiment , the plug member 40 comprises at least one annular sealing region .

[00128] According to a preferred embodiment , the plug member 40 comprises at least two annular sealing regions , axially spaced .

[00129] According to a preferred embodiment , the plug member 40 comprises at least one annular gasket element 403 .

[00130] According to a further preferred embodiment , the plug member 40 comprises at least two annular gasket elements 403 , axially spaced .

[00131] According to a preferred embodiment , said annular sealing region or said annular sealing regions are obtained by means of a sealing profile formed integrally with the plug member 40 .

[00132] Preferably, said annular sealing region is made from a sealing lip which extends radially from the plug member 40 .

[00133] In addition, according to a preferred embodiment , the housing body 3 comprises at least one sliding guide 311 positioned on the side wall 31 . Preferably, the housing body 3 comprises at least two sliding guides 311 positioned on the side wall 31 or on the side walls 31 .

[00134] Preferably, the housing body 3 comprises at least one sliding guide 311 on at least two side walls 31 .

[00135] Each sliding guide 311 extends along the axis X-X .

[00136] According to a preferred embodiment , the frame 50 , preferably the filter support 502 , comprises at least one sliding rib which engages the sliding guide 311 . [00137] Preferably, the frame 50 , preferably the filter support 502 , comprises at least one sliding rib 503 , preferably it comprises two sliding ribs 503 . Preferably, each sliding rib 503 is suitable for engaging a respective sliding guide 311 comprised on the side walls 31 of the housing body 3 .

[00138] According to a preferred embodiment , the longitudinal coupling between the sliding guide/guides 311 and the sl iding rib/ribs 503 facilitates the insertion of the filter group 5 .

[00139] According to a preferred embodiment , the longitudinal coupling between the sliding guide/guides 311 and the sl iding rib/ribs 503 facilitates the identi fication of the correct position of the lid device 4 , and therefore of the filter group 5 , before the operator proceeds to the assembly of the filter assembly 1 , thus avoiding breakage of the components comprised on the filter assembly 1 and making the replacement of the filter simple and fast .

[00140] Furthermore , according to a preferred embodiment , the coupling between the sliding guide/guides 311 and the sliding rib/ribs 503 maintains the position of the filter group 5 inside the filtration chamber 20 .

[00141] Preferably, with sliding rib/ribs 503 obtained on the filter support 502 , the crossing action of the water in the filter group 5 is discharged by the sliding ribs on the sliding guides .

[00142] Preferably, the engagement between the sliding guide/guides 311 and the sliding rib/ribs 503 facilitates the hermetic coupling of the filter group 5 inside the housing body 3 allowing the fluidic separation of the dirty side from the clean side of the pre- f iltration 21 and filtration regions 22 . According to a preferred embodiment , the frame 50 comprises a coupling rib 504 . Preferably, said coupling rib 504 extends along the filter axis F-F, or along the axis X-X .

[00143] Preferably, the housing body 3 comprises a coupling guide 324 on the bottom wall 32 . Preferably, said coupling guide 324 is connected to the sliding guides 311 provided on the side walls and participates in forming a hermetic coupling with the coupling rib 504 , with the filter group 5 installed in the filter assembly 1 , in particular in the assembled configuration . Preferably, the housing body 3 comprises coupling guides 324 in a number corresponding to the number of sliding ribs 311 comprised on the side wall or side walls of the housing body 3 .

[00144] Preferably, said sliding ribs 503 are j oined to the respective coupling rib 504 by means of connecting portions surrounding the filtering medium 520 on the three remaining sides with respect to the end plate 525 .

[00145] Preferably, said sliding guides 311 are j oined to the respective coupling guide 324 by means of connecting portions surrounding the filtration chamber 20 on the three remaining sides with respect to the lid device 4 .

[00146] Preferably, the lid device 4 is configured to be assembled to the housing body 3 by means of a sliding connection along the axis X-X .

[00147] Preferably, the lid device 4 is configured to be assembled to the housing body 3 by means of a sliding connection along the axis X-X wherein the rotational position of the lid device 4 remains substantially unchanged during the insertion or during the extraction .

