Filter unit, textile treatment device, use thereof and method for filtering particles

Abstract

A filter unit for filtering particulates from a supply liquid containing particulates. The filter unit comprises a filter chamber extending along an axis and comprising opposite first and second end walls and at least one side wall extending therebetween, and both the first and second end walls coincide with the axis. The filter unit further comprises a filter cage contained within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis, the filter cage comprising one or more filter media for filtering particulates from the supply liquid. The filter unit further comprises an inlet configured to pass the supply liquid into the filter chamber through the first end wall. The filter unit further comprises an outlet in the filter chamber for passing filtered liquid out of the filter chamber. The filter unit further comprises a drive shaft configured to drive rotation of the filter cage, the drive shaft extending from the first end wall of the filter chamber to the filter cage. The second end wall is or comprises an opening therein and a removable cover, in a first configuration the opening is closed by the removable cover such that the supply liquid cannot pass through the opening, in a second configuration the cover is removed from the opening such that filtered particulates can be extracted from the filter chamber through the opening. The disclosure further relates to a textile treatment apparatus comprising the filter unit, use of the filter unit and the textile treatment apparatus, and a method of filtering particulates from a supply liquid containing particulates.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a filter unit and a textile processing apparatus including the filter unit. The invention also relates to the use of the filter unit and the textile processing apparatus, and a method for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid containing particulate matter. Background Technology

[0002] The washing of synthetic textiles is considered the largest source of microplastic pollution in the world's oceans, estimated to account for 35% of primary microplastics. The release of microplastics from synthetic clothing is caused by the mechanical and chemical stresses that synthetic fabrics endure during washing machine cycles. These stresses cause microfibers to detach from the synthetic textiles. Due to their size, some of these released microfibers pass through wastewater treatment plants and enter the ocean. Microfibers can be found on beaches around the world, in the Pacific, North Sea, Atlantic, and Arctic waters, as well as in deep-sea sediments, and recently even in human organs. Their size makes them susceptible to being ingested by microorganisms, which are unable to digest them, allowing them to persist and be passed along the food chain.

[0003] There is an increasing need to prevent microfibers from entering water systems. Many particulate filters have been designed to prevent the release of particles from washing machines. These filters typically use porous mesh with pore sizes around 100 micrometers. While these filters may capture most larger synthetic fibers, they cannot capture large quantities of particles smaller than 100 micrometers, whether synthetic or otherwise.

[0004] Numerous devices have been developed to capture particulate matter. One such device, called a Kola ball (RTM), is described in WO 2017 / 173215. The Kola ball (RTM) has multiple arms with small teeth that trap particulate matter between them. The Kola ball (RTM) is placed in a washing machine and recycled along with the clothes. In an independent test (IENapper et al., *Science of the Total Environment*, 738(2020)140412), the Kola ball showed a low filtration efficiency of only 31% for microfibers collected from wastewater. Most likely, the Kola ball must be cleaned after each use to prevent a decrease in filtration efficiency, which imposes an additional requirement on the user. Particulate matter trapped between the teeth of the Kola ball needs to be removed without cleaning so that the trapped particulate matter does not enter the wastewater system.

[0005] Another device also used inside washing machines is the Guppy Friend (RTM), described in US2018320306. The Guppy Friend is a zippered laundry bag made of porous material designed to capture particles released from clothing. In the same independent test, the Guppy Friend was found to have a filtration efficiency of 54%. The Guppy Friend also requires emptying the bag from the inside without using water. It also requires users to fill synthetic clothing separately from natural fiber clothing. Users must also empty the bag after each wash. Therefore, this places additional demands on the user.

[0006] Other devices connect externally between the washing machine's drain hose and wastewater outlet. One example is PlanetCare (www.planetcare.org), which developed a filter for external use in washing machines. This filter uses a static, vertically cylindrical filter media held within a chamber. Wastewater passes through the filter media and flows out of the chamber. The filter can become clogged, requiring periodic opening of the top of the chamber to remove and replace the filter media. In the same independent test, this device was found to be 29% efficient. Furthermore, most household drain hoses are located at the rear of the washing machine, and the drain hose typically exits from the rear as well. This means that PlanetCare filters and similar filters may need to be placed in locations inaccessible to the user, usually at the rear of the washing machine, or perhaps with a pipe to bring the filter to the side of the machine. This is often impractical for the user.

[0007] Another particulate filter is described in WO 2019 / 122862, filed under the name of Xeros Ltd. This filter is a centrifugal filter with a rotating filter cage that can be removed for emptying. In the same independent tests, the filter was found to have a filtration efficiency of 79%. This filter was designed to be installed inside a washing machine. However, the inventors later determined that the filter described in WO 2019 / 122862 was not immediately suitable for every household washing machine and that adjustments to the internal layout of some household washing machines might be necessary to accommodate it within the washing machine casing. Furthermore, the inventors subsequently sought to improve the accessibility of the rotating filter cage described in WO 2019 / 122862.

[0008] The inventors sought to solve one or more of the following problems:

[0009] i. A filter unit that can be easily integrated into a wider range of different washing machines, especially household washing machines currently on the market;

[0010] ii. Improved accessibility of filter units;

[0011] iii. Improved ease of maintenance of the filter unit, especially in removing filtered particles;

[0012] iv. We hope to integrate some functions of the filter unit into the washing machine in order to provide a simple, familiar, and effective user experience;

[0013] v. To retain an appropriate high filtration efficiency;

[0014] The object of this invention is to provide an overall improvement and / or at least partially solve one or more of the above-mentioned problems. Summary of the Invention

[0015] In a first aspect, a filter unit is provided for filtering particles from a supply liquid containing particles, the filter unit comprising:

[0016] A filter chamber extending along an axis includes a first end wall, an opposing second end wall, and at least one side wall extending therebetween, wherein both the first end wall and the second end wall coincide with the axis.

[0017] A filter cage, contained within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis, the filter cage comprising one or more filter media for filtering particles from the supply liquid;

[0018] An inlet, configured to allow the supply liquid to enter the filter chamber through a first end wall;

[0019] An outlet, located in the filtration chamber, is used for the filtered liquid to flow out of the filtration chamber;

[0020] A drive shaft configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage, the drive shaft extending from the first end wall of the filter chamber to the filter cage;

[0021] The second end wall is or includes an opening and a removable cap therein. In a first configuration, the opening is closed by the removable cap so that the supply liquid cannot pass through the opening. In a second configuration, the removable cap is removed from the opening so that the filtered particles can be extracted from the filter chamber through the opening.

[0022] The filter unit comprises a supply liquid containing particulate matter and includes:

[0023] A filter chamber extending along an axis includes opposing first and second end walls and at least one side wall extending therebetween, wherein both the first and second end walls coincide with the axis.

[0024] A filter cage, contained within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis, the filter cage comprising one or more filter media for filtering particles from the supply liquid;

[0025] An inlet, configured to allow the supply liquid to enter the filter chamber through a first end wall;

[0026] An outlet, located in the filtration chamber, is used for the filtered liquid to flow out of the filtration chamber;

[0027] A drive shaft configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage, the drive shaft extending from a first end wall of the filter chamber to the filter cage;

[0028] The second end wall is or includes an opening therein and a removable cap. In a first configuration, the opening is closed by the removable cap so that the supply liquid cannot pass through the opening. In a second configuration, the cap is removed from the opening so that the filtered particles can be extracted from the filter chamber through the opening.

[0029] Filter chamber

[0030] The filter chamber contains a filter cage and a filter medium, and guides the supply liquid through the filter medium. The filter chamber can be a closed unit. That is, in the first configuration, the filter chamber is sealed during the filtration process, and the liquid can only enter and leave through the inlet and outlet, respectively.

[0031] The filter chamber can take on various shapes, including essentially cylindrical, elliptical, and cubic. A particularly preferred shape is cylindrical or approximately cylindrical. Prisms based on polygons with or without smooth edges are also examples of suitable shapes, especially higher-order polygons, i.e., polygons with five or more sides. Alternatively, shapes with second-order or higher rotational symmetry about an axis may be suitable.

[0032] The filter chamber may have a length of at least 50 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least 200 mm, at least 250 mm, at least 300 mm, or at least 400 mm.

[0033] The length of the filter chamber must not exceed 600 mm, or 500 mm, or 400 mm, or 300 mm or 200 mm.

[0034] The filter chamber may have a diameter of at least 20 mm, or at least 30 mm, or at least 40 mm, or at least 50 mm, or at least 60 mm, or at least 70 mm, or at least 80 mm.

[0035] The diameter of the filter chamber must not exceed 110 mm, or 100 mm, or 80 mm, or 70 mm, or 60 mm, or 50 mm.

[0036] The end walls and side walls can be joined to form a filter chamber, and they can be connected by welding, adhesives, clips, bolts, screws, magnets, threads, interference fits, etc. At least some non-permanent connections are preferred, including clips, bolts, screws, magnets, threads, interference fits, etc. Non-permanent connections allow for disassembly and access to the filter chamber. Alternatively, the end walls and side walls can be formed integrally.

[0037] The walls may be made of engineered materials. Engineered materials may include polymers, metals, and / or ceramics. Non-limiting examples of suitable metals include aluminum, titanium, and alloys such as steel (including stainless steel). Polymers may include thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers. Non-limiting examples of suitable polymers include: polyetheretherketone (PEEK), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), polyphenylene ether (PPO), acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyetherketone (PEK), polyamide, polyimide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetate, and polysulfone.

[0038] The first end wall and / or the second end wall may be planar, or may include more complex shapes, such as hemispherical and conical shapes. The first end wall and / or the second end wall may optionally be aligned perpendicular to the axis.

[0039] The filter unit includes an axis. This axis is preferably coincident with and parallel to the center of rotation of the filter cage. Alternatively, the axis may coincide with and be parallel to the axis of rotational symmetry passing through the filter chamber, or it may pass through the center of the filter chamber (i.e., coincident with the center of mass, assuming the filter chamber is a uniform volume). Typically, the axis may be parallel to the horizontal direction. One or more sidewalls of the filter chamber may extend parallel to the axis. Optionally, the filter chamber may widen from a first end wall to a second end wall.

[0040] Removable cover and opening

[0041] The second end wall is or includes an opening and a removable cap therein. In a first configuration, the opening can be closed by the removable cap, preventing liquid from passing through. Therefore, the removable cap can seal the opening in the second end wall. In a second configuration, the removable cap is removed from the opening, and filtered particles can be extracted from the filter chamber through the opening. Therefore, the removable cap can be removed from the opening in the second end wall.

[0042] A removable cover may include any element that can be installed at an opening in the second end wall to seal it, and can be removed from the opening to allow access to the interior of the filter chamber. A removable cover may include a plug, cap, lift-up cover, or any physical element suitable for filling the opening. A removable cover can be considered an object that can be removed from the opening so that the opening is not blocked. A removable cover may be removed from the filter chamber or any textile handling equipment used with the filter, or it may remain there, for example, via a rope, chain, or rotating arm.

[0043] The filter unit may include a retaining device to hold a removable cover in an opening in the second end wall. Non-limiting examples of the retaining device include, but are not limited to: threads between the removable cover and the second end wall; a bayonet pin on one of the removable cover and the second end wall and a bayonet channel on the other; one or more latches on the removable cover and / or the second end wall; an interference fit between the removable cover and the second end wall; one or more sliding locking pins on the removable cover and / or the second end wall; or an electromagnetic lock on one of the removable cover and the second end wall and a metal or magnetic element on the other end. The retaining device may be configured such that when the opening is closed by the removable cover, the removable cover applies an inward biasing force against the first end wall of the filter chamber. This biasing force may be resisted by the filter cage and / or the second end wall.

