BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
[0001] Conventionally washing machines include a fixed water tank having a top or front
opening. A rotatable drum is provided within the tank, the drum having perforated
side walls to allow water from the water tank to enter the drum, and an opening which
corresponds generally with the opening in the water tank. The opening of the drum
has a diameter smaller than the inside of the drum giving an annular ring around the
opening. A door providing a water tight seal closes the openings in the drum and water
tank.
[0002] In use, a user opens the door, thereby giving access to the interior of the drum,
and adds items to be washed through this opening into the drum. The door is then closed
and the water tank is partially filled with water to commence the washing cycle. The
drum is rotated, thereby moving the items in the drum through the water contained
in the tank. Agitators are provided in the drum to enhance this movement. The annular
ring around the opening in the drum prevents items from passing through the opening
and into the water tank itself and prevents them becoming damaged by contact with
a fixed door. After completion of the washing cycle, the water in the water tank is
drained away and the drum is rotated at high speed to spin out any excess water. After
this the door is opened and the user reaches into the interior of the drum and removes
the items which have been washed individually.
[0003] To avoid the necessity of removing each washed item individually, attempts have previously
been made to collect items together within the rotatable drum, either by using a plastics
clip to physically attach items together, for example socks, or a bag made from netting
which can be placed into the rotatable drum through the small opening to the drum
and removed from the drum after completion of the washing cycle as a single item.
Such arrangements have not achieved commercial success, probably because they do not
allow a complete washload to be kept together due to their limited volume compared
to that of the drum.
SUMMARY OF THE PRESENT INVENTION
[0004] According to the present invention, a washing machine comprises:
a drum rotatably mounted about an axis, and including a generally open front end;
a perforated container arranged to be positioned within the drum, the outer surface
of the perforated container corresponding closely with the inner surface of the drum,
the perforated container having an internal volume substantially equal to that of
the drum, and being removable through the front opening of the drum; and,
a removable means for at least partially closing the front opening of the drum.
[0005] With this arrangement, the items to be washed are provided within a perforated container
having almost the same capacity as the drum. Therefore the capacity of the washing
machine is not reduced significantly by the inclusion of the perforated container,
and the movement of the items, which is necessary to ensure efficient washing, is
not inhibited.
[0006] The perforations on the perforated container allow the free flow of water between
the inside of the drum and the inside of the perforated container, and therefore ensures
the items are soaked, washed and rinsed in exactly the same way as if the perforated
container were not provided.
[0007] The removable means for partially closing the front end of the drum is arranged so
that in use items to be washed which are contained in the perforated container cannot
be dispelled through the front opening of the drum.
[0008] The axis around which the drum rotates may be a horizontal axis, although it is preferred
that the axis is inclined to the horizontal. Where the drum is inclined, water within
the drum will remain below the open end of the drum, and therefore there is no need
to provide a water tight seal to contain the water.
[0009] As the perforated container is removable from the drum, the removable closure means
may be an integral part of the perforated container. In this case, the closure means
may be an end surface of the perforated container which coincides with the open front
end of the drum, and in this case may be a surface which extends over substantially
the entirety of the opening of the drum. Where the front end of the perforated container
comprises a surface extending over the entire opening of the drum, a separate opening
is provided in the perforated container to allow items to be added to and removed
from the perforated container. This opening may be provided by a hinge extending along
the edge of the perforated container parallel to the longitudinal axis of the perforated
container. In this case the perforated container can easily be opened out once removed
from the drum to allow easy access to the items in the perforated container. It is
however preferred that the end surface of the perforated container includes an opening
through which items to be washed can be added or removed from the perforated container,
and in this case the end surface of the perforated container does not extend over
the entirety of the opening of the drum, but gives only a partial closure. This allows
items to be added to and removed from the perforated container when this is provided
within the drum of the washing machine, and in particular allows items to be added
and removed during the washing cycle. In this case it is preferred that the opening
in the end of the perforated container is a generally central opening, thereby giving
an annular cover which extends around the side of the opening in the front of the
drum. This is advantageous as any items being washed which may approach the front
end of the drum during washing will be close to the side of the drum due to the rotation
of the drum.
