Filter unit for filtering particulate matter and filter cage for use in the filter unit

Abstract

A filter unit and a filter cage, the filter unit comprising a filter chamber and a filter cage. The filter chamber comprises opposing first and second end walls, a side wall therebetween, and an opening in the second end wall. The filter cage is rotatable within the filter unit and comprises a side wall comprising a filtration medium and an opening in a first end of the filter cage. The filter cage is removable from the opening in the filter chamber. The filter chamber further comprises an inlet for passing a feed liquid through the opening into the filter cage and an outlet for filtered liquid. The filter unit further comprises a drive shaft for rotating the filter cage. A connecting member within the filter chamber forms a rotating seal and a removable connection to the filter cage. This arrangement also has the advantage that the filter cage can be removed and emptied in a single operation. In an alternative embodiment, the filter cage comprises a movable member and a user-operable portion for removing filtered particulates through the opening.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filter unit, a filter cage, a filter unit comprising a filter cage, a textile processing device comprising any of the filter units, the present disclosure also relates to the use of the filter unit, the filter cage and the textile processing device, and to a method for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid. [Background technology]

[0002] The washing of synthetic textiles is considered to be the largest source of microplastic pollution to the world's oceans, accounting for an estimated 35% of primary microplastics. The release of microplastics from synthetic textiles is caused by the mechanical and chemical stresses they undergo during the wash cycle in a washing machine. These stresses cause microfibers to detach from the synthetic textiles. Due to their size, the released microfibers often pass through wastewater treatment plants and end up in the ocean. Microfibers can be found on beaches around the world and in the waters of the Pacific, North, Atlantic and Arctic oceans, as well as in deep-sea sediments, and have recently been identified in human organs. Due to their size, they can be consumed by microorganisms, which are unable to digest them, leaving them as residues that pass through the food chain.

[0003] Many devices have been developed to capture particulates. One such device is described in International Publication WO2017 / 173215 and is called Cora Ball®. Cora Ball® has multiple arms with small teeth that capture particulates between them. The Cora Ball® is placed in the washing machine and circulated with the laundry. Independent tests (IE Napper et al Science of the Total Environment, 738 (2020) 140412) showed that the filtration efficiency of the Cora Ball was low at 31% of the microfibers collected from wastewater effluent. Presumably the Cora Ball needs to be washed after each use to prevent a loss of filtration efficiency, placing further demands on the user. The particulates captured between the teeth of the Cora Ball need to be removed without washing to avoid entering the wastewater system. This may require pulling or wiping the trapped residue from the teeth of the Cora Ball.

[0004] Another device that is also used within washing machines is the Guppy Friend®, described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2018320306. The Guppy Friend is a zippered laundry bag made of a porous material that captures particulates released from the laundry. In the same independent test, the Guppy Friend was found to have a filtration efficiency of 54%. The Guppy Friend also requires the user to empty the trapped particulates from inside the bag without using water. The Guppy Friend also requires the user to pack synthetic fiber laundry clothes separately from natural fiber clothes. The user also needs to empty the bag after every wash. This therefore places additional demands on the user.

[0005] Other devices are mounted externally between the washer's outlet pipe and the wastewater drain. One example is manufactured by PlanetCare (www.planetcare.org), which developed a filter to be used externally on the washing machine. The filter uses a static vertical cylindrical filtration media held within a chamber. The wastewater passes through two filtration media before exiting the chamber. If the filter becomes clogged, it must be periodically replaced by opening the top of the chamber to remove the filtration media. The efficiency of the device was found to be 29% in the same independent test. Furthermore, most household drains are located at the rear of the washing machine, and the washer's outlet pipe usually exits from the rear of the washer. This means that the PlanetCare filter and filters like it may need to be installed in a location that is inaccessible to the user, usually the rear of the washer, or a pipe may be used to bring the filter to the side of the washer. In many cases, this is not practical for the user.

[0006] Another particulate filter is described in WO 2019 / 122862, filed in the name of Xeros Limited. This filter is a centrifugal filter with a rotating filter cage that can be removed and emptied. This filter was found to have a filtration efficiency of 79% in the same independent test. The filter is designed to be installed in a washing machine. However, the inventors have subsequently determined that the filter described in WO 2019 / 122862 can be further improved to be more optimized for incorporation into domestic washing machines. Furthermore, the inventors have since sought to improve the accessibility of the rotating filter cage described in WO 2019 / 122862.

[0007] The inventors sought to address one or more of the following problems: i. A filter unit that can be easily incorporated into a wide variety of washing machines, particularly those currently sold for home use. ii. Improved accessibility to the filter unit. iii. Improved ease of maintenance and emptying of the filter unit, especially with regard to removal of filtered particulates. iv. The desire to integrate certain functions of the filter unit into the washing machine to provide a simple, familiar and effective user experience. v. The desire to maintain suitably high filtration efficiency.It is an object of the present disclosure to provide improvements generally and / or to at least partially address one or more of the problems set forth above. vi. A desire to improve the user experience when emptying the filter unit.

[0008] Additionally, it would be desirable to provide a filter cage that can be used within a filter unit to desirably address one or more of the problems discussed above. Summary of the Invention

[0009] In a first aspect, there is provided a filter unit for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid, 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 between the first and second end walls, both of the first and second end walls being coincident with the axis, and the second end wall being or including an opening and a cap removable from the opening; a filter cage received within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis; The filter cage comprises: a first end proximate the first end wall of the filter chamber when the filter cage is in the filter chamber, the first end of the filter cage comprising an opening; a second end proximate the second end wall of the filter chamber when the filter cage is within the filter chamber; and a filter cage sidewall between the first end and the second end, the filter cage sidewall being or including one or more filtration media for filtering particulates from a feed liquid; and the filter cage is removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber; The filter chamber further comprises: an inlet configured to pass a feed liquid into the filter chamber when the filter cage is in the filter chamber to supply the feed liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage; an outlet for passing filtered liquid out of said filter chamber; Equipped with The filter unit further comprises: a connecting member having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface; a drive shaft configured to drive rotation of the filter cage; Equipped with the first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a rotational seal permitting relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a removable connection between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface; The second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber.

[0010] A first aspect provides a filter unit that satisfies one or more of the problems i-vi identified above. For example, a user may remove the filter cage from the opening by gripping the second end of the filter cage, and transfer the filtered particulates through the opening at the first end of the filter cage into a dustbin. This provides a number of advantages, including the ability to empty the filter unit in one motion without the user having to change the grip position of the filter cage. When the filter cage is held over the dustbin in the emptying orientation, the opening at the first end is at the bottom and the second end is at the top. In this orientation, the opening is hidden from the user's view. This means that the contents of the filter cage are hidden from the user's view when emptying, further improving the user experience. The filter itself is also compact and fits easily within the housing of the washing machine without significant reconfiguration. The feed liquid enters through the second end of the filter cage, and the particulates also exit through the second end. This means that the filter cage can be removed and emptied without having to remove extra inlet or outlet connections or lids on the filter cage to empty it.

[0011] In a second aspect, there is a filter cage for use in a filter unit for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid, the filter cage extending along an axis and configured to be rotatable about the axis within the filter unit and removable from the filter unit; The filter cage comprises: at least one filter cage sidewall extending parallel to said axis, said at least one filter cage sidewall having a first end and an opposing second end, said sidewall together with said first end and said second end defining an interior and an exterior of said filter cage, said filter cage sidewall being or including one or more filtration media for filtering particulates from a feed liquid, said filtration media defining an interior filtration surface of the filter cage on which filtered particulates accumulate during filtration; a movable member internal to the filter cage having a filter surface cleaning portion adjacent the filter surface; a user-operable portion adapted to be manually operated outside the filter cage; Equipped with the first end of the filter cage is or includes an opening for removing filtered particulates from the filter cage when the filter cage is removed from the filter unit and for supplying a feed fluid to the filter cage when the filter cage is within the filter unit; The movable member is connected to the user-operable portion, and movement of the user-operable portion causes movement of the filtering surface cleaning portion relative to the filter cage such that filtered particulates are separated from the filtering surface and discharged through the opening at the first end of the filter cage.

[0012] The filter cage may be used with a filter chamber as described in the first embodiment or with an alternative filter chamber. The alternative filter chamber may extend along an axis and may comprise opposing first and second end walls and at least one side wall extending between the first and second end walls, both of which are coincident with the axis, and the second end wall is or comprises an opening and a cap removable from the opening, and the alternative filter cage may also comprise an inlet configured to pass a feed liquid into the filter chamber and to feed the feed liquid into the filter cage through an opening at the first end of the filter cage when the filter is in the filter chamber, and an outlet for passing filtered liquid out of the filter chamber. The axis of the filter cage may be the same as the axis of the filter chamber or may be parallel to the axis of the filter chamber.

[0013] A second aspect provides a filter cage that solves some or all of the problems identified above, either alone or when used in conjunction with a filter chamber. For example, the filter cage can be emptied by a user holding the filter cage over a dustbin with a first end facing the dustbin and a second end facing above the first end. The user can manipulate the user-operable portion to remove filtered particulates that have been deposited on the walls of the filter cage by the movable member. This means that the user does not need to look inside the filter cage or remove any components that carry particulates. Also, as no part of the filter cage needs to be removed, the chances of accidental contact with filtered material are reduced. This results in a cleaner and more convenient emptying operation, further improving the user experience.

[0014] [Filter chamber] The filter chamber contains a filter cage and a filtration medium and serves to direct the flow of the feed liquid from an inlet, through the filtration medium and out an outlet. The filter chamber may be a sealed unit, i.e., the filter chamber may be watertight sealed during filtration when a cap is placed on the opening of the filter chamber, and liquid can only enter and exit through the inlet and outlet, respectively.

[0015] The filter chamber can have a variety of shapes, including, inter alia, substantially cylindrical, elliptical, and rectangular. Particularly preferred shapes are cylindrical or near-cylindrical. Prisms based on polygons, with or without smooth edges, are also examples of suitable shapes, particularly prisms based on higher order polygons, i.e. polygons with five or more sides. Alternatively, shapes with rotational symmetry of degree 2 or higher about an axis may be suitable.

[0016] 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.

[0017] The length of the filter chamber must not exceed 600 mm, 500 mm, 400 mm, 300 mm, or 200 mm.

[0018] The filter chamber may have a diameter of at least 20mm, or at least 30mm, or at least 40mm, or at least 50mm, or at least 60mm, or at least 70mm, or at least 80mm.

[0019] 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.

[0020] The end walls and side walls may be connected to form the filter chamber and may be connected by welding, adhesives, clips, bolts, screws, magnets, threads, interference surfaces, etc. At least some non-permanent connections may be preferred, including clips, bolts, screws, magnets, threads, interference surfaces, etc. Non-permanent connections may allow for disassembly to access the interior of the filter chamber. Alternatively, the end walls and side walls may be integrally formed.

[0021] The walls of the chamber may be made of engineering materials. Engineering materials may include polymers, metals, and / or ceramic materials. 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), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPO), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyetherketone (PEK), polyamide, polyimide, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, and polysulfone.

[0022] The first end wall and / or the second end wall may be planar or may include more complex or irregular shapes, such as hemispherical, cylindrical, conical, among others. The first end wall and / or the second end wall may optionally be aligned perpendicular to the axis. In one embodiment, the first end wall is cylindrical with a flange.

[0023] The filter unit has an axis. The axis may preferably be coincident with and parallel to the center of rotation of the filter cage. The axis may also be coincident with and parallel to an axis of rotational symmetry through the filter chamber, or may pass through the center of the filter chamber (i.e., coincident with the center of mass of the chamber, assumed to be a homogenous body). Typically, the axis may be parallel to the horizontal direction when the filter unit is installed in the processing device. The side walls of the filter chamber may extend parallel to the axis. Alternatively, the filter chamber may extend from one end to the other, optionally from a first end wall to a second end wall.

[0024] [Caps and openings] The second end wall is or comprises an opening and a cap that can be removed from the opening. The opening may be closed by the cap such that liquid cannot pass through the opening. The cap may thus seal the opening in the second end wall. The cap may also be removable from the opening. For example, this may include, among others, opening a flap in which the cap is incorporated, unscrewing the cap, disengaging a latch or other retaining member that holds the cap in place. Removing the cap from the opening does not necessarily mean removing the cap, for example the cap may remain retained in the filter chamber.

[0025] The cap may be attached to the opening in the second end wall to seal the opening, and may comprise any element removable from the opening to allow access to the interior of the filter chamber. The cap may comprise, among others, a plug, a lid, a lift flap, or any physical element suitable for blocking the opening. The cap may be considered as an object that can be removed from the opening so that the opening is not blocked. The cap may be removable from the filter chamber or from any textile processing equipment in which the filter is used, or may be held there, for example, using a cord, chain, or rotatable arm.

[0026] The filter unit may include a retaining means for retaining the cap in the opening in the second end wall. Non-limiting examples of the retaining means include, but are not limited to, a thread between the cap and the second end wall, a bayonet tab on one of the cap and the second end wall and a bayonet groove on the other, one or more latches on the cap and / or the second end wall, an interference fit between the cap and the second end wall, one or more sliding locking pins on the cap and / or the second end wall, or an electromagnetic lock on one of the removable end wall and the second end wall and a metallic or magnetic element on the other. The retaining means may be configured such that when the opening is closed by the cap, the cap exerts an inward biasing force towards the first end wall of the filter chamber. The biasing force may be opposed by the filter cage and / or the second end wall.

[0027] The cap may be generally cylindrical or disc-shaped and may be sized to fit into the circular or disc-shaped opening in the second end wall.

[0028] The cap and / or second end wall may include a seal to prevent the dispense fluid from leaking around the perimeter of the cap. Non-limiting examples of suitable seals include X-ring seals, O-ring seals, lip seals, cone seals, V-seals, wedge seals, bellows seals, gaskets, U-cup seals, packing seals, and pusher seals. In particular, if the seal is on the cap, the seal may extend around the perimeter of the cap such that when the cap is placed in the opening of the second end wall, the seal is located between the cap and the second end wall.

[0029] The cap may include a handle, knob, or other appropriately shaped element of a suitable size to be grasped by hand. If the cap includes a thread, bayonet claw, or other retention means requiring rotation, the cap may include a handle, knob, or other appropriately shaped element shaped to allow a user to manually rotate the cap. The handle, knob, or other appropriately shaped element may also be configured to allow a user to grasp and pull the handle to withdraw the filter cage from the filter chamber through the opening. The configuration in this situation may include a handle of a suitable size and shape to allow an average user to easily disconnect the removable connection by hand.

[0030] [Entrance and Exit] The inlets and outlets may be considered as openings into and out of the filter chamber through which the feed and filtered feed pass during filtration. Optionally, the inlets and / or outlets may comprise multiple openings in the chamber walls, collectively referred to herein in the singular as "inlet" or "outlet." The inlet is typically the only way that the feed can enter the filter chamber, and the outlet is typically the only way that the filtered feed can exit the filter chamber during filtration.

[0031] Optionally, the inlet may be coaxial with the axis, or the inlet may be located radially outward of the axis.

[0032] Optionally, the inlet may be located in a first end wall of the filter chamber, or alternatively, the inlet may be located in a side wall adjacent to the first end wall of the filter chamber, or in a side wall closer to the first end wall than the second end wall.

[0033] The outlet may be in a side wall, and optionally the outlet may be tangential to the side wall, i.e. the filtered feed liquid may be able to exit approximately tangentially to the cylindrical wall through the outlet. Preferably the side wall is a cylindrical side wall and the outlet is tangential thereto. Alternatively the outlet may be in the first end wall or the second end wall. Typically the outlet is located further radially outward from the axis than the inlet.

[0034] [Filter cage] The filter cage comprises one or more filtration media. The filter cage may comprise a rigid structure. The filter cage may be capable of rotating the one or more filtration media, particularly without the filtration media being significantly distorted or bent by centrifugal forces experienced during rotation. The filter cage may comprise a rigid structure integral with the one or more filtration media, or they may be separable. The filter cage may comprise one or more filter cage fixtures or filter cage positioning components to assist in fastening or positioning the one or more filtration media in the filter cage. The filter cage may be formed from two rigid layers with the filtration media held between them, or may be formed from a single layer with the filtration media attached. The filter cage may comprise a lattice structure with a series of windows between each lattice. Optionally, the filtration media may extend across each window.

