EP3907322A1

EP3907322A1 - A washing device comprising a microfiber filter assembly

Info

Publication number: EP3907322A1
Application number: EP21169386.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Olgun Altay; Rustem Asik
Original assignee: Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Current assignee: Vestel Beyaz Esya Sanayi ve Ticaret AS
Priority date: 2020-05-06
Filing date: 2021-04-20
Publication date: 2021-11-10
Anticipated expiration: 2041-04-20
Also published as: EP3907322B1; TR202007084A2; EP3907322C0

Abstract

The washing device according to the present invention comprises a body (G); a drum (T); a front wall (G1) located in the body (G); a drain pump (1) for removing the cleaning liquid in the drum (T) by means of at least one discharge line (1a) out of the drum (T); a circulation pump (2) for circulating the water in the drum (T) during a cleaning process, which is connected with the drum (T) by means of a first outlet line (2b); and a filter assembly (3) comprising a filter body (4) having a first side that is open and in the form of a hollow chamber, and an outlet opening (1b) on a second side opposite to the first side, wherein said drain pump (1) is located on the second side thereof, and wherein the filter body (4) comprises - a first inlet (4a) through which fluid communication is provided with the drum (T) via a main inlet line (T1), - a first outlet (4b) in communication with the discharge line (1a), through which the cleaning liquid received from the first inlet (4a) exits during the operation of the drain pump (1), - a second outlet (4c) through which the cleaning liquid received from the first inlet (4a) exits during the operation of the circulation pump (2), and through which fluid communication is provided with the circulation pump (2) via a first inlet line (2a); wherein the filter assembly (3) further comprises a microfiber filter (5) located in the filter body (4), which filters the cleaning liquid received into the filter body (4) through the first inlet (4a) so as to retain microfiber particles.

Description

Technical Field

The present invention relates to washing devices comprising a microfiber filter assembly.

Background of the Invention

Washing devices are widely used today, especially for cleaning textile products. Washing devices comprising at least one drum located rotatably around an axis within a body, there is a circulation pump to circulate a cleaning liquid (the cleaning liquid can be water from a source [e.g. mains network] and/or water with a cleaning agent such as detergent, softener) in the drum and a drain pump where the waste water is discharged from the washing device when a cleaning process is completed. During a cleaning process, the circulation pump is operated periodically and during this time, textile products in the drum are cleaned (for example, washing and/or rinsing) by rotating the drum. When such a cleaning process is completed, the circulation pump is stopped, the drain pump is operated, and the cleaning liquid in the drum is removed from the washing device through a discharge line.
During the cleaning process carried out in the washing device, dirt and wastes in the textile products subjected to the cleaning process are removed from the textile products. However, these wastes can sometimes be large enough to block the discharge line and/or accumulate in the discharge line such that they cause blockage in the ongoing processes. For this reason, the washing devices of the prior art also have a filter located in the discharge line. In said applications, an exemplary application of which is disclosed in the published patent document EP0127768A2 , the cleaning liquid to be discharged is first passed through such a filter and then transmitted to the discharge line. Thus, a possible clogging problem in the discharge line can be prevented.
However, especially during a cleaning process for textile products made of synthetic materials and/or during the spinning process, microfiber particles may break off these textile products. These microfiber particles cannot be filtered with conventional washing device filters, and pass from the discharge line to the main drain line. These particles, which reach the wastewater treatment plants through the main drain line and can be too small to be seen with the eye, may not be separated from the water in wastewater treatment plants, and can mix with water sources such as sea and rivers such that it is included in the food chain and create serious problems in terms of health of the living beings.

Brief Description of the Invention

The washing device according to the present invention comprises at least one body; at least one drum located in the body, in which cleaning and spinning processes are carried out; at least one front wall which is located in the body and has at least one placement opening for access to the drum; at least one drain pump located in the body for removing the cleaning liquid in the drum by means of at least one discharge line out of the drum when a cleaning process is completed and/or during a spinning process; at least one circulation pump for circulating the water in the drum during a cleaning process, which is in fluid communication with the drum by means of at least a first outlet line; and at least one filter assembly which is located in the body and comprises:

at least one filter body having a first side that is open and in the form of a hollow chamber, and an outlet opening on a second side opposite to the first side, wherein said drain pump is located on the second side thereof such that it is in fluid communication via the outlet opening, and wherein the filter body comprises
- at least a first inlet through which fluid communication is provided with the drum via at least one main inlet line,
- at least a first outlet in communication with the discharge line, through which the cleaning liquid received from the first inlet exits during the operation of the drain pump,
- at least a second outlet through which the cleaning liquid received from the first inlet exits during the operation of the circulation pump, and through which fluid communication is provided with the circulation pump via at least a first inlet line; and
at least one microfiber filter located in the filter body, which filters the cleaning liquid received into the filter body through the first inlet so as to retain microfiber particles.

