Abstract: Designed a self-cleaning flock collection module to address the issue of front-loading washing machines lacking a flock reduction function and user complaints caused by the manual disassembly and cleaning of traditional flock filters. A flock filter and baffle with an elastic structure were installed in the lifting ribs of the drum. After collecting flocks on the filter, the centrifugal force during the dehydration stage can be used to shake off the elastic baffle, allowing the flocks to be discharged from the collection module, achieving flock collection and self-cleaning. The research also verified the installation position and pore opening schemes on the drum through simulation, and the results showed that the optimized overall structure will not decrease the mechanical strength of the drum. Remarkable flock removal efficiency was achieved through condition optimization experiments (flock collection rate reached 75.80% and residue rate as low as 0.32%). The research fills the gap in the field of drum washing machines where there is no flock collection technology and provides a feasible way to enrich user experiences using front-loading washing machines.

Key words: Front-loading washing machine, Flocks collection, Self-cleaning