[0035] The filter cage comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is the end of the filter cage adjacent the first end wall when the filter cage is in situ in the filter chamber, and the second end is the end of the filter cage adjacent the second end wall. Optionally, the second end of the filter cage does not include a filtration medium. Thus, the second end of the filter cage may be non-porous such that the feed liquid cannot pass through. The second end may comprise a solid wall that seals the second end of the filter cage to prevent the passage of the feed liquid such that the feed liquid can only drain through the filtration medium. Alternatively, the second end may be an opening or may include an opening. The opening of the second end may comprise a member or element, such as a removable cap or a movable member, that can close the opening and be removable from the opening. In some embodiments, the opening of the second end of the filter cage may be closeable by a movable member as described herein.

[0036] The filter cage includes an opening at a first end of the filter cage. The opening allows liquid to enter the filter cage through the inlet and filtered particulates to exit the filter cage through the opening. The opening may encompass at least 60%, or at least 75%, or at least 95% or 100% of the area bounded by the filter cage sidewall when measured perpendicular to the axis at the point of the opening. For example, if the filter cage sidewall is cylindrical and the opening has a diameter of 50 mm measured from the opposing inner surfaces of the filter cage sidewall, the area is 7854 mm. 2 become.

[0037] In some embodiments, the first end of the filter cage comprises an opening, the edge of which is coincident with the filter cage sidewall. Coincident with the filter cage sidewall can mean that the opening is at least partially bounded by the inner surface of the sidewall, i.e., the surface of the filter cage sidewall closest to the axis.

[0038] In some embodiments where the opening is not 100% of the area bounded by the filter cage sidewall, the filter cage may include a bounding wall at the first end. The wall may be slanted away from the second end of the filter cage. For example, when the filter cage is held in a vertical orientation with the second end above the first end, the bounding wall may depend at least partially downward from the filter cage sidewall, e.g., the bounding wall may taper inwardly from the first end of the filter cage toward the first end wall.

[0039] The filter cage can enclose an interior volume, and the inlet can be positioned to deliver a feed liquid to the interior volume of the filter cage through the opening.

[0040] The filter cage comprises one or more side walls, referred to herein as "filter cage side walls" (or "filter cage side walls"). The filter cage may be substantially in the shape of a cylinder, an ellipsoid, or a prism. A filter cage that is substantially in the form of the aforementioned shapes may comprise shapes that approximate those shapes, including any shape therebetween. The prism may be a polygonal prism having a number of sides of 4 or more, for example 4 to 20. The polygonal prism may be a regular polygonal prism. If the filter cage is a cylinder, the filter cage side wall may comprise a single cylindrical wall. If the filter cage comprises a polygonal prism, the number of the filter cage side walls corresponds to the number of sides of the polygon, for example a hexagonal prism may comprise six rectangular side walls between two hexagonal end walls. Preferably, one or more filtration media are disposed within or on one or more side walls of the filter cage. Optionally, if the filtration media is a rigid material (e.g. a perforated metal sheet), the filtration media may be configured as the filter cage side walls. Preferably, the filter cage is cylindrical. Preferably, the length along the axis of the filter cage (ie, measured from the second end to the first end) is greater than its width measured perpendicular to the axis.

[0041] The filter cage may be rotationally symmetric about an axis and may be rotationally balanced, which preferably means that the filter cage does not wobble or vibrate excessively when rotated, for example when rotated at 100 rpm or 1500 rpm or 3000 rpm.

[0042] The filter cage may have a length of 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 may not exceed 595 mm, 495 mm, 395 mm, 295 mm, or 195 mm.

[0043] The filter cage may have a width 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. The width of the filter cage may not exceed 95 mm, 75 mm, 65 mm, 58 mm, 45 mm, or 35 mm. The width may be the maximum distance of the filter cage side walls measured perpendicular to the axis. If the filter cage is cylindrical, the width is the diameter.

[0044] The filter cage may include a removable cap. The removable cap may be disposed on the second end of the filter cage, may cover a portion of the second end of the filter cage, or may cover 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 feed liquid from exiting the filter cage, but is removable from the filter cage to allow access to the interior of the filter cage. The movable member may also function as a removable cap. The removable cap may include a connection means for holding the removable cap on the filter cage. Non-limiting examples of connection means include, but are not limited to, a thread between the filter cage and the removable cap, a bayonet tab on one of the removable cap and the filter cage and a bayonet groove on the other, one or more latches and engagement members 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. The removable cap may be removable from the filter cage after the filter cage is removed from the filter chamber.

[0045] The second end of the filter cage may include a mechanical coupling to the cap of the filter chamber. Thus, if the second end of the filter cage includes an end wall, a movable member, or a removable cap, the mechanical coupling may extend from any of these elements to the cap of the filter chamber. The mechanical coupling may be any connection that reduces the freedom of movement between the element of the second end of the filter cage and the cap of the filter chamber. In particular, the mechanical coupling may restrict the relative movement such that when the cap of the filter chamber moves in a particular direction (e.g., along an axis), the second end of the filter cage also moves in that particular direction. Optionally, the filter cage may be pulled out of the filter chamber through the opening of the filter chamber by removing the cap of the filter chamber from the filter chamber. This may further simplify the experience of use by eliminating the need to remove the filter cage separately.

[0046] The mechanical coupling may allow rotation between elements (e.g., end walls, movable members, or removable caps) at the second end of the filter cage and the cap of the filter chamber. The coupling allows one of the elements at the second end of the filter cage or the cap of the filter chamber to rotate relative to the other, and the rotation may be about an axis. The mechanical coupling may comprise a spindle. One or both of the elements at the second end of the filter cage and the cap of the filter chamber may be rotatable about the spindle. Optionally, the coupling may comprise one or more bearings or bushings between the spindle and the element at the second end of the filter cage and / or the cap of the filter chamber. The spindle may be rigidly connected to one of the elements at the second end of the filter cage or the cap of the filter chamber. In one embodiment, the spindle may comprise a threaded capped bolt, the bolt connected to the element at the second end of the filter cage via a nut, and the capped end of the bolt connected to the cap of the filter cage via a bearing.

[0047] The mechanical coupling may limit off-axis rotation, i.e., the filter cage and the filter chamber cap may move relative to each other through the coupling such that the axes passing through the centres of the filter cage and the filter chamber cap are no longer parallel. The coupling may include a biasing means that provides a restoring force to return the axes of the removable cap and the filter chamber cap to parallelism.

[0048] The coupling may comprise a spherical bearing that allows limited off-axis rotation. The spherical bearing may also provide relative rotation about the axis as described above. Alternatively, the spindle may be flexible to allow off-axis rotation and the spindle may also provide a restoring force.

[0049] The mechanical connection may provide support to the second end of the filter cage to prevent the filter cage from moving off axis when rotated via the drive shaft.

[0050] The filter cage may be made from engineering materials, and optionally the filter cage may be made from the same engineering materials as specified for the filter chamber above.

[0051] Where the filter chamber is, approximates or comprises a cylinder as discussed above, the filter cage may rotate about an axis aligned parallel to the side wall of the filter chamber, and more preferably about an axis that is substantially centered within the filter chamber when viewed directly along the axis, e.g., the side wall of the filter chamber and the filter cage are concentric when viewed directly along the axis.

[0052] The filter cage may rotate. The filter cage may rotate around the filtration media with a G-force of at least 2 G, or at least 5 G, or at least 20 G, or at least 40 G, or at least 100 G, or at least 175 G, or at least 250 G, or at least 325 G, or at least 450 G. The G-force may optionally not exceed 10,000 G, or 2000 G, or 1000 G, or 500 G at the radially outermost portion of the filter cage. If a filter cage of radius r (cm) rotates at R (revolutions per minute (rpm)), g is 9.81 m / s 2 If we use the acceleration due to gravity as G = 1.118 x 10 -5 rR 2 The filter cage may have a revolutions per minute 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. The revolutions per minute of the filtration media optionally should not exceed 10,000, or 5000, or 2500, or 2100.

[0053] [Filtration media] The term "filtration medium" as used herein is synonymous with "one or more filtration media". The filtration medium may comprise a porous material. The pores of the filtration medium may have an average pore size of 100 μm or less, 90 μm or less, 80 μm or less, 70 μm or less, 60 μm or less, 50 μm or less, 40 μm or less, or 30 μm or less. Such pore sizes have been found to provide excellent efficiency in removing microfibers while at the same time not easily becoming clogged. In order of increasing preference, the pores of the one or more filtration media have an average pore size of at least 1 μm, at least 2 μm, at least 5 μm, at least 10 μm, at least 20 μm, or at least 30 μm. Typically, the filtration medium comprises pores having an average pore size of 10 to 100 μm, or 20 to 70 μm.

[0054] The average pore diameter may be the arithmetic mean pore diameter. The pore size may be considered as the largest linear dimension of the pore. For circular pores, this will be the diameter. For pores in the form of slots, this will be the length of the slot.

[0055] The average is preferably established by optical or electron microscopy using suitable image analysis software. The average is preferably an average of at least 100, more preferably at least 1,000, especially at least 10,000 pores.

[0056] The number of filtration media present in the filter unit is preferably not more than 100, more preferably not more than 50, especially not more than 20, and most especially not more than 10. Preferred numbers of filtration media include 1, 2, 3, 4, 6 and 8.

[0057] The filtration medium may include a mesh, a perforated sheet, a woven or non-woven fibrous sheet, a cloth or felt, or a porous material, or any other known filtration material. When the filtration medium includes a mesh, the mesh may include wire or thread netting, including a knitted mesh. The wire or thread netting may be a non-woven or woven fabric, or may include multiple fiber layers. The fiber layers may optionally include two or more layers of fibers aligned in parallel, each layer typically with a different orientation. The pores of the mesh may be formed from different spacing between the wires or threads.

[0058] Where the filtration medium comprises a perforated sheet, the pores may be perforations. The perforated sheet may comprise a metallic or polymeric material in which the material is punched, pierced, cut, scored, or treated by any known method for introducing perforations into the material.

[0059] When the filtration medium comprises a porous material, the porous material may be a porous ceramic, a layered surface having pores (eg, a porous polymeric membrane), or any other material that is inherently porous.

[0060] The one or more filtration media may be planar in shape, more preferably the one or more filtration media are curved in shape, and most preferably the one or more filtration media are curved to assume substantially the same shape as the sidewall or sidewalls of the filter cage.

[0061] When one filtration medium is present within the filter cage, the filtration medium is preferably cylindrical. When multiple filtration media are present within the filter cage, the filtration media preferably act in combination to form a generally cylindrical shape when disposed within the filter cage.

[0062] As the feed liquid moves in one direction through the filtration media, it first contacts one surface of the filtration media, which is where filtered particulates may accumulate during filtration and is sometimes referred to herein as the filtration surface. Typically, the filtration surface is the surface of the filtration media closest to the axis.

[0063] [Connection parts] The connecting member may include a passageway for separating unfiltered feed liquid from the inlet from mixing with the filtered feed liquid in the filter chamber. The passageway may be in the form of an annulus. The hole or center of the annulus may extend parallel to the axis and may contain the unfiltered feed liquid in use. In some embodiments, the annulus may have substantially the same width or diameter as the opening at the first end of the filter cage, or the filter cage sidewall.

[0064] The connecting member may comprise a central spindle coinciding with the axis. The central spindle may be connected to the drive shaft of the filter unit. If the connecting member is rotated directly by the drive shaft, the connecting member may be connected to the drive shaft via radial members. If the connecting members comprise annular bodies, they may connect from the drive shaft to the annular bodies or from the central spindle to the annular bodies. The radial members may be spaced apart to allow the passage of the feed liquid. The radial members may also be shaped to comprise a surface oriented to rotate into the unfiltered feed liquid as the connecting member rotates. Thus, the radial members may also optionally be impeller blades. The connecting member may also comprise an impeller blade on the outside of the annular body, which may depend radially outward from the annular body and be configured to rotate the filtered feed of the filter chamber. In this specification, the impeller blade on the outside of the annular body may be referred to as the outer impeller blade, and the impeller blade on the inside of the annular body may be referred to as the inner impeller blade.

[0065] In some embodiments, the connecting member may be an intermediate component between the first sealing surface and the first connecting surface. For example, the connecting member may be an annular ring having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface on an opposite side. Furthermore, the first sealing surface and the first connecting surface may be adjacent or in contact on the connecting member or may share a common element, in which case the connecting member may be the area between the first sealing surface and the first connecting surface.

[0066] The connecting member may include an annular seal member on which the first seal surface is located. The annular seal member may be a lip seal. The connecting member may also include a seal retainer member for securing the annular seal member to the connecting member. Alternatively, the annular seal member may be integrally formed or secured by other means (e.g., adhesive). The seal retainer member may be a rigid annular component attached to the connecting member for retaining the annular seal member to the connecting member. A rotational seal may be formed between the first seal surface of the annular seal member and the second seal surface.

[0067] The second embodiment may comprise a connecting member as described for the first embodiment.

[0068] [Drive shaft] The drive shaft is configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage. The drive shaft may be directly connected to the filter cage such that rotation of the drive shaft directly rotates the filter cage without driving an intermediate component. When the drive shaft is directly connected to the filter cage, the direct connection may include a removable shaft connection. The removable shaft connection may be removable to separate the drive shaft into two parts, one part attached to the filter cage and removable with the filter cage, and the other part retained within the filter chamber. The separable shaft connection may be separable in a direction parallel to the axis. When the parts of the separable shaft connection are connected, torque can be transferred between the two parts. The removable shaft connection may comprise two mating surfaces with reciprocal features, i.e., one or more contours on one or both mating surfaces and a corresponding reciprocal recess or recesses on the other surface. Non-limiting examples of reciprocal features include splines and grooves, pins and slots, aligned teeth and radially aligned stepped surfaces, among others. The drive shaft may connect to the filter cage via one or more radial members that extend radially outward from the drive shaft to the filter cage. The radial members may include spaces or openings therebetween to allow the feed liquid to flow. The radial members may also be optionally configured by being sized and shaped to function as impeller blades.

[0069] Alternatively, the drive shaft may be indirectly connected to the filter cage such that rotation of the drive shaft rotates one or more intermediate components, which in turn rotates the filter cage. Examples of intermediate components include, but are not limited to, a connecting member. The drive shaft may be connected to the intermediate component with one or more radial members that extend radially outward from the drive shaft to the intermediate component. The radial members may include spaces or openings between them to allow the feed liquid to flow. The radial members may also be optionally configured by being sized and shaped to function as impeller blades. In some embodiments, the radial members may be the internal impeller blades of the connecting member. Alternatively, the drive shaft may be connected to the connecting member via a central spindle of the connecting member.

[0070] In some embodiments, the drive shaft may extend from at least a first end wall of the filter chamber to an intermediate component or filter cage. The drive shaft may pass through the first end wall of the filter chamber. The first end wall may comprise a bearing. The bearing may comprise a plain bearing or a roller element bearing in which the drive shaft is rotatably mounted. The bearing may be a sealed bearing unit, or one or more seals may be adjacent the bearing to prevent feed liquid from exiting the filter chamber through the bearing.

[0071] The drive shaft may comprise a mechanical connection to the drive means. The mechanical connection to the drive means may comprise a pulley connecting to the drive means via a belt, a gear connecting to one or more gears of the drive means, a chain between two sprockets, or a direct connection (e.g. a coupling) to the drive means. If the drive means is a motor, the direct connection may be, for example, that the drive shaft is connected to, integrally formed with, or coupled via a coupling to a rotor of the motor.

[0072] Optionally, the drive shaft may be hollow. The feed liquid may pass through the center of the hollow drive shaft. The drive shaft may pass through the first end wall, and the inlet may be within the hollow of the drive shaft and within the first end wall. The hollow drive shaft may also extend to the first end of the filter cage or a connecting member. The hollow drive shaft may allow for the feed liquid to be fed directly or through a connecting member to the interior of the filter cage.

[0073] [Drive means] The filter unit may comprise a drive means. The drive means may comprise a motor, optionally an electric motor. The electric motor may comprise a rotor. The rotor of the motor may be concentric with the axis and the drive shaft. Alternatively, the motor may be located remote from the axis, for example the rotor of the motor may rotate about an axis parallel to but not coincident with the axis of the filter chamber.