[00148] Preferably, the lid device 4 is configured to be assembled to the housing body 3 by means of a coupling di f ferent from the one shown in the drawings , for example di f ferent from the presence of a coupling by means of a thread .

[00149] According to a preferred embodiment , the housing group 2 also comprises a stop member 7 being positionable in a locking position, in which the extraction of the lid device 4 and of the filter group 5 from the housing body 3 is prevented, and an unlocking position, in which the lid device 4 and the filter group 5 are axially movable in extraction from the housing body

3 .

[00150] According to the present invention, the filter assembly 1 comprises a drainage member 8 operatively connected to the housing group 2 .

[00151] Said drainage member 8 is fluidically connected with the filtration chamber 20 , so that , by suitably moving the drainage member 8 , the filter assembly 1 is drainable from water .

[00152] Preferably, the drainage member 8 is positionable in a closing position and in a drainage position of the filtration region 22 and the prefiltration region 21 . In particular, the drainage member 8 is positionable in a drainage position which allows to drain the water from the pre- f iltration region 21 and from the filtration region 22 .

[00153] Preferably, the drainage member 8 is positionable in a closing position, in a drainage position of the filtration region 22 and in a drainage position of the pre- f iltration region 21 .

[00154] In other words , preferably, the drainage member 8 safely discharges both the water from the washing machine drum 910 and from the discharge duct 950 in case the washing machine should incur a stop of the washing cycle due to a clogging of the filter group 5 or in casa of a stalling of the pump group 960 .

[00155] According to a preferred embodiment , the drainage member 8 is operatively connected with the lid device 4 , in particular with the plug member 40 .

[00156] Preferably, the plug member 40 comprises a drainage hole 48 and the drainage member 8 extends through said drainage hole 48 , wherein, preferably, the closing position and the drainage position correspond to two di f ferent axial positions of the drainage member 8 through the drainage hole 48 .

[00157] According to a preferred embodiment , the barrier element 59 comprises a barrier through hole 598 and the drainage member 8 extends through said barrier through hole 598 .

[00158] Preferably, with the drainage member 8 in the closing position, the drainage member 8 hermetically engages said barrier through hole 598 .

[00159] According to a preferred embodiment , the axial movement of the plug member 40 involves an axial movement of the drainage member 8 .

[00160] According to a preferred embodiment , the drainage member 8 comprises a closing end 81 which sealingly engages the drainage hole 48 and a circulation section 82 extending in length from the closing end 81 .

[00161] According to a preferred embodiment , said circulation section 82 extends in length in the prefiltration region 21 and in the filtration region 22 . Preferably, the circulation section 82 extends in length in the pre- f iltration region 21 and in the filtration region 22 passing through the barrier through hole 598 . According to a preferred embodiment , the closing end 81 comprises a closing gasket 810 , preferably an O-ring .

[00162] In accordance with a preferred embodiment , the closing end 81 has a shape substantially complementary to the drainage hole 48 .

[00163] Preferably, said circulation section 82 comprises a circulation cavity 820 through which the water flows with the drainage member 8 in the drainage position .

[00164] According to a preferred embodiment , the circulation section 82 is a rigid component .

[00165] According to a preferred embodiment , the circulation section 82 is a flexible component , that is , of a shape modi fiable according to the needs , in particular with regards to the position in which the water discharged from the filter assembly 1 is released .

[00166] According to a preferred embodiment , the circulation cavity 820 is housed in the circulation section 82 comprising at least one first circulation mouth 821 and at least one second circulation mouth 822 . [00167] Preferably, at least one circulation mouth is positioned proximal to the closing end 81 and the other circulation mouth is positioned distally from the closing end .

[00168] According to a preferred embodiment , the mouth proximal to the closing end 81 is the water outlet mouth . [00169] According to a preferred embodiment , the drainage member 8 in the closing position snap-engages the housing group 2 comprising at least one elastically yielding locking tooth 88 .

[00170] According to a preferred embodiment , the opening edge 313 comprises a perimeter opening seat , protruding and engageable from the lid device 4 , in particular from the plug member 40 .

[00171] According to the present invention, the filter assembly 1 is operatively connectable to a pump group 960 .

[00172] In particular, said pump group 960 is fluidically positioned between the pre- filter outlet mouth 212 and the filter inlet mouth 221 so as to perform a suction action in the pre- f i ltration region 21 and a delivery action in the filtration region 22 .

