Filters for processing equipment

Abstract

A filter unit (10) for separating particulate matter from a particulate-laden liquid includes a chamber (12), an inlet (23) for delivering particulate-laden liquid into the chamber (12), an outlet (24) for discharging filtrate from the chamber (12), and a flow path (22) from the inlet (23) to the outlet (24). The chamber (12) is defined by an upper axial end wall (14), a lower axial end wall (16) opposite the upper axial end wall (14), and a peripheral particle collection wall (18). The upper axial end wall (14) and the lower axial end wall (16) are spaced apart by the peripheral particle collection wall (18). The chamber (12) is rotatable about a rotation axis (30) to impart rotational motion to the liquid. The outlet (24) is provided in either the upper axial end wall (14) or the lower axial end wall (16). The flow path (22) includes a radial component from the inlet (23) to the particle collection peripheral wall (18) and an axial component along the particle collection peripheral wall (18).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a filter unit for separating particulate matter from a particulate-containing liquid and a cleaning device including the filter unit. The present disclosure also relates to a method for filtering particulate matter from a particulate-containing liquid.

Background Art

[0002] Devices (both household and commercial) for treating and cleaning fabrics and textiles typically use water containing chemicals such as detergents for washing or conditioning the fabrics or textiles. During the cleaning process, microfibers and fine particles are often created from the fabrics / textiles being cleaned. These microfibers and fine particles enter the water and are discharged with the dirty water from the device at the end of the cleaning cycle.

[0003] Since these microfibers and fine particles ultimately enter the water cycle and pollute rivers and seas, concerns about their impact on our environment are increasing. A typical household washing machine is estimated to generate approximately 700,000 fine fibers per wash. Clothing items can be composed of natural fibers such as cotton, synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon, or blends of various fibers. Clothing items made of polycotton materials contain both synthetic and natural fibers. Synthetic fibers tend to form larger monofilaments and generally have a constant diameter of about 10 microns and an overall length of about 150 microns. Natural fibers such as cotton fibers consist of many smaller fibers that are spun together to form a thread. When cotton unravels, the resulting fibers are even smaller than synthetic fibers with a diameter of a few microns.

[0004] Due to their size, synthetic fibers are easily ingested by marine organisms, but since they are plastic, they are toxic. There are growing concerns that these fibers are causing long-term damage to the marine environment, especially the food chain.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Cleaning devices may have filter configurations to filter out impurities from the dirty cleaning solution before it is discharged from the device. These filter devices are not always effective in removing microfibers generated during the cleaning process. Many filters for microfibers utilize some form of fine mesh or permeable filter membrane designed to allow liquid to pass through but retain particulate matter.

[0006] Furthermore, as fibers are filtered, they gradually accumulate, forming an impermeable layer on the filter medium. Even a relatively small layer of accumulated fibers can significantly reduce the continuous flow of water through the filter, and sometimes even block it. The larger the mesh size of the filter, the more debris it collects, and even if the filter is more effective, the above occurs and eventually leads to blockage. This causes problems with flow rate during the cleaning cycle and makes it difficult to drain the collected debris. This also means that the filter needs to be emptied and cleaned frequently to function effectively, which is undesirable in household or commercial equipment. Over time, the pores of the mesh filter can also become clogged with the accumulation of deposits such as limescale in the water, which affects the filter's performance and necessitates maintenance or replacement.

[0007] Another problem is that many new fabrics contain residues of chemicals used during their manufacture (e.g., lubricants that aid in the weaving process). When these chemicals are washed away during the cleaning process, they mix with the fine fibers generated during the cleaning process, creating an impermeable, waxy precipitate, which combines with the aforementioned problem. This significantly reduces flow and consequently causes the filter to clog up more quickly, necessitating regular emptying and cleaning of the filter.

[0008] The development of filters that can mitigate the above problems is desired. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] A filter unit provided according to the first embodiment is for separating particulate matter from a particulate-containing liquid, A chamber defined by an axial upper end wall, an axial lower end wall opposite the axial upper end wall, and a particle collection peripheral wall, wherein the axial upper end wall and the axial lower end wall are separated by the particle collection peripheral wall, and the chamber is rotatable about a rotation axis to impart rotational motion to the liquid, An inlet for delivering the particulate liquid into the chamber, An outlet at the axial upper end wall or axial lower end wall for discharging the filtrate from the chamber, The flow path from the inlet to the outlet and Equipped with, The flow path is a filter unit that includes radial components from the inlet to the particle collection wall and axial components along the particle collection wall.

[0010] By providing the filter unit with a flow path including a radial component from the inlet to the particle collection wall (hereinafter referred to as the "collection wall") and an axial component along the collection wall, the particulate-containing liquid can enter the rotating chamber, move from the inlet towards the collection wall, then flow along the collection wall, and finally exit the chamber through the outlet. As the particulate-containing liquid passes axially along the collection wall, the particulate matter in the liquid (e.g., fibers, microfibers, particles, etc.) is subjected to a large centrifugal force and therefore accumulates on the collection wall, so that the liquid exiting the filter unit at the outlet is almost free of particulate matter. Therefore, filtration can be achieved without using any form of barrier filter (mesh or perforated membrane / wall, etc.) that would ultimately block the flow. Thus, the fluidity and separation (i.e., filtration) performance of the filter can be effectively constant regardless of the amount of particulate matter collected. Without requiring a mesh barrier, the filter unit can effectively avoid blockage during filtration.

[0011] The characteristics of the options are described below. They can be applied individually or in combination with any of the embodiments.

[0012] The components in the axial direction of the flow path may be adjacent to (for example, directly adjacent to) the collection wall. The components in the axial direction of the flow path may be parallel to the collection wall.

[0013] Radial components may be adjacent to the axial upper end wall (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "upper end wall"). Radial components may be adjacent to the axial lower end wall (hereinafter sometimes simply referred to as the "lower end wall").

[0014] The inlet and outlet may be spaced apart in the axial direction. The inlet may be located on the lower end wall (or near thereto), and the outlet may be located on the upper end wall (or near thereto). In these embodiments, the flow path will include components located axially upward along the collection wall. As the chamber rotates, the liquid will include peripheral components (around the axis of rotation). That is, the liquid in the chamber rotates in a way that creates a vortex. The vortex of the liquid in the rotating chamber allows the liquid to move upward from the inlet to the outlet. In other embodiments, the inlet may be located on the upper end wall (or near thereto), and the outlet may be located on the lower end wall (or near thereto), and the flow path will include components located axially downward along the collection wall.

[0015] The axial distance between the inlet and outlet may be the axial length of the chamber (for example, the inlet may be a hole in the upper wall and the outlet may be a hole in the lower wall, or vice versa). In other embodiments, the axial distance between the inlet and outlet may be less than the total axial length of the chamber, for example, the axial distance may be less than 90%, less than 75%, less than 50%, less than 25%, or less than 5% of the axial length of the chamber. Generally, a larger axial distance results in better separation of particulate matter.

[0016] The filter unit may include a guide surface from the inlet to the collection wall.

[0017] The guide surface may be configured to guide the liquid radially from the inlet to the collection wall. The guide surface may extend radially from the inlet toward the collection wall (i.e., the guide surface may define at least partially the radial component of the flow path from the inlet to the collection wall).

[0018] The guide surface may be the solid (i.e., non-porous) surface of the wall. For example, in embodiments where the entrance is on the lower wall (or near it), the guide surface may be the inner surface of the lower wall. In embodiments where the entrance is on the upper wall (or near it), the guide surface may be the inner surface of the upper wall.

[0019] By including a continuous guide surface between the inlet and the collection wall, the liquid introduced into the chamber is guided from the inlet to the collection wall.

[0020] The filter unit may include a guide plate between the lower end wall and the inlet. The guide plate may have a continuous surface. The guide surface may be the upper surface of the guide plate.

[0021] The guide plate may be connected to the lower end wall supported, for example, by ribs. Thus, the guide plate may be configured to rotate with the chamber (i.e., in the same direction and at the same rotational speed as the chamber).

[0022] The guide plate may be axially movable upward within the chamber to create additional space between the lower end wall and the guide plate. The guide plate may be axially movable downward.

[0023] The filter unit may include a mechanical arm connecting the guide plate to the lower end wall. The mechanical arm may be configured to move the guide plate axially upward and / or downward within the chamber.

[0024] In some embodiments, the guide plate may be axially fixed relative to the chamber, i.e., not axially movable within the chamber. In these embodiments, the guide plate may not seal the axially lower end wall.

[0025] As described above, the inlet may be in the upper end wall. For example, the inlet may be an opening in the upper end wall. The inlet may be in the lower end wall. For example, the inlet may be an opening in the lower end wall.

[0026] In other embodiments, the filter unit may include an inlet conduit extending into the chamber (e.g., from an axial upper end wall), and the inlet may be a conduit opening. The inlet / conduit opening may be the open end of the inlet conduit (i.e., the opening at the axial end of the inlet conduit). The inlet / conduit opening may be an opening in the side wall of the inlet conduit. The inlet conduit may include a plurality of openings in the side wall of the conduit.

[0027] The inlet / conduit opening may be directed toward the lower end wall. For example, the axial spacing between the conduit opening and the lower end wall may be less than the axial spacing between the conduit opening and the upper end wall. Thus, in use, the liquid is delivered closer to the lower end wall than the upper end wall. For example, the inlet conduit may extend into the chamber from or through the axial upper end wall toward an axial lower end wall having an opening (e.g., a side or end opening) proximal to the axial lower end wall in the chamber.

[0028] The axial spacing between the conduit opening and the upper end wall may be greater than 50%, greater than 60%, greater than 70%, greater than 80% or greater than 90% of the axial length of the chamber.

[0029] The inlet conduit may extend from an opening in the upper end wall. The inlet conduit may extend through the upper end wall (i.e., the inlet conduit may extend from above the upper end wall through the upper end wall and into the chamber).

[0030] The central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit may be coaxial with the central longitudinal axis of the chamber. The central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit may be coaxial with the axis of rotation of the chamber.

[0031] The inlet conduit may be fixed relative to the rotatable chamber. Alternatively, the inlet conduit may be rotatable about the axis of rotation of the chamber. The inlet conduit may be rotatable about the axis of rotation at the same speed as the chamber.

[0032] Alternatively, the inlet conduit may be rotatable around its axis of rotation at a different speed than the chamber. The inlet conduit may include a rotary seal connecting it to the chamber (therefore, during use, the inlet conduit rotates at a different speed than the chamber).

[0033] The supply to the inlet conduit may be provided by a pressure pump or by gravity through an impeller in the filter chamber.

[0034] The inlet conduit may include an inlet radial flange. The inlet flange may be shaped roughly as a disk.

[0035] The inlet flange may extend radially or proximal to the axial end (e.g., the axial opening end) of the inlet conduit.

[0036] The inlet flange (if present) defines, at least partially, the radial components of the flow path. For example, there may be a radial passage between the guide surface and the inlet flange.

[0037] During use, the inlet flange (and guide surface) deflects the delivered liquid radially outward toward the collection wall of the chamber. The deflected liquid can then flow axially closer to the radially outer edge of the chamber, where it experiences higher centrifugal force (compared to liquid closer to the axis of rotation), thus increasing the likelihood that particulate matter contained in the liquid will be directed toward and pressed against the collection wall. It will be understood that the centrifugal force increases in direct proportion to the radial distance from the axis of rotation.

[0038] The inlet flange may be a lower flange extending proximal to the lower end wall. In these embodiments, the radial flow path extends between the upper (guide) surface of the lower end wall and the lower surface of the lower flange.

[0039] The inlet conduit may, in addition or as an alternative, be provided with an outlet flange extending radially from the inlet conduit proximal to the outlet. The outlet flange may, for example, at least partially define a second radial component of the flow path from the collection wall to the outlet.

[0040] During use, the outlet flange deflects the liquid radially inward from the collection wall, toward the central axis of the chamber, where the liquid can exit through the outlet.

[0041] The outlet flange may be an upper flange extending proximal to the upper end wall. In these embodiments, the second radial flow path extends between the lower surface of the upper end wall and the upper surface of the upper flange. For example, there may be a defined radial passage between the upper flange and the upper end wall.

[0042] In some embodiments, including an outlet flange can prevent clogging of the liquid as it is delivered from the inlet towards the lower end wall into the chamber. In some embodiments, the axial position of the outlet (upper) flange along the inlet conduit and the diameter of the outlet flange may be modified to control the flow rate through the filter.

[0043] In some embodiments, the filter unit may include an outlet (upper) flange and an inlet (lower) flange. Including both an outlet (upper) flange and an inlet (lower) flange can effectively increase the filtration efficiency of the filter unit.

[0044] The outlet (e.g., top) and / or inlet (e.g., bottom) flanges may each include a bleed arrangement extending between opposing axial surfaces of each flange. The bleed arrangement may be a hole, such as a circular hole, or a path. This may include a valve. The width of each bleed arrangement in the outlet / inlet flange may be approximately 1.5 mm. The radial distance between the bleed arrangement and the inlet conduit in the outlet / inlet flange may be smaller than the radial distance between the bleed arrangement and the radial outer edge of the outlet / inlet flange. In use, the bleed arrangement may be configured to allow air to pass from one side of the flange to the other side of the flange in order to maintain air pressure (and therefore water level) equilibrium. The bleed arrangement also helps to prevent the outlet / inlet flange from clogging the flow of liquid in the chamber.

[0045] The outlet / inlet flange may be continuous or discontinuous in shape.

