阅读说明：本技术 配备有液体供应管线的洗衣机 (Washing machine equipped with liquid supply line ) 是由 马里亚诺·塔尔图费里 毛里齐奥·德尔波斯 安德烈亚·孔塔里尼 马尔科·鲁索 于 2018-02-22 设计创作，主要内容包括：本发明涉及一种洗衣机(1),该洗衣机包括：箱体(2),该箱体支撑洗涤桶(3),该洗涤桶在被适配成用于接纳衣物的洗涤滚筒(4)外部；以及液体供应管线(30),该液体供应管线用于通过喷嘴(40)将液体供应到洗涤桶/滚筒(3,4)中,该流体供应管线具有管状部分(42)和包括弯曲区(46)的喷洒部分(44)。该喷嘴(40)包括设置在该弯曲区(46)上游的障碍物(60)。(The invention relates to a washing machine (1) comprising: a cabinet (2) supporting a washing tub (3) external to a washing drum (4) adapted to receive laundry; and a liquid supply line (30) for supplying liquid into the washing tub/drum (3, 4) through a nozzle (40), the fluid supply line having a tubular portion (42) and a spraying portion (44) comprising a curved zone (46). The nozzle (40) includes an obstruction (60) disposed upstream of the bend region (46).)

1. A washing machine (1) comprising:

-a cabinet (2) supporting a washing tub (3) external to a washing drum (4) adapted to receive laundry;

-a liquid supply line (30) for supplying liquid into the washing tub/drum (3, 4) through an outlet extremity (80), said liquid supply line (30) being provided at one end thereof with a nozzle (40) comprising said outlet extremity (80), said nozzle (40) comprising a tubular portion (42) extending along an axis (X) and a sprinkling portion (44) comprising said outlet extremity (80) and being in hydraulic communication with said tubular portion (42), wherein said sprinkling portion (44) comprises a bending zone (46) apt to change the direction of the liquid flowing through said tubular portion (42) towards said outlet extremity (80), characterized in that said nozzle (40) comprises an obstacle (60) arranged upstream of said bending zone (46), such that the cross-sectional area of the nozzle (40) first decreases and then increases as one proceeds from the tubular portion (42) towards the outlet end (80).

2. A washing machine (1) as in claim 1, characterized by the fact that the cross-sectional area first decreases monotonously and/or then increases monotonously when proceeding from the tubular portion (42) towards the outlet end (80).

3. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by the cross-sectional area comprising a smaller area, wherein the smaller area is defined at a single point (T) along the axis (X).

4. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a tubular portion (42) comprising a portion extending linearly along the axis (X).

5. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a nozzle (40) arranged so that the axis (X) and the vertical axis (V) of the tubular portion (42) form an angle of less than 30 ° between them, preferably an angle of less than 10 ° between them, more preferably an angle equal to 7 ° between them, when the washing machine is mounted on a horizontal floor.

6. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a bending zone (46) apt to change a first direction (D1) of the liquid flowing in the tubular portion (42) to a second direction (D2) of the liquid towards the outlet end (80).

7. A washing machine (1) as in claim 6, characterized by the first and second directions (D1, D2) that are inclined to each other, including an angle therebetween of less than 135 °, preferably equal to 90 °.

8. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by an outlet tip (80) comprising a lower edge (82) and an upper edge (84) connected therebetween at opposite ends (86a, 86 b).

9. A washing machine (1) as in claim 8, characterized by a distance (D) between the upper edge (84) and the lower edge (82) that decreases by proceeding from the center (C) of the outlet extremity (80) towards the opposite ends (86a, 86b), the distance (D) being measured in a direction parallel to the axis (X).

10. A washing machine (1) as in claim 8 or 9, characterized by the lower edge (82) being rectilinear and/or the upper edge (84) being arcuate.

11. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a liquid supply line (30) comprising a recirculation system for draining liquid from the bottom (3a) of the washing tub (3) and re-entering such liquid into the first region (3b) of the washing tub/drum (3, 4), the recirculation system (30) comprising a recirculation pump (22) and a recirculation conduit (33) connected to the spray nozzle (40).

12. A washing machine (1) as in claim 11, characterized by the recirculation pump (22) being a variable speed pump.

13. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a liquid supply line (30) configured for supplying liquid into the washing tub/drum (3, 4) at different flow rates.

