EP4609023A1

EP4609023A1 - A filter system

Info

Publication number: EP4609023A1
Application number: EP24860596.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Omer Can Inci; Fatih Arslan; Nazmiye KAYA; Anil Bugra ALPAYIM; Abdullah Berk INCE
Original assignee: Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Current assignee: Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Priority date: 2023-08-31
Filing date: 2024-07-22
Publication date: 2025-09-03
Also published as: TR2023010730A1; WO2025048748A1

Abstract

The present invention discloses a filter system (F) suitable for use in a device with a drying function (C) that comprises at least one body (G); at least one internal compartment (B) within the body (G) for receiving the items to be dried; at least one door (K) controlling access into the internal compartment (B); and an air circulation system for circulating hot air within the body (G). Said filter system (F) comprises at least one filter body (1) with at least one outlet opening (1a); at least one filtering element (2) provided in a lower section of said filter body (1); at least one filter cover (3) provided in an upper section of said filter body (1); at least one carrier element (4) in the form of a helix that is provided in the filter body (1); at least one scraper element (5) provided outside the carrier element (4) and suitable for contacting the outer section of said carrier element (4) from at least one side and said filtering element (2) and/or filter cover (3) from at least one other side; at least one movement element (6) providing rotational movement to said carrier element (4) and/or scraper element (5).

Description

A FILTER SYSTEM

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a filter system used in a device with a drying function.

Background of the Invention

Textile products, e.g. laundry, are required to be dried after a washing process. Such a drying process is carried out by hanging the textile product in the open air in traditional applications. However, this process results in the drying process taking a considerable amount of time and renders the drying function ineffective when weather conditions are unfavorable. For this reason, the known technique provides devices with a drying function to dry textile products after the washing process. Said devices with a drying function may be a dryer device with only drying function, or a combined washing-drying machine that performs the drying process after the washing process.

Devices with a drying function typically comprise at least one body; at least one internal compartment within the body for receiving the items to be dried; at least one door that controls access into the internal compartment; and an air circulation system for circulating hot air within the body. The air circulation system extracts air from the internal compartment to condense the moisture in the air, and then heats the air before sending it back to the internal compartment. During this circulation process in the inner compartment, threads from dried textiles are separated and carried away by the air. These thread particles can potentially damage the components within the air circulation system. Therefore, air circulation systems comprise a filter that traps these thread particles and any other foreign matter like dust that may arise during drying. These filters are typically located in a section where the internal compartment connects to the air circulation system. This arrangement ensures that the air extracted from the internal compartment is delivered to the air circulation system in a filtered state. Over time, these filters become clogged and require cleaning by users. Failure to perform necessary cleaning can lead to reduced airflow, decreased drying performance, filter blockage, and insufficient airflow reaching the air circulation system. Therefore, there is a need for a system that can clean the filters without user intervention.

Brief Description of the Invention

The present invention discloses a filter system suitable for use in a device with a drying function that comprises at least one body; at least one internal compartment within the body for receiving the items to be dried; at least one door controlling access into the internal compartment; and an air circulation system for circulating hot air within the body. Said filter system comprises at least one filter body with at least one outlet opening; at least one filtering element provided in a lower section of said filter body; at least one filter cover provided in an upper section of said filter body; at least one carrier element in the form of a helix that is provided in the filter body; at least one scraper element provided outside the carrier element and suitable for contacting the outer section of said carrier element from at least one side and said filtering element and/or filter cover from at least one other side; at least one movement element providing rotational movement to said carrier element and/or scraper element.

In the filter system according to the present invention, foreign substances accumulated in the filter body are sent out of the filter body through the outlet opening by means of the carrier element and the scraper element. Thus, the accumulation of foreign substances in the filter body is prevented and the air passing through the filter system is prevented from slowing down.

Object of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a filter system used in a device with a drying function.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a filter system for cleaning foreign substances such as threads.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a practical and reliable filter system. Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the filter system according to the present invention are illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a device with a drying function using the developed filter system.

Figure 2 is a front sectional view of a device with a drying function using the developed filter system.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the developed filter system.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the developed filter system.

Figure 5 is a detailed view of a carrier element of the developed filter system.

Figure 6 is a side sectional view of a carrier element of the developed filter system.

Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of a carrier element of the developed filter system.

Figure 8 is a detailed view of a movement element of the developed filter system.