[0044] The removable cover can be approximately cylindrical or disc-shaped, and its size can be adapted to fit a circular or disc-shaped opening on the second end wall.

[0045] The removable cap and / or second end wall may include a seal to prevent leakage of the supply fluid around the removable cap. Non-limiting examples of suitable seals include: X-ring seals, O-ring seals, lip seals, conical seals, V-ring seals, wedge seals, bellows seals, gaskets, U-cup seals, packing seals, and pusher seals. Specifically, when the seal is located on the removable cap, the seal may extend around the periphery of the removable cap such that when the removable cap is placed in the opening of the second end wall, the seal is located between the removable cap and the second end wall.

[0046] Removable caps may include handles, knobs, or other suitable-shaped elements sized for hand gripping. In cases where the removable cap includes threads, snap-fit ​​pins, or any other securing mechanism requiring rotation, the removable cap may include handles, knobs, or other features shaped to allow the user to rotate the removable cap by hand.

[0047] In cases where the fixing device includes a bayonet pin or a bayonet channel, the bayonet pin may be included on the removable cover and the channel may be in the second end wall. The bayonet pin and bayonet channel may be configured such that a rotation of 30 to 90 degrees is sufficient to move the pin to the end of the channel. The bayonet channel may be inclined toward the first end wall such that rotation of the removable cover when closed moves the removable cover toward the first end wall. By moving the removable cover toward the first end wall, the removable cover can be used to, in turn, push against the filter cage to secure it in place. The opening may extend throughout the second end wall. Therefore, when the removable cover is removed, the second end wall is completely open.

[0048] Entrance and Exit

[0049] Inlet and outlet can be considered as openings through which the feed liquid and filtered feed liquid pass into and out of the filter chamber during the filtration process. Optionally, inlet and / or outlet may include multiple openings in the chamber wall, collectively referred to herein as the singular "inlet" or "outlet". During the filtration process, the inlet is typically the only channel through which the feed liquid enters the filter chamber, and the outlet is typically the only channel through which the filtered feed liquid leaves the filter chamber.

[0050] Optionally, the inlet can be coaxial with the axis. Optionally, the inlet can be located radially outside the axis.

[0051] The outlet can be located within the sidewall, and optionally, the outlet can be tangential to the sidewall, meaning that the filtered feed liquid can be discharged through the outlet in a direction substantially tangential to the cylindrical wall. Preferably, the sidewall is cylindrical, and the outlet is tangential to it. Optionally, the outlet can be located within a first end wall or a second end wall. Typically, the outlet is located radially outward from the axis than the inlet.

[0052] Filter cage

[0053] The filter cage includes one or more filter media. The filter cage is preferably a rigid structure. The filter cage allows one or more filter media to rotate, especially without causing severe deformation or bending of the filter media due to centrifugal force during rotation. The filter cage can be combined with or separated from one or more filter media. The filter cage may include one or more filter cage fasteners or filter cage positioning components to help secure or position one or more filter media onto the filter cage. The filter cage may be formed of two rigid layers, with the filter media held between the two rigid layers. The filter cage may include a mesh structure providing a series of windows between each grid. Optionally, the filter media may extend through each window.

[0054] The filter cage may include a first end and a second end. When the filter cage is in situ within the filter chamber, the first end is the end of the filter cage adjacent to the first end wall; the second end is the end of the filter cage adjacent to the second end wall. Optionally, neither the first nor the second end of the filter cage contains filter media. Therefore, the first and second ends of the filter cage may be non-porous.

[0055] Optionally, the filter cage may include an opening at a first end of the filter cage. This opening allows liquid to enter the filter cage from an inlet. The filter cage may enclose an internal volume, and the inlet may be arranged to deliver a supply liquid into the internal volume of the filter cage. The opening of the filter cage may be aligned with an axis. Optionally, the supply liquid may enter from the inlet via the center of a hollow drive shaft. When the drive shaft is hollow, the opening of the filter cage may be concentric with the drive shaft, and optionally, it may also be adjacent to the drive shaft.

[0056] In some embodiments, the filter cage may be open at one end, optionally, the open end may be a first end. The open end of the filter cage may be close to and aligned with the inlet, so that the feed enters the filter cage from the inlet.

[0057] The filter cage can be substantially cylindrical, ellipsoidal, or prism-shaped. Filter cages substantially in the above-described shapes can include forms approximating these shapes, including any shapes in between. A prism can be a polygonal prism, wherein the polygon has four or more sides, for example, 4 to 20 sides. A polygonal prism can be a regular polygonal prism. In the case of a cylindrical filter cage, the filter cage includes a single cylindrical sidewall located between two circular end walls. In the case of a polygonal prism, the number of sidewalls corresponds to the number of sides of the polygon; for example, a hexagonal prism can include six rectangular sidewalls between two hexagonal end walls. One or more filter media are preferably located within or on one or more sidewalls of the filter cage. Preferably, the filter cage is cylindrical.

[0058] The filter cage can be rotationally symmetrical and can remain balanced during rotation. Rotational balance preferably means that the filter cage does not shake or vibrate excessively when rotating, for example at a speed of 100 rpm, 1500 rpm, or 3000 rpm.

[0059] The length of the filter cage may be at least 45 mm, at least 95 mm, at least 145 mm, at least 195 mm, at least 295 mm, or at least 395 mm. The length of the filter cage shall not exceed 595 mm, 495 mm, 395 mm, 295 mm, or 195 mm.

[0060] The diameter of the filter cage may be at least 20 mm, or at least 30 mm, or at least 40 mm, or at least 50 mm, or at least 60 mm. The diameter of the filter cage shall not exceed 95 mm, or 75 mm, or 65 mm, or 58 mm, or 45 mm, or 35 mm.

[0061] The filter cage may include a removable cap. The removable cap may be located at the second end of the filter cage and may cover a portion of or the entire second end of the filter cage. The removable cap may be any removable closure that, when attached to the filter cage, prevents unfiltered supply liquid from leaving the filter cage, but can be removed from the filter cage to allow access to the interior of the filter cage. The removable cap may include a connecting device to retain the removable cap on the filter cage. Non-limiting examples of connecting devices include, but are not limited to: threads between the filter cage and the removable cap; a bayonet pin on one of the filter cage and the removable cap, and a bayonet channel on the other; one or more latches on the removable cap and / or the filter cage; an interference fit between the filter cage and the removable cap; or one or more sliding pins on the removable cap and / or the filter cage. Optionally, the removable cap may be removed from the filter cage when the filter cage remains in place. Alternatively or additionally, the removable cap may also be removed from the filter cage after the filter cage has been removed from the filter chamber.

[0062] The removable cap may include a mechanical coupling that engages with the removable cover. The mechanical coupling can be any connection where the degrees of freedom of movement between the removable cap and the removable cover are reduced. Specifically, the mechanical coupling may restrict relative movement such that when the removable cover moves in a particular direction (e.g., along an axis), the removable cap also moves in that particular direction. Optionally, removing the removable cover from the filter chamber can be achieved by pulling the filter cage out of the filter chamber using the removable cap. This can further simplify the user experience. Optionally, the removable cap may not be mechanically connected to the removable cover.

[0063] A mechanical coupling allows rotation between a removable cap and a removable cover. The connection allows one of the removable cover or the removable cap to rotate relative to the other, and the rotation can be about an axis. The connection may include a spindle. One or both of the removable cover and the removable cap can rotate about the spindle. Optionally, the connection may include one or more bearings or bushings located between the spindle and the removable cover and / or the removable cap. The spindle may be rigidly connected to one of the removable cover or the removable cap. In one embodiment, the spindle may include a threaded cap bolt connected to the removable cap via a nut, the capping end of the bolt being connected to the removable cover via a bearing.

[0064] When the removable cover is in place within the filter chamber, and the removable cap is in place on the filter cage and within the filter chamber, the removable cover and removable cap can be coaxially aligned on an axis or on an axis parallel to the axis. That is, the axis passing through the center of the removable cover and removable cap can be parallel and coincident at this position. Optionally, the mechanical coupling can allow limited rotation away from the axis. That is, the removable cover and removable cap can be moved relative to each other via the coupling such that the axis passing through the center of the removable cover and removable cap is no longer parallel. The coupling may include a biasing device to provide a restoring force, causing the axes of the removable cover and removable cap to return to parallelism.

[0065] The connector may include spherical bearings to allow limited off-axis rotation. As mentioned above, the spherical bearings may also provide relative rotation about the axis. Alternatively, the spindle may be flexible, allowing off-axis rotation, and may also provide restoring force.

[0066] When the filter cage is driven to rotate at the first end by the drive shaft, the main shaft can provide support for the second end to prevent the filter cage from rotating off the axis.

[0067] The filter cage can be made of engineered materials. The filter cage can be made of the same engineered materials as the filter chamber described above.

[0068] When the filter chamber is cylindrical, or approximately or including the cylindrical shape described above, the filter cage can rotate about an axis parallel to the sidewall of the filter chamber, and more preferably, when viewed directly along the axis, the axis is located substantially at the center of the filter chamber, for example, when viewed directly along the axis, the sidewall of the filter chamber and the filter cage are concentric.

[0069] The filter cage may rotate. The filter cage may rotate around the filter media with a force of at least 2G, at least 5G, at least 20G, at least 40G, at least 100G, at least 175G, at least 250G, at least 325G, or at least 450G. At the outermost radial portion of the filter cage, the force may optionally not exceed 10,000G, 2,000G, 1,000G, or 500G. For a filter cage with a radius of r (cm), rotation is at R (revolutions per minute (rpm)) and at a speed of 9.81 m / s. 2 Let g be the acceleration due to gravity, then:

[0070] G = 1.118 x 10 -5 rR 2

[0071] The filter cage may have a rotation speed of at least 100, or at least 800, or at least 1000, or at least 1200, or at least 1400, or at least 1800, or at least 2000 revolutions per minute. The rotation speed of the filter media may be selected not to exceed 10,000 revolutions per minute, or 5000 revolutions per minute, or 2500 revolutions per minute, or 2100 revolutions per minute.

[0072] Optionally, the filter cage can be removed from the filter chamber through the opening, and the filtered particles can be removed from the filter chamber by removing the filter cage containing the filtered particles. Optionally, the filtered particles can be removed through the opening in a direction parallel to the axis.

[0073] Therefore, the opening on the second end wall can be large enough relative to the filter cage to allow the filter cage to pass through. The filter cage can be removed from the filter unit for removal from the filter chamber. Alternatively, the filter cage can be removed from the drive shaft. Alternatively or additionally, the user can access the interior of the filter cage through the opening in the second end wall without removing the filter cage.

[0074] Filter media

[0075] In this invention, "a filter medium" also refers to "one or more filter media". The filter medium may include porous materials. The pores of the filter medium may have an average pore size of no more than 100 micrometers, no more than 90 micrometers, no more than 80 micrometers, no more than 70 micrometers, no more than 60 micrometers, no more than 50 micrometers, no more than 40 micrometers, or no more than 30 micrometers. Such pore sizes have been found to provide excellent efficiency in removing microfibers without being too easily clogged. In ascending order of priority, the pores in one or more filter media have an average pore size of at least 1 micrometer, at least 2 micrometers, at least 5 micrometers, at least 10 micrometers, at least 20 micrometers, or at least 30 micrometers. Typically, the filter medium comprises pores with an average pore size of 10 to 100 micrometers or 20 to 70 micrometers.

[0076] The average aperture can be the arithmetic mean aperture. Aperture diameter can be considered the maximum linear dimension of the hole. In the case of a circular hole, this would be the diameter. If the aperture is grooved, this would be the length of the groove.

[0077] It is best to use suitable image analysis software to determine the average value using optical or electron microscopy. The average value is preferably at least 100, more preferably at least 1000, and especially at least 10,000 wells.

