BR102012031706A2 - UNIDIRECTIONAL SOLID RETENTION DEVICE FOR FLUIDS, FLUID LINE SYSTEM FOR LAUNDRY MACHINES, AND METHOD IN A FLUID LINE SYSTEM OF A LAUNDRY MACHINE - Google Patents

Abstract

UNIDIRECTIONAL SOLID RETENTION DEVICE FOR FLUIDS, FLUID LINES SYSTEM FOR LAUNDRY MACHINES, AND, METHOD IN A FLUID LINES SYSTEM OF A LAUNDRY MACHINE. The present invention relates to the filtration of water and, more particularly, to the filtration of water through retaining filters of solid particles, such as lint. In this scenario, the present invention aims to provide a device capable of allowing the passage of liquid and solids in one direction, and allowing only liquid to return in the opposite direction, retaining the solids. In addition, the present invention aims to provide a method and system of fluid lines in a laundry machine that avoid wasting water in the automatic filtration of solids in a washing process by recycling, while operating with a reduced number of components. In order to achieve the objectives described above, the present invention provides a unidirectional retention device from solids to fluids, comprising at least one filter element that (i) allows the passage of fluid and solids in a first direction, (ii) allows the return of fluid in a second direction, contrary to the first direction and (iii) prevents the return of solids in the second direction. The present invention further provides a fluid line system for laundry machines comprising the aforementioned device and a filtering method for that system.

Description

I “UNIDIRECTIONAL SOLID RETENTION DEVICE FOR FLUIDS, FLUID LINE SYSTEM FOR LAUNDRY MACHINES, AND METHOD IN A FLUID LINE SYSTEM OF A LAUNDRY MACHINE”

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to water filtration. More particularly, the present invention relates to the filtration of water through solid particulate trap filters such as lint. DESCRIPTION OF THE TECHNICAL STATE IO Laundry machines are known from the state of the art.

comprising water recirculation systems designed to reduce water consumption by circulating water through the tank. Such circulation causes lint and other solids to be carried by water and poured back onto the clothes throughout the wash cycle. As a result, lint filters and other solids are now employed in the waterway during recirculation, causing them to be retained and not to return to the tank.

The filters used in these machines may be removable, where the user periodically cleans them, or non-removable, where the machine has a self-cleaning system. US3727435 and US3282427, for example, disclose self-cleaning filters applied to laundry machines.

Additionally, W02012 / 061880 discloses a self-cleaning laundry filter, the filter including a filter element, preferably cylindrical in shape, and three apertures, namely (i) a first in communication with the tank; (ii) a second in communication with the drainage system (pump and drainage duct); and (iii) a third and communication with the recirculation system (pump and recirculation duct). The filter allows the passage of water between the first and second openings without passing through the filter element, and the passage between the third opening and the others just passing through the filter element. In this way, the lint is retained in the filter element during water recirculation and expelled to the drainage duct when the drainage pump is turned on. A one-way valve is still provided near the drainage duct opening (second opening) to prevent lint-containing drained water from returning to the filter.

Despite the practicality of the self-cleaning filter system 10 described in document W02012 / 061880, this technique produces waste since, during a wash cycle, part of the water containing lint and other waste must be drained from time to time, no longer resuming. for the wash cycle. Also, if the drainage frequency for lint removal is reduced, reducing the waste of water, there is 15 lint accumulation in the filter element, reducing the water flow in the recirculation system.

Still in relation to the state of the art, with this constructivity, throughout the wash cycle, a large amount of lint and other solids is accumulated in a recirculating filter element, reducing the flow rate of the recirculation system. Thus, the flow rate of the recirculation pump decreases, causing wash water to accumulate more and more in the tank. As described in W02012 / 061880, such a problem can be solved by turning off the recirculation pump for a certain time so that water 25 contained in the recirculation duct resumes by hydrostatic pressure difference, stripping the filter element lint of recirculation. Then a drain pump may be switched on briefly, allowing lint present in the wash water near the recirculation filter element to be removed by drainage. Thus, the volume of water removed containing the lint no longer resumes and is eliminated when the tank is drained. With each lint water removal cycle as described above, approximately 500 ml of water is pumped into the drainage duct, and then out of the machine. Since the lint water removal cycle may need to be performed several times during a complete laundry cycle, a large amount of water may be wasted.