All the parts illustrated in figures are individually assigned a reference numeral and the corresponding terms of these numbers are listed below:

Device with a drying function (C)

Body (G)

Internal compartment (B)

Door (K)

Filter system (F)

Filter body (1)

Outlet opening (1a)

Filtering element (2)

Filter cover (3)

Carrier element (4)

Concave surface (4a)

Scrapper element (5)

Movement element (6)

Motion transfer system (7)

Shaft (8) Protrusion (9)

Transmission line (10)

Chamber (11)

Chamber cover (12)

Description of the Invention

Devices such as dryers or washing machines with a drying function are used for drying textile products. The drying process in these devices is achieved by circulating hot air within the device. During this hot air circulation, threads and foreign particles like dust from the textiles can be carried away by the air. This can negatively impact the performance of the device, making it necessary to trap these particles with a filter. However, if the filter becomes clogged, the device with a drying function is unable to perform the drying process effectively. Therefore, the present invention provides a selfcleaning filter system.

The filter system (F) according to the present invention, as illustrated in figures 1-8, is suitable for use in a device with a drying function (C) that comprises at least one body (G); at least one internal compartment (B) within the body (G) for receiving the items to be dried; at least one door (K) controlling access into the internal compartment (B); and an air circulation system for circulating hot air within the body (G). Said filter system (F) comprises at least one filter body (1) with at least one outlet opening (1a); at least one filtering element (2) provided in a lower section of said filter body (1); at least one filter cover (3) provided in an upper section of said filter body (1); at least one carrier element

(4) in the form of a helix that is provided in the filter body (1); at least one scraper element

(5) provided outside the carrier element (4) and suitable for contacting the outer section of said carrier element (4) from at least one side and said filtering element (2) and/or filter cover (3) from at least one other side; at least one movement element (6) providing rotational movement to said carrier element (4) and/or scraper element (5).

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the filter system (F) is used in a device with a drying function (C), such as a dryer or washing machine. The filter system (F) is provided in a section of the device (C) communicating with the air circulation system of the internal compartment (B). Here, the air from the internal compartment (B) sent to the air circulation system passes through the filter system (F). Specifically, the air from the internal compartment (B) first passes through the filter cover (3) into the filter body (1) and then through the filtering element (2) before reaching the air circulation system. During this process, foreign particles like threads and dust carried by the air are trapped by the filtering element (2) and accumulate within the filter body (1). The foreign particles accumulated in the filter body (1) are conveyed to the outlet opening (1a) through the carrier element (4) and are then expelled from the filter body (1). The transportation of foreign particles by the carrier element (4) is achieved through the rotational movement of the carrier element (4) and/or the scraper element (5). With the carrier element (4) in a helical form, rotating the carrier element (4) moves the foreign particles along the carrier element (4). Said transportation process can be accomplished by moving the scraper element (5) instead of the carrier element (4). When the scraper element (5) is rotated, it produces the same effect as rotating the carrier element (4). In another embodiment, the carrier element (4) and the scraper element (5) can be rotated in opposite directions, facilitating faster transportation of foreign particles to the outlet opening (1a). In another alternative embodiment, the carrier element (4) and the scraper element (5) can rotate in the same direction, at different or identical speeds. In these embodiments, transporting the foreign particles within the filter body (1) to the outlet opening (1a) ensures that the air from the internal compartment (B) passing to the air circulation system goes through the filter system (F) without encountering any blockages. This ensures that the device with a drying function (C) operates efficiently with the use of the filter system (F).

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, said scraper element (5) is in the form of a frame. The scraper element (5) contacts the carrier element (4) from its inner section and the filtering element (2) and/or filter cover (3) from its outer section. In this way, the scraper element (5) is ensured to scrape off the foreign materials stuck to the filtering element (2) and/or filter cover (3) and to send these foreign materials to the outlet opening (1a) together with the carrier element (4).

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the scraper element (5) comprises at least one friction-reducing material (such as Teflon) on its surface suitable for contact with the carrier element (4). Similarly, the scraper element (5) comprises at least one frictionreducing material (such as Teflon) on its surface suitable for contact with the filtering element (2) and/or the filter cover (3). Thus, the scraper element (5) is prevented from being damaged due to friction or from causing damage to the components it contacts.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the scraper element (5) comprises a flexible material (made of a flexible material). Thus, the scraper element (5) is prevented from being damaged due to friction or from causing damage to the components it contacts. Similarly, said carrier element (4) also comprises a flexible material (made of a flexible material). Thus, the carrier element (4) is prevented from being damaged due to friction or from causing damage to the components it contacts.