[0078] The number of filter media present in the filter unit is preferably no more than 100, more preferably no more than 50, particularly no more than 20, and most particularly no more than 10. Preferred numbers of filter media include 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8.

[0079] Filter media may include mesh, perforated plates, woven or non-woven fiberboard, cloth or felt, or porous materials, or any other known filter materials. When the filter media includes a mesh, the mesh may comprise a network of wires or threads, including knitted mesh. The mesh may be non-woven or woven fabric, and may consist of multiple fiber layers. The fiber layers may optionally comprise two or more layers of fibers arranged in parallel, each layer typically with a different orientation. Mesh openings may be formed by varying spacing between the wires or threads.

[0080] When the filter medium includes a perforated plate, the perforations can be perforations. The perforated plate may comprise a metallic or polymeric material, wherein the material is punched, perforated, cut, slit, or treated by any known method to introduce perforations into the material.

[0081] When the filter medium includes a porous material, the porous material can be a porous ceramic, a layered surface with pores (e.g., a porous polymer membrane), or any other inherently porous material.

[0082] One or more filter media may be planar in shape, more preferably, one or more filter media may be curved in shape, and most preferably, one or more filter media may be curved such that they adopt a shape substantially the same as one or more sidewalls of the filter cage.

[0083] When a filter medium is present in the filter cage, the filter medium is preferably cylindrical. When multiple filter media are present in the filter cage, the filter media are preferably combined to form an approximately cylindrical shape when arranged in the filter cage.

[0084] drive shaft

[0085] A drive shaft is configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage, extending from the first end wall of the filter chamber to the filter cage; the drive shaft may pass through the first end wall of the filter chamber. A seal may be located between the drive shaft and the first end wall.

[0086] The drive shaft may include a mechanical connection to the drive unit. This mechanical connection may include a pulley connected to the drive unit via a belt, a gear connected to one or more gears of the drive unit, a chain between two sprockets, or a direct connection to the drive unit. If the drive unit is an electric motor, the direct connection may be a connection between the drive shaft and the motor rotor or an integral part of the drive shaft. The filter unit may have one or more rotary bearings or bushings installed between the filter chamber and the drive shaft. The filter unit may include one or more rotary bearings or bushings connected to the drive shaft adjacent to the mechanical connection to the drive unit. Specifically, the filter unit may include one or more rotary bearings or bushings connected to the drive shaft adjacent to the mechanical connection to the drive unit.

[0087] Optionally, the drive shaft can be hollow. The supply fluid can pass through the center of the hollow drive shaft. The drive shaft can pass through the first end wall, and the inlet can be within the hollow portion of the drive shaft and within the first end wall. The hollow drive shaft can also extend into a hole at the first end of the filter cage. The hollow drive shaft allows the supply fluid to enter the interior of the filter cage through the hole.

[0088] The hollow drive shaft can also be connected to a supply fluid supply line to supply supply fluid to the center of the hollow drive shaft. A seal may be present between the supply line and the drive shaft. The supply fluid supply line may be connected to the processor's outlet or a portion of the processor's outlet. The supply fluid supply line may be static, while the drive shaft is rotatable during operation. The connection between the supply fluid supply line and the drive shaft may be enclosed by a housing. One or more seals may be present between the drive shaft and the housing. The housing may contain any supply fluid leaking from between the supply fluid supply line and the drive shaft.

[0089] connector

[0090] The drive shaft can be permanently connected to the filter cage. Optionally, a detachable coupling can be included between the drive shaft and the filter cage. The detachable coupling between the drive shaft and the filter cage can include any system that allows the driving force of the drive shaft to be transmitted to the filter cage and allows the drive shaft to be separated from the filter cage. That is, the filter cage can be detached from the drive shaft. In particular, the drive shaft and the filter cage each have a mating surface that allows the drive shaft to be detachably connected to the filter cage and drive its rotation. That is, the drive shaft can include a mating surface on the drive shaft (i.e., the drive shaft mating surface), and the filter cage can include a mating surface on the filter cage (i.e., the filter cage mating surface). The drive shaft mating surface and the filter cage mating surface can be configured to be detachable and engage with each other to transmit driving force between them.

[0091] The mating surfaces on the drive shaft and the filter cage may include features of opposite shapes, i.e., one or more profiles on one or both mating surfaces and one or more grooves of corresponding opposite shapes on the other surface. Non-limiting examples of features of opposite shapes may include splines and grooves, pins and slots, aligned teeth and radially aligned stepped surfaces, etc. Optionally, the mating surfaces on the drive shaft and / or the filter cage may include one or more splines.

[0092] The mating surfaces on the drive shaft and the filter cage can be configured such that rotation is transmitted when the drive shaft rotates only in one rotational direction. Non-limiting examples of opposite shape features may include multiple stepped surfaces arranged radially parallel to the axis and inclined towards the apex of the stepped surfaces in a circumferential direction. When rotating in the first direction, this feature can transmit driving force by the stepped surfaces pressing against the stepped surfaces of corresponding complementary features. In the second direction, the corresponding inclined surfaces can allow the features to slide past each other, operating, for example, like a rotating ratchet.

[0093] The drive shaft may widen towards the drive shaft mating surface to provide a drive shaft head that differs from the rest of the drive shaft. The head may include or approximate a conical shape, or other tapered shapes that narrow towards the ends. The head may include a shoulder or flange, or another widened portion. The drive shaft sleeve may provide a larger area to accommodate the mating surface.

[0094] drive unit

[0095] The filter unit may include a drive unit. The drive unit may include a motor, or an electric motor. The electric motor may include a rotor. The motor may be a toroidal motor, i.e., a motor with an opening at the center of the rotor. A drive shaft may pass through the opening on the rotor and be connected to the rotor, such that the motor surrounds a portion of the drive shaft and can rotate the drive shaft. Therefore, the motor rotor may be concentric with the shaft and the drive shaft. Optionally, the motor may be positioned away from the axis; for example, the motor rotor may rotate about an axis parallel to but not coinciding with the axis of the filter chamber.

[0096] impeller

[0097] The filter unit may include an impeller configured to rotate together with a filter cage. The impeller rotates with the filter cage, causing the supply liquid in the filter chamber to rotate. The impeller may assist in pumping or driving the supply liquid through the filter unit and out of the outlet, and / or may assist in pumping or driving the supply liquid through one or more filter media. The impeller may include 1 to 10, more preferably 3 to 10, and especially 4, 5, or 6 impeller blades. The impeller blades may adopt any shape suitable for rotating the supply liquid in the filter chamber. In particular, the impeller blades may include a face aligned radially from the axis so that, during rotation, this face is pushed into the supply liquid, causing it to rotate around the filter chamber. The impeller blades may be linear, extending along the length of the filter cage and parallel to the axis, or they may be non-linear relative to the axis (e.g., they may be helical about the axis).

[0098] Impeller blades can extend radially inward from the filter media (e.g., inside the filter cage). Impeller blades can also extend radially outward from the filter cage (e.g., outside the filter cage).

[0099] The impeller can be detached from the inside or outside of the filter cage. Optionally, the impeller can be attached to the filter cage or integrally formed with the filter cage. In the case of a detachable impeller, the impeller can consist of multiple connected impeller blades. Therefore, disassembling the impeller allows for the simultaneous removal of all blades. In particular, the impeller may include multiple evenly spaced linear blades interconnected with rigid radial or circumferential elements.

[0100] The impeller can be mechanically connected to a removable cover or cap of the filter cage. The impeller can be pulled out of the filter cage by removing and pulling off the removable cap or optional removable cover. This further facilitates impeller removal.

[0101] In some implementations, the impeller can only be removed from the filter cage, which remains in place within the filter chamber. Alternatively, the impeller can also be removed from the filter cage when it is removed from the filter chamber. Alternatively, the impeller can be removed both when the filter cage is in place within the filter chamber and when it is removed from the filter chamber.

[0102] Extraction element

[0103] The filter unit may include an extraction element to extract filtered particles from the filter cage. The extraction element may include a removable component from the interior of the filter cage to remove particles from the filter chamber through an opening in a second end wall. The extraction element may be adapted to be withdrawn axially from the filter cage to remove particles from the filter chamber. The extraction element may include an elongated portion extending substantially the length of the filter cage. The extraction element may also include a filter media contact portion that contacts the filter media. The contact between the contact portion and the filter media may include direct contact or may include a small gap therebetween, such as a gap less than 2 mm, or less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. When in situ within the filter cage, the filter media contact portion may be attached to the end of the elongated portion and located near a first end of the filter cage. The filter media contact portion may include one or more orifices to allow supply fluid to pass through from an inlet. When the extraction element is withdrawn from the filter cage, the filter media contact portion contacts the filter media to collect particles accumulated thereon. The collected particles can then be extracted from the filter chamber on the extraction element. The filter media contact portion may include a scraper element that contacts the filter media. The scraper element may comprise rubber or another flexible material and may conform to the shape of the filter media. One or more filter media are preferably rigid, or rigidly held in place within the filter cage.

[0104] The extraction element can only be removed from the filter cage, which remains in place within the filter chamber. Alternatively, the extraction element can be removed from the filter cage once it has been removed from the filter chamber. Alternatively, the extraction element can be removed from the filter cage once it has been removed from the filter chamber and while it remains in place within the filter chamber.

[0105] The extraction element may include a mechanical coupling that connects to a removable cover or cap. When the removable cover or cap is removed from the filter unit, the extraction element can also be simultaneously pulled out of the filter cage via the mechanical coupling. This further improves the ease of removing the extraction element. The extraction element may be attached to or integrated into the impeller. That is, the impeller may include a filter media contact portion and can be used as an extraction element.

[0106] Venting and secondary drainage

[0107] When the outlet is located at the lowest vertical section (i.e., the bottom) of the filter chamber, the maximum volume of filtered supply liquid can be discharged from the outlet under gravity. Therefore, in this configuration, the filter unit can completely discharge the supply liquid after filtration. However, when the filter chamber is full of supply liquid, air may accumulate at the top of the filter chamber. The filter unit may include a vent outlet located at the uppermost vertical section of the filter chamber to expel air. The vent outlet may include a valve operable to allow air to escape from the filter chamber when it contains supply liquid. The valve may open during or shortly after the initial filling of the filter chamber with supply liquid. The valve may close after air has been expelled from the filter chamber. The valve may include a float valve or any valve containing a buoyancy element to operate the valve. The valve may close when a liquid sensor detects liquid, or it may remain closed throughout the filtration process after a predetermined time. The vent outlet may be connected to a wastewater discharge port or the filter chamber outlet, so any liquid passing through the vent outlet can return to the wastewater discharge port.

[0108] When the outlet is located at the vertical top (i.e., the top) of the filter chamber, air can exit the filter chamber through the outlet. However, after filtration, a significant amount of filtered supply liquid may remain in the filter and cannot be discharged from the outlet by gravity. The filter chamber may also include a secondary drain outlet located at the vertical bottom (i.e., the bottom) of the filter chamber. The secondary drain outlet is operable to discharge the retained filtered supply liquid from the filter chamber when the supply of supply liquid has stopped. The secondary drain outlet may include a valve. This valve can remain closed during filtration and can be opened after filtration to discharge the retained filtered supply liquid. The secondary drain outlet may be connected to the outlet of the filter chamber or a wastewater discharge port.

[0109] The vertical top or bottom portion of a filter chamber refers to the area located at the top or bottom of the filter chamber relative to the vertical direction when the filter unit is in use. When the filter unit is in use, it is typically oriented so that its axis is aligned horizontally. The vertical top of the filter chamber is usually the area where air may accumulate, while the vertical bottom is the area where water may initially accumulate due to gravity.

