A filter unit for filtering fine particles and a filter cage for use with the filter unit.

Abstract

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

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] This disclosure relates to a filter unit, a filter cage, a filter unit comprising a filter cage, and a textile processing apparatus comprising any of these filter units. This disclosure also relates to the use of the filter unit, the filter cage, and the textile processing apparatus, and to a method for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid containing particulate matter. [Background technology]

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

[0003] Many devices have been developed to capture particulate matter. One such device is described in International Publication WO2017 / 173215 and is called Cora Ball®. Cora Ball® has multiple arms with tiny teeth between which to capture particulate matter. Cora Ball® is placed in a washing machine and circulated with the laundry. An independent test (IE Napper et al Science of the Total Environment, 738 (2020) 140412) showed that the filtration efficiency of Cora Ball was low, at 31% of the microfibers collected from wastewater effluent. Perhaps Cora Ball needs to be washed after each use to prevent a decrease in filtration efficiency, which would impose an additional demand on the user. Particulate matter trapped between the teeth of Cora Ball needs to be removed without washing to prevent it from entering the wastewater system. This may require pulling or wiping off any residue trapped from the teeth of Cora Ball.

[0004] Another device used in washing machines is Guppy Friend®, described in U.S. Patent Application No. 2018320306. Guppy Friend is a zippered laundry bag made of a porous material that captures particulate matter released from laundry. In the same independent tests, Guppy Friend was found to have a filtration efficiency of 54%. Guppy Friend also requires that the captured particulate matter be emptied from inside the bag without using water. Guppy Friend also requires that users pack synthetic fiber laundry separately from natural fiber clothing. Users also need to empty the bag after each wash. Thus, this imposes an additional requirement on the user.

[0005] Other devices are installed externally between the washing machine's outlet pipe and wastewater drain. One example is a filter manufactured by PlanetCare (www.planetcare.org) that is used externally with washing machines. The filter uses a static vertical cylindrical filter medium held inside a chamber. Wastewater passes through two filter media to exit the chamber. When the filter becomes clogged, the top of the chamber needs to be opened periodically to remove and replace the filter medium. The efficiency of the device was found to be 29% in the same independent test. Furthermore, most household drains are located at the rear of the washing machine, and the washing machine's outlet pipe usually exits from the rear of the washing machine. This means that PlanetCare filters and similar filters may need to be installed in locations inaccessible to the user, usually at the back of the washing machine, or they may need to use pipes to bring the filter to the side of the washing machine. Often, this is not practical for the user.

[0006] Another particulate filter is described in International Publication WO2019 / 122862, filed in the name of Zeros Limited. This filter is a centrifugal filter with a rotating filter cage, the filter cage of which can be removed and emptied. This filter was found to have a filtration efficiency of 79% in the same independent tests. The filter is designed to be installed inside a washing machine. However, the inventors subsequently determined that the filter described in International Publication 2019 / 122862 could be further improved to be more optimized for integration into household washing machines. Furthermore, the inventors have since sought to improve the accessibility of the rotating filter cage described in International Publication 2019 / 122862.

[0007] The inventors have attempted to address one or more of the following problems: i. A filter unit that can be easily incorporated into a wide range of washing machines, especially those currently sold for home use. ii. Improved accessibility to the filter unit. iii. Improved ease of maintenance and emptying of the filter unit, particularly with regard to the removal of filtered particulate matter. iv. The desire to integrate specific functions of the filter unit into the washing machine in order to provide a simple, familiar, and effective user experience. v. The desire to maintain adequately high filtration efficiency. The purpose of this disclosure is to provide an overall improvement and / or to address at least partially one or more of the above-mentioned problems. vi. Request to improve the user experience when emptying the filter unit.

[0008] Furthermore, it was desired to provide a filter cage that could be used within the filter unit to address one or more of the aforementioned problems. [Overview of the project]

[0009] In the first embodiment, there is a filter unit for filtering fine particles from a supply liquid containing fine particles, and the filter unit is A filter chamber having a first end wall and a second end wall extending along an axis and facing each other, and at least one side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, wherein both the first end wall and the second end wall coincide with the axis, and the second end wall is an opening and a cap removable from the opening, or includes an opening and a cap removable from the opening, A filter cage housed within the filter chamber and configured to rotate around the axis, The filter cage is equipped with, The first end of the filter cage is located near the first end wall of the filter chamber when the filter cage is inside the filter chamber, and the first end of the filter cage has an opening. When the filter cage is inside the filter chamber, the second end located near the second end wall of the filter chamber, A filter cage sidewall between the first end and the second end, wherein the filter cage sidewall is one or more filter media for filtering particulate matter from the feed liquid, or includes one or more filter media for filtering particulate matter from the feed liquid, The filter cage is removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber, The aforementioned filter chamber further, The filter cage is configured to pass the supply liquid into the filter chamber when the filter cage is inside the filter chamber, and to supply the supply liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage, An outlet for allowing the filtered liquid to pass out of the filter chamber and Equipped with, The aforementioned filter unit further, A connecting member having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface, A drive shaft configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage and Equipped with, The first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a rotating seal that allows relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a removable connection between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber.

[0010] The first embodiment provides a filter unit that satisfies one or more of the problems i-vi identified above. For example, the user may remove the filter cage from the opening by grasping the second end of the filter cage and transfer the filtered particulate matter to the waste bin through the opening at the first end of the filter cage. This offers several advantages, such as allowing the filter unit to be emptied in a single operation without the user having to change the position in which they grasp the filter cage. When the filter cage is held over the waste bin in the emptying orientation, the opening at the first end is at the bottom and the second end is at the top. In this orientation, the openings are hidden from the user's view. This means that the contents of the filter cage are hidden from the user's view when emptying, which can further improve the user experience. The filter itself is also compact and easily fits into the washing machine housing without significant reconfiguration. The supply liquid enters from the second end of the filter cage, and the particulate matter also exits from the second end. This means that the filter cage can be removed and emptied without having to remove any extra inlet or outlet connections or covers on the filter cage in order to empty it.

[0011] In a second embodiment, there is a filter cage for use in a filter unit for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid containing particulate matter, wherein the filter cage extends along an axis, is rotatable about the axis within the filter unit, and is detachable from the filter unit. The aforementioned filter cage is A filter cage side wall extending parallel to the axis, wherein the at least one filter cage side wall has a second end facing a first end, the side wall together with the first end and the second end defines the inside and outside of the filter cage, and the filter cage side wall is one or more filtration media for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid, or includes one or more filtration media for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid, the filtration media defining the filtration surface inside the filter cage where filtered particulate matter accumulates during filtration, A movable member inside the filter cage having a filter surface cleaning portion proximate to the filter surface, and a user-operable portion adapted to be operable by hand outside the filter cage and comprising, The first end of the filter cage is an opening or has an opening for removing the fine particles filtered from the filter cage when the filter cage is removed from the filter unit, and for supplying a supply liquid to the filter cage when the filter cage is inside the filter unit. The movable member is connected to the user-operable portion, and the movement of the user-operable portion causes the movement of the filter surface cleaning portion with respect to the filter cage, and the filtered fine particles are separated from the filter surface and discharged from the opening at the first end of the filter cage.

[0012] The filter cage can be used with a filter chamber or an alternative filter chamber as described in the first aspect. The alternative filter chamber may extend along an axis and may include a first end wall and a second end wall facing each other, and at least one side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, both the first end wall and the second end wall being aligned with the axis, and the second end wall being an opening and a removable cap from the opening or including a removable cap from the opening. The alternative filter cage may be configured to pass a supply liquid through the filter chamber and supply the supply liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage when the filter is inside the filter chamber, and may also include an outlet for passing the filtered liquid outside the filter chamber. The axis of the filter cage may be the same as the axis of the filter chamber or may be parallel to the axis of the filter chamber.

[0013] The second aspect provides a filter cage that, either alone or in combination with a filter chamber, solves some or all of the problems identified above. For example, the filter cage can be emptied by the user holding the filter cage over the trash can with the first end facing the trash can and the second end facing over the first end. The user can operate a user-operable part to remove the filtered fine particles adhering to the wall of the filter cage by a movable member. This means that the user does not need to look inside the filter cage or remove components that carry the fine particles. Also, since no part of the filter cage needs to be removed, the possibility of accidentally contacting the filtered substance is reduced. These enable a cleaner and more convenient emptying operation and can further improve the usability.

[0014] [Filter chamber] The filter chamber contains a filter cage and a filter medium and serves to guide the flow of the supply liquid from the inlet through the filter medium to the outside of the outlet. The filter chamber may be a sealed unit. That is, the filter chamber may be watertightly sealed during filtration when a cap is placed on the opening of the filter chamber, and liquid can only enter and exit through the inlet and outlet, respectively.

[0015] The filter chamber can take various shapes, including, among others, substantially cylindrical, elliptical, and rectangular parallelepiped shapes. A particularly preferred shape is a cylindrical shape or a shape close to a cylindrical shape. Prisms based on polygons, especially higher-order polygons, that is, polygons with five or more sides, with or without smooth edges, are also examples of suitable shapes. Alternatively, a shape having rotational symmetry of order 2 or higher about an axis may be appropriate.

[0016] The filter chamber may have a length of at least 50 mm, at least 100 mm, at least 150 mm, at least

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

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

[0019] The diameter of the filter chamber shall not exceed 110 mm, 100 mm, 80 mm, 70 mm, 60 mm, or 50 mm.

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

[0021] The chamber walls may be made from engineering materials. Engineering materials may include polymers, metals, and / or ceramic materials. Non-limiting examples of suitable metals include aluminum, titanium, and alloys, such as steel (including stainless steel). Polymers may include thermosetting polymers and thermoplastic polymers. Non-limiting examples of suitable polymers include polyether ether ketone (PEEK), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyphenylene sulfide (PPS), poly(p-phenylene oxide) (PPO), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polyether ketone (PEK), polyamides, polyimides, polyethylene, polypropylene, polycarbonate, polyacetal, and polysulfone.

[0022] The first end wall and / or the second end wall may be planar or may include more complex or irregular shapes, such as hemispheres, cylinders, or cones. The first end wall and / or the second end wall may optionally be aligned perpendicular to the axis. In one embodiment, the first end wall is a flanged cylinder.

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

[0024] [Cap and opening] The second end wall comprises an opening and a cap that can be removed from the opening, or an opening and a cap that can be removed from the opening. The opening may be closed by the cap so that liquid cannot pass through the opening. Thus, the cap can seal the opening of the second end wall. The cap can also be removed from the opening. For example, this may include opening a flap into which the cap is incorporated, loosening the cap's threads, or releasing a latch or other retaining member that holds the cap in place. Removing the cap from the opening does not necessarily mean removing the cap; for example, the cap may remain in the filter chamber.

[0025] The cap may be fitted to the opening in the second end wall to seal the opening and may have any elements that are removable from the opening and allow access to the inside of the filter chamber. The cap may, among other things, have a plug, a lid, a lift flap, or any physical element suitable for sealing the opening. The cap can be thought of as an object that can be removed from the opening so that the opening is not blocked. The cap may be removable from the filter chamber or from any textile processing apparatus in which the filter is used, or it may be held there by means of, for example, a cord, a chain, or a rotatable arm.

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

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

[0028] The cap and / or second end wall may be provided with a seal to prevent the supply fluid from leaking out from around the cap. Not limited examples of suitable seals include X-ring seals, O-ring seals, lip seals, cone seals, V-seals, wedge seals, bellows seals, gaskets, U-cup seals, packing seals, and pusher seals. In particular, if the seal is on the cap, when the cap is positioned over an opening in the second end wall, the seal may extend around the cap so as to be located between the cap and the second end wall.

[0029] The cap may have a handle, knob, or other appropriately shaped element of a size suitable for gripping by hand. If the cap has threads, bayonet claws, or other retaining means requiring rotation, the cap may have a handle, knob, or other shaped element shaped to allow the user to manually rotate the cap. The handle, knob, or other shaped element may also be configured so that the user can grasp the handle and pull to pull the filter cage out of the filter chamber through the opening. Configurations in this situation may include a handle of appropriate size and shape so that the average user can easily disconnect the removable connection by hand.

[0030] [Entrance and Exit] The inlet and outlet can be considered as openings to and from the filter chamber through which the feed liquid and filtered feed liquid pass during filtration. Optionally, the inlet and / or outlet may have multiple openings in the chamber wall, which are collectively referred to herein in the singular form as "inlet" or "outlet." The inlet is typically the only path through which the feed liquid can enter the filter chamber, and the outlet is typically the only path through which the filtered feed liquid can exit the filter chamber during filtration.

[0031] Optionally, the entrance may be coaxial with the axis. Alternatively, the entrance may be located radially outside the axis.