[0010] Alternatively or additionally, the removable means may be in the form of a separate
cover which is provided to close the end of the drum. This cover can be provided either
on the drum itself, or on the perforated container, in which case the cover will rotate
with the drum. The cover may be hinged to the drum or perforated container.
[0011] Although the drum is preferably generally cylindrical, the drum advantageously has
a slightly larger diameter at its rear end than at its front opening end. With this
arrangement, when the drum is rotated at high speed to spin water, the water will
be forced towards the back of the drum where it may be collected easily. The drum
may have solid side walls, or the side walls may be apertured so the drum has a frame
like appearance.
[0012] Preferably the perforated container is of a resilient material so that the perforated
container retains its shape. The perforated container is preferably generally cylindrical,
but advantageously is slightly tapered with the closed rear end having a smaller diameter
than the front end. This slightly frusto-conical shape facilitates easy positioning
of the perforated container in and removal from the drum.
[0013] Advantageously, the perforated container includes projections projecting radially
inwardly of the perforated container. In use these projections, or agitators, lifts
the items in the perforated container as it is rotated. With this arrangement, the
drum can have smooth side walls to allow easy insertion and removal of the perforated
container, however the raised projections on the inside of the perforated container
act to provide sufficient agitation to the clothes during the washing cycle to clean
the clothes efficiently.
[0014] Where the perforated container is made from a resilient material, as the drum rotates,
centrifugal force will cause the perforated container to flex outwardly into contact
with the inside of the drum thereby holding the perforated container in place. Alternatively,
the perforated container may be held in place by other fixing means, for example a
bayonet fitting or snap fitting.
[0015] Water may be removed by centrifugal force during a spinning operation forcing the
water to the outside of the drum where it is collected and removed, for example through
an outlet point mounted on a fixed arm within the rotatable drum. Alternatively, holes
may be provided on the back surface of the drum at a height below the front end of
the drum so that water is discharged through the holes. Alternatively or additionally,
collectors may be provided on the back of the drum which collect and lift water as
the drum rotates to discharge the water through an outlet provided on the back of
the drum.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0016]
Figure 1 shows a cross-section through an example of a washing machine including a
perforated container;
Figure 2 shows an alternative perforated container;
Figure 3 shows an alternative perforated container provided in the machine of Figure
1;
Figure 4 shows a water volume determination system;
Figure 5 shows a cross-sectional view through an alternative example of a washing
machine drum;
Figure 6 shows an axial view of the washing machine drum of Figure 5;
Figure 7 shows an axial view of an alternative washing drum;
Figure 8 shows an alternative water outlet arrangement; and
Figure 9 shows agitators.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EXAMPLES
[0017] Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view taken through the axis of a generally cylindrical
drum of a washing machine according to the present invention. The cylindrical drum
includes side walls 1 and a circular back end wall 7 defining a drum with an open
front 8. The drum is mounted on an axial spindle 2 for rotation about its axis which
is inclined to the horizontal at an angle of about 20°. The back surface 7 of the
drum includes a plurality of outlet holes 5. The lowest outlet hole 5 is below the
height of the lip of the open front 8.
[0018] The drum also includes a removable perforated container 3 which is positionable within
the drum through the front opening 8 of the drum, and which is removable through the
front opening 8. The perforated container 3 is shaped and dimensioned to closely correspond
to the internal walls of the drum so the internal volume of the perforated container
3 is only slightly smaller than that of the drum. The perforated container 3 is generally
tapered so that the front end including the opening has a larger diameter than the
rear closed end. This assists in the insertion of the perforated container 3 into
the drum. The perforated container 3 has perforations through which water in the drum
can pass into the perforated container 3, and through which water in the perforated
container 3 can drain into the drum. The performations are in the form of elongate
slits having a width of about 2mm and a spacing of about 2cm. The perforated container
3 is held within the drum in such a way that the perforated container 3 rotates with
the drum. This is achieved by a projection 9 provided on the drum which engages with
a recess 10 on the perforated container 3. Where the projection 9 and recess 10 are
provided axially, the projection 9 and recess 10 have a non-circular shape to transmit
the rotation of the drum to the perforated container 3. The projection 9 and recess
10 may be provided non-axially, and in this case the projection 9 and recess 10 can
have any desired shape. Alternatively, the projection may be provided on the perforated
container 3 and the recess on the drum, or, where there is more than one projection
and recess, a mixture of recesses and projections may be provided on both the drum
and the perforated container 3.