[0110] operate

[0111] The filter unit can operate as a centrifugal filter, or it can use centrifugal force to filter particles from a feed liquid containing particles. A filter unit operable as a centrifugal filter or operable to filter particles using centrifugal force can rotate the feed liquid to drive it through a filter medium. Optionally, rotation of the feed liquid can also pump the feed liquid through the filter unit.

[0112] In order of increasing preference, the filter unit can filter the supply liquid from at least 2, at least 5, at least 10, at least 15, at least 20, at least 30, at least 50, and at least 100 textile treatment cycles before any emptying or cleaning is required. Cleaning can be determined when the flow rate drops below 50% of its initial flow rate, or more preferably, when a sudden decrease in flow rate is noticed.

[0113] Normally, particles can be removed from the filter chamber (only) once the filter supply has been discharged from the filter chamber. Alternatively, particles can be removed from the filter chamber only once the filter supply has been discharged below the lowest point of the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber.

[0114] When the filtered particles are in a dehydrated state, the filter unit is operable to extract the filtered particles from the filter chamber. The dehydrated state may include a filter cake containing particles, wherein the water content of the filter cake has been reduced from the suspension or residual water until the filter cake is in a non-flowable state. A non-flowable state can be considered a state in which the filter cake has a significant amount of solids compared to the liquid; that is, the filter cake may resemble a slurry, paste, or moist granular material, or substantially dry granular material. A significant amount of solids compared to the liquid can be considered a filter residue containing at least 50% by mass, at least 75% by mass, or at least 90% by mass, and optionally up to 98% by mass or up to 100% by mass of solids. The dehydrated filter cake may optionally contain a filter cake in which the water content has been reduced until the filter cake contains a high amount of solids compared to the liquid as defined above. The dehydrated particles may be removed from the filter cage or the filter chamber on the extraction element.

[0115] The filter unit is operable to dewater the filtered particles using centrifugal force. That is, after filtration, water can be discharged from the filter chamber and the filter cage rotates to remove water from the filter cake containing the particles. Rotation can continue until a dewatering state as defined above is reached. Optionally, the rotation for dewatering the filtered particles can be carried out under a higher gravitational force than the rotation during filtration. The filter cage can have a rotation speed of at least 1,000, or at least 1,200, or at least 1,400, or at least 1,800, or at least 2,000, or at least 5,000, or at least 10,000 revolutions per minute.

[0116] Supply fluid

[0117] The supply liquid can be a liquid effluent from textile processing equipment. Preferably, the supply liquid is not in the form of a paste, sludge, or semi-solid. The supply liquid is preferably an aqueous liquid. When the supply liquid contains liquids other than water, these liquids can be alcohols, ketones, ethers, cyclic amides, etc. Preferably, the supply liquid contains at least 50 wt%, more preferably at least 80 wt%, and most particularly at least 90 wt% water.

[0118] The supply fluid includes microparticles. As used herein, the term "microparticle" can refer to any particulate material with a longest linear dimension less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. Microparticles may have a longest linear dimension of not less than 1 micrometer, which can be measured by optical or electron microscopy and suitable image analysis software. Microparticles can be derived from textiles, particularly textile fibers and filaments, especially microfibers.

[0119] The supply fluid may also include larger particles, such as particles larger than 1 mm in size. The term “solid material” as used here may refer to microparticles or larger particles in the supply fluid.

[0120] Before entering the filter unit, the supply liquid may contain less than 30 wt%, or less than 20 wt%, or less than 10 wt% of solid material (as a percentage of the total mass of solid material and liquid). The supply liquid may contain at least 0.001 wt%, or at least 0.01 wt%, or at least 0.1 wt% of solid material (as a percentage of the total mass of solid material and liquid).

[0121] The supply liquid may contain about 0.01 wt% to about 5 wt% of solid material, or about 0.1 wt% to about 3.5 wt% of solid material (in percentage of the total mass of solid material and liquid).

[0122] The inlet of the filter unit can be connected to the outlet of the textile processing equipment. The supply liquid from the textile processing equipment can be effluent feed. The term "effluent feed" preferably refers to the supply liquid from the effluent circulating in the textile processing equipment, such as a washing cycle.

[0123] Alternatively, the supply fluid can be the polishing feed of the textile processing equipment. By using the term "polishing feed," we preferably refer to a liquid present in the textile processing equipment during a portion of the textile processing cycle. Typically, the polishing feed circulates between the filter unit and the textile processing equipment.

[0124] microfibers

[0125] The particles may be or may include microfibers. Specifically, the filter unit of the first aspect is capable of filtering microfibers from a supply liquid containing microfibers. As used herein, the term "microfiber" preferably refers to microfibers with a longest linear dimension of less than 1 mm. Preferably, in increasing order of preference, the longest linear dimension of the microfibers is no more than 500 micrometers, no more than 250 micrometers, no more than 200 micrometers, no more than 150 micrometers, and no more than 100 micrometers.

[0126] The term microfiber may additionally or alternatively refer to fibers with a diameter of less than 10 micrometers.

[0127] The longest linear dimension and diameter can be measured using optical or electron microscopy and suitable image analysis software. Preferably, the longest linear dimension and / or diameter of the microfiber is an average value. The average value is preferably an arithmetic mean. The arithmetic mean is preferably obtained by measuring at least 100, more often at least 1,000, and especially at least 10,000 microfibers.

[0128] Microfibers can be or include synthetic, semi-synthetic, or natural materials or mixtures thereof. Microfibers containing synthetic materials include, but are not limited to, those derived from polyamides, polyesters, and acrylics. Microfibers containing natural materials include, but are not limited to, those derived from wool, cotton, and silk, and especially those containing cellulose.

[0129] Efficiency, flow rate and filter feed liquid

[0130] The feed liquid for filtration can refer to the feed liquid that has already passed through the filter medium. The feed liquid for filtration is the feed liquid from which a portion of the particles has been removed by filtration. As used herein, the term "efficiency" can refer to the percentage by mass of particles removed from the feed liquid.

[0131] The filter units, textile processing equipment, methods, and uses disclosed herein, arranged in ascending order of preference, are capable of removing at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, and at least 99% of the dry mass relative to all particles initially present in the supply liquid.

[0132] The efficiency of filtering any supply liquid can be determined. Efficiency can be measured across a range of particle types. Preferably, efficiency is determined by first capturing and measuring the dry weight of all particles collected from any processing cycle using a filter bag with a pore size of 1 micrometer. Dry weight W totav It is usually an average value. W tot It is made of W f1 –W i1 Given, where W f1 W is the final dry weight of the 1-micron filter bag plus the collected dry particles. i1 This is the initial dry weight of the filter bag before filtration. W totavJust W tot The average value is usually 3xW tot The average value.

[0133] Similarly, any small amount of particles that pass through the filter unit can be determined by capturing and measuring the dry weight of the particles in the supply liquid after it leaves the filter unit and is collected on a 1-micron filter bag. The dry weight of the particles that have passed through the filter unit is Wnc, which is itself calculated as Wf2–Wi2, where Wf2 is the final dry weight of the 1-micron filter bag plus the collected dry particles, and Wi2 is the initial dry weight of the filter bag before filtration.

[0134] Then the efficiency is determined by (W) totav -W nc ) / W totav x 100 is given.

[0135] The drying of the filter bag and the filtered particles is preferably carried out at a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius for at least 12 hours.

[0136] In ascending order of priority, the feed flow rate through the filter unit is at least 1 liter / minute, at least 2 liters / minute, at least 3 liters / minute, at least 4 liters / minute, at least 5 liters / minute, at least 6 liters / minute, at least 7 liters / minute, at least 8 liters / minute, at least 9 liters / minute, at least 10 liters / minute, at least 15 liters / minute, at least 20 liters / minute, at least 25 liters / minute, at least 30 liters / minute, at least 35 liters / minute, or at least 40 liters / minute.

[0137] Normally, the flow rate should not exceed 1000 liters / minute, 500 liters / minute, 100 liters / minute, or 50 liters / minute.

[0138] The filter units have a capacity of at least 100 ml, at least 250 ml, at least 500 ml, at least 750 ml, at least 1000 ml, or at least 2000 ml, in a preferred increasing order.

[0139] Typically, the capacity of a filter unit is no more than 20,000 ml, no more than 10,000 ml, no more than 5,000 ml, no more than 3,000 ml, no more than 2,000 ml, or no more than 1,000 ml.

[0140] The capacity is typically measured by filling the filter chamber with water until it is full. Water at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius is usually used.

[0141] In an increasingly preferred order, when the flow rate is in liters per minute and the capacity is in liters, the ratio of flow rate to capacity is at least 0.5:1, at least 1:1, at least 2:1, at least 3:1, at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1, at least 10:1, at least 15:1, at least 20:1, or at least 25:1.

[0142] The flow rate to capacity ratio is typically no more than 1000:1, more often no more than 500:1, or no more than 100:1.

[0143] Textile processing equipment

[0144] According to a second aspect, a textile processing apparatus is provided, comprising:

[0145] The enclosure, including the user-accessible front and the doors therein;

[0146] The filter unit described in the first aspect is located within the housing;

[0147] A roller housed within a housing, the roller comprising an internal volume and an open end aligned with a door on the front of the housing.

[0148] Textile processing equipment can be any equipment suitable for processing textiles. In particular, textile processing equipment can be used for washing textiles. Specifically, textiles can include natural fibers (e.g., cellulose-containing fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester), or combinations of natural and synthetic fibers. Textiles can include woven fibers. Specifically, textiles can include garments.

[0149] Textile treatment equipment is suitable for washing textiles with a treatment agent containing a liquid, and the drum is suitable for rotating the textiles and the treatment agent. According to a first aspect, the textile treatment equipment may include a drive unit for rotating the drum and a filtration unit. In particular, the textile treatment equipment may be a washing machine.

[0150] The textile treatment equipment may include a detergent drawer located on the front of the housing. The detergent drawer is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the open configuration, the user can add textile cleaning agents (such as detergent). A filter unit may be located at the rear of the detergent drawer. When the detergent drawer is in the open configuration, the user can access the filter unit through an opening in the second end wall and a removable cover.

[0151] The detergent drawer may be mechanically connected to a removable cover. Opening the detergent drawer may pull the removable cover off the filter chamber. Similarly, closing the detergent drawer may cause the removable cover to return to close the filter chamber. In these embodiments, a filter cage or extraction element may be connected to the detergent drawer via the removable cover. Thus, when the detergent drawer is open, particles may be extracted from the filter chamber via the extraction element or filter cage, according to embodiments. Likewise, when the detergent drawer is closed, the extraction element or filter cage may be returned to the filter chamber, or the removable cover may be moved to the opening.

[0152] Alternatively, the opening and removable cover may be directly accessible from the front of the housing, allowing the user to reach them, or the opening and removable cover may be covered by flaps or panels of the housing.

[0153] The inlet of the filter unit can be connected to the textile processing machine, so that the supply liquid comes from the processing cycle of the textile processing equipment. In the case that the textile processing equipment is a washing machine, the supply liquid can be the effluent from the washing cycle.

[0154] The outlet of the filter unit can be connected to the drain outlet of the textile processing equipment. The drain outlet of the textile processing equipment can be connected to a wastewater drain outlet (e.g., to a sewer system).

[0155] Textile processing machines can include machines suitable for coloring (e.g., dyeing), stone washing, abrasion, and surface treatment of textiles used in garment or garment production. The processing capacity of textile processing machines allows for handling no more than 15 kg, 25 kg, 50 kg, 100 kg, or 500 kg of dry textiles at any given time. The drum volume of textile processing machines can be up to 100 liters, 500 liters, 1000 liters, or 5000 liters.