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

[0033] The outlet may be located on the side wall, and optionally it may be tangential to the side wall, meaning the filtered feed fluid may flow out through the outlet substantially tangentially to the cylindrical wall. Preferably, the side wall is cylindrical and the outlet is in contact with it. Alternatively, the outlet may be located on the first or second end wall. Typically, the outlet is located radially further outward from the axis than the inlet.

[0034] [filter cage] The filter cage comprises one or more filtration media. The filter cage may have a rigid structure. The filter cage may allow one or more filtration media to rotate, in particular, so that the filtration media are not significantly distorted or bent by the centrifugal force they experience during rotation. The filter cage may have a rigid structure integrated with one or more filtration media, or they may be separable. The filter cage may have one or more filter cage fasteners or filter cage positioning components to assist in fixing or positioning one or more filtration media in the filter cage. The filter cage may be formed from two rigid layers with the filtration media held between them, or from a single layer to which the filtration media are attached. The filter cage may have a grid structure with a series of windows between each grid. Optionally, the filtration media may spread across each window.

[0035] The filter cage comprises a first end and a second end. The first end is the end of the filter cage adjacent to the first end wall when the filter cage is in its original position within the filter chamber, and the second end is the end of the filter cage adjacent to the second end wall. Optionally, the second end of the filter cage does not contain the filter medium. Therefore, the second end of the filter cage may be non-porous so that the feed liquid cannot pass through. The second end may have a solid wall that seals the second end of the filter cage, preventing the feed liquid from passing through so that the feed liquid can be discharged only through the filter medium. Alternatively, the second end may be an opening or may include an opening. The opening of the second end may have a member or element that can close the opening and be removed from the opening, such as a removable cap or a movable member. In some embodiments, the opening of the second end of the filter cage may be closable by a movable member as described herein.

[0036] The filter cage has an opening at its first end. This opening allows liquid to enter the filter cage from the inlet and filtered particulate matter to be discharged from the filter cage through the opening. The opening may encompass at least 60%, or at least 75%, or at least 95%, or 100%, of the area bounded by the filter cage sidewall when measured perpendicular to the axis at the point of the opening. For example, if the filter cage sidewall is cylindrical and the diameter of the opening measured from the opposing inner surfaces of the filter cage sidewall is 50 mm, the area is 7854 mm². 2 It will become.

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

[0038] In some embodiments where the opening does not constitute 100% of the area bounded by the filter cage sidewalls, the filter cage may have a restricting wall at the first end. This wall may be inclined away from the second end of the filter cage. For example, when the filter cage is held vertically with the second end above the first end, the restricting wall may hang down at least partially from the filter cage sidewalls, and for example, the restricting wall may taper inward from the first end of the filter cage toward the first end wall.

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

[0040] The filter cage comprises one or more side walls, referred herein as “filter cage side walls” (or “filter cage side walls”). The filter cage may be substantially cylindrical, ellipsoidal, or prism in shape. Filter cages that are substantially in the form of the aforementioned shapes may include shapes that approximate those shapes, including any shape in between. A prism may be a polygonal prism having four or more sides, for example, from four to twenty. A polygonal prism may be a regular polygonal prism. If the filter cage is cylindrical, the filter cage side walls may include a single cylindrical wall. If the filter cage includes a polygonal prism, the number of filter cage side walls corresponds to the number of sides of the polygon; for example, a hexagonal prism may have six rectangular side walls between two hexagonal end walls. It is preferable that one or more filtration media are placed within or on one or more side walls of the filter cage. Optionally, if the filtration media is a rigid material (e.g., a perforated metal sheet), the filtration media may constitute the filter cage side walls. Preferably, the filter cage is cylindrical. Preferably, the length of the filter cage along its axis (i.e., measured from the second end to the first end) is greater than the width measured perpendicular to the axis.

[0041] The filter cage may be rotationally symmetrical about its axis and may be balanced with respect to rotation. Being balanced with respect to rotation preferably means that the filter cage does not shake or vibrate excessively when it rotates, for example at 100 rpm, 1500 rpm, or 3000 rpm.

[0042] The filter cage may have a length of at least 45 mm, at least 95 mm, at least 145 mm, at least 195 mm, at least 295 mm, or at least 395 mm. The length of the filter cage shall not exceed 595 mm, 495 mm, 395 mm, 295 mm, or 195 mm.

[0043] The filter cage may have a width of at least 20 mm, or at least 30 mm, or at least 40 mm, or at least 50 mm, or at least 60 mm. The width of the filter cage must not exceed 95 mm, 75 mm, 65 mm, 58 mm, 45 mm, or 35 mm. The width may also be the maximum distance between the side walls of the filter cage, measured perpendicular to the axis. If the filter cage is cylindrical, the width will be the diameter.

[0044] The filter cage may have a removable cap. The removable cap may be located at a second end of the filter cage, cover a portion of the second end of the filter cage, or cover the entire second end of the filter cage. The removable cap may be any removable closure that, when attached to the filter cage, prevents unfiltered feed fluid from leaving the filter cage, but is removable from the filter cage to allow access to the inside of the filter cage. A movable member may also function as a removable cap. The removable cap may have connecting means for holding the removable cap on the filter cage. Non-limiting examples of connecting means include, but are not limited to, threads between the filter cage and the removable cap, a bayonet claw and bayonet groove on one of the removable cap and the filter cage, one or more latches and engaging members on the removable cap and / or the filter cage, a press fit between the filter cage and the removable cap, or one or more sliding pins on the removable cap and / or the filter cage. The removable cap may be removable from the filter cage after the filter cage has been removed from the filter chamber.

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

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

[0047] Mechanical couplings may restrict rotation away from the axis. That is, the filter cage and the filter chamber cap may move relative to each other through the coupling, causing the axes passing through the centers of the filter cage and the filter chamber cap to become misaligned. The coupling may include a biasing mechanism that provides a restoring force to return the axes of the removable cap and the filter chamber cap to parallel.

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

[0049] A mechanical coupling may provide support to the second end of the filter cage to prevent it from separating from the axis when the filter cage is rotated via the drive shaft.

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

[0051] If the filter chamber is cylindrical, nearly cylindrical, or includes a cylinder as described above, the filter cage may rotate around an axis aligned parallel to the side wall of the filter chamber, more preferably around an axis substantially central to the filter chamber when viewed directly along the axis, for example, the side wall of the filter chamber and the filter cage are concentric when viewed directly along the axis.

[0052] The filter cage may rotate. The filter cage may rotate around the filter medium with a G force of at least 2G, or at least 5G, or at least 20G, or at least 40G, or at least 100G, or at least 175G, or at least 250G, or at least 325G, or at least 450G. The G force shall not, optionally, exceed 10,000G, or 2,000G, or 1,000G, or 500G at the radially outermost part of the filter cage. A filter cage of radius r (cm) rotates at R (revolutions per minute (rpm)) and g is 9.81 m / s 2 If we consider this to be the acceleration due to gravity, G = 1.118 × 10 -5 rR 2 The filter cage may have a rotations per minute of at least 100, or at least 800, or at least 1000, or at least 1200, or at least 1400, or at least 1800, or at least 2000. The rotations per minute of the filter medium shall not, optionally, exceed 10,000, or 5000, or 2500, or 2100.

[0053] [Filtration media] As used in this invention, the term "filter medium" is synonymous with "one or more filter mediums." The filter medium may include porous materials. The pores of the filter medium may have an average pore diameter of 100 μm or less, 90 μm or less, 80 μm or less, 70 μm or less, 60 μm or less, 50 μm or less, 40 μm or less, or 30 μm or less. Such pore sizes have been shown to provide excellent efficiency in removing microfibers while not easily becoming clogged. In increasing order of preference, the pores of one or more filter mediums may have an average pore diameter of at least 1 μm, at least 2 μm, at least 5 μm, at least 10 μm, at least 20 μm, or at least 30 μm. Typically, the filter medium contains pores having an average pore diameter of 10 to 100 μm, or 20 to 70 μm.

[0054] The average pore diameter may also be the arithmetic mean pore diameter. The pore size can be considered as the maximum linear size of the pore. For circular pores, this is the diameter. For pores that take the shape of a slot, this is the length of the slot.

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

[0056] The number of filtration media present in the filter unit is preferably 100 or less, more preferably 50 or less, particularly 20 or less, and most particularly 10 or less. Preferred numbers of filtration media include 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8.

[0057] The filtration medium may include a mesh, a perforated sheet, a woven or nonwoven fiber sheet, a cloth or felt, or a porous material, or any other known filtration material. If the filtration medium includes a mesh, the mesh may include a wire or yarn mesh product, including a woven mesh. The wire or yarn mesh product may be a nonwoven or woven fabric, or may include multiple fiber layers. The fiber layers may optionally include two or more fiber layers aligned in parallel, each typically in a different orientation. The pores of the mesh may be formed from different spacings between the wires or yarns.

[0058] If the filtration medium includes a perforated sheet, the pores may be perforated. The perforated sheet may include a metallic or polymer material in which the material is punched, punctured, cut, slitted, or processed by any known method for introducing perforations into the material.

[0059] If the filtration medium includes a porous material, the porous material may be a porous ceramic, a layered surface having pores (e.g., a porous polymer membrane), or any other material that is inherently porous.

[0060] One or more filter media may be planar in shape, more preferably one or more filter media may be curved, and most preferably one or more filter media may be curved to have substantially the same shape as the side wall or the side wall of the filter cage.

[0061] When a single filter medium is present in the filter cage, the filter medium is preferably cylindrical. When multiple filter mediums are present in the filter cage, the filter mediums preferably act in combination to form a substantially cylindrical shape when placed in the filter cage.

[0062] Since the feed liquid moves in one direction through the filter medium, it first comes into contact with one surface of the filter medium. This surface is where filtered particles may accumulate during filtration, and is sometimes referred to herein as the filtration surface. Typically, the filtration surface is the surface of the filter medium closest to the axis.

[0063] [Connecting component] The connecting member may include a passage for separating the unfiltered feed from the inlet from the filtered feed in the filter chamber. The passage may be in the form of an annular body. The hole or center of the annular body may extend parallel to the axis and may contain the unfiltered feed during use. In some embodiments, the annular body may have substantially the same width or diameter as the opening at the first end of the filter cage or the side wall of the filter cage.

[0064] The connecting member may include a central spindle that coincides with the axis. The central spindle may be connected to the drive shaft of the filter unit. If the connecting member is rotated directly by the drive shaft, the connecting member may be connected to the drive shaft via radial members. If the connecting member includes annular bodies, these may be connected from the drive shaft to the annular bodies or from the central spindle to the annular bodies. The radial members may be spaced apart to allow the passage of the feed fluid. The radial members may also be shaped to include surfaces oriented to rotate and enter the unfiltered feed fluid as the connecting member rotates. Thus, the radial members may also optionally be impeller blades. The connecting member may also include impeller blades on the outside of the annular bodies, the impeller blades which may hang radially outward from the annular bodies and be configured to rotate the filtered feed body of the filter chamber. In this specification, impeller blades on the outside of annular bodies may be referred to as outer impeller blades, and impeller blades on the inside of annular bodies may be referred to as inner impeller blades.

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

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

[0067] The second embodiment may include connecting members as described in the first embodiment.

[0068] [Drive shaft] The drive shaft is configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage. The drive shaft may be directly connected to the filter cage so that the rotation of the drive shaft directly rotates the filter cage without driving any intermediate components. When the drive shaft is directly connected to the filter cage, the direct connection may include a detachable shaft connection. The detachable shaft connection may be detachable to separate the drive shaft into two parts, one part of which is attached to the filter cage and detachable with the filter cage, and the other part which is held within the filter chamber. The detachable shaft connection may be detachable in a direction parallel to the axis. When the parts of the detachable shaft connection are connected, torque can be transmitted between the two parts. The detachable shaft connection may have two mating surfaces with mutual geometries, i.e., one or more contours on one or both mating surfaces and one or more recesses of the corresponding mutual geometries on the other surface. Non-limiting examples of mutual geometries include, among others, splines and grooves, pins and slots, aligned teeth and radially aligned stepped surfaces. The drive shaft may be connected to the filter cage via one or more radial members extending radially outward from the drive shaft to the filter cage. The radial members may have gaps or openings between them to allow the feed fluid to flow. The radial members may also optionally be configured to be sized and shaped to function as impeller blades.

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

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

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

[0072] Optionally, the drive shaft may be hollow. The supply fluid may pass through the center of the hollow drive shaft. The drive shaft may pass through a first end wall, and the inlet may be located within the hollow of the drive shaft and within the first end wall. The hollow drive shaft may also extend to a first end or connecting member of the filter cage. The hollow drive shaft may allow for direct or via-connecting fluid supply into the interior of the filter cage.