[0046] The radial distance between the radial edge of the outlet / inlet flange and the collection wall may be smaller than the radial distance between the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit and the radial edge of the flange (i.e., the radial edge of the flange is closer to the collection wall than the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit). The distance from the axial center of the inlet conduit to the radial edge of the outlet / inlet flange may be greater than 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the chamber radius.

[0047] In other embodiments, the radial distance between the radial edge of the outlet / inlet flange and the collection wall may be greater than the radial distance between the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit and the radial edge of the flange (i.e., the radial edge of the flange is closer to the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit than to the collection wall). The distance from the axial center of the inlet conduit to the radial edge of the outlet / inlet flange may be 95% or less, 70% or less (e.g., 60% or less, such as 50% or less), 40% or less (e.g., 30% or less), or 20% or less of the chamber radius. For example, the distance from the axial center of the inlet conduit to the radial edge of the outlet / inlet flange may be between 20-95% or 30-95% (e.g., between 40-95% or 50 and 95%). These ranges mean that the inlet conduit / flange extends radially over 20–95% or 30–95% of the chamber diameter (e.g., 40–95% or 50 and 95%). Generally, the larger the flange diameter, the greater the gravitational acceleration experienced by the water as it flows through the flange, resulting in greater filtration efficiency.

[0048] The chamber may include a solid core configured to block off a region of the chamber (e.g., a central region). The core may be circumscribing to the inlet conduit, i.e., the core may be generally annular. The solid core may extend radially (i.e., laterally) over a range exceeding 50%, 60%, 70%, 80%, or 90% of the width of the chamber.

[0049] The solid core may extend axially from the lower end wall to the upper end wall or from the proximal end wall to the proximal end wall (to avoid obstructing the inlet and outlet). In embodiments including an inlet (e.g., lower) flange, the solid core may extend axially from the inlet (e.g., lower) flange to the proximal end wall of the distal (e.g., upper) end wall.

[0050] During use, the solid core deflects the rotating liquid towards the collection wall (i.e., towards the outer edge of the chamber), thereby causing the liquid to experience greater centrifugal force. Consequently, the solid core defines the axial flow path within the chamber and provides a narrower annular flow path toward the outer edge of the chamber.

[0051] The filter unit may include an inlet impeller (e.g., a rotatable impeller) at the inlet. For example, the inlet impeller may be located downstream of the inlet conduit, for example, at the open end of the inlet conduit. The inlet impeller may be positioned between the inlet flange and the proximal (e.g., lower) end wall of the chamber.

[0052] The central axis of the inlet impeller may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the chamber, that is, coaxial with the axis of rotation of the chamber.

[0053] The inlet impeller may be oriented such that its blades extend laterally / radially across the entire chamber, i.e., the inlet impeller may be rotatable perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the chamber. The inlet impeller may be configured to increase the flow rate of liquid entering the chamber. The inlet impeller may be configured to rotate the liquid at the same rotational speed as the chamber. The inlet impeller may be configured to draw liquid into the chamber.

[0054] The term "lateral" is used, for example, to define the radial direction of a chamber having a roughly circular cross-section perpendicular to its longitudinal axis, and which is lateral to the longitudinal axis of rotation of the chamber.

[0055] The terms "upstream" and "downstream" are used to refer to the direction in which liquid moves through a component from inlet to outlet during its normal use.

[0056] The outlet may include, for example, a circular opening in the upper or lower end wall.

[0057] The outlet may be spaced radially away from the chamber's axis of rotation. The radial distance from the axis of rotation to the outlet may be smaller than the radial distance from the outlet to the collection wall.

[0058] The outlet may include, for example, one opening or a series of openings located in the upper wall. The series of openings may be located symmetrically on both sides of the central longitudinal axis of the chamber (i.e., on both sides opposite the diametrically aligned longitudinal axis). In other embodiments, the openings may be located asymmetrically on both sides of the central longitudinal axis. The openings may be arranged in a ring around the central longitudinal axis of the chamber (e.g., a ring centered on the central longitudinal axis). The openings may be arranged in a ring with equal periphery spacing between them. The series of openings may be of various sizes or may increase in size toward the axis of rotation. The openings may have a width or diameter of about 1.5 mm.

[0059] The outlet may be an annular opening. The axial center of the annular opening may coincide with the longitudinal axis of the center of the chamber, that is, it may coincide with the axis of rotation.

[0060] The annular opening may surround or circumsect the inlet conduit as it passes through the upper end wall.

[0061] In some embodiments, the outlet may include an annular opening (for example, in the upper end wall) and additional or a number of additional openings (for example, in the upper end wall). The annular opening may be proximal to the inlet conduit, and the additional openings may be radially distal to the inlet conduit.

[0062] The outlet may be fluidly connected to a drain. The outlet may be located in the upper wall. The outlet opening may be tapered outwards (i.e., from the inner surface of the upper wall to the outer surface of the upper wall). This may encourage the discharged liquid to move upward and outwards as it exits the chamber during use.

[0063] Since the pressure in the rotating liquid within the filter changes as a function of the square of the radial distance from the axis of rotation, the size and position of the outlet opening may be used to determine the flow rate of the liquid through the filter.

[0064] The filter unit may include a liquid quality sensor (such as a turbidity sensor) for monitoring the concentration of particulate matter in the liquid exiting the filter unit outlet. The liquid quality sensor may be positioned near the outlet.

[0065] The filter unit may include an outlet impeller (e.g., a rotatable impeller) at the outlet. For example, the outlet impeller may be located downstream of the outlet to guide the liquid as it is discharged through the outlet.

[0066] The central axis of the outlet impeller may be coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the chamber, that is, coaxial with the axis of rotation of the chamber.

[0067] The outlet impeller may be oriented such that its blades extend laterally / radially across the entire chamber, i.e., the outlet impeller may be rotatable perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the chamber. The outlet impeller may be configured to increase the flow rate of liquid through the chamber and / or the flow rate of liquid exiting the chamber.

[0068] The outlet impeller may be mounted on the outlet flange so as to be within the second radial component of the liquid flow path. For example, the outlet impeller may be mounted on the upper surface of the upper (outlet) flange, between the outlet flange and the upper end wall.

[0069] The filter unit includes a chamber for receiving the particulate-containing liquid. This chamber may be cylindrical. The cylindrical chamber may have a diameter in the range of 120 mm to 180 mm. The cylindrical chamber may have a diameter of approximately 300 mm. The chamber may have an axial length of 80 to 100 mm.

[0070] The chamber capacity may be between 1 and 30 liters. For example, the chamber capacity may be between 20 and 30 liters. For example, the chamber capacity may be approximately 1 liter.

[0071] In some embodiments, the chamber may be polygonal or any other symmetrical shape around the axis of rotation; that is, the profile of its cross-section (perpendicular to the axis of rotation) may be polygonal or other symmetrical.

[0072] The collection wall may be tapered (for example, the chamber may be generally frustoconical). For example, the collection wall may be tapered outward from the upper wall to the lower wall or from the lower wall to the upper wall.

[0073] The collection wall may include a tapered portion (for example, the chamber may include a frustoconical portion). The collection wall may be tapered such that part of the collection wall is tapered outward and part of the collection wall (for example, the remaining part) is tapered inward, so that the widest part of the chamber is directed towards the top, bottom, or middle of the chamber (i.e., the middle of the axial length of the chamber).

[0074] A chamber with tapered collection walls encourages the collection and condensation of particulate matter in the widest part of the chamber.

[0075] The angle of the tapered wall or tapered portion may depend on the properties of the particulate matter collected in the chamber. More viscous particulate matter may require the wall to taper at a sharper angle.

[0076] The collection wall may be solid (i.e., it may not contain any holes). In some embodiments, the upper or lower wall may be solid (i.e., non-perforated) (except for the entrance / exit).

[0077] The chamber may include at least one radially extending baffle. This at least one baffle may extend radially outward (e.g., from the inlet conduit) to the proximal to the collection wall. The baffle may extend radially inward from the collection wall towards the axial center of the chamber (e.g., proximal to the inlet conduit). The baffle may extend along at least part or all of the periphery of the inlet conduit and / or the collection wall. The baffle is configured to divert the liquid flow around the baffle as the liquid moves from the inlet to the outlet.

[0078] The chamber may include a plurality of radially extending baffles. The chamber may include a series of alternating outward-extending and inward-extending baffles.

[0079] These baffles may be configured to increase the length of the liquid flow path as the liquid moves from the inlet to the outlet. Increasing the length of the liquid flow path, i.e., the distance the liquid must travel from the inlet to the outlet, may increase the residence time (i.e., the amount of time a given volume of rotating liquid remains in the rotating chamber before being discharged out of the chamber). Increasing the residence time has been shown to improve filtration efficiency (i.e., the filter unit can filter particularly small particles).

[0080] The chamber may include one or more axially extending ribs (axially extending ribs). One or more ribs may extend axially along at least a portion or all of the axial length of the chamber. For example, one or more ribs may extend axially along one-quarter to one-third of the axial length of the chamber. One or more ribs may extend more than 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the axial length of the chamber.

[0081] During use, one or more ribs may be configured to straighten the fluid flow within the chamber (i.e., reduce turbulence) as the liquid rotates toward the outlet.

[0082] In embodiments including an outlet / inlet flange and one or more ribs, the distance from the axial center of the inlet conduit to the radial outer edge of the outlet / inlet flange may be less than 50%, 40%, 30%, or 20% of the chamber radius (so as not to interfere with one or more ribs).

[0083] One or more ribs may extend radially from the collection wall to the proximal to the central longitudinal axis of the chamber. One or more ribs may be spaced radially from the axial center of the chamber, i.e., one or more ribs may not extend to the axial center of the chamber. The area downstream of the inlet may be free of one or more ribs to allow the delivered liquid to enter the chamber. The inner upper corners of one or more ribs may be rounded. Rounded corners effectively promote a smooth flow of liquid into the chamber and prevent long fibrous debris such as hair from accumulating on the ribs.

[0084] In embodiments including an inlet conduit, the ribs may extend radially inward towards the proximal end of the inlet conduit. The ribs may be evenly distributed radially around the periphery of the chamber (i.e., the angular separation between each rib in the cross-section of the chamber is uniform).

[0085] The ribs may extend axially from the lower end wall. The ribs may be located on the lower end wall (for example, integrated with the lower end wall or fixed to the lower end wall). Thus, the ribs may be configured to rotate together with the chamber (i.e., in the same direction and at the same rotational speed as the chamber).

[0086] In embodiments including a guide plate, the ribs may be located on the guide plate (for example, they may be integrated with the guide plate or fixed to the guide plate). Thus, the ribs may be configured to rotate together with the guide plate.

[0087] During use, one or more ribs may be configured to rotate the liquid in the chamber. One or more ribs can effectively rotate the liquid at the same rotational speed as the chamber. This is different from an impeller that is designed to draw fluid into the impeller eye and discharge the fluid radially outward, thereby affecting the flow rate (e.g., an inlet impeller configured to increase the flow rate of liquid entering the chamber).

[0088] One or more ribs affect the rotational speed of the rotating liquid rather than the flow rate of the liquid entering the chamber. Without one or more ribs, the liquid may not rotate at the same speed as the rotating chamber. Instead, the liquid may rotate at a slower speed than the rotating chamber, which could result in reduced filtration efficiency. Including one or more ribs ensures that the liquid rotates at the same speed as the rotating chamber.

[0089] Including one or more ribs can increase the filtration efficiency of the filter unit. Additionally, the ribs may enable the filter unit to operate at higher flow rates (e.g., 15-20 liters / minute) while achieving high filtration efficiency.

[0090] The chamber may include at least one helical baffle extending radially around the inlet conduit or around the solid core, for example, the baffle may generally be shaped as an internal Archimedean screw pump.

[0091] One or more of the blades of the helical baffle may extend radially from the inlet conduit / solid core toward the collection wall, thereby causing the liquid to move spirally around the inlet conduit.

[0092] The inclusion of a spiral baffle can increase the flow path and residence time of the liquid within the chamber.

[0093] The filter unit may include one or more vanes on the outer surface of the chamber (for example, on the outer surface of the collection wall). The vanes may extend radially outward from the outer surface of the collection wall. The vanes may extend along at least part or all of the axial length of the chamber.

[0094] By including blades on the outer surface of the collection wall, the chamber can act as an impeller, meaning the filter unit may be configured to act as a pump.

[0095] Multiple filter units, each containing vanes on the outer surface of the collection wall, may be connected in series so that they act as pumps to one another (i.e., the filter units are in fluid communication).

[0096] In some embodiments, the filter unit may include an outlet conduit having an outlet which is an outlet conduit opening in the chamber for draining liquid from the chamber. The outlet conduit may extend into the chamber through the upper end wall. The inlet may be an opening in the upper end wall. In these embodiments, it may include a radial component from the inlet to the collection wall and an axial lower component along the collection wall from the upper end wall to the lower end wall. A liquid vortex causes the liquid to flow back over the outlet conduit opening.

[0097] The outlet conduit may include an axial conduit portion within the chamber. The outlet conduit may include a radial conduit portion outside the chamber. The outlet conduit may include a flexible portion (e.g., a curved conduit portion connecting the axial and radial conduit portions). The flexible portion may extend through the upper end wall. In these embodiments, the discharged liquid may be discharged radially from the chamber. The outlet conduit may be a vortex finder.

[0098] In other embodiments, the outlet conduit may include a radial conduit portion within the chamber. The outlet conduit may include an axial conduit portion extending through the upper end wall. The flexible portion in these embodiments may be located within the chamber. The outlet conduit may be substantially "L" shaped.