[00173] According to a preferred embodiment , the pump group 960 is comprised in the washing machine 900 .

Preferably, as reported above , the washing machine 900 comprises speci fic ducts for the fluidic connection of the pump group 960 to the filter assembly 1 , in particular for the fluidic connection of the inlet side of the pump group 960 to the pre- filter outlet mouth 212 and of the outlet side of the pump group 960 to the filter inlet mouth 221 .

[00174] According to a further preferred embodiment , the filter assembly 1 comprises a pump group 6 .

[00175] According to a preferred embodiment , the pump group 6 engages the housing group 2 , preferably engaged to a side wall 31 of the housing body 3 .

[00176] Preferably, said side wall 31 comprises a pump housing 316 speci fically and fluidically shaped to house the pump group 6 , comprising an impeller and an electric drive motor .

[00177] According to a preferred embodiment , said pump group 6 is a steady-state pump .

[00178] According to a preferred embodiment , said pump group 6 is a variable-speed pump . In particular, the flow rate of the pump group 6 varies according to the type of washing cycle of the washing machine set by the user, or the flow rate of the pump group 6 varies between one step and another of the same washing cycle set by the user .

[00179] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter assembly 1 comprises a connection duct 9 suitable for fluidically connecting the outlet side of the pump group 6 ( or the delivery of the pump group 6 ) to the filter inlet mouth 221 .

[00180] According to a preferred embodiment , the connection duct 9 comprises a filtration section 91 and a recirculation section 92 .

[00181] Preferably, the filtration section 91 is fluidically connected to the filter inlet mouth 221 while the recirculation section 92 bypasses the filtration region 22 , for example to reach a washing machine drum 910 again .

[00182] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter assembly 1 comprises a valve device installed on the connection duct 9 . Said valve device being adj ustable to divert the flow of water delivered from the pump group 6 towards the filtration section 91 and/or towards the recirculation section 92 .

[00183] According to an alternative embodiment , the filter assembly 1 comprises a connection duct 9 fluidically arranged downstream of the fi lter outlet mouth 222 . Preferably, said connection duct 9 comprises a recirculation section 92 and a discharge section 93 .

[00184] According to the present embodiment , the filter assembly 1 comprises a valve device installed on the connection duct 9 . Said valve device being adj ustable to divert the flow of water exiting the filtration region 22 towards the recirculation section 92 or towards the discharge system .

[00185] According to a preferred embodiment , the filter assembly 1 is positioned in the washing machine or it is positionable externally to the washing machine 900 in a lower geodedic position with respect to the washing machine drum 910 ( or the drum housing) so as to exploit the gravitational action of the water exiting the drum to feed the pre- f iltration region 21 and al low the inflow of water towards the pump group, preventing air from accumulating in this region and avoiding unwanted mal functions of the pump group .

[00186] In the present disclosure , some of the features described for the pump group 6 comprised in the filter assembly 1 are found in the pump group 960 comprised in the washing machine 900 , and vice versa .

[00187] Innovatively, the filter assembly and the washing machine of the present invention fully achieve the obj ect of the present invention by solving the issues raised by the conventional solutions of the prior art .

[00188] Advantageously, the filter assembly allows to easily manage the extraction and the insertion of the filter group from the housing body, for example from the front side of the washing machine , making it easy for the operator to access the filter group .

[00189] Advantageously, the filter assembly allows to easily manage the extraction and the insertion of the filter group from the housing body, for example from the upper side of the washing machine or of the filter assembly, making it easy for the operator to access the filter group .

[00190] Advantageously, synergistically, the filter assembly has a filter group which is extremely ef fective when filtering, but which, above all , has a simple and intuitive maintenance .

[00191] Advantageously, the filter assembly is suitable for performing a pre- f iltration action ( or coarse filtration action) , as well as it is suitable for performing a filtration action ( or fine filtration action) in an ef ficient and ef fective manner .

[00192] Advantageously, the filter assembly is structured so as to make the pump group work at best , avoiding possible and unwanted mal functions thereof .

