Dynamic filtering device, method for filtering and system thereof

Abstract

A dynamic filtration device, a filtration method, and a filtration system comprising a permeable blade unit are provided. The filtration device comprises a housing having an internal space; and a blade module rotatably disposed within the housing, the blade module comprising a plurality of blade units arranged in the direction of a rotation axis and the outer circumference of the rotation axis and comprising a permeable membrane, wherein one of the blade units has a curved shape having a convex first surface and a concave second surface.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a dynamic filtration device, a filtration method and a system using the same. More specifically, it relates to a dynamic filtration device comprising a permeable blade unit, a filtration method and a filtration system, such as a method for controlling a dynamic filtration device. Background Technology

[0002] Microplastics are generally defined as synthetic polymer materials that have been miniaturized to 5 mm or less. Because microplastics take a considerable amount of time to decompose naturally, they are recognized as a major threat to marine ecosystems, and recently, issues related to microplastics have become an increasingly prominent topic in relation to environmental problems.

[0003] Microplastics are accumulating throughout the entire marine food chain, affecting fish, marine mammals, and other organisms. Consequently, UNESCO has designated microplastic reduction as a major issue in the field of protecting marine ecosystem health. Microplastics entering the ocean not only cause direct harm to the flora and fauna that make up the marine ecosystem but also accelerate ecosystem destruction as their volume accumulates. Furthermore, significant concentrations of microplastics have recently been detected in drinking water consumed by humans, posing a serious problem.

[0004] According to a recent report on the causes of microplastics by the Dutch National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), synthetic fiber fabrics and clothing rank highly. As such, microplastics originating specifically from textile products are sometimes referred to as microplastic fibers, or simply microfibers or fine fibers. The problem to be solved

[0005] The lengths of plastic fibers used in the manufacture of clothing vary from a few nanometers (nm) to several millimeters (mm), and even tens of millimeters. These plastic fibers undergo physical weathering during repeated use and washing, which can form small microplastics. According to other studies, thousands of microplastic fibers are reported to be released when a single garment is washed once.

[0006] If microplastic fibers generated from clothing during the washing process are drained without being filtered out, they can cause the aforementioned problems. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop technologies to reduce microplastic fibers, particularly those for capturing microplastic fibers generated during home clothing washing.

[0007] As a method for capturing microplastic fibers in the drainage, one may consider equipping the drainage path (or drain pipe) of a washing machine with a mesh or porous structure (i.e., a filtration device). These devices can perform filtration by blocking the passage of foreign matter larger than the mesh size using the mesh size.

[0008] If microplastics or other filtered particles remain in the filtration device due to repeated filtration, the mesh or pores gradually become clogged, causing a decrease in permeate flow rate and potentially leading to a significant increase in permeate pressure. In other words, when the lifespan of the filtration device is exhausted, a pressure difference may occur in the flow paths before and after the device. If the filtration device is not replaced even after its lifespan is over, the pressure difference can cause the filter to burst, the washing machine to malfunction, or lead to problems such as drainage backflow. Furthermore, since washing machines are generally not located close to people's movement paths, it is difficult to frequently check when the filtration device needs replacing. These issues act as factors hindering the widespread adoption of washing machine drain filters.

[0009] Accordingly, the problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a dynamic filtration device with a structure capable of preventing differential pressure generation even when the lifespan of the filtration device is exhausted. Furthermore, it is to provide a filtration device capable of indicating the replacement time of the filtration device in an easy manner.

[0010] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a drainage system using the above-mentioned filtration device.

[0011] Another problem that the present invention aims to solve is to provide a method for controlling the above-mentioned filtration device.

[0012] The problems of the present invention are not limited to the technical problems mentioned above, and other unmentioned technical problems will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description below. means of solving the problem

[0013] A filtration device according to one embodiment of the present invention for solving the above problem comprises: a housing having an internal space; and a blade module rotatably disposed within the housing, wherein the blade module comprises a plurality of blade units arranged in the direction of the outer circumference of the rotation axis and including a permeable membrane, wherein one of the blade units has a curved shape having a convex first surface and a concave second surface.

[0014] The above housing may include a housing body including a magnet encoder, and a cover that is detachable from the housing body and has an axial groove formed on its inner surface.

[0015] Additionally, the blade module may further include a first shaft head located on one side of the rotating shaft portion and including a shaft projection inserted into the shaft groove, and a second shaft head located on the other side of the rotating shaft portion and including a magnet.

[0016] Here, the one blade unit further comprises a first blade plate and a second blade plate that are at least partially spaced apart and arranged so as to interpose the permeable membrane, wherein the first blade plate and the second blade plate may each have an opening that exposes the membrane.

[0017] The first surface is formed by the outer surface of the first blade plate, and the second surface is formed by the outer surface of the second blade plate, and the sum of the opening areas formed in the first blade plate may be smaller than the sum of the opening areas formed in the second blade plate.

[0018] The blade module may further include a first shaft head located on one side of the rotational shaft portion and a second shaft head located on the other side.

[0019] And the first shaft head and the second shaft head each have a blade projection groove, the second blade plate is fixedly positioned on the rotation shaft, and the first blade plate can be inserted into the blade projection groove.

[0020] The blade module may further include an axial head comprising a magnet and positioned on either side of the rotating shaft.

[0021] In addition, the first blade plate and the second blade plate may overlap at least partially with the shaft head and the rotational shaft extension direction.

[0022] In some embodiments, the filtration device may further include a control unit configured to collect a rotational speed measured by the magnet encoder; and a light-emitting element configured to emit light according to the rotational speed collected by the control unit.

[0023] And, when the rotational speed is a first speed, a first number of light-emitting elements emit light, and when the rotational speed is a second speed greater than the first speed, a second number of light-emitting elements greater than the first number emit light.

[0024] The above housing may include an inlet and an outlet.

[0025] At this time, the filtration device may further include a blowing module fluidly connected to the outlet side.