BR102012021660, owned by the same applicant 10, partially solves the problem identified in W02012 / 061880 by providing a fluid line system comprising: (i) a one-way valve positioned between the recirculation line and the drainage duct, (ii ) a second filter positioned downstream of the one-way valve and (iii) a return duct to allow pumped and trapped water downstream of the one-way valve to return to the recirculation line after being filtered through the second filter (see figures 1 to 4). BR02012021660).

However, the invention proposed in BR102012021660 does not yet allow all water to return to the recirculation line, as part of that water will be trapped between the second filter and the one-way valve. In addition, several components are required for the system to function properly, namely a second filter, a one-way valve and a return duct.

Thus, there is a need for a device that enhances the technique described in the above documents to ensure efficient removal of lint and other solids from the water recirculation cycle, allowing all water pumped out of the recirculation line to resume. .

OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION A first object of the present invention is to provide a device capable of allowing liquid and solids to pass in one direction, and allowing only liquid to resume in the opposite direction, retaining solids.

A second object of the present invention is to provide a

Method and system of fluid lines in a laundry machine that avoid wasting water on automatic solids filtration in a recirculation wash process.

A third object of the present invention is to provide a method and system of fluid lines in a simpler laundry machine operating with a smaller number of components.

This object and further advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following description and the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a unidirectional fluid solids retention device comprising at least one filter element which (i) allows fluid and solids to pass in a first direction, (ii) 20 allows fluid to return in a second direction, contrary to the first direction and (iii) prevents the return of solids in the second direction.

In order to achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a fluid line system for laundry machines, the system comprising a recirculation line in communication with a drainage duct provided with at least one drainage pump, the system further comprising a unidirectional fluid solids retention device as defined above positioned in said drainage duct.

The present invention further provides a method in a laundry machine fluid line system, comprising the steps of: (i) recirculating the fluid through the recirculation pump such that unwanted particles and suspended lint are retained by recirculation filter element, (ii) shut off recirculation pump 5 to allow water contained in the recirculation duct to return to the intermediate duct and tank in the recirculation fluid line to dislodge solids trapped in the recirculation filter element ( iii) draining fluid through a drainage pump for a predetermined time "t" to allow fluid containing suspended solids to be pumped into the drainage pipe through the retainer; (iv) shutting off the drainage pump; drainage and take up drainage fluid from the portion above the retainer to the portion below it by filtering (v) repeat steps “i” to “iv” at least once and (vi) drain the fluid contained within the basket / tank assembly through a drain pump from the drainage duct and the lint retainer and unwanted particles trapped during step "iv". DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

The detailed description presented below refers to the attached figures, which:

Figure 1 illustrates an isometric sectional view of the device according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2a illustrates an exploded isometric view of a housing of the device of Figure 1;

Figure 2b shows a top view of a filter element of the device of Figure 1;

Figures 3a and 3b show schematic longitudinal sectional views of the device of Figure 1 in operation with a filter element in the open and closed positions, respectively;

Figure 4 illustrates a laundry machine comprising the device of Figure 1 and a fluid line system according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

- Figure 5 illustrates a laundry machine.

comprising the device of figure 1 and a fluid line system according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 6a illustrates a filter arrangement according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention with a filter system.

recirculation in operation;

Figure 6b illustrates the filter arrangement of Figure 5a with a drainage system in operation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description will depart from a preferred embodiment of the invention. As will be apparent to any person skilled in the art, however, the invention is not limited to that particular embodiment. In addition, the description of document BR02012021660 will be incorporated herein by reference.