[0156] A textile processing machine can be a washing machine, either a household or commercial washing machine. The capacity of a household washing machine is not allowed to wash more than 15 kg of dry textiles at any given time. Typically, household washing machines are either front-loading or top-loading. In front-loading or top-loading washing machines, the front is the side including the door. Therefore, in a top-loading washing machine, the front is the top surface. Household washing machines are often approximately 60 cm wide, 60 cm deep, and 85 cm high. The drum of a household washing machine preferably has a capacity of at least 1 liter, more preferably at least 10 liters, more preferably not exceeding 150 liters, or not exceeding 120 liters.

[0157] Commercial washing machines can wash more than 15 kg of dry textiles at any given time. The drums of textile handling equipment can have capacities exceeding 120 liters, 150 liters, 200 liters, 400 liters, 900 liters, or 1400 liters. These larger drum sizes are particularly suitable for commercial or industrial applications. Drums can have any upper limit on their capacity, but preferably, they have capacities not exceeding 20,000 liters or 10,000 liters.

[0158] The textile processing equipment may also include a drive unit. The drive unit operates to rotate the drums of the textile processing equipment. The drive unit for rotating the drums may be a motor, and preferably an electric motor.

[0159] The liquid in the treatment formulation can be the supply liquid as described above. This liquid may contain one or more treatment additives selected from dyes, pigments, surfactants, enzymes, acids, alkalis, buffers, oxidants, detergent builders, biocides, and anti-coloring agents.

[0160] According to the first aspect, the textile processing equipment is preferably electrically connected to the filter unit. The textile processing equipment may include a controller unit, which is preferably connected to the filter unit according to the first aspect.

[0161] The controller in the textile processing equipment may include a memory loaded with a program that, when operated by a processor, operates a drive unit connected to or part of the filter unit. Similarly, the controller may operate one or more valves. The operated valves may be valves associated with inlets, outlets, secondary discharge outlets, or vent outlets (i.e., vent valves). In this way, the operation of the filter unit can be directly controlled by the textile processing equipment.

[0162] Alternatively or additionally, the filter unit may include a controller. The controller in the filter unit can sense or be transmitted information related to the actions of the controller in the textile processing equipment, and the controller of the filter unit has a memory loaded with a program that, when operated by a processor, controls the drive unit connected to or part of the filter unit and / or the valves associated with the filter unit. In this way, the filter unit is not under the direct control of the textile processing equipment, but rather it "knows" what the textile processing equipment is doing and can respond accordingly. For example, the controller in the filter unit can sense that a waste valve in the textile processing equipment has been opened and / or a waste pump has been started, and then it can respond by powering the drive unit of the filter unit and / or operating the vent valve to begin filtration with the filter unit. The controller's memory may be part of the filter unit or may be accessible wirelessly.

[0163] The filter unit and / or textile processing equipment may include sensors (e.g., pressure or liquid sensors in the drain outlet of the textile processing equipment or in the filter chamber and / or sensors that determine the volume of effluent delivered to the filter unit). The controller of the filter unit or textile processing equipment may be configured to automatically operate the filter unit based on inputs from these sensors. Alternatively or additionally, the controller of the filter unit or textile processing equipment may be configured to operate the filter unit after recognizing conditions associated with the washing cycle (e.g., the washing cycle is complete).

[0164] Textile treatment equipment may include: a drum in which a roller is rotatably mounted, the roller having sidewalls and the sidewalls including one or more holes configured to allow the treatment agent to exit the roller; a collector located below the roller and optionally in or below the drum, the collector being configured to collect the treatment agent exiting the roller; a filter unit disclosed herein; and a first flow path between the filter unit's inlet and the filter unit's inlet.

[0165] The outlet of the filter unit can be fluidly connected to the roller. This allows liquid that has passed through the filter unit to return to the roller. The outlet of the filter unit can also be fluidly connected to a drain. Alternatively, the outlet of the filter unit can be fluidly connected to both the drain and the roller. Optionally, the textile processing equipment includes a control valve configured to selectively recirculate the liquid filtrate leaving the filter unit outlet back to the roller or to the drain.

[0166] Textile treatment equipment may also include a recycling unit for recycling the treatment agent from the collector to the drum, wherein a filter unit is included in the recycling unit. Thus, the filter unit filters the treatment agent during the recycling process from the collector to the drum. Typically, the recycling unit includes a pump and piping connecting the collector and the drum.

[0167] Textile treatment equipment may include a second filter or trap, not according to the first aspect of the invention, which is positioned such that the treatment agent passes through the second filter before entering the inlet of the filter unit. The second filter or trap may be a coarse filter (e.g., a coin trap) to prevent large pieces or bulky solids from entering the filter, such as coins, stones, or other items from pockets when washing clothes.

[0168] use

[0169] According to the third aspect, the use of the filter unit of the first aspect or the textile processing equipment of the second aspect for filtering particulate matter from the supply liquid is provided.

[0170] The textile processing equipment according to the third aspect may include the processing of textiles. In particular, the textiles may include textiles containing synthetic fibers and / or textiles containing fibers such as cotton or polyester-cotton blends. The textile processing equipment may be as described in the second aspect.

[0171] This purpose can be implemented according to the method in the fourth aspect.

[0172] method

[0173] According to a fourth aspect, a method for filtering particulates from a supply liquid containing particulates is provided, the method comprising:

[0174] Provide a filter unit according to the first aspect,

[0175] A supply liquid containing microparticles is supplied through an inlet at the first end wall;

[0176] Rotate the drive shaft to rotate the filter cage;

[0177] The filtered supply solution is discharged from the outlet; and

[0178] Stop the drive unit and supply fluid to the inlet.

[0179] This method may include dehydrating the filtered particles by operating a drive unit to rotate the filter cage after the supply of the supply liquid has been stopped.

[0180] The method may include extracting filtered particles from the filter chamber through an opening at the second end wall.

[0181] Alternatively, extraction may include removing a filter cage containing filtered particles through an opening in the second end wall.

[0182] Optionally, extraction may include removing a filter cage containing filtered particles through an opening in the second end wall, and removing an extraction element from the filter cage. Optionally, extraction may include removing an extraction element from the filter cage and the filter chamber through an opening in the second end wall.

[0183] Optionally, the supply liquid can be supplied by a textile treatment device. The textile treatment device can optionally be any textile treatment device according to the second aspect. Furthermore, the supply liquid can be any supply liquid as described in the first or second aspect. In particular, the textile treatment device of this method can be a washing machine. The filter unit can be contained within the housing of the textile treatment device. The housing may include a front panel, a detergent drawer located in the front panel, the detergent drawer being movable between an open and closed configuration, and wherein the filter unit is located behind the detergent drawer.

[0184] Optionally, the textile processing equipment can process one or more garments containing fibers. Therefore, the feed liquid may contain cellulose microfibers and effluent from the treatment. Typically, the particles are or contain microfibers.

[0185] Optionally, extraction may include first moving the detergent drawer to the open configuration.

[0186] The step of supplying a feed liquid containing particulates through an inlet may include first filling the filter chamber with the feed liquid. Filling may include operating a pump of the processor to pump the feed liquid into the filter unit. Filling may include operating a vent outlet to remove air from the filter chamber. Optionally, after the chamber is filled, a rotary drive shaft is rotated to initiate filtration.

[0187] Optionally, after stopping the rotation of the filter cage and supplying the feed liquid to the inlet, the valve leading to the secondary discharge outlet can be opened to discharge any residual filtered feed liquid from the filter chamber.

[0188] Stopping the supply of fluid to the inlet may include closing the valve upstream of the filter unit, or it may include stopping the operation of the pump that supplies fluid to the inlet.

[0189] Stopping the rotation of the filter cage can include stopping the operation of the drive unit.

[0190] Dewatering may include rotating a filter cage to centrifugally remove water from particles on one or more filter media. The rotation for dewatering may optionally be carried out under a higher gravity than the rotation during filtration.

[0191] The supply of the supply fluid to the inlet can originate from a single processing cycle of the textile processing equipment. The supply fluid from a single processing cycle can be delivered in a continuous flow, or the supply fluid from a single processing cycle can be supplied intermittently.

[0192] The fourth approach may be particularly suitable for filtering particles that are or contain microfibers, especially the microfibers defined in the first and second aspects.

[0193] In the fourth aspect of the method, the filtered particles can come from textiles that have already been treated in a liquid medium.

[0194] Treatments performed by textile processing equipment can include washing, dyeing (especially dyeing and coloring), abrasion, aging, softening, rinsing, bleaching, disinfection, desizing, and delinting, as well as combinations thereof. This method is particularly suitable for filtering a feed liquid derived from the effluent of the textile processing equipment as described above. Preferably, the textile processing equipment is used to rotate (especially tumble) one or more textiles and a liquid medium in a rotating (especially tumbling) drum. At least some of the fibers in the effluent may comprise synthetic fibers. Examples of synthetic fibers include nylon, polyester, polyurethane, acrylic, acrylonitrile, etc.

[0195] When the supply liquid passes through the filter unit, its temperature can be 5 to 95°C, more preferably 5 to 70°C, and especially 10 to 60°C.

[0196] In order of increasing preference, the filter unit according to the first aspect or the textile processing equipment according to the second aspect is capable of filtering the effluent feed of at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50 and 100 processing cycles before clogging or requiring cleaning.

[0197] In order of increasing preference, the filter unit according to the first aspect or the textile processing equipment according to the second aspect is capable of filtering feeds with a total volume of at least 10, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 5000 and 10,000 liters before they become clogged or require cleaning.

[0198] The filter unit can be operated such that the outflow material passes through the filter unit once (and only once). This method or operation is relatively fast. Alternatively, the filter unit can be operated such that the feed for one processing cycle is circulated through the filter unit once or more. This method of operation can provide particularly good filtration efficiency, although the required filtration time may be longer. Preferably, the feed is circulated through the filter unit at least 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 times. Preferably, the feed liquid is circulated through the filter unit no more than 100 times. The number of filtration cycles of the feed liquid can be calculated as the total volume of liquid passing through the filter unit in the processing cycle divided by the volume of fresh liquid used in the processing cycle. For example, if 20 liters of fresh liquid are used in a cleaning cycle and 40 liters pass through the filter unit, then the filter unit has filtered for two cycles.

[0199] It is understood that, where combinations are permissible, the features, preferred embodiments, and implementations described herein may be applied to the figures. Various aspects of the invention are further described with reference to the following figures. Attached Figure Description

[0200] Figure 1 A schematic side view of a cross-section of a filter unit according to the present invention is shown.

[0201] Figure 2a An isometric view of the alternative filter unit according to the present invention is shown.

[0202] Figure 2b It shows Figure 2a A cross-sectional view of the filter unit.

[0203] Figure 2c It shows Figure 2a and 2b A three-dimensional view of the filter unit, in which the filter cage is removed from the filter chamber.

[0204] Figure 2d It shows Figure 2c An isometric view of a filter unit, in which the impeller is removed from the filter cage.

[0205] Figure 2e It shows Figures 2a to 2d Isometric view of the drive shaft of the filter unit.

[0206] Figure 2f It shows Figure 2e Isometric drawing of the drive shaft, with Figures 2a to 2d The filter cage of the filter unit.

[0207] Figure 2g It shows the absence of impeller and filter media. Figures 2a to 2d Isometric view of the filter cage of the filter unit.

[0208] Figure 2h Showing Figures 2a to 2d Isometric view of the impeller of the filter unit.

[0209] Figure 2i The detergent drawer is shown Figures 2a to 2d A perspective view of the filter unit, with the detergent drawer in a closed configuration.

[0210] Figure 2j The detergent drawer is shown Figures 2a to 2d A perspective view of the filter unit, with the detergent drawer in the open configuration.