[0099] The outlet conduit may be rotatable with respect to the upper end wall (for example, axially rotatable) so as to change the radial distance between the outlet (i.e., the conduit opening) and the central axis of the chamber.

[0100] The outlet conduit may be rotatable 90 degrees in the axial direction.

[0101] The filter unit may include a housing for containing the chamber. The housing may be configured to collect the discharged filtrate and direct the filtrate toward a drain. The housing may be configured to collect particulate matter released from the chamber (details below). The housing may be a static housing (i.e., the housing does not need to be rotatable with the chamber).

[0102] The filter unit may be configured such that the flow of particulate material reaches the entire filter chamber and does not flow through the housing (outside the chamber).

[0103] The filter unit may include a motor for rotating the chamber around a rotation axis. The motor may include a drive shaft extending from the motor to the chamber. The motor may be configured to rotate the chamber in a first direction and a second direction (i.e., opposite directions). Thus, the chamber may be rotatable in the first direction and / or the second direction.

[0104] The inlet conduit may be rotatable about a pivot axis. The motor may be configured to rotate the inlet conduit. The inlet conduit may be rotatable in a first direction and / or a second direction. The motor may be configured to rotate the chamber and the inlet conduit in the same direction and at the same rotational speed.

[0105] In some embodiments, the conduit may extend through the chamber (for example, axially through the chamber), that is, the inlet conduit may extend axially through the upper end wall and axially through the lower end wall.

[0106] In some embodiments, the inlet conduit may form the drive shaft of the motor. The motor may be configured to rotate the chamber at a speed of 1,000 to 10,000 revolutions per minute, for example, about 10,000 revolutions per minute for smaller household filter units, for example, about 4,000 revolutions per minute, or for example, about 6,000 revolutions per minute for larger filter units.

[0107] The outer surface of the inlet conduit may include threads such that the inlet conduit acts as a lead screw, and a drive element attached to the inlet conduit axially above and / or below the conduit (details below).

[0108] The filter unit may include one or more bearings and seals to reduce mechanical stress when the filter unit rotates. One or more bearings and seals may be located around the inlet conduit, at the joint between the inlet conduit and the upper end wall, and / or around the drive shaft. The filter unit and motor drive unit may be mounted within flexible bearings. These help absorb vibrations that occur within the filter unit when the chamber rotates.

[0109] The filter unit may include an automatic balancing unit to counteract the balancing force generated by the rotating chamber. The automatic balancing unit may include an automatic dynamic balancer.

[0110] In some embodiments, the inner surface of the chamber (e.g., the inner surface of the collection wall) may include ridges or grooves (e.g., the inner surface may be corrugated or have a mesh layer). The ridges or grooves may be configured to capture, trap, and concentrate particulate matter collected by the collection wall and to prevent the particulate matter from being re-encompassed into the rotating liquid.

[0111] The filter unit may be configured to operate in one or more forms. The above features may relate to a filter unit in which the chamber is rotatable about a rotation axis and thus operates in a form in which particulate matter is collected at the collection wall during use.

[0112] The filter unit may be configured to operate in a drainage mode, which involves draining any remaining liquid in the chamber after the filter unit has been operated in the intended use mode.

[0113] The filter unit may be configured to operate in a particle dispensing manner, in which particulate matter collected within the chamber (for example, on the collection wall) is extracted or released from the chamber.

[0114] The filter unit may be configured to operate sequentially across multiple modes. For example, the filter unit may be configured to operate in a usage mode, then in a wastewater mode, and finally in a particle dispensing mode. In other embodiments, the filter unit may be configured to operate in some or only one mode, or it may operate multiple times in one mode before moving to the next mode. For example, the filter unit may be configured to operate in a usage mode, a wastewater mode, another usage mode, and another wastewater mode, and then move to a particle dispensing mode.

[0115] The filter unit may stop rotating between each mode. The filter unit may also proceed immediately from one mode to the next without stopping its rotation.

[0116] Once the available liquid has been filtered, it can no longer be introduced into the inlet. Any remaining liquid in the chamber may be discharged through the outlet.

[0117] In embodiments where the outlet includes an annular opening and an additional opening in the upper wall, as the chamber rotates, most of the filtrate may exit through the annular opening. Once the available liquid has been filtered, it can no longer be introduced into the inlet. Any liquid remaining in the chamber may be discharged through the additional opening in the upper wall.

[0118] Once the remaining liquid has been released from the chamber, the chamber may stop rotating.

[0119] Some residual liquid that is not discharged from the chamber through the outlet during use may remain in the chamber. The filter unit may be operated in a drainage configuration to drain the residual liquid from the chamber. Draining the residual liquid from the chamber may concentrate the particulate matter into a paste or dry the layer of particulate matter into a solid.

[0120] The chamber may include a drain port having both an open and a closed configuration, which allows any remaining liquid inside the chamber after use to be drained out of the chamber.

[0121] Drainage outlets may be located in the upper wall, lower wall, and / or collection wall. The collection wall may be solid, i.e., non-porous, except for one or more drainage outlets.

[0122] The filter unit may include multiple drain ports, for example, two drain ports in the collection wall and / or one drain port on each side of the chamber.

[0123] The drain port on the upper wall may be spaced radially from the central longitudinal axis of the chamber. The radial distance between the central longitudinal axis of the chamber and the drain port may be greater than the radial distance between the drain port and the collection wall. The drain port may be spaced radially from the collection wall. During use, the radial distance between the drain port on the upper wall and the collection wall may define the dewatering liquid level. By providing a drain port spaced radially from the collection wall, the chamber can be effectively drained while leaving some residual liquid in the chamber so that particulate matter can be condensed into a paste.

[0124] The drain port may include a valve for moving the drain port between an open and a closed position. In the open position, the drain port can be opened to allow liquid to flow out of the chamber. The valve may be a centrifugal valve (i.e., a valve configured to open when the chamber is rotating at a predetermined rotational speed and the centrifugal force is high enough to open the centrifugal valve).

[0125] The filter unit may include a mesh lining on the inner surface of the upper end wall, the lower end wall, and / or the collection wall. The mesh lining may be on the inner surface of the wall containing the drain. During use, the mesh lining can effectively capture particulate matter as the liquid is drained from the drain. The mesh lining may be removable from the filter unit.

[0126] In the embodiment including the L-shaped outlet conduit described above, the L-shaped conduit may have a usage configuration and a drainage configuration.

[0127] In the usage configuration, the outlet opening of the L-shaped conduit may face radially inward. In the drainage configuration, the L-shaped conduit may be rotatable in the axial direction (e.g., 90 degrees) so that its outlet opening faces the tangential direction of the chamber.

[0128] When the L-shaped conduit is in use, the radial distance between the outlet (i.e., the conduit opening in the chamber) and the collection wall may define the use liquid level. When the L-shaped conduit is in drainage configuration, the radial distance between the outlet and the collection wall may define the drainage liquid level. When the L-shaped conduit is in use, the radial distance between the outlet and the collection wall may be greater than when the L-shaped conduit is in drainage configuration. As a result, during use, the use liquid level will be greater than the drainage liquid level.

[0129] The filter unit may include a mechanical linkage mechanism for rotating an L-shaped outlet between the filtered and drained states. The mechanical linkage mechanism may be configured to rotate the L-shaped outlet when the chamber is rotating and / or when the chamber is stationary. The chamber may include a number of L-shaped conduits. The mechanical linkage mechanism may rotate the number of L-shaped conduits synchronously. Those skilled in the art will know of several suitable mechanical linkage mechanisms.

[0130] The filter unit may be configured to operate in particle dispensing mode (for extracting / releasing particulate matter from the chamber). The filter unit may be operated in particle dispensing mode immediately after being operated in drainage mode. The filter unit may be configured to operate in particle dispensing mode every 20, 30, or 100 cycles after the filter unit has been operated in use mode. In some embodiments (for example, when filtering a liquid with a high particulate content), the filter unit may be configured to operate in drainage mode and particle dispensing mode immediately after being operated in use mode.

[0131] The chamber may include a particle dispensing opening (e.g., an opening in the collection wall). The dispensing opening may face the bottom of the collection wall (i.e., toward the lower end wall). The particle dispensing opening may be selectively openable to dispense particulate matter outside the chamber.

[0132] One of the radially extending baffles of the chamber may include a side wall extending around a portion of the chamber's periphery. The side wall may include an opening that can be aligned with the particle dispensing opening, so that when the opening is aligned with the particle dispensing opening during use, particulate matter can be dispensed from the opening.

[0133] The sidewall may extend from the vanes of the helical baffle (or, if multiple helical baffles are included, from one of the multiple helical baffles), for example, from the lower portion of the vanes of the helical baffle. During filtration operation, the helical baffle rotates with the chamber to keep the particle dispensing opening closed during filtration. To remove particulate matter collected from the chamber after filtration, the helical baffle may be rotatable around a pivot axis to align the sidewall opening with the particle dispensing opening. As described above, the helical baffle may be shaped as an Archimedes screw pump, so that when used for particle dispensing, the rotation of the helical baffle can push the particulate matter collected on the collection wall downward toward the particle dispensing opening.

[0134] In some embodiments, the particle dispensing opening may be an opening in the lower end wall.

[0135] In embodiments including a guide plate, the guide plate may be axially movable downward toward the lower end wall to close the dispensing opening at the lower end wall (as described above). In other embodiments, the guide plate may be fixed axially to the chamber, i.e., immovable in the axial direction. This may be attached to a rotor or base extending through the particle dispensing opening, for example, through a particle dispensing opening provided in the axial lower end wall. This may mean that the particle dispensing opening is permanently open to / fluidally connected to the chamber during operation, i.e., the guide plate does not seal the axial lower end wall. Instead, it is attached via ribs that form a path to the particle dispensing opening.

[0136] In some embodiments, together with the guide plate, for example, together with the guide plate and the permanently open particle dispensing opening, the inlet may comprise an inlet conduit as described above, for example, an inlet conduit having an opening proximal to the axial lower end wall (and proximal to the guide plate). The conduit may include upper or lower flanges as described above, for example, upper and / or lower flanges, each having a respective vent / bleed arrangement.

[0137] If there is an axially fixed / stationary guide plate with an open particle dispensing opening, the outlet may be an annular outlet as described above, for example, an annular outlet circumscribing the inlet conduit. In these embodiments, it is preferable that the diameter of the particle dispensing opening (at the axial lower end wall) is smaller than the diameter of the outlet (at the axial upper end wall).

[0138] In some embodiments, the chamber may be formed from a single component. In other embodiments, the chamber may be formed from a number of casing components joined together to form the chamber. The casing components may be joined by one or more peripheral joints. One or more peripheral joints may form a liquid-tight seal.

[0139] The chamber may be formed from two casing components, namely an upper casing component and a lower casing component that can be joined at a periphery joint. The upper casing component may include an upper end wall. The lower casing component may include a lower end wall. The upper and lower casing components may be casing halves. The upper casing component may be a lid, and the lower casing component may be the base of the chamber.

[0140] The upper and lower casing components may be movable between a closed position in which the upper and lower casing components are joined at the periphery joint to form a closed chamber, and an open position in which the upper and lower casing components are separated at the periphery joint to form an annular opening at the periphery joint. The particle dispensing opening may be the annular opening between the upper and lower casing components when the chamber is in the open position.

[0141] The collection walls of the upper and lower casing components may be tapered outward toward the periphery joint between the casing components, so that the widest part of the chamber may be at the periphery joint. This allows the particulate matter to be effectively condensed at the periphery joint so that when the upper and lower casing components are moved to the open position, the particulate matter can be immediately extracted from the annular opening.

[0142] The upper and lower casing components may be biased toward the closed position (i.e., a force is required to move the upper and lower casing components from the closed position to the open position). The upper casing component may be biased toward the closed position, for example, via a spring (e.g., a coil spring) (i.e., the upper casing component may be biased toward the lower casing component). The spring may be positioned axially above the upper casing component. The spring may be circumferential to the inlet conduit.

[0143] In embodiments including movable upper and lower casing components, the inlet conduit may form a drive shaft for the drive means, and the outer surface of the inlet conduit may include threads. The inlet conduit may be rotatable by a motor so that it acts as a lead thread.

[0144] The upper and lower casing components may be attached to the inlet conduit. The upper and lower casing components may be constrained laterally / radially with respect to the inlet conduit (for example, the upper and lower casing components may each include an axial slot (or hole) for accommodating the inlet conduit). Thus, as the upper and lower casing components move between the closed and open positions, the upper and lower casing components may remain axially aligned with the inlet conduit (and therefore remain axially aligned with each other).

[0145] The inner surface of the axial slot / hole may include threads that can be connected to threads on the inlet conduit, i.e., the upper and lower casing components may be connected to threads on the inlet conduit so that the casing components can be driven axially along the inlet conduit (i.e., up and down the inlet conduit) by rotation of the threads. In particular, the upper and lower casing components may be driven axially along the inlet conduit between a closed position and an open position by rotation of the threads. By connecting the upper and lower casing components to threads on the inlet conduit, the inlet conduit may act as a master thread for the casing components, i.e., rotation of the inlet conduit may drive the upper and lower casing components axially along the inlet conduit between an open position and a closed position. Those skilled in the art will understand that the rotational inertia of the inlet conduit eliminates the friction inherent between the upper and lower casing components.