Yet in another preferred embodiment of the invention, the scraper element (5) comprises at least one brush on its surface suitable for contact with the filtering element (2) and/or filter cover (3). Thus, the foreign substances stuck to the filtering element (2) and/or filter cover (3) are scraped off in a practical and reliable manner.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier element (4) comprises at least one friction-reducing material (such as Teflon) on its surface suitable for contact with the scraper element (5). In this way, the carrier element (4) and/or the scraper element (5) are prevented from wearing out and getting damaged due to friction.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the carrier element (4) comprises at least one shaft (8) passing through its middle part. Said shaft (8) ensures a more balanced rotation process, especially in embodiments where the carrier element (4) is rotated. In this embodiment, said shaft (8) comprises at least one protrusion (9) on its outer surface. For example, the protrusion (9), which has a sharp-tipped cutting structure, prevents relatively long rope pieces from being wrapped around the shaft (8) and making the rotation movement of the shaft (8) difficult. In other words, said cutting element (9) ensures that the rope pieces wrapped around the shaft (8) are cut and divided into small sizes. Thus, the rope becomes pieces that are too short to be wrapped around the shaft

(8). Here, the protrusion (9) can be in the form of a helix. The helix form of the protrusion

(9) can be in the same direction (parallel) as the helix form of the carrier element (4) or in the opposite direction. In addition to cutting the ropes, can facilitate the transport of threads both with and without cutting them. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, said carrier element (4) comprises at least one concave surface (4a) that contacts the shaft (8). The concave surface of the carrier element (4) is preferably its rear surface. This concave surface (4a) allows for the transport of thread pieces, which may not be cut, by bypassing over the carrier element (4) and directing them to the outlet opening (1a). In a preferred embodiment, a diameter of the concave surface (4a) is at least as large as the outer helix diameter of the carrier element (4).

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the filter system (F) comprises at least one motion transfer system (7) for transferring movement from the movement element (6) to the carrier element (4) and/or the scraper element (5). This motion transfer system (7) can comprise components such as gears that transmit rotational motion generated by the movement element (6), and, if necessary, adjust the rotational speed. The motion transfer system (7) comprises at least one serrated connection. In this serrated connection, the surfaces of two parts that transmit motion are serrated. For example, if there is a blockage in the part transmitting the motion, the serrated surfaces may slip over each other. Thus, when the movement element (6) rotates, this motion is prevented from being transferred to the carrier element (4) and/or the scraper element (5). This prevents damage to the carrier element (4) and/or scraper element (5) by stopping their rotation if they become blocked (i.e. , when their movement is obstructed by an external factor). In embodiments using a serrated connection, at least one flexible element (such as a spring) is employed to apply force to the parts with serrated surfaces to keep them in contact. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment of the invention, the filter system (F) comprises at least one flexible element that can be a spring.

In an exemplary embodiment of the invention, said outlet opening (1a) leads outside the body (G) of the device with a drying function (C) (e.g., to a drain or trash) using the filter system (F). In an alternative embodiment, the filter system (F) comprises at least one chamber (11) for storing foreign particles sent outside the filter body (1) through the outlet opening (1a). In this embodiment, the filter system (F) also comprises at least one transmission line (10) connected to the outlet opening (1a) from at least one side thereof, and to the chamber (11) from at least another side thereof. Said transmission line (10) enables the foreign substances sent out of the filter body (1) through the outlet opening (1a) to be transmitted to the chamber (11). In this embodiment, the filter system (F) also comprises at least one chamber cover (12) for controlling access into the chamber (11). This allows, for example, for the removal of foreign particles from the chamber (11) by users when the chamber is full.

In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the filter system (F) comprises at least one control unit that controls operation of the movement element (6). Said control unit may, for example, enable that the movement element (6) operates as long as the device with a drying function (C) operates. In an alternative embodiment, the control unit ensures that the movement element (6) operates at certain intervals (for example, 1 minute every 5 minutes), thus ensuring a low energy consumption for the filter system (F). Here, when the movement element (6) operates at certain intervals, the foreign substances can be sent out of the filter body (1) through the outlet opening (1a) before foreign substances accumulate enough to block the air flow inside the filter body (1). In another alternative embodiment, the filter system (F) comprises at least a first sensor that detects the foreign substances inside the filter body (1). The first sensor can be a weight sensor or a distance sensor. In this embodiment, the amount of foreign substances inside the filter body (1) can be detected and the movement element (6) can be operated only when necessary in line with the detected amount. In another alternative embodiment, the filter system (F) comprises at least a second sensor provided outside the filter element (2) (on a side of the filtering element (2) facing the air circulation system) and measuring a speed of the air coming out of the filtering element (2). In this embodiment, the clogging level of the filtering element (2) can be determined according to the air speed measured by the second sensor. Here, when the filtering element (2) starts to get clogged (2), the movement element (6) is operated, and when the clog is gone, the movement element (6) is stopped. In this way, the energy efficiency of the filter system (F) is higher.