[0211] Figure 3 A schematic cross-sectional view of the alternative filter unit according to the present invention is shown.

[0212] Figure 4 A schematic cross-sectional view of the alternative filter unit according to the present invention is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0213] refer to Figure 1A filter unit 100 is shown. The filter unit 100 is used to filter particulates from a supply liquid containing particulates. The filter unit 100 includes a filter chamber 101. The filter chamber 101 is a hollow structure extending along axis 2. The filter chamber 101 includes a first end wall 101a and a second end wall 101b, which are opposite to each other and coincide with axis 2. Figure 1 In this embodiment, a sidewall 101c is provided between the first end wall and the second end wall. In this embodiment, the sidewall is a cylindrical wall and is combined with the first end wall 101a and the second end wall 101b, giving the filter chamber 101 an approximately cylindrical shape. However, the filter chamber can take other forms as described herein. A filter cage 102 is located within the filter chamber 101. The filter cage 102 is arranged to rotate about axis 2. The filter cage 102 is a rigid structure supporting the porous filter medium 103. When the supply liquid passes through the filter medium, the filter medium 103 filters out particles in the supply liquid. In this embodiment, the filter medium surrounds the cylindrical wall of the filter cage 102. However, other configurations are also conceivable.

[0214] An inlet 104 is contained within a first end wall 101a of the filter chamber 101. The inlet 104 allows the feed liquid to enter the filter chamber 101 for filtration by the filter medium 103. The filter chamber 101 also includes an outlet 105. The outlet 105 allows the filtered feed liquid to flow out of the filter chamber 101. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, outlet 105 is located at the very top of the filter chamber and is tangential to the side wall. However, other outlet configurations are also envisioned, including but not limited to... Figure 2a and Figure 3 The export configuration is shown.

[0215] The filter unit 100 also includes a drive shaft 107a. The drive shaft 107a extends from the first end wall 101a to the filter cage 102. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 107a also extends through the first end wall 101a and defines an inlet 104 within the first end wall 101a. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, drive shaft 107a extends through sealed bearing 108. Drive shaft 107a is arranged to cooperate with filter cage 102 in filter chamber 101 such that rotation of drive shaft 107a drives rotation of filter cage 102.

[0216] The drive shaft 107a may include a non-permanent connection to the filter cage 102. However, a permanent connection is also within the scope of this invention. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the non-permanent connection takes the form of two mating surfaces 107c and 102a. The drive shaft 107a includes a drive shaft mating surface 107c, and the filter cage 102 includes a filter cage mating surface 102a. These two surfaces mate so that the torque applied to the drive shaft 107a is transmitted to the filter cage 102. The mating surfaces 107c and 102a may include splines, interlocking elements, and friction surfaces, etc.

[0217] like Figure 1 As shown, drive shaft 107a can be driven to rotate by ring motor 107b. However, other embodiments are also within the scope of the invention, such as those driven by belt gears or non-ring motors.

[0218] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the drive shaft 107a is hollow and also serves to supply the supply liquid to the interior of the filter chamber 101 and the filter cage 102. However, other arrangements are also within the scope of the invention, including a solid drive shaft and a separate inlet. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cage 102 further includes an opening located at one end adjacent to the first wall for receiving the drive shaft 107a through the opening so as to convey feed into the filter cage 102.

[0219] The second end wall 101b of the filter chamber 101 includes an opening 106b. The opening 106b can be closed in a first configuration by a removable cover 106a, preventing liquid from passing through the opening 106b. The removable cover 106a can be removed from the opening 106b, changing to a second configuration, allowing the extraction of filtered particles from the filter chamber 101. Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the removable cover 106a is threaded into the opening 106b of the second end wall 101b of the filter chamber 101.

[0220] In use, the removable cover 106a is inserted into the opening 106b (i.e., the first configuration). The supply liquid enters the filter chamber 101 through the inlet 104. The drive shaft 107a rotates, causing the filter cage 102 to rotate, and the supply liquid flows through the filter medium and out of the filter chamber 101 through the outlet 105. The supply liquid is stopped, allowing any remaining supply liquid to drain from the outlet 105. Optionally, the filter particles accumulated on the filter medium 103 can be dehydrated by further rotation of the filter cage 102. After dehydration, the rotation of the filter cage 102 stops. The removable cover 106a is removed from the opening 106b (i.e., the second configuration). The filtered particles are discharged from the filter chamber 101 through the opening 106b on the second end wall 101b. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cage 102 is configured to be removed from the filter chamber 101 through the opening 106b. Therefore, particles are removed via the filter cage 102 through the opening 106b.

[0221] refer to Figures 2a to 2d An alternative filter unit 200 is shown. The filter unit 200 is used to filter particulates from a supply liquid containing particulates. (See reference...) Figure 2a The filter unit 200 is shown in an isometric view. Figure 2b The image shows a cross-sectional view passing through the center of filter unit 200. Figure 2c In the image, a filter unit 200 is shown in an isometric view, with the filter cage removed from the filter chamber. Figure 2d The filter unit 200 is shown in an isometric view, in which the filter cage is removed from the filter chamber and the impeller is removed from the filter cage.

[0222] The filter unit 200 includes a filter chamber 201 that is approximately a hollow cylinder. The filter chamber 201 includes a first end wall 201a and a second end wall 201b (e.g., ...). Figure 2b As shown, the two end walls are opposite each other and coincide with axis 2 passing through the center of filter chamber 201. The cylindrical side wall 201c of filter chamber 201 extends between the first end wall and the second end wall. Filter chamber 201 widens slightly from the first end wall 201a to the second end wall 201b.

[0223] Inlet 204 allows the supply liquid to enter the filter chamber 201, specifically the filter cage 202. Inlet 204 is an opening on the first end wall 201a of the filter chamber 201. As described below, drive shaft 207a passes through inlet 204. An outlet 205 is also provided on the cylindrical sidewall 201c of the filter chamber 201, located in an elevated position at the vertical uppermost part of the filter chamber. Outlet 205 allows the filtered supply liquid to flow out of the filter chamber 201. When outlet 205 is in the elevated position, air bubbles in the supply liquid can be expelled from the filter chamber 201. However, this means that residual volume of liquid may be retained in the filter chamber 201 below the level of outlet 205. The filter unit 200 also includes a secondary drain outlet 208 in the bottom portion of the cylindrical sidewall 201c to drain any residual liquid from the filter chamber 201. The secondary outlet may also include a valve 244, operable to drain residual liquid (only when...). Figure 2i (as shown in the image).

[0224] The second end wall 201b is entirely composed of the opening 206b and the removable cover 206a. In the filter unit 200, the opening 206b and the removable cover 206a occupy the entire second end wall 201b. Figure 2dAs shown, the removable cover 206a includes three bayonet pins 226 that fit into bayonet channels 215 in the second end wall 201b of the filter chamber 201. The bayonet channels 215 are sized such that the removable cover 206a can rotate at an angle between 30 and 90 degrees (i.e., between 1 / 12 and 1 / 4 turn) to secure it in or release it from the second end wall 201b. The bayonet channels 215 are angled toward the first end wall 101a such that rotation of the removable cover 206a when closed moves it toward the first end wall 201a. By moving the removable cover 206a toward the first end wall 101a, the removable cover 206a can be used to push the filter cage 202 to secure it against the drive shaft 207a. Figure 2b As shown, the removable cover 206a also includes an O-ring 216 to prevent liquid from spilling out from around the removable cover 206a. When the removable cover 206a is removed from the filter chamber 201, a sufficiently large opening appears on the second end wall 201b to allow the filter cage 202 to be removed.

[0225] exist Figure 2b The image shows a filter cage 202 located within a filter chamber 201. Figure 2c In the process, the filter cage 202 is removed from the filter chamber 201. Figure 2f and 2g The filter cage 202 is also shown in detail. The filter cage includes a first end 202a, which is adjacent to the first end wall 201a of the filter chamber 201 when the cage is in place within the filter chamber. The filter cage 202 is composed of a rigid mesh structure 271, to which a porous filter medium 203 is fixed. The mesh structure 271 of the filter cage 202 approximates a cylinder, and when the porous filter medium 203 is fixed to the mesh, the porous filter medium 203 also approximates a cylinder. The porous filter medium 203 is as follows... Figure 2f As shown, other figures are omitted for clarity. The porous filter medium 203 filters out particulate matter from the supply liquid as it passes through. The porous filter medium 203 may include mesh, perforated plates, woven or non-woven fiberboard, cloth or felt, or other porous materials. The filter cage 202 includes a hole 273 at its first end. This hole allows the supply liquid to enter the interior of the filter chamber 201 from the center of the drive shaft 207a. Figure 2f As shown, the O-ring 266 can be installed against the periphery of the opening on the outside of the filter cage 202. This prevents the supply fluid from leaking between the filter cage and the head 207f of the drive shaft 207a.

[0226] The filter cage 202 includes a removable cap 211 that prevents unfiltered supply liquid from bypassing the filter medium 203. The removable cap 211 is located at the second end of the filter cage 202 (i.e., the end closest to the second end wall 201b of the filter chamber 201 when the filter cage 202 is in place within the filter chamber 201). The removable cap 211 is user-removable and includes a channel 221 that interacts with a bayonet pin 274 on the filter cage 202. Rotation of the channel on the pin locks the removable cap 211 onto the filter cage 202. The bayonet channel 221 can be sized such that the removable cap 211 can be rotated at an angle between 30 and 90 degrees (i.e., between 1 / 12 and 1 / 4 turn) to lock it in place. The bayonet channel 221 can also be angled such that rotating the removable cap 211 pulls the cap against the filter cage 202, locking it in place. The O-ring 212 can be located between the removable cap 211 and the filter cage 202. Figure 2b In the image, the O-ring 212 is shown attached to the removable cap 211.

[0227] A removable cap 211 of filter cage 202 is connected to a removable cover 206a. The connection between the removable cap 211 and the removable cover 206a includes a spindle 213 that allows free relative rotation between the removable cap 211 and the removable cover 206a. The spindle allows either the removable cap 211 or the removable cover 206a to rotate freely relative to the other. This increases the ease of positioning the bayonet pins 274, 226 into the corresponding channels 221, 215. The spindle 213 also serves as a support shaft to support rotation of filter cage 202 within filter chamber 201. The spindle 213 in filter unit 200 is connected to the removable cover 206a via a spherical bearing 214, which allows relative rotation between the removable cover 206a and the removable cap 211 about axis 2. The spherical bearing 214 also allows non-axial movement between the spindle and the removable cover 206a. This improves the control a user has when attempting to position the snap pins 274, 226 of the removable cap 211 or the removable cover 206a into their respective channels 221, 215. Removing the removable cover from the filter unit 200 by attaching the removable cap 211 of the filter cage 202 to the removable cover 206a allows the filter cage 202 to be pulled out of the filter chamber 201 via the opening 206b.

[0228] The filter unit 200 includes an impeller 230, which is contained within the filter cage 202 and is removable from the filter cage 202. Figure 2b The impellers in filter chamber 201 and filter cage 202 are shown. Figure 2b (Not marked in the text) Figure 2d The impeller 230 is shown being removed from the filter chamber 201. Figure 2hA separate impeller is shown. The impeller includes a plurality of impeller blades 210 equidistantly spaced around the circumference of the impeller 230, and these blades include surfaces aligned radially from axis 2. Figure 2g As shown, the impeller 230 also includes three drive pins 275, which are mounted in slots 272 at the first end of the filter cage 202. The drive pins 275 ensure that the impeller 230 rotates together with the filter cage 202. Each slot 272 on the filter cage extends with an arc of approximately 30°, which increases the user's freedom of choice when aligning the drive pins 275 with the slots 272.