Thanks to the washing device according to the present invention, microfiber particles can be filtered both during the cleaning process and during the discharging process. Therefore, these microfiber particles with serious negative effects on health of the living beings and nature can be prevented from being released into the nature as much as possible, and a reliable washing device can be achieved.

Object of the Invention

An object of the present invention is to provide a washing device for filtering microfiber particles detached from textile products during a cleaning process.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing device for filtering microfiber particles both during the cleaning process and during the discharging process.
A further object of the present invention is to provide a washing device which comprises a removable microfiber filter assembly.
Yet a further object of the present invention is to provide a washing device which comprises a self-cleaning microfiber filter assembly.
Another object of the present invention is to provide a washing device which comprises a practical and reliable microfiber filter assembly that is easy to manufacture and install.

Description of the Drawings

Exemplary embodiments of the washing device according to the present invention is illustrated in the attached drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the washing device according to the invention, in a semi-assembled state.
Figure 3 is a top view of the cleaning liquid cycle during a cleaning process in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 4 is a top view of the cleaning liquid cycle during a discharging process in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 5 is a schematic view of the cleaning liquid cycle during the cleaning process and the discharging process in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 6 is a top view of exemplary cleaning liquid cycles in case of a clogging in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 7 is a schematic view of another exemplary cleaning liquid cycle in case of a clogging in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the filter assembly in the washing device according to the invention, in a de-assembled state.
Figure 9 is a side sectional view of an exemplary embodiment of the filter assembly in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 10 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the filter assembly in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 11 is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the filter assembly in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 12 is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the filter assembly in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 13 is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the filter assembly in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 14 is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the filter assembly in the washing device according to the invention.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of the filter assembly in the washing device according to the invention, in a de-assembled state.
Figure 16 is a side sectional view of another exemplary embodiment of the filter assembly in the washing device according to the invention.

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

Drum	(T)
Main inlet line	(T1)
Secondary discharge line	(T2)
Main body	(G)
Front wall	(G1)
Placement opening	(G2)
Assembly opening	(G3)
Assembly cover	(G4)
Drain pump	(1)
Discharge line	(1a)
Pump room	(1b)
Circulation pump	(2)
First inlet line	(2a)
First outlet line	(2b)
Heating element	(2c)
Filter assembly	(3)
Filter body	(4)
First inlet	(4a)
First outlet	(4b)
Second outlet	(4c)
Third outlet	(4d)
Emergency outlet line	(4e)
Second inlet	(4f)
Microfiber filter	(5)
Filter retainer	(5a)
Filter hole	(5b)
Filter inlet	(5c)
Filtering element	(5d)
Front cover	(5e)
Rear cover	(5f)
Housing	(5g)

Retaining frame	(5h)
First connection component	(5j)
Second connection component	(5k)
Assembly section	(5m)
By-pass pump	(6)
Second inlet line	(6a)
Second outlet line	(6b)
Valve	(7)
Actuator valve	(8)
Transmitting element	(9)
Receiving element	(10)
Laser sensor	(11a)
Reflector	(11b)
Filter cover	(12)
Connection section	(13a)
Carrying section	(13b)
Large part filter	(14)
Filter section	(14a)
Body section	(14b)
Nozzle	(15)

