Laundry machine through outflow of helical brush filter

Abstract

This invention relates to a filter for the effluent of a washing machine, comprising a helical flow channel. An elongated brush extends along the flow channel. Preferably, the brush is housed within a filter tube. The brush is replaceable, while the filter tube is typically reused with a new brush. As effluent is fed through the flow channel, the brush and filter tube trap fibers and particles such as microplastics. A support unit may at least partially define the cross-section of the flow channel. Preferably, the support unit is detachably arranged within a housing.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a filter assembly for filtering the effluent from a washing machine. Background Technology

[0002] Washing clothes releases fibers and lint. Because clothing is often made of synthetic fibers, a certain amount of microplastics is generated during each wash cycle. Today, microplastic emissions are often considered a serious ecological problem.

[0003] If fibers and microplastics must not be released into the environment, they need to be retained for proper disposal. For this purpose, filters are typically known, for example, from WO 2021 / 070102 A1.

[0004] US 2019 / 0126326 A1 discloses a fiber trap for removing fibers, microfibers, hair, and similar items from fluids such as those found in effluent pipes, jets, washing machines, and dryers. The fiber trap includes multiple arms with multiple teeth for collecting fibers suspended in the fluid. The fiber trap is typically spherical. For use, the fiber trap is placed in the drum of a washing machine along with the clothes being washed.

[0005] CN 110685127 A describes a filtration device for a washing machine. The filtration device includes a first substrate and tentacle units movably disposed on the first substrate. Each tentacle unit includes a plurality of tentacles configured to adsorb particles in a filter medium. The filtration device is typically spherical, elliptical, or disc-shaped. The washing machine includes an inner drum and a circulating filtration system. The circulating filtration system includes a circulation line, a circulation pump, and a filter box. Both ends of the circulation line are connected to the inner drum. The circulation pump and the filter box are arranged on the circulation line. The filtration device is placed in the filter box. The circulation pump pumps wash water from the inner drum to the filter box. After the filtration device in the filter box has filtered the wash water, the wash water returns to the inner drum. This reciprocating cycle circulates the wash water in the inner drum. The filtration device can be removed from the filter box through a door cover and can be cleaned manually.

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide efficient filtration of waste from washing machines while requiring minimal maintenance.

[0007] This is achieved through the use of the filter assembly according to claim 1, the filter module according to claim 9, the filter module according to claim 14, and the washing machine according to claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are given in the dependent claims and the specification. Summary of the Invention

[0008] According to the present invention, a filter assembly for filtering the effluent from a washing machine is provided. The effluent may also be referred to as wastewater. The effluent typically includes dirt that has been washed from clothing and the like, as well as the material of the clothing, particularly fibers and debris, which may contain microplastics.

[0009] The filter assembly includes a support unit that provides a helical flow channel. Typically, the support tube defines the flow channel over at least a portion of its longitudinal and / or circumferential extension. The flow channel has a first end and a second end. The first end of the flow channel forms an inlet for the effluent to be filtered as it passes through the flow channel. The second end of the flow channel forms an outlet for at least a portion of the filtered effluent as it passes through the flow channel. The flow channel typically forms at least two, preferably at least three convolutions.

[0010] The filter assembly also includes a brush, which is detachably arranged in a helical flow channel. The brush extends along the flow channel from a first end toward a second end over at least a portion of the longitudinal extension of the flow channel. The elongated brush typically comprises a plurality of bristles. The brush may span a portion or the entire cross-section of the flow channel. A circumferential boundary, such as a tube, may be provided within the flow channel, against which at least some of the bristles abut. The circumferential boundary may span the cross-section of the flow channel. In other words, the circumferential boundary covers the cross-section of the flow channel. Effluent entering the first end of the flow channel is forced into the first end of the circumferential boundary. Thus, water containing debris is prevented from bypassing the circumferential boundary containing the brush.