14. A washing machine (1) as in any one of the above claims, characterized by a nozzle (40) arranged at a bellows (7; 107) interposed between the cabinet (2) and the washing tub (3).

15. A washing machine (1) as in claim 14, characterized by the bellows (7; 107) comprising a housing (7 a; 107a) apt to receive the nozzle (40).

Background

Nowadays, washing machines are widely used, including both "simple" washing machines (i.e. washing machines that can only wash and rinse the laundry) and laundry washing-drying machines (i.e. washing machines that can also dry the laundry).

Therefore, in the present description, the term "laundry washing machine" will refer to both simple laundry washing machines and laundry washing-drying machines.

Washing machines generally comprise a casing or cabinet provided with a washing tub comprising a rotatable perforated washing drum in which the laundry is placed. The loading/unloading door ensures access to the washing drum.

Laundry washing machines typically comprise a water supply unit and a treatment agent dispenser, preferably having a drawer with compartments, for introducing water and wash/rinse products (i.e. detergent, softener, rinse conditioner, etc.) into the washing tub. The duct preferably connects the dispenser to the washing tub.

In known preferred embodiments, the water reaching the washing tub may optionally contain one of the products contained in the dispenser compartment, or such water may be clean, and in such a case it may preferably bypass the dispenser compartment to reach the washing tub.

In a known alternative embodiment, a further separate water supply conduit bypassing the distributor may be provided, which directly supplies clean water into the washing tub.

Known laundry washing machines are also typically provided with recirculation circuits which drain the liquid from the bottom region of the washing tub and re-send the drained liquid to another region of the washing tub. Preferably, the liquid is re-sent to the upper region of the washing tub, and the recirculation circuit is typically provided with an end nozzle suitably arranged so that the recirculation liquid is sprayed on the laundry.

The recirculation circuit is typically provided with a recirculation pump which is activated in due time during the washing cycle to recirculate the liquid, when necessary, in order to enhance the distribution of the liquid through the nozzles on the laundry.

Washing machine manufacturers have made a great deal of effort and attempts to find solutions that optimize the water distribution on the laundry, and have proposed end nozzles of different shapes.

US 2014109620 a1 discloses a nozzle or water supply device having an upper vertical hollow conduit connectable to a water supply line, and a lower horizontal sprinkler. The horizontal sprayer has a trapezoidal shape, and the washing water is sprayed to the laundry through the front opening of the sprayer having a slit shape.

However, the nozzles of the known art entail some drawbacks.

A disadvantage of the nozzles of the known art is that the spraying efficiency decreases when the flow rate of the water through the supply line varies.

The nozzle and its shape are typically designed to operate normally at a predetermined or substantially predetermined flow rate depending on the operating pump speed. In particular, the water follows the desired path from the sprinkler opening to the laundry, so as to be evenly distributed on the laundry.

However, if the pump speed varies, uniform distribution cannot be guaranteed. In particular, if the pump speed is increased, turbulence is created at the sprinkler opening, thereby altering the desired optimal water path.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome the disadvantages associated with the known art.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to propose a liquid supply system which guarantees a desired liquid distribution on the laundry under different flow rate conditions.

Another object of the present invention is to propose a liquid supply system capable of controlling the flow direction of the liquid on the laundry according to the flow rate, thereby ensuring an optimal liquid distribution on the laundry in each operating condition.

Disclosure of Invention

The applicant has found that by providing a laundry washing machine comprising: a washing tub outside the washing drum; and a liquid supply line for supplying liquid into the washing tub/drum through a nozzle having an outlet end, and the mentioned object can be achieved by providing the nozzle with an obstacle.

Accordingly, the present invention in its first aspect relates to a washing machine comprising:

-a cabinet supporting a washing tub external to a washing drum adapted to receive laundry;

-a liquid supply line for supplying liquid into the washing tub/drum through an outlet extremity, said liquid supply line being provided at one end thereof with a nozzle comprising said outlet extremity, said nozzle comprising a tubular portion extending along an axis, and a spraying portion comprising said outlet extremity and hydraulically communicating with said tubular portion, wherein said spraying portion comprises a curved zone apt to change the direction of the liquid flowing through said tubular portion towards said outlet extremity, wherein said nozzle comprises an obstacle arranged upstream of said curved zone, such that the cross-sectional area of said nozzle first decreases and then increases when proceeding from said tubular portion towards said outlet extremity.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area is the area of the nozzle through which liquid can flow in a plane perpendicular to the axis.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cross-sectional area first decreases monotonically and/or then increases monotonically when proceeding from the tubular part towards the outlet end.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cross-sectional area comprises a minor area, wherein the minor area is defined at a single point along the axis.

