Foreign materials filtering apparatus

Abstract

In a foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine, a filter unit is not exposed to inside of a washing tub thus not to directly come in contact with laundry. Accordingly, the filter unit and laundry are prevented from being damaged, and the entire appearance is enhanced. Additionally, the foreign materials filtering apparatus is modularized to facilitate a detachable mounting, thereby enhancing the user's convenience.

1 . A foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine, comprising:
 a washing water circulating duct having one or more washing water inlets, and installed on an inner circumferential surface of the washing tub;   a filter cover mounted at the washing water circulating duct and having drain holes so as to communicate with the washing water inlets; and   a filter unit disposed between the washing water circulating duct and the filter coven for filtering foreign materials from washing water,   wherein the filter cover comprises:   a cap having the drain holes for covering the washing water inlet of the washing water circulating duct; and   a handle coupled to the cap thus to be mounted at the washing water circulating duct.   
   
   
       2 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is detachably mounted at the cap. 
   
   
       3 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 2 , wherein the handle and the cap are formed of different materials from each other. 
   
   
       4 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 2 , wherein the handle is formed of a material softer than that of the cap. 
   
   
       5 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 2 , wherein one or more handle fixing ribs are formed at the cap, and a fixing recess for insertion-fixing the handle fixing rib is formed at the handle. 
   
   
       6 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 5 , wherein the handle fixing rib has an end extendingly formed in a wedge shape. 
   
   
       7 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 2 , wherein a plurality of handle fixing ribs are formed inside and outside the cap with an interval therebetween, and the handle is insertion-coupled to a space between the two handle fixing ribs. 
   
   
       8 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is fixedly coupled to the cap thus to be mounted at the washing water circulating duct. 
   
   
       9 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 8 , wherein the handle and the cap are formed of different materials from each other. 
   
   
       10 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 8 , wherein the handle is formed of a material softer than that of the cap. 
   
   
       11 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 8 , wherein one or more handle fixing ribs are formed at the cap, and a fixing recess for insertion-fixing the handle fixing rib is formed at the handle. 
   
   
       12 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 11 , wherein the handle fixing rib has an end extendingly formed in a wedge shape. 
   
   
       13 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 8 , wherein a plurality of handle fixing ribs are formed inside and outside the cap with an interval therebetween, and the handle is insertion-coupled to a space between the two handle fixing ribs. 
   
   
       14 . The foreign materials filtering apparatus for a washing machine of  claim 1 , wherein the handle is fixedly coupled to the cap in an insert molding manner.