[0019] The open end of the perforated container 3 includes an annular ring 4 giving a reduced
diameter opening to the perforated container 3. The ring 4 ensures that clothes do
not fall out of the perforated container 3 during the washing cycle.
[0020] As shown in Figure 2, in one example the perforated container 3 includes a hinged
portion extending along the side of the perforated container 3 generally parallel
to the longitudinal axis of the perforated container 3. The perforated container 3
also includes a clasp to hold the perforated container 3 in its generally cylindrical
shape. In this way, a clasp may be undone and the perforated container opened about
the hinge to allow easy access to the contents of the perforated container.
[0021] In an alternative example, as shown in Figure 3, the perforated container includes
a completely closed front end, and an opening 25 in the side wall. As the side wall
corresponds closely with the inside of the drum, items contained within the perforated
container are not able to fall from the perforated container through the opening into
the drum. With this arrangement, items to be washed are added to the perforated container
through the opening 25 before the perforated container is placed in the drum. When
full, the perforated container is lifted into the drum, effectively closing the perforated
container so all the items to be washed are maintained within the perforated container.
With this arrangement, it is not possible to add items after the washing cycle has
begun.
[0022] A shroud 6, inclined to the horizontal by the same angle as the drum is provided
to a vertical front opening of the machine. The opening of the machine is closed by
a door 11. This closure does not form a watertight seal but acts merely to prevent
splashes during the washing cycle.
[0023] In use, clothes are placed into the perforated container 3, either before the filled
perforated container 3 is put in the cylindrical drum through the front opening 8,
or when the perforated container 3 has been positioned in the drum. Water, which may
include washing detergent is introduced to the drum through the spindle 2. The water
enters the perforated container 3 through the perforations in the perforated container
to wet the clothes.
[0024] As the lowermost outlet 5 is below the height of the lip of the open front end 8,
and due to the inclination of the drum, water entering the drum can rise to the level
of the lowermost outlet 5, the lowest drainage point, and any additional water will
drain through the lowermost outlet 5. As the lowest drainage point is below the level
of the lip of the open front end 8, and providing the outlets 5 are of a suitable
size the water level will not rise to that of the lip of the open front end 8.
[0025] As it is not necessary to close the front end 8 of the drum, it is possible to add
garments after the wash cycle has begun.
[0026] When the water and clothes are in the perforated container 3 within the cylindrical
drum, the drum is rotated about its inclined axis, thereby agitating the clothes in
the water to wash them. Due to the inclination of the drum, water passes through the
holes 5.
[0027] The rear 7 of the drum is positioned within a recess of a water collector 12. As
water is discharged through the holes 5 in the back of the drum, this will be collected
in the water collector 12, and will fall, under gravity, to the bottom of the water
collector to be dispensed through the outlet 13. The rate at which the water is discharged
from the drum is such that there is no need to provide a hermatic seal between the
edge of the collector 12 and the outside of the drum.
[0028] During the washing cycle, the water may be recirculated, and may pass through a heater
(not shown) to reheat the water, before being reintroduced to the drum through the
inlet 2. This ensures that the water within the drum is maintained at the required
temperature. When it is desired to dispense the water, the water from the outlet 13
is not recirculated, but is merely dispensed down a drain.
[0029] Figure 4 shows a schematic view of a water volume detector which is provided in the
recirculation path to determine the volume of the free water in the drum. In a conventional
fixed-tank recycling washing machine, the volume of water in the tank can be determined
by measuring the pressure difference in part of the recycling circuit. The water in
the fixed tank is pumped from the tank, around a recycling path and back into the
fixed tank. A pressure sensor provided between the tank and the pump detects the pressure
due to the height of water in the tank, and from this the volume of water can be calculated
from the measured pressure. The pressure in the drum is at atmospheric pressure as
the drum is not perfectly sealed. Where the water tank is a rotating tank, this system
cannot be used unless the outlet is provided at a fixed point below the surface of
the water. As previously described this is difficult.
[0030] According to the present example, a system is provided to ensure that sufficient
water is added to the drum to saturate the items to be washed completely. Water from
an external source is added to a secondary chamber 14 which is open to the atmosphere.