Preferably, the tubular portion comprises a portion extending linearly along the axis.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle is arranged such that the axis of the tubular portion and the vertical axis form an angle of less than 30 ° between them, preferably an angle of less than 10 ° between them, more preferably an angle equal to 7 ° between them, when the washing machine is mounted on a horizontal floor.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the bending zone is apt to change the first direction of the liquid flowing in the tubular portion to the second direction of the liquid towards the outlet end.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and second directions are inclined to each other, including an angle smaller than 135 ° therebetween, preferably equal to 90 °.

Preferably, the spray portion has a width expanding towards the outlet end, more preferably having a trapezoidal shape.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the outlet tip comprises a lower edge and an upper edge connected therebetween at opposite ends.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the distance between the upper and lower edges decreases by proceeding from the centre of the outlet tip towards the opposite end, the distance being measured in a direction parallel to the axis.

Preferably, the lower edge is linear and/or the upper edge is curved.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid supply line comprises a recirculation system for draining liquid from the bottom of the washing tub and re-entering such liquid into the first region of the washing tub/drum, the recirculation system comprising a recirculation pump and a recirculation conduit connected to the spray nozzle.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recirculation pump is a variable speed pump.

Preferably, the recirculation pump comprises an inlet connected to the bottom of the washing tub and an outlet connected to a recirculation conduit.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the liquid supply line is configured for supplying liquid into the washing tub/drum at different flow rates.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle is disposed at a bellows tube interposed between the cabinet and the washing tub.

Preferably, the bellows comprises a housing to readily receive the nozzle.

Drawings

Further features and advantages of the invention will be highlighted in more detail in the following detailed description of some of the preferred embodiments of the invention, given by reference to the attached drawings. In the drawings, corresponding features and/or components are identified by the same reference numerals. Specifically, the method comprises the following steps:

figure 1 shows a perspective view of a laundry washing machine according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention;

figure 2 shows a schematic view of the laundry washing machine of figure 1;

figure 3 shows an enlarged view of a detail of figure 1 with some parts removed;

figure 4 shows a detail of figure 3 from another perspective;

figure 5 shows an exploded view of figure 3;

figure 6 is a plan section view taken along the line VI-VI of figure 3;

figure 7 is a plan elevation of the element of figure 5;

figure 8 is a plan top view of the element of figure 7;

figure 9 is a plan section view taken along the line IX-IX of figure 7;

figure 10 is a plan sectional view taken along the line X-X of figure 7;

FIG. 11 is a plan section view taken along the line XI-XI of FIG. 7;

FIG. 12 is a plan sectional view taken along line XII-XII of FIG. 7;

FIG. 13 is a plan sectional view taken along line XIII-XIII of FIG. 8;

figures 14A, 14B and 14C show the detail of figure 7 in different operating conditions;

figure 15 shows a schematic side view of the laundry machine of figure 1;

figure 16A shows another embodiment of figure 6;

figure 16B shows the element of figure 16A before assembly.

Detailed Description

The invention has proved to be particularly advantageous when applied to a washing machine, as described below. In any case, it should be emphasized that the invention is not limited to washing machines. On the contrary, the present invention can be conveniently applied to a laundry washing-drying machine (i.e., a washing machine capable of drying laundry as well).

Referring to fig. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of a washing machine 1 according to the present invention is described.

The laundry washing machine 1 preferably comprises a casing or cabinet 2, a washing tub 3, a washing drum 4 (preferably a perforated washing drum 4) received in the washing tub 3, in which the laundry to be treated can be loaded.

Both the washing tub 3 and the washing drum 4 preferably have a substantially cylindrical shape.

The washing tub 3 is preferably connected to the cabinet 2 by means of an elastic bellows 7 or gasket.

The cabinet 2 is provided with a loading/unloading door 8 allowing access to the washing drum 4.

The washing drum 4 is advantageously rotated by an electric motor (not shown) which transmits the rotational movement to the shaft 4a of the washing drum 4, preferably advantageously by means of a belt/pulley system. In different embodiments of the invention, the motor may be directly associated with the shaft 4a of the washing drum 4.

