A LAUNDRY WASHING MACHINE

Abstract

A laundry washing machine having a cabinet, a washing tub, a washing drum rotatable within the tub and having a tubular mantle that is closed, at least partially, by a flange facing a closed end of the tub. A shaft protrudes from the flange through the closed wall. A driving system comprising an operating module is mounted on the tub, and an operated module is fixed to the free shaft end, the operating module rotates the operated module relative to the washing tub. One or more electric loads are mounted in/on the washing drum. A wireless power transmitter unit is mounted to the tub and arranged for wireless transmitting electric power to a wireless power receiver unit configured to supply electric power to the one or more electric loads. The wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on the operated module.

Claims

1. A laundry washing machine comprising: a cabinet; a washing tub housed inside said cabinet and comprising a tubular wall closed at one end by an end wall; a washing drum, rotatably housed within said washing tub, comprising a tubular mantle rotatable with respect to a rotation axis, a first end of said tubular mantle being closed, at least partially, by a flange facing said end wall of said washing tub; a shaft protruding from said flange towards said end wall and passing through the end wall, so that a free end of the shaft protrudes and/or is accessible from an external face of said end wall facing away from said flange; a driving system comprising an operating module, mounted on said washing tub, and an operated module fixed to said free end of said shaft, said operating module being configured to rotate said operated module with respect to said washing tub; one or more electric loads mounted in/on said washing drum; a wireless power transmitting system comprising a wireless power transmitter unit, mounted in/on said washing tub, electrically connected to an electrical system of said laundry washing machine and configured to wirelessly transmit electric power to a wireless power receiver unit configured to supply electric power to said one or more electric loads, wherein said wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on said operated module.

2. The laundry washing machine, according to claim 1, wherein said wireless power transmitter unit is mounted on, or embedded, partially or totally, or recessed within, said external face of said end wall of said washing tub facing away from said flange.

3. The laundry washing machine, according to claim 1, wherein said wireless power receiver unit is electrically connected to said one or more electric loads by a wiring.

4. The laundry washing machine, according to claim 3, wherein said wiring passes through a passage passing through said shaft.

5. The laundry washing machine, according to claim 1, comprising a seal arranged for preventing liquid from passing from the internal of said tub to the external thereof through said passage.

6. The laundry washing machine, according to claim 1, wherein said operated module comprises a pulley fixed to said free end of said shaft protruding and/or accessible from said external face of said end wall, and said operating module comprises a rotary electric motor, mounted on an external surface of said washing tub, and a belt connecting said rotary electric motor to said pulley and configured to transmit rotation from said rotary electric motor to said pulley, wherein said wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on said pulley.

7. The laundry washing machine according to claim 2, wherein: said operated module comprises a pulley fixed to said free end of said shaft protruding and/or accessible from said external face of said end wall, and said operating module comprises a rotary electric motor, mounted on an external surface of said washing tub, and a belt connecting said rotary electric motor to said pulley and configured to transmit rotation from said rotary electric motor to said pulley, wherein said wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on said pulley; and said pulley comprises an inner face facing said external face of said end wall of said washing tub, and wherein said wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on said inner face of said pulley in such a way to face said wireless power transmitter unit.

8. The laundry washing machine, according to claim 2, wherein: said operated module comprises a pulley fixed to said free end of said shaft protruding and/or accessible from said external face of said end wall, and said operating module comprises a rotary electric motor, mounted on an external surface of said washing tub, and a belt connecting said rotary electric motor to said pulley and configured to transmit rotation from said rotary electric motor to said pulley, wherein said wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on said pulley; and said operated module comprises an electric motor rotor fixed to said free end of said shaft, and said operating module comprises an electric motor stator mounted on said external face of said end wall of said washing tub, wherein said wireless power receiver unit is mounted in/on said electric motor rotor.

9. The laundry washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said wireless power transmitter unit comprises a transmission coil configured to generate a variable magnetic field, and said wireless power receiver unit comprises a reception coil configured to generate electric power from said variable magnetic field generated by said transmission coil.

10. The laundry washing machine according to claim 9, wherein both said transmission coil and said reception coil are centred on said rotation axis of said tubular mantle.

11. The laundry washing machine according to claim 7, wherein said transmission coil is mounted on, or embedded, partially or totally, or recessed, within said external face of said end wall, and wherein said reception coil is mounted in/on said inner face of said pulley, said reception coil facing said transmission coil.

12. The laundry washing machine according to claim 11, wherein said inner face of said pulley and said external face of said end wall of said washing tub facing the latter are truncated-cone shaped, or substantially truncated-cone shaped, at least in their regions where said reception coil and said transmission coil are respectively positioned.