[0011] When an effluent containing fibers and debris is fed through the flow channel, the circumferential boundaries, brushes, and bristles in particular capture these particles and prevent them from traveling to the second end of the flow channel. Centrifugal force resulting from the helical shape of the flow channel may help move particles toward the circumferential boundaries of the flow channel or within the flow channel itself. This movement helps keep the radially inner portion of the flow channel's cross-section clean. This helps extend the lifespan of the filter assembly.

[0012] After a certain period of operation, the brushes or flow channels may become clogged. To maintain the filter assembly, the brushes and borders (if present) are pulled out of the flow channels and replaced with new brushes and borders (if applicable). Alternatively, the current brushes and borders can be cleaned while ensuring no microplastics are released into the wastewater system, and then rearranged inside the flow channels. Since preventing the release of microplastics during cleaning can be difficult, it is preferable to dispose of or recycle the old brushes and borders with accumulated debris and insert new brushes and borders into the flow channels. The flow channels of the support unit can be cleaned similarly during filter assembly maintenance.

[0013] Brush replacement is easy to perform, requires little time, and is preferably tool-free. Suitable brushes can be obtained at low cost.

[0014] The length of the brush can be at least 20 times, preferably at least 40 times, the cross-sectional width of the flow channel.

[0015] The longitudinal extension of the flow channel from the first end to the second end can be up to 1.4 times, preferably up to 1.2 times, the length of the brush. Preferably, the brush extends from the first end of the flow channel all the way to the second end.

[0016] The brush may include a central cord and bristles protruding from the central cord. The central cord facilitates insertion of the brush into a flow channel. The bristles protruding radially from the cord help guide particles toward the circumferential definition of the flow channel or the boundary within the flow channel.

[0017] The brush can be housed within a tube made of filter material, preferably a nonwoven filter material. Preferably, the brush extends across the diameter of the tube. In other words, the brush covers the cross-section of the tube. The filter tube forms a boundary within the flow channel. Due to the filter material, contaminants in the effluent flowing into the first end of the filter tube are prevented from entering the flow channel. The effluent is filtered along the entire length of the filter tube. The filtered effluent can pass through the filter tube toward the circumferentially defined portion of the flow channel and into the interior space of the support tube. This helps maintain low pressure loss. Energy consumption for filtering the effluent can be reduced. Furthermore, the reduced pressure loss prevents particles from being shed from the brush bristles. Therefore, filtration efficiency is enhanced. The maximum pore size of the filter tube can be 200 µm, preferably 100 µm, and particularly preferably 50 µm. The tube is preferably circumferentially sealed at its first end against the defined portion of the flow channel.

[0018] Preferably, the tube is detachable from the support unit. This facilitates maintenance. During maintenance, the tube and brush are removed from the support unit. Then, a new tube with a pre-inserted brush is arranged in the flow channel, for example, by winding the tube and brush assembly around the support tube of the support unit.

[0019] The support unit may include a cylindrical support tube. The flow channel may be wound around the support tube. The support tube provides stability to the flow channel, as well as brushes and tubes (if present). The support tube may define the flow channel from its internal space above at least a portion of the longitudinal extension of the flow channel.

[0020] Preferably, the support unit includes a cover that seals the support tube at a first surface associated with a first end of the flow channel. This prevents unfiltered effluent from entering the interior space of the support tube. Instead, unfiltered effluent is forced into the flow channel at the first end of the flow channel on the outside of the support tube.

[0021] The support tube may have at least one flow opening (flow window) that fluidly connects to the internal space of the support tube. The support tube may include longitudinal ribs and circumferential ribs. Flow openings are formed between adjacent ribs. In other words, the open space between adjacent ribs provides the flow opening. This design keeps a large area of ​​the support tube in contact with the flow channel open, allowing filtered effluent to flow into the internal space of the support tube. Filtered effluent can enter the internal space of the support tube through the openings between the longitudinal and circumferential ribs. Clean water can easily drain from the internal space. At least one flow opening is provided in the end section of the flow channel associated with its second end. Preferably, a plurality of flow openings are provided along the length of the support tube, particularly along the entire longitudinal extension of the flow channel.