Figures 1 to 3 illustrate different views of the unidirectional fluid solids retention device 100 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As illustrated, the device comprises a filtering element 110 and preferably a first orifice 120a, a second orifice 120b and a housing 130. The fluid, which is preferably water, can pass through the solids retainer 100 in either direction. from the first 120a to the second hole 120b, as in the opposite direction. Preferably, the holes are communicating the solids retainer 100 with two sides of a water pipe (not shown). The filter element 110, which is positioned between the first 120a and the second 120b holes, is, in a preferred embodiment, a flexible membrane attached at one end 111 to the housing 130 of the retainer 100. The housing 130 is 5 It is preferably composed of two parts, namely an upper part 130a and a lower part 130b. Thus, the filter element 110 may have its end 111 fixed between upper part 130a and lower part 130b preferably through at least one pin 140 of lower part 130b that fits at least one hole 112 of the filter element 10. 110. After fixing the holes 112 to the pins 140, the upper part 130a may be fitted to the lower part 130b, the upper part preferably comprising at least one housing 150 responsible for accommodating the pins 140. Thus, the end 111 of the element The filter strainer 110 is sandwiched between upper portion 130a and a lower portion 130b of housing 130 and secured to pins 140, allowing for easy removal and replacement when required.

The lower part 130b of the housing has a diameter smaller than the diameter of the filter element 110. Thus, in its natural position, it rests on a surface 160 of the lower part 130b, 20 closing the passage through the retainer 100 More specifically, the filter element 110 may be supported by a circular shoulder 161 of surface 160.

As the filter element 110 is flexible and therefore movable with respect to its end 111, it allows water and solids to pass from the second 120b to the first 120a, i.e. from the bottom 130b to the upper part 130a of the housing 130. This passage is permissible as the filter element 110 bends due to the pressure of the water pumping in this direction as shown in figure 3a. Once pumping has ceased, as shown in Figure 3b, the filter element 110 returns to its closed position (natural position), and the weight of the water above its height contributes to maintaining it in this position.

A means for allowing water to return to the lower part 5 through the filter element 110 is provided, which at least one recess 162 is provided in the circular shoulder 161 of the surface 160. Thus, as the recesses 162 correspond to passageways water levels, solids will be trapped above filter element 110, while water may slowly return to the bottom through these recesses 162.

Upon re-pumping water from the bottom up, the filter element 110 will again open for as long as the pressure at the bottom is higher than the top, allowing more water with solids to be pushed above it. 15 filter element HO. Once pumping has ceased, the filter element 110 returns to its closed position again. Again, water trapped at the top will gravity return to the bottom and solids will be trapped above the filter element 110. Thus, with each pumping cycle more and more solids will accumulate above the filter element 110. filtration 110, and the pumped water will always resume.

Alternatively, filter element 110 may be a permeable membrane, allowing water to return therethrough. In this configuration, recesses 162 may or may not exist, since the filter element 110 itself will already be a path for water passage when it is in the closed position.

Optionally, alignment pins 180 may be provided at bottom 130b for engagement with alignment holes 181 of top 130a to ensure first engagement and alignment of the assembly at the time of assembly.

Still optionally, the lower part 130b fits the upper part 130a through side fasteners that allow easy disassembly of the assembly, such as clips 170, screws (not shown), etc. Alternatively, the entire retainer 100 is made in one piece. In this case, the entire assembly must be replaced for possible maintenance.

The above described one-way solids fluid retention device 100 can be employed, for example, in a 10-line fluid system similar to that of BR12012021660, providing a significant improvement in water saving during the automatic lint removal procedure. of the recirculation cycle of a laundry machine. This system is described below.