Description of the Invention

In the washing devices, which provide cleaning of textile products and comprise a drum rotatable around an axis, during the discharging process performed after completion of the cleaning process, the cleaning liquid to be delivered to the discharge line is filtered by a filter so that the parts passing from the cleaned textile products into the cleaning liquid are filtered before reaching the discharge line, which would otherwise have the possibility to cause a clogging in the discharge line. However, especially during the cleaning process of textile products made of synthetic materials, microfiber particles may be separated from these products, and such microfiber particles, which cannot be filtered with conventional washing device filters, can reach the water resources by passing through the discharge line such that they adversely affect the health of living beings. On this context, the present invention provides a washing device comprising a filter assembly for filtering said microfiber particles both during the cleaning process and during the discharging process to prevent them from passing into the discharge line.
The washing device, exemplary views of which are illustrated in figures 1-16, comprises at least one body (G); at least one drum (T) located in the body (G), in which cleaning and spinning processes are carried out; at least one front wall (G1) which is located in the body (G) and has at least one placement opening (G2) for access to the drum (T); at least one drain pump (1) located in the body (G) for removing the cleaning liquid (such a cleaning liquid can be water from a source [e.g. mains network] and/or water with a cleaning agent such as detergent, softener) in the drum (T) by means of at least one discharge line (1a) out of the drum (T) (and thus, the washing device) (i.e. directing the cleaning liquid into a main discharge system, such as the discharge system in a building where the washing device is provided) when a cleaning process is completed and/or during a spinning process; at least one circulation pump (2) for circulating the water in the drum (T) during a cleaning process (e.g. prewashing, main washing, rinsing, etc.), which is in fluid communication with the drum (T) by means of at least a first outlet line (2b). The washing device according to the invention further comprises at least one filter assembly (3) which is located in the body (G) and comprises:

at least one filter body (4), preferably cylindrical, having a first side that is open and in the form of a hollow chamber, and an outlet opening (1b) on a second side opposite to the first side, wherein said drain pump (1) is located on the second side thereof such that it is in fluid communication via the outlet opening (1b), and wherein the filter body (4) comprises
- at least a first conical inlet (4a) through which fluid communication is provided with the drum (T) via at least one main inlet line (T1), and which is preferably located closer to the first side, preferably varying in width from one end to the other end thereof (e.g. increasing or decreasing),
- at least a first outlet (4b) in communication with the discharge line (1a), through which the cleaning liquid received from the first inlet (4a) exits during the operation of the drain pump (1), and which is preferably located closer to the second side,
- at least a second outlet (4c) through which the cleaning liquid received from the first inlet (4a) exits during the operation of the circulation pump (2), and through which fluid communication is provided with the circulation pump (2) via at least a first inlet line (2a), wherein the second outlet (4c) is preferably located closer to the second side; and
at least one microfiber filter (5) located in the filter body (4), which filters the cleaning liquid received into the filter body (4) through the first inlet (4a) so as to retain microfiber particles.