[0229] refer to Figure 2c and 2d The impeller 230 includes a scraper element 209 surrounding one end of the impeller 230. The scraper element 209 contacts the filter medium 203 so that when the impeller 230 is pulled out from the filter cage 202, the scraper element 209 is pulled against the filter medium 203 to remove any filter particles accumulated thereon.

[0230] Filter unit 200 includes Figure 2e The drive shaft 207a is shown in detail. The drive shaft passes through the first end wall 201a of the filter chamber 201. The drive shaft 207a includes a hollow center. The hollow center supplies supply liquid to the interior of the filter chamber 201 and the filter cage 202. The drive shaft 207a passes through the first end wall 201a and defines an inlet 204 within the drive shaft 207a and the first end wall 201a. Rotation of the drive shaft 207a causes rotation of the filter cage 202.

[0231] Drive shaft 207a includes a mating surface configured to mate with an equivalent mating surface on filter cage 202 (see...). Figure 2e ).exist Figure 2e In the illustrated embodiment, the mating surface of the drive shaft 207a takes the form of a head 207f, the shape of which approximates a flange with a central conical protrusion. The head 207f includes a stepped structure 261, which corresponds to... Figure 2f The equivalent stepped structure 264 on the filter cage 202 is shown in detail. The stepped structure 261 includes three radially aligned faces such that when the drive shaft 207a rotates in one direction, the driving force is transmitted through the faces of the stepped structure 261 to the corresponding faces on the stepped structure 264 to rotate the filter cage 202. The stepped structures 261 and 264 allow relative rotation between the filter cage 202 and the drive shaft 207a, which makes it easier to position the filter cage on the head 207f of the drive shaft 207a. Furthermore, the filter cage and the head 207f may include magnets 265 to help hold the filter cage against the head and to provide tactile feedback to the user when the filter cage 202 is in place.

[0232] The drive shaft 207a also includes a recess 262 that can accommodate an O-ring to prevent the supply fluid from leaking from the connector between the filter cage 202 and the drive shaft 207a.

[0233] At the other end of the drive shaft 207a away from the mating surface, the drive shaft is connected to the supply fluid supply pipe 217, which... Figure 2a and 2b The image shows a faucet that can be connected to the washing machine outlet. A feed supply pipe delivers the supply fluid to the interior of the drive shaft 207a. The drive shaft 207a is mounted on two sets of rotary bearings 207d. A seal 207b1 protects the bearings from fluid leakage between the supply fluid supply pipe 217 and the drive shaft 207a, and a second seal 207b2 prevents fluid leakage between the drive shaft 207a and the first wall 201a.

[0234] The drive shaft 207a is driven by a drive unit. The drive unit includes components fixed to the drive shaft 207a (see...). Figure 2b The pulley 207e is mounted between bearings 207d and belt 207e. The pulley 207e is driven to rotate by belt 219, which also extends around the motor pulley 218 (see...). Figure 2a The motor pulley is driven by motor 241 (for clarity, only...). Figure 2i (as shown in the image).

[0235] In use, the impeller 230 is placed inside the filter cage 202, and a removable cap 211 is sealed onto the filter cage 202. The filter cage 202 is placed inside the filter chamber 201, and a removable cover 206a is sealed in an opening 206b in the second end wall 201b of the filter chamber 201; i.e., a first configuration, such that liquid cannot pass through the removable cover 206a. In this position, the removable cover 206a is biased against the filter chamber, which in turn biases the filter cage 202 against the drive shaft 207a, thereby biasing the stepped structure 264 of the filter cage 202 against the stepped structure 261 of the drive shaft 207a. In this configuration, rotation of the drive shaft causes rotation of the impeller 230, the filter cage 202, and the removable cap 211. In this configuration, the filter unit is sealed, and liquid can only enter and exit the filter chamber through the inlet 204, the outlet 205, or the secondary discharge outlet 208.

[0236] The supply fluid is supplied to the feed supply pipe 217, which in turn supplies the supply fluid to the interior of the drive shaft 207a. The supply fluid passes through the drive shaft 207a and through the hole 273 at the first end of the filter cage 202. The supply fluid enters the filter cage 202, where it must pass through the filter medium 203 on the filter cage 202. The motor 241 drives the drive shaft 207a to rotate via the belt 219 and pulleys 218, 207e. The rotation of the drive shaft 207a is transmitted to the filter cage 202 via the stepped structures 261, 264. The rotation of the filter cage 202 is also transmitted to the impeller via the drive pin 275 and the groove 272. The rotation of the impeller 230 and the removable cap 211 of the filter cage 202 is supported by the main shaft 213, which rotates within the spherical bearing 214. Impeller blades 210 rotate the supply liquid within filter chamber 201, establishing a pressure gradient and causing the supply liquid to flow through filter chamber 201 and out through filter medium 203. As the supply liquid passes through filter medium 203, particles are filtered out and retained within filter cage 202. At the end of filtration, the supply liquid supply and the operation of motor 241 are stopped. When valve 244 is opened, any filtered fluid retained in filter chamber 201 can be discharged from secondary discharge outlet 208.

[0237] Reference Figure 2i and 2j A filter unit 200 associated with the detergent drawer of a washing machine is shown. The detergent drawer includes a detergent tray 246, which includes a slot 251 into which laundry detergent can be placed. The detergent tray 246 is located within a drawer housing 247 and can slide therein. The detergent housing 247 also includes a detergent outlet 250 from which laundry detergent is discharged from the detergent drawer before being consumed by the washing machine. Figure 2i In the middle, the detergent drawer is shown in the closed configuration, with the filter unit 200 hidden in the front of the detergent tray 246. Figure 2i Also shown is a filter unit outlet 205 connected to an extension hose 242, which extends from the drawer housing 247 to connect to a wastewater discharge outlet (not shown). A secondary discharge outlet 208 is also shown connected to a hose 243, which in turn connects to a valve 244 and ultimately to a drain faucet 245, which connects to a wastewater drain pipe (not shown) and / or the extension hose 242. In this configuration, the removable cover 206a is inaccessible and is obscured by the detergent tray 246. Figure 2j In the middle, the detergent drawer is shown in an open configuration, with the detergent tray 246 pulled out from the drawer housing 247, allowing the user to access the removable cover 206a.

[0238] The filter unit 200 can be emptied after one or more repeated filtrations. The filter unit 200 is emptied by opening the detergent drawer 246 and removing the removable cover 206a (i.e., the second configuration) from the second end wall 201b of the filter chamber 201. The removable cover 206a can be removed by rotating it until the bayonet pin 226 of the removable cover 206a exits the bayonet channel 215 of the filter chamber 201. The filter cage 202 is connected to the removable cover 206a via a main shaft 213 and a removable cap 211. Figure 2c As shown, the filter cage 202 contains filtered particles and can therefore be removed from the filter chamber 201 through the opening 206b on the second end wall 201b. The removable cap 211 can then be removed from the filter cage 202 by rotating it until the bayonet pin 274 of the removable cap 211 disengages from the bayonet channel 221 of the filter cage 202. The impeller 230 is connected to the removable cap 211, and pulling the removable cap 211 relative to the filter cage 202 pulls the impeller 230 out of the filter cage 202. As the impeller 230 is pulled out of the filter cage 202, the scraper element 209 on the impeller is pulled across the filter medium 203. Filtered particles accumulated inside the filter medium 203 are transferred to the scraper element 209 and removed from the filter cage 202. The user can then remove the filtered particles from the scraper element 209. Then, by placing the impeller 230 in the filter cage 202 and replacing the removable cap 211, followed by placing the filter cage 202 back into the filter chamber 201 and replacing the removable cover 206a, the filter unit 200 can be reassembled in reverse. The filter unit 200 is then ready to resume filtration.

[0239] Reference Figure 3 An alternative filter unit 300 is shown. The filter unit 300 is used to filter particles from a supply liquid containing particles. The filter unit 300 includes a filter chamber 301. The filter chamber 301 is a hollow structure and extends along axis 2. The filter chamber 301 includes a first end wall 301a and a second end wall 301b, which are opposite each other and coincide with axis 2. Figure 3In this embodiment, a sidewall is provided between the first end wall and the second end wall. This sidewall is cylindrical and engages with the first and second end walls 301a and 301b, giving the filter chamber 301 an approximately cylindrical shape. A filter cage 302 is located within the filter chamber 301. The filter cage 302 is arranged to rotate about axis 2. A sealed annular thrust bearing 333 is located on the first end wall of the filter chamber 301. The filter cage includes an open end with a rigid lip, which is detachably connected to the thrust bearing. Two annular lip seals 334 and 335 are connected to the annular thrust bearing 333 to accommodate the filter cage 302 therebetween. The lip seals 334 and 335 serve not only to prevent fluid from escaping between the annular bearing and the filter cage 302 but also to hold the edges of the filter cage 302 in place. A magnet (e.g., a molybdenum magnet) may also be present on the surface of the annular thrust bearing 333 and the filter cage 302 to further hold the filter cage 302 against the annular thrust bearing 333.

[0240] The filter cage 302 includes a porous filter medium 303, which filters particles from the supply liquid when the supply liquid passes through the filter medium 303.

[0241] An inlet 304 is contained within the first end wall 301a of the filter chamber 301 and extends radially outward from axis 2. The inlet 304 allows the supply liquid to enter the filter chamber 301 for filtration by the filter medium 303. The filter chamber 301 also includes an outlet 305. The outlet 305 allows the filtered supply liquid to flow out of the filter chamber 301. The outlet 305 is located at the lowest vertical position within the filter chamber to minimize the fluid retained in the filter chamber 301. The filter chamber 301 also includes a vent outlet 336 and a valve 337.

[0242] The filter unit 300 also includes a drive shaft 307a. The drive shaft 307a extends through the first end wall 301a, and... Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a sealed bearing 307b extends along the entire length of the filter cage 302. A drive shaft 307a is connected to the filter cage 302 in the filter chamber 301, such that rotation of the drive shaft 307a drives rotation of the filter cage 302.

[0243] The drive shaft 307a may include a non-permanent connection to the filter cage 302. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the non-permanent connection can take the form of two mating surfaces. The drive shaft 307a includes a mating surface 307c, and the filter cage 302 includes a mating surface 302a. These two surfaces can mate with each other, such that the torque applied to the drive shaft 307a is transmitted to the filter cage 302. The mating surfaces 307c and 302a may include splines, interlocking elements, and friction surfaces, etc. Figure 3As shown, drive shaft 307a can be driven to rotate by ring motor 307d. However, other embodiments are also within the scope of the invention, such as those driven by belt gears or non-ring motors. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the drive shaft 307a is solid.

[0244] The second end wall 301b of the filter chamber 301 is entirely composed of an opening 306b and a removable cover 306a. The opening 306b can be closed in a first configuration by the removable cover 306a, preventing the passage of either the supply liquid or the filtered supply liquid. By removing the removable cover 306a, the opening 306b can be opened to a second configuration, allowing filtered particles to be removed from the filter chamber 301 through the opening 306b. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the removable cover 306a is threaded into the opening 306b of the filter chamber 301.

[0245] In use, the removable cover 306a is placed on the opening 306b. The supply liquid is supplied to the filter chamber 301 through the inlet 304 and enters the interior of the filter cage 302. The valve 337 is opened to expel any air from the filter chamber through the vent outlet 336. Once the air is expelled, the valve 337 is closed. The drive shaft 307a rotates, causing the filter cage 302 to rotate so that liquid passes through the filter unit 300. The supply liquid is stopped, allowing any remaining supply liquid to drain from the outlet 305. Optionally, filter particles accumulated on the filter media 303 can be dehydrated by continuing to rotate the filter cage 302. The removable cover 306a is removed from the opening 306b (i.e., the second configuration). By pulling the filter cage out of the filter chamber 301, the filtered particles can be removed from the filter chamber 301 through the opening 306b. Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the filter cage 302 is configured to be removed from the filter chamber 301 through the opening 306b in the second configuration. Therefore, particles are removed via the filter cage 302 through the opening 306b. The user can empty the particles from the filter cage 302 through the opening and return it to the filter chamber 301, placing the lip of the opening end of the filter cage 302 between the annular lip seals 334 and 335 and abutting against the annular thrust bearing 333.