Figure 4 illustrates a schematic sectional view of a laundry machine 10 comprising a fluid line system in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen, the laundry machine 10 to which the present system is applied preferably comprises a tank 12 and a basket 14 where the clothes are washed. The laundry machine 10 may comprise a recirculating scrubbing system, where scrubbing water is first drained from basket 14 to tank 12 and then exited to intermediate duct 16 through an outlet of tank 18. The system The recirculation tube comprises a recirculation duct 20, starting from intermediate duct 16, a recirculation pump 22 responsible for pumping 25 the drained water back to the basket 14, and optionally a recirculation filter element 24 responsible for retaining solids present in water such as lint, preventing them from entering the recirculation duct 20 and consequently being dumped back into the garment contained in basket 14. For purposes of description, a recirculation line may be defined by tank 12 through intermediate duct 16, recirculating filter member 24, recirculating duct 20 and returning to basket 14 after tank 12.

Additionally, a drainage line can be defined,

starting at tank 12, passing through intermediate duct 16 and ending in a drainage duct 25.

The retention device 100 according to the present invention is provided in the drainage duct 25 so as to retain the lint 10 in this duct, i.e. outside the recirculation line. A drainage pump 28 is also provided downstream of the communication point between intermediate duct 16 and recirculation duct 20, preferably in drainage duct 25.

Thus, the above proposed configuration allows all lint-containing water pumped to the drainage duct 25 to return filtered, ie lint-free, to the recirculation line, as these will be retained in the drainage duct by the retainer 100. Thus, the filtered filtered water is again used in the wash cycle and can be recirculated again through the recirculation system. The use of retention device 100 in drainage duct 25 eliminates the need for an additional filter, return duct and one-way valve described in BR12012021660.

In the case of filter element 24, for example, the first orifice 36a is the inlet from the intermediate duct 16 or 25 directly from the tank 12. The second orifice 36b is the outlet for the one-way valve and, consequently, for the drainage duct 25 The third hole 36c is the outlet for the recirculation duct 20. Thus, when the recirculation system is in operation (Figure 6a), the lint is trapped in the filter element 24 as from the first 36a to the third 36c holes. water must necessarily pass through the filter element 24. When the drain pump 28 is actuated (Figure 6b), water passes through a non-filtering path from the first 36a to the second 36b holes, carrying the lint to the drainage duct 25 and cleaning filter element 24. This filter arrangement is applied to the embodiment illustrated in figure 5.

Figures 6a and 6b illustrate in detail the embodiment that may be applied to filter element 24. A housing 35 is provided having preferably cylindrical cross-section and comprising a first 10 36a, a second 36b and a third hole 36c. The filter elements 24 (which are nothing but fine meshes that allow water to pass through and retain suspended solids) also have a preferably cylindrical shape, dividing the interior of the housing 35 and allowing a non-filtering path (Figure 6b). be provided between the first 36a and the second 36b

holes, and a filtering path (FIG. 6a) is provided between first 36a and third holes 36c. Thus, the first 36a and second holes 36b are positioned on a first side (inner side) of the filter element 24, and the third hole 36c is positioned on a second side (outer side) of the filter element 24.

All possible variations for this filter arrangement

described in WO 2012/061880 are also incorporated herein. For example, the holes 36a, 36b and 36c described above may be located at any position of the housing 24a, provided that water has to pass through the filter element 24 to pass from the first hole 25 36a to the third hole 36c, and does not have to cross it to exit through the second hole 36b.

By combining the recirculating filter element 24 and the retainer 100, the present invention further provides a method in a fluid machine system of an I machine.

laundry 10, comprising the steps of:

i) recirculating the fluid through the recirculation pump 22 so that unwanted particles and suspended lint are retained by the recirculation filter element 24;

ii) turn off the recirculation pump 22 to allow

water contained in recirculation duct 20 return to intermediate duct

16 and to tank 12 in the recirculating fluid line for stripping solids retained in the recirculating filter element 24;

iii) Drain fluid through a drain pump 28 for a predetermined time "t" to allow fluid containing

suspended solids is pumped into the drainage duct 25 through the retainer 100;

iv) shut off the drain pump 28 and drain the drainage duct 25 from the portion above the retainer 100 to the

portion below it by filtering the solids in a filter element

I

110;

v) repeat steps “i” to “iv” at least once; and

vi) draining the fluid contained within the basket / tank assembly through a drain pump 28 from the

drainage 25 and the retainer 100 lint and unwanted particles trapped during step "iv".