[0146] In some embodiments, only the lower casing component may be connected to the threads on the inlet conduit. The upper casing component may be freely rotatable around the inlet conduit (for example, the inner surface of the axial slot / hole in the upper casing component is smooth (or connected by a plain bearing) so that the upper casing component is not driveable by the threads on the inlet conduit). The upper casing component may be axially constrained to the inlet conduit (for example, the axial slot / hole may be held in a groove in the wall of the inlet conduit, or the upper casing component may be connected to the inlet conduit by a shoulder or circlip), while the lower casing component may be axially driveable by the threads on the inlet conduit. During use, the inlet conduit may drive the lower casing component axially along the inlet conduit between a closed position and an open position, while the upper casing component remains in an appropriate axial position.

[0147] In other embodiments, the upper casing component may be connected to threads on the inlet conduit, and the lower casing component may be freely rotatable around the inlet conduit. The upper casing component may be axially driveable between a closed position and an open position by threads on the inlet conduit, while the lower casing component may be axially constrained to the inlet conduit.

[0148] In other embodiments, the filter unit may include mechanical actuators for driving the upper and / or lower casing components between a closed position and an open position.

[0149] The filter unit may include a scraping plate (e.g., a scraping disc) attached to the inlet conduit to scrape off particulate matter collected from inside the collection wall.

[0150] The plate may extend radially across the entire width of the chamber (i.e., the radial outer edge of the plate may contact the collection wall of the chamber).

[0151] The plate (axially movable scraping plate) may be movable axially along the inlet conduit (i.e., up and down the inlet conduit) between a lower locked position and an upper engaged position. As the plate moves up and down the inlet conduit, the plate can effectively scrape the collection wall, thereby scraping off layers of particulate matter accumulated on the inner surface of the collection wall. The radial outer edge of the scraping plate / disk may include an upwardly angled edge. This edge may be sharpened to help scrape the collection wall. The edge may be flexible to accommodate some variation in the width / diameter of the chamber.

[0152] In embodiments including a scraping plate / disc, the inlet conduit may form the drive shaft of the motor, and the outer surface of the inlet conduit may include screw threads. As described above, the inlet conduit may be rotatable by the motor so that it acts as a lead screw.

[0153] The scraping plate may be rotatably coupled to the chamber so that it rotates with the chamber (for example, the scraping plate may include fasteners, tabs, or pins that can be fitted into slots in the chamber).

[0154] The scraping plate / disc may be attached to the inlet conduit. The plate / disc may be constrained laterally / radially with respect to the inlet conduit, for example, the plate may include an axial slot or hole for accommodating the inlet conduit. Thus, as the scraping plate moves axially along the inlet conduit, the scraping plate may remain axially aligned with the inlet conduit. The inner surface of the axial slot may include threads that can be connected to threads on the inlet conduit, i.e., the scraping plate may be connected to threads on the inlet conduit so that the scraping plate can be driven axially along the inlet conduit by the rotation of the threads. The inlet conduit may act as a master thread for the scraping plate, i.e., the rotation of the inlet conduit drives the scraping plate axially along the inlet conduit.

[0155] When the scraping plate is in the upper engagement position, it may be able to engage with the upper casing component. Therefore, when in use, if the scraping plate moves axially up the inlet conduit, it will be pressed against the upper casing component, moving the upper casing component from the closed position to the open position. If the plate moves axially down the inlet conduit and away from the upper casing component, it will move the upper casing component from the open position to the closed position.

[0156] In embodiments including a scraping plate, the upper and lower casing components (for example, in the form of a chamber lid and base) may be freely rotatable around the inlet conduit.

[0157] The scraping plate may be lockable to the lower casing component when in the lower locked position, for example, the scraping plate may be configured to reach the bottom of the lower casing component. Rotation of the scraping plate when in the lower locked position may be configured to rotate the lower casing component.

[0158] A filter unit provided according to a second embodiment is for separating particulate matter from a particulate-containing liquid, A chamber defined by an axial upper end wall, an axial lower end wall opposite the axial upper end wall, and a particle collection peripheral wall, wherein the upper end wall and the lower end wall are separated by the particle collection peripheral wall, and the chamber is rotatable about a rotation axis to impart rotational motion to the liquid, An inlet for delivering a liquid containing fine particles into the chamber, An outlet for discharging the filtrate from the chamber, Equipped with, The chamber is a filter unit equipped with a particle dispensing opening for dispensing particulate matter from within the chamber.

[0159] The particle dispensing opening may be as described above for the first embodiment. In fact, any of the features described above relating to the first embodiment can be combined with those of the second embodiment.

[0160] The particle dispensing opening may be selectively openable to dispense particulate matter outside the chamber.

[0161] The particle dispensing opening may be an opening in the collection wall of the chamber.

[0162] When the particle dispensing opening is in the open position, it may be an annular opening between the upper casing component and the lower casing component.

[0163] In these embodiments, the chamber may be formed from a number of casing components joined together to form the chamber. The casing components may be joined at one or more peripheral seams. One or more peripheral seams may form a liquid-tight seal. Particle dispensing openings may be provided at peripheral seams, i.e., the peripheral seams may be selectively openable to form annular particle dispensing openings.

[0164] The chamber may be formed from two casing components, namely an upper casing component and a lower casing component that can be joined at a periphery joint. The upper casing component may include an upper end wall. The lower casing component may include a lower end wall. The upper and lower casing components may be casing halves. The upper casing component may be a lid, and the lower casing component may be the base of the chamber.

[0165] The upper casing component and the lower casing component may be movable between a closed position in which the upper casing component and the lower casing component are joined at the periphery joint to form a closed chamber, and an open position in which the upper casing component and the lower casing component are separated at the periphery joint to form an annular opening at the periphery joint.

[0166] The upper and lower casing components may be biased to the closed position (i.e., a force is required to move the upper and lower casing components from the closed position to the open position). The upper casing component may be biased toward the closed position, for example, via a spring (e.g., a coil spring) (i.e., the upper casing component may be biased toward the lower casing component). The spring may be positioned axially above the upper casing component. The spring may be circumferential to the inlet conduit.

[0167] In embodiments including movable upper and lower casing components, the inlet conduit may form a drive shaft for the drive means, and the outer surface of the inlet conduit may include threads. The inlet conduit may be rotatable by a motor so that it acts as a lead thread.

[0168] The upper and lower casing components may be attached to the inlet conduit. The upper and lower casing components may be constrained laterally / radially with respect to the inlet conduit (for example, the upper and lower casing components may each include an axial slot (or hole) for accommodating the inlet conduit). Thus, as the upper and lower casing components move between the closed position and the open position (where the annular particle dispensing opening is formed), the upper and lower casing components may remain axially aligned with the inlet conduit (and therefore remain axially aligned with each other).

[0169] The inner surface of the axial slot / hole may include threads that can be connected to threads on the inlet conduit, i.e., the upper and lower casing components may be connected to threads on the inlet conduit so that the casing components can be driven axially along the inlet conduit (i.e., up and down the inlet conduit) by rotation of the threads. In particular, the upper and lower casing components may be driven axially along the inlet conduit between a closed position and an open position by rotation of the threads. By connecting the upper and lower casing components to threads on the inlet conduit, the inlet conduit may act as a master thread for the casing components, i.e., rotation of the inlet conduit may drive the upper and lower casing components axially along the inlet conduit between an open position and a closed position. Those skilled in the art will understand that the rotational inertia of the inlet conduit eliminates the friction inherent between the upper and lower casing components.

[0170] In some embodiments, only the lower casing component may be connected to the threads on the inlet conduit. The upper casing component may be freely rotatable around the inlet conduit (for example, the inner surface of the axial slot / hole in the upper casing component is smooth (or connected by a plain bearing) so that the upper casing component is not driveable by the threads on the inlet conduit). The upper casing component may be axially constrained to the inlet conduit (for example, the axial slot / hole may be held in a groove in the wall of the inlet conduit, or the upper casing component may be connected to the inlet conduit by a shoulder and a circlip), while the lower casing component may be axially driveable by the threads on the inlet conduit. During use, the inlet conduit may drive the lower casing component axially along the inlet conduit between a closed position and an open position, while the upper casing component remains in an appropriate axial position.

[0171] In other embodiments, the upper casing component may be connected to threads on the inlet conduit, and the lower casing component may be freely rotatable around the inlet conduit. The upper casing component may be axially driveable between a closed position and an open position by threads on the inlet conduit, while the lower casing component may be axially constrained to the inlet conduit.

[0172] In other embodiments, the filter unit may include mechanical actuators for driving the upper and / or lower casing components between a closed position and an open position.

[0173] The filter unit may include a scraping plate (e.g., a scraping disc) attached to the inlet conduit to scrape off particulate matter collected from inside the collection wall.

[0174] The plate may extend radially across the entire width of the chamber (i.e., the radial outer edge of the plate may contact the collection wall of the chamber).

[0175] The plate may be movable axially along the inlet conduit (i.e., up and down the inlet conduit) between a lower locked position and an upper engaged position. As the plate moves up and down the inlet conduit, it can effectively scrape the collection wall, thereby scraping off layers of particulate matter accumulated on the inner surface of the collection wall. The radial outer edge of the scraping plate / disk may include an upward corner. This corner may be sharpened to help scrape the collection wall. The corner may be flexible to accommodate some variation in the width / diameter of the chamber.

[0176] In embodiments including a scraping plate / disc, the inlet conduit may form the drive shaft of the motor, and the outer surface of the inlet conduit may include screw threads. As described above, the inlet conduit may be rotatable by the motor so that it acts as a lead screw.

[0177] The scraping plate may be rotatably coupled to the chamber so that it rotates with the chamber (for example, the scraping plate may include fasteners that can be fitted into slots in the chamber).

[0178] The scraping plate / disc may be attached to the inlet conduit. The plate / disc may be constrained laterally / radially with respect to the inlet conduit, for example, the plate may include an axial slot or hole for accommodating the inlet conduit. Thus, as the scraping plate moves axially along the inlet conduit, the scraping plate may remain axially aligned with the inlet conduit. The inner surface of the axial slot may include threads that can be connected to threads on the inlet conduit, i.e., the scraping plate may be connected to threads on the inlet conduit so that the scraping plate can be driven axially along the inlet conduit by the rotation of the threads. The inlet conduit may act as a master thread for the scraping plate, i.e., the rotation of the inlet conduit drives the scraping plate axially along the inlet conduit.

[0179] When the scraping plate is in the upper engagement position, it may be able to engage with the upper casing component. Therefore, during use, when the scraping plate moves axially up the inlet conduit, it is pressed against the upper casing component, moving the upper casing component from the closed position to the open position (where the microparticle dispensing opening is formed). When the plate moves axially down the inlet conduit and away from the upper casing component, it moves the upper casing component from the open position to the closed position.

[0180] In embodiments including a scraping plate, the upper and lower casing components (for example, in the form of a chamber lid and base) may be freely rotatable around the inlet conduit.

[0181] The scraping plate may be lockable to the lower casing component when in the lower locked position, for example, the scraping plate may be configured to reach the bottom of the lower casing component. Rotation of the scraping plate when in the lower locked position may be configured to rotate the lower casing component.

[0182] The collection walls of the upper and lower casing components may be tapered outward toward the periphery joint between the casing components, so that the widest part of the chamber may be at the periphery joint. This allows the particulate matter to be effectively condensed at the periphery joint so that when the upper and lower casing components are moved to the open position, the particulate matter can be immediately extracted from the annular opening.

[0183] The collection wall may include a tapered portion (for example, the chamber may include a frustoconical portion). For example, the upper casing may be tapered outward (from the upper wall to the periphery seam) and the lower casing may be tapered inward (from the periphery seam to the lower wall) such that the widest part of the chamber (and the particle dispensing opening) is formed toward the middle of the axial length of the chamber.

[0184] The dispensing opening may be formed toward the bottom of the collection wall (i.e., toward the lower end wall).

[0185] In these embodiments, the chamber may include at least one helical baffle extending spirally around an inlet conduit (the inlet conduit is for the first embodiment as described above), for example, the baffle may generally be shaped as an internal Archimedean screw pump. One or more blades of the helical baffle may extend radially from the inlet conduit toward the collection wall, thereby moving the liquid spirally around the inlet conduit. The helical baffle may be rotatable with the chamber, for example, with the inlet conduit during filtration.

[0186] One of the helical baffles of the chamber may include a side wall extending around a portion of the periphery of the chamber. The side wall may include an opening that can be aligned with the particle dispensing opening, so that when used for particle dispensing (after filtration), the opening is aligned with the particle dispensing opening, allowing particulate matter to be dispensed from the opening.

[0187] The sidewall may extend from the vanes of the helical baffle (or, if multiple helical baffles are included, from one of the multiple helical baffles), for example, from the lower portion of the vanes of the helical baffle. The helical baffle may be rotatable about a pivot axis so that the sidewall opening is aligned with the particle dispensing opening after filtration. As described above, the helical baffle may be formed as an Archimedes screw pump so that, during use, the rotation of the helical baffle can push the particulate matter collected on the collection wall downward toward the particle dispensing opening.

[0188] The particle dispensing opening may be an opening in the lower end wall.

[0189] In these embodiments, the filter unit may include a guide plate for the first embodiment between the axial lower end wall and the inlet, as described above. The guide plate may be connected to / attached to the lower end wall, for example, by ribs. The guide plate may be movable axially upward within the chamber to create additional space between the axial lower end wall and the guide plate. When moving upward, the particle dispensing opening is exposed to allow for the removal of debris from the collection wall (e.g., by gravity). The guide plate may be movable axially downward to close the particle dispensing opening. The filter unit may include a mechanical arm connecting the guide plate to the lower end wall. The mechanical arm may be configured to move the guide plate axially upward and / or downward within the chamber. The guide plate may have axially extending ribs for the first embodiment, as described above.