[0026] A control method for a filtration device according to an embodiment of the present invention for solving the above other problems is a method performed by a device including at least one processor, comprising collecting the rotational speed of a blade module including a permeable blade unit and controlling a light-emitting element based on the rotational speed.

[0027] It can be configured so that when the rotational speed is a first speed, a first number of light-emitting elements emit light, and when the rotational speed is a second speed greater than the first speed, a second number of light-emitting elements greater than the first number emit light.

[0028] Additionally, the control method may further include closing an opening / closing element that opens and closes the inlet and outlet of the filtration device and operating a blowing module connected to the outlet when the rotational speed is greater than or exceeds a reference speed.

[0029] Specific details of other embodiments are included in the detailed description. Effects of the invention

[0030] According to embodiments of the present invention, a filtration device capable of filtering microplastics can be installed in a drainage channel, for example, a drainage channel of a washing machine, to filter particulate matter such as microplastics in the drainage of washing water.

[0031] In addition, even when the lifespan of the filtration device is exhausted, problems such as the filtration device bursting or wastewater backflow can be prevented by suppressing an increase in permeate flow rate or an increase in differential pressure in the flow path. For example, if the membrane pores of a permeable blade unit are sufficiently clogged by microplastics and no longer exhibit filtration capacity, the blade module may be configured to rotate rather than exhibit filtration characteristics of microplastics.

[0032] In other words, according to the present invention, the filtration device is used to capture microplastics during its lifespan, but when its lifespan is exhausted, the filtration capacity naturally decreases, and it is guaranteed that the filtration device will not burst. Of course, when the lifespan of the filtration device is exhausted, it may not be able to capture microplastics sufficiently; however, considering the problem of the filtration device bursting, it can still demonstrate a microplastic reduction effect compared to the case where the filtration device is not installed at all.

[0033] The effects according to the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to those exemplified above, and a wider variety of effects are included in this specification. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0034] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drainage system including a filtration device according to one embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 is an exploded view of the filtration device of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the rotary blade module of the filtration device of Figure 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a rotating blade module in a different direction. Figure 5 is a side view of the rotating blade module. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the rotary blade module of Figure 2. Figure 7 is a drawing for explaining the opening and closing of the blade unit of the rotary blade module of Figure 2. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the filtration process while the lifespan of the filtration device remains. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the filtration device when its lifespan is exhausted. FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filtration device according to another embodiment of the present invention. Figure 11 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the operation of the filtration device of Figure 10. Figure 12 is a schematic diagram showing the simulation results. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0035] The advantages and features of the present invention and the methods for achieving them will become clear by referring to the embodiments described below in detail together with the accompanying drawings. However, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below but can be implemented in various different forms. The embodiments are provided merely to ensure that the disclosure of the present invention is complete and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, and the present invention is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0036] Furthermore, the scope of patent claims is not a matter describing the technical content that constitutes the substance of the invention, but rather a matter indicating what scope is claimed as a right based on the technical configuration disclosed in the detailed description of the invention. Therefore, it is somewhat inevitable that the scope of patent claims is composed of abstract higher-level concepts that include the technology disclosed in the detailed description of the invention, and if a person skilled in the art can understand the technical configuration, combination, and functional effects belonging to the scope of patent claims through the entire specification, then the scope of patent claims should be considered to be supported by the detailed description of the invention.

[0037] That is, various modifications may be made to the embodiments presented in the present invention. The embodiments described below are not intended to limit the forms of practice and should be understood to include all modifications, equivalents, and substitutions thereof.

[0038] If any term described in this specification is to be used with a specific meaning, such meaning may be defined and used, and it should be interpreted accordingly. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) may be used in a meaning that is commonly understood by those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains. Furthermore, terms defined in commonly used dictionaries are not to be interpreted ideally or excessively unless explicitly and specifically defined otherwise.

[0039] In this specification, "and / or" includes each of the mentioned items and all combinations of one or more. Also, the singular form includes the plural form unless specifically stated otherwise in the text. As used in this specification, "comprises" and / or "comprising" do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other components in addition to the mentioned components. A numerical range indicated by "to" indicates a numerical range that includes the values ​​listed before and after it as a lower and upper limit, respectively. "Approximately" or "about" means a value or numerical range within 20% of the value or numerical range listed after it.

[0040] In this specification, when referring to components, ordinal modifiers such as 'first component,' 'second component,' and 'first-1 component' are used merely to distinguish one component from another. Accordingly, the first component referred to below may be referred to as the second component within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. For example, what is referred to as the first component in one embodiment may be referred to as the second component in another embodiment. Furthermore, it goes without saying that what is referred to as the first component in the description of the invention may be referred to as the second component in the claims.

[0041] The size, thickness, width, length, etc., of the components depicted in the drawings may be exaggerated or reduced for convenience and clarity of explanation, so the present invention is not limited to the depicted form.

[0042] Spatially relative terms such as 'above,' 'upper,' 'on,' 'below,' 'beneath,' and 'lower' may be used to facilitate the description of the relationship between one element or component and another, as illustrated in the drawings. When used in addition to the directions depicted in the drawings, spatially relative terms should be understood as encompassing different orientations of the elements. For example, if an element depicted in a drawing is flipped, an element described as being 'below' or 'beneath' another element may be placed 'above' of that other element. Therefore, the exemplary term 'below' may encompass both the downward and upward directions.

[0043] Unless otherwise defined, the terms ‘fiber,’ ‘thread,’ or ‘thread’ refer collectively to natural or artificial thin, long fibrous objects. For example, fiber may refer to an object with a length-to-width ratio of about 3 times or more, or about 5 times or more, or about 10 times or more, or about 50 times or more, or about 100 times or more. Additionally, fiber may refer collectively to objects made of materials such as polymers or metals.

[0044] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0045] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a drainage system including a filtration device according to one embodiment of the present invention.

[0046] Referring to FIG. 1, the drainage system (1) according to the present embodiment may include a washing machine (20) having a washing tub, a filtration device (10) (or filter device) fluidly connected to the washing machine (20), and drainage pipes (IF, OF).