The washing drum 4 is advantageously provided with a plurality of holes allowing the liquid to pass through them. Said holes are typically and preferably evenly distributed on the cylindrical side wall of the washing drum 4.

The bottom region 3a of the washing tub 3 preferably comprises a seat 15, or sump, suitable for receiving the heating device 10. The heating means 10 heats the liquid in the sump 15 when activated.

However, in different embodiments, the bottom region of the washing tub may be configured differently. For example, the bottom region of the washing tub may not comprise a base for the heating device. The heating device may advantageously be placed in the annular gap between the washing tub and the washing drum.

Preferably, the laundry washing machine 1 comprises a device 19 suitable for sensing (or detecting) the level of liquid inside the washing tub 3.

The sensor means 19 preferably comprise a pressure sensor sensing the pressure in the washing tub 3. From the values sensed by the sensor means 19, the liquid level inside the washing tub 3 can be determined. In another not illustrated embodiment, the laundry washing machine may preferably comprise (in addition to or instead of the pressure sensor) a level sensor (e.g. mechanical, electromechanical, optical, etc.) adapted to sense (or detect) the level of liquid inside the washing tub 3.

The water supply circuit 5 is preferably arranged in an upper portion of the laundry washing machine 1 and is adapted to supply water from an external water supply line E into the washing tub/drum 3, 4. The water supply circuit 5 preferably comprises a controlled supply valve 5a, which is appropriately controlled, opened and closed during the washing cycle. The water supply circuit of the washing machine is well known in the art and thus will not be described in detail.

The laundry washing machine 1 advantageously comprises a treatment agent dispenser 14 which supplies one or more treatment agents into the washing tub/drum 3, 4 during the washing cycle. Treatment agents may include, for example, detergents, rinse additives, fabric softeners or conditioners, water repellents, fabric enhancers, rinse sanitizing additives, chlorine-based additives, and the like.

Preferably, the treatment agent dispenser 14 comprises a movable drawer 6 (fig. 1) provided with various compartments suitable for filling with treatment agent.

In a preferred embodiment not shown, the treatment agent dispenser may comprise a pump adapted to deliver one or more of said agents from the dispenser to the washing tub/drum.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, water is supplied from the water supply circuit 5 into the washing tub/drum 3, 4 by passing it through the treating agent dispenser 14 and then through the supply conduit 18. A supply conduit 18 hydraulically connects the treating agent dispenser 14 to the washing tub 3.

In an alternative embodiment of the present invention, another separate water supply pipeline may be provided which exclusively supplies clean water from the external water supply line into the washing tub/drum.

In a further preferred embodiment not illustrated herein, the water softening device may preferably be arranged/interposed between the external water supply line and the treatment agent distributor so as to be crossed by clean water coming from the external water supply line. As is known, water softening devices are structured for reducing the hardness of the fresh water exiting from the external water supply line E and delivered to the treating agent dispenser.

In a different embodiment, the water softening device may be arranged/interposed between the external water supply line and the washing tub so as to be crossed by the fresh water flowing out of the external water supply line and directly conveyed to the washing tub/drum.

The laundry washing machine 1 preferably comprises a water outlet circuit 25 suitable for draining the liquid from the bottom region 3a of the washing tub 3.

The outlet circuit 25 preferably comprises a main conduit 17, a drain pump 27, and an outlet conduit 28 ending outside the tank 2.

The outlet circuit 25 preferably further comprises a filtering device 12 arranged between the main conduit 17 and the drain pump 27. The filter device 12 is adapted to retain all undesired objects (e.g. buttons that fall off the laundry, coins that were erroneously introduced into the washing machine, etc.). This filtering device 12 can be removed and then cleaned, preferably through a door 13 advantageously placed on the front wall of the cabinet 2 of the laundry washing machine 1, as illustrated in figure 1.

The main pipe 17 connects the bottom area 3a of the washing tub 3 to the filtering device 12.

In another embodiment, not illustrated, the filtering device 12 can be provided directly in the washing tub 3, preferably obtained in a one-piece construction with the washing tub. In this case, the filtering device 12 is fluidly connected to the outlet of the washing tub 3 in such a way that the water and the washing liquid drained from the washing tub 3 enter the filtering device 12.