[0073] [Driving means] The filter unit may be equipped with a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism may be a motor, optionally an electric motor. The electric motor may be equipped with a rotor. The rotor of the motor may be concentric with the shaft and the drive shaft. Alternatively, the motor may be located away from the shaft; for example, the rotor of the motor may rotate around an axis that is parallel to but does not coincide with the axis of the filter chamber.

[0074] [Impeller] The filter unit may include an impeller. The impeller may have multiple blades of a size and shape that push water out as the filter cage rotates. The impeller rotates with the filter cage, circulating the feed fluid in the filter chamber. The impeller may assist in pumping or driving the feed fluid out of the outlet through the filter unit and / or through one or more filtration media. The impeller may have 1 to 10, more preferably 3 to 10, and particularly 4, 5, or 6 impeller blades. The impeller blades can take any shape suitable for circulating the feed fluid in the filter chamber. In particular, the impeller blades may have surfaces radially aligned from the axis, so that when rotating, the surfaces are pressed into the feed fluid and rotate around the filter chamber. The impeller blades may be linear, extend parallel to the axis along the length of the filter cage, or be nonlinear with respect to the axis (e.g., helical around the axis).

[0075] The impeller blades may be located radially inward from the filter medium (e.g., inside the filter cage). The impeller blades may also be located radially outward from the filter cage (e.g., outside the filter cage).

[0076] The impeller may be removable from inside or outside the filter cage. Alternatively, the impeller may be mounted to the filter cage or formed integrally with the filter cage. If the impeller is removable, it may comprise an assembly of multiple connected impeller blades. Therefore, when the impeller is removed, all blades are removed simultaneously. In particular, the impeller may comprise a plurality of equally spaced linear blades interconnected with rigid radial or circumferential elements.

[0077] In embodiments including a movable member, the impeller blade may be incorporated into the movable member. In particular, the movable member may include one or more blades that function as an impeller, and is configured to provide a filter surface cleaning portion on the blades that moves relative to the filter surface of the filter medium to remove filtered particles from the filter surface.

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

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

[0080] The second embodiment may include a first sealing surface as described in the first embodiment.

[0081] [Second sealing surface] A filter unit according to a first embodiment includes a second sealing surface which may be located on the filter cage or on the filter chamber. In embodiments in which the second sealing surface is located on the filter chamber, the second sealing surface may be located on one of the walls of the filter chamber, for example, the first end wall, the side wall, or the inlet extension of the first end wall. In some embodiments, the second sealing surface may be located on the radially outermost surface of the inlet extension.

[0082] In embodiments where the second sealing surface is positioned on the filter cage, it may be adjacent to the first end of the filter cage.

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

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

[0085] In some embodiments, the first and second sealing surfaces may also form part of the rotating bearing. The rotating bearing may be a sliding bearing or a rotating element bearing, among other bearing types.

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

[0087] The rotating seals referred to herein can be thought of as seals between two surfaces that rotate relative to each other.

[0088] [First connection surface] A first embodiment comprises a first connecting surface. The first connecting surface may be any surface configured to cooperate with a second connecting surface. The first and second connecting surfaces may function in combination to provide a removable connection between them. Removable connections may include connections in which two surfaces are joined together so that they are held adjacent to each other, and connections in which two surfaces can be removed or cut. An example of a removable connection is a push-in connection in which two surfaces are pressed together so that they are held adjacent to each other. The push-in connection can then be separated by applying a force large enough to overcome the push-in connection. Another example of a removable connection is a twist-lock connection in which two surfaces can be rotated in one direction relative to each other so that they are held adjacent to each other. Rotating in opposite directions may separate the two surfaces. The first and second connecting surfaces may be configured by determining their size and shape relative to each other so that the two surfaces function in combination.

[0089] In some embodiments, the first connecting surface may include an annular surface on the connecting member. The annular surface may be a surface facing radially inward or a surface facing radially outward.

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

[0091] The second embodiment may include a first connecting surface as described in the first embodiment.

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

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

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

[0095] The second embodiment may include a second connecting surface as described in the first embodiment.

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

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

[0098] [Air venting and secondary drain] If the outlet is located at the bottom (i.e., the vertical base) of the filter chamber, the maximum amount of filtered feed fluid can be discharged from the outlet by gravity. Thus, in this configuration, the feed fluid can be completely discharged from the filter unit after filtration. However, when the filter chamber is filled with feed fluid, air may accumulate at the top of the filter chamber. The filter unit may be provided with an air vent outlet at the top vertical of the filter chamber to remove air. The air vent outlet may be provided with an operable valve that allows air to escape from the filter chamber when the filter chamber contains feed fluid. The valve may be open during or immediately after the initial filling of the filter chamber with feed fluid. The valve may be closed after the air has escaped from the filter chamber. The valve may be a float valve or any valve with a buoyancy element for operating the valve. The valve may be closed when liquid is detected by a liquid sensor or after a predetermined time has elapsed, and thereafter the valve may remain closed throughout the filtration. The air vent outlet may be connected to the wastewater drain or the outlet of the filter chamber, so that any liquid passing through the air vent outlet may be returned to the wastewater drain.

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

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

[0101] [Movable parts] A filter cage of a second embodiment includes a movable member disposed inside the filter cage. The movable member includes one or more filter surface cleaning portions located close to the filter surface of the filter medium. By moving the filter surface cleaning portions relative to the filter surface, filtered particles are separated from the filter surface. The filter surface cleaning portions may be in contact with the filter surface or may be located close to it.

[0102] In some embodiments, the filter surface cleaning section may include a brush or scraper element for close contact with the filter surface. The scraper element may have a thin, fitted blade made of a flexible material, such as rubber.

[0103] In some embodiments, the movable member rotates around an axis, allowing the filter surface cleaning portion to rotate around the inner circumference of the filter cage. Alternatively, the movable member may move linearly parallel to the axis. The linear motion of the movable member may be from a first end to a second end of the filter cage, or from a second end to a first end of the filter cage.

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

[0105] In some embodiments, the movable member comprises one or more blades extending along the length of the filter cage sidewall. One or more blades may be linear or optionally extend parallel to the axis. The movable member can comprise any number of blades. The movable member may comprise one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, or more than ten blades. The blades may be evenly spaced around the axis. One or more blades may be configured to function as an impeller when the filter cage is rotating.

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

[0107] The movable member may include a secondary filter surface cleaning portion configured to be close to the filter surface and to remove filtered particles from the filter surface when the movable member is removed from the filter cage. The secondary filter surface cleaning portion may have a shape that conforms to the inside of the filter cage. For example, if the inside of the filter cage is circular (when viewed perpendicular to the axis), the secondary filter surface cleaning portion may be annular, arc-shaped, or circular in shape to conform to the inside of the filter cage. The secondary filter surface cleaning portion may have a tapered edge that is oriented along the axis and in contact with the filter surface. The secondary filter surface cleaning portion may include a flexible element for close contact with the filter surface.

[0108] [User-controllable portion] A second embodiment of the filter cage includes a user-operable portion adapted to be operated by the user's hand on the outside of the filter cage. Thus, the user-operable portion is accessible by the user's hand from outside the filter cage. The user-operable portion can be adapted by making it ergonomically sized and shaped for use by hand. For example, the diameter or width of the user-operable portion may be sized appropriately for gripping between the fingers and thumb. The user-operable portion may extend outside the filter cage parallel to the axis by at least 5 mm, at least 10 mm, at least 15 mm, or at least 20 mm. The user-operable portion may have a textured surface to improve grip, such as a serrated surface or a surface including a series of ridges or valleys. In some embodiments, the user-operable portion can approximate a polygonal, annular, or disc-shaped structure whose center passes through the axis. The outer surface of the polygonal, annular, or disc-shaped structure may be the surface of the user-operable portion that is grasped by the user's hand during operation. The diameter or width of the polygonal, annular, or disc-shaped structure may be approximately equal to the diameter or width of the filter cage. In some embodiments, the diameter or width of the polygonal, annular, or disc-shaped structure may optionally exceed the diameter of the filter cage by 1 mm or more, or 2 mm or more, or 5 mm or more, and / or 20 mm or less, or 15 mm or less, or 10 mm or less, or 5 mm or less.

[0109] In some embodiments, the user-operable portion is adapted to rotate by hand around an axis relative to the filter cage. In some embodiments, the user-operable portion may be adapted to move linearly parallel to the axis. When the user-operable portion is adapted to move linearly parallel to the axis, it may be moved from a portion adjacent to a second end toward a first end to remove particulate matter from the filter cage, and then returned to a position adjacent to the second end. The filter cage may have grooves or passages in its side walls so that the user-operable portion slides linearly into them. In some embodiments where the user-operable portion moves linearly, the movable member may also move linearly.

[0110] In some embodiments, the user-operable portion is located proximal to the second end of the filter cage. In particular, the user-operable portion may be positioned between the second end of the filter cage and the second end wall of the filter chamber when it is in its original position within the filter chamber. In some embodiments, the user-operable portion may be positioned radially outward from the filter cage. The position of the user-operable portion can be considered as the position before it moves to remove particulate matter.

[0111] In a second embodiment, the movable member is connected to a user-operable portion, and the movement of the user-operable portion causes the filtration surface cleaning portion to move relative to the filter cage, separating filtered particulate matter from the filtration surface and discharging it through an opening at the first end of the filter cage. The connection may be direct, i.e., the movable member and the user-operable portion may be integrally formed from the same continuous material or from firmly fixed fasteners or adhesives. The connection may also be indirect, such as via mechanical components, i.e., via intermediate components such as gears, axles, supports, or pivots. Alternatively, the connection may be magnetic. When the movable member is directly connected to the user-operable portion, the user-operable portion can be considered an external part of the filter cage, and the movable member an internal part of the filter cage.

[0112] In some embodiments, the rotation of a user-operable part causes the movable member to rotate. The rotation of the user-operable part may also directly cause the movable member to rotate, in which case, if the user-operable part rotates by a certain angle, the movable member will rotate by the same angle simultaneously.

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

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

[0115] The user-operable portion or movable member and / or filter cage may include connecting means for holding the user-operable portion or movable member in the filter cage. Non-limiting examples of connecting means include, but are not limited to, threads between the filter cage and the user-operable portion or movable member, a bayonet claw on one end of the user-operable portion or movable member and a bayonet groove on the other end of the filter cage, one or more latches and engaging members on the user-operable portion or movable member and / or filter cage, a press-fit between the filter cage and the user-operable portion or movable member, or one or more sliding pins on the user-operable portion or movable member and / or filter cage. If the user-operable portion is configured to rotate, the connecting means may allow rotation between the user-operable portion and the filter cage. The connecting means may also include bearings and / or shafts that allow rotation. For example, a bearing may be held at a second end of the filter cage having an axis through which it passes. The movable member may be at one end of the axis and the user-operable portion at the other end, with both held in the filter cage.

[0116] In some embodiments, the user-operable portion may be reconfigurable between a first configuration in which the user-operable portion cannot move relative to the filter cage and a second configuration in which the user-operable portion can move relative to the filter cage. In some embodiments, the user-operable portion rotates freely in the second configuration, but rotation is prevented in the first configuration.

[0117] In some embodiments, one of the user-operable portion and the filter cage may have one or more latches that engage with one, two or three or more engaging members of the other of the user-operable portion and the filter cage. In some embodiments, the latches may be located on the user-operable portion and on one or more engaging members on the filter cage. In some embodiments, the user-operable portion or the filter cage may have one, two, three, four, five, six, or more than six latches. In some embodiments, the latches may be located at equal intervals around the outside of the user-operable portion or the filter cage.

[0118] In some embodiments, the user-operable portion or filter cage may comprise two engaging members. When one or more latches engage with the first engaging member, the user-operable portion can be in a first configuration that is immovable relative to the filter cage. When one or more latches engage with the second engaging member, the user-operable portion can be in a second configuration that is movable relative to the filter cage. The engaging members may be annular and extend around the filter cage or user-operable portion so that one or more latches can rotate 360 ​​degrees while engaged. If the first and second engaging members are included in the filter cage, the first engaging member may be positioned closer to the first end of the filter cage than to the second end of the filter cage. Thus, when one or more latches engage with the second engaging member, the movable member may be further away from the first end than when it engages with the first engaging member. Alternatively, the two engaging members may be on the user-operable portion. In this case, the first engaging member may be the one located furthest from the first end.