In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as shown in Figure 5, when a command to perform a cleaning process is received from a user, first of all, water is received from a water source (for example, the mains network) into the drum (T), and then the respective cleaning process is initiated by rotating the drum (T). During the cleaning process, the circulation pump (2) is operated so that the water (or cleaning liquid) in the drum (T) enters the filter body (4) through the first inlet (4a) via the main inlet line (T1), as shown in figure 3. The water filtered by the microfiber filter (5) inside the filter body (4) is directed to the second outlet (4c) due to the fact that the circulation pump (2) is in operation while the drain pump (1) is not, and then the water reaches the circulation pump (2) by means of the first inlet line (2a) that provides fluid communication between the circulation pump (2) and the filter assembly (3). The water reaching the circulation pump (2) returns to the drum (T) via the first outlet line (2b) that provides fluid communication between the drum (T) and the circulation pump (2). Until the respective cleaning process is completed, it is ensured that the water in the drum (T) is circulated in this way, preferably in certain periods. Thus, in any washing/rinsing process, the cleaning liquid can be filtered. When the respective cleaning process is completed, the circulation pump (2) stops operating and the drain pump (1) is operated to remove the water in the drum (T). With the operation of the drain pump (1), the water (or cleaning fluid) in the drum (T) enters the filter body (4) through the first inlet (4a) via the main inlet line (T1), as shown in Figure 4. The water filtered by the microfiber filter (5) in the filter body (4) is directed to the first outlet (4b) due to the fact that the drain pump (1) is in operation while the circulation pump (2) is not, and the water is removed from the washing device through the discharge line (1a) into a discharge system. Therefore, the microfiber particles separated from the products in the drum (T) during the discharging process can be filtered and prevented from reaching the discharge system. Similarly, during a spinning process in the washing device, the circulation pump (2) stops operating and the drain pump (1) is operated; and therefore, microfiber particles that can be present in the water removed from the textile products during the spinning process can be filtered and prevented from reaching the discharge system. With the present invention, since the filtering process is carried out both during the cleaning process and after the cleaning process is completed, an effective filtering can be performed, an effective cleaning process can be carried out by ensuring that the water that cleans the textile products is constantly purified from microfiber particles, and the possibility of microfiber particles in the water directed to the discharge system can be effectively reduced. In addition, since the first inlet (1a) is preferably conical, the water coming from the drum (T) can properly enter the filter body (4) and the microfiber filter (5).
In an alternative embodiment, the microfiber filter (5) can be inserted into and removed from the filter body (4) through the first side of the filter body (4). In this embodiment, the filter body (4) comprises at least one carrying section (13b) for the placement of the microfiber filter (5), which comprises said second side; and at least one connection section (13a) connected with the carrying section (13b) and comprising said first side. The filter assembly (3) preferably comprises at least one filter cover (12) suitable for opening and closing the open part at the first side, wherein the filter cover (12) is preferably suitable for being opened and closed by rotating, for which grooves are provided thereon. There are grooves on the inner surface of the connection section (13a) of the filter body (4), as well, wherein these grooves fit into the grooves on the filter cover (12), and in this way, the open first side of the filter body (4) can be closed in a practical and effective manner. When the user wants to remove the microfiber filter (5) for cleaning, for example, firstly, he/she removes the filter cover (12) attached to the connection section (13a) from the filter body (4) and can take the microfiber filter (5) out from the first side by opening the first side. When the user wants to re-attach the microfiber filter (5), he/she places it into the filter body (4), again, through the opening on the first side and closes the filter cover (12). In this embodiment, said filter cover (12) can preferably be attached and removed from the microfiber filter (5). Thus, the microfiber filter (5) can be easily removed from the filter body (4) or placed inside the filter body (4) so that it can be aligned easily and accurately. Before the microfiber filter (5) is placed into the filter body (4), the filter cover (12) is attached to the microfiber filter (5), preferably with a tight fit, and the microfiber filter (5) is attached to the carrying section (13b) of the filter body (4) together with the filter cover (12). In the meantime, the filter cover (12) is also placed in the connection section (13a), and by rotating the filter cover (12), it can be tightly connected to the filter body (4).
In another preferred embodiment, the filter body (4) comprises at least one carrying section (13b) for the placement of microfiber filter (5), which comprises said second side; and at least one connection section (13a) in connection with the carrying section (13b) and comprising said first side, wherein in at least one part of the carrying section (13b), preferably from the part that is connected with the connection section (13a), the width (diameter) increases as it moves away from the connection section (13a), as shown in figure 9. In this way, the water flow can be realized properly in the microfiber filter (5), and it can be ensured that the filtering process is carried out effectively even when the accumulation of fluff begins.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the washing device according to the invention comprises at least one assembly opening (G3) preferably having a circular form, which is located in said front wall (G1), preferably in a lower region of the front wall (G1), providing access into said filter assembly (3). In this embodiment, since the microfiber filter (5) can be attached and removed from the filter body (4), the microfiber filter (5) can be removed from the filter body (4) by means of the assembly opening (G3) for necessary cases such as cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting, etc. In this embodiment, the washing device also preferably comprises at least one assembly cover (G4), preferably having a circular form, which enables the assembly opening (G3) to be closed and opened.