13. The laundry washing machine according to claim 1, wherein said one or more electric loads comprise one or more of the following electric loads: an electric heater, an electric pump, an electric fan, an electric steam/mist/aerosol generator, an electric washing/rinsing additive dispenser, an electric light source, and an electric sensor.

14. The laundry washing machine according to claim 9, wherein said transmission coil is mounted on, or embedded, partially or totally, or recessed, within said external face of said end wall, and wherein said reception coil is mounted in/on said inner face of said pulley, said reception coil facing said transmission coil.

15. The A laundry washing machine according to claim 14, wherein said inner face of said pulley and said external face of said end wall of said washing tub facing the latter are truncated-cone shaped, or substantially truncated-cone shaped, at least in their regions where said reception coil and said transmission coil are respectively positioned.

16. The laundry washing machine according to claim 10, wherein said transmission coil is mounted on, or embedded, partially or totally, or recessed, within said external face of said end wall, and wherein said reception coil is mounted in/on said inner face of said pulley, said reception coil facing said transmission coil.

17. The laundry washing machine according to claim 16, wherein said inner face of said pulley and said external face of said end wall of said washing tub facing the latter are truncated-cone shaped, or substantially truncated-cone shaped, at least in their regions where said reception coil and said transmission coil are respectively positioned.

Description

[0051] Other advantages and features of a laundry washing machine according to the present invention will be clear from the following detailed description, provided only as a not limitative example, in which:

[0052] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of a laundry washing machine according to the invention;

[0053] FIG. 2 is a schematic lateral sectional view of the laundry washing machine according to the invention;

[0054] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of part of the washing tub, the washing drum, and the driving system of a washing machine according to the invention;

[0055] FIG. 4 is a further perspective view of part of the washing tub and the washing drum of the washing machine of FIG. 3;

[0056] FIG. 5 is a lateral view of part of the washing tub, the washing drum, and the driving system of the washing machine of FIGS. 3 and 4;

[0057] FIG. 6 is a lateral view of a vertical cross section of part of the washing tub, the washing drum, and the driving system of the washing machine of FIGS. 3 to 5;

[0058] FIG. 7 is a lateral exploded view of part of the washing tub, the washing drum, and the driving system of the washing machine of the washing machine of FIGS. 3 to 6;

[0059] FIG. 8 is a lateral view of a vertical cross section the lateral exploded view of FIG. 7;

[0060] FIGS. 9 to 11 are schematic views of three embodiments of a wireless power transmitting system of a laundry washing machine according to the invention;

[0061] FIG. 12 is a schematic lateral sectional view of a further advantageous embodiment of a laundry washing machine according to the invention.

[0062] In the figures same parts are indicated with the same reference numbers.

[0063] Advantageously, the laundry washing machines illustrated in attached figures are of the front-loading type; it is however clear that the invention can be applied, without any substantial modification, also to top-loading washing machines, both of the “horizontal axis” and of the “vertical axis” type.

[0064] It is highlighted that the washing machines illustrated in attached figures are “simple” washing machines (i.e. washing machines which can only wash and rinse the laundry); anyway, it is clear that the invention can be applied, without any substantial modification, also to washer-driers.

[0065] The laundry washing machine 10 according to the invention comprises a cabinet 20, or housing, preferably parallelepiped, configured to be positioned on a horizontal surface 2, for example the floor of a building, preferably by suitable feet 21, one or more of which can have, advantageously, an adjustable height, so as to adapt to a possible not perfect planarity of the horizontal surface 2.

[0066] Advantageously, in the frontal wall 20a of the cabinet 20 an access opening, not illustrated, is preferably obtained, advantageously selectively closable by a loading/unloading door 4, preferably hinged to the frontal wall 20a.

[0067] The laundry washing machine 10 comprises a washing tub 30 (in the following called also simply “tub”), preferably suspended to the cabinet through springs and dampers, wherein a washing liquid (water or water mixed with a washing/rinsing additive) can be loaded.

[0068] Advantageously the tub 30 comprises a tubular wall 31 closed at one end by an end wall 32.

[0069] The laundry washing machine 10 comprises a washing drum 40 (in the following called also simply “drum”), rotatably housed inside the tub 30, comprising a tubular mantle 41 rotatable with respect to a rotation axis Ax; the tubular mantle 41 delimits an inner volume 45 in which laundry, not illustrated, can be loaded.

[0070] In the advantageous examples illustrated in attached figures, the rotation axis Ax is advantageously horizontal, or slightly inclined.

[0071] Preferably, the tubular mantle 41 is cylindrical or prismatic.