[0047] The washing device (20) may include a washing machine, etc., for washing fibers or laundry. The washing device (20) may be equipped with a washing tub in which laundry is introduced and washed. FIG. 1 illustrates a washing drainage system as a drainage system (1), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the drainage system may be applied to an industrial drainage system.

[0048] Drain pipes (IF, OF) are fluidically connected to the washing tub and can function as fluid paths for discharging liquids such as wash water, drainage, or wastewater that are drained after the laundry is washed. The drain pipes (IF, OF) may include a first pipe section (IF) (or a fluid inlet pipe to a filtration device) and a second pipe section (OF) (or a fluid outlet pipe to a filtration device).

[0049] The filtration device (10) is located in the fluid path drained from the washing tub and may be located between the first pipe section (IF) and the second pipe section (OF). That is, the liquid drained from the washing tub may be drained through the first pipe section (IF), the filtration device (10), and the second pipe section (OF). Unlike the example in FIG. 1, in other embodiments, the drain pipes (IF, OF) and the filtration device (10) may be provided inside the washing device (20).

[0050] Hereinafter, the filtration device (10) according to the present embodiment will be described in more detail.

[0051] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the filtration device of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the rotating blade module of the filtration device of FIG. 2. FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the rotating blade module from a different direction. FIG. 5 is a side view of the rotating blade module. FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of the rotating blade module of FIG. 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the opening and closing of the blade unit of the rotating blade module of FIG. 2. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional diagram for explaining the filtration process in a state where the lifespan of the filtration device is remaining, for example, in a state where there is no or relatively little microplastic captured in the membrane.

[0052] Referring further to FIGS. 2 through 8, the filtration device (10) may include a housing (100) and a rotating blade module (200) rotatably disposed within the space inside the housing (100).

[0053] The housing (100) forms the exterior of the filtration device (10) and may have an internal space (130c) through which fluid can flow. The housing (100) may be made of a synthetic resin material such as polycarbonate resin. In addition, the housing (100), particularly the housing body (130) described later, may be made of a partially transparent or translucent material so that the rotation of the blade module (200) inside it can be seen.

[0054] The housing (100) may include a housing body (130), a body cover (140), a fluid inlet (110) (or a fluid inlet pipe, or a fluid inlet port), and a fluid outlet (120) (or a fluid outlet pipe, or a fluid outlet port). FIG. 2 illustrates a case where the housing body (130), the fluid inlet (110), and the fluid outlet (120) are physically separated and configured to be reversibly mountable and detachable, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and in other embodiments, the housing body (130) and the fluid inlet (110) and / or the fluid outlet (120) may be formed integrally without a physical boundary. In this embodiment, the housing body (130) may have a first opening connected to the fluid inlet (110) and a second opening connected to the fluid outlet (120).

[0055] The fluid inlet section (110) may be configured to be connected to the aforementioned first conduit section (IF), and the fluid outlet section (120) may be configured to be connected to the aforementioned second conduit section (OF). To this end, fastening means for connecting with the conduit sections may be provided. The upper end of the fluid inlet section (110) may have an inlet port (110h), and the lower end of the fluid outlet section (120) may have an outlet port (120h).

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the arrangement of the filtration device (10) may be fixed. The fluid inlet (110) may be fixed so that it is positioned in the upper direction of gravity and the fluid outlet (120) may be positioned in the lower direction of gravity, and the flow of fluid flowing from the upper side to the lower side in the direction of gravity within the internal space (130c) of the housing (100) may be formed as the main flow. For example, as is known, the fluid flowing along a space may form various flows, such as forming a vortex, but the main fluid flow path within the housing body (130) may be approximately in the lower side of the third direction (Z).

[0057] The fluid inlet (110) and fluid outlet (120) are not located at the center of the first direction (X) of the housing body (130), but may be located off to one side of the first direction (X).

[0058] The housing body (130) may form an internal space (130c) that is approximately cylindrical in shape. Here, the upper and lower surfaces of the cylindrical shape, i.e., the circular shape, are placed within a plane to which the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z) belong, and the second direction (Y) can be understood as the height direction of the cylinder. At this time, a magnet encoder (130e) may be placed on a position corresponding to the upper surface of the cylindrical shape of the housing body (130). The magnet encoder (130e) may be provided to detect the rotational speed and / or rotational direction of the blade module (200) to be described later.

[0059] Additionally, an opening may be formed at a position corresponding to the cylindrical lower surface of the housing body (130). The opening may be opened and closed by a cover (140). A fastening means may be provided for mutually reversibly attaching and detaching the cover (140) and the housing body (130). The fastening means may be screw threads, etc. Using this, the user can detach the cover (140) to open the internal space (130c) of the housing body (130) and insert the blade module (200) or withdraw it for cleaning. Then, the internal space (130c) can be easily sealed by methods such as fastening the cover (140) after inserting the blade module (200).

[0060] An axial groove (140g) may be formed on the inner surface of the cover (140). The axial groove (140g) may be a groove that is partially recessed so that a protrusion can be inserted. The axial groove (140g) may be spaced apart from the magnet encoder (130e) and overlap in the second direction (Y). The axial groove (140g) and the magnet encoder (130e) may be located on the rotation axis of the blade module (200) to be described later.

[0061] A rotating blade module (200) (or filtering module, or rotating module) may be placed in an internal space (130c). The blade module (200) may provide the function of performing filtration in the filtration device (10) according to the present invention.

[0062] The blade module (200) includes a rotational shaft portion (210) forming a rotational axis, a plurality of blade units (230) disposed on the rotational shaft portion (210), and may include a first shaft portion head (221) disposed on one end of the rotational shaft portion (210) (left side in FIG. 6) and a second shaft portion head (222) disposed on the other end of the rotational shaft portion (210) (right side in FIG. 6).