[0246] Reference Figure 4 An alternative filter unit 400 is shown. The filter unit 400 is used to filter particles from a supply liquid containing particles. The filter unit 400 includes a filter chamber 401. The filter chamber 401 is a hollow structure and extends along axis 2. The filter chamber 401 includes a first end wall 401a and a second end wall 401b, which are opposite each other and coincide with axis 2. Figure 4 In the middle, the first end wall and the second end wall have four side walls extending therebetween (two of which are Figure 4As shown in 401c and 401d, the filter chamber is generally cubic. A filter cage 402 is located within the filter chamber 401. The filter cage 402 is arranged to rotate about axis 2. The filter cage 402 includes a porous filter medium that filters particles from the supply liquid as the supply liquid passes through it.

[0247] An inlet 404 is contained within a first end wall 401a of a filter chamber 401. The inlet 404 allows the feed liquid to enter the filter chamber 401 for filtration by the filter medium. The filter chamber 401 also includes an outlet 405. The outlet 405 allows the filtered feed liquid to exit the filter chamber 401.

[0248] The filter unit 400 also includes a drive shaft 407a. The drive shaft 407a extends through the first end wall 401a, and... Figure 4 In the illustrated embodiment, a sealed bearing 407b passes through the filter cage 402. A drive shaft 407a is permanently connected to the filter cage 402 such that rotation of the drive shaft 407a drives rotation of the filter cage 402.

[0249] like Figure 4 As shown, drive shaft 407a is rotated by a ring motor 441. The ring motor is contained within a waterproof, sealed housing. However, other embodiments are also within the scope of the invention, such as those driven by belt-gear or non-ring motors.

[0250] The drive shaft 407a is hollow and extends through the first end wall 401a into the interior of the filter chamber 401 and the filter cage 402. The drive shaft 407a in the first end wall 401a defines the inlet 404.

[0251] The second end wall 401b of the filter chamber 401 includes an opening 406b and a removable cover 406a. The opening 406b can be closed in a first configuration by the removable cover 406a, preventing the supply liquid or the liquid to be filtered from passing through the opening 406b. By removing the removable cover 406a, the opening 406b can be opened to a second configuration, allowing the filtered particles to be extracted from the filter chamber 401. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown, the removable cover 406a is threaded into the opening 406b of the second end wall 401b of the filter chamber 401.

[0252] The filter cage 402 includes a removable cap 411 at its second end (the end of the filter cage 402 closest to the second end wall 401b when in situ in the filter chamber 202). The second end is connected to the extraction element 490 via a bearing 426. When in situ in the filter cage 402, the extraction element 490 extends from adjacent to the removable cap 411 to the first end of the filter cage 402 (the end of the filter cage 402 adjacent to the first end of the filter chamber 401a when in situ in the filter chamber 401). The extraction element 490 includes a suitably sized scraper element 409 to contact the filter media on the filter cage 402.

[0253] In use, the removable cover 406a is placed in the opening 406b. Supply liquid enters the filter chamber 401 through the inlet 404. The drive shaft 407a is rotated by the motor 441, causing the filter cage 402 to rotate. The supply liquid passes through the filter media and flows out from the outlet 405. The supply liquid is stopped, allowing any remaining supply liquid to drain from the outlet 405. Optionally, filter particles accumulated on the filter media can be dehydrated by continuing to rotate the filter cage 402. Once the filter cage 402 stops rotating, the removable cover 406a is removed from the opening 406b. The filter cage 402 remains in place within the filter chamber 401. The removable cap 411 is then accessible within the filter chamber 401 and can be removed from the filter cage 402 in place within the filter chamber 401. Removing the removable cap 411 pulls the scraper element 409 and the extraction element 490 along the filter media. The filtered particles are transferred to the scraper element 409 and removed from the filter chamber 401 through the opening 406b in the second end wall 401b.

[0254] As used herein, the term "comprising" includes "including" as well as "consisting of" and "substantially composed of," for example, a composition "comprising" X may consist of only X, or may include additional elements, such as X+Y. As used herein, the words "a" or "an" are not limited to the singular but are understood to include the plural unless the context requires otherwise. Thus, words such as "an item" also refer to "one or more items." It should be understood that any item, feature, parameter, or component described herein may relate to any aspect of the invention where appropriate.

Claims

1. A filter unit for filtering particles from a supply liquid containing particles, the filter unit comprising: A filter chamber extending along an axis and including opposing first and second end walls and at least one side wall extending therebetween, wherein both the first and second end walls coincide with the axis. A filter cage, contained within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis, the filter cage comprising one or more filter media for filtering particles from the supply liquid; An inlet, configured to allow supply liquid to enter the filter chamber through the first end wall; An outlet, located in the filter chamber, is used for the filtered liquid to flow out of the filter chamber; A drive shaft configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage, the drive shaft extending from a first end wall of the filter chamber to the filter cage; The second end wall is or includes an opening therein and a removable cap. In a first configuration, the opening is closed by the removable cap, preventing the supply liquid from passing through the opening. In a second configuration, the cap is detached from the opening, allowing filtered particles to be extracted from the filtration chamber through the opening.

2. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, When the filtered particles are in a dehydrated state, the filter unit is operable to extract the filtered particles from the filter chamber.

3. The filter unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein, The filter cage can be removed from the filter chamber via the opening, and the filtered particles are extracted from the filter chamber by removing the filter cage containing the filtered particles.

4. The filter unit of claim 3, wherein the filtered particles can be removed through the opening in a direction parallel to the axis.

5. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, The inlet is coaxial with the axis.

6. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, The drive shaft is hollow and passes through the inlet.

7. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, The filter cage is substantially cylindrical, ellipsoidal, or prismatic, and wherein the filter cage extends parallel to the axis.

8. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, The filter cage surrounds the internal volume, and the inlet is arranged to deliver the supply liquid into the internal volume of the filter cage.

9. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, Both the drive shaft and the filter cage include mating surfaces that allow the drive shaft to be detachably connected to the filter cage and driven to rotate.

10. The filter unit according to claim 9, wherein, The mating surfaces of the drive shaft and / or the filter cage include one or more splines.

11. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, The filter cage includes a removable cap.

12. The filter unit according to claim 11, wherein, When the filter cage is located in the filter chamber, the removable cap is adjacent to the second end wall.

13. The filter unit according to claim 11, wherein, The detachable cap includes a mechanical connector that engages with the detachable cover.

14. The filter unit according to claim 13, wherein, The mechanical connector allows rotation between the removable cover and the removable cap.

15. The filter unit of claim 1, comprising an impeller configured to rotate together with the filter cage.

16. The filter unit of claim 15, wherein the impeller is removable from the inside or outside of the filter cage.

17. The filter unit according to claim 16, wherein, The impeller is mechanically connected to the removable cover or the removable cap of the filter cage.

18. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, The filter unit includes an extraction element to extract the filtered particles from the filter cage.

19. The filter unit according to claim 18, wherein, The extraction element is configured to be extracted from the filter cage along the axial direction.

20. The filter unit according to any one of claims 18 or 19, wherein, The extraction element includes a mechanical connector that is attached to the removable cover or the removable cap of the filter cage.

21. The filter unit according to claim 18, wherein, The filter unit includes an impeller, the extraction element is attached to or integrated into the impeller, and the impeller is configured to rotate together with the filter cage.

22. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, When the filter unit is in use, the filter chamber also includes an exhaust outlet located at the uppermost vertical part of the filter chamber; Alternatively, when the filter unit is in use, the filter chamber may also include a secondary drain outlet at the lowest vertical portion of the filter chamber.

23. The filter unit of claim 1, wherein the filter unit is configured to operate as a centrifugal filter for filtering particles from a feed liquid containing particles.

24. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, The filter unit is operable to use centrifugal force to dehydrate the filtered particles.

25. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein, In use, the filter unit is oriented such that the axis is parallel to the horizontal plane.

26. The filter unit of claim 1, wherein the filter medium comprises pores with an average pore size of 10 to 100 μm.

27. The filter unit of claim 1, wherein the filter chamber is cylindrical and includes a cylindrical wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall.

28. The filter unit of claim 27, wherein the outlet is in the cylindrical wall, and wherein the outlet is tangent to the cylindrical wall.

29. A textile processing apparatus, comprising: The enclosure, including the user-accessible front and the doors therein; The filter unit according to any of the preceding claims is located inside the housing; A roller housed within the housing, the roller comprising an internal volume and an open end aligned with a door on the front of the housing.

30. The textile processing equipment according to claim 29, wherein, The textile processing device includes a detergent drawer located on the front of the housing, the detergent drawer being movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, and wherein the filter unit is located behind the detergent drawer.

31. The textile processing equipment according to claim 30, wherein, When the detergent drawer is in the open configuration, the user can access the opening and removable cover located on the second end wall of the filter chamber through the detergent drawer.

32. The textile processing equipment according to claim 29, wherein, The opening and removable cover are located on the front of the housing, or the opening and removable cover are covered by a flap or panel of the housing.

33. The textile processing equipment according to claim 29, wherein, The textile processing equipment is a washing machine.

34. The textile processing apparatus of claim 29, wherein the supply liquid is derived from the textile processing apparatus.

35. The textile processing apparatus of claim 29, wherein the outlet of the filter unit is connected to the drain pipe of the textile processing apparatus.

36. Use of a filter unit or textile processing apparatus according to any of the preceding claims for filtering particulate matter from a supply liquid.

37. A method for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid containing particulate matter, the method comprising: Provide a filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 28, A supply liquid containing microparticles is supplied through an inlet at the first end wall; The drive shaft is rotated by operating the drive unit to rotate the filter cage; The filtered supply liquid is discharged from the outlet; and Stop the drive unit and supply fluid to the inlet.

38. The method for filtering particulate matter according to claim 37, comprising dehydrating the filtered particulate matter by operating the drive unit to rotate the filter cage after stopping the supply of feed liquid.

39. The method of filtering particulates according to any one of claims 37 or 38, further comprising extracting the filtered particulates from the filter chamber via the opening.

40. The method for filtering particulate matter according to claim 39, wherein extraction includes removing the filter cage containing the filtered particulate matter through the opening.

41. The method for filtering particulate matter according to claim 40, wherein, The filter unit includes an extraction element, and extraction includes removing the filter cage containing filtered particles through the opening and removing the extraction element from the filter cage to extract the filtered particles from the filter cage.

42. The method for filtering particulates according to claim 37, wherein the supply liquid is supplied by textile processing equipment.

43. The method for filtering particulates according to claim 42, wherein the textile processing equipment is a washing machine.

44. The method for filtering particulates according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the textile processing equipment processes one or more garments containing fibers.

45. The method for filtering particulate matter according to claim 37, wherein the filter unit is contained within the housing of the textile processing equipment.

46. ​​The method for filtering particulate matter according to claim 45, wherein, The housing includes a front panel, a detergent drawer located in the front panel, the detergent drawer being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and wherein the filter unit is located at the rear of the detergent drawer.

47. The method for filtering particulates according to claim 46, wherein extraction includes first moving the detergent drawer to an open configuration.

48. The method for filtering particulate matter according to claim 37, wherein, The particles are or contain microfibers.

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