The activation of the drain pump 27 discharges the liquid coming from the washing tub 3 (i.e. dirty water or water mixed with washing and/or rinsing products) to the outside.

The laundry washing machine 1 then preferably comprises a recirculation line 30 adapted to drain the liquid from the bottom region 3a of the washing tub 3 and to re-feed this liquid to the first region 3b of the washing tub/drum 3, 4.

Preferably, the first area 3b of the washing tub/drum 3, 4 substantially corresponds to the upper area 3b of the washing tub/drum 3, 4. The liquid is preferably re-sent to the upper region 3b of the washing tub/drum 3, 4 to soak the laundry inside the washing drum 4. This action is preferably performed at the beginning of the washing cycle when the laundry needs to be fully wetted. Furthermore, this action is preferably performed in the rinsing phase at the beginning of the washing cycle or in the rinsing phase in the successive steps of the washing cycle.

The recirculation line 30 preferably comprises a recirculation conduit 33 which terminates in said first zone 3 b. Preferably, the recirculation duct 33 ends in the bellows 7, as better illustrated in fig. 3 and 6. The recirculation conduit 33 is preferably provided with an end nozzle 40 having an outlet tip 80.

The recirculation line 30 then preferably comprises a recirculation pump 22 comprising an inlet 24 connected to the bottom 3a of the washing tub 3 and an outlet 26 for delivering the liquid to a recirculation conduit 33.

The inlet 24 of the recirculation pump 22 is preferably connected to the bottom 3a of the washing tub 3 by a suction pipe 32, which is preferably connected to the filtering device 12.

In the preferred embodiment shown and described herein, there are two pumps, the drain pump 27 and the recirculation pump 22, as described above.

In another preferred embodiment, not shown, only one pump may be provided, and a controllable valve may be arranged downstream of the pump for selectively delivering liquid to a drain conduit leading to the outside or to a recirculation conduit leading to the washing tub.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the recirculation pump 22 is a variable speed pump, i.e. it can be driven at different speeds.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the recirculation pump may be a fixed speed pump, i.e. it may be driven at a pre-fixed speed.

In the case where recirculation pump 22 is a variable speed pump, the liquid in recirculation line 30 may be pumped at different flow rates, as will be better described later, thus defining correspondingly different operating conditions.

In the case where recirculation pump 22 is a fixed speed pump, the liquid in recirculation line 30 is pumped at a correspondingly fixed flow rate.

According to an aspect of the invention, the nozzle 40 preferably comprises a tubular portion 42 extending along the first axis X and a spraying portion 44 comprising an outlet end 80, as illustrated in fig. 7 and 9. The spray portion 44 is in hydraulic communication with the tubular portion 42. The spray portion 44 then preferably includes a bend region 46 that tends to change the direction of liquid flow through the tubular portion 42 toward the outlet end 80 (not shown).

The tubular portion 42 preferably comprises a portion extending linearly along the first axis X, such as a cylindrical tubular portion having a linear axis X as illustrated herein.

However, in different embodiments, the tubular portion may also be curved and thus extend along a curvilinear axis.

The tubular portion 42 then preferably comprises a circular shaped cross-section, as illustrated herein.

However, in different embodiments, the cross-section of the tubular portion may have different shapes, such as any elliptical shape, any curvilinear closed shape, any polygonal closed shape, or a combination thereof.

The tubular portion 42 is apt to be fluidly connected to the end 33a of the recirculation duct 33, as illustrated in particular in fig. 5 and 6.

Preferably, the tubular portion 42 and the end 33a of the recirculation duct 33 are fluidly connected to each other by the bellows 7.

The bellows 7 comprises a housing 7a apt to receive the end 33a of the recirculation duct 33 from above and the nozzle 40 from below.

The housing 7a is preferably shaped to fully receive the end 33a of the recirculation duct 33, to receive the tubular portion 42 of the nozzle 40, and preferably to receive a portion of the spraying portion 44 of the nozzle 40.

Thus, the nozzles 40 are preferably arranged partly outside the same bellows 7 and protrude from the bellows.

According to an aspect of the present invention, in view of the washing machine 1 mounted on a horizontal floor, the nozzle 40 is arranged in a vertical position, or substantially vertical position, with respect to the washing tub 3. Preferably, the nozzle 40 is arranged such that the first axis X and the vertical axis V form an angle of 7 ° therebetween, the washing machine 1 being mounted on a horizontal floor.