[0063] The rotational axis portion (210) may include a rotational shaft. The rotational axis portion (210) has a shape that extends approximately in the second direction (Y), and the blade module (200) may rotate in a plane to which the first direction (X) and the third direction (Z) belong. In this case, the blade module (200) may be described as rotating in the first direction (X) and / or rotating in the third direction (Z). That is, the blade module (200) may rotate at least in the main fluid flow direction, i.e., the third direction (Z). On the other hand, it may be understood that it does not rotate at least in the second direction (Y).

[0064] A blade unit (230) (or filter structure) may be a means for filtering microplastics or other particulate impurities contained in a fluid flowing along the space inside the housing (100). A blade unit (230) according to the present invention may have a certain permeability. In addition, any one of the blade units (230) may have a filtration function itself. That is, a blade unit (230) according to the present embodiment may function as a blade for rotating by receiving force from the fluid flow, and at the same time function as a permeable-filtering blade.

[0065] Multiple blade units (230) may be arranged along the outer circumference of the rotation axis portion (210). FIG. 3 illustrates a case where six blade units (230) are provided. The number of blade units (230) preferred by the inventor of the present invention is five to seven. Multiple blade units (230) may be arranged in a circular pattern around the rotation axis.

[0066] Each blade unit (230) may be curved. For example, each blade unit (230) may have a convex first surface (230a) (or convex surface, or outflow surface) and a concave second surface (230b) (or concave surface, or inflow surface). The curvature or radius of curvature of the first surface (230a) and the second surface (230b) may be substantially the same or within a range of ±5%.

[0067] In any state where the blade module (200) is rotating, at least one blade unit (230) may be positioned on a line connecting a fluid inlet (110) and a fluid outlet (120) that are spaced apart and facing each other in a third direction (Z). At this time, the second surface (230b) may face the fluid inlet (110), and the first surface (230a) may face the fluid outlet (120). That is, in the flow of fluid flowing downward in the third direction (Z), the concave second surface (230b) may be positioned to receive force.

[0068] Each blade unit (230) includes a first blade plate (231) (or first frame) and a second blade plate (232) (or second frame), and may further include a permeable membrane (233) interposed between them.

[0069] The first blade plate (231) may be located on the first surface (230a) side relative to the second blade plate (232). That is, the convex outer surface of the first blade plate (231) may correspond to the first surface (230a). On the other hand, the second blade plate (232) may be located on the second surface (230b) side relative to the first blade plate (231). That is, the concave outer surface of the second blade plate (232) may correspond to the second surface (230b).

[0070] The first blade plate (231) and the second blade plate (232) may each have an opening. The openings of the first blade plate (231) and the second blade plate (232) may each be one or multiple. FIG. 6, etc., exemplifies a case where the first blade plate (231) has four first openings (231a) of approximately square shape and the second blade plate (232) has one second opening (232a) of approximately square shape. In an exemplary embodiment, the sum of the areas of the openings formed in the second blade plate (232), that is, the area of ​​the second opening (232a), may be greater than the sum of the areas of the openings formed in the first blade plate (231), that is, the sum of the areas of the four first openings (231a).

[0071] As previously explained, the fluid flowing in the internal space (130c) can apply force on the second surface (230b), that is, on the side of the second blade plate (232). At this time, if the area of ​​the second opening (232a) is relatively smaller, the exposed area of ​​the membrane (233) can be reduced. Therefore, the exposed surface of the membrane (233) on the side of the second blade plate (232) can be maximized by forming the second opening (232a) relatively larger.

[0072] On the other hand, the side of the first blade plate (231) of the membrane (233) may contribute relatively little to the filtration function. Accordingly, the first blade plate (231) may be configured to have a first opening (231a) of a relatively small area to partially cover and support the membrane (233). For example, the first blade plate (231) may have four first openings (231a), and three bar portions formed between the four first openings (231a) spaced apart in the second direction (Y) may partially cover and support the side of the first blade plate (231) of the membrane (233) and prevent the membrane (233) from bending due to a strong fluid flow. In particular, as described below, when foreign substances such as microplastics are filtered into the membrane (233) and the lifespan of the filtration device is exhausted, the blade module (200) is subjected to strong fluid pressure sufficient to rotate. At this time, if the first blade plate (231) does not sufficiently support the membrane (233), the membrane (233) bends and fluid bypass occurs, which may result in a situation where the blade module (200) cannot rotate at a sufficient speed and cannot provide a filtration function. To this end, the first blade plate (231) can support the membrane (233) by including the bar portion described above. In other words, the first blade plate (231) and the second blade plate (232) overlap, but at least a portion of the first blade plate (231) (i.e., the bar) does not overlap with the second blade plate (232), and the portion of the bar of the first blade plate (231) may overlap with the second opening (232a).

[0073] The permeable membrane (233) (or filter membrane, or filter film, or filter member) may be in the form of a thin film. The permeable membrane (233) may be bent to correspond to the shape of the curved first blade plate (231) and second blade plate (232), but the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0074] The membrane (233) (or permeable film) may have a mesh structure or micropores. While exhibiting permeability through the mesh or pores, it may simultaneously filter substances larger than the pores, namely microplastics, using the pores. As a non-limiting example, the mesh or pore size of the membrane (233) may be configured to filter microplastics of several micrometers, tens of micrometers, or hundreds of micrometers in size.

[0075] In an exemplary embodiment, at least one of the first blade plate (231) and the second blade plate (232) may be configured so that its arrangement is variable. This will be described later.

[0076] A first shaft head (221) may be disposed at one end of the rotation shaft portion (210), and a second shaft head (222) may be disposed at the other end. The first shaft head (221) and the second shaft head (222) may be spaced apart in the second direction (Y). Hereinafter, an example is given in which the first shaft head (221) is disposed facing the cover (140) side, and the second shaft head (222) is disposed facing the magnet encoder (130e) side.

[0077] The first shaft head (221) and the second shaft head (222) may have an extended shape compared to the rotation shaft (210). Accordingly, at least some of each blade unit (230) may be covered by overlapping with the first shaft head (221) and the second shaft head (222) in the second direction (Y).