In another alternative embodiment, the washing device according to the invention preferably comprises at least a third outlet (4d) which is used to discharge the water coming from the drum (T) to the filter assembly (3) in case the microfiber filter (5) becomes clogged, wherein the third outlet (4d) is located in the filter body (3), on the same side with the first inlet (4a) (in other words, on the side where the water coming from the drum (T) enters the filter body (4)). In one embodiment, the third outlet (4d) is preferably connected to an emergency discharge line (not shown in the figures) contained in the washing device, wherein the washing device preferably comprises at least one emergency outlet line (4e) for said connection, whose one side is connected with the third outlet (4d) and the other side thereof is connected to the emergency discharge line. Since fluff (and/or microfiber particles) is present in the water passed through the microfiber filter (5) and it accumulates in the microfiber filter (5), the permeability of the microfiber filter (5) may decrease, which may cause clogging in the filter assembly (3). In such a case, a decrease may occur in the flow rate of both the drain pump (1) and the circulation pump (2), and by detecting this decrease, for example, by a control unit in the washing device, the pumps can be switched to a failure mode by stopping their operation. In the failure mode, water in the drum (T) and/or filter assembly (3) of the washing device must be removed from the washing device, and since the drum (T) is directly in fluid communication with the filter assembly (3), the water can be removed by using the third outlet (4d) and the emergency outlet line (4e). The emergency discharge line has preferably a hose-like structure, and one side thereof is connected to the emergency outlet line (4e), wherein a plug is provided on the other side of the emergency discharge line. When normal circulation and/or discharge process cannot be achieved for the water, the emergency discharge line located in the body (G) is taken out and the water is discharged by removing the plug from the emergency discharge line. When the discharging process is completed, the plug is re-attached to the emergency discharge line, and the emergency discharge line is placed back into the body (G). In another alternative embodiment, in order to discharge the water in case of a clogging in the washing device, the washing device also preferably comprises at least one bypass pump (6) located in the body (G); at least a second inlet line (6a) connected on one side with the third outlet (4d) and on the other side with the bypass pump (6); at least a second inlet (4f) which communicates into the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1), and is preferably located in the filter body (4) such that it is on the second side; and at least a second outlet line (6b) connected on one side with the bypass pump (6) and on the other side with the second inlet (4f). In this embodiment, when a clogging situation is detected in the filter assembly (3), the bypass pump (6) and the drain pump (1) are preferably operated by a control unit in the washing device, and the water entering into the filter body (4) through the first inlet (4a) passes through the third outlet (4d) to the second inlet line (6a) with the operation of the bypass pump (6), and comes to the bypass pump (6). The water coming to the bypass pump (6) is directed to the second inlet (4f) through the second outlet line (6b) and from here to the pump room (1b) of drain pump (1). The water coming to the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1) is directed to the main drainage system through the discharge line (1a), and in this way, the water remaining in the washing device can be removed practically from the washing device in case of clogging. In this embodiment, the second outlet line (6b) is preferably located such that at least a part of it is above the height of a maximum amount of water that can be received into the drum (T) during a cleaning process. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water received into the filter body (4) from being directed to the first outlet (4b) or the second outlet (4c) without passing through the microfiber filter (5) during the normal filtering process where there is no clogging problem, thus providing a more reliable washing device. In another preferred embodiment, the third outlet (4d) is in the form of a "T" connection with at least one inlet section and at least two outlet sections, and it is connected on one side (e.g. on an inlet section) to the filter body (4), on one side (e.g. on an outlet section) to de emergency outlet line (4e), and on the other side (e.g. on another outlet section) to the second inlet line (6a). In this way, for example, if the bypass pump (6) and the drain pump (1) are active and operational, the water is discharged through the second inlet line (6a), the bypass pump (6), the second outlet line (6b) and the drain pump (1); while if the bypass pump (6) and/or drain pump (1) is not active and operational, the water is discharged through the emergency outlet line (4e) and emergency discharge line. Thus, if clogging occurs, water can be discharged without any problem in any case.
In another preferred embodiment illustrated in figure 5, the washing device comprises at least a second inlet (4f) which communicates into the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1), and is preferably located in the filter body (4) such that it is on the second side; at least a secondary discharge line (T2) connected on one side to the main inlet line (T1) (or to the drum (T) on the part where the main inlet line (T1) is connected), and on the other side to said second inlet (4f); and at least one valve (7) (preferably a solenoid valve) which is located on the secondary discharge line (7) and has an open position that allows liquid passage through the secondary discharge line (T2) (i.e., allows water in the drum (T) to reach the secondary discharge line (T2) and from there the second inlet (4f)) and a closed position that prevents liquid passage through the secondary discharge line (T2). In the washing device, since fluff (and/or microfiber particles) is present in the water passed through the microfiber filter (5) and it accumulates in the microfiber filter (5), the permeability of the microfiber filter (5) may decrease, which may cause clogging in the filter assembly (3) especially after a certain number of uses. In such a case, a decrease may occur in the flow rate of both the drain pump (1) and the circulation pump (2), and by detecting