[0072] A first end of the tubular mantle 41 is closed, at least partially, by a flange 42, preferably perforated, so that water (and also air in the case of a washer-drier) can enter the inner volume 45 of the tubular mantle 41 through the flange 42.

[0073] The flange 42 is advantageously fixed to (e.g. by welding or clinching) and rotates with the tubular mantle 42.

[0074] The laundry washing machine 10 comprises a shaft 50 protruding from the flange 42 towards the end wall 32 of the tub 30 and passing through the latter, so that one end 51 thereof protrudes and/or is accessible from an external face 320 of the end wall 32 facing away from the flange 42 of the drum 40.

[0075] Advantageously, the shaft 50 can be fixed directly to the flange 42, or it can be fixed to a so called “spider” 53 fixed, in turn, to the flange 42.

[0076] Advantageously, the shaft 50 can be rotatably supported by one or more bearings 54 provided at the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30, in such a way to allow the rotation of the shaft 50 with respect to the tub 30.

[0077] In advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated in attached figures, the one or more bearings 54 are contained in a bushing 57 fixed to, preferably embedded into, the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30.

[0078] The washing machine 30 is also provided with one or more sealing elements 56, preferably integrated into the bearing 54, arranged for preventing liquid from exiting the washing tub 30 through the mechanical rotatable coupling between the shaft 50 and the bearing(s) 54.

[0079] In the advantageous embodiment illustrated in attached figures, the free end 51 of the shaft 50 is flush, or substantially flush, with the external face 320 of the end wall 32.

[0080] The washing machine 10 advantageously comprises a water inlet circuit, not illustrated, adapted to feed water into the tub 30; the water inlet circuit can advantageously comprise a water pipe, a first end of which is preferably connected or connectable to the water mains of a building (also not illustrated), and a second end of which is preferably arranged in such a way to take water coming from its first end to internal of the washing tub 30.

[0081] Preferably, the water inlet circuit comprises an electro-valve, not illustrated, configured for selectively allowing or preventing the passage of water from the first end to the second end of the water pipe.

[0082] Advantageously, the washing machine 10 is also advantageously provided with a drain circuit, also not illustrated, adapted for draining washing/rinsing liquid from the washing machine. The drain circuit of a washing machine/washer-drier is well known in the art, and therefore it will not be described in detail.

[0083] Advantageously, as in the examples illustrated in attached Figures, the laundry washing machine 10 comprises at least one (preferably two or more) lifter 500 (called also elevator, or rib, or diverter), adapted to improve the stirring of the laundry during the rotation of the drum 40.

[0084] Advantageously, the lifter 500 comprises a hollow body 555 protruding from an inner surface of the tubular mantle 41 towards the rotation axis Ax of the drum 40; the hollow body 555 is, preferably, a substantially prismatic element, advantageously positioned with its longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the rotation axis Ax.

[0085] Advantageously, the laundry washing machine 10 comprises a control unit, depicted schematically in FIGS. 2 and 12 as a rectangle 60, configured for managing the operations of the laundry washing machine 10, for example by controlling the electric devices of the laundry washing machine 10, which may comprise for example, a user interface, electro-valves, motors, pumps, etc.

[0086] Advantageously, the washing machine 10 comprises a driving system 70 comprising an operating module 71, mounted on the washing tub 30, and an operated module 72, fixed to the free end 51 of the shaft 50; the operating module 71 is configured for rotating the operated module 72, and therefore the shaft 50 fixed thereto, with respect to the washing tub 30.

[0087] In first advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated for example in FIGS. 2 to 8, the operated module 72 advantageously comprises a pulley 73 fixed to the free end 51 of the shaft 50 protruding and/or accessible from the external face 320 of the end wall 32; in this case, the operating module 71 advantageously comprises a rotary electric motor 61, mounted on an external surface 33 of the washing tub 30, preferably on the tubular wall 31 of the latter, and a belt 74 connecting the rotary electric motor 61 to the pulley 73 and configured for transmitting the rotation from the rotary electric motor 61 to the pulley 73.

[0088] In a further advantageous embodiment, illustrated for example in FIG. 12, the operated module 72 comprises an electric motor rotor 75 fixed to the free end 51 of the shaft 50, and the operating module comprises an electric motor stator 76 mounted on the external face 320 of the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30.

[0089] Advantageously, the washing machine 30 comprises one or more electric loads, schematically illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 12 with a rectangle numbered 80, mounted in/on the washing drum 40.

[0090] For example, the one or more electric loads 80 can advantageously comprise one or more of the following electric loads (not illustrated): an electric heater, an electric pump, an electric fan, an electric steam/mist/aerosol generator, an electric washing/rinsing additive dispenser, an electric light source, an electric sensor, etc.