[0190] In other embodiments, the guide plate may be fixed axially to the chamber, i.e., not movable axially within the chamber. It may be mounted on a rotor or base extending through a particle dispensing opening, for example, through a particle dispensing opening provided in the axial lower end wall. This may mean that the particle dispensing opening is in fluid communication with the chamber during operation, i.e., the guide plate does not seal the axial lower end wall. Instead, the axially fixed guide plate is placed on ribs and has a path between the ribs to provide access to the particle dispensing opening.

[0191] In embodiments with a guide plate, for example, in embodiments with a guide plate and an open / exposed particle dispensing opening, the inlet may include an inlet conduit as described above, for example, an inlet conduit having an opening proximal to the axial lower end wall (and proximal to the guide plate). The conduit may include upper or lower flanges as described above, for example, upper and / or lower flanges, each having a respective vent / bleed arrangement.

[0192] If the particle dispensing opening is located at the axial lower end wall, the filter unit may further include a second (lower) chamber that is in fluid communication with the particle dispensing opening. The second chamber may be formed integrally with the (first) chamber.

[0193] The second chamber may have an axial upper end wall with an opening that communicates with the particle dispensing opening and fluid. The axial upper end wall of the second chamber may have a second outlet, for example, a series of outlet holes arranged in a ring on the axial upper end wall of the second chamber. One or more second outlet holes may be radially outward of one or more outlets on the axial upper end wall of the (first) chamber. The second chamber may have an axial lower end wall with a second (lower) particle dispensing opening. This may have a collection perimeter wall extending between the axial upper end wall and the axial lower end wall of the second chamber.

[0194] A collection cup having a receiving recess with a collection opening facing the particle dispensing opening of the (first) chamber may be provided in the second (lower) chamber. The collection cup may be mounted on an axial base / rotor, for example, on an axial base / rotor to which the guide plate of the (first) chamber is mounted. The collection cup has tapered walls such that the collection opening is wider than the base of the collection cup.

[0195] During use, a paste or concentrate containing particulate matter is released (under gravity) from the particle dispensing opening of the (first) chamber into a second chamber where the paste or concentrate is collected in a collection cup.

[0196] When the filter unit resumes rotation, the concentrate / paste moves under centrifugal force from the base of the collection cup up the tapered wall and is thrown from the cup onto the perimeter wall of the second chamber. The liquid in the concentrate / paste is released from one or more outlets on the axial upper end wall, further concentrating the concentrate / paste. When the rotation stops, the particulate matter collected on the perimeter wall of the second chamber is released from the filter unit under gravity through the lower particle dispensing opening.

[0197] In any embodiment of the second aspect, the inlet and / or outlet may be for the first aspect as described above. For example, the inlet may be provided by an inlet conduit as described above, for example, by an inlet conduit extending from or through an axial upper end wall having axial and / or lateral openings proximal to the lower end wall.

[0198] The inlet conduit may include an outlet (e.g., upper) flange for the first embodiment, as described above.

[0199] The flange or each flange may include the respective vent / bleed configuration as described above.

[0200] The outlet may include a circular opening, such as a circular opening in the end wall. The outlet may include an annular opening that circumscribes the inlet conduit and may be radially spaced from the inlet conduit or may extend to the inlet conduit.

[0201] In some embodiments, the outlet may include an annular opening (for example, in the upper end wall) and additional or a number of additional openings (for example, in the upper end wall). The annular opening may be proximal to the inlet conduit, and the additional openings may be radially distal to the inlet conduit.

[0202] In embodiments with a guide plate, for example, in embodiments with an axially stationary guide plate and an exposed dispensing opening, the diameter of the particle dispensing opening (at the axial lower end wall) may be smaller than the diameter of the annular outlet (at the axial upper end wall).

[0203] The filter unit of the second embodiment may be configured to operate in particle dispensing mode (to extract / release particulate matter from the chamber). The filter unit may operate in particle dispensing mode immediately after operating in drainage mode (as described above for the first embodiment). The filter unit may be configured to operate in particle dispensing mode every 20, 30, or 100 cycles in which the filter unit has been operated in use mode. In some embodiments (for example, when filtering a liquid with a high particulate content), the filter unit may be configured to operate in drainage mode and particle dispensing mode immediately after operating in use mode.

[0204] A washing apparatus provided according to the third embodiment is for washing fabrics, A housing in which a drum is rotatably mounted, wherein the drum includes a side wall having one or more holes configured to discharge liquid from the drum, A collector located downstream of the drum and configured to collect the liquid discharged from the drum, A filter unit relating to the first or second embodiment, The flow path between the collector and the inlet of the filter unit This is a cleaning device equipped with [a specific feature / feature].

[0205] The outlet of the filter unit may be fluid-connected to the drum. For example, the outlet of the filter unit may be selectively fluid-connectable to the drum so as to be fluid-connected to the drum during the washing process. The outlet filter unit may be selectively fluid-connectable to the drain port during the drainage process.

[0206] The device may be a washing machine. A filter unit can be used to clean the water in the wash water between wash cycles in order to improve washing performance.

[0207] A method provided according to the fourth embodiment is a method for filtering particulate matter from a particulate-containing liquid in a washing device including a filter unit according to the first or second embodiment, Introducing a particulate-containing liquid into the chamber through the inlet, The method includes rotating the chamber about a rotation axis at a first speed configured to move the liquid radially from the inlet to the particle collection perimeter and axially along the particle collection perimeter.

[0208] Rotating the chamber around the axis of rotation may include operating a motor to rotate the chamber.

[0209] The method may include rotating the chamber at a first velocity configured to generate a centrifugal force in the rotating liquid that is orders of magnitude greater than the gravitational force acting on the liquid.

[0210] Since centrifugal force is orders of magnitude greater than gravity, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the filter unit can operate effectively as described in any orientation, i.e., upside down, horizontally, or at any point in between.

[0211] The rotation speed may be selected to generate sufficient centrifugal force to capture a desired percentage of particulate matter at the particle collection wall (i.e., the collection wall) without using any form of barrier filter (e.g., mesh).

[0212] The first speed can be 1,000 to 10,000 revolutions per minute, for example, about 10,000 revolutions per minute for smaller household filter units, for example, about 4,000 revolutions per minute, or for example, about 6,000 revolutions per minute for larger filter units.

[0213] The above method generates a centrifugal force of 15,000 ms in a liquid. -2 Alternatively, this may include rotating the chamber to achieve a load of approximately 1500G.

[0214] The method described above may include providing inlet conduits for the first and second embodiments as described above, and rotating the inlet conduits around the axis of rotation in the same manner and / or at the same rotational speed as the chamber.

[0215] The method described above may include providing an outlet for the first embodiment as described above, and rotating the chamber at a first speed, so that particulate matter in the liquid is collected at the collection wall and the filtered liquid exits from the outlet.

[0216] The filter unit may have a residence time of 1 to 120 seconds (i.e., the amount of time that a predetermined volume of rotating liquid remains in the rotating chamber before being discharged outside the chamber).

[0217] For example, the filter unit may have a residence time of 6 seconds, and for example, the filter unit may have a chamber capacity of 1 liter and a flow rate of 10 liters / minute. For example, the filter unit may have a residence time of 120 seconds, and for example, the filter unit may have a chamber capacity of 1 liter and a flow rate of 0.5 liters / minute.

[0218] The filter unit may have a flow rate of 0.5 liters / minute to 20 liters / minute. For example, the filter unit may have a flow rate of about 10 liters / minute. In some embodiments, the filter unit may have a flow rate of 15 to 20 liters / minute. Embodiments with significantly higher flow rates are also envisioned.

[0219] Additionally, the residence time may be increased by increasing the volume of the filter chamber. It has been shown that increasing the residence time improves filtration efficiency, meaning the filter unit can filter particularly small particles and capture a larger percentage of particulate matter in the feed liquid.

[0220] The filter's separation efficiency may be varied during use by varying the flow rate through the filter. The flow rate may be varied by adjusting the inlet to the chamber with a throttle, or by changing the size of one or more outlet openings in the chamber and / or the position of one or more outlet openings relative to the axis of rotation. A liquid quality sensor may monitor the cleanliness of the liquid exiting the filter at the outlet and the adjusted flow rate to maintain a constant filtration efficiency.

[0221] The above characteristics may apply to a filter unit operating in a particular configuration. Once all available liquid has been filtered, no more liquid may be introduced into the inlet.

[0222] Any liquid remaining in the chamber may be discharged from the chamber through the outlet.

[0223] The method may include providing an outlet with an annular opening in the upper wall and an additional opening in the upper wall for the first embodiment as described above, and rotating the chamber at a first speed so that the filtered liquid exits through the annular opening. Once all available liquid has been filtered, no more liquid may be introduced into the inlet. Any liquid remaining in the chamber may be discharged from the chamber through the additional opening.

[0224] Once the remaining liquid is released from the chamber, the chamber may stop rotating. When the chamber stops rotating, the particulate matter collected on the collection wall may be able to fall (under gravity) toward the lower end wall. The method may include providing a particle dispensing opening in the lower end wall for the first embodiment, as described above, so that when the chamber stops rotating, the particulate matter falls through the particle dispensing opening.

[0225] As mentioned above, not all liquid may be discharged from the chamber. Any remaining liquid that is not discharged from the chamber when the filter unit is operated in the intended use may remain in the chamber.

[0226] The method may include operating the filter unit in a drainage configuration to drain the residual liquid from the chamber. Draining the residual liquid from the chamber can concentrate the particulate matter deposited on the collection wall into a paste / concentrate (i.e., reduce the water content of the particulate matter), or dry the particulate matter into a solid, which is easier to process and therefore facilitates the removal of the particulate matter from the chamber.

[0227] The method may include providing one or more drain valves for the first and second embodiments as described above, and rotating the chamber at a second speed to open one or more drain valves (e.g., one or more centrifugal valves) of one or more drain ports. The method may include opening one or more drain valves to drain the residual liquid from the chamber. The method may include providing one or more drain valves on the upper end wall, opening one or more drain valves, and rotating the chamber to drain the residual liquid from the chamber to the drain liquid level.

[0228] The method may include providing an L-shaped outlet conduit for the first embodiment as described above, and rotating the chamber to collect particulate matter at the collection wall. The method may include rotating the L-shaped outlet conduit from the use configuration to the drainage configuration, and rotating the chamber to drain any remaining liquid in the chamber to the drainage liquid level. The method may include providing a mechanical linkage mechanism for the first embodiment as described above, and operating the mechanical linkage mechanism to rotate the L-shaped outlet conduit from the use configuration rather than the drainage configuration.

[0229] The method may include providing inlet conduits for the first and second embodiments as described above, and rotating the inlet conduits in a first direction (for example, clockwise). The method may also include rotating the inlet conduits in a first direction in order to rotate the chamber in a first direction due to friction between the inlet conduits and the chamber.

[0230] The method may include providing upper and lower casing components for the first and second embodiments as described above, and rotating the inlet conduit in a first direction when the upper and lower casing components are in a closed position. The method may include rotating the inlet conduit and the lower casing component in a first direction. The method may include rotating the lower casing component in order to rotate the upper casing component at the same direction and rotational speed as the lower casing component due to friction between the upper and lower casing components.

[0231] The method may include rotating the inlet conduit in a second direction (for example, counterclockwise). The method may include rotating the inlet conduit in a second direction to provide threads on the inlet conduit and to rotate the threads on the inlet conduit in a second direction. The method may include rotating the threads in a second direction to drive the lower casing component from a closed position to an open position, thereby providing an annular opening between the upper casing component and the lower casing component. In the first / second embodiment in which the upper casing component is fixed axially to the inlet conduit, the method may include rotating the inlet conduit in a second direction (and maintaining the upper casing component in place axially) to rotate the threads in a second direction and to drive the lower casing component from a closed position to an open position axially downward of the inlet conduit.

[0232] The method may include rotating the chamber when the upper and lower casing components are in the open position, thereby releasing particulate matter collected radially outward from the annular opening between the upper and lower casing components. The released particulate matter may be released from the annular opening along the lateral lower surface.

[0233] The method may include rotating the inlet conduit in a first direction when the upper and lower casing components are in the open position. The method may also include rotating the inlet conduit in a first direction to rotate the threads and drive the lower casing component upward from the open position to the closed position of the inlet conduit, thereby closing the annular opening between the upper and lower casing components.

[0234] In embodiments in which both upper and lower casing components are connected to threads on an inlet conduit, the method may include rotating the threads in a second direction to drive both upper and lower casing components from a closed position to an open position. The method may also include rotating the threads in a first direction to drive both upper and lower casing components from an open position to a closed position.

[0235] The method described above may include providing a scraping plate for the first embodiment as described above, and rotating the inlet conduit in a first direction when the scraping plate is in the lower locked position and the upper and lower casing components are in the closed position. The method may also include rotating the scraping plate in a first direction to rotate the lower casing component (because the scraping plate is locked or has reached the bottom of the lower casing component).

[0236] The method may include rotating the inlet conduit in the second direction to rotate the screw threads in a second direction and unlock the scraping plate from the lower locked position, thereby unlocking the scraping plate from the lower casing component. The method may include rotating the screw threads in the second direction to drive the scraping plate axially upward of the inlet conduit from the lower locked position to the upper engaged position. The method may include rotating the inlet conduit in the second direction and driving the scraping plate relative to the upper casing component. The method may include rotating the inlet conduit in the second direction to drive the scraping plate relative to the upper casing component and to move the upper casing component from a closed position to an open position.