[0078] The first shaft head (221) may include a shaft projection (221p) formed on its outer surface. The shaft projection (221p) may be in the shape of a pin protruding toward one side of the second direction (Y). The shaft projection (221p) may be inserted into the shaft groove (140g) of the aforementioned cover (140). That is, a direct physical connection is not formed between the first shaft head (221) of the blade module (200) and the housing (100), specifically the cover (140), and the shaft projection (221p) (or shaft pin) of the first shaft head (221) is inserted into the shaft groove (140g) of the cover (140) to prevent the blade module (200) from deviating from its position during rotation, while simultaneously providing free rotation.

[0079] Additionally, the second shaft head (222) may include a magnet (222m) disposed on its outer surface. The magnet (222m) may face the magnet encoder (130e) of the housing body (130) in the second direction (Y). The magnet (222m) and the magnet encoder (130e) may form a repulsive force against each other. That is, when the blade module (200) is inserted into the internal space (130c), the magnet (222m) of the second shaft head (222) may be spaced apart from the inner wall of the housing body (130) in the second direction (Y). By ensuring that the position of the other rotation axis of the blade module (200) is fixed by the repulsive force using the magnets without forming a direct physical connection with the housing (100), the blade module (200) can be configured to prevent it from deviating from its position during rotation while simultaneously providing free rotation. In addition, information regarding the rotational speed and / or rotational direction of the blade module (200) can be collected in an easy manner using a magnet (222m) and a magnet encoder (130e).

[0080] The aforementioned shaft groove (140g), shaft projection (221p), rotation shaft portion (210), magnet (222m), and magnet encoder (130e) are all positioned in a straight line in the second direction (Y) and can be located on the rotation axis.

[0081] Additionally, a projection groove (222g) may be formed on the inner surface of the first shaft head (221) (i.e., the surface facing the rotation shaft portion (210)) and the inner surface of the second shaft head (222) (i.e., the surface facing the rotation shaft portion (210). The projection groove (222g) may not overlap with the rotation shaft portion (210) in the second direction (Y).

[0082] As previously described, at least one of the first blade plate (231) and the second blade plate (232) may be configured so that its arrangement is variable. For example, the second blade plate (232) may have its position fixed on the rotational axis portion (210) and may not change. On the other hand, the first blade plate (231) may include blade protrusions (231p) formed at both ends of the second direction (Y). The blade protrusions (231p) may be inserted into the first protrusion groove (not shown) of the first axis portion head (221) and the second protrusion groove (222g) of the second axis portion head (222). As previously described, when the blade unit (230) is provided in six, the first protrusion groove (not shown) and the second protrusion groove (222g) may each be provided in six.

[0083] The first blade plate (231), in which the blade projection (231p) is inserted into the first projection groove and the second projection groove (222g), can be opened so that the distance from the second blade plate (232) increases as shown in FIG. 7. Thus, when the life of the membrane (233) is exhausted during use of the filtration device (10), the user can tilt the first blade plate (231) to remove and replace the membrane (233), or clean it and reinsert it.

[0084] Although not shown in the drawing, the first blade plate (231) and the second blade plate (232) may be provided with a fastening means (not shown) that can be fixed to each other. That is, the first blade plate (231) and the second blade plate (232) can be fixed to fix the membrane (233) in a state where the membrane (233) is interposed between the first blade plate (231) and the second blade plate (232). The fastening means is not particularly limited as long as it does not interfere with the rotation of the blade module (200), but the membrane (233) can be firmly fixed by fixing the second blade plate (232), whose position is fixed on the rotation axis part (210), and the first blade plate (231), which rotates using the projection groove (222g) and the blade projection (231p), using a structure such as a clip.

[0085] The blade module (200) according to the present embodiment is arranged to rotate within the housing body (130) under fluid pressure, and each blade unit (230) receiving the fluid force has a curved shape and a unique shape and arrangement, so that the blade module (200) is configured not to substantially rotate when the membrane (233) has permeability (i.e., when the filtration life remains), and can be configured to rotate smoothly by fluid pressure when the pores of the membrane (233) become clogged and the filtration life is exhausted. That is, the difference in the degree of rotation of the blade module (200) can be maximized depending on the degree of permeability of the membrane (233). To this end, the inventor of the present invention proposes a correlation between the radius of curvature (R) of the blade unit (230) and other factors.

[0086] Hereinafter, the first distance (L1) refers to the longest separation distance from the center of the rotation axis, i.e., the rotation axis portion (210), to any end of a blade unit (230) in the direction connecting the point where the blade unit (230) is positioned on the outer surface of the rotation axis portion (210).

[0087] Additionally, the second distance (L2) refers to the longest separation distance from the center of the rotation axis, that is, the rotation axis portion (210), to any end of the blade unit (230). In other words, it refers to the extended length of the blade unit (230) in the direction connecting the end of the blade unit (230) at the position furthest from the rotation axis.

[0088] The radius of curvature (R) of the blade unit (230) refers to the radius of curvature of the outer surface of the first blade plate (231) or the outer surface of the second blade plate (232), for example, the radius of curvature of the second surface (230b).

[0089] In an exemplary embodiment, the ratio of the first distance (L1) to the radius of curvature (R) (L1 / R) may be in the range of about 1.40 to 1.50, or about 1.41 to 1.45. Also, the ratio of the second distance (L2) to the radius of curvature (R) (L2 / R) may be in the range of about 1.40 to 1.55, or about 1.45 to 1.50. The ratio of the second distance (L2) to the radius of curvature (R) (L2 / R) may be greater than the ratio of the first distance (L1) to the radius of curvature (R) (L1 / R). That is, the second distance (L2) may be greater than the first distance (L1). In addition, the ratio of the second distance (L2) to the radius of curvature (R) (L2 / R) may be within the range of 5% of the ratio of the first distance (L1) to the radius of curvature (R) (L1 / R).

[0090] Additionally, the radius of curvature (R) of the blade unit (230) may have a predetermined relationship with the inner diameter (ID) of the fluid inlet (110) of the housing (100) and the radius (IR) of the internal space (130c), which is approximately cylindrical in shape.