More preferably, the nozzle 40 is arranged at the bellows 7 between the washing tub 3 and the cabinet 2 and is suitably oriented so that the liquid flowing out of the outlet extremity 80 is directed towards the inside of the washing drum 4, as better described below.

In different embodiments, the position of the nozzle may be different, for example more inclined with respect to the vertical axis V, and is preferably arranged such that the first axis X and the vertical axis V form an angle of less than 30 ° therebetween, more preferably an angle of less than 10 ° therebetween.

As illustrated in fig. 9, the first direction D1 of the liquid flowing in the tubular portion 42 is changed by the bending zone 46 into a different second direction D2 towards the outlet end 80.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated herein, the bending zone 46 is suitably shaped so that the two directions D1, D2 are preferably vertical, more preferably the first direction D1 is vertical and the second direction D2 is horizontal.

However, in different embodiments, the bending zones may be suitably shaped such that the directions are inclined to each other such that the included angle therebetween is preferably less than 135 °.

According to an advantageous aspect of the invention, the nozzle 40 comprises an obstacle 60 arranged upstream of the bending zone 46, so that the cross-sectional area of the nozzle 40 first decreases and then increases as it progresses from the tubular portion 42 towards the outlet end 80.

The cross-sectional area is the area of the nozzle 40 through which liquid can flow in a plane perpendicular to the first axis X.

It should be emphasized that in the present application, the term "upstream" refers to the direction of flow of the liquid inside the nozzle 40 during normal operation of the laundry washing machine 1 when the recirculation pump 22 is activated; the fact that the obstacle 60 is arranged upstream of the bending zone 46 means that, in normal operation of the laundry washing machine 1, when the recirculation pump 22 is activated, the liquid circulates first inside the obstacle 60 and then through the bending zone 46.

When the term "downstream" is used, it is intended to be the opposite of the term "upstream" as defined above.

This advantageous feature can be appreciated in particular in fig. 13 or by comparing fig. 10 to 12. The obstruction 60 causes the cross-sectional area of the nozzle 40 to first decrease (i.e., from a first area a1 depicted in fig. 10 to a smaller second area a2 depicted in fig. 11) and then increase (i.e., from the smaller second area a2 depicted in fig. 11 to a larger third area A3 depicted in fig. 12). Preferably, the obstacles 60 are arranged at the boundary region between the tubular portion 42 and the sprinkling portion 44.

Preferably, the cross-sectional area of the nozzle 40 monotonically decreases from the first area A1 to the smaller second area A2, and/or preferably monotonically increases from the smaller second area A2 to the larger third area A3.

Preferably, the smaller second area a2 is defined at a single point or substantially a single point along the first axis X of the tubular portion 42 (point T depicted in fig. 13).

Preferably, the cross-sectional area a2 at the obstacle 60 is comprised between 50% and 90%, more preferably equal to 70%, of the cross-sectional area a1 at the tubular portion 42.

The spray portion 44 preferably has a width that expands toward the outlet tip 80, and is more preferably shown as being trapezoidal in shape.

The outlet end 80 preferably includes a lower edge 82 and an upper edge 84 (see fig. 7) connected therebetween.

The lower edge 82 is preferably straight. The upper edge 84 is preferably arcuate. The lower edge 82 and the upper edge 84 are preferably connected at opposite ends 86a, 86b by rounded corners.

Preferably, the distance D between the upper and lower edges 84, 82 decreases by proceeding from the center C of the outlet tip 80 toward the opposing ends 86a, 86b, as shown in fig. 7.

Advantageously, as better described below, liquid L exiting outlet tip 80 does not contact a central portion or a majority of a central portion of upper edge 84 of outlet tip 80 (e.g., as better seen from fig. 14A-14C).

Advantageously, turbulence of the liquid exiting the outlet tip 80 is reduced as compared to known nozzles.

More advantageously, the turbulence of the liquid exiting the outlet tip 80 is reduced compared to known nozzles in any operating condition.

These advantageous aspects are achieved by the presence of the obstruction 60.

In effect, the obstruction 60, by virtue of its cross-sectional area A2, distributes the liquid over the curved region 46 of the spray portion 44 up to the outlet end 80.

In any operating condition, the liquid reaching the outlet end 80 preferably does not completely fill the corresponding cross-sectional area.

