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.

Abstract: Counterweight, connectable to a washing machine tub (2), comprising an hollow shell (3) of U-shaped cross-section for containing a concrete ballast mass (4) poured therein, said shell (3) is integrally provided in one piece with two foldable members (5) adapted to close enlarged lower portions (6) of said shell (4) in order to encapsulate said concrete ballast mass (4).

Abstract: Counterweight, connectable to a washing machine tub (2), comprising an hollow shell (3) of U-shaped cross-section for containing a concrete ballast mass (4) poured therein, said shell (3) is integrally provided in one piece with two foldable members (5) adapted to close enlarged lower portions (6) of said shell (4) in order to encapsulate said concrete ballast mass (4).

Abstract: The filter (3) comprises transversal walls (11) forming a labyrinth-like path with the inner surface of a hollow body (6) that is part of the water outlet circuit of the machine. On the peripheral edge of the said transversal walls (11) there are provided serrations (12) adapted to retain foreign bodies and break down the air bubbles that are present in the liquor taken in by the drain pump (4).

Abstract: The filter (3) comprises transversal walls (11) forming a labyrinth-like path with the inner surface of a hollow body (6) that is part of the water outlet circuit of the machine. On the peripheral edge of the said transversal walls (11) there are provided serrations (12) adapted to retain foreign bodies and break down the air bubbles that are present in the liquor taken in by the drain pump (4).

Abstract: A shock absorber damps the vibrations that are generated in a washing assembly of a horizontal axis washer. The shock absorber is of the type containing a magnetorheological fluid. A method carried out in a real-time mode throughout the duration of the operation cycles of the machine varies at least one of the rheological properties of the medium and, in due proportion, the vibration damping power of the shock absorber. The method is based on the monitoring of a physical quantity that is representative of the variations in the balance conditions of the washing assembly. The invention provides effective and immediate damping of the vibrations caused by an unbalanced washload in the rotating drum, without any interruption or modification of the washing cycle selected and set by the user.

Abstract: A clothes washing machine, or a similar appliance such as a washer/dryer, includes a flexible duct, such as a bellows, arranged between the opening (5) of a door (4), intended for loading and unloading the clothes, and an associated opening (8) provided on an inner washing tub (10). Peripheral folds (16), the outer end (13) and a cylindrical band (15) of the bellows (12), are made with a material having elastomeric properties and a hardness of about Shore A 20 to 30. The inner end (15) of the bellows is made with a synthetic material having a hardness of about Shore A 40 to 50. The machine is low noise. A greater unbalanced load of clothes can be tolerated since the improved bellows minimize the vibrations, generated by the inner washing tub when the machine is operated, which are transmitted to the outer cabinet of the machine.

Abstract: A ballasted tub for washing machines, particularly clothes washing machines or combined clothes washing and drying machines. Two circular shells (9, 10) of plastic material are adapted to be fitted and connected with each other along their periphery and are shaped in such a way as to be adapted to accommodate a plurality of ballast blocks (8) made of concrete or other suitable heavy material. The ballast blocks (8) are pre-formed and applied against the corresponding front and rear surfaces of the shells (9, 10) with fasteners (22, 23, 24, 25, 27, 31, 32) of a known type, thereby implementing a ballasted tub with a modular structure, wherein both the disposition and the combination of the ballast blocks (8) can be varied at will to balance differently shaped and sized tubs therewith.