[0022] The support unit may include a helical guide element that separates adjacent folds in the flow channel. The helical guide element may project radially from the cylindrical support tube relative to its axis. In other words, the helical guide element may form a ramp descending along the support tube. Besides defining adjacent folds in the flow channel, the helical guide element also provides stability to the brush and (if present) the filter tube within the flow channel.

[0023] The support unit can be a single, integral component, preferably an injection-molded plastic part. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing of the support unit. Furthermore, since fewer individual components need to be manipulated, it facilitates the assembly and maintenance of the filter assembly.

[0024] The present invention also relates to a filter module comprising a housing and a filter assembly according to the invention as described above. Preferably, the filter assembly is removably arranged inside the housing. The filter assembly is arranged inside the housing for filtration operations. The filter assembly is removed from the housing for easy maintenance (i.e., brush replacement).

[0025] The housing may have cylindrical walls that define flow channels. Specifically, the flow channels may be defined outwardly by the cylindrical walls of the housing and at least partially inwardly by the cylindrical support tubes, relative to the common axis of the cylindrical walls and the support tubes. Adjacent folds of the flow channels may be defined relative to each other by helical guide elements. In other words, the housing may define a portion of the cross-section of the flow channels, while the remaining portion of the cross-section of the flow channels may be defined by the support units.

[0026] The first end of the flow channel can be fluidly connected to the inlet port through an inlet opening in the cylindrical wall. This design provides tangential feed of the raw effluent. This helps maintain low pressure loss when the effluent is guided into the flow channel at the first end of the flow channel.

[0027] Flow channels may surround the internal space, particularly the internal space of the support tube. The flow channels are typically fluidly connected to the internal space. After filtration through brushes and tubes (if present) in the flow channels, the filtered effluent enters the internal space. Preferably, the internal space is fluidly connected to the outlet port via an outlet opening located in the central portion of the end wall of the housing. This design specifically enables clean water to drain from the internal space of the cylindrical support tube.

[0028] The housing may have a removable closure. Removing the closure facilitates the replacement of the brush and tubing (if present). In particular, the filter assembly can be removed from the housing when the closure is removed. Preferably, the closure can be removed and installed without tools. For this purpose, a handle may be provided. Alternatively or additionally, a tool interface may be provided at the closure. Mating threads may be provided on both the closure and the housing.

[0029] The present invention also relates to the use of the filter module according to the invention, as described above, for filtering the effluent from a washing machine. This reduces the ecological impact of operating the washing machine.

[0030] The present invention also relates to a washing machine comprising a filter module according to the invention as described above. During operation of the washing machine, fewer particles (such as microplastics) are supplied to the wastewater system. A washing machine typically includes a water inlet for receiving clean water, a washing drum, and a water outlet for discharging wastewater. Preferably, the filter module is fluidly arranged between the washing drum and the water outlet. In other words, the effluent from the washing drum is guided through the filter assembly before being discharged via the water outlet. The inlet port of the filter module can receive the effluent from the drum. The outlet port of the filter module can be connected to the water outlet of the washing machine. Alternatively, the outlet port of the filter module can provide the water outlet of the washing machine. Attached Figure Description

[0031] Referring to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate important details, and the claims, further advantages and features of the invention will be appreciated from the following description of embodiments thereof. In variations of the invention, individual features as described above or explained below may be implemented individually or in any useful combination.