[0237] By driving the scraping plate upward relative to the upper casing component, a sufficient upward force can be applied to the upper casing component to relieve the spring bias that pushes the upper casing component toward the closed position. The method may include rotating the chamber when the upper casing component is in the open position, thereby releasing particulate matter radially outward from the annular opening between the upper and lower casing components.

[0238] The method described above may include rotating the inlet conduit in a first direction in order to rotate the screw threads in a first direction.

[0239] The method may include rotating the threads in a first direction when the scraping plate is in the upper engagement position in order to drive the scraping plate axially downward of the inlet conduit.

[0240] The method may include rotating a screw thread in a first direction to drive a scraping plate downward from the inlet conduit and to move the upper casing component from an open position to a closed position. A spring biasing the upper casing component to the closed position ensures that the upper casing component moves from an open position to a closed position when the scraping plate is driven downward from the inlet conduit. The method may include rotating a screw thread in a first direction to drive the scraping plate axially downward from the inlet conduit to a lower locked position and to lock the scraping plate to the lower casing component.

[0241] The method may include providing a helical baffle and rotating the helical baffle relative to the chamber. The method may include rotating the helical baffle relative to the chamber by rotating the helical baffle 30 to 60 revolutions per minute faster or slower than the rotating chamber.

[0242] The method may include rotating the helical baffle relative to the chamber and aligning the side wall openings with the particle dispensing opening to open the dispensing opening. The method may include rotating the chamber when the side wall openings are aligned with the particle dispensing opening so that particulate matter is discharged radially outward from the dispensing opening. The method may include rotating the helical baffle relative to the chamber once for each rotation of the helical baffle so that the side wall openings are aligned with the particle dispensing opening.

[0243] The method may include rotating the spiral baffle relative to the chamber and ensuring that the side wall openings do not align with the particle dispensing opening in order to close the dispensing opening.

[0244] Although the above description relates to a filter unit for filtering particulate matter from a liquid, it will immediately become clear that the same technology can be applied to filtering particulate matter from a gas or from a fine suspension of liquid particles within a gas.

[0245] Such disclosure includes combinations of the described aspects and preferred features, unless such combination is clearly unacceptable or expressly avoided.

[0246] The embodiments will be discussed below with reference to the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0247] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a filter unit according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to a second embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a schematic diagram of a filter unit according to the third embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to the fourth embodiment. [Figure 5] This shows one embodiment of a filter unit that includes various baffle configurations. [Figure 6] This shows one embodiment of a filter unit that includes various baffle configurations. [Figure 7] This shows one embodiment of a filter unit that includes various baffle configurations. [Figure 8] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 13] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 14] This shows one embodiment of a drainage filter unit. [Figure 15] This shows one embodiment of a drainage filter unit. [Figure 16] Another embodiment of the filter unit in the open / closed position is shown. [Figure 17] Another embodiment of the filter unit in the open / closed position is shown. [Figure 18] Another embodiment of the filter unit in the open / closed position is shown. [Figure 19] Another embodiment of the filter unit in the open / closed position is shown. [Figure 20] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 21] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to another embodiment. [Figure 22] This is a cross-sectional view of a filter unit according to yet another embodiment. [Figure 23] Figure 22 is a cross-sectional view of the modified filter unit. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0248] With reference to the attached drawings, several aspects and embodiments will be discussed below. Additional aspects and embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0249] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram of a filter unit 10 according to a first embodiment. The filter unit 10 includes a cylindrical chamber 12 defined by an axial upper end wall (upper wall) 14, an axial lower end wall (lower wall) 16 facing the upper end wall 14, and a particle collection perimeter wall (collection wall) 18. The upper end wall 14 and the lower end wall 16 are separated and connected by the collection wall 18. The filter unit 10 includes an inlet opening 23 for delivering a particulate matter-containing liquid into the chamber 12. In particular, the inlet 23 includes an inlet conduit 20 that extends axially through the upper end wall 14 into the chamber 12. The opening of the inlet 23 (hereinafter also referred to as "inlet opening 23") is the axial opening end of the inlet conduit 20.

[0250] The inlet 23 opens toward the lower end wall 16. The inlet conduit 20 has a length greater than 80% of the axial length of the chamber 12 such that the axial distance between the inlet opening 23 and the lower end wall 16 is smaller than the axial distance between the inlet opening 23 and the upper end wall 14.

[0251] The filter unit 10 includes an outlet 24 in the upper end wall 14 for discharging the filtrate from the chamber 12. In this embodiment, the outlet 24 is an annular opening that is circumscribing the inlet conduit 20.

[0252] In this embodiment, the chamber 12 is rotatable about a rotation axis 30, which is the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 12. The central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit 20 and the axial center of the annular outlet 24 are coaxial with the rotation axis 30. The filter unit 10 includes a motor 34 for rotating the chamber 12 about the rotation axis 30.

[0253] The liquid flow path from the inlet 23 to the outlet 24, indicated by arrow 22, includes a radial component from the inlet 23 to the collection wall 18 and an axial upward component along the collection wall 18. The inlet 23, which opens toward the lower end wall 16, consequently becomes a radial component of the flow path that is directly adjacent to and parallel to the lower end wall 16. In particular, the inner surface 25 of the lower end wall 16 forms a continuous guide surface that directs the liquid from the inlet 23 to the collection wall 18.

[0254] Figure 3 shows one embodiment of the filter unit 10 including a flange 50, particularly a lower flange 50. The flange 50 extends radially outward from the axial opening end 23 of the inlet conduit 20. The radial distance (i.e., transverse annular distance) between the outer edge of the flange 50 and the collection wall 18 is smaller than the radial distance between the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit 20 and the outer edge of the flange 50 (i.e., the outer edge of the flange 50 is closer to the collection wall 18 than the central longitudinal axis of the inlet conduit 20). This effectively ensures that most of the liquid introduced into the chamber 12 is deflected radially outward toward the collection wall 18 of the chamber 12, where it will be subjected to higher centrifugal force. Thus, the axial components of the liquid along the collection wall 18 are closer to the collection wall 18, and preferably directly adjacent to it (i.e., the axial components of the flow path are directly adjacent to the outer edge of the chamber 12). In this embodiment, the lower surface 52 of the flange 50 forms a guide surface. Both the inner surface 25 of the lower end wall 16 and the lower surface 52 of the flange 50 provide continuous guide surfaces for guiding the liquid from the inlet 23 to the collection wall 18.

[0255] In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the outlet is an annular opening 24 centered on the rotation axis 30. The radial distance from the rotation axis 30 to the annular opening 24 is smaller than the radial distance from the annular opening 24 to the collection wall 18 (i.e., the annular opening 24 is closer to the rotation axis 30 than to the collection wall 18).

[0256] The filter unit 10 in Figure 3 includes a solid core 54 (its outline is shown so as not to obscure the rest of the filter unit 10). The solid core 54 is circumscribing to the inlet conduit 20 and blocks the central region of the chamber 12. The solid core 54 deflects the liquid toward the collection wall 18, where the liquid will experience a higher centrifugal force. The solid core 54 extends radially over 50% of the lateral width of the chamber 12. The solid core 54 extends axially from the flange 50 to the proximal end wall 14.

[0257] Figure 2 shows several types of outlets that may be provided in embodiments of the filter unit 10. As previously mentioned, the outlet may be an annular opening 24 that is circumscribing the inlet conduit 20. In some embodiments, the outlet may include an opening 46 that is radially spaced from the inlet conduit 20. As shown, the annular opening can be sealed by a rotary seal 42 if necessary so that the liquid exits only through the opening 46.

[0258] In Figure 4, this embodiment of the filter unit 10 includes an inlet impeller 60 located between the flange 50 and the lower end wall 16, just downstream of the open end 23 of the inlet conduit 20. The central axis of the inlet impeller 60 is coaxial with the rotation axis 30. The blades 62 of the inlet impeller 60 are positioned laterally / radially across the chamber 12 so that the inlet impeller 60 can rotate perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 12. The inlet impeller 60 is configured to increase the fluidity of the liquid entering the chamber 12 and to draw the liquid into the chamber 12.

[0259] The filter unit 10 also includes an outlet impeller 66 immediately downstream of the outlet 24. Similar to the inlet impeller 60, the central axis of the outlet impeller 66 is coaxial with the rotation axis 30, and the outlet impeller 66 is rotatable perpendicular to the central longitudinal axis of the chamber 12. The outlet impeller 66 is configured to increase the flow rate of liquid through the chamber 12 and the flow rate of liquid exiting the chamber 12.

[0260] The filter unit 10 in Figure 4 also includes an external impeller 68 positioned on the outer surface 72 of the collection wall 18. The blades 70 of the external impeller 68 extend radially outward from the outer surface 72 of the collection wall 18 and along the axial length of the chamber 12. The external impeller 68 effectively enables the filter unit 10 to function as a pump.

[0261] Figures 5 to 8 show various baffle configurations that may be included in the filter unit 10. First, in Figure 5, the chamber 12 includes a series of alternating outward-extending baffles 80a and inward-extending baffles 80b. The outward-extending baffles 80a extend radially outward from the inlet conduit 20 to the proximal to the collection wall 18 and extend around the entire periphery of the inlet conduit 20. The inward-extending baffles 80b extend radially inward from the collection wall 18 to the proximal to the inlet conduit 20 and extend around the entire periphery of the collection wall 18. The baffles (80a, 80b) are configured to divert the liquid flow around the baffles, as indicated by arrows 82. This effectively increases the liquid flow path as the liquid moves from the inlet 23 to the outlet 24, and thus increases the residence time in the filter unit 10.

[0262] Figure 7 shows the filter unit 10 when the chamber 12 includes multiple ribs 100 that extend axially. The ribs 100 extend radially from the collection wall 18 to the proximal end of the inlet conduit 20. The ribs 100 are evenly spaced radially around the periphery of the chamber 12 and extend axially along the entire longitudinal length of the chamber 12. Including the ribs 100 increases the filtration efficiency of the filter unit 10.

[0263] Figure 6 shows a filter unit 10 in which the chamber 12 includes a helical baffle 90 that extends radially around the inlet conduit 20. The vanes 92 of the helical baffle 90 extend radially from the inlet conduit 20 to the collection wall 18. When in use, this causes the liquid to move spirally around the inlet conduit 20. In this embodiment, the inlet conduit 20 includes an opening 23 in the wall of the inlet conduit 20 for delivering the particulate-containing liquid.

[0264] Figure 8 shows a filter unit 10 comprising a chamber 12 containing a series of ribs 110. The ribs 110 extend radially inward from the collection wall 18 and are integrally formed with the lower end wall 16. Thus, the ribs 110 can rotate at the same rotational speed as the chamber 12.

[0265] The ribs 110 are radially spaced from the axial center 112 of the chamber 12. There are no ribs 110 in the area 114 downstream of the inlet 23, allowing the delivered liquid to enter the chamber 12. The inner upper corners 116 of the ribs 110 are chamfered or rounded to prevent debris from accumulating on the ribs 110 and obstructing the inlet 23. This effectively promotes the smooth flow of liquid into the chamber 12. In this embodiment, the flange 50 and the inlet conduit 20 extend radially over 30% or less of the diameter of the chamber 12.

[0266] The ribs 110 extend axially along one-quarter of the axial length of the chamber 12 and are evenly distributed radially around the central longitudinal axis 112 of the chamber 12. The ribs 110 are rotatable around the rotation axis 30 and are configured to rotate the liquid within the chamber 12 during use.

[0267] The ribs 110 can rotate at the same rotational speed as the chamber 12. Therefore, the ribs 110 can effectively rotate the liquid at the same rotational speed as the chamber 12. Without the ribs, the liquid would rotate at a slower rotational speed than the rotating chamber 12, which could result in reduced filtration efficiency. Including the ribs 110 ensures that the liquid in the chamber 12 rotates at the same rotational speed as the rotating chamber 12. As a result, filtration efficiency is increased, and the filter unit 10 can be operated at a high flow rate (e.g., 15-20 liters / minute) while still achieving high filtration efficiency.

[0268] In this embodiment, the distance from the axial center of the inlet conduit 20 to the radial outer edge of the lower flange 50 is 40% of the radius of the chamber 12 so as not to obstruct the rib 110 (i.e., the inlet conduit 20 / lower flange 50 occupies approximately 40% of the diameter of the chamber 12).

[0269] Figure 9 shows a filter unit 10 comprising a series of ribs 110 (as described above) and an upper flange 50a extending toward the upper end wall 14. The axial distance between the upper end wall 14 and the upper flange 50a is less than 10% of the axial length of the chamber 12. This prevents the flange from interfering with the ribs 110.

[0270] Next, Figure 10 shows a filter unit 10 with a tapered collection wall 18 (i.e., the chamber 12 is frustoconical). In this embodiment, the collection wall 18 tapers outward from the upper end wall 14 to the lower end wall 16. As can be seen from Figure 10, this effectively encourages particulate matter 36 to collect in the widest part of the chamber 12.

[0271] Figure 11 shows a filter unit 10 that includes an annular bearing and sealing material 120 around the inlet conduit 20 at the upper end wall 14.