[0074] [Impeller] The filter unit may comprise an impeller. The impeller may comprise a plurality of blades sized and shaped to push water out as the filter cage rotates. The impeller rotates with the filter cage, rotating the feed liquid in the filter chamber. The impeller may assist in pumping or driving the feed liquid from the outlet through the filter unit and / or may assist in pumping or driving the feed liquid through one or more filtration media. The impeller may comprise 1 to 10, more preferably 3 to 10, especially 4, 5 or 6 impeller blades. The impeller blades may take any shape suitable for rotating the feed liquid in the filter chamber. In particular, the impeller blades may comprise faces aligned radially from the axis, such that upon rotation the faces may be forced into the feed liquid to rotate around the filter chamber. The impeller blades may be straight, may extend parallel to the axis along the length of the filter cage, or may be non-linear with respect to the axis (e.g., may be helical around the axis).

[0075] The impeller blades may be radially inward from the filtration media (e.g., on the interior of the filter cage). The impeller blades may be radially outward from the filter cage (e.g., on the exterior of the filter cage).

[0076] The impeller may be removable from the interior or exterior of the filter cage. Alternatively, the impeller may be attached to or integrally formed with the filter cage. If the impeller is removable, it may comprise an assembly of multiple impeller blades connected together, such that removal of the impeller removes all the blades simultaneously. In particular, the impeller may comprise a plurality of equally spaced straight blades interconnected with rigid radial or circumferential elements.

[0077] In embodiments including a movable member, the impeller blades may be incorporated into the movable member. In particular, the movable member may include one or more blades that function as an impeller and are configured to provide a surface cleaning portion thereon that moves relative to the filtration surface of the filtration media to remove filtered particulates from the filtration surface.

[0078] [First sealing surface] The first sealing surface may be any surface that, in combination with the second sealing surface, forms a seal that prevents the passage of feed liquid and allows relative rotation between the first and second sealing surfaces. In some embodiments, the first sealing surface may remain stationary during filtration while the second sealing surface rotates relative thereto. Alternatively, the second sealing surface may remain stationary during filtration while the first sealing surface rotates relative thereto. The first sealing surface may be disposed on an annular sealing member that is configured as part of the connecting member, or may be a surface on the connecting member.

[0079] The annular sealing member may be an annular lip seal, an X-ring seal, an O-ring seal, a cone seal, a V-seal, a wedge seal, a bellows seal, a U-cup seal, a packing seal, a pusher seal, or other suitable element. Optionally, the annular sealing member may be an annular lip seal, and the first sealing surface may be a radially innermost surface of the annular sealing member. In some embodiments, the first sealing surface may face radially inward, radially outward of the filter chamber, or may face toward a first end wall of the filter chamber.

[0080] The second embodiment may comprise a first sealing surface as described for the first embodiment.

[0081] [Second sealing surface] The filter unit of the first aspect includes a second sealing surface that may be disposed on the filter cage or on the filter chamber. In particular, in embodiments in which the second sealing surface is disposed on the filter chamber, the second sealing surface may be disposed on one of the walls of the filter chamber, such as the first end wall, the side wall, or the inlet extension of the first end wall. In some embodiments, the second sealing surface may be disposed on the radially outermost surface of the inlet extension.

[0082] In embodiments in which the second sealing surface is disposed on the filter cage, it may be adjacent the first end of the filter cage.

[0083] The second sealing surface may be on an annular sealing member, which may itself be configured as part of the filter chamber wall or filter cage. The annular sealing member may be an annular lip seal, an X-ring seal, an O-ring seal, a cone seal, a V-seal, a wedge seal, a bellows seal, a U-cup seal, a packing seal, a pusher seal, or other suitable element. Optionally, the annular sealing member may be an annular lip seal, and the second surface may be a radially outermost surface of the annular sealing member.

[0084] In some embodiments, the second sealing surface may face radially inward, radially outward of the filter chamber, or may face toward a first end wall of the filter chamber.

[0085] In some embodiments, the first seal surface and the second seal surface may also form part of a rolling bearing, which may be a plain bearing or a rolling element bearing, among other bearing types.

[0086] The second embodiment may include a second sealing surface as described for the first embodiment.

[0087] A rotating seal as referred to herein may be considered to be a seal between two surfaces that rotate relative to one another.

[0088] [First connection surface] The first embodiment comprises a first connecting surface. The first connecting surface may be any surface configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface. The first connecting surface and the second connecting surface may function in combination to provide a removable connection between them. The removable connection may include a connection where the two surfaces may be joined together to be held adjacent to each other, and a connection where the two surfaces may be removed or disconnected. An example of a removable connection is a push-fit connection, where the two surfaces are pushed together to hold the surfaces adjacent to each other. The push-fit connection can then be separated by applying a force large enough to defeat the push-fit connection. Another example of a removable connection is a twist-lock connection, where the two surfaces may be rotated in one direction relative to each other to hold the surfaces adjacent to each other. Rotating in the opposite direction may separate the two surfaces. The first connecting surface and the second connecting surface may be configured by determining the size and shape relative to each other such that the two surfaces function in combination.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first connecting surface may include an annular surface on the connecting member, which may be a radially inwardly facing surface or a radially outwardly facing surface.

[0090] The first mating surface may include a material that corresponds to or is compatible with the portion thereof. In a non-limiting example, the first mating surface may include a rubber O-ring that is held against the first mating surface.

[0091] The second embodiment may comprise a first connecting surface as described for the first embodiment.

[0092] [Second connection surface] The filter unit of the first aspect comprises a second connection surface that may be disposed on the filter cage or on the filter chamber. In embodiments where the second connection surface is disposed on the filter chamber, the second connection surface may be disposed on one of the walls of the filter chamber. This may optionally include the first end wall and the end wall or the inlet extension of the first end wall. In embodiments where the second connection surface is disposed on the filter cage, it may be adjacent to the first end of the filter cage.

[0093] In some embodiments, the second connecting surface may include an annular surface on the filter chamber wall or filter cage, which may be a radially inwardly facing surface or a radially outwardly facing surface.

[0094] The second mating surface may include a corresponding or compatible material to the portion. In a non-limiting example, the first mating surface may include a rubber O-ring or other seal type.

[0095] The second embodiment may comprise a second connecting surface as described for the first embodiment.

[0096] In some embodiments, the second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage. In such embodiments, the connecting member may not be removable from the filter chamber. In such embodiments, the connecting member may not rotate during filtration.

[0097] In some embodiments, the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber. In such embodiments, the connecting member may be removable from the filter chamber along with the filter cage. In such embodiments, the connecting member rotates during filtration.

[0098] [Air vent and secondary drain] When the outlet is located at the vertically lowest (i.e., bottom) part of the filter chamber, the maximum amount of filtered feed liquid can be discharged from the outlet by gravity. This configuration therefore allows the feed liquid to be completely discharged from the filter unit after filtration. However, when the filter chamber fills with feed liquid, air can accumulate at the top of the filter chamber. The filter unit may include an air vent outlet at the vertically highest part of the filter chamber to remove air. The air vent outlet may include a valve operable to allow air to escape from the filter chamber when it contains feed liquid. The valve may be open during or immediately after the initial filling of the filter chamber with feed liquid. The valve may close after the air has been evacuated from the filter chamber. The valve may include a float valve or any valve with a buoyancy element for operating the valve. The valve may be closed upon detection of liquid by the liquid sensor or after a predetermined time has elapsed, after which the valve may remain closed throughout filtration. The air vent outlet may be connected to a waste water drain or to the outlet of the filter chamber, so that any liquid passing through the air vent outlet may be returned to the waste water drain.

[0099] If the outlet is located at the top (i.e., top) of the filter chamber, air can exit the filter chamber through the outlet. However, after filtration, some of the filtered feed liquid may remain in the filter and not be able to drain out of the outlet by gravity. The filter chamber may further comprise a secondary drain outlet at the bottom (i.e., bottom) of the filter chamber. The secondary drain outlet may be operable to drain the retained filtered feed liquid from the filter chamber when the supply of the feed liquid is stopped. The secondary drain outlet may comprise a valve. The valve may remain closed during filtration and may open after filtration to drain the retained filtered feed liquid. The secondary drain outlet may be connected to the outlet of the filter chamber or to a wastewater drain.

[0100] The vertical top or bottom of the filter chamber may refer to the portion of the filter chamber that is the topmost or bottommost area of ​​the filter chamber in the vertical direction when the filter unit is in use. When the filter unit is in use, the filter unit is usually oriented so that its axis is aligned horizontally. The vertical top of the filter chamber may typically be the area of ​​the filter chamber where air may accumulate, and the vertical bottom of the filter chamber may be the area where water may accumulate first due to the effect of gravity.

[0101] [Movable parts] The filter cage of the second embodiment includes a movable member disposed within the filter cage. The movable member includes one or more surface-cleaning portions proximate a filtration surface of the filtration media. Movement of the surface-cleaning portions relative to the filtration surface separates filtered particulates from the filtration surface. The surface-cleaning portions may be in contact with the filtration surface or proximate the filtration surface.

[0102] In some embodiments, the filter surface cleaning portion may comprise a brush or scraper element for intimate contact with the filter surface. The scraper element may comprise a thin, conforming blade formed of a flexible material, such as rubber.

[0103] In some embodiments, the movable member can rotate about an axis to rotate the surface cleaning portion about the inner circumference of the filter cage. Alternatively, the movable member can move linearly parallel to the axis. The linear movement of the movable member can be from the first end to the second end of the filter cage or from the second end to the first end of the filter cage.

[0104] In some embodiments, the movable member may be removable from the interior of the filter cage. The movable member may be removable from the first end and / or the second end of the filter cage. The movable member may be removable from the interior of the filter cage by moving only in a direction parallel to the axis.

[0105] In some embodiments, the movable member comprises one or more blades extending along the length of the filter cage sidewall. The one or more blades may be straight and may optionally extend parallel to the axis. The movable member may comprise any number of blades. The movable member may comprise 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more than 10 blades. The blades may be equally spaced around the axis. The one or more blades may be configured to function as an impeller when the filter cage is rotating.

[0106] The filter cage may be configured such that one or more blades rotate with the filter cage when the filter cage is rotated, but rotate relative to the filter cage when rotated by the user-operable portion. In some embodiments, when the filter cage is within the filter chamber, the blades may be connected to a drive shaft or connecting member (optionally a central spindle thereof) such that a drive force may be transmitted and / or such that movement of the blades perpendicular to the axis is prevented.

[0107] The movable member may comprise a secondary filtration surface cleaning portion configured to be proximate to the filtration surface and to remove filtered particulates from the filtration surface when the movable member is removed from the filter cage. The secondary filtration surface cleaning portion may have a shape that fits within the interior of the filter cage. For example, if the interior of the filter cage is circular (when viewed perpendicular to the axis), the secondary filtration surface cleaning portion may be annular, arcuate, or circular in shape to fit within the interior of the filter cage. The secondary filtration surface cleaning portion may have a tapered edge that is oriented along the axis and contacts the filtration surface. The secondary filtration surface cleaning portion may comprise a flexible element for intimate contact with the filtration surface.

[0108] [User operable parts] The filter cage of the second aspect comprises a user-operable portion adapted to be operated by a user's hand on the exterior of the filter cage. Thus, the user-operable portion is accessible on the exterior of the filter cage by the user's hand. The user-operable portion can be adapted by being sized and shaped to be ergonomically usable with the hand. For example, the diameter or width of the user-operable portion may be a suitable size to be grasped between the finger and thumb. The user-operable portion may extend outside the filter cage parallel to the axis at least 5 mm, or at least 10 mm, or at least 15 mm, or at least 20 mm. The user-operable portion may comprise a textured surface to improve grip, for example a knurled surface, or a surface including a series of ridges or valleys. In some embodiments, the user-operable portion may approximate a polygonal, annular, or disc-shaped structure with a center passing through the axis. The exterior surface of the polygonal, annular, or disc-shaped structure may be the surface of the user-operable portion that is grasped by the user's hand during operation. The diameter or width of the polygonal, annular or disc-shaped structure may be approximately equal to the diameter or width of the filter cage. In some embodiments, the diameter or width of the polygonal, annular or disc-shaped structure may optionally exceed the diameter of the filter cage by 1 mm or more, or 2 mm or more, or 5 mm or more, and / or 20 mm or less, or 15 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, or 5 mm or less.

[0109] In some embodiments, the user-operable portion is adapted to be rotated about an axis by hand relative to the filter cage. In some embodiments, the user-operable portion may be adapted to move linearly parallel to the axis. When the user-operable portion is adapted to move linearly parallel to the axis, the user-operable portion may be moved from a portion adjacent the second end toward the first end and then moved back to a position adjacent the second end to remove particulates from the filter cage. The filter cage may include a groove or passage in a side wall of the filter cage for the user-operable portion to slide linearly into. In some embodiments in which the user-operable portion moves linearly, the movable member may also move linearly.

[0110] In some embodiments, the user-operable portion is proximate to the second end of the filter cage. In particular, the user-operable portion may be disposed between the second end of the filter cage and the second end wall of the filter chamber when in situ within the filter chamber. In some embodiments, the user-operable portion may be disposed radially outward of the filter cage. The position of the user-operable portion may be considered to be the position before the user-operable portion is moved to remove particulates.

[0111] In a second embodiment, the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion, and movement of the user-operable portion causes movement of the filtering surface cleaning portion relative to the filter cage, causing filtered particulates to separate from the filtering surface and exit through an opening at the first end of the filter cage. The connection may be direct, i.e., the movable member and the user-operable portion may be integrally formed from the same continuous material or a rigidly secured fastener or adhesive. The connection may be indirect, such as through a mechanical component, i.e., connected through an intermediate component such as a gear, axle, post, pivot, etc. Alternatively, the connection may be magnetic. When the movable member is directly connected to the user-operable portion, the user-operable portion may be considered to be an exterior portion of the filter cage, and the movable member may be considered to be an interior portion of the filter cage.

[0112] In some embodiments, rotation of the user-operable portion causes rotation of the movable member. Rotation of the user-operable portion may cause direct rotation of the movable member, in which case rotation of the user-operable portion through an angle will simultaneously rotate the movable member through the same angle.

[0113] In some embodiments, rotation of the user-operable portion may cause linear movement of the movable member. In a non-limiting example, rotation of the user-operable portion may cause rotation of a threaded element within the filter cage. The movable member may be connected to the threaded element and adapted to move linearly without rotation within the filter cage. Thus, rotation of the user-operable portion may cause rotation of the threaded element and linear movement of the movable member.

[0114] In some embodiments, linear motion of the user-operable portion causes linear motion of the movable member. In a non-limiting example, the user-operable portion may be configured to slide on the outside of the filter cage and may be connected via a magnet to a movable member inside the filter cage that is configured to slide linearly.

[0115] The user-operable portion or movable member and / or the filter cage may comprise a connection means for holding the user-operable portion or movable member to the filter cage. Non-limiting examples of connection means include, but are not limited to, a thread between the filter cage and the user-operable portion or movable member, a bayonet tab on one of the user-operable portion or movable member and the filter cage and a bayonet groove on the other, one or more latches and engagement members on the user-operable portion or movable member and / or the filter cage, an interference fit between the filter cage and the user-operable portion or movable member, or one or more sliding pins on the user-operable portion or movable member and / or the filter cage. If the user-operable portion is configured to rotate, the connection means may allow rotation between the user-operable portion and the filter cage. The connection means may also comprise a bearing and / or a shaft that allows rotation. For example, a bearing may be held at the second end of the filter cage with an axle passing through it. The movable member may be on one end of the axle and the user-operable portion on the other end, holding both to the filter cage.

[0116] In some embodiments, the user-operable portion may be configurable between a first configuration in which the user-operable portion cannot move relative to the filter cage and a second configuration in which the user-operable portion can move relative to the filter cage, hi some embodiments, the user-operable portion is free to rotate in the second configuration but is prevented from rotating in the first configuration.

[0117] In some embodiments, one of the user-operable portion and the filter cage may include one or more latches that engage with one or two or more engagement members on the other of the user-operable portion and the filter cage. In some embodiments, the latches may be disposed on one or more engagement members on the user-operable portion and the filter cage. In some embodiments, the user-operable portion or the filter cage may include one, two, three, four, five, six, or more than six latches. In some embodiments, the latches may be evenly spaced around the outside of the user-operable portion or the filter cage.