[0119] The filter cage and user-operable portion may include a relatively molded mechanism that engages when the filter cage is in a first configuration and disengages when it is in a second configuration. Non-limiting examples of the relatively molded mechanism include teeth and corresponding ribs that engage with the teeth. In some embodiments, a plurality of teeth may be located adjacent to the second end of the filter cage, or ribs may be located on the user-operable portion, or vice versa.

[0120] In some embodiments, the filter unit of the first embodiment may include movable members and / or user-operable parts as described in the second embodiment.

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

[0122] [Third aspect] According to the third aspect, A filter chamber having a first end wall and a second end wall extending along an axis and facing each other, and at least one side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, wherein both the first end wall and the second end wall coincide with the axis, and the second end wall is an opening and a cap removable from the opening, or includes an opening and a cap removable from the opening, A filter cage according to the second embodiment, which is housed within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis, wherein the filter cage is removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall. A filter unit equipped with the following is provided: The filter chamber further comprises an inlet configured to allow a supply liquid to pass through to the filter chamber in order to supply the supply liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage when the filter is inside the filter chamber, and an outlet for discharging the filtered liquid from the filter chamber.

[0123] The filter unit according to the third embodiment further includes: A connecting member having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface, A drive shaft configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage and They may be provided, The first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a rotary seal that allows relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface to provide a removable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface. The second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber.

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

[0125] [Operation] The filter unit of the first or third embodiment may be capable of operating as a centrifugal filter, or capable of operating to filter particulate matter from a feed liquid containing particulate matter using centrifugal force. The filter unit capable of operating as a centrifugal filter, or the filter unit capable of operating to filter particulate matter using centrifugal force, can rotate the feed liquid to pass it through the filter medium. The rotation creates a pressure gradient that can discharge the fluid through the filter medium to the outside of the filter cage. Optionally, the feed liquid may also be discharged through the filter unit by the rotation of the feed liquid. The filter cage of the second embodiment is capable of operating as a centrifugal filter within the filter chamber, or capable of operating to use centrifugal force to filter particulate matter from a feed liquid containing particulate matter.

[0126] In order of increasing preference, a filter chamber comprising a filter unit of the first or third embodiment, or a filter cage of the second embodiment, may filter the feed from at least two, at least five, at least ten, at least fifteen, at least twenty, at least thirty, at least fifty, and at least 100 textile processing cycles before it is required to be emptied or washed. The need for washing may be established when the flow rate has decreased to less than 50% of the initial rate, or more preferably when a rapid decrease in flow rate is observed.

[0127] Typically, particulate matter may be removed from the filter chamber only when the filtered feed solution has been discharged from the filter chamber. Optionally, particulate matter may be removed from the filter chamber only when the filtered feed solution has been discharged to below the lowest point of the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber.

[0128] The filter unit of the first or third embodiment may be operable to remove the filtered particulate matter from the filter chamber by removing the filter cage when the filtered particulate matter is dehydrated. The filter cage of the second embodiment may be removable from the filter chamber after the filtered particulate matter has become dehydrated. Dehydrated state may include particulate matter-containing filter residue where the water content of the filter residue has decreased from a suspension or excess of water to a non-flowing state. A non-flowing state can be thought of as a state in which the filter residue has a large amount of solid compared to the liquid, i.e., the residue may resemble a slurry, paste, or wet granular material, or substantially dry granular material. A large amount of solid compared to the liquid can be thought of as filter residue containing at least 50% by mass of solid, at least 75% by mass of solid, or at least 90% by mass of solid, and optionally up to 98% by mass of solid, or up to 100% by mass of solid. The dewatered filter residue may optionally include a filter residue in which the water content has been reduced until the filter residue contains a large amount of solid compared to the liquid defined above. The dewatered particulate matter may be removed from the filter chamber or removal element of the filter cage.

[0129] The filter unit of the first or third embodiment, or the filter cage of the second embodiment, may be operable to dewater filtered particulate matter using centrifugal force. That is, after filtration, water may be drained from the filter chamber and the filter cage may be rotated to remove water from the filter residue containing particulate matter. The rotation may be continued until a dewatered state as defined above is achieved. Optionally, the rotation for dewatering filtered particulate matter may be performed at a higher G force than the rotation during filtration. Optionally, a filter operable to dewater may include a filter cage that can rotate at at least 1,000 revolutions per minute, or at least 1,200 revolutions per minute, or at least 1,400 revolutions per minute, or at least 1,800 revolutions per minute, or at least 2,000 revolutions per minute, or at least 5,000 revolutions per minute, or at least 10,000 revolutions per minute.

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

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

[0132] The supply solution contains particulate matter. As used herein, the term “particulate matter” may refer to any particulate material having a longest linear dimension of less than 1 mm, less than 0.5 mm, or less than 0.1 mm. Particulate matter may have a longest linear dimension of 1 μm or more. The longest linear dimension can be measured by an optical microscope or electron microscope using appropriate image analysis software. Particulate matter may be particulate matter derived from textiles, in particular textile fibers and monofilaments, and in particular microfibers.

[0133] The feed solution may contain larger particles, such as particles with dimensions exceeding 1 mm. As used herein, the term “solid material” may refer to fine particles in the feed solution, and possibly larger particles.

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

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

[0136] The inlet of the filter unit may be connected to the outlet of the textile processing apparatus. The feed liquid from the textile processing apparatus may be effluent. The term “effluent” preferably refers to the feed liquid derived from the effluent of a cycle in the textile processing apparatus, for example, from a washing cycle.

[0137] Alternatively, the feed liquid may be the abrasive feed of the textile processing apparatus. The term “abrasive feed” preferably means the liquid present in the textile processing apparatus during a certain textile processing stage. Typically, the abrasive feed is recirculated between the filter unit and the textile processing apparatus.

[0138] [Microfiber] The fine particles may be microfibers or may contain microfibers. In particular, the filter unit of the first or third embodiment may be capable of filtering microfibers from a feed liquid containing microfibers. As used herein, the term “microfiber” preferably means microfibers having a longest straight dimension of less than 1 mm. Preferably, in increasing order of preference, the microfibers have a longest straight dimension of 500 μm or less, 250 μm or less, 200 μm or less, 150 μm or less, or 100 μm or less.

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

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

[0141] Microfibers may be synthetic materials, semi-synthetic materials, natural materials, or mixtures thereof, or may contain them. Microfibers containing synthetic materials include, but are not limited to, those derived from polyamide, polyester, and acrylic. Microfibers containing natural materials include, but are not limited to, those derived from wool, cotton, and silk, and especially those containing cellulose.

[0142] [Efficiency, flow rate, and filtered feed liquid] The filtered feed liquid may refer to the feed liquid that has passed through the filtration medium. The filtered feed liquid is the feed liquid from which the particulate portion has been removed by filtration. As used herein, the term "efficiency" may refer to the mass percentage of particulate matter removed from the feed liquid.

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

[0144] Efficiency can be established by filtering the feed liquid. Efficiency can be measured across various types of particulate matter. Preferably, efficiency is first established by capturing all the particulate matter from any treatment cycle collected using a filter bag with a pore size of 1 micron and measuring the dry weight. The dry mass W totav is typically an average value. W tot itself is W f1 -W i1 is given by, where W f1 is the final dry weight of the 1 micron filter bag plus the collected dry particulate matter, and W i1 is the dry weight of the initial filter bag before filtration. W totav is simply the average of the W tot values, and typically is the average of 3 × W tot values.

[0145] In a similar manner, second, the small amount of particulate matter that has passed through the filter unit or filter cartridge can be established by capturing and measuring the dry weight of the particulate matter in the feed liquid collected in a 1 micron filter bag after exiting the filter unit or filter cartridge. This dry mass of the particulate matter that has passed through the filter unit is W ncAnd that in itself is W f2 -W i2 It is calculated by, where W f2 This is the final dry total of the 1 micron filter bag with the collected dry particles added, W i2 This is the dry weight of the initial filter bag before filtration.

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

[0147] The filter bag and the filtered particulate matter are preferably dried at a temperature of 50 degrees Celsius for at least 12 hours.

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

[0149] Typically, the flow rate does not exceed 1,000 liters per minute, 500 liters per minute, 100 liters per minute, or 50 liters per minute.

[0150] In order of increasing preference, the filter units have capacities of at least 100 ml, at least 250 ml, at least 500 ml, at least 750 ml, at least 1,000 ml, or at least 2,000 ml.

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

[0152] The capacity is typically measured by filling the filter chamber to the brim with water. This is usually done using water at a temperature of 20 degrees Celsius.

[0153] In order of increasing preference, the velocity-to-volume ratio is at least 0.5:1, at least 1:1, at least 2:1, at least 3:1, at least 4:1, at least 5:1, at least 6:1, at least 7:1, at least 10:1, at least 15:1, at least 20:1, or at least 25:1, where velocity is expressed in liters / minute and volume is expressed in liters.

[0154] The flow velocity-to-volume ratio is generally 1000:1 or less, more generally 500:1 or less, or 100:1 or less.

[0155] [Textile processing equipment] According to the fourth aspect, A housing comprising a front surface accessible to the user and a door located on the front surface, A filter unit according to the first or third embodiment, located within the housing, A drum housed within the housing, comprising an internal volume and an open end aligned with the door on the front of the housing. A textile processing device is provided that includes the following.

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

[0157] The textile processing apparatus may be adapted to wash textiles using a processing formulation containing a liquid, and the drum may be suitable for rotating the textiles and the processing formulation. The textile processing apparatus may include a drive unit for rotating the drum and a filter unit according to the first or third embodiment. In particular, the textile processing apparatus may be a washing machine.

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

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

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

[0161] The inlet of the filter unit may be connected to the textile processing apparatus so that the supply fluid comes from the processing cycle of the textile processing apparatus. If the textile processing apparatus is a washing machine, the supply fluid may be the effluent from the washing cycle.

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

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

[0164] The textile processing device may be a washing machine, and may be a household washing machine or a commercial washing machine. A household washing machine may have a maximum capacity of 15 kg or less of textiles that can be washed and dried at one time. Typically, household washing machines are either front-loading or top-loading. In front-loading and top-loading washing machines, the front is the surface including the door. Therefore, in a top-loading washing machine, the front is the top surface. Household washing machines are often about 60 cm wide, 60 cm deep, and 85 cm high. The drum of a household washing machine preferably has a volume of at least 1 liter, more preferably at least 10 liters, and preferably 150 liters or less, or 120 liters or less.

[0165] Commercial washing machines may have a capacity to wash more than 15 kg of dry textiles at a time. Textile processing drums may have capacities exceeding 120 liters, 150 liters, 200 liters, 400 liters, 900 liters, or 1400 liters. Such large drums are particularly suitable for commercial or industrial applications. There may be an arbitrary upper limit to the drum capacity, but it is preferable that the drum capacity is 20,000 liters or less, or 10,000 liters or less.

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

[0167] The liquid in the treatment formulation may be as described above for the feed solution. The liquid may contain one or more treatment additives selected from dyes, pigments, surfactants, enzymes, acids, bases, buffers, oxidizing agents, builders, biocides, and anti-fouling agents.

[0168] The textile processing apparatus is preferably electrically connected to the filter unit according to the first or third embodiment. The textile processing apparatus may also include a controller unit which is preferably connected to the filter unit according to the first or third embodiment.

[0169] The controller of the textile processing apparatus may have a programmed memory that operates drive means connected to or included as part of the filter unit when operated by the processor. Similarly, one or more valves may be operated by the controller. The valves operated may be valves associated with inlets, outlets, secondary drain outlets, or air vent outlets (i.e., air vent valves). In this way, the operation of the filter unit may be under the direct control of the textile processing apparatus.

[0170] Alternatively, or additionally, the filter unit may include a controller. The filter unit's controller may sense or receive information related to the operation of the textile processing apparatus's controller, and the filter unit's controller has a program-loaded memory that controls drive means connected to or included as part of the filter unit and / or valves associated with the filter unit when operated by the processor. Thus, the filter unit is not under the direct control of the textile processing apparatus, but instead "recognizes" what the textile processing apparatus is doing and can respond accordingly. For example, the filter unit's controller may sense that the textile processing apparatus's wastewater valve has been opened and / or that the wastewater pump has been activated, and may then respond by supplying power to the filter unit's drive means and / or operating the vent valve to begin filtration by the filter unit. The controller's memory may be configured as part of the filter unit and may be accessible via wireless communication.

[0171] The filter unit and / or textile processing apparatus may be equipped with sensors (e.g., a pressure sensor or liquid sensor at the drain outlet or filter chamber of the textile processing apparatus, and / or a sensor for measuring the volume of effluent sent to the filter unit). The controller of the filter unit or textile processing apparatus may be configured to operate the filter unit automatically based on input from such sensors. Alternatively, or in addition to the above, the controller of the filter unit or textile processing apparatus may be configured to operate the filter unit after conditions relating to the washing cycle have been identified (e.g., after the washing cycle is completed).