[00193] Advantageously, the pump group of the filter assembly and/or of the washing machine is si zable depending to the fact that the pre- f iltration region is crossed by the suction water, whereas the filtration region is crossed by the delivery water .

[00194] Advantageously, the pump group is protected and operates safely .

[00195] Advantageously, the pre- filter prevents the

" large elements" from reaching the pump group .

[00196] Advantageously, the pump group is integrable with the filter assembly .

[00197] Advantageously, the filter group is at least partially integrable with the lid device .

[00198] Advantageously, the filtering medium is the only element replaceable during maintenance operations .

[00199] Advantageously, the filter assembly has compact dimensions , compatible with the spaces available inside the washing machine , favoring the integration of the filter assembly in the washing machine itsel f .

[00200] Advantageously, the filter assembly is a multi functional component integrating filtering components positioned in di f ferent fluidic regions of the water circulation system of the washing machine .

[00201] Advantageously, the filter assembly is a multi functional component integrating filtering components positioned in di f ferent fluidic regions of the water circulation system of the washing machine , simpli fying the circuit layout of the water circulation system and reducing the number of components .

[00202] Advantageously, the filter assembly is a multi functional component integrating filtering components positioned upstream and downstream of the pump group and allowing the user to easily access the prefilter and the filter installed within the same housing group .

[00203] Advantageously, the filter assembly is a multi functional component integrating filtering components positioned upstream and downstream of the pump group and allowing the user to easily access the prefilter and the filter supported by the same lid device , thus making maintenance operations fast and simple to run .

[00204] Advantageously, the filter assembly is a multi functional component in which the pre- f iltration region and the filtration region are mutually separated by means of a barrier element which is engageable to the housing body as a result of the sliding of the filter group along the axi s of the housing group . Advantageously, the hermetic engagement of the barrier element is simple , replicable and guided by the insertion of the filter group and the engagement of the lid device to the housing group .

[00205] Advantageously, the barrier element is comprised on the filter group . Advantageously, the hermetic separation between the pre- f iltration region and the filtration region is ensured by installing the original filter in the filter assembly . Advantageously, the integration of the barrier element on the filter group minimi zes the risk of a replacement with a nonoriginal filter .

[00206] Advantageously, the filter assembly, by means of the drainage member, ef fectively manages the drainage operations to be performed before proceeding with the removal of the filter group .

[00207] Advantageously, integrating the drainage member on the lid device allows to drain the filter assembly from the front side of the assembly itsel f , in particular the drainage member is operable along the same direction parallel to the direction of insertion of the lid device inside the housing body . Advantageously, the drainage member allows the drainage of the filtration region and/or of the pre- f iltration region .

[00208] Advantageously, the lid device is coupled to the housing body by means of a sliding connection along the axis rather than by means of a threaded connection, as it occurs for example in some solutions of the prior art . Advantageously, such coupling allows to speed up the extraction/ insertion operations of the lid device and in general the maintenance operations of the filter assembly .

[00209] It is apparent that , in order to meet contingent needs , a person skilled in the art may make changes to the invention, all contained within the scope of protection as defined by the following claims .

List of reference signs :

[00210]

1 filter ass emb 1 y

2 housing group

20 separation chamber

21 pre- f iltration region

22 filtration region

211 pre- filter inlet mouth

212 pre- filter outlet mouth

221 filter inlet mouth

222 filter outlet mouth

3 housing body

31 side walls

311 sliding guide

316 pump housing

32 bottom wall

324 coupling guide

33 inlet opening

313 opening edge

39 peripheral seat

4 lid device

40 plug member 3 annular gasket drainage hole filter group frame 2 filter support 3 sliding rib 4 coupling rib pre- filter 0 f iltering element filter 1 filter perimeter structure0 filtering medium 0 ' filtering layer 5 end plate 9 protruding element barrier element 9 through opening 8 barrier through hole 4 coupling rib 3 sliding rib pump group stop member drainage member closing end 0 closing gasket 82 circulation section

820 circulation cavity

821 first circulation mouth

822 second circulation mouth

88 locking tooth

9 connection duct

91 filtration section

92 recirculation section

93 discharge section

900 washing machine

910 drum

950 washing machine duct

951 first section

952 second section

960 pump group

970 detergent drawer

X-X axis

F-F filter axis