[0118] In some embodiments, the user-operable portion or the filter cage may comprise two engagement members. When the one or more latches engage with the first engagement member, the user-operable portion may be in a first configuration that is not movable relative to the filter cage. When the one or more latches engage with the second engagement member, the user-operable portion may be in a second configuration that is movable relative to the filter cage. The engagement portion may be annular and may extend around the filter cage or the user-operable portion to allow the one or more latches to rotate 360 ​​degrees while remaining engaged. When the first engagement portion and the second engagement portion are included in the filter cage, the first engagement portion may be located closer to the first end of the filter cage than the second end of the filter cage. Thus, when the one or more latches engage with the second engagement portion, the movable member may be further away from the first end than when it engages with the first engagement portion. Alternatively, the two engagement portions may be on the user-operable portion. In this case, the first engagement portion may be the engagement portion located furthest from the first end.

[0119] The filter cage and the user-operable portion may include relatively shaped features that engage when the filter cage is in a first configuration and disengage when the filter cage is in a second configuration. Non-limiting examples of relatively shaped features include teeth and corresponding ribs that engage with the teeth. In some embodiments, a plurality of teeth may be disposed adjacent the second end of the filter cage and a rib may be disposed on the user-operable portion, or vice versa.

[0120] In some embodiments, the filter unit of the first aspect may comprise a moveable member and / or a user-operable portion as described for the second aspect.

[0121] In some embodiments, if the filter cage includes an opening at the second end, the movable member and / or user-operable portion can close the first end of the filter cage to prevent unfiltered feed liquid from exiting through the second end. If the movable member is removable from the filter cage by the second end, another opening may be provided in the filter cage for access, maintenance, or additional emptying. Thus, the movable member may also function as a removable cap for the filter cage.

[0122] [Third aspect] According to a third aspect, a filter chamber extending along an axis and including opposing first and second end walls and at least one side wall extending between the first and second end walls, both of the first and second end walls coinciding with the axis, the second end wall being or including an opening and a cap removable from the opening; a filter cage according to the second aspect, housed within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis, the filter cage being removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall; A filter unit is provided, comprising: The filter chamber further includes an inlet configured to pass a feed liquid into the filter chamber to supply the feed liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage when the filter is in the filter chamber, and an outlet configured to discharge filtered liquid from the filter chamber.

[0123] The filter unit according to the third aspect further comprises: a connecting member having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface; a drive shaft configured to drive rotation of the filter cage; and the first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with a second sealing surface to provide a rotational seal permitting relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface to provide a releasable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface; The second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber.

[0124] Any of the filter chamber, connecting member and / or drive shaft of the third embodiment may include those described herein in relation to the first embodiment.

[0125] [Operation] The filter unit of the first or third embodiment may be operable as a centrifugal filter or may be operable to filter particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid using centrifugal force. A filter unit operable as a centrifugal filter or to filter particulates using centrifugal force may rotate the feed liquid through the filtration medium. The rotation may create a pressure gradient to drive fluid through the filtration medium and out of the filter cage. Optionally, the rotation of the feed liquid may also drive the feed liquid through the filter unit. The filter cage of the second embodiment may be operable to operate as a centrifugal filter in the filter chamber or to use centrifugal force to filter particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid.

[0126] In order of increasing preference, the filter unit of the first or third embodiment, or the filter chamber comprising the filter cage of the second embodiment, may filter feed liquor 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 it is required to be emptied or cleaned. The need for cleaning may be established when the flow rate drops below 50% of the initial rate, or more preferably when a sudden decrease in flow rate is noted.

[0127] Typically, particulates may be removed from the filter chamber (only) when the filtered feed liquid is discharged from the filter chamber. Optionally, particulates may be removed from the filter chamber (only) when the filtered feed liquid is discharged below the nadir of the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber.

[0128] The filter unit of the first or third embodiment may be operable to remove the filtered particulates from the filter chamber by removing the filter cage when the filtered particulates are in a dehydrated state. The filter cage of the second embodiment may be removable from the filter chamber after the filtered particulates are in a dehydrated state. The dehydrated state may include a particulate-containing filter residue when the water content of the filter residue is reduced from a suspension or surplus of water to a state in which the filter residue is in a non-flowable state. A non-flowable state may be considered to be a state in which the filter residue has a large amount of solids compared to the liquid, i.e., the residue may resemble a slurry, a pasty or wet granular material, or a substantially dry granular material. A large amount of solids compared to the liquid may be considered to be a filter residue that includes at least 50% solids by weight, at least 75% solids by weight, or at least 90% solids by weight, and optionally up to 98% solids by weight, or up to 100% solids by weight. The dewatered filter retentate may optionally include a filter retentate where the moisture content has been reduced until the filter retentate contains a large amount of solids compared to liquid as defined above. The dewatered particulates may be removed from the filter chamber or removal element of the filter cage.

[0129] The filter unit of the first embodiment, the third embodiment, or the filter cage of the second embodiment may be operable to dewater the filtered particulates using centrifugal force. That is, after filtration, water may be drained from the filter chamber and the filter cage may be rotated to remove water from the filter residue containing the particulates. Rotation may continue until a dewatered state as defined above is achieved. Optionally, the rotation to dewater the filtered particulates may be performed with a higher G-force than the rotation during filtration. Optionally, the filter operable to dewater may comprise a filter cage capable of rotating at least 1,000 revolutions per minute, or at least 1,200 revolutions per minute, or at least 1,400 revolutions per minute, or at least 1,800 revolutions per minute, or at least 2,000 revolutions per minute, or at least 5,000 revolutions per minute, or at least 10,000 revolutions per minute.

[0130] The filter unit of the first or third aspect may comprise an outlet at a top of the filter chamber and a secondary drain outlet at a bottom of the filter chamber. The secondary drain outlet may comprise a valve. The valve may be closed during filtration and / or may be open during filtration.

[0131] [Supply liquid] The feed liquid may be a liquid effluent from a textile processing device. Preferably, the feed liquid is not in the form of a paste, sludge or semi-solid. Preferably, the feed liquid is an aqueous liquid. When the feed liquid comprises liquids other than water, these may be alcohols, ketones, ethers, cyclic amides, etc. Preferably, the feed liquid comprises at least 50% by weight, more preferably at least 80% by weight, most particularly at least 90% by weight of water.

[0132] The feed liquid includes particulates. As used herein, the term "particulates" may refer to any particulate material having a longest linear dimension of less than 1 mm, or less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. The particulates may have a longest linear dimension of 1 μm or more. The longest linear dimension may be measured by optical or electron microscopy using appropriate image analysis software. The particulates may be particulates derived from textiles, particularly fibers and filaments of textiles, and may be microfibers in particular.

[0133] The feed liquid may contain larger particles, for example particles greater than 1 mm in size. As used herein, the term "solid material" may refer to fine particles, and possibly larger particles, in the feed liquid.

[0134] The feed liquid may contain less than 30% by weight, or less than 20% by weight, or less than 10% by weight (as a percentage of the total mass of solid materials and liquid) of solid materials prior to entering the filter unit. The feed liquid may contain at least 0.001% by weight, or at least 0.01% by weight, or at least 0.1% by weight (as a percentage of the total mass of solid materials and liquid).

[0135] The feed liquid may contain from 0.01% to about 5% by weight of the solid material, or from about 0.1% to about 3.5% by weight of the solid material (as a percentage of the total mass of the solid material and liquid).

[0136] The inlet of the filter unit may be connected to the outlet of a textile processing device. The feed liquid from the textile processing device may be an effluent feed. The term "effluent feed" preferably refers to a feed liquid originating from an effluent from a cycle of the textile processing device, e.g. a washing cycle.

[0137] Alternatively, the feed liquid may be an abrasive feed of a textile processing device. The term "abrasive feed" preferably refers to the liquid present in the textile processing device during some portion of the textile processing. Typically, the abrasive feed is recirculated between the filter unit and the textile processing device.

[0138] [Microfiber] The particulates may be or may include microfibers. In particular, the filter unit of the first or third embodiment may be capable of filtering microfibers from a feed liquid containing microfibers. As used herein, the term "microfiber" preferably refers to a microfiber having a longest linear dimension of less than 1 mm. Preferably, in order of increasing preference, the microfiber has a longest linear dimension of 500 μm or less, 250 μm or less, 200 μm or less, 150 μm or less, or 100 μm or less.

[0139] The term microfiber may additionally or alternatively refer to fibers having a diameter of less than 10 micrometers.

[0140] The longest linear dimension and diameter can be measured by optical or electron microscopy using appropriate image analysis software. Preferably, the longest linear dimension and / or diameter of the microfibers is an average. Preferably, the average is an arithmetic mean. The arithmetic mean is preferably established by measuring at least 100, more preferably at least 1,000, especially at least 10,000 microfibers.

[0141] The microfibers may 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 polyamide, polyester, acrylic. Microfibers containing natural materials include, but are not limited to, those derived from wool, cotton and silk, especially those containing cellulose.

[0142] [Efficiency, flow rate and filtered feed] A filtered feed may refer to a feed that has been passed through a filtration medium. A filtered feed is a feed that has had a portion of the particulates removed by filtration. As used herein, the term "efficiency" may refer to the mass percentage of particulates that are removed from the feed.

[0143] The filter units, filter cages, textile treatment devices, methods and uses disclosed herein can remove, in order of increasing preference, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, and at least 99% by dry weight of all particulates originally present in the feed liquid.

[0144] Efficiency can be established by filtering the feed. Efficiency can be measured across a range of particulate types. Preferably, efficiency is established by first capturing all particulates from any processing cycle collected using a filter bag with a 1 micron pore size and measuring the dry weight. Dry weight W totav is usually the average value. tot Itself is W f1 -W i1 where W f1 is the final dry weight of the 1 micron filter bag plus the collected dry particulates, W i1 W is the dry weight of the initial filter bag before filtration. totav is simply W tot is the average of the values, usually 3 × W tot is the average of the values.

[0145] In a similar manner, the second small amount of particulate matter that has passed through the filter unit or filter cage can be established by capturing and measuring the dry weight of particulate matter in the feed liquid that is collected in a 1 micron filter bag after leaving the filter unit or filter cage. This dry mass of particulate matter that has passed through the filter unit is called W ncand itself, W f2 -W i2 where W f2 is the final dry sum of the 1 micron filter bag plus the collected dry particulates, and W i2 is the dry weight of the initial filter bag before filtration.

[0146] And the efficiency is (W totav -W nc ) / W totav × 100.

[0147] Drying of the filter bags and filtered particulates is preferably carried out at a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius for at least 12 hours.

[0148] In order of increasing preference, the flow rate of the feed through the filter unit is at least 1 liter / min, at least 2 liters / min, at least 3 liters / min, at least 4 liters / min, at least 5 liters / min, at least 6 liters / min, at least 7 liters / min, at least 8 liters / min, at least 9 liters / min, at least 10 liters / min, at least 15 liters / min, at least 20 liters / min, at least 25 liters / min, at least 30 liters / min, at least 35 liters / min, or at least 40 liters / min.

[0149] Typically, the flow rate will not exceed 1000 liters per minute, 500 liters per minute, 100 liters per minute, or 50 liters per minute.

[0150] In order of increasing preference, the filter unit has a capacity of at least 100 ml, at least 250 ml, at least 500 ml, at least 750 ml, at least 1,000 ml, or at least 2,000 ml.

[0151] Typically, the filter unit has a capacity of 20,000 ml or less, 10,000 ml or less, 5,000 ml or less, 3,000 ml or less, 2,000 ml or less, or 1,000 ml or less.

[0152] Capacity is usually measured by filling the filter chamber with water until it is completely filled, usually with water at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.

[0153] In order of increasing preference, the flow rate:volume ratio, where flow rate is expressed in liters / minute and volume is expressed in liters, 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.

[0154] The flow rate:volume ratio is typically no greater than 1000:1, more typically no greater than 500:1, or even no greater than 100:1.

[0155] [Textile processing equipment] According to a fourth aspect, a housing having a user accessible front surface and a door at said front surface; a filter unit according to the first aspect or the third aspect located within the housing; and a drum contained within the housing, the drum having an interior volume and an open end aligned with the door on the front side of the housing; A textile processing apparatus is provided comprising:

[0156] The textile processing device may be any device suitable for processing textiles. In particular, the textile processing device may be suitable for cleaning textiles. In particular, the textile may comprise natural fibers (e.g., cellulose-containing fibers), synthetic fibers (e.g., polyester), or a combination of natural and synthetic fibers. The textile may comprise woven fibers. In particular, the textile may comprise a garment.

[0157] The textile treatment device may be adapted to wash the textile with a treatment formulation comprising a liquid, and the drum may be suitable for rotating the textile and the treatment formulation. The textile treatment device may comprise a drive unit for rotating the drum and a filter unit according to the first or third aspect. In particular, the textile treatment device may be a washing machine.

[0158] The textile processing device may include a detergent drawer disposed at a front side of the housing. The detergent drawer may be movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration. In the open configuration, a user may add textile cleaning materials (e.g., detergent). The filter unit may be disposed behind the detergent drawer. An opening in a second end wall of the filter unit and a removable lid may be accessible by a user through the detergent drawer when the detergent drawer is in the open configuration.

[0159] The detergent drawer may be mechanically connected to the cap of the filter chamber. When the detergent drawer is opened, the cap may be pulled away from the filter chamber. Similarly, when the detergent drawer is closed, the cap may return to close the filter chamber. In these embodiments, the filter cage may be coupled to the detergent drawer via the cap. Thus, when the detergent drawer is opened, the filter cage may be removed from the filter chamber. Similarly, when the detergent drawer is closed, the filter cage may be returned to the filter chamber and the cap may be returned to the opening.

[0160] Alternatively, the filter chamber opening and cap may be directly accessible on the front of the housing for user access, or the opening and cap may be covered by a flap or panel on the housing.

[0161] The inlet of the filter unit may be connected to a textile processing device such that the feed liquid is from a processing cycle of the textile processing device. If the textile processing device is a washing machine, the feed liquid may be the effluent from the wash cycle.

[0162] The outlet of the filter unit may be connected to a drain of the textile processing equipment, which may be connected to a waste water drain (e.g. a connection to a sewer system).

[0163] The textile processing equipment may include machines adapted for applying color (e.g., dyeing), stonewashing, polishing, and surface treatments to garments or textiles used in the manufacture of garments. The textile processing equipment may have a capacity to process 15 kg or less, or 25 kg or less, or 50 kg or less, or 100 kg or less, or 500 kg or less of dry textiles at any one time. The drum volume of the textile processing equipment may be up to 100 L, 500 L, 1000 L, or 5000 L.

[0164] The textile processing device may be a washing machine, which may be a domestic washing machine or a commercial washing machine. The domestic washing machine may be capable of washing 15 kg or less of dry textiles at one time. Typically, the domestic washing machine is either a front-loading washing machine or a top-loading washing machine. In front-loading washing machines and top-loading washing machines, the front is the surface including the door. In top-loading washing machines, the front is therefore the top surface. Most domestic washing machines are around 60 cm wide, 60 cm deep and 85 cm high. The drum of the domestic washing machine preferably has a volume of at least 1 litre, more preferably at least 10 litres, and preferably no more than 150 litres, or no more than 120 litres.

[0165] Commercially available washing machines may have a capacity of more than 15 kg of dry textiles at one time. The drums of textile processing equipment may have a capacity of more than 120 liters, more than 150 liters, more than 200 liters, more than 400 liters, more than 900 liters, or more than 1400 liters. Drums of such large dimensions are particularly suitable for commercial or industrial applications. There may be any upper limit on the capacity of the drum, and preferably the capacity of the drum is no more than 20,000 liters, or no more than 10,000 liters.

[0166] The textile processing device may also comprise a drive unit operable to rotate a drum of the textile processing device, the drive unit for rotating the drum may be a motor, preferably an electric motor.

[0167] The liquid in the treatment formulation may be as described for the feed liquid above. The liquid may include one or more treatment additives selected from dyes, pigments, surfactants, enzymes, acids, bases, buffers, oxidizers, builders, biocides, and stain inhibitors.