[0172] The textile processing apparatus may comprise a tab on which a drum is rotatably mounted, the drum having side walls and the side walls having one or more openings configured to allow the processing mixture to exit the drum; a collector located below the drum and optionally located inside or below the tab, configured to collect the processing mixture exiting the drum; a filter unit disclosed herein; and a first flow path between the collector and the inlet of the filter unit.

[0173] The outlet of the filter unit may be fluidically connected to a drum. In this way, the liquid that has passed through the filter unit may be returned to the drum. The outlet of the filter unit may be fluidically connected to a drain. Optionally, the outlet of the filter unit may be fluidically connected to both a drain and a drum. Optionally, the textile processing apparatus includes a control valve configured to selectively recirculate the liquid filtrate exiting the outlet of the filter unit to a drum or to a drain.

[0174] The textile processing apparatus may further include a recirculation means for recirculating the processing mixture from a collector to a drum, and a filter unit is included in the recirculation means. In this way, the filter unit filters the processing mixture during recirculation from the collector to the drum. Typically, the recirculation means includes a pump and a duct connecting the collector and the drum.

[0175] The textile processing apparatus may include a second filter, not relating to the first or third aspect of the present invention, or a trap positioned to cause the processing mixture to pass through the second filter before entering the inlet of the filter unit. The second filter or trap may be a coarse filter (e.g., a coin trap) to prevent large pieces or articles of solid material, such as coins, stones, or other items, from entering the filter when washing laundry.

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

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

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

[0179] Use may be carried out by the method of the sixth embodiment.

[0180] [method] According to a sixth aspect, a method is provided for filtering fine particles from a feed liquid containing fine particles, the method being: To provide a filter unit according to the first or third embodiment, The supply liquid containing fine particles is supplied through the inlet of the first end wall, Rotating the drive shaft in order to rotate the filter cage, The filtered supply liquid is passed outside the outlet, Stopping the rotation of the drive shaft and stopping the supply of the supply fluid to the inlet. Includes.

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

[0182] The stopping of the drive shaft's rotation and the stopping of the supply of the fluid to the inlet may be performed simultaneously or sequentially. Optionally, the stopping of the supply may be performed before the drive shaft's rotation is stopped. The drive shaft's rotation can be stopped by stopping the operation of the drive mechanism. The supply of the fluid can be stopped by stopping the pump's operation or by closing the valve on the upstream side of the filter unit.

[0183] The method may also include removing filtered particles from the filter chamber by severing a removable connection between a first connecting surface and a second connecting surface and removing the filter cage containing the filtered particles through an opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber, and oriented and vibrating the filter cage so that the filtered particles fall through an opening at the first end of the filter cage.

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

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

[0186] Optionally, the feed liquid may be supplied from a textile processing apparatus. The textile processing apparatus may optionally be any textile processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. Furthermore, the feed liquid may be any feed liquid as described in the first or second embodiment. In particular, the textile processing apparatus of this method may be a washing machine. The filter unit may be housed within the housing of the textile processing apparatus. The housing may have a front panel in which a detergent drawer is located, the detergent drawer being movable between an open and a closed configuration, and the filter unit is located behind the detergent drawer.

[0187] Optionally, the textile processing apparatus may process one or more cellulose-containing garments. Therefore, the feed solution may contain cellulose microfibers and effluent from the processing. Typically, the particulate matter consists of or contains microfibers.

[0188] Optionally, removing the detergent may include moving it to the configuration in which the detergent drawer was initially opened.

[0189] The step of supplying a feed liquid containing particulate matter through the inlet may first include the step of priming the filter chamber by filling it with the feed liquid. Priming may include operating the processing device's pump to send the feed liquid into the filter unit. Priming may also include operating an air vent outlet to remove air from the filter chamber. Optionally, after priming the chamber, the drive shaft may be rotated to start filtration.

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

[0191] Stopping the supply of the supply fluid to the inlet may include closing the valve upstream of the filter unit, or it may include stopping the operation of the pump that supplies the supply fluid to the inlet.

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

[0193] Dehydration may involve rotating a filter cage to remove water from fine particles on one or more filtration media by centrifugal force. The rotation for dehydration may optionally be performed at a higher G-force than the rotation during filtration.

[0194] The supply of feed fluid to the inlet may come from a single processing cycle of the textile processing apparatus. The feed fluid from a single processing cycle may be delivered in a single continuous flow, or it may be supplied intermittently.

[0195] The method of the sixth embodiment may be particularly suitable for filtering microfibers or microfiber-containing particles, in particular microfibers as defined herein.

[0196] The fine particles filtered by the method of the sixth embodiment may originate from textiles treated in a liquid medium.

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

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

[0199] In order of increasing preference, the filter unit according to the first or third embodiment, or the textile processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, can filter the effluent from at least two, three, four, five, ten, twenty, thirty, fifty, and 100 processing cycles before clogging occurs or cleaning is required.

[0200] In order of increasing preference, the filter unit according to the first or third embodiment, or the textile processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, can filter feeds with a total volume of at least 10 liters, 50 liters, 100 liters, 500 liters, 1000 liters, 5000 liters, and 10,000 liters before clogging occurs or cleaning is required.

[0201] The filter unit may operate so that the effluent flows through the filter unit once (and only once). This method or operation is relatively fast. Alternatively, the filter unit may operate so that the feed for one processing cycle circulates through the filter unit one or more times. This method of operation may require a longer filtration time, but can provide particularly good filtration efficiency. Preferably, the feed is circulated through the filter unit at least 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 times. Preferably, the feed liquid is circulated through the filter unit 100 times or less. The number of filtration cycles of the feed liquid may be calculated by dividing the total volume of liquid that has passed through the filter unit in the processing cycle by the volume of new liquid used in that processing cycle. For example, if 20 liters of new liquid is used in a washing cycle and 40 liters pass through the filter unit, the filter unit has performed 2 filtration cycles.

[0202] It will be understood that the features, preferences, and embodiments described above may be applicable to each figure, where combinations are permitted. Aspects of this disclosure will be further described with reference to the following figures. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

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

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

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

[0206] Figure 2c shows an isometric view including a cross-section of the filter unit shown in Figure 2a.

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

[0208] Figure 2e shows an isometric view including the cross-section of Figure 2d.

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

[0210] Figure 2g shows the filter cage, movable member, and cap of Figure 2f, as well as the filter cage, movable member, and cap of the filter unit in Figure 2a.

[0211] Figure 2h shows a side cross-sectional view of the filter cage, movable member, and cap of Figures 2f and 2g, as well as the filter cage, movable member, and cap of the filter unit in Figure 2a.

[0212] Figure 2i shows the filter cages from Figures 2f to 2h, and the filter cage of the filter unit in Figure 2a.

[0213] Figure 2j shows the movable members of the filter unit in Figure 2a, and the movable members of the filter cage in Figures 2f to 2h.

[0214] Figure 2k shows the connecting members of the filter unit in Figure 2a.

[0215] Figure 2l shows the filter cage of the filter unit in Figure 2a, where the filtration medium is visible, and the filter cages in Figures 2f to 2h.

[0216] Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the alternative filter unit according to this disclosure. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0217] Referring to Figure 1, the filter unit 100 is shown. The filter unit 100 is for filtering fine particles from a feed liquid containing fine particles. The filter unit 100 comprises a filter chamber 101. The filter chamber 101 has a hollow structure and extends along axis 2. The filter chamber 101 extends along the axis 2 and comprises a first end wall 101a and a second end wall 101b that face each other and coincide with the axis 2. Figure 1 shows a side wall 101c extending between the first end wall 101a and the second end wall 101b. In this embodiment, the side wall is a cylindrical wall and, in combination with the first end wall 101a and the second end wall 101b, gives the filter chamber 101 a substantially cylindrical shape. However, the filter chamber can also take other forms as described above.

[0218] The second end wall 101b comprises an opening 106 and a cap 106a that is removable from the opening. The opening 106 can be closed by the cap 106a so that liquid cannot pass through the opening 106. The cap 106a can be removed from the opening 106, thereby allowing filtered particulate matter in the filter cage 102 to be removed from the filter chamber 101 through the opening 106. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the cap 106a is screw-fastened to the opening 106 of the second end wall 101b of the filter chamber 101. However, other means such as bayonet fastening or a fastening latch are also conceivable.

[0219] The filter cage 102 is shown housed within the filter chamber 101. The filter cage 102 is configured to rotate around axis 2 when it is inside the filter chamber 101. The filter cage 102 is a rigid structure with rigid side walls supporting a porous filter medium 103. The filter medium 103 filters particulate matter from the feed liquid as the feed liquid passes through the filter medium 103. In this embodiment, the filter medium forms part of the cylindrical wall of the filter cage 102. However, other configurations are also conceivable, for example, a rigid mesh can be used as both the filter cage side walls 102c and the filter medium 103. The filter cage 102 has a first end 102a that is proximal to the first end wall 101a of the filter chamber 101 when the filter cage 102 is inside the filter chamber 101. The first end 102a of the filter cage 102 has an opening 102d. The opening extends substantially over the entire area bounded by the filter cage 102 at the first end 102a. The filter cage 102 has a second end 102b that is proximal to the second end wall 101b of the filter chamber 101 when the filter cage 102 is in its original position within the filter chamber 101. The filter cage 102 is configured to be removable from the filter chamber 101 by being smaller than the opening 106 in the second end wall 101b of the filter chamber 101, and is removable through the opening 106.

[0220] The filter chamber 101 further includes an inlet 104 configured to allow the feed liquid to flow into the filter chamber 101 and ultimately into the filter cage 102 through an opening 102d at the first end 102a of the filter cage 102. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the inlet 104 is shown to supply the feed liquid into the filter chamber 101 perpendicular to the axis 2, and the feed liquid is supplied to the opening via a connecting member 108. The inlet extension 104a supplies the feed liquid into the connecting member 108 and prevents unfiltered feed liquid from mixing with filtered feed liquid in the filter chamber 101. The inlet extension 104a is shown as a continuation of the first end wall 101a and is therefore part of the filter chamber 101. Other configurations of the inlet 104 for supplying the liquid feed into the filter cage 102 are also conceivable, including, but not limited to, having the inlet within the first end wall 101a or side wall 101c, and / or passing the feed liquid through the hollow center of the drive shaft 107a, and / or omitting the inlet extension 104a.

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

[0222] The filter unit 100 includes a connecting member 108. The connecting member 108 is located within the filter chamber and includes a first sealing surface 109a configured to cooperate with a second sealing surface 109b to provide a rotational seal. The rotational seal allows relative rotation between the first sealing surface 109a and the second sealing surface 109b, preventing the filtered feed fluid in the connecting member 108 from mixing with the unfiltered feed fluid in the filter chamber 101. During filtration, the first sealing surface 109a rotates while the second sealing surface 109b remains stationary. The connecting member 108 also includes a first connecting surface 110a. The first connecting surface 110a is configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface 110b to provide a removable connection between them. The removable connection in Figure 1 functions as a push-in connection, but other connections, such as a twist-lock connection, are also conceivable.

[0223] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, the second sealing surface 109b is located on the filter chamber 101, and more particularly on the filter extension 104a projecting from the first end wall 101a of the filter chamber 101. Thus, the connecting member 108 is rotatable relative to the filter chamber 101. The second connecting surface 110b is located on the filter cage 102, and more particularly on the first end 102a of the filter cage 102. Other configurations are also conceivable, and in non-limiting examples, the second sealing surface 109b may be located on the filter cage 102, and the second connecting surface 110b may be located on the filter chamber 101, particularly on the first end wall 101a, on the inlet extension 104a, or on the side wall 101c of the filter chamber.

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

[0225] The drive shaft 107a is shown in Figure 1 and is connected to the connecting member 108 by a plurality of radial members 108a, indicated by diagonal lines, which are spaced apart circumferentially to allow the supply liquid to flow from the inlet 104 through the connecting member 108 into the filter chamber 101.

[0226] During use, the cap 106a is located inside the opening 106, forming a sealed filter chamber 101. The supply liquid is supplied into the filter chamber 101 via the inlet 104. The supply liquid flows into the connecting member 108 and enters the filter cage 102 through the opening 102d. The filter cage 102 rotates as the drive shaft 107a is rotated by the motor 107b. The centrifugal force from the rotation of the filter cage 102 pushes the liquid through the filtration medium 103 and out of the filter chamber 101 via the outlet 105. The supply of the supply liquid is stopped, and the filtered residual supply liquid is discharged from the filter chamber via the outlet 105. The filtered particles accumulated on the filtration medium 103 may be dewatered by further rotating the filter cage 102 to shake off the residual liquid from the filtered particles. After dewatering, the rotation of the filter cage 102 is stopped. The cap 106a is removed from the opening 106. Next, the filter cage 102 is removed by severing the removable connection formed by the first connecting surface 110a and the second connecting surface 110b. The severing is done by pulling the filter cage 102 in a direction parallel to the axis 2 and away from the connecting member 108, thereby separating the first connecting surface 110a and the second connecting surface 110b. The filter cage 102, and thus the filtered particles held on the filter medium 103, are then drawn out through the opening 106.