[0091] In an exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter (ID) may be larger than the radius of curvature (R) and smaller than the first distance (L1) and the second distance (L2). Specifically, the ratio of the inner diameter (ID) to the radius of curvature (R) (ID / R) may be in the range of about 1.10 to 1.20, or about 1.12 to 1.16. Also, the ratio of the first distance (L1) to the inner diameter (ID) (L1 / ID) may be in the range of about 1.20 to 1.30, or about 1.22 to 1.25.

[0092] Additionally, the radius (IR) of the internal space (130c) may be larger than the first distance (L1) and the second distance (L2). The ratio (IR / ID) of the radius (IR) of the internal space (130c) to the inner diameter (ID) of the fluid inlet (110) may be in the range of about 1.30 to 1.40, or about 1.35 to 1.40. Additionally, the ratio (IR / R) of the radius (IR) of the internal space (130c) to the radius of curvature (R) of the blade unit (230) may be in the range of about 1.50 to 1.60, or about 1.55 to 1.60.

[0093] After many experiments, the inventor of the present invention confirmed that when the radius of curvature (R), the first distance (L1), the second distance (L2), the inner diameter (ID), and the radius (IR) of the inner space (130c) are within the above range, the difference in the rotational speed of the blade module (200) according to the degree of blockage of the membrane (233) can be maximized, and thus completed the present invention.

[0094] Meanwhile, although not depicted in the drawings, the filtration device (10) according to the present embodiment may further include a control unit (not shown). The control unit may include a processor, memory and / or storage and perform control of the filtration device (10) or operations according to a predetermined program. Here, the program is recorded on a recording medium and executed by a computing device; for example, the program may include a command module containing a plurality of instructions, and said command module may be loaded or stored in memory and executed by a processor. That is, the processor can be understood as the entity executing the program or control method.

[0095] The above processor can control other hardware components of the filtering device (10) and perform data processing or operations. That is, as part of the data processing or operations, the processor can store commands or data received from other components in memory or storage, process commands or data stored in memory, or store result data.

[0096] Additionally, the filtering device (10) may further include a communication module (not shown). The communication module can support the establishment of a communication channel between the filtering device (10) and another external device, such as a server or a user terminal, and the performance of communication through the established communication channel. The communication module may include a wired or wireless communication module. Examples of wireless communication modules may include a Wi-Fi module, a short-range communication module such as Bluetooth or NFC, a GNSS module, and network interfaces such as Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA), Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (Wideband CDMA, WCDMA), High Speed ​​Packet Access (HSPA), and Long Term Evolution (LTE).

[0097] Hereinafter, the operation of the filtration device (10) according to the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional schematic diagram illustrating the operation when the lifespan of the filtration device is exhausted, for example, when the pores of the membrane (233) are blocked by microplastics and a cloaking phenomenon occurs.

[0098] As previously explained, when microplastics are not captured in the membrane (233) or only a relatively small amount is captured, and the membrane (233) exhibits sufficient water permeability, the fluid flowing inside the housing body (130) passes through the permeable surface of the membrane (233), and in the process, microplastics contained in the fluid can be filtered and captured by the pores of the membrane (233). In this state, as illustrated in FIG. 8, the blade module (200) may not substantially rotate, or if it does rotate, it may rotate at a very slow speed.

[0099] That is, in this state, the fluid flow passes through the membrane (233) rather than rotating the blade module (200), and can exhibit excellent microplastic filtration efficiency.

[0100] On the other hand, referring further to FIG. 9, as a fluid containing microplastics continuously permeates the membrane (233) of the filtration device (10), the microplastics (MF) filtered by the membrane (233) accumulate on the concave second surface (230b) of the blade unit (230) and can clog the membrane (233). Accordingly, the permeability of the membrane (233) may decrease. That is, the fluid flow cannot pass through the membrane (233) or the permeability decreases, and accordingly, fluid pressure is applied to the blade unit (230), causing the blade module (200) to rotate. Therefore, in this state, the blade module (200) can rotate at a faster speed than in the state of FIG. 8.

[0101] That is, the filtration device (10) according to the present invention performs filtration of microplastics (MF) by predominantly allowing fluid permeation in the initial state, but when the membrane (233) becomes clogged to a level where fluid permeation becomes difficult, the filtration surface, i.e., the blade unit (230), is configured to rotate so as not to obstruct the flow of fluid and to prevent the formation of differential pressure. Therefore, even if the user does not realize that the lifespan of the filtration device (10) has expired, the filtration device (10) can be prevented from bursting.

[0102] Furthermore, when a filtration device is configured using a mesh with a fixed position and shape as in conventional methods, the lifespan of the device is limited because it provides only a filtration surface with a restricted fluid cross-sectional area. Additionally, even when multiple meshes are arranged in series, there is a problem where a differential pressure occurs throughout the entire filtration device if any one mesh becomes clogged.

[0103] However, the filtration device (10) according to the present embodiment provides a filtration surface of a predetermined area using a permeable blade unit (230), and since a plurality of permeable blade units (230) are rotatably arranged, even if the filtration surface life of the membrane (233) of one blade unit (230) is exhausted first, the membrane of another blade unit (230) can contribute to the capture of microplastics and the life of the filtration device (10) can be greatly increased.

[0104] In an exemplary embodiment, a control unit, such as a processor, can collect the rotational speed of the blade module (200) measured by a magnet encoder (130e) and cause the light-emitting elements (150) to emit light based on the collected rotational speed.

[0105] A light-emitting element (150) or a light-emitting part may be provided on the housing body (130). A plurality of light-emitting elements (150) may be provided. FIG. 2 illustrates a case where six light-emitting elements (150) are provided. At least some of the plurality of light-emitting elements (150) may emit the same color, and at least some may emit different colors. As a non-limiting example, among the six light-emitting elements (150), the lower five may emit green, and the upper one may emit red.