[0168] The textile processing device is preferably electrically connected to the filter unit according to the first or third aspect. The textile processing device may comprise a controller unit, which is preferably connected to the filter unit according to the first or third aspect.

[0169] The controller of the textile processing device may comprise a memory loaded with a program which, when operated by the processor, operates a drive means connected to or included as part of the filter unit. Similarly, one or more valves may be operated by the controller. The valves operated may be valves associated with the inlet, outlet, secondary drain outlet, or air vent outlet (i.e. air vent valves). In this way, the operation of the filter unit may be under the direct control of the textile processing device.

[0170] Alternatively or additionally, the filter unit may comprise a controller. The filter unit controller may sense or be fed information related to the operation of the controller of the textile processing device, the controller having a memory loaded with a program that, when operated by the processor, controls the drive means connected to or included as 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 device, but instead "knows" what the textile processing device is doing and can respond accordingly. As an example, the filter unit controller may sense that the waste water valve of the textile processing device has opened and / or that the waste water pump has been activated, and may then respond by providing power to the drive means of the filter unit and / or operating the air vent valve to initiate filtration by the filter unit. The controller memory may be configured as part of the filter unit and may be accessible via wireless communication.

[0171] The filter unit and / or textile processing device may include sensors (e.g., a pressure or liquid sensor at a drain outlet or filter chamber of the textile processing device, and / or a sensor measuring the volume of effluent sent to the filter unit). The controller of the filter unit or textile processing device may be configured to automatically operate the filter unit based on input from such sensors. Alternatively, or in addition, the controller of the filter unit or textile processing device may be configured to operate the filter unit after conditions related to the wash cycle have been identified (e.g., after completion of the wash cycle).

[0172] The textile treatment device may comprise a tub to which a drum is rotatably mounted, the drum having a sidewall with one or more openings configured to allow the treatment formulation to exit the drum, a collector disposed below the drum and optionally in or below the tub, the collector configured to collect the treatment formulation exiting the drum, a filter unit as disclosed herein, and a first flow path between the collector and an inlet of the filter unit.

[0173] The outlet of the filter unit may be fluidly connected to a drum. In this manner, liquid passing through the filter unit may be returned to the drum. The outlet of the filter unit may be fluidly connected to a drain. Optionally, the outlet of the filter unit may be fluidly connected to the drain and to the drum. Optionally, the textile processing device includes a control valve configured such that liquid filtrate exiting the outlet of the filter unit is selectively recirculated to the drum or sent to the drain.

[0174] The textile treatment device may further comprise a recirculation means for recirculating the treatment formulation from the collector to the drum, the filter unit being included in the recirculation means. In this way, the filter unit filters the treatment formulation during recirculation from the collector to the drum. Typically, the recirculation means comprises a pump and a duct connecting the collector and the drum.

[0175] The textile treatment apparatus may comprise a second filter not according to the first or third aspect of the invention, or a trap arranged so that the treatment formulation 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 larger pieces of solid material or articles such as coins, stones or other articles from pockets entering the filter when the laundry is washed.

[0176] [use] According to a fifth aspect there is provided use of the filter unit of the first or third aspect, the filter cage of the second aspect or the textile treatment apparatus of the fourth aspect for filtering particulates from a feed liquid.

[0177] The use of the textile processing device according to the fifth aspect may include the processing of textiles, in particular textiles comprising synthetic fibres and / or cellulose-containing textiles such as cotton or polycotton. The textile processing device may be as described in the second aspect.

[0178] Use of the filter cage according to the second embodiment may include inserting the filter cage into a filter chamber to form a filter unit and operating the filter unit to filter particulates. The filter chamber may be a filter as described herein or other filters.

[0179] The use may be carried out according to the method of the sixth aspect.

[0180] [method] According to a sixth aspect, there is provided a method for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid, the method comprising: Providing a filter unit according to the first or third aspect; supplying the feed liquid containing particulates through the inlet in the first end wall; rotating the drive shaft to rotate the filter cage; passing the filtered feed liquid out of said outlet; stopping rotation of the drive shaft and stopping the supply of feed liquid to the inlet. Includes.

[0181] The method may include dewatering the filtered particulates by rotating the drive shaft to rotate the filter cage after stopping the supply of the feed liquid. The dewatering step may include rotating the drive shaft at a faster speed than during filtration.

[0182] The stopping of the rotation of the drive shaft and the stopping of the supply of the feed liquid to the inlet can be done simultaneously or sequentially. Optionally, the stopping of the supply is done before stopping the rotation of the drive shaft. The stopping of the rotation of the drive shaft can be done by stopping the operation of the drive means. The stopping of the supply of the feed liquid can be done by stopping the operation of the pump or by closing the valve upstream of the filter unit.

[0183] The method may include removing the filtered particulates from the filter chamber by severing a removable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface to remove the filter cage with the filtered particulates contained therein through an opening in a second end wall of the filter chamber, and orienting and vibrating the filter cage such that the filtered particulates fall through the opening in the first end of the filter cage.

[0184] In some embodiments, disconnection and removal may include the user pulling the filter cage axially. The user may pull a handle on the cap of the filter chamber.

[0185] In some embodiments, removing the filtered particulates may include removing the filter cage with the filtered particulates contained therein through an opening in a second end wall of the filter chamber, and moving the user-operable portion to move the filtration surface cleaning portion relative to the filter cage to separate the filtered particulates from the filtration surface and discharge them through the opening in the first end of the filter cage.

[0186] Optionally, the feed liquid may be provided from a textile processing device. The textile processing device may optionally be any textile processing device according to the fourth aspect. Furthermore, the feed liquid may be any feed liquid as described in the first or second aspect. In particular, the textile processing device of the method may be a washing machine. The filter unit may be accommodated in a housing of the textile processing device. The housing may have a front face in which a detergent drawer is arranged, the detergent drawer being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the filter unit being arranged behind the detergent drawer.

[0187] Optionally, the textile processing device may be processing one or more cellulose-containing garments. Thus, the feed liquid may include cellulose microfibers and effluent from the processing. Typically, the particulates are or include microfibers.

[0188] Optionally, the removing may include first moving the detergent drawer to an open configuration.

[0189] The step of supplying the particulate-laden feed liquid through the inlet may first include priming the filter chamber by filling the filter chamber with the feed liquid. Priming may include operating a pump of the processor to pump the feed liquid into the filter unit. Priming may include operating an air vent outlet to remove air from the filter chamber. Optionally, after priming the chamber, the drive shaft may be rotated to initiate filtration.

[0190] Optionally, after rotation of the filter cage is stopped and the supply of feed liquid to the inlet is stopped, a valve to a secondary drain outlet may be opened to drain the remaining filtered feed liquid from the filter chamber.

[0191] Stopping the supply of feed liquid to the inlet may include closing a valve upstream of the filter unit or may include stopping operation of a pump that supplies feed liquid to the inlet.

[0192] Stopping rotation of the filter cage may include stopping operation of the drive unit.

[0193] Dewatering may include rotating the filter cage to centrifugally remove water from particulates on one or more filtration media. Rotation for dewatering may optionally be performed at higher G-forces than rotation during filtration.

[0194] The supply of feed liquid to the inlet may be from a single processing cycle of the textile processing equipment. The feed liquid from the single processing cycle may be delivered in one continuous stream, or the supply of feed liquid from the single processing cycle may be delivered intermittently.

[0195] The method of the sixth aspect may be particularly suitable for filtering particulates that are or comprise microfibers, in particular microfibers as defined herein.

[0196] The particulates filtered in the method of the sixth embodiment may originate from textiles that have been treated in a liquid medium.

[0197] The processing performed by the textile processing equipment may include washing, coloring (particularly dyeing and pigmenting), scouring, aging, softening, rinsing, bleaching, sterilizing, desizing and de-pilling, and combinations thereof. The method is particularly suitable for filtering a feed liquid which is an effluent from the textile processing equipment as described above. Preferably, the textile processing equipment is used to rotate (particularly tumble) one or more textiles and a liquid medium in a drum. At least a portion of the fibers in the effluent may comprise synthetic fibers. Examples of synthetic fibers include nylon, polyester, polyurethane, acrylic, acrylonitrile, etc.

[0198] The feed liquid may be at a temperature of from 5 to 95°C, more preferably from 5 to 70°C, especially from 10 to 60°C as it passes through the filter unit.

[0199] In order of increasing preference, the filter unit according to the first or third aspect or the textile treatment apparatus according to the fourth aspect is capable of filtering the effluent feed from at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 20, 30, 50, and 100 treatment cycles before clogging occurs or cleaning is required.

[0200] In order of increasing preference, the filter unit according to the first or third aspect or the textile treatment apparatus according to the fourth aspect are capable of filtering feeds of at least 10 litres, 50 litres, 100 litres, 500 litres, 1000 litres, 5000 litres and 10,000 litres in total volume before clogging occurs or cleaning is required.

[0201] The filter unit may be operated such that the effluent flows through the filter unit once (and only once). This method or operation is relatively fast. Alternatively, the filter unit may be operated such that the feed of one processing cycle is circulated through the filter unit one or more times. This method of operation may require longer filtration times, but may provide particularly good filtration efficiency. 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 may be calculated as the total volume of liquid passed through the filter unit in a processing cycle divided by the volume of fresh liquid used in that processing cycle. For example, if 20 liters of fresh liquid are used in a washing cycle and 40 liters are passed through the filter unit, the filter unit will have performed two cycles of filtration.

[0202] It will be understood that the above-mentioned features, preferences and embodiments may be applicable to each of the figures, where combinations permit. Aspects of the present disclosure are further described with reference to the following figures. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0203] FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional schematic side view of a filter unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0204] FIG. 2a shows an isometric view of an alternative filter unit according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0205] FIG. 2b shows a cross-sectional side view of the filter unit of FIG. 2a.

[0206] FIG. 2c shows an isometric view including a cross section of the filter unit of FIG. 2a.

[0207] FIG. 2d shows an isometric view of the filter unit of FIG. 2a with the cap, movable member and filter cage removed from the filter chamber according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0208] FIG. 2e shows an isometric view including a cross section of FIG. 2d.

[0209] FIG. 2f shows a cross-sectional side view of a filter cage according to a second embodiment with a movable member and a cap, and the filter unit of FIG. 2a.

[0210] FIG. 2g shows the filter cage, movable member and cap of FIG. 2f and the filter cage, movable member and cap of the filter unit of FIG. 2a.

[0211] FIG. 2h shows a cross-sectional side view of the filter cage, movable member and cap of FIGS. 2f, 2g, and the filter cage, movable member and cap of the filter unit of FIG. 2a.

[0212] FIG. 2i shows the filter cage of FIGS. 2f to 2h and of the filter unit of FIG. 2a.

[0213] FIG. 2j shows the moveable parts of the filter unit of FIG. 2a and the filter cage of FIGS. 2f to 2h.

[0214] FIG. 2k shows a connecting member of the filter unit of FIG. 2a.

[0215] FIG. 2l shows the filter cage of the filter unit of FIG. 2a with the filtration medium visible, and the filter cages of FIGS. 2f to 2h.

[0216] FIG. 3 shows a cross-sectional view of an alternative filter unit according to the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0217] 1, there is shown a filter unit 100 for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid. The filter unit 100 comprises a filter chamber 101. The filter chamber 101 comprises a hollow structure and extends along an axis 2. The filter chamber 101 extends along an axis 2 and includes a first end wall 101a and a second end wall 101b opposite each other and coinciding with the axis 2. In FIG. 1, a side wall 101c is shown extending between the first end wall 101a and the second end wall 101b. In this embodiment, the side wall is a cylindrical wall and in combination with the first end wall 101a and the second end wall 101b gives the filter chamber 101 a generally cylindrical shape. However, the filter chamber may take other forms as discussed above.

[0218] The second end wall 101b includes an opening 106 and a cap 106a removable from the opening. The opening 106 can be closed by the cap 106a such that liquid cannot pass through the opening 106. The cap 106a can be removed from the opening 106, thereby allowing filtered particulates in the filter cage 102 to be removed from the filter chamber 101 through the opening 106. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the cap 106a is threadedly secured to the opening 106 in the second end wall 101b of the filter chamber 101. However, other means are envisioned, such as a bayonet fastening or a fastening latch.

[0219] A filter cage 102 is shown housed within the filter chamber 101. The filter cage 102 is configured to rotate about axis 2 when within the filter chamber 101. The filter cage 102 is a rigid structure with rigid side walls that support a porous filtration medium 103. The filtration medium 103 filters particulates from the feed liquid as the feed liquid passes through the filtration medium 103. In this embodiment, the filtration medium forms a portion of the cylindrical wall of the filter cage 102. However, other configurations are also envisioned, for example, a rigid mesh can be used as both the filter cage side walls 102c and the filtration medium 103. The filter cage 102 has a first end 102a that is proximate to a first end wall 101a of the filter chamber 101 when the filter cage 102 is within the filter chamber 101. The first end 102a of the filter cage 102 includes an opening 102d. The opening extends to substantially all of the area bounded by the filter cage 102 at the first end 102a. Filter cage 102 includes a second end 102b that is proximate to second end wall 101b of filter chamber 101 when filter cage 102 is in situ within filter chamber 101. Filter cage 102 is configured to be removable from filter chamber 101 by being sized smaller than opening 106 in second end wall 101b of filter chamber 101, and is removable through opening 106.

[0220] Filter chamber 101 further comprises an inlet 104 configured to allow feed liquid to flow into filter chamber 101 and ultimately into filter cage 102 via opening 102d in first end 102a of filter cage 102. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, inlet 104 is shown feeding feed liquid into filter chamber 101 perpendicular to axis 2, with feed liquid being fed to the opening via connecting member 108. Inlet extension 104a feeds feed liquid into connecting member 108 and prevents unfiltered feed liquid from mixing with filtered feed liquid within filter chamber 101. Inlet extension 104a is shown as a continuation of first end wall 101a and is therefore part of filter chamber 101. Other configurations of the inlet 104 for providing a liquid feed into the filter cage 102 are also contemplated, including, but not limited to, the inlet being in the first end wall 101 a or in the side wall 101 c, and / or passing the feed through the hollow center of the drive shaft 107 a, and / or omitting the inlet extension 104 a.

[0221] An outlet 105 is also included in the filter chamber 101. The outlet 105 allows the filtered feed liquid to exit the filter chamber 101. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the outlet 105 is shown tangent to the side wall 101c at the top of the filter chamber 101. However, other configurations of the outlet are envisioned, including but not limited to locating the outlet in the first end wall 101a or the second end wall 101b.

[0222] The filter unit 100 comprises a connecting member 108. The connecting member 108 is disposed within the filter chamber and comprises a first sealing surface 109a configured to cooperate with a second sealing surface 109b to provide a rotational seal. The rotational seal allows for relative rotation between the first sealing surface 109a and the second sealing surface 109b to prevent the filtered feed liquid in the connecting member 108 from mixing with the unfiltered feed liquid in the filter chamber 101. During filtration, the first sealing surface 109a rotates and the second sealing surface 109b remains stationary. The connecting member 108 also comprises a first connecting surface 110a. The first connecting surface 110a is configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface 110b to provide a removable connection therebetween. The removable connection in FIG. 1 functions as a push-fit connection, although other connections, such as a twist-lock connection, are also envisioned.

[0223] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the second sealing surface 109b is disposed on the filter chamber 101, and in particular on the filter extension 104a that protrudes from the first end wall 101a of the filter chamber 101. The connecting member 108 is thus rotatable relative to the filter chamber 101. The second connecting surface 110b is disposed on the filter cage 102, and in particular on the first end 102a of the filter cage 102. Other configurations are envisioned, and in non-limiting examples, the second sealing surface 109b may be on the filter cage 102 and the second connecting surface 110b may be on the filter chamber 101, and in particular on the first end wall 101a, on the inlet extension 104a, or on the side wall 101c of the filter chamber.

[0224] Filter unit 100 also includes a drive shaft 107a. Drive shaft 107a extends through first end wall 101a to filter cage 102. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, drive shaft 107a extends through sealed bearing 107c. Drive shaft 107a is arranged to drive rotation of filter cage 102, such that rotation of drive shaft 107a drives rotation of filter cage 102. Driving force may be transmitted via a direct connection to filter cage 102 (not shown in FIG. 1) or via connecting member 108. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, driving force is transmitted to filter cage 102 via connecting member 108. In an embodiment including a direct connection to the filter cage, the connection may be a non-permanent removable shaft connection (not shown in FIG. 1) that allows the filter cage to be removed from the drive shaft.