[0032] Figure 1 A schematic sketch illustrates a washing machine according to the invention, including a filter module according to the invention; Figure 2 The filtering module according to the present invention is shown in a schematic perspective view; Figure 3 Shown schematically in longitudinal section Figure 2 The filter module has brushes arranged inside the filter tube, and the brushes and filter tube are received in a spiral flow channel. Figure 4Suggested in schematic perspective view Figure 3 The filter module consists of a spiral filter tube and a brush; Figure 5 Showing through Figure 4 A schematic cross-section of the brush and filter tube, with particles located near the central cord of the brush; Figure 6 As shown Figure 5 The schematic cross-section shows particles traveling radially outward into the filter tube during the use of the filter module. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 1 A washing machine 10 is shown. The washing machine 10 includes a rotatable drum 12 for receiving clothes or similar items to be washed. Clean water is supplied to the drum 12 via a water inlet 14 of the washing machine 10. Wastewater (outflow) from the drum 12 is discharged into a wastewater system (not shown) via a water outlet 16 of the washing machine 10. A filter module 20 is fluidly arranged between the drum 12 and the water outlet 16. The filter module 20 may be arranged on the outside of the washing machine 10 (e.g., Figure 1 (As shown in the illustration), or it can be arranged inside the housing of the washing machine 10 (not shown). The filter module 20 prevents debris that may contain microplastics from being supplied to the wastewater system.

[0034] Figure 2 and Figure 3 The filter module 20 of the washing machine 10 is shown. The filter module 20 includes a housing 22 having a cylindrical wall 24. A removable closure 26 is attached to the cylindrical wall 24 at its top surface via a threaded connection. The closure 26 is provided with a handle 28 and a tool interface 29 for removing the closure from or securing it to the cylindrical wall 24. A bottom wall or end wall 30 is provided at the bottom surface of the housing 22.

[0035] Inlet port 32 allows raw effluent from roller 12 to be supplied into housing 22 through inlet opening 34 in cylindrical wall 24. Outlet port 36 allows filtered effluent to be supplied to water outlet 16 through outlet opening 38 in the center of end wall 30.

[0036] To remove fibers, dirt particles, and debris, especially microplastics, from the effluent (wastewater), a filter assembly 40 is removably arranged within the housing 22. The housing 22 is opened by removing the closure 26 to remove and insert the filter assembly 40.

[0037] The support unit 42 of the filter assembly 40 includes a cylindrical support tube 44, a cap 46, and a helical guide element 48. The support tube 44 circumferentially surrounds the interior space 50. On a first side, the cap 46 traverses the support tube 44 to isolate the interior space 50 from the environment. The support tube 44 and the cylindrical wall 24 of the housing are arranged coaxially about a common axis 52. The helical guide element 48 protrudes radially from the support tube 44 and abuts the cylindrical wall 24. The guide element 48 is wound around the support tube 44. The guide element 48 is inclined relative to the axis 52 such that it descends or rises along the axis 52. A second side of the support tube 44 may be open; on this second side, the support tube 44 may be sealed against the end wall 30 of the housing 24. For example, the support tube 44 may have a snap-fit ​​or sealing lip (not shown) that cooperates with a corresponding groove (not shown) at the end wall 30 of the housing 24 to seal the support tube 44 against the housing 24.

[0038] Between the support tube 44 and the cylindrical wall 24, a helical guide element 48 separates adjacent folds (or rotations) of the helical flow channel 54. Regarding the cross-section of the flow channel 54, it is circumferentially defined by the support tube 44 (inwardly relative to axis 52), the cylindrical wall 24 (outwardly relative to axis 52), and the helical guide element 48 (along axis 52 in both directions). In the illustrated embodiment, the flow channel 54 includes approximately four and a half folds. The last fold of the flow channel 54 may be partially defined by the end wall 30 in the downward direction along axis 52.

[0039] It should be noted that the cylindrical wall 24 of the housing 22 is impermeable to the effluent. The guiding element 48 may be permeable or preferably impermeable. An impermeable guiding element 48 may be sealingly adjacent to the cylindrical wall 24. The support tube 44 is generally at least partially permeable to the effluent. In other words, the flow channel 54 may lead to the internal space 50 of the support tube 44.