[0106] When the rotational speed collected by the control unit is relatively fast, a larger number of light-emitting elements (150) can be configured to emit light compared to when the collected rotational speed is relatively slow. Hereinafter, among the six light-emitting elements (150), they are referred to as the first light-emitting element to the sixth light-emitting element in order from the bottom to the top.

[0107] For example, when the blade module (200) does not rotate at all, only one first light-emitting element at the bottom side emits light, and when the blade module (200) rotates at a first speed, two first light-emitting elements and a second light-emitting element at the bottom side may emit light. Also, when the blade module (200) rotates at a second speed faster than the first speed, the first to third light-emitting elements emit light, and when the blade module (200) rotates at a third speed faster than the second speed, the first to fourth light-emitting elements may emit light. Furthermore, when the blade module (200) rotates at a fourth speed faster than the third speed, the first to fifth light-emitting elements emit light, and when the blade module (200) rotates at a fifth speed faster than the fourth speed, all light-emitting elements (150), including the first to sixth light-emitting elements, may be configured to emit light. By configuring it in this way, the user can intuitively determine the level of rotational speed of the current blade module (200), that is, the degree of life exhaustion of the membrane (233).

[0108] Hereinafter, a filtration device according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described. However, descriptions of configurations that are substantially identical or extremely similar to the previously described embodiment will be omitted, as they will be easily understood by those skilled in the art from the attached drawings.

[0109] FIG. 10 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a filtration device according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the operation of the filtration device of FIG. 10, and is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the process of performing self-cleaning when the membrane is clogged by microplastics.

[0110] Referring to FIG. 10 and FIG. 11, the filtration device (11) (or filtration system) according to the present embodiment is different from the filtration device according to the prior embodiment in that it further includes a first opening / closing element (310) for opening / closing a fluid inlet (110), a second opening / closing element (320) for opening / closing a fluid outlet (120), and a blowing module (400) fluidly connected to the fluid outlet (120).

[0111] The first opening / closing element (310) and the second opening / closing element (320) may each be means for opening and closing the fluid flow of the fluid inlet (110) and the fluid outlet (120). The first opening / closing element (310) and the second opening / closing element (320) may each include a valve. Since valves are a known technology, a detailed description is omitted.

[0112] The blowing module (400) can be fluidly connected at a fluid location between the space formed by the housing body (130) and the second opening / closing element (320). That is, the blowing module (400) can be fluidly connected at any location of the fluid outlet (120). FIG. 10 and others describe the blowing module (400), the first opening / closing element (310), and the second opening / closing element (320) as part of the configuration of the filtration device (11), but the present invention is not limited thereto, and the first opening / closing element (310), the second opening / closing element (320), and the blowing module (400) can be understood as being provided as separate components constituting a filtration system and combined with the filtration device.

[0113] The blowing module (400), the first opening / closing element (310) and / or the second opening / closing element (320) may be configured to be controlled by a control unit (not shown) including a processor.

[0114] Hereinafter, the operation of the filtration device (11) according to the present embodiment will be described.

[0115] As previously described, the filtering device (11) includes a magnetic encoder (not shown) capable of sensing the rotational speed and / or rotational direction of the blade module (200), in particular the rotational speed, as detection data, and the processor can collect the rotational speed of the blade module (200) measured by the magnetic encoder. Based on the collected rotational speed, light-emitting elements (not shown) can emit light.

[0116] Furthermore, the first opening / closing element (310), the second opening / closing element (320), and / or the blowing module (400) can be controlled by comparing the rotational speed of the collected blade module (200) with the reference speed.

[0117] In an exemplary embodiment, if the collected rotational speed is greater than or exceeds a reference speed, the processor of the control unit may close the first opening / closing element (310) and the second opening / closing element (320), such as a valve. Specifically, the first opening / closing element (310) may be closed first, and the second opening / closing element (320) may be closed after a predetermined time has elapsed.

[0118] The first opening / closing element (310) can block the fluid flow of the fluid inlet (110) to block the inflow of drainage into the internal space (130c), for example, in a washing machine. Additionally, the second opening / closing element (320) can block the fluid flow of the fluid outlet (120) to block the outflow from the internal space (130c) to the outside through the fluid outlet (120), for example. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the fluid inlet (110) and / or fluid outlet (120) may include additional opening / closing elements, such as valves, and may have a fluid structure capable of discharging the fluid flow generated in the blowing module (400) described later while blocking drainage.

[0119] As previously explained, the first opening / closing element (310) is blocked first, and after a predetermined time elapses, the second opening / closing element (320) is blocked so that the fluid in the internal space (130c) is discharged as much as possible through the fluid outlet (120), so that the internal space (130c) of the filtration device (11) can be completely fluidically isolated from other spaces outside.

[0120] Next, the processor may reopen one or more of the first opening / closing element (310) and / or the second opening / closing element (320).

[0121] Next, the processor can operate the blowing module (400) to spray a gas, such as air, i.e., a fluid, into the internal space (130c). The fluid, such as air, generated by the operation of the blowing module (400) can rotate the blade module (200). At this time, the rotation of the blade module (200) may be clockwise with respect to FIG. 11. That is, during the filtration process by drainage, the blade module (200) rotates counterclockwise with respect to the cross-sectional view, but in this step, the rotation of the blade module (200) by the blowing module (400) may be clockwise.

[0122] As previously explained, microplastics (MF) captured in the blade module (200) may accumulate on the concave surface (e.g., second surface) of each blade unit. Accordingly, the control method or self-cleaning method of the filtration device (11) according to the present embodiment can be achieved by using a blowing module (400) positioned on the side of the fluid outlet (120) to induce a flow of air from the side of the convex surface (e.g., first surface) of the blade unit to shake off the microplastics (MF) accumulated on the blade unit, and the microplastics (MF) that have escaped from the blade unit can be collected in a space inside the housing body (130).

[0123] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to experimental examples of the present invention.

[0124] <Preparation Example>

[0125] The microplastic capture capability was simulated by designing various values ​​for the radius of curvature (R) of the previously described blade module and blade unit, the first distance (L1), the second distance (L2), the inner diameter (ID) of the fluid inlet (inlet pipe), and the radius of the internal space (IR).