[0227] Next, the filter cage 102 is oriented so that the second end 102b is above the first end 102a, and the filtered particles can be removed from the filter cage 102 by vibrating the filter cage 102 by shaking it or lightly tapping it against a hard surface, resulting in the filtered particles falling through the opening 102d at the first end 102a of the filter cage 102.

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

[0229] Referring to Figure 2f, the filter cage, movable member, and cap of the filter unit are shown in detail as a side cross-sectional view in the first configuration, and the filter cage is shown in the second configuration. In Figure 2g, the filter cage, movable member, and cap of Figure 2f are shown in isometric view in the second configuration. In Figure 2h, the filter cage, movable member, and cap of Figure 2g are shown as a side cross-sectional view in the second configuration. In Figure 2i, the filter cage is shown in isometric view. In Figure 2j, the movable member is shown in isometric view. In Figure 2k, the connecting member is shown in isometric view.

[0230] The filter unit 200 comprises a substantially hollow cylindrical filter chamber 201. The filter chamber 201 has a first end wall 201a and a second end wall 201b (shown in Figure 2b) that face each other and coincide with an axis 2 passing through the center of the filter chamber 201. The cylindrical side wall 201c of the filter chamber 201 extends between the first and second end walls. The first end wall 201a comprises a closed second cylinder of a smaller diameter, which is positioned to abut against the cylindrical side wall 201c.

[0231] The inlet 204 allows the supply fluid to flow into the filter chamber 201 in the region of the first end wall 201c. The inlet 204 is an opening in the first end wall 201a of the filter chamber 201. In Figure 2b, the inlet 204 is obscured by the drive shaft 207a. The supply fluid entering the filter chamber 201 flows through the inlet 204 into a small cylinder in the first end wall 201a of the filter chamber 201 and is eventually led into the filter cage 202.

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

[0233] The second end wall 201b is composed entirely of an opening 206 and a cap 206a. The cap 206a and the opening 206 occupy the entirety of the second end wall 201b of the filter unit 200. The cap 206a is secured to the second end wall 201b of the filter chamber 201 via threads 226. When the cap 206a is removed from the filter chamber 201, the opening 206 of the second end wall 201b is large enough to allow the filter cage 202 to be removed through it.

[0234] Figures 2b and 2c show the filter cage 202 positioned within the filter chamber 201. Figures 2d and 2e show the filter cage 202 removed from the filter chamber 201. The filter cage 202 is also shown in detail in Figures 2f through 2j and 2h. The filter cage comprises a first end 202a, which, when the filter cage is in its original position within the filter chamber 201, is positioned adjacent to the first end wall 201a of the filter chamber 201. The filter cage 202 also comprises a second end 202b, which, when the cage is in its original position within the filter chamber 201, is positioned adjacent to the second end wall 201b of the filter chamber 201. The filter cage 202 also comprises a side wall 202c extending between the first end 202a and the opposing second end 202b, and extending parallel to axis 2. The side wall 202c of the filter cage 202 comprises a rigid grid structure 271 and a porous filter medium 203 fixed to the inner surface of the grid structure 271. The grid structure 271 of the filter cage 202 approaches a cylindrical shape when the porous filter medium 203 is fixed to the grid structure 271. The porous filter medium 203 is shown in Figure 2l and is omitted in other figures for clarity. The porous filter medium 203 filters particulate matter from the feed liquid as the feed liquid passes through the filter medium 203. The porous filter medium 203 may include a mesh, a perforated sheet, a woven or nonwoven fiber sheet, a cloth or felt, or other porous material. The filtered particulate matter accumulates on a first surface of the filter medium 203, which is the inner surface of the filter medium 203 facing axis 2.

[0235] The first end 202a of the filter cage has an opening 202d that spans the first end 202a. The supply liquid from the inlet 204 enters the filter cage 202 in place within the filter chamber 201 through the opening 202d and exits the filter cage through the filter medium 203. When the filter cage 202 is removed from the filter chamber 201, the filtered particles can be removed from inside the filter cage 202 through the opening 202d.

[0236] The filter unit 200 also includes a connecting member 208 located within the filter chamber 201, proximal to the first end wall 201a. The connecting member 208 includes an annular body 208c that supplies the feed fluid from the inlet 204 into the opening 202d of the filter cage 202. The connecting member 208 also includes a central spindle 208d that coincides with the shaft 2. The central spindle 208d is connected to the annular body 208c by an inner impeller blade 208a. The outside of the annular body 208c includes an outer impeller blade 208b. The central spindle 208d is connected to the drive shaft 207a. As the drive shaft 207a rotates, the connecting member 208 also rotates, causing the inner impeller blade 208a, the outer impeller blade 208b, and the annular body 208c to rotate. The feed fluid entering the annular body 208c from the inlet 204 is rotated by the inner impeller blade 208a. The filtered feed liquid, which has passed through the filter medium 203 and exited the filter cage 202, is pushed out of the filter chamber 201 at the outlet 205 by the rotation of the outer impeller blade 208b.

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

[0238] The second connecting surface 210b is located on the first end 202a of the filter cage 202. The first connecting surface 210a and the second connecting surface 210b are configured to cooperate by having corresponding sizes and shapes, so that the two connecting surfaces 210a, 210b cooperate by forming a removable connection. Removable connections include, but are not limited to, push-in connections or twist-lock connections. The embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2l is a push-in connection in which the filter cage 202 is pushed toward the connecting member 208 to secure the second connecting surface 210b around the first connecting surface 210a. Pulling the filter cage 202 with the connection in the reverse direction breaks the removable connection between the first connecting surface 210a and the second connecting surface 210b. Both the first connecting surface 210a and the second connecting surface 210b may have either a fitting seal or an interlocking structure. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2a to 2l, the first connecting surface 210a comprises a rubber O-ring seal 210c and teeth 210d. The first end 202a of the filter cage 202 also comprises corresponding teeth 210e that engage with teeth 210d.

[0239] The embodiment shown in Figures 2a to 2l has a first end wall 201a comprising a second closed cylinder. This portion of the first end wall extends into the main cylinder of the filter chamber 201 as an inlet extension 204a. The inlet extension 204a guides the feed fluid from the inlet 204 to the connecting member 208, preventing unfiltered feed fluid from mixing with filtered feed fluid in the filter chamber 201. A second sealing surface 209b is located on the inlet extension 204a portion of the filter chamber 201. The second sealing surface 209b and the first sealing surface 209a are configured to cooperate to provide a rotating seal so that the second sealing surface 209b and the first sealing surface 209a can rotate relative to each other. For example, the second sealing surface 209b and the first sealing surface 209a may constitute one stationary surface and one rotating surface of a bush, or each surface may constitute a race of a rotating element bearing. In the embodiments shown in Figures 2a to 2l, the first sealing surface 209a is an annular sealing member connected to the annular body 208c of the connecting member 208. The annular sealing member is held relative to the connecting member 208 by a sealing holding member 208e. The annular sealing member rotates with the connecting member 208 and comes into contact with a stationary second sealing surface 209b. The second sealing surface is a smooth plastic surface on the inlet extension 204a. Together, the first sealing surface 209a and the second sealing surface 209b form a rotating lip seal where relative rotation of the two surfaces is permitted, preventing liquid leakage between the unfiltered feed fluid in the connecting member 208 and the filtered feed fluid in the filter chamber 201.

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

[0241] The filter cage 202 shown in Figures 2a to 2l further comprises a movable member 212 located inside the filter cage 202. The movable member 212 comprises four blades 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d. Each of the blades 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d is linear and parallel to axis 2. Each of the blades 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d has a filter surface cleaning portion that is close to or in contact with the filter surface of the filter medium 203 when it is in place within the filter cage 202. The filter surface cleaning portion is the surface of the blades 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d that are radially outermost from axis 2. The movable member 212 also comprises a secondary filter surface cleaning portion in the form of an annular scraper blade 212e located adjacent to the first end 202a of the filter cage 202 when the movable member is in its original position within the filter cage 202.

[0242] The filter cage 202 shown in Figures 2a to 2l further comprises a user-operable portion 213 on the outside of the filter cage 202, which is adapted to be operated by the user when the filter cage 202 is removed from the filter chamber 201. The user-operable portion 213 is sized to be grasped by hand and has a textured surface. The user-operable portion 213 is located at the second end 202b of the filter cage 202. When the filter cage is removed from the filter, the user can grasp the filter cage 202 with one hand and rotate the user-operable portion 213 around axis 2 with the other hand.

[0243] The user-operable portion 213 is integrally formed and directly connected to the movable member 212, so that when the user-operable portion 213 rotates, the movable member 212 also rotates. The rotation of the movable member 212 causes the filter surface cleaning portions of the blades 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d to move relative to the filter surface of the filter medium 203. This loosens the filtered particles on the filter surface, allowing the particles to fall out of the opening 206 of the first end 202a of the filter cage 202 when the second end 202b of the filter cage 202 is held over the opening 206. This allows the user to empty the particles from the filter cage 202 with the ease of operating a "pepper grinder," without even needing to access or look inside the filter cage 202. This also means that it is not always necessary to remove or disassemble the components when emptying, nor is it necessary to reassemble these components after emptying.

[0244] The user-operable portion 213 is connected to the filter cage 202 via four circumferentially spaced latches 214. The side wall 202c of the filter cage 202 includes an annular first engaging member 215a and an adjacent annular second engaging member 215b, both located near the second end 202b of the filter cage 202. The first engaging member 215a is located closer to the first end 202a than the second engaging member 215b. The latches 214 are configured to engage with both engaging members 215a, 215b. When the latches 214 engage with the first engaging member 215a, the user-operable portion takes on a first configuration, in which the teeth 216 of the second end 202b of the filter cage 202 engage with the ribs 217 on the corresponding surface of the movable member 212. In this position, the teeth prevent relative rotation between the movable member 212 and the filter cage 202. This means that when the filter cage 202 is inside the filter chamber 201, the filter cage 202 can rotate via the drive shaft 207a, and the movable member 212 rotates together with the filter cage 202. The blades 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d of the movable member 212 are configured to be of a size and shape that functions as an impeller. For example, they have faces angled in the direction of rotation around the axis 2 and protruding radially inward. This means that when rotating, they push a considerable amount of water around the filter cage 202 and function as an impeller within the filter cage 202. In the first configuration, the movable member 212 also prevents leakage of unfiltered feed fluid between the movable member 212 and the filter cage 202.

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

[0246] The latch 214 can also be disengaged from both engaging members 215a and 215b. This means that the entire movable member 212 can be removed from the filter cage 202 by pulling the movable member 212 away from the second end of the filter cage 202.

[0247] The movable member 212 includes a secondary filter surface cleaning portion 212e that approaches or contacts the filter surface when the movable member is inside the filter cage 202, and is configured to remove filtered particulate matter from the filter surface when the movable member 212 is removed from the filter cage 202. The secondary filter surface cleaning portion 212e is an annular member that, when in its original position inside the filter cage 202, contacts the filter surface of the filter medium 203 adjacent to the first end 202a of the filter cage 202. When the movable member 212 is withdrawn from the filter cage 202, the secondary filter surface cleaning portion 212e cleans the filter medium 203 by rubbing the filter surface from the first end 202a to the second end 202b. Thus, the filter cage 202 is provided with two cleaning mechanisms that clean the filter surface in different directions.

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

[0249] During use, the movable member 212 is located within the filter cage 202, and the latch 214 is engaged with the first engaging member 215a in a first configuration. The filter cage 202 is located within the filter chamber 201, and the first connecting surface 210a of the connecting member 208 engages with the first connecting surface 210b of the filter cage 202. The cap 206a is located within the opening 206 of the filter chamber 201. In this configuration, the filter unit 200 is sealed, and liquid can only enter and exit the filter chamber 201 through the inlet 204, outlet 205, or secondary drain outlet 205a.