[0040] The first end 56 of the flow channel 54 is associated with the inlet port 32 (it should be noted that the first end 56 is located at...). Figure 3 (Behind the drawing plane). The first end 56 can be positioned directly below the cover 46. The inlet opening 34 provides fluid communication between the inlet port 32 and the first end 56 of the flow channel 54. The cover 46 separates the interior space 50 from the inlet opening 34 and the inlet port 32. Thus, the original effluent is introduced into the flow channel 54 at the first end 56.

[0041] The second end 58 of the flow channel 54 is associated with the outlet port 36.

[0042] At least in the end section of the flow channel (i.e., near the second side of the support tube 44), the support tube 44 is provided with flow openings 60. Preferably, additional flow openings (not shown) are provided along the support tube 44 or the flow channel 54, respectively. The support tube 44 may include longitudinal ribs and circumferential ribs along its radial body, wherein the flow openings 60 are respectively disposed between a pair of longitudinal ribs and a pair of circumferential ribs. The support tube 44 and the flow openings 60 provide fluid communication between the flow channel 54 and the internal space 50 of the support tube 44. Thus, the flow channel 54 is fluidly connected to the outlet port 36 via the flow openings 60, the internal space 50, and the outlet opening 38.

[0043] To filter the effluent, a brush 62 is provided within the flow channel 54. The brush 62 extends from the first end 56 toward the second end 58, preferably all the way to the second end 58.

[0044] Brush 62 is installed inside pipe 64; see also... Figure 4 The tube 64 is made of filter material, preferably a nonwoven filter material. The tube 64 is housed within the flow channel 54 and extends from a first end 56 to a second end 58. Preferably, the filter tube 68 is detachable from the support unit 42. At the first end 56, the tube 64 is sealed circumferentially (relative to the cross-section of the flow channel 54) against the defining portion of the flow channel 54. Along the extension of the flow channel 54, the tube 64 can fill the flow channel 54 across its cross-section; in other words, the free space 65 between the tube 64 and the defining portion of the flow channel 54 (i.e., the support tube 44, the guide element 48, and the cylindrical wall 24) can be filled with the material of the tube 64, such as excess nonwoven filter material.

[0045] Brush 62 includes a central cord 66 and bristles 68, the bristles 68 being attached to and protruding from the central cord 66. The free ends of at least most of the bristles 68 abut against the filter tube 64. In other words, brush 62 covers the cross-section of tube 64.

[0046] When an effluent containing particles 70 such as microplastics or fibers is supplied through tube 64, the bristles 68 of brush 62 capture these particles 70. See also Figure 5 As more effluent passes through tube 64, the particles eventually travel along bristles 68 toward the inner surface of filter tube 64, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 6 .

[0047] The filter material of tube 64 allows water to pass through while retaining particles 70 inside tube 64. Therefore, water travels along the flow channel 54 along the brush 62 inside tube 64. Clean water passes through the filter material of tube 64 into the free space 65 between tube 64 and the support unit 42 or the cylindrical housing wall 24. Clean water then flows from the free space 65 into the internal space 50 of the support tube 44 through the flow opening 60. Water leaving the flow channel 54 has been filtered by the brush 62 and / or the filter tube 64.

[0048] After some operating cycles, the inner surface of brush 62 or tube 64 may become clogged with particles 70. Therefore, filter module 20 needs maintenance.

[0049] For maintenance, unscrew closure 26 and remove filter module 40 from housing 22. Then, remove it from support unit 42, for example, by unwinding the used brush 62 and tube 64 from support tube 44. Wrap a new assembly of brush 62, arranged in tube 64, around support tube 44, thus arranging the tube-brush assembly in flow channel 54. Specifically, the brush-tube assembly can be pressed between helical guide elements 48, preferably starting from the first end 56 of flow channel 54, while working towards the second end 58. Return filter assembly 40 to housing 22, ensuring the closed end (i.e., cap 46) of support tube 44 faces away from end wall 30. Protrusion 72 on end wall 30 prevents filter assembly 40 from being fully inserted in an inverted orientation, see [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 3 It is preferably possible to fully tighten the closure 26 only when the filter assembly 40 is installed in the correct orientation (i.e., where the cover 46 faces the closure 26).