The water is pumped from the secondary chamber 14 into the main drum. Water discharged
from the drum is introduced into the secondary chamber 14. A pressure detector 15
is provided between the secondary chamber 14 and the pump 16, and by measuring the
pressure it is possible to determine the volume of water in the chamber 14. The secondary
chamber 14 is open to the atmosphere, so the detected pressure is purely due to the
head of water in the secondary chamber 14. If the secondary chamber 14 were closed,
the pressure in the tank may vary as the volume of water compresses the air in the
tank.
[0031] Initially, the water entering the secondary chamber 14 from the external source is
pumped into the drum and is absorbed by items in the drum. No or little water will
be discharged from the drum. When the items in the drum are completely saturated,
additional water will be discharged from the drum into the secondary chamber 14. This
additional water will change the rate of change of the volume of water in the secondary
chamber 14, or the water in the secondary chamber will reach a predetermined volume.
This is detected by the pressure sensor. When it is determined that sufficient water
has been provided to the drum, the external supply can be cut off.
[0032] An alternative example of the present invention as shown in Figure 5. In this case,
collectors 18 are provided at the back of the drum. These collectors 18 are best seen
in the axial view of Figure 6, in which the perforated container has been removed
for clarity. In this case, the collectors 46 are provided in the form of arms on the
rear surface 7 of the drum. Due to the inclination of the drum, the water in the drum
will fall, under gravity, to the back of the drum. Anti-clockwise rotation of the
drum, when viewed from the front end 8 causes this water to be scooped up by the collectors
18. The continuing rotation of the drum causes the arms 18 to lift the water collected,
and directs the collected lifted water through the outlet holes 5. Accordingly, by
continually rotating the drum in an anti-clockwise direction, the water within the
drum is expelled through the back 7 of the drum through the holes 5.
[0033] Where the drum rotates in a clockwise direction, the water will not be collected
by the arms 46 due to their curved shape and therefore the water will remain within
the drum.
[0034] Figure 7 shows a further alternative arrangement in which the arms 18' are shaped
so that water is collect and expelled when the drum rotates in either direction.
[0035] Rather than the recessed water collector 12, other systems can be provided to collect
the water discharged through the rotating back end of the drum. As shown in Figure
8b, the rear of the drum 7 may be provided with two annular rings 20 and 21 defining
a channel 22 containing the outlet orifices 5. As shown in Figure 8a, the housing
of the washing machine similarly includes two annular walls 23, 24 to define a groove
25, the width of the groove 25 being such that the walls 20 and 21 on the back of
the drum 7 may be provided within the groove 25. The groove 25 includes a single outlet
26, although additional outlets may be provided. With this arrangement, the drum is
free to rotate, yet as water is dispensed through the dispensing orifices 5 it is
constrained by the grooves 22 and 25 and directed to the single fixed outlet 26.
[0036] The drum or perforated container 3 may be provided with agitators to lift the clothes
within the drum. As shown in Figure 9 agitators are in the form of a projection 30
which extends from the back of the drum 7 circumferentially around the drum and towards
the front of the drum and return to the back of the drum.
[0037] The base of the agitator 30 is generally triangular in cross-section, having a maximum
height from the side walls 1 near the base 7 of the drum, and a minimum height near
the front 8 of the drum. The cross-sectional shape of the agitator 30 may be other
than triangular. The agitator 30 has rounded apexes to prevent damage to the clothes.
Where the agitators are provided on the inside of the drum, the perforated container
3 is provided with corresponding agitators. In this case the agitators act to hold
the perforated container within the drum to prevent relative rotational movement of
the drum and perforated container 3 during the washing cycle. Although only one agitator
30 is shown, two or more agitators may be included.
[0038] Because the agitator 30 includes components extending towards the front of the drum
in both a clockwise and anti-clockwise circumferential direction, on rotation of the
drum, articles within the drum are lifted and drawn towards the front of the drum
upon rotation of the drum in either direction.
1. A washing machine comprising:
a drum (1) rotatably mounted about an axis, and including a generally open front end
(8); and,
a removable means (11) for at least partially closing the front opening (8) of the
drum (1), is characterised in that the machine further comprises:
a perforated container (3) arranged to be positioned within the drum (1), the outer
surface of the perforated container (3) corresponding closely with the inner surface
of the drum (1), the perforated container (3) having an internal volume substantially
equal to that of the drum (1), and being removable through the front opening (8) of
the drum (1).