[0091] Advantageously, as in the examples illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 12, one or more electric loads 80 are housed or comprised in the hollow body 555 of a lifter 500.

[0092] Advantageously, the washing machine 10 comprises a wireless power transmitting system 600 comprising a wireless power transmitter unit 62, mounted in/on the washing tub 30, electrically connected to an electrical system 90 of the laundry washing machine 10 (connectable, in turn, to electric mains external to the washing machine 10), and arranged for wireless transmitting electric power to a wireless power receiver unit 63 configured for supplying electric power to the one or more electric loads 80.

[0093] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones illustrated in attached figures, the wireless power transmitter unit 62 is partially recessed within the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30.

[0094] In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the wireless power transmitter unit 62 can be partially or totally embedded within the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30, with the exception of the electrical connectors for the electrical connection to the electrical system 90 of the laundry washing machine 10; this can be obtained, for example, by over-moulding the washing tub 30 on the wireless power transmitter unit 62.

[0095] In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the wireless power transmitter unit 62 is mounted on the external face 320 of the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30, in such a way not to be embedded nor recessed into the latter.

[0096] In preferred embodiments, like the ones illustrated in attached figures, the wireless power receiver unit 63 is electrically connected to the one or more electric loads 80 by a wiring 81, preferably passing through a passage 82 passing through the shaft 50; in this way the one or more bearings 54 and the one or more sealing elements 56 are not affected by the presence of the wiring 81.

[0097] Preferably, a further seal 83, can be provided for preventing liquid from passing from the internal of the tub 30 to the external thereof through the passage 82.

[0098] Anyway, this further seal 83 is static with respect to the shaft 50, and therefore it is not subject to friction during the rotation of the shaft 50, like the one or more sealing elements 56.

[0099] In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the passage 82 can be so small that the presence of the wiring 81 could prevent liquid from entering the passage 82; in this case a seal 83 is not necessary.

[0100] In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, after inserting the wiring 81, the passage 82 can be filled with a waterproof filler (e.g. a glue or similar material), so that liquid is prevented from entering the passage 82;

[0101] here too, a seal 83 is not necessary.

[0102] In a further advantageous embodiment, not illustrated, the wiring 81 can be positioned on the external lateral surface 58 of the shaft 50; in this case, the one or more bearings 54 and/or the one or more sealing elements 56 could be opportunely configured for allowing the rotation and the waterproofing of the shaft 50 having a wiring 81 fixed on its external lateral surface 58.

[0103] In advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated in FIGS. 2 to 8, in which the operated module 72 advantageously comprises a pulley 73 fixed to the free end 51 of the shaft 50, the wireless power receiver unit 63 is advantageously mounted in/on the pulley 73; in such advantageous embodiments, preferably, the pulley 73 comprises an inner face 77 facing the external face 320 of the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30, the wireless power transmitter unit 62 is mounted on, or embedded, partially or totally, or recessed, within the external face 320 of the end wall 32, and the wireless power receiver unit 63 is mounted in/on the inner face 77 of the pulley 73 (i.e. attached to such an inner face 77, like in attached FIGS. 2 to 8, or at least partially embedded or recessed within the latter) in such a way to face the wireless power transmitter unit 62.

[0104] In further advantageous embodiments, for example the one illustrated in FIG. 12, in which the operated module 72 comprises an electric motor rotor 75 fixed to the free end 51 of the shaft 50, and the operating module comprises an electric motor stator 76 mounted on the external face 320 of the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30, the wireless power receiver unit 63 can be advantageously mounted in/on the electric motor rotor 75.

[0105] In advantageous embodiments, like the ones illustrated in attached figures, the wireless power transmitter unit 62 comprises a transmission coil 620 configured for generating a variable magnetic field, and the wireless power receiver unit 63 comprises a reception coil 630 configured for generating electric power from the variable magnetic field generated by the transmission coil 620.

[0106] Preferably, the transmission coil 620 and the reception coil 630 are integrated, respectively, into an enclosing material, not illustrated.

[0107] Preferably, both the transmission coil 620 and the reception coil 630 are centred on the rotation axis Ax of the tubular mantle 41.

[0108] In an advantageous embodiment, like in attached FIGS. 2 to 8, the transmission coil 620 is recessed within the external face 320 of the end wall 32, and the reception coil 630 is mounted in/on the inner face 77 of the pulley 73; the reception coil 630 faces the transmission coil 620.