[0126] The values ​​of the blade modules used are as shown in Table 1 below. The values ​​in Table 1 below have been rounded to the third decimal place.

[0127] L1 / R L2 / R ID / R L1 / ID IR / ID IR / R note Preparation Example 1 1.43 1.48 1.15 1.25 1.37 1.57 Preparation Example 2 1.51 1.62 1.15 1.32 1.44 1.66 L1, L2, IR increase Preparation Example 3 1.33 1.38 1.07 1.25 1.37 1.47 R increase Preparation Example 4 1.43 1.48 1.21 1.18 1.30 1.57 Increase ID Preparation Example 5 1.43 1.48 1.02 1.40 1.54 1.57 ID reduction

[0128] In a drainage device having the values ​​shown in Table 1 above, the torque acting on the blade module and the rotational speed at that time were simulated when the blade unit has a predetermined permeability and when it does not have permeability. Here, the blade unit opening ratio when permeability is present (i.e., when the membrane is not clogged by microplastics) was set to 50% and 75%, and when permeability is absent (i.e., when the membrane is clogged by microplastics), the simulation was conducted by simulating the case where the blade unit has no opening. Through this experiment, the trend of rotational energy according to the opening ratio of the blade unit can be identified when the above design specifications are reflected.

[0129] As a result of the simulation, the difference in torque between when permeability is present and when it is not present was greatest in the case of Manufacturing Example 1. In particular, the torque showed approximately a linear change when it was not opened, when it was 50% open, and when it was 75% open.

[0130] In the case of Preparation Example 5, a significant amount of torque was applied even when permeability was exhibited. On the other hand, in the case of Preparation Example 4, the torque was not very large even when permeability was not present.

[0131] In the case of Preparation Examples 2 and 3, the results were better than those of Preparation Examples 4 and 5, but the difference in torque between when permeability was present and when it was not was not very large. In addition, the difference in torque acting when the opening ratio was 75% and 50% was relatively smaller, so there was no linear change trend in the three experiments.

[0132] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments, this is merely illustrative and does not limit the invention. Those skilled in the art will understand that various modifications and applications not exemplified above are possible within the scope of the essential characteristics of the embodiments of the invention.

[0133] Accordingly, the scope of the present invention should be understood to include modifications, equivalents, or substitutions of the technical concept exemplified above. For example, each component specifically shown in the embodiments of the present invention may be implemented with modifications. Furthermore, differences related to such modifications and applications should be interpreted as being included within the scope of the present invention as defined in the appended claims. Explanation of the symbols

[0134] 1: Washing machine drainage system 10: Filtration device 100: Housing 110: Fluid inlet 120: Fluid Outlet 130: Housing body 140: Cover 200: Blade Module 210: Rotating shaft part 230: Blade Unit

Claims

Claim 1 A filtration device comprising: a housing having an internal space; and a blade module rotatably disposed within the housing, the blade module comprising a plurality of blade units arranged in the direction of a rotation axis and the outer circumference of the rotation axis and including a permeable membrane, wherein one of the blade units has a curved shape having a convex first surface and a concave second surface, and the one blade unit further comprises a first blade plate and a second blade plate that are at least partially spaced apart and disposed such that the permeable membrane is interposed therein, wherein the first blade plate and the second blade plate each have an opening that exposes the membrane, wherein the first surface is formed by the outer surface of the first blade plate and the second surface is formed by the outer surface of the second blade plate, and the sum of the opening areas formed in the first blade plate is smaller than the sum of the opening areas formed in the second blade plate. Claim 2 A filtration device according to claim 1, wherein the housing comprises a housing body including a magnet encoder and a cover detachably attached to the housing body and having an axial groove formed on its inner surface, and the blade module further comprises a first shaft head located on one side of the rotating shaft portion and including an axial projection inserted into the axial groove, and a second shaft head located on the other side of the rotating shaft portion and including a magnet. Claim 3 delete Claim 4 delete Claim 5 A filtration device comprising: a housing having an internal space; and a blade module rotatably disposed within the housing, the blade module comprising a plurality of blade units arranged in the direction of the outer circumference of the rotational axis and including a permeable membrane, wherein one of the blade units has a curved shape having a convex first surface and a concave second surface, and the one blade unit further comprises a first blade plate and a second blade plate that are at least partially spaced apart and disposed such that the permeable membrane is interposed therein, wherein the first blade plate and the second blade plate each have an opening that exposes the membrane, and the blade module further comprises a first axis head located on one side of the rotational axis and a second axis head located on the other side, wherein the first axis head and the second axis head each have a blade projection groove, the second blade plate is fixedly disposed on the rotational axis, and the first blade plate further comprises a blade projection inserted into the blade projection groove. Claim 6 A filtration device comprising: a housing having an internal space; and a blade module rotatably disposed within the housing, the blade module comprising a plurality of blade units arranged in the direction of the outer circumference of the rotational axis and including a permeable membrane, wherein one of the blade units has a curved shape having a convex first surface and a concave second surface, and the one blade unit further comprises a first blade plate and a second blade plate disposed such that the permeable membrane is interposed therein and are at least partially spaced apart, wherein the first blade plate and the second blade plate each have an opening that exposes the membrane, and the blade module further comprises a shaft head disposed on either side of the rotational axis and including a magnet, wherein the first blade plate and the second blade plate overlap at least partially with the shaft head and at least partially with the direction of extension of the rotational axis. Claim 7 delete Claim 8 In claim 1, the housing includes an inlet and an outlet, and the filtration device further includes a blowing module fluidly connected to the outlet side. Claim 9 A method for controlling a filtration device comprising at least one processor, wherein the method comprises collecting the rotational speed of a blade module including a permeable blade unit as a blade module of the filtration device; closing an opening / closing element that opens / closes an inlet and an outlet of the filtration device when the rotational speed is greater than or exceeds a reference speed; and operating a blowing module connected to the outlet and a flow path. Claim 10 delete Claim 11 delete

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