[0225] Drive shaft 107a is connected to connecting member 108 by a number of radial members 108a, shown in FIG. 1 as hatched lines connecting from drive shaft 107a to connecting member 108, the radial members being circumferentially spaced at intervals to allow feed liquid to flow from inlet 104 through connecting member 108 and into filter chamber 101.

[0226] In use, the cap 106a is in the opening 106 to form a sealed filter chamber 101. Feed liquid is fed into the filter chamber 101 via the inlet 104. The feed liquid flows into the connecting member 108 and enters the filter cage 102 through the opening 102d. The drive shaft 107a is rotated by the motor 107b to rotate the filter cage 102. Centrifugal force from the rotation of the filter cage 102 forces liquid through the filtration media 103 and out of the filter chamber 101 via the outlet 105. The supply of feed liquid is stopped and the filtered residual feed liquid is drained from the filter chamber via the outlet 105. The filtered particulates accumulated on the filtration media 103 may be dewatered by further rotating the filter cage 102 to shake off the residual liquid from the filtered particulates. After dewatering, the rotation of the filter cage 102 is stopped. The cap 106a is removed from the opening 106. The filter cage 102 is then removed by severing the releasable connection formed by the first connecting surface 110a and the second connecting surface 110b. The severing is performed by pulling the filter cage 102 in a direction parallel to the axis 2 and away from the connecting member 108 to separate the first connecting surface 110a and the second connecting surface 110b. The filter cage 102, and thus the filtered particulates retained on the filtration medium 103, are then pulled out through the opening 106.

[0227] The filtered particulates can then be removed from the filter cage 102 by orienting the filter cage 102 so that the second end 102b is above the first end 102a and vibrating the filter cage 102 by shaking or tapping it against a hard surface, causing the filtered particulates to fall through the opening 102d in the first end 102a of the filter cage 102.

[0228] With reference to Figures 2a to 2e, an alternative filter unit 200 according to a first embodiment is shown. The filter unit 200 is for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid. With reference to Figure 2a, the assembled filter unit 200 is shown in an isometric view. In Figure 2b, the assembled filter unit is shown as a side cross-sectional view through the center of the filter unit 200. In Figure 2c, the filter unit 200 is shown in an isometric view of the same cross-section as shown in Figure 2b. In Figure 2d, the filter unit 200 is shown in an isometric view with the filter cage, cap, and movable member removed from the filter chamber. In Figure 2e, the filter unit 200 is shown in a cross-sectional view through the center of the filter unit with the filter cage, cap, and movable member removed from the filter chamber.

[0229] With reference to Fig. 2f, the filter cage, the movable member and the cap of the filter unit are shown in detail as a side cross-sectional view in a first configuration, and the filter cage according to a second embodiment. In Fig. 2g, the filter cage, the movable member and the cap of Fig. 2f are shown in an isometric view in a second configuration. In Fig. 2h, the filter cage, the movable member and the cap of Fig. 2g are shown in a side cross-sectional view in a second configuration. In Fig. 2i, the filter cage is shown in an isometric view. In Fig. 2j, the movable member is shown in an isometric view. In Fig. 2k, the connection member is shown in an isometric view.

[0230] Filter unit 200 comprises a generally hollow cylindrical filter chamber 201. Filter chamber 201 comprises first and second end walls 201a and 201b (shown in FIG. 2b) that are opposed to one another and coincident with axis 2 passing through the center of filter chamber 201. A cylindrical side wall 201c of filter chamber 201 extends between the first and second end walls. First end wall 201a comprises a closed second cylinder of smaller diameter and is shown abutting cylindrical side wall 201c.

[0231] Inlet 204 allows the entry of feed liquid into filter chamber 201 in the region of first end wall 201c. Inlet 204 is an opening in first end wall 201a of filter chamber 201. Inlet 204 is obscured from view by drive shaft 207a in FIG. 2b. Feed liquid entering filter chamber 201 flows through inlet 204 into a small cylinder in first end wall 201a of filter chamber 201 and is ultimately directed into filter cage 202.

[0232] The outlet 205 is provided at a high position at the top vertical position of the cylindrical side wall 201c of the filter chamber 201. The outlet 205 allows the filtered feed liquid to exit the filter chamber 201. The high position of the outlet 205 allows air bubbles in the feed liquid to exit the filter chamber 201. However, this means that a residual amount of liquid may be retained in the filter chamber 201 below the level of the outlet 205. The filter unit 200 also includes a secondary drain outlet 205a at the bottom of the cylindrical side wall 201c for draining residual liquid from the filter chamber 201. The secondary drain outlet may also include a valve (not shown) operable to drain the residual liquid.

[0233] Second end wall 201b is comprised entirely of opening 206 and cap 206a. Cap 206a and opening 206 occupy the entirety of second end wall 201b of filter unit 200. Cap 206a is secured to second end wall 201b of filter chamber 201 via threads 226. When cap 206a is removed from filter chamber 201, opening 206 in second end wall 201b is large enough to allow filter cage 202 to be removed therethrough.

[0234] In Figures 2b and 2c, filter cage 202 is shown disposed within filter chamber 201. In Figures 2d and 2e, filter cage 202 is shown removed from filter chamber 201. Filter cage 202 is also shown in detail in Figures 2f to 2j and 2h. Filter cage 202 comprises a first end 202a, which is disposed adjacent to a first end wall 201a of filter chamber 201 when filter cage is in situ within filter chamber 201. Filter cage 202 also comprises a second end 202b, which is disposed adjacent to a second end wall 201b of filter chamber 201 when cage is in situ within filter chamber 201. Filter cage 202 also comprises a side wall 202c extending between first end 202a and opposite second end 202b and extending parallel to axis 2. The side wall 202c of the filter cage 202 comprises a rigid lattice structure 271 and a porous filtration medium 203 secured to the inner surface of the lattice structure 271. The lattice structure 271 of the filter cage 202 approximates a cylinder when the porous filtration medium 203 is secured to the lattice structure 271. The porous filtration medium 203 is shown in FIG. 2l and is omitted from other figures for clarity. The porous filtration medium 203 filters particulates from the feed liquid as the feed liquid passes through the filtration medium 203. The porous filtration medium 203 may include a mesh, a perforated sheet, a woven or nonwoven fibrous sheet, a cloth or felt, or other porous material. The filtered particulates accumulate on a first surface of the filtration medium 203, which is the inner surface of the filtration medium 203 facing the axis 2.

[0235] Filter cage first end 202a includes an opening 202d spanning first end 202a. Feed liquid from inlet 204 enters filter cage 202 through opening 202d in situ within filter chamber 201 and exits the filter cage through filtration media 203. When filter cage 202 is removed from filter chamber 201, filtered particulates can be removed from the interior of filter cage 202 through opening 202d.

[0236] The filter unit 200 also includes a connecting member 208 disposed proximal to the first end wall 201a within the filter chamber 201. The connecting member 208 includes an annular body 208c that feeds the feed liquid from the inlet 204 into the opening 202d of the filter cage 202. The connecting member 208 also includes a central spindle 208d that coincides with the axis 2. The central spindle 208d is connected to the annular body 208c by the inner impeller blades 208a. The outside of the annular body 208c includes the outer impeller blades 208b. The central spindle 208d is connected to the drive shaft 207a. When the drive shaft 207a rotates, the connecting member 208 also rotates, causing the inner impeller blades 208a and the outer impeller blades 208b and the annular body 208c to rotate. The feed liquid entering the inside of the annular body 208c from the inlet 204 is rotated by the inner impeller blades 208a. Filtered feed liquid that exits filter cage 202 through filtration media 203 is forced out of filter chamber 201 at outlet 205 by the rotation of outer impeller blades 208b.

[0237] Connecting member 208 also includes a first sealing surface 209a and a first connecting surface 210a. Both first sealing surface 209a and first connecting surface 210a are located on annular body 208c of connecting member 208. First connecting surface 210a is located at the end of connecting member 208 adjacent first end 202a of filter cage 202 when the filter cage is within filter chamber 201. First sealing surface 209a on the annular sealing member is the surface that faces inlet extension 204a. The annular sealing member is connected to connecting member 208 at the end of connecting member 208 adjacent first end wall 201a of filter chamber 201.

[0238] The second connection surface 210b is disposed at the first end 202a of the filter cage 202. The first connection surface 210a and the second connection surface 210b are configured to cooperate by being correspondingly sized and shaped, so that the two connection surfaces 210a, 210b cooperate by forming a removable connection. The removable connection includes, but is not limited to, for example, a push-fit connection or a twist-lock connection. The embodiment shown in FIG. 2a to FIG. 2l is a push-fit connection in which the filter cage 202 is pushed toward the connection member 208 to secure the second connection surface 210b around the first connection surface 210a. Pulling the filter cage 202 in the reverse connection breaks the removable connection between the first connection surface 210a and the second connection surface 210b. Either the first connection surface 210a or the second connection surface 210b can be provided with either a matching seal or an interlocking structure. 2a-2l, first mating surface 210a includes a rubber O-ring seal 210c and teeth 210d. First end 202a of filter cage 202 also includes corresponding teeth 210e that mate with teeth 210d.

[0239] The embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2l has a first end wall 201a comprising a second closed cylinder. This portion of the first end wall extends into the main cylinder of the filter chamber 201 as an inlet extension 204a. The inlet extension 204a directs the feed liquid from the inlet 204 to the connecting member 208 and prevents unfiltered feed liquid from mixing with filtered feed liquid in the filter chamber 201. The second sealing surface 209b is located in the inlet extension 204a portion of the filter chamber 201. The second sealing surface 209b and the first sealing surface 209a are configured to cooperate to provide a rotational seal such that the second sealing surface 209b and the first sealing surface 209a can rotate relative to one another. For example, the second sealing surface 209b and the first sealing surface 209a may constitute one stationary surface and one rotating surface of a bushing, or each surface may constitute a race of a rolling element bearing. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a-2l, the first sealing surface 209a is an annular sealing member connected to the annular body 208c of the connecting member 208. The annular sealing member is retained against the connecting member 208 by a seal retaining member 208e. The annular sealing member rotates with the connecting member 208 and contacts the stationary second sealing surface 209b. The second sealing surface is a smooth plastic surface on the inlet extension 204a. The first sealing surface 209a and the second sealing surface 209b together form a rotating lip seal where relative rotation of the two surfaces is permitted to prevent liquid flow between the unfiltered feed liquid in the connecting member 208 and the filtered feed liquid in the filter chamber 201.

[0240] The drive shaft 207a is driven by a drive means. The drive means shown in Figures 2a to 2e is an electric motor 207b. The rotor 207d of the motor 207b is coupled to the drive shaft 207a via a coupling 207e. The drive shaft 207a passes through the first end wall 201a and is rotatably mounted therein by a roller element bearing 207c. A seal 207f prevents the feed liquid from leaving the filter chamber 201 through the bearing 207c. The drive shaft 207a is connected to a central spindle 208d via a thread so that the torque from the motor 207b is transmitted to the filter cage 202 via the drive shaft and the connecting member 208. In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2l, the motor is coupled to the drive shaft in a linear axial arrangement, but other arrangements are also envisaged, including but not limited to the rotor 207d of the drive means formed integrally with the drive shaft 207a, or an axial arrangement in which the drive is transmitted via a belt system or gears.

[0241] The filter cage 202 of Figures 2a-2l further comprises a movable member 212 located within the filter cage 202. The movable member 212 comprises four blades 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d. Each of the blades 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d is straight and parallel to the axis 2. Each of the blades 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d comprises a filtration surface cleaning portion that is adjacent to or in contact with the filtration surface of the filtration media 203 when in situ within the filter cage 202. The filtration surface cleaning portion is the face of the blade 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d that is radially outermost from the axis 2. The movable member 212 also comprises a secondary filtration surface cleaning portion in the form of an annular scraper blade 212e that is located adjacent the first end 202a of the filter cage 202 when the movable member is in situ within the filter cage 202.

[0242] 2a-2l further comprises a user-operable portion 213 on the exterior of filter cage 202 adapted to be manipulated by a user's hand when filter cage 202 is removed from filter chamber 201. User-operable portion 213 is sized to be grasped by the hand and comprises a textured surface. User-operable portion 213 is located at second end 202b of filter cage 202. Once the filter cage is removed from the filter, a user can grasp filter cage 202 with one hand and rotate user-operable portion 213 about axis 2 with the other hand.

[0243] The user-operable portion 213 is integrally formed with and directly connected to the movable member 212, so that when the user-operable portion 213 rotates, the movable member 212 also rotates. Rotation of the movable member 212 moves the filtration surface cleaning portions of the blades 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d against the filtration surface of the filtration media 203. This loosens filtered particulates on the filtration surface and allows the particulates to fall out of the opening 206 of the first end 202a of the filter cage 202 when the second end 202b of the filter cage 202 is held over the opening 206. This allows a user to empty particulates from the filter cage 202 with the ease of operating a "pepper grinder" without even needing to access or see the interior of the filter cage 202. This also means that emptying does not necessarily require removal or disassembly of components, nor does it require reassembly of these components after emptying.

[0244] The user-operable portion 213 is connected to the filter cage 202 via four circumferentially spaced latches 214. The sidewall 202c of the filter cage 202 includes an annular first engagement member 215a and an adjacent annular second engagement member 215b, both located near the second end 202b of the filter cage 202. The first engagement member 215a is located closer to the first end 202a than the second engagement member 215b. The latch 214 is configured to engage both engagement members 215a, 215b. When the latch 214 engages the first engagement member 215a, the user-operable portion is in a first configuration, and teeth 216 on the second end 202b of the filter cage 202 engage ribs 217 on a corresponding surface of the movable member 212. In this position, the teeth prevent relative rotation between the movable member 212 and the filter cage 202. This means that when filter cage 202 is in filter chamber 201, filter cage 202 can rotate via drive shaft 207a and movable member 212 rotates with filter cage 202. Blades 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d of movable member 212 are sized, shaped and configured to act as impellers. For example, they have faces angled in the direction of rotation about axis 2 and project radially inwards. This means that when rotated, they push a substantial amount of water around filter cage 202 and act as impellers within filter cage 202. In the first configuration, movable member 212 also prevents leakage of unfiltered feed liquid between movable member 212 and filter cage 202.

[0245] When latch 214 engages second engagement member 215b, the movable member is in a second configuration and teeth 216 do not engage ribs 217 on a corresponding surface of movable member 212. In this position, the movable member is free to rotate relative to filter cage 202 such that a user can rotate movable member 212 via user operable portion 213 to empty filter cage 202. Thus, filter cage 202 is configured such that one or more blades 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d can rotate with filter cage 202 when filter cage 202 is rotating, but can also rotate relative to filter cage 202 when rotated by user-operable portion 213.

[0246] Latch 214 can also be disengaged from both engagement members 215a, 215b, meaning that the entire movable member 212 can be removed from filter cage 202 by pulling movable member 212 away from the second end of filter cage 202.

[0247] The movable member 212 includes a secondary filtration surface cleaning portion 212e that is in close proximity to or in contact with the filtration surface when the movable member is within the filter cage 202, and is configured to remove filtered particulates from the filtration surface when the movable member 212 is removed from the filter cage 202. The secondary filtration surface cleaning portion 212e is an annular member that contacts the filtration surface of the filtration media 203 adjacent the first end 202a of the filter cage 202 when in its original position within the filter cage 202. When the movable member 212 is withdrawn from the filter cage 202, the secondary filtration surface cleaning portion 212e scrubs the filtration surface from the first end 202a to the second end 202b to clean the filtration media 203. Thus, the filter cage 202 is provided with two cleaning mechanisms that clean the filtration surface in different directions.

[0248] In the embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2l, the cap 206a is connected to the movable member 212 via a spindle 220. The spindle 220 is rotatably attached to the cap 206a via a cap bearing 221. The spindle 220 is also connected to the movable member 212 by a nut 222. This arrangement provides a rotatable connection between the second end of the filter cage 202b and the cap 206a. This allows the cap 206a to rotate relative to the movable member 212 and the filter cage 202, allowing the cap 206a to be screwed in and out of the filter chamber 201 without rotating the filter cage 202 or the movable member 212. This configuration allows the cap 206a to be connected to the movable member 212 and allows the filter cage 202 to be pulled out of the filter chamber 201 or placed in the filter chamber via the cap 206a. This configuration also supports the second end 202b of the filter cage 202 during rotation within the filter chamber 201. Cap 206 a includes a handle 206 b to facilitate removal of filter cage 202 .