2. A washing machine according to Claim 1, in which the axis around which the drum (1)
rotates is inclined to the horizontal.
3. A washing machine according to Claim 1 or 2, in which the removable closure means
(4) is an integral part of the perforated container (3).
4. A washing machine according to Claim 3, in which the removable closure means (4) is
a surface which extends over substantially the entirety of the opening (8) of the
drum (1).
5. A washing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the perforated
container (3) includes a hinge extending along the edge of the perforated container
(3) parallel to the longitudinal axis of the perforated container (3) to allow the
perforated container (3) to be opened once removed from the drum (1).
6. A washing machine according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the end surface
(4) of the perforated container (3) includes an opening through which items to be
washed can be added or removed from the perforated container (3).
7. A washing machine according to Claim 6, in which the opening in the end of the perforated
container (3) is a generally central opening.
8. A washing machine according to any one of the preceeding claims, in which the removable
closure means comprises a separate cover which is provided to close the end (8) of
the drum (1).
9. A washing machine according to any one of the preceeding claims, in which the perforated
container (3) is made of a resilient material so that the perforated container (3)
retains its shape.
10. A washing machine according to any one of the preceeding claims, in which the perforated
container (3) is slightly tapered with the closed rear end having a smaller diameter
than the front end.
11. A washing machine according to any one of the preceeding claims, in which the perforated
container (3) includes projections (30) projecting radially inwardly of the perforated
container (3) which, in use, lifts the items contained in the perforated container
(3) is rotated.
12. A washing machine according to any one of the preceeding claims, in which the perforated
container (3) is held in place by a projection (9) provided on one of the perforated
container (3) and the drum, and a corresponding recess (10) provided on the other
of the perforated container (3) and the drum (1).
1. Waschmaschine, aufweisend:
eine Trommel (1), die drehbar um eine Achse gelagert ist und ein im Allgemeinen offenes
Stirnende (8), und
ein entfernbares Teil (11) zum mindestens teilweisen Schließen der stirnseitige Öffnung
(8), der Trommel (1), dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Maschine weiter umfasst:
einen perforierten Behälter (3) der ausgebildet ist, um in der Trommel (1) positioniert
zu werden, wobei die äußere Oberfläche des perforierten Behälters (3) nahezu ganz
der inneren Oberfläche der Trommel (1) entspricht, wobei der perforierte Behälter
(3) ein Innenvolumen aufweist, das im Wesentlichen demjenigen der Trommel (1) gleicht,
und wobei er durch die stirnseitige Öffnung (8) der Trommel (1) entnehmbar ist.
2. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1, bei der die Achse, um die sich die Trommel (1) dreht,
gegen die Horizontale geneigt ist.
3. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei der das entfernbare Umschließungsmittel
(4) ein integraler Bestandteil des perforierten Behälters (3) ist.
4. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 3, bei der das entfernbare Umschließungsmittel (4) eine
Oberfläche bildet, die sich über im Wesentlichen die gesamte Öffnung (8) der Trommel
(1) erstreckt.
5. Waschmaschine nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der der perforierte
Behälter (3) ein Scharnier aufweist, das sich entlang des Randes des perforierten
Behälters (3) parallel zur longitudinalen Achse des perforierten Behälters (3) erstreckt,
um das Öffnen des perforierten Behälters (3) zu ermöglichen, wenn er aus der Trommel
(1) entnommen worden ist.
6. Waschmaschine nach irgendeinem der Ansprüche 1 - 4, bei der die endseitige Oberfläche
(4) des perforierten Behälters (3) eine Öffnung aufweist, durch welche Teile, die
gewaschen werden sollen, eingelegt oder aus dem perforierten Behälter (3) entnommen
werden können.
7. Waschmaschine nach Anspruch 6, bei der die Öffnung im Ende des perforierten Behälters
(3) eine allgemein zentrale Öffnung ist.
8. Waschmaschine nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der das entfernbare
Umschließungsmittel ein getrennter Deckel ist der dazu dient, das Ende (8) der Trommel
(1) zu schließen.