[0109] Preferably, in this advantageous embodiment, like illustrated for example in the advantageous embodiments of FIGS. 3 to 8, the inner face 77 of the pulley 73 and the external face 320 of the end wall 32 of the washing tub 30 facing the latter are truncated-cone shaped, or substantially truncated-cone shaped, at least in their regions where the reception coil 630 and the transmission coil 620 are respectively positioned.

[0110] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the ones illustrated in FIGS. 9 to 11, in the control unit 60 an oscillating voltage can be generated by switching elements 602, that are electrically connected to the transmission coil 620 of the wireless power transmitter unit 62, coupled to the reception coil 630 of the wireless power receiver unit 63.

[0111] The voltage induced in the reception coil 630 can be preferably rectified and conditioned in a coil interface block 611, and can be preferably brought, preferably with wires, to one more electric loads 80 (if they are more than one, they can be preferably, but not necessarily, electrically connected one another in parallel).

[0112] Preferably, the components of the interface block 611 could be integrated in the power receiver unit 63.

[0113] In the advantageous embodiment of FIG. 11, the laundry treating appliance advantageously comprises also an interface unit 61 that can be supplied by a dedicated reception coil 640 of the receiver unit 63, or could be connected in parallel to the reception coil 630 supplying the one or more electric loads 80.

[0114] In advantageous embodiments, like for example the one illustrated in FIG. 11, the interface unit 61 has preferably a wireless connection 601 to transfer measurement data to the control unit 60.

[0115] In advantageous embodiments, not illustrated, the wireless power receiver unit 63 can advantageously comprise a receiver magnetic shielding member, and the wireless power transmitter unit 62 can comprise a transmission magnetic shielding member.

[0116] Preferably, the receiver magnetic shielding member is positioned between the reception coil 630 and the operated module 72, and the transmission magnetic shielding member is positioned between the transmission coil 620 and the washing tub 30.

[0117] The functioning of the washing machine 10 according to the invention will be described in the following only in relation to the functioning of the wireless power transmitting system; it is underlined that the wireless power transmitting system can be activated for transmitting electric power from the electrical system 90 of the washing machine 10 to the one or more electric loads 80 during a washing and/or rinsing program, during a drying program (in case of a washer-drier), or while the washing machine 10 is not performing any washing or drying program, so, for example, before or after executing such a program.

[0118] When there is the need to provide electric power to the one or more electric loads 80, the control unit 60 controls the electrical system 90 of the washing machine 10 in such a way that it provides electric power to the wireless power transmitter unit 62, which wireless transmit such an electric power to the wireless power receiver unit 63 mounted in/on the operated module 72 of the driving system 70.

[0119] Finally, the wireless power receiver unit 63, electrically connected to the one or more electric loads 80, transfers electric power to such one or more electric loads 80, that can operate according to their specific function(s) (e.g. generating heat, light, steam, etc.).

[0120] It is seen therefore how the invention achieves the proposed aim and objects, there being provided a laundry washing machine that, thanks to the specific positioning of the wireless power transmitter unit and of the wireless power receiver unit allows transmitting electric power from the tub to the drum rotatably contained therein without requiring a specific waterproofing of the wireless power receiver unit.

[0121] In addition, since the wireless power receiver unit is positioned outside the tub, it is easily accessible for maintenance or replacement. Moreover, since the wireless power receiver unit is positioned outside the tub, it does not reduce the space internal to the tub available for the laundry.

REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0122] rotation axis Ax [0123] horizontal surface 2 [0124] loading/unloading door 4 [0125] laundry washing machine 10 [0126] cabinet or housing 20 [0127] frontal wall 20a [0128] feet 21 [0129] washing tub (or tub) 30 [0130] tubular wall 31 [0131] end wall 32 [0132] washing drum (or drum) 40 [0133] tubular mantle 41 [0134] flange 42 [0135] inner volume 45 [0136] shaft 50 [0137] free end 51 [0138] spider 53 [0139] bearings 54 [0140] sealing elements 56 [0141] bushing 57 [0142] external lateral surface 58 [0143] control unit 60 [0144] rotary electric motor 61 [0145] wireless power transmitter unit 62 [0146] wireless power receiver unit 63 [0147] driving system 70 [0148] operating module 71 [0149] operated module 72 [0150] pulley 73 [0151] belt 74 [0152] electric motor rotor 75 [0153] electric motor stator 76 [0154] inner face 77 [0155] one or more electric loads 80 [0156] wiring 81 [0157] passage 82 [0158] further seal 83 [0159] electrical system 90 [0160] external face 320 [0161] lifter 500 [0162] hollow body 555 [0163] wireless power transmitting system 600 [0164] wireless connection 601 [0165] switching elements 602 [0166] coil interface block 611 [0167] transmission coil 620 [0168] reception coil 630