Washing machine including integral filter module

Abstract

A washing machine comprising: i) a wash tub ( 12 ), ii) a water inlet ( 14 ) and waste water outlet ( 16 ) in fluid communication with the wash tub ( 12 ), iii) a fluid pathway ( 18 ) extending from the waste water outlet ( 16 ) to the water inlet ( 14 ), iv) a pump ( 20 ) for moving water along the fluid pathway ( 18 ), v) a filter module ( 22 ) located along the fluid pathway ( 18 ), and vi) a valve ( 16′ ) located downstream from the pump ( 20 ) that selectively directs fluid flow along the fluid pathway ( 18 ) to a waste discharge port ( 28 ) or the filter module ( 22 ).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A washing machine comprising the following components:
 i) a wash tub ( 12 ),   ii) a water inlet ( 14 ) and waste water outlet ( 16 ) in fluid communication with the wash tub,   iii) a fluid pathway ( 18 ) extending from the waste water outlet ( 16 ) to the water inlet ( 14 ),   iv) a pump ( 20 ) for moving water along the fluid pathway ( 18 ),   v) a filter module ( 22 ) located along the fluid pathway ( 18 ), and   vi) a valve ( 16 ′) located downstream from the pump ( 20 ) that selectively directs fluid flow along the fluid pathway ( 18 ) to a waste discharge port ( 28 ) or the filter module ( 22 ).   
     
     
         2 . The washing machine of  claim 1  further characterized by including a single pump ( 20 ). 
     
     
         3 . The washing machine of  claim 1  further characterized by including a single valve ( 16 ′) located along the fluid pathway ( 18 ) between the pump ( 20 ) and the filter module ( 22 ). 
     
     
         4 . The washing machine of  claim 1  further characterized by including a single valve ( 16 ′) located along the fluid pathway ( 18 ′) between the wash tub ( 12 ) and the filter module ( 22 ). 
     
     
         5 . A method for washing ware or laundry items using a washing machine comprising the following components:
 i) a wash tub ( 12 ),   ii) a water inlet ( 14 ) and waste water outlet ( 16 ) in fluid communication with the wash tub,   iii) a fluid pathway ( 18 ) extending from the waste water outlet ( 16 ) to the water inlet ( 14 ),   iv) a pump ( 20 ) for moving water along the fluid pathway ( 18 ),   v) a filter module ( 22 ) located along the fluid pathway ( 18 ), and   vi) a valve ( 16 ′) located downstream from the pump ( 20 ) that selectively directs fluid flow along the fluid pathway ( 18 ) to a waste discharge port ( 28 ) or the filter module ( 22 ); wherein the method comprises:
 a) initiating a wash stage by introducing water and detergent into the wash tub ( 12 ), 
 b) actuating the valve ( 16 ′) to direct waste water resulting from the wash stage to the waste discharge port ( 28 ), 
 c) initiating a rinse stage by introducing water without detergent into the wash tub ( 12 ), 
 d) actuating the valve ( 16 ′) to direct at least a portion of waste water resulting from the rinse stage to the filter module ( 22 ), and 
 e) reintroducing at least a portion of waste water which has passed through the filter module ( 22 ) into the wash tub ( 12 ).