[0249] In use, movable member 212 is within filter cage 202 in a first configuration with latch 214 engaged with first engagement member 215a. Filter cage 202 is within filter chamber 201 and first connecting surface 210a of connecting member 208 is engaged with first connecting surface 210b of filter cage 202. Cap 206a is within opening 206 of filter chamber 201. In this configuration, filter unit 200 is sealed and liquid can only enter or leave filter chamber 201 via inlet 204, outlet 205 or secondary drain outlet 205a.

[0250] Feed liquid is fed to the inlet 204, then passes through the inlet extension 204a, through the annulus of the connecting member, and into the filter cage 202 through the opening 102d. Once the feed liquid enters the filter cage 202, it can only exit through the filtration media 203 on the filter cage 202. The motor 207b operates to drive the rotation of the drive shaft 207a. The rotation of the drive shaft 207a is transmitted to the connecting member 208, which in turn drives the rotation of the filter cage 202 through the first connecting surface 210a and the second connecting surface 210b and the teeth 210d, 210e. The rotation of the filter cage 202 is also transmitted to the movable member 212 through the teeth 216 on the filter cage 202 and the ribs 217 on the movable member 212. The blades of the movable member 212 act as impellers to rotate the feed liquid inside the filter cage 202, inducing centrifugal force, establishing a pressure gradient, and forcing the feed liquid to flow out of the filter cage 202 through the filtration media 203. The filtration media filters particulates from the feed liquid held inside the filter cage 202. The feed liquid in the connecting member 208 is also rotated by the inner impeller blades 208a, further establishing a pressure gradient. The pressure gradient is assisted by the outer impeller blades 208b of the connecting member 208 to push the filtered feed liquid out of the filter chamber 201 through the port 205. Upon completion of filtration, the supply of the feed liquid is stopped. The filtered feed liquid held in the filter chamber 201 may be discharged through the secondary outlet 205b. Optionally, the filter cage 202 may be rotated by the motor 207b to dewater the filtered particulates by using centrifugal force to blow residual liquid away from the filtered particulates.

[0251] When the motor 207b stops working, the opening 206 can be opened by removing the cap 206a. The user can then pull the handle 206b of the cap 206a to disengage the first connecting surface 210a from the second connecting surface 210b and pull the filter cage 202 out of the filter chamber 201. The user can empty the particulates by orienting the second end 202b of the filter cage 202 above the opening 202d of the filter cage 202 so that the filtered particulates can preferentially fall into the dustbin through the opening 202d. When the filtered particulates remain on the filtering surface of the filtering media 203, the user can move the movable member 212 to a second configuration in which the latch 214 engages with the second engagement member 215b. The user can then rotate the movable member 212 via the user-operable portion 213, causing the filter surface cleaning portions of the blades 212a, 212b, 212c, 212d to rotate against the filtering surface of the filtering media 203 to remove the filtered particulates. The removed particulates then fall through the openings 202d of the filter cage 202 and preferentially fall into a dustbin. In rare cases, the user may wish to access the interior of the filter cage 202, for example, for inspection, maintenance, or further cleaning. In this case, the user may also disengage the latches 214 from the engagement members 215a, 215b and remove the movable member from the filter cage. This causes the secondary filter surface cleaning portion 212e to rub against the filtering surface of the filtering media 203 to further remove the particulates.

[0252] Referring to FIG. 3, an alternative filter unit 300 is shown. The filter unit 300 is for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid. The filter unit 300 has substantially the same integral structure as the filter unit 100 shown in FIG. 1 and functions in substantially the same manner as described in FIG. 1. The filter unit 300 comprises a filter chamber 301 extending along an axis 2, and comprises a first end wall 301a, a second end wall 301b, and a side wall 301c extending between the first end wall 301a and the second end wall 301b. The second end wall 301b comprises an opening 306 and a cap 306a. The second end wall 301b of the filter chamber 301 comprises an opening 306. The opening 306 can be closed by a cap 306a such that liquid cannot pass through the opening 306. Cap 306 a can be removed from opening 306 so that filtered particulates on filter cage 302 can be removed from filter chamber 301 through opening 306 .

[0253] Filter cage 302 is shown housed within filter chamber 301. Filter cage 302 is configured to rotate about axis 2 when within filter chamber 301. Filter cage 302 is a rigid structure that supports porous filtration media 303. Filter cage 302 has a first end 302a that is proximate to first end wall 301a of filter chamber 301 when filter cage 302 is within filter chamber 301. First end 302a of filter cage 302 includes opening 302d. Filter cage 302 includes a second end 302b that is proximate to second end wall 301b of filter chamber 301 when filter cage 302 is in situ within filter chamber 301.

[0254] Filter chamber 301 further comprises an inlet 304 configured to pass feed liquid into filter chamber 301 and filter cage 302 via opening 302c in first end 302a. Inlet extension 304a feeds feed liquid to connecting member 308. Inlet extension 304a is shown as an extension of first end wall 301a and is therefore part of filter chamber 301. An outlet 305 is also included in filter chamber 301. Outlet 305 allows filtered feed liquid to exit filter chamber 301.

[0255] The connecting member 308 is disposed within the filter chamber 301 and includes a first sealing surface 309a configured to cooperate with a second sealing surface 309b to provide a rotational seal. The rotational seal allows for relative rotation between the first sealing surface 309a and the second sealing surface 309b to provide a seal that prevents mixing of the filtered and unfiltered feed liquid. The connecting member 308 also includes a first connecting surface 310a. The first connecting surface 310a is configured to cooperate with a second connecting surface 310b to provide a removable connection therebetween.

[0256] 3 differs from the embodiment shown in FIG 1 in that second sealing surface 309b is on filter cage 302 and second connecting surface 310b is on filter chamber 301, specifically on filter extension 304a protruding from first end wall 301a of filter chamber 301. Second sealing surface 309b is located on filter cage 302, specifically on first end 302a of filter cage 302.

[0257] Filter unit 300 also includes a drive shaft 307a. Drive shaft 307a extends through first end wall 301a and sealed bearing 307c and is connected to filter cage 302 via non-permanent removable shaft connection 307d. Rotation of the drive shaft via motor 307b drives rotation of filter cage 302. Connecting member 308 remains stationary. Drive shaft 307a is connected to filter cage 302 by radial members 308a, shown in FIG. 1 and in gray, which connect drive shaft 307a to filter cage 302 but have openings between them to allow feed liquid to flow from inlet 304 through connecting member 308 toward second end 302b of filter cage 302.

[0258] In use, cap 306a is in opening 306 and seals filter chamber 301. Feed liquid is fed into filter chamber 301 via inlet 304. Feed liquid passes through connecting member 308 and enters filter cage 302 through opening 302d. Drive shaft 307a is rotated by motor 307b, causing filter cage 302 to rotate. Centrifugal force from the rotation of the filter cage forces liquid through filtration media 303 and out of filter chamber 301 via outlet 305. The supply of feed liquid is stopped and the filtered residual feed liquid is drained from filter chamber 301 via outlet 305. Filtered particulates accumulated on filtration media 303 may be dewatered by further rotating filter cage 302 to shake off residual liquid from the filtered particulates. After dewatering, rotation of filter cage 302 is stopped. Cap 306a is removed from opening 306. Filter cage 302 is then removed by breaking the releasable connection formed by first connecting surface 310a and second connecting surface 310b. Breaking is performed by pulling filter cage 302 in a direction parallel to axis 2 away from first end 301a of filter chamber 301 to separate first connecting surface 310a and second connecting surface 310b. Filter cage 302 and connecting member 308, and thus filtered particulates retained on filtration media 303, are then withdrawn through opening 306.

[0259] The filtered particulates can then be removed from filter cage 302 by holding filter cage 302 with second end 302b over first end 302a and vibrating filter cage 302 by shaking or tapping it against a hard surface so that the filtered particulates fall out of filter cage 302 through opening 302d in first end 302a of filter cage 302 and through connecting member 308.

[0260] As used herein, the term "comprising" encompasses not only "comprising" but also "consisting of" and "consisting essentially of", e.g., a composition "comprising" X may consist of only X or may include something additional, e.g., X+Y. As used herein, singular words are not limited to the singular and are understood to include the plural unless the context requires otherwise. Thus, words such as "an item" also mean "one or more items". It is understood that any item, feature, parameter, or component described herein may relate to any aspect of the invention, as appropriate.

[0261] [Clause Set 1] 1. A filter unit for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid, 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 between the first and second end walls, both of the first and second end walls being coincident with the axis, and the second end wall being or including an opening and a cap removable from the opening; a filter cage received within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis; The filter cage comprises: a first end proximate the first end wall of the filter chamber when the filter cage is in the filter chamber, the first end of the filter cage comprising an opening; a second end proximate the second end wall of the filter chamber when the filter cage is within the filter chamber; and a filter cage sidewall between the first end and the second end, the filter cage sidewall being or including one or more filtration media for filtering particulates from a feed liquid; and the filter cage is removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber; The filter chamber further comprises: an inlet configured to pass a feed liquid into the filter chamber when the filter cage is in the filter chamber to supply the feed liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage; an outlet for passing filtered liquid out of said filter chamber; Equipped with The filter unit further comprises: a connecting member having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface; a drive shaft configured to drive rotation of the filter cage; Equipped with the first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a rotational seal permitting relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface to provide a releasable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface; A filter unit, wherein the second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber.

[0262] 2. The filter unit described in clause 1, wherein the second sealing surface is on the filter chamber, the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, and the connecting member is non-removable from the filter chamber.

[0263] 3. The filter unit described in clause 1, wherein the second sealing surface is on the filter cage, the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber, and the connecting member is removable from the filter chamber together with the filter cage.

[0264] 4. The filter unit of clause 3, wherein the drive shaft is configured to directly drive rotation of the filter cage, the drive shaft comprising a removable shaft connection between the drive shaft and the filter cage.

[0265] 5. The filter unit described in clause 2, wherein the drive shaft is configured to drive rotation of the filter cage via the connecting member.

[0266] 6. The filter unit of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the second end of the filter cage comprises a rotatable connection to the cap.

[0267] 7. The filter unit of any preceding clause, wherein the second end of the filter cage is provided with a removable cap.

[0268] 8. A filter unit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first end of the filter cage has an opening that is at least 60%, or at least 75%, or at least 95% of the area bounded by the filter cage side wall at the opening of the first end of the filter cage measured perpendicular to the axis.

[0269] 9. A filter unit according to any preceding clause, wherein the first end of the filter cage has an opening, the edge of the opening coinciding with the filter cage side wall.

[0270] 10. A filter unit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the filter cage side walls define an interior and an exterior of the filter cage, and the filter cage comprises one or more impeller blades on the interior and / or exterior of the filter cage.

[0271] 11. A filter unit according to any preceding clause, wherein the connecting member comprises an opening for passing feed liquid from the inlet to the opening in the first end of the filter cage.

[0272] 12. A filter unit as described in any preceding clause, wherein the connecting member comprises a plurality of impeller blades.

[0273] 13. The filter cage sidewalls define an interior and an exterior of the filter cage, the filter cage comprising: a movable member internal to the filter cage having a filter surface cleaning portion adjacent the filter surface; a user-operable portion adapted to be manually operated on the exterior of the filter cage; Equipped with The filter unit of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion such that movement of the user-operable portion causes movement of the filtration surface cleaning portion relative to the filter cage, such that filtered particulates are separated from the filtration surface and discharged through the opening.

[0274] 14. The filter unit of clause 13, wherein the user-operable portion is configured to move by rotating about the axis.

[0275] 15. The filter unit of clause 13 or 14, wherein movement of the user operable portion causes rotation of the filtering surface cleaning portion about the axis.

[0276] 16. A filter unit according to any of clauses 13 to 15, wherein the movable member is removable from within the filter cage.

[0277] 17. The filter unit of clause 16, wherein the movable member comprises a secondary filtration surface cleaning portion configured to be adjacent to the filtration surface and to remove filtered particulates from the filtration surface when the movable member is removed from the filter cage.

[0278] 18. A filter unit according to any of clauses 13 to 17, wherein the movable member is connected to the user-operable part by being integrally formed therewith, by a mechanical connection, or by a magnetic connection.

[0279] 19. The filter unit of any of clauses 13 to 18, wherein the user-operable portion is proximal to the second end of the filter cage.

[0280] 20. A filter unit according to any of clauses 13 to 19, wherein the movable member comprises one or more blades extending along the length of the filter cage side wall.

[0281] 21. A filter unit as described in clause 20, wherein one or more of the blades are straight and extend parallel to the axis.

[0282] 22. The filter unit of clause 20 or clause 21, wherein the filter cage is configured such that one or more of the blades rotate with the filter cage when the filter cage rotates to function as an impeller, and rotate relative to the filter cage when rotated via the user operable portion.

[0283] 23. The filter unit of clause 22, wherein the user-operable portion is configurable between a first configuration in which the user-operable portion cannot move relative to the filter cage and a second configuration in which the user-operable portion is moveable relative to the filter cage.

[0284] 24. The filter unit of clause 23, wherein one of the user-operable portion and the filter cage comprises one or more latches for engaging with one or two or more engagement members of the other of the user-operable portion and the filter cage.

[0285] 25. A filter unit according to any of clauses 22 to 23, wherein the blade or blades are sized and oriented to act as an impeller when the filter cage is rotating.

[0286] 26. A housing having a user accessible front and a door on said front; a filter unit according to any of the preceding clauses disposed within the housing; a drum contained within the housing, the drum having an interior volume and an open end aligned with the door on the front side of the housing; The textile processing device comprises:

[0287] 27. The textile processing apparatus of clause 26, wherein the filter unit is configured such that the filter cage can be removed from the filter chamber through the opening in the filter chamber through the front face of the housing.

[0288] 28. A textile processing device as described in clause 26 or 27, wherein the textile processing device comprises a detergent drawer located at the front of the housing, the detergent drawer being movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, the filter unit being located at the rear of the detergent drawer, and the opening and cap in the second end wall of the filter chamber being accessible to a user through the detergent drawer when the detergent drawer is in the open configuration.

[0289] 29. A textile processing device according to any of clauses 26 to 28, wherein the textile processing device is a washing machine.

[0290] 30. A textile processing apparatus according to any of clauses 26 to 29, wherein the supply liquid is from the textile processing apparatus.

[0291] 31. A textile processing device according to any of clauses 26 to 30, wherein the outlet of the filter unit is connected to a drain pipe of the textile processing device.

[0292] 32. Use of a filter unit or textile treatment device according to any of the preceding clauses to filter particulates from a feed liquid.

[0293] 33. Providing a filter unit according to any of clauses 1 to 25; supplying a feed liquid containing particulates through the inlet in the first end wall; rotating the drive shaft to rotate the filter cage, thereby creating relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface; Discharging the filtered feed liquid through the outlet; and Stopping rotation of the drive shaft and stopping the supply of feed liquid to the inlet 23. A method for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid, comprising:

[0294] 34. A method for filtering particulates as described in clause 33, comprising, after stopping the supply of feed liquid, rotating said drive shaft to rotate said filter cage, thereby dewatering the filtered particulates.

[0295] 35. Release the removable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface and remove the filter cage with filtered particulates contained therein through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber; orienting and vibrating the filter cage such that filtered particulates fall through the opening at the first end of the filter cage; 35. A method for filtering particulates according to either of clauses 33 or 34, further comprising removing filtered particulates from said filter chamber.

[0296] 36. The method of filtering particulates according to clause 35, wherein disconnecting and removing comprises a user pulling the filter cage in the axial direction.

[0297] 37. A method for filtering particulates according to any of clauses 33 to 36, wherein the feed liquid is provided from a textile processing device.

[0298] 38. A method for filtering particulates according to any of clauses 33 to 37, wherein the textile processing device is a washing machine.

[0299] 39. A method for filtering particulates according to clause 37 or 38, wherein the textile processing device is processing one or more cellulose-containing garments.