[0250] The supply fluid is supplied to the inlet 204, then flows through the inlet extension 204a, through the annular body of the connecting member, and into the filter cage 202 through the opening 102d. Once the supply fluid enters the filter cage 202, it can only exit through the filtration medium 203 on the filter cage 202. The motor 207b operates to drive the rotation of the drive shaft 207a. The rotation of the drive shaft 207a is transmitted to the connecting member 208, which then drives the rotation of the filter cage 202 via the first connecting surface 210a and the second connecting surface 210b and the teeth 210d, 210e. The rotation of the filter cage 202 is also transmitted to the movable member 212 via the teeth 216 on the filter cage 202 and the ribs 217 on the movable member 212. The blades of the movable member 212 function as an impeller, rotating the feed liquid inside the filter cage 202, inducing centrifugal force, establishing a pressure gradient, and causing the feed liquid to flow out of the filter cage 202 via the filtration medium 203. The filtration medium filters particulate matter from the feed liquid held inside the filter cage 202. The feed liquid in the connecting member 208 is also rotated by the internal impeller blade 208a, further establishing a pressure gradient. The pressure gradient is assisted by the external impeller blade 208b of the connecting member 208, pushing the filtered feed liquid out of the filter chamber 201 through the outlet 205. At the end of filtration, the supply of feed liquid is stopped. The filtered feed liquid held inside the filter chamber 201 may be discharged from the secondary outlet 205b. Optionally, the filter cage 202 may be rotated by the motor 207b to dewater the filtered particulate matter by using centrifugal force to blow off any remaining liquid.

[0251] When the motor 207b stops operating, the opening 206 can be opened by removing the cap 206a. The user can then pull the handle 206b of the cap 206a to detach the first connecting surface 210a from the second connecting surface 210b and pull the filter cage 202 out of the filter chamber 201. The user can empty the particulate matter by orienting the second end 202b of the filter cage 202 over the opening 202d of the filter cage 202 so that filtered particulate matter can preferentially fall into the waste container through the opening 202d. If filtered particulate matter remains on the filtration surface of the filtration medium 203, the user can move the movable member 212 to a second configuration in which the latch 214 engages with the second engaging member 215b. Next, the user can rotate the movable member 212 via the user-operable part 213, causing the filter surface cleaning portions of the blades 212a, 212b, 212c, and 212d to rotate against the filter surface of the filter medium 203, thereby removing filtered particulate matter. The removed particulate matter then falls through the opening 202d of the filter cage 202 and preferentially into the waste container. Rarely, the user may want to access the inside of the filter cage 202, for example, for inspection, maintenance, or further cleaning. In this case, the user can also disengage the latch 214 from the engaging members 215a and 215b and remove the movable member from the filter cage. This allows the secondary filter surface cleaning portion 212e to rub against the filter surface of the filter medium 203, further removing particulate matter.

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

[0253] The filter cage 302 is shown housed within the filter chamber 301. The filter cage 302 is configured to rotate around axis 2 when it is inside the filter chamber 301. The filter cage 302 is a rigid structure that supports the porous filter medium 303. The filter cage 302 has a first end 302a that is proximal to the first end wall 301a of the filter chamber 301 when the filter cage 302 is inside the filter chamber 301. The first end 302a of the filter cage 302 has an opening 302d. The filter cage 302 has a second end 302b that is proximal to the second end wall 301b of the filter chamber 301 when the filter cage 302 is in its original position inside the filter chamber 301.

[0254] The filter chamber 301 further comprises an inlet 304 configured to allow the supply liquid to pass through the filter chamber 301 and the filter cage 302 via an opening 302c at the first end 302a. The inlet extension 304a supplies the supply liquid to the connecting member 308. The inlet extension 304a is shown as an extension of the first end wall 301a and is therefore part of the filter chamber 301. An outlet 305 is also included in the filter chamber 301. The outlet 305 allows the filtered supply liquid to exit the filter chamber 301.

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

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

[0257] The filter unit 300 also includes a drive shaft 307a. The drive shaft 307a extends through a first end wall 301a and a sealed bearing 307c and is connected to the filter cage 302 via a non-permanent, removable shaft connector 307d. Rotation of the drive shaft via a motor 307b drives the rotation of the filter cage 302. The connecting member 308 remains stationary. The drive shaft 307a is connected to the filter cage 302 by a radial member 308a, shown in gray in Figure 1, which connects the drive shaft 307a to the filter cage 302 but has an opening between them, allowing the supply fluid to flow through the connecting member 308 from the inlet 304 toward the second end 302b of the filter cage 302.

[0258] During use, the cap 306a is located inside the opening 306, sealing the filter chamber 301. The supply liquid is supplied into the filter chamber 301 via the inlet 304. The supply liquid passes through the connecting member 308 and enters the filter cage 302 through the opening 302d. The drive shaft 307a is rotated by the motor 307b, causing the filter cage 302 to rotate. Due to the centrifugal force from the rotation of the filter cage, the liquid is pushed out of the filter chamber 301 through the outlet 305 via the filtration medium 303. The supply of the supply liquid is stopped, and the filtered residual supply liquid is discharged from the filter chamber 301 via the outlet 305. The filtered particles accumulated on the filtration medium 303 may be dewatered by further rotating the filter cage 302 to shake off the residual liquid from the filtered particles. After dewatering, the rotation of the filter cage 302 is stopped. The cap 306a is removed from the opening 306. Next, the filter cage 302 is removed by releasing the removable connection formed by the first connecting surface 310a and the second connecting surface 310b. The release is performed by pulling the filter cage 302 away from the first end 301a of the filter chamber 301 in a direction parallel to the axis 2, thereby separating the first connecting surface 310a and the second connecting surface 310b. The filter cage 302 and the connecting member 308, and thus the filtered particles held on the filter medium 303, are then drawn out through the opening 306.

[0259] Next, the filtered particles can be removed from the filter cage 302 by holding the filter cage 302 so that the second end 302b is above the first end 302a, and vibrating the filter cage 302 by shaking or lightly tapping it against a hard surface so that the filtered particles fall out of the filter cage 302 through the opening 302d of the first end 302a of the filter cage 302 and through the connecting member 308.

[0260] As used herein, the term “contains” includes not only “contains” but also “consists of” and “essentially consists of,” for example, a composition “contains” X may consist of X alone or it may contain something additional, such as X + Y. As used herein, singular words are understood to include plural forms, not limited to singular forms, unless otherwise required by context. Thus, words such as “one item” also mean “one or more items.” Any items, features, parameters, or components described herein may, as necessary, be relevant to any aspect of the present invention.

[0261] [Clause Set 1] 1. A filter unit for filtering fine particles from a supply liquid containing fine particles, wherein the filter unit comprises: A filter chamber having a first end wall and a second end wall extending along an axis and facing each other, and at least one side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, wherein both the first end wall and the second end wall coincide with the axis, and the second end wall is an opening and a cap removable from the opening, or includes an opening and a cap removable from the opening, A filter cage housed within the filter chamber and configured to rotate around the axis, The filter cage is equipped with, The first end of the filter cage is located near the first end wall of the filter chamber when the filter cage is inside the filter chamber, and the first end of the filter cage has an opening. When the filter cage is inside the filter chamber, the second end located near the second end wall of the filter chamber, A filter cage sidewall between the first end and the second end, wherein the filter cage sidewall is one or more filter media for filtering particulate matter from the feed liquid, or includes one or more filter media for filtering particulate matter from the feed liquid, comprising, wherein the filter cage is removable from the filter chamber through the opening of the second end wall of the filter chamber, the filter chamber further is configured to allow a supply liquid to pass through the filter chamber when the filter cage is in the filter chamber and supply the supply liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage, an inlet, an outlet for allowing the filtered liquid to pass out of the filter chamber and comprising the filter unit further a connecting member having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface, a drive shaft configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage and comprising the first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a rotary seal that allows relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface to provide a removable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface, a filter unit, wherein the second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0269] 9. The filter unit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first end of the filter cage has an opening, and the edge of the opening coincides with the side wall of the filter cage.

[0270] 10. The filter unit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the filter cage sidewalls define the interior and exterior of the filter cage, and the filter cage comprises one or more impeller blades inside and / or outside the filter cage.

[0271] 11. The filter unit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the connecting member has an opening for passing the supply liquid from the inlet to the opening at the first end of the filter cage.

[0272] 12. The filter unit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the connecting member comprises a plurality of impeller blades.

[0273] 13. The side walls of the filter cage define the inside and outside of the filter cage, and the filter cage is A movable member located inside the filter cage, which has a filter surface cleaning section adjacent to the filtration surface, A user-operable portion adapted to be operated by hand on the outside of the filter cage Equipped with, The filter unit according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion, so that the movement of the user-operable portion causes the filtration surface cleaning portion to move relative to the filter cage, and filtered particulate matter is separated from the filtration surface and discharged from the opening.

[0274] 14. The filter unit according to Clause 13, wherein the user-operable portion is configured to move by rotating around the axis.

[0275] 15. The filter unit according to clause 13 or 14, wherein the movement of the user-operable part causes the filtration surface cleaning part to rotate around the axis.

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

[0277] 17. The filter unit according to clause 16, wherein the movable member is provided with a secondary filter surface cleaning portion configured to remove fine particles filtered from the filter surface when the movable member is close to the filter surface and removed from the filter cage.

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

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

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

[0281] 21. The filter unit according to clause 20, wherein one or more of the blades are linear and extend parallel to the axis.

[0282] 22. The filter unit according to clause 20 or clause 21, wherein one or more of the blades rotate with the filter cage when the filter cage rotates for functioning as an impeller, and rotate with respect to the filter cage when rotated via the user-operable portion.

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

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

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

[0286] 26. A housing having a front surface accessible to the user and a door on the front surface, A filter unit as described in any of the preceding clauses, which is disposed within the housing, A drum housed within the housing, comprising an internal volume and an open end aligned with the door on the front of the housing. A textile processing device equipped with [a specific feature].

[0287] 27. The textile processing apparatus according to Clause 26, wherein the filter unit is configured such that the filter cage can be removed from the filter chamber through the opening of the filter chamber via the front surface of the housing.

[0288] 28. The textile processing apparatus according to Clause 26 or 27, comprising a detergent drawer located on the front of the housing, wherein the detergent drawer is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, the filter unit is located behind the detergent drawer, and when the detergent drawer is in the open configuration, the user can access the opening and cap of the second end wall of the filter chamber through the detergent drawer.

[0289] 29. A textile processing apparatus as described in any of clauses 26 to 28, wherein the textile processing apparatus is a washing machine.

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

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

[0292] 32. Use of a filter unit or textile processing apparatus as described in any of the preceding clauses for filtering particulate matter from the feed liquid.

[0293] 33. Provide a filter unit according to any of clauses 1 to 25, A supply liquid containing fine particles is supplied through the inlet of the first end wall. The drive shaft is rotated to rotate the filter cage, causing relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The filtered feed liquid is discharged from the outlet, and then, The rotation of the drive shaft is stopped, and the supply of the supply fluid to the inlet is stopped. A method for filtering fine particles from a feed solution containing fine particles, including the following.

[0294] 34. A method for filtering fine particles according to Clause 33, comprising dewatering the filtered fine particles by rotating the drive shaft to rotate the filter cage after stopping the supply of the supply liquid.

[0295] 35. Disconnect the removable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface, and remove the filter cage containing the filtered particles through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber, The filter cage is oriented and vibrated so that filtered particles fall through the opening at the first end of the filter cage. A method for filtering particulate matter according to either of clauses 33 or 34, further comprising removing the particulate matter filtered by the filter from the filter chamber.

[0296] 36. A method for filtering particulate matter according to Clause 35, wherein disconnecting and removing the connection involves the user pulling the filter cage in the direction of the axis.

[0297] 37. A method for filtering particulate matter according to any one of the clauses 33 to 36, wherein the feed liquid is supplied from a textile processing apparatus.

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

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

[0300] 40. A method for filtering particulate matter according to any one of the clauses 37 to 39, wherein the filter unit is contained within the housing of the textile processing apparatus.

[0301] 41. A method for filtering particulate matter according to any of the clauses 33 to 40, wherein the particulate matter is microfiber or contains microfiber.

[0302] [Clause Set 2] 1. A filter cage for use in a filter unit for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid containing particulate matter, wherein the filter cage extends along an axis, is rotatable about the axis within the filter unit, and is detachable from the filter unit. The aforementioned filter cage is At least one filter cage sidewall extending parallel to the axis, the filter cage sidewall having a first end and an opposing second end, the filter cage sidewall defining the inside and outside of the filter cage, the filter cage sidewall comprising one or more filtration media for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid, or comprising one or more filtration media for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid, the filtration media defining a filtration surface inside the filter cage where filtered particulate matter accumulates during filtration, A movable member located inside the filter cage, which has a filter surface cleaning section adjacent to the filtration surface, A user-operable portion adapted to be operated by hand on the outside of the filter cage and Equipped with, The first end of the filter cage is an opening for removing filtered particles from the filter cage when the filter cage is removed from the filter unit and for supplying a supply liquid to the filter cage when the filter cage is inside the filter unit, or the filter cage has an opening for removing filtered particles from the filter cage when the filter cage is removed from the filter unit and for supplying a supply liquid to the filter cage when the filter cage is inside the filter unit. Furthermore, the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion, and the movement of the user-operable portion causes the filtration surface cleaning portion to move relative to the filter cage, thereby separating filtered particles from the filtration surface and discharging them from the opening at the first end of the filter cage. Filter cage.