[0272] Figures 12 and 13 show two alternative configurations of the filter unit 10. First, Figure 12 shows the filter unit 10 with an inlet opening 23' in the upper end wall 14 and a pair of outlet openings 24' in the lower end wall 16. The liquid flow path indicated by arrow 150 includes a radial component from the inlet 23' to the collection wall 18 and an axial lower component along the collection wall 18. The embodiment in Figure 12 also includes an inlet impeller 60 and an upper flange 50a. The blades 62 of the inlet impeller 60 connect the upper flange 50a to the upper end wall 14. The inner surface 152 of the upper end wall 14 and the upper surface 154 of the upper flange 50a provide a continuous guide surface for guiding the liquid from the inlet 23' to the collection wall 18.

[0273] FIG. 13 shows a filter unit 10 having an inlet opening 23' in the upper end wall 14 and an outlet in the form of a vortex finder 156. The vortex finder 156 includes a conduit 157 having an outlet opening 158 for discharging liquid from the chamber 12. The vortex finder 156 extends through the upper end wall 14 and out of the chamber 12.

[0274] FIGS. 14 and 15 show two embodiments of filter units 10' and 10" for draining the chamber. First, in FIG. 14, two examples of drain openings in the chamber are shown.

[0275] The filter unit 10' may include an outlet 24 in the upper end wall and may include a drain port 102 in the collection wall or a drain port 104 in the upper end wall. Each drain port (102, 104) includes a centrifugal valve (101, 103). The drain port 104 in the upper end wall is axially spaced from the central longitudinal axis 112 of the chamber. The axial spacing between the central longitudinal axis 112 of the chamber and the drain port 104 is greater than the axial spacing between the drain port 104 and the collection wall. The filter unit 10' includes a mesh lining 106 on the inner surface 107 of the collection wall.

[0276] FIG. 15 shows a top sectional view and a cross-sectional view of a filter unit 10" including an "L"-shaped outlet conduit 108 extending through the upper end wall. The "L"-shaped outlet conduit 108 is axially rotatable between a first use position (shown on the left side of the drawing) where the outlet points radially inward and a second drain position (shown on the right side of the drawing) where the pipe is rotated 90 degrees. The filter unit 10" includes a mechanical linkage (not shown) for rotating the "L"-shaped outlet conduit 108 between the first use position and the second drain position.

[0277] Next, Figures 16 to 20 show several embodiments of a filter unit capable of dispensing particulate matter collected from the chamber 12. First, in Figure 20, the filter unit 400” shows the chamber 12, which includes a particle dispensing opening 300 in the collection wall 18, particularly toward the bottom of the collection wall 18. The particle dispensing opening 300 is openable for dispensing particulate matter out of the chamber 12. The chamber 12 includes a helical baffle 90 around an inlet conduit 20 similar to that described above. In this embodiment, one of the vanes, particularly the lowest vane 94 of the helical baffle 90, includes a side wall 97 extending around the periphery of the chamber 12. The side wall 97 is a particle It includes an opening (not shown) that can be aligned with the sub-dispensing opening 300. The helical baffle 90 is rotatable about a pivot axis 30 so that the side wall opening can be aligned with the particle dispensing opening 300 and particulate matter is dispensed from the chamber 12 through the open particle dispensing opening 300. The helical baffle 90 is effectively shaped as an Archimedean screw pump so that the rotation of the helical baffle 90 pushes the particulate matter collected on the collection wall 18 downward toward the particle dispensing opening 300.

[0278] Figures 18 and 19 show an embodiment of a filter unit 400' in which the chamber 12 is formed from an upper casing component and a lower casing component. In this embodiment, the upper casing component is an upper casing half 192, and the lower casing component is a lower casing half 194. The upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194 are movable between a closed position (shown in Figure 18) and an open position (shown in Figure 19). In the closed position, the upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194 are joined at a peripheral seam 196 to form a closed chamber 12. The peripheral seam 196 forms a liquid-tight seal. In the open position, the upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194 are separated at a peripheral seam 196 that forms an annular particle dispensing opening 200 between the upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194. The collection periphery walls (198, 199) of the upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194 are tapered outward toward the peripheral seam 196 such that the widest part of the chamber 12 is at the peripheral seam 196. This allows particulate matter to effectively collect at the peripheral seam 196 so that when the upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194 are moved to the open position, particulate matter can be immediately extracted from the annular particle dispensing opening 200.

[0279] In this embodiment, the inlet conduit 174 forms the drive shaft of the motor 34, and the outer surface of the inlet conduit 174 includes screw threads 176. The inlet conduit 174 is rotatable by the motor 34 so that it can act as a lead screw.

[0280] The upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194 are attached to the inlet conduit 174 and are constrained laterally / radially to the inlet conduit 174 by each casing half (192, 194), which includes longitudinal slots / holes (191, 193) for accommodating the inlet conduit 174. Thus, as the upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194 move between the closed and open positions, both casing halves (192, 194) remain axially aligned with the inlet conduit 174 (i.e., their central axes remain coincident with the inlet conduit 174), and thus remain axially aligned with each other.

[0281] The inner surface of the axial slot / hole 193 of the lower casing half 194 includes a thread that connects to a thread 176 on the inlet conduit 174. Thus, the lower casing half 194 is axially drivable by the thread 176. The inner surface of the axial slot 191 of the upper casing half 192 is smooth so that the upper casing half 192 can rotate freely around the inlet conduit 174. The upper casing half 192 is axially constrained to the inlet conduit 174 by the axial slot 191, which is fitted into (held or restrained by) a groove 195 in the wall of the inlet conduit 174.

[0282] Figures 16 and 17 show an embodiment of the filter unit 400 in which the chamber 12 is formed from an upper casing component 160 and a lower casing component 162 joined at a peripheral seam 164. In practice, the upper casing component 160 forms the lid of the chamber 12, and the lower casing component 162 forms the base of the chamber 12. The upper casing component 160 includes an upper end wall 14, and the outlet includes an opening 168 in the upper casing component 160. The outlet 168 is tapered outward (i.e., from the inner surface 161 of the upper end wall 14 to the outer surface 163 of the upper end wall 14). The outwardly tapered outlet effectively encourages the discharged liquid to move up and down along the surface 180 as it exits the chamber 12.

[0283] The filter unit 400 in Figures 16 and 17 includes a scraping plate 170. The scraping plate 170 extends radially across the entire width of the chamber 12 and includes a sharp upward-pointing corner 172. The scraping plate 170 is movable axially upward and downward of the inlet conduit 174 between a lower locked position (shown in Figure 16) and an upper engaged position (shown in Figure 17).

[0284] To restrain the scraping plate 170 laterally / radially with respect to the inlet conduit 174, the scraping disc is attached to the inlet conduit 174 and includes an axial slot / hole 177 for accommodating the inlet conduit 174. The inner surface of the axial slot 177 includes threads that connect to threads 176 on the inlet conduit 174, i.e., the scraping plate 170 is connected to the threads 176 on the inlet conduit 174 so that the scraping plate 170 can be driven axially upward and downward of the inlet conduit 174 by rotation of the threads 176. When the scraping plate 170 is in the lower locked position, it can be locked to the lower casing component 162.

[0285] In this embodiment, the upper casing component 160 is biased to the closed position by a coil spring 178 (i.e., the upper casing component 160 is biased toward the lower casing component 162). The coil spring 178 is positioned axially above the upper casing component 160 and is externally tangent to the inlet conduit 174.

[0286] In this embodiment, the upper casing component 160 and the lower casing component 162 are freely rotatable around the inlet conduit 174.

[0287] Figure 21 shows another embodiment of the filter unit 500 in which the particle dispensing opening 510 is located in the lower end wall 16. The filter unit 500 includes a guide plate 520 positioned between the lower end wall 16 and the inlet 23 and configured to guide the liquid radially from the inlet to the collection wall. The guide plate 520 is connected to the lower end wall 16 so that when the chamber 12 rotates, the guide plate 520 rotates in the same direction and at the same speed as the chamber 12. The filter unit 500 includes a tapered upper end wall 14 and a lower end wall 16. The filter unit 500 includes an annular outlet hole 524 in the upper end wall 14 that is circumstantial to the inlet conduit, and a series of outlet openings 525 in the upper end wall 14 on both sides of the inlet conduit. The series of openings 525 are positioned concentrically with the upper end wall 14 of the chamber 12.

[0288] The filter unit 500 also includes a series of ribs 110 and an upper flange 50a as described above. The ribs 110 form part of the guide plate 520 (for example, formed integrally with the guide plate 520 or attached to the guide plate 520) so that when the guide plate 520 rotates (together with the chamber 12), the ribs 110 rotate in the same direction and at the same rotational speed as the guide plate 520 (and therefore with the chamber 12). The guide plate 520 is connected to the lower end wall 16 by a pair of mechanical arms. The mechanical arms are configured to move the guide plate 520 axially upward to create space between the lower end wall 16 and the guide plate 520, thereby opening the particle dispensing opening 510. The mechanical arms are configured to move the guide plate 520 axially downward to close the particle dispensing opening 510.

[0289] Figure 22 shows an embodiment of the filter unit 500 similar to that shown in Figure 21, except that the guide plate is attached to the lower end wall 16 on the rib and is not axially movable within the chamber 12. The particle dispensing opening 510 is permanently open to the chamber 12, i.e., the guide plate does not seal the lower end wall 16, and the rib defines a path providing access to the particle dispensing opening 510. The particle dispensing opening 510 (at the lower end wall 16) is smaller in diameter than the annular outlet hole 524 (at the upper end wall 14). The inlet conduit 20 has a lower flange 50 and an upper flange 50a. Both include respective vents 550 with holes or paths extending through the flanges (50, 50a) that allow for balancing of the air pressure (and thus the water level) on both sides of the flanges (50, 50a).

[0290] Either the upper flange 50a or the lower flange 50 shown in the above-described embodiment may have such ventilation holes 550.

[0291] Figure 23 shows the filter unit 500 of Figure 22, further comprising a second (lower) chamber 560 that is in fluid communication with the particle dispensing opening 510. The second chamber 560 is formed integrally with the (first) chamber 12.

[0292] The second chamber 560 has an axial upper end wall 14a having an opening that is in fluid communication with the particle dispensing opening. The axial upper end wall 14a of the second chamber 560 may have a second outlet, for example, a series of outlet holes 525a arranged in a ring on the axial upper end wall 14a of the second chamber 560. One or more second outlet holes 525a are radially outward of one or more outlets (524, 525) on the axial upper end wall 14 of the (first) chamber 12. The second chamber 560 may have an axial lower end wall 16a having a second (lower) particle dispensing opening 510a. This may have a collection perimeter wall 18a extending between the axial upper end wall 14a and the axial lower end wall 16a of the second chamber 560.

[0293] A collection cup 561 having a receiving recess 562 with a collection opening 563 facing the particle dispensing opening 510 of the first chamber 12 may be provided in the second (lower) chamber 560. The collection cup 561 is mounted on an axial base / rotor 564 to which a guide plate 520 is attached in the (first) chamber 12. The collection cup 561 has a tapered wall 565 such that the collection opening 563 is wider than the base of the collection cup 561. When in use, the filter units (10, 400, 500) are configured to operate in the operating configuration. The particulate-containing liquid is introduced into the chamber 12 through the inlet 23, and the filter units (10, 400, 500) are operated to rotate the chamber 12 around the rotation axis 30 to impart rotational motion to the liquid. In particular, the motor 34 is operated to rotate the chamber 12 at a first speed. Rotating the chamber 12 at the first speed creates vortices in the liquid within the chamber 12. Therefore, the liquid in the chamber 12 moves radially from the inlet 23 to the collection wall 18, then axially along the collection wall 18, and is discharged out of the chamber 12 through one or more outlets (24, 524, 525).

[0294] In embodiments where the inlet is below the outlet (for example, the inlet faces the lower end wall or the inlet is at the upper end wall and the outlet is a vortex finder), the liquid vortex allows the water to move axially upward toward the outlet.

[0295] As a result of rotating the chamber at a first velocity, a centrifugal force orders of magnitude greater than the gravitational force acting on the liquid is generated within the rotating liquid. In the above embodiment, the chamber 12 is rotated at a first velocity of 4000 revolutions per minute, with a maximum of 15000 ms in the peripheral liquid. -2 This generates centrifugal force. The centrifugal force in the liquid causes the particulate matter in the liquid to move away from the axis of rotation and toward the collection wall 18, forming a layer of particulate matter at the collection wall 18.

[0296] In some embodiments, the inlet conduit 20 and the lower flange 50 rotate in the same direction and at the same rotational speed as the chamber 12.

[0297] In embodiments including the lower flange 50 and / or the solid core 54, the liquid within the chamber is directed radially outward toward the collection wall. The directed liquid then flows axially closer to the outer edge of the chamber where it experiences a higher centrifugal force.

[0298] In embodiments including the rib 110, the rib 110 rotates at the same rotational speed as the chamber 12. The rib 110 rotates the liquid within the chamber 12 at the same rotational speed as the chamber 12. This enables operation of the filter unit at a higher flow rate while still achieving a high filtration efficiency.

[0299] When the available liquid has passed through the filter unit 10 (or when all available liquid has been filtered), the liquid is no longer introduced into the chamber and the liquid remaining within the chamber is discharged through the outlet.

[0300] Referring to FIGS. 21, 22, and 23, the chamber is configured to be rotated at a first speed and the particulate-containing liquid is introduced into the chamber 十二. The particulate matter is collected at the collection wall and the filtrate is discharged from the annular outlet opening 524. When the available liquid has passed through the filter unit 500, the liquid is no longer introduced into the chamber. The liquid remaining within the chamber 12 is discharged through the outlet 525. When the remaining liquid has been discharged from the chamber, the chamber may stop rotating. In this embodiment, the chamber is able to effectively collect particulate matter from the liquid and discharge the remaining liquid from the chamber by rotating the chamber at the first speed. When the chamber stops rotating, the particulate matter collected at the collection wall can fall out (under gravity) through the particle dispensing opening 510.