9. Waschmaschine nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der der perforierte
Behälter (3) aus einem nachgiebigen Material hergestellt ist, so dass der perforierte
Behälter (3) seine Form beibehält.
10. Waschmaschine nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der der perforierte
Behälter (3) leicht abgeschrägt ist, wobei das geschlossene rückseitige Ende einen
kleineren Durchmesser als das stirnseitige Ende aufweist.
11. Waschmaschine nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der der perforierte
Behälter (3) Vorsprünge (30) aufweist, die radial im Inneren des perforierten Behälters
(3) vorspringen, und die, im Gebrauch, die in dem perforierten Behälter (3) enthaltenen
Teile anheben, wenn der Behälter rotiert.
12. Waschmaschine nach irgendeinem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, bei der der perforierte
Behälter (3) ortsfest gehalten wird, zum einen durch einen Vorsprung (9), der auf
jeweils einem von beiden Bauteilen, dem perforierten Behälter (3) oder der Trommel
angebracht ist, zum anderen durch eine entsprechende Ausnehmung (10), die an jeweils
dem anderen von beiden Bauteilen, dem perforierten Behälter (3) oder der Trommel (1)
angebracht ist
1. Une machine à laver comportant :
un tambour (1) monté à rotation autour d'un axe, et comprenant une extrémité frontale
globalement ouverte (8) ; et
un moyen amovible (11) pour fermer au moins partiellement l'ouverture frontale (8)
du tambour (1), est caractérisée en ce que la machine comporte en outre :
un conteneur perforé (3) configuré de manière à être placé à l'intérieur du tambour
(1), la surface extérieure du conteneur perforé (3) correspondant étroitement à la
surface intérieure du tambour (1), le conteneur perforé (3) ayant un volume interne
substantiellement égal à celui du tambour (1), et étant amovible au travers de l'ouverture
frontale (8) du tambour (1).
2. Une machine à laver selon la revendication 1, dans laquelle l'axe autour duquel tourne
le tambour (1) est incliné par rapport à l'horizontale.
3. Une machine à laver selon la revendication 1 ou 2, dans laquelle le moyen amovible
de fermeture (4) fait partie intégrante du conteneur perforé (3).
4. Une machine à laver selon la revendication 3, dans laquelle le moyen amovible de fermeture
(4) est une surface qui s'étend sur substantiellement la totalité de l'ouverture (8)
du tambour (1).
5. Une machine à laver selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le conteneur
perforé (3) comprend une charnière s'étendant le long du bord du conteneur perforé
(3) parallèlement à l'axe longitudinal du conteneur perforé (3) pour permettre l'ouverture
du conteneur perforé (3) après qu'il ait été retiré du tambour (1).
6. Une machine à laver selon l'une des revendications 1 à 4, dans laquelle la surface
d'extrémité (4) du conteneur perforé (3) comprend une ouverture au travers de laquelle
des articles à laver peuvent être ajoutés ou retirés du conteneur perforé (3).
7. Une machine à laver selon la revendication 6, dans laquelle l'ouverture dans l'extrémité
du conteneur perforé (3) est une ouverture globalement centrale.
8. Une machine à laver selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le moyen
amovible de fermeture comprend un couvercle distinct qui est prévu pour fermer l'extrémité
(8) du tambour (1).
9. Une machine à laver selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le conteneur
perforé (3) est réalisé en un matériau élastique de manière que le conteneur perforé
(3) garde sa forme.
10. Une machine à laver selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le conteneur
perforé (3) est légèrement conique, avec l'extrémité arrière fermée présentant un
diamètre inférieur à l'extrémité frontale.
11. Une machine à laver selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le conteneur
perforé (3) comprend des saillies (30) faisant saillie radialement vers l'intérieur
du conteneur perforé (3) et qui, à l'utilisation, soulèvent les articles contenus
dans le conteneur perforé (3) en rotation.
12. Une machine à laver selon l'une des revendications précédentes, dans laquelle le conteneur
perforé (3) est retenu en place par une saillie (9) prévue sur l'un du conteneur perforé
(3) et du tambour(1), et un évidement (10) formé sur l'autre du conteneur perforé
(3) et du tambour (1).