[0303] 2. The filter cage according to Clause 1, wherein the user-operable portion is configured to move by rotating around the axis.

[0304] 3. The filter cage according to Clause 1 or Clause 2, wherein the movable member is removable from inside the filter cage.

[0305] 4. The filter cage according to Clause 3, wherein the movable member comprises a secondary filter surface cleaning portion configured to be close to the filter surface and to remove fine particles filtered from the filter surface when the movable member is removed from the filter cage.

[0306] 5. The filter cage according to any one of the clauses 1 to 5, wherein the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion by integral formation, by additional mechanical components, or by magnetic connection.

[0307] 6. The filter cage according to any one of the clauses 1 to 5, wherein the user-operable portion is located near the second end of the filter cage.

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

[0309] 8.1 or more of the blades are straight and extend parallel to the axis, the filter cage according to Clause 7.

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

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

[0312] 11. The filter cage according to Clause 9 or 10, wherein the user-operable portion can be configured between a first configuration in which the user-operable portion cannot move relative to the filter cage and a second configuration in which the user-operable portion can move relative to the filter cage.

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

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

[0315] 14. The filter cage according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the first end of the filter cage has an opening, and the edge of the opening coincides with the side wall of the filter cage.

[0316] 15. A filter cage as described in any of the preceding clauses, wherein filtered particulate matter can be removed from the filter cage without removing any device from the filter cage.

[0317] 16. A filter cage according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein filtered particulate matter can be removed from the filter cage without opening the second end of the filter cage.

[0318] 17. A filter chamber having a first end wall and a second end wall extending along an axis and facing each other, and at least one side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, wherein both the first end wall and the second end wall coincide with the axis, and the second end wall is an opening and a cap removable from the opening, or includes an opening and a cap removable from the opening, A filter cage according to any one of the clauses 1 to 16, housed within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis, wherein the filter cage is removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall. Equipped with, The filter unit further comprises a filter chamber configured to pass a supply liquid into the filter chamber and to supply the supply liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage when the filter is inside the filter chamber, and an outlet for passing the filtered liquid out of the filter chamber.

[0319] 18. The filter unit further, A connecting member having a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface, A drive shaft configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage and Equipped with, The first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a rotary seal that allows relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface to provide a removable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface. The second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber, The filter unit described in Clause 17.

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

[0321] 20. The filter unit according to Clause 19, wherein the second sealing surface is on the filter cage, the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber, and the connecting member is removable from the filter chamber together with the filter cage.

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

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

[0324] 23. The filter unit according to any one of the clauses 18 to 22, wherein the connecting member has an opening for passing the supply liquid from the inlet to the opening at the first end of the filter cage.

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

[0326] 25. A housing having a front surface accessible to the user and a door on the front surface, A filter unit according to any one of the clauses 18 to 24, which is disposed within the housing, A drum housed within the housing, comprising an internal volume and an open end aligned with the door on the front of the housing. A textile processing device equipped with [a specific feature].

[0327] 26. The textile processing apparatus according to Clause 25, wherein the filter unit is configured such that the filter cage can be removed through the front surface of the housing.

[0328] 27. The textile processing apparatus according to Clause 25 or 26, comprising a detergent drawer located on the front of the housing, wherein the detergent drawer is movable between a closed configuration and an open configuration, the filter unit is located behind the detergent drawer, and when the detergent drawer is in the open configuration, the user can access the opening and cap of the second end wall of the filter chamber through the detergent drawer.

[0329] 28. A textile processing apparatus as described in any of clauses 25 to 27, wherein the textile processing apparatus is a washing machine.

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

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

[0332] 31. Use of a filter unit or textile processing apparatus as described in any of the preceding clauses for filtering particulate matter from the feed liquid.

[0333] 32. Provide a filter unit according to any of clauses 17 to 24, A supply liquid containing fine particles is supplied through the inlet of the first end wall. The drive shaft is rotated to rotate the filter cage, causing relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface. The filtered feed liquid is discharged from the outlet, and then, The rotation of the drive shaft is stopped, and the supply of the supply fluid to the inlet is stopped. A method for filtering fine particles from a feed solution containing fine particles, including the following.

[0334] 33. A method for filtering fine particles according to clause 32, comprising dewatering the filtered fine particles by rotating the drive shaft to rotate the filter cage after stopping the supply of the supply liquid.

[0335] 34. Removing the filter cage containing the filtered particles through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber, The user operates the part that can be moved to move the filter surface cleaning part relative to the filter cage, thereby separating the filtered particles from the filter surface and discharging them from the opening at the first end of the filter cage. A method for filtering particulate matter according to either of clauses 32 or 33, further comprising removing the particulate matter filtered by the filter from the filter chamber.

[0336] 35. A method for filtering particulate matter according to Clause 34, subordinating to Clause 18, wherein removing the filter cage includes disengaging a removable connection between the first and second connecting surfaces and removing the filter cage containing filtered particulate matter through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber.

[0337] 36. A method for filtering particulate matter as described in Clause 35, wherein disconnecting the connection involves the user pulling the filter cage in the direction of the axis.

[0338] 37. A method for filtering particulate matter according to any one of the clauses 32 to 36, wherein the feed liquid is supplied from a textile processing apparatus.

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

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

[0341] 40. A method for filtering particulate matter according to any one of the clauses 37 to 39, wherein the filter unit is contained within the housing of the textile processing apparatus.

[0342] 41. A method for filtering particulate matter according to Clause 40, wherein the housing comprises a front surface on which a detergent drawer is located, the detergent drawer being movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and the filter unit being located behind the detergent drawer, the removal of which involves first moving the detergent drawer to the open configuration.

[0343] 42. A method for filtering particulate matter according to any one of the clauses 32 to 41, wherein the particulate matter is microfiber or contains microfiber.

Claims

1. A filter unit for filtering fine particles from a supply liquid containing fine particles, wherein the filter unit is A filter chamber having a first end wall and a second end wall extending along an axis and facing each other, and at least one side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, wherein both the first end wall and the second end wall coincide with the axis, and the second end wall is an opening and a cap removable from the opening, or includes an opening and a cap removable from the opening, A filter cage housed within the filter chamber and configured to rotate around the axis, The filter cage is equipped with, The first end of the filter cage is located near the first end wall of the filter chamber when the filter cage is inside the filter chamber, and the first end of the filter cage has an opening. When the filter cage is inside the filter chamber, the second end located near the second end wall of the filter chamber, A filter cage sidewall between the first end and the second end, wherein the filter cage sidewall is one or more filter media for filtering particulate matter from the feed liquid, or includes one or more filter media for filtering particulate matter from the feed liquid, The filter cage is removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall of the filter chamber, The aforementioned filter chamber further, The filter cage is configured to pass the supply liquid into the filter chamber when the filter cage is inside the filter chamber, and to supply the supply liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage, An outlet for allowing the filtered liquid to pass out of the filter chamber and Equipped with, The aforementioned filter unit further, A connecting member comprising a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface, A drive shaft configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage and Equipped with, The first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a rotary seal that allows relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface to provide a removable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface. A filter unit in which the second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber.

2. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the second sealing surface is located on the filter chamber, the second connecting surface is located on the filter cage, and the connecting member is not removable from the filter chamber.

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

4. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the second end of the filter cage is provided with a rotatable connection to the cap.

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

6. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the filter cage has an opening, and the edge of the opening coincides with the side wall of the filter cage.

7. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the filter cage sidewall defines the inside and outside of the filter cage, and the filter cage is provided with one or more impeller blades inside and / or outside the filter cage.

8. The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the connecting member has a passage for allowing the supply liquid to pass from the inlet to the opening at the first end of the filter cage.

9. The filter cage sidewalls define the inside and outside of the filter cage, and the filter cage is A movable member located inside the filter cage, which has a filter surface cleaning section adjacent to the filter surface, A user-operable portion adapted to be operated by hand on the outside of the filter cage Equipped with, The filter unit according to claim 1, wherein the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion, so that the movement of the user-operable portion causes the movement of the filter surface cleaning portion relative to the filter cage, and filtered fine particles are separated from the filter surface and discharged from the opening.

10. The filter unit according to claim 9, wherein the user-operable portion is configured to move by rotating around the axis, and the movement of the user-operable portion causes the filtration surface cleaning portion to rotate around the axis.

11. The filter unit according to claim 9, wherein the movable member is removable from inside the filter cage.

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

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

14. A filter cage for use in a filter unit for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid containing particulate matter, wherein the filter cage extends along an axis, is rotatable about the axis within the filter unit, and is detachable from the filter unit. The aforementioned filter cage is At least one filter cage sidewall extending parallel to the axis, the at least one filter cage sidewall having a first end and an opposing second end, the filter cage sidewall together with the first end and the second end defining the inside and outside of the filter cage, the filter cage sidewall comprising one or more filtration media for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid, or comprising one or more filtration media for filtering particulate matter from a feed liquid, the filtration media defining a filtration surface inside the filter cage where filtered particulate matter accumulates during filtration, A movable member located inside the filter cage, which has a filter surface cleaning section adjacent to the filtration surface, A user-operable portion adapted to be operated by hand on the outside of the filter cage and Equipped with, The first end of the filter cage is an opening for removing filtered particles from the filter cage when the filter cage is removed from the filter unit and for supplying a supply liquid to the filter cage when the filter cage is inside the filter unit, or the filter cage has an opening for removing filtered particles from the filter cage when the filter cage is removed from the filter unit and for supplying a supply liquid to the filter cage when the filter cage is inside the filter unit. Furthermore, the movable member is connected to the user-operable portion, and the movement of the user-operable portion causes the filtration surface cleaning portion to move relative to the filter cage, thereby separating filtered particles from the filtration surface and discharging them from the opening at the first end of the filter cage. Filter cage.

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

16. The filter cage according to claim 14, wherein the movable member is removable from inside the filter cage.

17. The filter cage according to claim 16, wherein the movable member comprises a secondary filter surface cleaning portion configured to be close to the filter surface and to remove fine particles filtered from the filter surface when the movable member is removed from the filter cage.

18. The filter cage according to claim 14, wherein the movable member is integrally formed and connected to the user-operable portion by additional mechanical components or by magnetic connection.

19. The filter cage according to claim 14, wherein the user-operable portion is located near the second end of the filter cage.

20. The filter cage according to claim 14, wherein the movable member comprises one or more blades extending along the length of the side wall of the filter cage, and optionally, one or more of the blades are linear and extend parallel to the axis.

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

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

23. The filter cage according to claim 22, wherein one of the user-operable portion and the filter cage is provided with one or more latches for engaging with one, two or three or more engaging members of the other of the user-operable portion and the filter cage.

24. The filter cage according to claim 14, wherein the first end of the filter cage has an opening, and the edge of the opening coincides with the side wall of the filter cage.

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

26. A filter chamber having a first end wall and a second end wall extending along an axis and facing each other, and at least one side wall extending between the first end wall and the second end wall, wherein both the first end wall and the second end wall coincide with the axis, and the second end wall is an opening and a cap removable from the opening, or includes an opening and a cap removable from the opening, A filter cage according to claim 14, which is housed within the filter chamber and configured to rotate about the axis, wherein the filter cage is removable from the filter chamber through the opening in the second end wall. Equipped with, The filter unit further comprises a filter chamber configured to pass a supply liquid into the filter chamber and to supply the supply liquid into the filter cage through the opening at the first end of the filter cage when the filter is inside the filter chamber, and an outlet for passing the filtered liquid out of the filter chamber.

27. The aforementioned filter unit further, A connecting member comprising a first sealing surface and a first connecting surface, A drive shaft configured to drive the rotation of the filter cage and Equipped with, The first sealing surface is configured to cooperate with the second sealing surface to provide a rotary seal that allows relative rotation between the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, and the first connecting surface is configured to cooperate with the second connecting surface to provide a removable connection between the first connecting surface and the second connecting surface. The second sealing surface is on the filter chamber and the second connecting surface is on the filter cage, or the second sealing surface is on the filter cage and the second connecting surface is on the filter chamber, The filter unit according to claim 26.

Images