The present invention also discloses a device with a drying function (C) that comprises said filter system (F). Said device with a drying function (C) comprises at least one body (G); at least one internal compartment (B) within the body (G) for receiving the items to be dried; at least one door (K) controlling access into the internal compartment (B); and an air circulation system for circulating hot air within the body (G).

In the filter system (F) according to the present invention, foreign substances accumulated in the filter body (1) are sent out of the filter body (1) through the outlet opening (1a) by means of the carrier element (4) and the scraper element (5). Thus, the accumulation of foreign substances in the filter body (1) is prevented and the air passing through the filter system (F) is prevented from slowing down.

Claims

1. A filter system (F) suitable for use in a device with a drying function (C) that comprises at least one body (G); at least one internal compartment (B) within the body (G) for receiving the items to be dried; at least one door (K) controlling access into the internal compartment (B); and an air circulation system for circulating hot air within the body (G), said filter system (F) characterized by comprising: at least one filter body (1) with at least one outlet opening (1a); at least one filtering element (2) provided in a lower section of said filter body (1); at least one filter cover (3) provided in an upper section of said filter body (1); at least one carrier element (4) in the form of a helix that is provided in the filter body (1); at least one scraper element (5) provided outside the carrier element (4) and suitable for contacting the outer section of said carrier element (4) from at least one side, and said filtering element (2) and/or filter cover (3) from at least one other side; at least one movement element (6) providing rotational movement to said carrier element (4) and/or scraper element (5).

2. A filter system (F) according to claim 1 , characterized in that said scraper element (5) is in the form of a frame.

3. A filter system (F) according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized in that the scraper element (5) comprises at least one friction-reducing material on its surface suitable for contact with the carrier element (4).

4. A filter system (F) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scraper element (5) comprises at least one friction-reducing material on its surface suitable for contact with the filtering element (2) and/or the filter cover (3).

5. A filter system (F) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scraper element (5) comprises at least one brush on its surface suitable for contact with the filtering element (2) and/or filter cover (3).

6. A filter system (F) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (4) comprises at least one friction-reducing material on its surface suitable for contact with the scraper element (5).

7. A filter system (F) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the scraper element (5) comprises a flexible material.

8. A filter system (F) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (4) comprises a flexible material.

9. A filter system (F) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the carrier element (4) comprises at least one shaft (8) passing through its middle part.

10. A filter system (F) according to claim 9, characterized in that said shaft (8) comprises at least one protrusion (9) on its outer surface.

11. A filter system (F) according to claim 10, characterized in that the protrusion (9) is in the form of a helix.

12. A filter system (F) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the protrusion (9) is in the same direction as the carrier element (4).

13. A filter system (F) according to claim 11 , characterized in that the protrusion (9) is in the opposite direction to the carrier element (4).

14. A filter system (F) according to any of the claims 9 to 13, characterized in that the carrier element (4) comprises at least one concave surface (4a) that contacts the shaft (8).

15. A filter system (F) according to claim 14, characterized in that a diameter of the concave surface (4a) is at least as large as the outer helix diameter of the carrier element (4).

16. A filter system (F) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter system (F) comprises at least one motion transfer system (7) for transferring movement from the movement element (6) to the carrier element (4) and/or the scraper element (5).

17. A filter system (F) according to claim 16, characterized in that the motion transfer system (7) comprises at least one serrated connection.

18. A filter system (F) according to claim 17, characterized in that the filter system (F) comprises at least one flexible material.

19. A filter system (F) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter system (F) comprises at least one chamber (11) for storing foreign particles sent outside the filter body (1) through the outlet opening (1a).

20. A filter system (F) according to claim 19, characterized in that the filter system (F) comprises at least one transmission line (10) connected to the outlet opening (1a) from at least one side thereof, and to the chamber (11) from at least another side thereof.

21. A filter system (F) according to claim 19 or 20, characterized in that the filter system (F) comprises at least one chamber cover (12) for controlling access into the chamber (11).

22. A filter system (F) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter system (F) comprises at least one control unit that controls operation of the movement element (6).

23. A filter system (F) according to claim 22, characterized in that the filter system (F) comprises at least a first sensor that detects the foreign substances inside the filter body (1).

24. A filter system (F) according to claim 22 or claim 23, characterized in that the filter system (F) comprises at least a second sensor provided outside the filter element (2) and measuring a speed of the air coming out of the filtering element (2).

25. A device with a drying function (C) that comprises a filter system (F) according to any of the preceding claims.

26. A device with a drying function (C) according to claim 25, characterized in that said device (C) comprises at least one body (G); at least one internal compartment (B) within the body (G) for receiving the items to be dried; at least one door (K) controlling access into the internal compartment (B); and an air circulation system for circulating hot air within the body (G).