The operation of the washing machine 1 in different operating states is explained with some examples as shown in fig. 14A, 14B, 14C and 15.

Fig. 14A relates to a first operating state, in which recirculation pump 22 is preferably driven at a low speed and the liquid in recirculation line 30 is pumped at a correspondingly low flow rate. At the outlet end 80, the liquid L shows a first course and leaves the same outlet end 80, so that the liquid can be sprayed onto the laundry on the near side in front of the washing drum 4 (as indicated by line Lf in fig. 15).

Advantageously, liquid L exiting the outlet end 80 does not contact the upper edge 84. Thus, the generation of turbulence is avoided.

Fig. 14B relates to a second operating state, in which recirculation pump 22 is preferably driven at a medium speed and the liquid in recirculation line 30 is pumped at a corresponding medium flow rate. At the outlet end 80, the liquid L shows a second course and leaves the same outlet end 80, so that the liquid can be sprayed onto the laundry in the centre of the washing drum 4 (as indicated by line Mf in fig. 15).

Again advantageously, liquid L exiting the outlet end 80 does not contact the central portion of the upper edge 84. Thus, the generation of turbulence is avoided.

Fig. 14C relates to a third operating state, in which recirculation pump 22 is preferably driven at high speed and the liquid in recirculation line 30 is pumped at a correspondingly high flow rate. At the outlet tip 80, the liquid L shows a third course and leaves the same outlet tip 80, so that the liquid can be sprayed onto the laundry on the far side of the washing drum 4 (as indicated by the line Hf in fig. 15).

Again advantageously, liquid L exiting the outlet end 80 does not contact the central portion of the upper edge 84. Thus, the generation of turbulence is avoided.

In summary, it follows that the proposed solution advantageously enables to control the flow direction of the liquid on the laundry according to the flow rate, thus ensuring an optimal liquid distribution on the laundry in each operating condition.

In the case where the recirculation pump 22 is a fixed-speed pump, then, it is ensured in any case that the generation of turbulence is avoided or strongly limited when the liquid L leaves the outlet end 80, whatever the operating speed set for the recirculation pump.

For example, manufacturers may take advantage of this aspect by producing a unique type of spray nozzle that can be installed on different types of washing machines that use recirculation pumps that operate at different fixed speeds. Thus, the manufacturing cost is reduced. Thus, the nozzle ensures that the generation of turbulence is avoided or strongly limited, irrespective of the recirculation pump installed on the washing machine.

Obviously, in case the recirculation pump 22 is a constant speed pump, the liquid L is sprayed onto the laundry in a substantially fixed position inside the washing drum 4.

Preferably, the tubular portion 42 is integrally formed with the spray portion 44.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the nozzle may be realized with different parts structured to be coupled to each other.

In a preferred embodiment, the nozzle or the part implementing the nozzle is made of a rigid material, preferably a rigid plastic material, more preferably POM (polyoxymethylene).

With reference to fig. 16A and 16B, another preferred embodiment of the present invention is described, which differs from the previously described preferred embodiment in that the bellows 107 comprises a housing 107a susceptible of fully receiving the nozzle 40 therein.

The housing 107a is preferably shaped to completely match the outer surface of the nozzle 40.

When the nozzle 40 is received in the housing 107a of the bellows, the nozzle does not protrude from the housing.

Fig. 16B shows the nozzle 40 prior to assembly into the housing 107a of the bellows 107.

It has thus been shown that the invention allows all the set purposes to be achieved. In particular, this makes it possible to provide a laundry washing machine with a liquid supply system which, in comparison with known systems, also guarantees an optimal liquid distribution on the laundry under different flow rate conditions.

The above-mentioned recirculation line 30 is an example of a liquid supply line in a laundry washing machine advantageously implementing the invention.

In different preferred embodiments, the liquid supply line may be any other supply line that supplies liquid into the washing tub/drum and is provided with a nozzle at its end. For example, with reference to fig. 2, the supply duct 18 connecting the treating agent dispenser 14 to the washing tub 3 provided with nozzles at its end can be considered as a liquid supply line according to the invention.

Although the present invention has been described in connection with the specific embodiments illustrated in the figures, it should be noted that the invention is not limited to the specific embodiments shown and described herein; rather, further variations of the embodiments described herein fall within the scope of the invention, which is defined by the claims.