[0301] In Figure 21, the guide plate 520 is movable axially upward to create additional space between the lower end wall 16 and the guide plate 520, thereby opening the particle dispensing opening 510 and allowing particulate matter to fall out of the particle dispensing opening 510 in the lower end wall 16. The guide plate 520 is also movable axially downward to close the particle dispensing opening 510.

[0302] In Figures 22 and 23, the guide plate 520 does not seal the lower end wall 16, and the particle dispensing opening 510 remains open during operation, for example, while rotating at a first speed. During filtration, the liquid in the filter moves upward toward the outlets (524, 525) rather than outward through the particle dispensing opening 510 (which has a smaller diameter). This is a result of centrifugal force, creating an annular wall of liquid with an inner diameter defined by the diameter of the annular outlet hole 524. Only when the chamber stops rotating does the particulate matter collected on the collection wall 18 fall out of the chamber (under gravity) through the particle dispensing opening 510. If the liquid remaining in the chamber when the chamber is rotating at a first speed is not discharged from the chamber, the filter unit is configured to operate in a drainage configuration to drain the remaining liquid from the chamber.

[0303] In Figure 23, the paste or concentrate containing particulate matter is released (under gravity) from the particle dispensing opening 510 of the (first) chamber 12 into the second chamber 560, where it is collected in the collection cup 561.

[0304] When the rotation of the filter unit 500 is resumed, the concentrate / paste moves upward from the base of the collection cup 561 up the tapered wall 565 under centrifugal force and is ejected from the cup onto the collection perimeter wall 18a of the second chamber 560. The liquid in the concentrate / paste is discharged from one or more outlets 525a on the upper end wall 14a in the axial direction so that the concentrate / paste is further concentrated. When the rotation stops, the particulate matter collected on the collection perimeter wall 18a of the second chamber 560 is discharged from the filter unit 500 under gravity through the lower particle dispensing opening 510a.

[0305] In Figure 14, a motor (not shown) is operated to rotate the chamber 12 at a second rotational speed, which is faster than the first rotational speed. The second speed is 20% faster than the first speed. Rotating the chamber 12 at the second rotational speed opens the centrifugal valve in the drain port, allowing any remaining liquid in the chamber 12 to drain out through the drain port. In embodiments of the filter unit with a drain port in the collection wall, all of the remaining liquid is drained from the chamber 12. Thus, rotating the chamber 12 at the second rotational speed also dries the layer of particulate matter collected on the collection wall 18. Drying the particulate matter effectively facilitates its removal from the chamber 12. In embodiments of the filter unit with a drain port in the upper end wall, the liquid is drained from the working liquid level to the draining liquid level. Liquid in the region of the axial distance between the drain port and the collection wall is not drained, leaving a paste / concentrate containing particulate matter. Draining the particulate matter and forming a paste may be effective in certain situations. Drying the paste / concentrate into a solid (e.g., by evaporation) facilitates handling and thus facilitates the removal of particulate matter from chamber 12.

[0306] Referring to Figure 20, once the particulate matter in the liquid is collected, the filter unit is drained, and the layer of particulate matter collected on the collection wall is dried as described above.

[0307] Subsequently, the filter unit 400 is further rotated, and the helical baffle 90 is rotated relative to the chamber 12. The helical baffle 90 is rotated relative to the chamber 12 by rotating the chamber 12 at a predetermined speed (e.g., 500-3000 revolutions / min) and rotating the helical baffle 90 30-60 revolutions / min faster or slower than the chamber 12, so that the sidewall opening is finally aligned with the particle dispensing opening 300. Once the sidewall opening is aligned with the particle dispensing opening 300 (i.e., the particle dispensing opening 300 is opened), the chamber 12 continues to rotate, thereby releasing particulate matter radially from the chamber 12. As the helical baffle 90 continues to rotate relative to the chamber 12, the sidewall opening is eventually no longer aligned with the particle dispensing opening 300 so that the particle dispensing opening 300 is closed. By rotating the helical baffle 90 relative to the chamber 12, the following two objectives are effectively achieved. In other words, (i) particulate matter collected on the collection wall is pushed downward toward the particle dispensing opening 300, and (ii) the particle dispensing opening 300 is periodically opened by a side wall opening aligned with the particle dispensing opening 300 so that the particulate matter can be released out of the chamber 12. Thus, when enough particulate matter has been pushed from the collection wall 18 toward the particle dispensing opening 300, the particle dispensing opening 300 is opened.

[0308] Referring to Figures 18 and 19, the motor 34 is operated to rotate the inlet conduit 174 in a first direction with the upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194 in the closed position. Rotating the inlet conduit 174 in a first direction rotates the lower casing half 194 in a first direction. The inertia (or seal friction) between the upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194 causes the upper casing half 192 to rotate at the same rotational speed as the lower casing half 194. The chamber 12 is rotated in a first direction at a first speed (as described above) so that particulate matter in the liquid is collected at the collection wall.

[0309] Once particulate matter in the liquid is collected, the filter unit is drained, and the layer of particulate matter collected at the collection wall is dried or concentrated as described above.

[0310] Subsequently, the motor 34 is operated to rotate the inlet conduit 174 in a second direction. Rotating the inlet conduit 174 in a second direction rotates the thread 176 in a second direction, thereby driving the lower casing half 194 axially downward along the inlet conduit 174. This moves the lower casing half 194 from a closed position to an open position. The upper casing half 192 remains in place axially along the inlet conduit 174 because the axial slot 191 is held in place within the groove 195 in the wall of the inlet conduit 174.

[0311] When the lower casing half 194 is in the open position, additional rotation of the chamber 12 releases particulate matter radially outward from the annular particle dispensing opening 200 between the upper casing half 192 and the lower casing half 194. Once the particulate matter has been released from the chamber 12, the motor 34 is driven to rotate the inlet conduit 174 in a first direction, thereby rotating the thread 176 in a first direction. Rotating the thread 176 in a first direction drives the lower casing half 194 axially upward of the inlet conduit 174. This moves the lower casing half 194 from the open position to the closed position, thus closing the annular particle dispensing opening 200. The chamber 12 can then continue to rotate in the first direction, and once liquid is introduced again, the particulate matter can be collected at the collection wall.

[0312] Referring to Figures 16 and 17, when the scraping plate 170 is in the lower locked position and the upper casing component 160 and the lower casing component 162 are in the closed position, the motor 34 is operated to rotate the inlet conduit 174 in a first direction. When the plate is in the lower locked position, the rotation of the inlet conduit 174 in the first direction causes the plate to lock to (or reach the bottom of) the lower casing component 162, causing it to rotate in the first direction. Friction between the upper casing component 160 and the lower casing component 162 causes the upper casing component 160 to rotate at the same rotational speed as the lower casing component 162. The chamber is rotated at a first speed (as described above) so that particulate matter in the liquid is collected at the collection wall.

[0313] Once particulate matter in the liquid is collected, the filter unit is drained, and the layer of particulate matter collected at the collection wall is dried or concentrated as described above.

[0314] Subsequently, the motor 34 is operated to rotate the inlet conduit 174 in a second direction. Rotating the inlet conduit 174 in a second direction rotates the screw thread 176 in a second direction, thereby (in combination with the inertia of the chamber and the debris inside) unlocking the scraping plate 170 from its lower locked position and driving the scraping plate 170 axially upward of the inlet conduit 174.

[0315] By continuously rotating the inlet conduit 174 in a second direction, the scraping plate 170 is driven from the lower locked position to the upper engaged position. As the scraping plate 170 moves axially along the inlet conduit 174, the scraping plate 170 scrapes and collects particulate matter on the collection wall.

[0316] When the scraping plate 170 reaches the upper engagement position, the inlet conduit 174 continues to rotate in the second direction, pressing the scraping plate 170 against the upper casing component 160 and moving the upper casing component 160 from the closed position to the open position. The scraping plate 170 applies sufficient upward force to the upper casing component 160 to relieve the biasing force of the coil spring 178 that pushes the upper casing component 160 toward the closed position. When the upper casing component 160 is in the open position, the chamber rotates further, releasing particulate matter radially outward from the annular particle dispensing opening 182. Once the particulate matter has been released from the chamber, the motor 34 is driven to rotate the inlet conduit 174, and thus the thread 176, in the first direction. Rotating the screw threads 176 in a first direction drives the scraping plate 170 axially downward of the inlet conduit 174, thereby moving the upper casing component 160 from the open position to the closed position and closing the annular particle dispensing opening 182. The coil spring 178 biases the upper casing component 160 toward the closed position, ensuring that the upper casing component 160 moves from the open position to the closed position as the scraping plate 170 moves downward of the inlet conduit 174. When the scraping plate 170 is driven back to the lower locked position, it locks with the lower casing component 162. Continuing to rotate the scraping plate 170 in the first direction drives the lower casing component 162 in the first direction. Friction between the upper casing component 160 and the lower casing component 162 causes the upper casing component 160 to rotate at the same rotational speed as the lower casing component 162. Therefore, the filter unit can continue to collect particulate matter at the collection wall.

[0317] As shown in Figure 17, particulate matter is discharged radially outward from an annular particle dispensing opening 182 along a surface 184 that is lower than the surface 180 of the discharged liquid. An outer housing (not shown) containing the chamber can collect the particulate matter and discharged filtrate thus discharged into separate compartments or drainage pipes.

[0318] Features disclosed in the above description or the following claims or in the accompanying drawings, expressed in a particular form or with respect to means for performing the disclosed functions, or methods or processes for obtaining the disclosed results, may be used individually or in any combination thereof as appropriate.

[0319] While the disclosure includes the above-described examples of embodiments, many equivalent modifications and variations will be obvious to those skilled in the art if this disclosure is given. Therefore, the above-described examples of embodiments are illustrative and not limiting. Various modifications may be made to the described embodiments without departing from the claims.

[0320] To avoid any doubt, all theoretical explanations provided herein are provided for the purpose of enhancing the reader's understanding. The inventors do not wish to be bound by any of these theoretical explanations.

[0321] None of the section headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the subject matter described herein.

[0322] Throughout this Specification, including the claims that follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the words “equipped” and “included,” as well as variations such as “equipped,” “equipped,” and “included,” are to be understood to imply the inclusion of the described integer or step (singular), or group of integers or steps (plural), but not the exclusion of any other integer or step (singular), or group of integers or steps (plural).

[0323] It should be noted that, as used herein and in the appended claims, words such as “the foregoing,” “above,” and “as described above” include multiple references unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Ranges may be expressed as “about” one particular value and / or “about” another particular value. Where such ranges are expressed, an alternative embodiment includes that one particular value and / or that other particular value. Similarly, where the use of the antecedent “about” expresses a value as an approximation, that particular value will be understood to form an alternative embodiment. The term “about” in relation to a number is optional and may mean, for example, + / - 10%.

Claims

1. A filter unit for separating particulate matter from a liquid containing particulate matter, A chamber defined by an axial upper end wall, an axial lower end wall opposite to the axial upper end wall, and a particle collection peripheral wall, wherein the axial upper end wall and the axial lower end wall are separated by the particle collection peripheral wall, and the chamber is rotatable about a rotation axis to impart rotational motion to the liquid, An inlet conduit is a conduit that extends from or through the axial upper end wall toward the axial lower end wall, and has an opening near the axial lower end wall that forms an inlet for delivering a particulate-containing liquid into the chamber, An outlet provided on the axial upper end wall for discharging the filtered liquid from the chamber, A flow path from the aforementioned inlet to the aforementioned outlet, A guide plate connected to the axial lower end wall and Equipped with, The flow path includes a radial component from the inlet to the particle collection perimeter wall and an axial component along the particle collection perimeter wall, The upper surface of the guide plate forms a guide surface that extends radially from the entrance toward the particle collection peripheral wall. Filter unit.

2. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the axial lower end wall is provided with a particle dispensing opening for discharging particulate matter from inside the chamber, and the guide plate is attached to a rotor or base extending through the particle dispensing opening.

3. The filter unit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the guide plate is connected to the axial lower end wall by a rib.

4. The filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inlet conduit comprises an inlet flange proximal to the opening forming the inlet.

5. The filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the inlet conduit comprises an outlet flange extending radially from the inlet conduit proximal to the outlet.

6. The filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the axial upper end wall is provided with at least one drain port spaced radially apart from the rotation axis.

7. The filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the outlet has an annular opening that is circumstantial to the inlet conduit.

8. The filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising at least one axially extending rib extending radially from the circumferential wall.

9. The filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising at least one radially and circumferentially extending baffle.

10. A filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, comprising a spiral baffle.

11. A method for filtering particulate matter from a particulate matter-containing liquid, comprising a filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, Introducing a particulate liquid into the chamber through the aforementioned inlet, The chamber is rotated around the rotation axis at a first speed configured to move the liquid radially from the inlet to the particle collection perimeter wall and axially along the particle collection perimeter wall, and Methods that include...

12. A washing device for washing fabrics, A housing in which a drum is rotatably mounted, wherein the drum includes a side wall having one or more holes configured to discharge liquid from the drum, A collector located downstream of the drum and configured to collect the liquid discharged from the drum, A filter unit according to any one of claims 1 to 10, The flow path between the collector and the inlet of the filter unit A cleaning device equipped with the following features.

Images