[0300] 40. A method for filtering particulates according to any of clauses 37 to 39, wherein the filter unit is contained within a housing of the textile processing device.

[0301] 41. A method for filtering particulates according to any of clauses 33 to 40, wherein the particulates are or contain microfibers.

[0302] [Clause Set 2] 1. A filter cage for use in a filter unit for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid, the filter cage extending along an axis and configured to be rotatable about the axis within the filter unit and removable from the filter unit; The filter cage comprises: at least one filter cage sidewall extending parallel to said axis, said filter cage sidewall having a first end and an opposing second end, said filter cage sidewall defining an interior and an exterior of said filter cage, said filter cage sidewall being or comprising one or more filtration media for filtering particulates from a feed liquid, said filtration media defining an interior filtration surface of said filter cage on which filtered particulates accumulate during filtration; a movable member internal to the filter cage having a filter surface cleaning portion adjacent the filter surface; a user-operable portion adapted to be manually operated on the exterior of the filter cage; Equipped with the first end of the filter cage is an opening for removing filtered particulates from the filter cage when the filter cage is removed from the filter unit and for supplying a feed liquid to the filter cage when the filter cage is inside the filter unit, or comprises an opening for removing filtered particulates from the filter cage when the filter cage is removed from the filter unit and for supplying a feed liquid to the filter cage when the filter cage is inside the filter unit; and the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion, such that movement of the user-operable portion causes movement of the filter surface cleaning portion relative to the filter cage such that filtered particulates are separated from the filter surface and discharged through the opening at the first end of the filter cage. Filter cage.

[0303] 2. The filter cage of clause 1, wherein the user-operable portion is configured to move by rotating about the axis.

[0304] 3. The filter cage of clause 1 or clause 2, wherein the movable member is removable from an interior of the filter cage.

[0305] 4. The filter cage of clause 3, wherein the movable member includes a secondary filtration surface cleaning portion configured to be adjacent to the filtration surface and to remove filtered particulates from the filtration surface when the movable member is removed from the filter cage.

[0306] 5. The filter cage of any of clauses 1 to 5, wherein the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion by being integrally formed therewith, by an additional mechanical component, or by a magnetic connection.

[0307] 6. The filter cage of any of clauses 1-5, wherein the user-operable portion is proximate the second end of the filter cage.

[0308] 7. The filter cage of any one of clauses 1 to 6, wherein the movable member comprises one or more blades extending along the length of the filter cage side wall.

[0309] 8. The filter cage of clause 7, wherein the blade or blades are straight and extend parallel to the axis.

[0310] 9. The filter cage of clause 7 or 8, wherein the filter cage is configured such that the one or more blades rotate with the filter cage when the filter cage is rotated and rotate relative to the filter cage when rotated by a user-operable portion.

[0311] 10. The filter cage of clause 9, wherein one or more of the blades are configured to function as an impeller when the filter cage is rotating.

[0312] 11. The filter cage of clause 9 or 10, wherein the user-operable portion is configurable between a first configuration in which the user-operable portion cannot move relative to the filter cage and a second configuration in which the user-operable portion can move relative to the filter cage.

[0313] 12. The filter cage of clause 11, wherein one of the user-operable portion and the filter cage comprises one or more latches for engaging with one or two or more engagement members of the other of the user-operable portion and the filter cage.

[0314] 13. The filter cage of any of the preceding clauses, wherein the opening at the first end of the filter cage comprises an opening that is at least 60%, or at least 75%, or at least 95% of the area bounded by the filter cage side wall at the opening at the first end of the filter cage side wall measured perpendicular to the axis.

[0315] 14. The filter cage of any preceding clause, wherein the first end of the filter cage includes an opening, the edge of the opening coinciding with a filter cage sidewall.

[0316] 15. A filter cage according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein filtered particulates can be removed from the filter cage without removing any equipment from the filter cage.

[0317] 16. The filter cage of any preceding clause, wherein filtered particulates can be removed from the filter cage without opening the second end of the filter cage.

[0318] 17. A filter chamber extending along an axis and including opposing first and second end walls and at least one side wall extending between the first and second end walls, both of the first and second end walls coinciding with the axis, and the second end wall being an opening and a cap removable from the opening or including an opening and a cap removable from the opening; 17. The filter cage of any of clauses 1 to 16, configured to be received within the filter chamber and rotate about the axis, wherein the filter cage is removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall. Equipped with the filter chamber further comprises an inlet configured to pass a feed liquid into the filter chamber and supply the feed liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage when the filter is in the filter chamber, and an outlet for passing filtered liquid out of the filter chamber.

[0319] 18. The filter unit further comprises: a connecting member having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface; a drive shaft configured to drive rotation of the filter cage; Equipped with the first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a rotational seal permitting relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface to provide a releasable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface; the second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber. 18. A filter unit according to clause 17.

[0320] 19. The filter unit of clause 18, wherein the second sealing surface is on the filter chamber, the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, the connecting member is not removable from the filter chamber, and the drive shaft is configured to drive rotation of the filter cage via the connecting member.

[0321] 20. A filter unit as described in clause 19, wherein the second sealing surface is on the filter cage, the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber, and the connecting member is removable from the filter chamber together with the filter cage.

[0322] 21. The filter unit of clause 20, wherein the drive shaft is configured to directly drive rotation of the filter cage, the drive shaft comprising a removable shaft connection between the drive shaft and the filter cage.

[0323] 22. A filter unit according to any of clauses 18 to 21, wherein the second end of the filter cage is provided with a rotatable connection to the cap.

[0324] 23. A filter unit according to any of clauses 18 to 22, wherein the connecting member comprises an opening for passing feed liquid from the inlet to the opening in the first end of the filter cage.

[0325] 24. A filter unit according to any of clauses 18 to 23, wherein the connecting member comprises a plurality of impeller blades.

[0326] 25. A housing having a user accessible front and a door on said front; A filter unit according to any of clauses 18 to 24 disposed within said housing; a drum contained within the housing, the drum having an interior volume and an open end aligned with the door on the front side of the housing; The textile processing device comprises:

[0327] 26. The textile processing device of clause 25, wherein the filter unit is configured to allow the filter cage to be removed through the front face of the housing.

[0328] 27. A textile processing device as described in clause 25 or 26, wherein the textile processing device comprises a detergent drawer located at the front of the housing, the detergent drawer being movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, the filter unit being located at the rear of the detergent drawer, and the opening and cap in the second end wall of the filter chamber being accessible to a user through the detergent drawer when the detergent drawer is in the open configuration.

[0329] 28. A textile processing device according to any of clauses 25 to 27, wherein the textile processing device is a washing machine.

[0330] 29. A textile processing apparatus according to any of clauses 25 to 28, wherein the supply liquid is from the textile processing apparatus.

[0331] 30. A textile processing device according to any of clauses 25 to 29, wherein the outlet of the filter unit is connected to a drain pipe of the textile processing device.

[0332] 31. Use of a filter unit or textile treatment device according to any of the preceding clauses to filter particulates from a feed liquid.

[0333] 32. Providing a filter unit according to any of clauses 17 to 24; supplying a feed liquid containing particulates through the inlet in the first end wall; rotating the drive shaft to rotate the filter cage, thereby creating relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface; Discharging the filtered feed liquid through the outlet; and Stopping rotation of the drive shaft and stopping the supply of feed liquid to the inlet 23. A method for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid, comprising:

[0334] 33. A method for filtering particulates as described in clause 32, comprising, after stopping the supply of feed liquid, rotating said drive shaft to rotate said filter cage, thereby dewatering the filtered particulates.

[0335] 34. Removing the filter cage containing filtered particulates through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber; moving a user operable portion to move the filtering surface cleaning portion relative to the filter cage to separate filtered particulates from the filtering surface and out the opening at the first end of the filter cage; 34. The method of filtering particulates according to either of clauses 32 or 33, further comprising removing filtered particulates from said filter chamber.

[0336] 35. A method for filtering particulates according to Clause 34, which is dependent on Clause 18, wherein removing the filter cage comprises releasing a removable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface and removing the filter cage with filtered particulates contained therein through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber.

[0337] 36. The method of filtering particulates described in clause 35, wherein disconnecting includes a user pulling the filter cage in the axial direction.

[0338] 37. A method for filtering particulates according to any of clauses 32 to 36, wherein the feed liquid is provided from a textile processing device.

[0339] 38. A method for filtering particulates according to any of clauses 32 to 37, wherein the textile processing device is a washing machine.

[0340] 39. A method for filtering particulates according to clause 37 or 38, wherein the textile processing device is processing one or more cellulose-containing garments.

[0341] 40. A method for filtering particulates according to any of clauses 37 to 39, wherein the filter unit is contained within a housing of the textile processing device.

[0342] 41. A method of filtering particulates as described in clause 40, wherein the housing has a front surface in which a detergent drawer is disposed, the detergent drawer being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, the filter unit being located behind the detergent drawer, and removing includes first moving the detergent drawer to the open configuration.

[0343] 42. A method for filtering particulates according to any of clauses 32 to 41, wherein the particulates are or contain microfibers.

Claims

1. 1. A filter unit for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid, 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 between the first and second end walls, both of the first and second end walls being coincident with the axis, and the second end wall being, or including, an opening and a cap removable from the opening; a filter cage received within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis; The filter cage comprises: a first end proximate the first end wall of the filter chamber when the filter cage is within the filter chamber, the first end of the filter cage comprising an opening; a second end proximate the second end wall of the filter chamber when the filter cage is within the filter chamber; and a filter cage sidewall between the first end and the second end, the filter cage sidewall being or including one or more filtration media for filtering particulates from a feed liquid; and the filter cage is removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber; The filter chamber further comprises: an inlet configured to pass a feed liquid into the filter chamber when the filter cage is in the filter chamber to supply the feed liquid into the filter cage through the opening in the first end of the filter cage; an outlet for passing filtered liquid out of said filter chamber; Equipped with The filter unit further comprises: a connecting member having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface; a drive shaft configured to drive rotation of the filter cage; Equipped with the first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with a second sealing surface to provide a rotational seal permitting relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with a second connecting surface to provide a releasable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface; A filter unit, wherein the second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber.

2. 2. The filter unit of claim 1, wherein the second sealing surface is on the filter chamber, the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, and the connecting member is non-removable from the filter chamber.

3. The filter unit of claim 2 , wherein the drive shaft is configured to drive rotation of the filter cage via the connecting member.

4. The filter unit of claim 1 , wherein the second end of the filter cage comprises a rotatable connection to the cap.

5. 2. The filter unit of claim 1, wherein the first end of the filter cage comprises an opening that is at least 60%, or at least 75%, or at least 95% of the area bounded by the filter cage side wall at the opening of the first end of the filter cage measured perpendicular to the axis.

6. The filter unit of claim 1 , wherein the first end of the filter cage includes an opening, an edge of the opening coinciding with the filter cage sidewall.

7. 10. The filter unit of claim 1, wherein the filter cage sidewalls define an interior and an exterior of the filter cage, and the filter cage comprises one or more impeller blades on the interior and / or exterior of the filter cage.

8. The filter unit of claim 1 , wherein the connecting member comprises a passageway for passing feed fluid from the inlet to the opening in the first end of the filter cage.

9. the filter cage sidewalls defining an interior and an exterior of the filter cage, the filter cage comprising: a movable member internal to the filter cage having a filter surface cleaning portion adjacent the filter surface; a user-operable portion adapted to be manually operated on the exterior of the filter cage; Equipped with 2. The filter unit of claim 1, wherein the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion such that movement of the user-operable portion causes movement of the filtration surface cleaning portion relative to the filter cage such that filtered particulates are separated from the filtration surface and discharged through the opening.

10. 10. The filter unit of claim 9, wherein the user-operable portion is configured to move by rotating about the axis, and movement of the user-operable portion causes rotation of the filtering surface-cleaning portion about the axis.

11. The filter unit of claim 9 , wherein the movable member is removable from an interior of the filter cage.

12. The filter unit of claim 9 , wherein the user-operable portion is proximal to the second end of the filter cage.

13. 13. A filter unit according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the filter cage is configured such that the movable member comprises one or more blades extending along the length of the filter cage side wall, the one or more blades being straight and extending parallel to the axis, the one or more blades rotating with the filter cage when the filter cage rotates to function as an impeller, and rotating relative to the filter cage when rotated via the user operable portion.

14. 1. A filter cage for use in a filter unit for filtering particulates from a particulate-containing feed liquid, the filter cage extending along an axis, rotatable about the axis within the filter unit and removable from the filter unit; The filter cage comprises: at least one filter cage sidewall extending parallel to said axis, said at least one filter cage sidewall having a first end and an opposing second end, said filter cage sidewall together with said first end and said second end defining an interior and an exterior of said filter cage, said filter cage sidewall being or comprising one or more filtration media for filtering particulates from a feed liquid, said filtration media defining an interior filtration surface of said filter cage on which filtered particulates accumulate during filtration; a movable member internal to the filter cage having a filter surface cleaning portion adjacent the filter surface; a user-operable portion adapted to be manually operated on the exterior of the filter cage; Equipped with the first end of the filter cage is an opening for removing filtered particulates from the filter cage when the filter cage is removed from the filter unit and for supplying a feed liquid to the filter cage when the filter cage is inside the filter unit, or comprises an opening for removing filtered particulates from the filter cage when the filter cage is removed from the filter unit and for supplying a feed liquid to the filter cage when the filter cage is inside the filter unit; and the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion, such that movement of the user-operable portion causes movement of the filter surface cleaning portion relative to the filter cage such that filtered particulates are separated from the filter surface and discharged through the opening at the first end of the filter cage. Filter cage.

15. The filter cage of claim 14 , wherein the user-operable portion is configured to move by rotating about the axis.

16. 15. The filter cage of claim 14, wherein the movable member is removable from an interior of the filter cage.

17. 17. The filter cage of claim 16, wherein the movable member comprises a secondary filtration surface cleaning portion configured to remove filtered particulates from the filtration surface when the movable member is adjacent the filtration surface and is removed from the filter cage.

18. 15. The filter cage of claim 14, wherein the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion by being integrally formed therewith, by an additional mechanical component, or by a magnetic connection.

19. The filter cage of claim 14 , wherein the user-operable portion is proximate the second end of the filter cage.

20. 15. The filter cage of claim 14, wherein the movable member comprises one or more blades extending along a length of the filter cage sidewall, and optionally, one or more of the blades are straight and extend parallel to the axis.

21. 21. The filter cage of claim 20, wherein the filter cage is configured such that one or more of the blades rotate with the filter cage when the filter cage rotates and rotate relative to the filter cage when rotated by the user-operable portion, and optionally, the one or more blades are configured to function as an impeller when the filter cage rotates.

22. 22. The filter cage of claim 21, wherein the user-operable portion is configurable between a first configuration in which the user-operable portion cannot move relative to the filter cage and a second configuration in which the user-operable portion can move relative to the filter cage.

23. 23. The filter cage of claim 22, wherein one of the user-operable portion and the filter cage comprises one or more latches for engaging with one or two or more engagement members of the other of the user-operable portion and the filter cage.

24. 15. The filter cage of claim 14, wherein the first end of the filter cage includes an opening, an edge of the opening coinciding with a filter cage sidewall.

25. The filter cage of any one of claims 14 to 24, wherein filtered particulates can be removed from the filter cage without opening the second end of the filter cage.

26. a filter chamber extending along an axis and including opposing first and second end walls and at least one side wall extending between the first and second end walls, both of the first and second end walls being coincident with the axis, and the second end wall being, or including, an opening and a cap removable from the opening; 15. The filter cage of claim 14, configured to be received within the filter chamber and rotate about the axis, the filter cage being removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall. Equipped with the filter chamber further comprises an inlet configured to pass a feed liquid into the filter chamber and supply the feed liquid into the filter cage through the opening in the first end of the filter cage when the filter is in the filter chamber, and an outlet for passing filtered liquid out of the filter chamber.

27. The filter unit further comprises: a connecting member having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface; a drive shaft configured to drive rotation of the filter cage; Equipped with the first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with a second sealing surface to provide a rotational seal permitting relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with a second connecting surface to provide a releasable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface; the second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber.

27. The filter unit of claim 26.

Images