The predetermined fluid drain time “t”, ie the drain pump start time is contained within a time range of 0.1 to 5s. Preferably, the predetermined fluid drainage time "t" is 1s.

Numerous variations on the scope of protection of this application are permitted. This reinforces the fact that the

I

The present invention is not limited to the particular embodiments / embodiments described above.

Claims (21)

1. Unidirectional fluid retention device (100), characterized in that it comprises at least one filter element (110) which: allows fluid and solids to pass in a first direction; allows fluid to resume in a second sense, contrary to the first sense; and prevents the return of solids in the second direction. Device according to Claim 1, characterized in that the filter element (110) is a flexible membrane that moves between an open position and a closed position. Device according to Claim 2, characterized in that the flexible membrane is permeable. Device according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the filter element (110) has an end (111) fixed relative to a housing (130) of the retainer (100). Device according to Claim 4, characterized in that the housing (130) is composed of an upper part (130a) and a lower part (130b). Device according to Claim 5, characterized in that the end (111) is sandwiched between the upper part (130a) and the lower part (130b). Device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that the end (111) comprises at least one hole (112) that fits at least one pin (140) of the housing (130). Device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the filter element (110) rests on a surface (160). Device according to Claim 8, characterized in that the surface (160) comprises at least one recess for water passage when the filter element (110) is in the closed position. Device according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the filter element (110) rests on a circular shoulder (161). Device according to Claim 10, characterized in that the circular shoulder (161) comprises at least one recess (162) for water passage when the filter element (110) is in the closed position. Device according to Claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the upper part (130a) and the lower part (130b) are joined by at least one of clips (170) and screws. Device according to Claim 5, 6 or 12, characterized in that the upper part (130a) and the lower part (130b) comprise alignment pins (180) and holes (181). Fluid line system for laundry machines, the system comprising a recirculation line in communication with a drainage duct (25) provided with at least one drainage pump (28), characterized in that it additionally comprises a drainage device. unidirectional retention of solids (100) for fluids as defined in any one of claims 1 to 13 positioned in said drainage duct (25). System according to Claim 14, characterized in that the recirculation line comprises a recirculation filter element (24). System according to Claim 15 or 16, characterized in that the recirculation line comprises a recirculation pump (22). System according to any one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the recirculating filter element (24) is comprised in a filter arrangement which further comprises: a housing (35) surrounding the filter element ( 24); a first (36a), a second (36b) and a third (36c) holes, wherein the first (36a) and second (36b) holes are positioned on a first side of the filter element (24), and the third (36c) Hole is positioned on a second side of the filter element (24). System according to Claim 17, characterized in that the filter element (24) divides the interior of the housing (24a) by providing a non-filtering path between the first (36a) and the second (36b) holes, and a filter path between first 36a and third holes 36c. Method in a laundry machine fluid line system (10), characterized in that it comprises the steps of: i) recirculating the fluid through the recirculation pump (22) so that unwanted particles and lint in suspension are retained by the recirculating filter element (24); ii) turn off the recirculation pump (22) to allow water contained in the recirculation duct (20) to return to the intermediate duct (16) and tank (12) in the recirculation fluid line to dislodge solids trapped in the filter element. recirculation (24); iii) draining fluid through a drainage pump (28) for a predetermined time "t" to allow fluid containing suspended solids to be pumped into the drainage duct (25) through the retainer (100) ; iv) shut off the drain pump (28) and drain the drainage pipe fluid (25) from above the retainer (100) to the below portion by filtering the solids in a filter element (110); v) repeat steps “i” to “iv” at least once; and vi) draining the fluid contained within the basket / tank assembly through a drain pump (28), removing from the drainage duct (25) and the retainer (100) lint and unwanted particles trapped during step “ iv ”. Method according to claim 19, characterized in that the predetermined time "t" of the draining step is contained within a time range of 0.1 to 5s. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the predetermined time "t" of the drain step is ls.