Washing Machine

Abstract

A washing machine ( 2 ) has a tub ( 4 ) having a sump ( 6 ), and a draining circuit ( 8 ). The sump ( 6 ) is fluidly connected to the draining circuit ( 8 ), and a filter element ( 16 ) is removably positionable in the sump ( 6 ). The filter element ( 16 ) includes at least one first magnetic element ( 12 ) adapted to magnetically cooperate with at least one second magnetic element ( 14 ) arranged at the sump ( 6 ), such that the filter element ( 16 ) is positioned in its operating position in the sump.

1 . A washing machine comprising:
 a tub having a sump,   a draining circuit, wherein the sump is fluidly connected to the draining circuit, and   a filter element, which is removably positionable in the sump,   wherein the filter element comprises at least one first magnetic element adapted to magnetically cooperate with at least one second magnetic element arranged at the sump, such that the filter element is positioned in its operating position in the sump.   
     
     
         2 . A washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one second magnetic element is arranged on an inner surface of the sump, or on an outer surface of the sump and/or embedded in the sump. 
     
     
         3 . A washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the tub and the sump are integrally formed. 
     
     
         4 . A washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one second magnetic element is integrated in and/or associated to and/or connected to a sensor element for detecting the filter element being in its operating position. 
     
     
         5 . A washing machine according to  claim 4 , wherein the sensor element is connected to a logic unit, wherein the logic unit is adapted to enable an operation of the washing machine only if the sensor element provides a signal indicating that the filter element is correctly positioned in the sump. 
     
     
         6 . A washing machine according to  claim 4 , wherein the sensor element comprises a reed sensor or a hall sensor. 
     
     
         7 . A washing machine according to  claim 4 , wherein the sensor element is operatively connected to a visual interface and/or a speaker for communicating to a user the filter element being in a correct position or not. 
     
     
         8 . A washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one first magnetic element and/or the at least one second magnetic element is a magnet, in particular a permanent magnet or an electromagnet. 
     
     
         9 . A washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the at least one first magnetic element and/or the at least one second magnetic element comprises ferromagnetic or ferrimagnetic material. 
     
     
         10 . A washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter element and/or the sump comprises at least one locking or snap fitting element for fixing the filter element within the sump. 
     
     
         11 . A washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein in the operating position of the filter element the at least one first magnetic element contacts the at least one second magnetic element. 
     
     
         12 . A washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter element comprises at least two magnetic elements adapted to cooperate with at least two magnetic elements arranged at the sump. 
     
     
         13 . A washing machine according to  claim 12 , wherein the at least two magnetic elements of the filter element and/or the at least two magnetic elements arranged at the sump comprise opposite polarity. 
     
     
         14 . A washing machine according to  claim 1 , wherein the filter element is a basket filter element. 
     
     
         15 . A washing machine according to  claim 1 , further comprising a drum within said tub, said drum comprising an openable or removable lifter through which the filter element is removable from the sump. 
     
     
         16 . A washing machine according to  claim 5 , wherein the sensor element is operatively connected to a visual interface and/or a speaker for communicating to a user the filter element being in a correct position or not. 
     
     
         17 . A washing machine according to  claim 6 , wherein the sensor element is operatively connected to a visual interface and/or a speaker for communicating to a user the filter element being in a correct position or not.