[0050] In summary, the filter for the effluent from a washing machine comprises a spiral flow channel. An elongated brush extends along the flow channel. Preferably, the brush is housed within a filter tube. The brush is replaceable, while the filter tube is typically reused with new brushes. As effluent is fed through the flow channel, the brush and filter tube trap fibers and particles such as microplastics. A support unit may at least partially define the cross-section of the flow channel. Preferably, the support unit is detachably arranged within the housing.

[0051] List of reference numerals Washing machine 10 Roller 12 Water inlet 14 Water outlet 16 Filter module 20 Casing 22 Cylindrical wall 24 26 closure Handle 28 Tool Interface 29 End wall 30 Entry port 32 Entrance opening 34 Export Port 36 Export opening 38 Filter component 40 Support unit 42 Support tube 44 Cover 46 Guide element 48 Interior space 50 Axis 52 Flow channel 54 First end 56 Second end 58 Flow opening 60 62 Pipe 64 Free Space 65 Center rope 66 bristles 68 Particle 70 Protrusion 72

Claims

1. A filter assembly (40) for filtering the effluent from a washing machine (10), the filter assembly (40) comprising: Support unit (42), the support unit (42) provides a spiral flow channel (54) having a first end (56) and a second end (58); A brush (62) is detachably arranged in the spiral flow channel (54) and extends along the flow channel (54) over at least a portion of the longitudinal extension of the flow channel (54) from the first end (56) toward the second end (58).

2. The filter assembly (40) according to claim 1, wherein, The brush (62) includes a central cord (66) and bristles (68) protruding from the central cord (66).

3. The filter component (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The brush (62) is housed in a tube (64) made of filter material, preferably nonwoven filter material.

4. The filter assembly (40) according to claim 3, wherein, The tube (64) can be detached from the support unit (42).

5. The filter assembly (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support unit (42) includes a cylindrical support tube (44), wherein the flow channel (54) is wound around the support tube (44).

6. The filter assembly (40) according to claim 5, wherein, The support unit (42) includes a cover (46) that seals the support tube (64) at a first surface associated with a first end (56) of the flow channel (54).

7. The filter assembly (40) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, The support tube (64) has at least one flow opening (60) that fluidly connects the internal space (50) of the support tube (64) to the flow channel (54), preferably wherein, The support tube (64) includes longitudinal ribs and circumferential ribs, wherein the flow opening (60) is formed between adjacent ribs.

8. The filter assembly (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, The support unit (42) includes a spiral guide element (48) that separates adjacent folds of the flow channel (54).

9. A filter module (20) comprising a housing (22) and a filter assembly (40) according to any one of the preceding claims, preferably wherein, The filter assembly (40) is removably disposed inside the housing (22).

10. The filtering module (20) according to claim 9, wherein, The housing (22) has a cylindrical wall (24) that defines the flow channel (54).

11. The filtering module (20) according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, The first end (56) of the flow channel (54) is fluidly connected to the inlet port (32) through the inlet opening (34) in the cylindrical wall (24).

12. The filter module (20) according to any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein, The flow channel (54) surrounds the interior space (50), the interior space (50) is fluidly connected to the flow channel (54), and wherein the interior space (50) is fluidly connected to the outlet port (36) through an outlet opening (38) arranged in the central portion of the end wall (30) of the housing (22).

13. The filter module (20) according to any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein, The housing (22) has a removable closure (26).

14. Use of a filter module (20) according to any one of claims 9 to 13 for filtering the effluent from a washing machine (10).

15. A washing machine (10) comprising a filter module (20) according to any one of claims 9 to 13.

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