this decrease, for example, by a control unit in the washing device, a failure mode can be employed (preferably, when switching to the failure mode, if the circulation pump (2) is in operation, its operation is stopped). In the failure mode, water in the drum (T) of the washing device must be removed from the washing device, wherein the valve (7), which is in the closed position in the normal operating condition of the washing device where no clogging is detected, is opened preferably by means of the control unit and allows the water in the drum (T) to be passed to the secondary discharge line (T2). The water that has come the secondary discharge line (T2) reaches into the filter body (4) and into the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1) through the second inlet (4f). In this failure mode, with the operation of the drain pump (1), the water in the drum (T) can pass to the discharge line (1a) without coming to the clogged filter assembly (3). In this way, in case of clogging, the water remaining in the washing device can be removed practically from the washing device.
In another preferred embodiment illustrated in figure 7, the washing device according to the invention comprises at least a second inlet (4f) which communicates into the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1), and is preferably located in the filter body (4) such that it is on the second side; at least a secondary discharge line (T2) connected on one side to the main inlet line (T1), and on the other side to said second inlet (4f); and at least one actuator valve (8) (preferably a thermo-actuator valve (8)) which is located in the part where the secondary discharge line (T2) is connected to the main inlet line (T1), the actuator valve (8) having at least one inlet part and at least two outlet parts, at least one of which is connected to the main inlet line (T1) and at least another of which is connected to the secondary discharge line (T2), wherein the actuator valve (8) provides connection between the secondary discharge line (T2) and the main inlet line (T1) and enables that the water in the drum (T) passes through the main inlet line (T1) so that it is transmitted to the filter assembly (3) through the first inlet (4a) when no triggering action is applied (for example, when a current is not applied), wherein the actuator valve (8) enables the water in the drum (T) to pass through the secondary discharge line (T2) so that it is transmitted to the filter assembly (3) and the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1) through the second inlet (4f) when a triggering action is applied (for example, when a current is applied). In the washing device, since fluff (and/or microfiber particles) is present in the water passed through the microfiber filter (5) and it accumulates in the microfiber filter (5), the permeability of the microfiber filter (5) may decrease, which may cause clogging in the filter assembly (3) especially after a certain number of uses. In such a case, a decrease may occur in the flow rate of both the drain pump (1) and the circulation pump (2), and by detecting this decrease, for example, by a control unit in the washing device, a failure mode can be employed (preferably, when switching to the failure mode, if the circulation pump (2) is in operation, its operation is stopped). In the failure mode, water in the drum (T) of the washing device must be removed from the washing device, wherein a triggering action is applied (e.g. current is supplied), preferably by means of the control unit, to the actuator valve (8) which enables the water in the drum (T) to be transmitted to the first inlet (4a) when the washing device is in normal operating condition, no triggering action is applied, and no clogging is detected; and then, the actuator valve (8) directs the water in the drum (T) to the secondary discharge line (T2). The water that has come to the second discharge line (T2) reaches into the filter body (4) and into the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1) through the second inlet (4f). In this failure mode, with the operation of the drain pump (1), the water in the drum (T) can pass to the discharge line (1a) without coming to the clogged filter assembly (3). In this way, in case of clogging, the water remaining in the washing device can be removed practically from the washing device.
In another alternative embodiment as illustrated in figure 13, the washing device according to the invention comprises at least one transmitting element (9), preferably infrared, located in the filter body (4) such that it is on one side of a lateral surface of the microfiber filter (5); and at least one receiving element (10), preferably infrared, located opposite the transmitting element (9) such that it is on another side of the microfiber filter (5) within the filter body (4) and can exchange signals with the transmitting element (9). In the absence of any clogging in the microfiber filter (5), the receiving element (10) can detect the signals emitted by the transmitting element (9). When fluff starts to accumulate in the microfiber filter (5), the signals detected by the receiving element (10) decrease. When such a decrease in signals is detected preferably by a control unit and/or when it is determined, preferably by means of said control unit, that the detected signals are below a certain threshold value, clogging of the microfiber filter (5) is detected so that the washing device can be switched to a failure mode, and preferably, the user can be informed that the microfiber filter (5) is clogged. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the washing device preferably comprises a plurality of receiving elements (10) and transmitting elements (9). The water entering the filter assembly (3) moves from the first inlet (4a) to the first outlet (4b) or to the second outlet (4c) in the filter body (4), and the particles in the water start to accumulate at the side of the microfiber filter (5) farthest from the first inlet (4a). In this case, the signal reception by the receiver elements (10) decreases too much from the most distant to the first inlet (4a) towards the closest to the first inlet (4a) or cannot receive a signal from the respective transmitting element (9). With this embodiment, the amount of fluff in the microfiber filter (5) can be detected according to the position of the receiving element (10), whose signal reception amount has decreased considerably, and the fluff rate can be reported to the user by means of at least one indicator element.
In another alternative embodiment as illustrated in figure 14, the washing device according to the invention comprises at least one laser sensor (11a) located in the filter body (4) such that it is on one side of a lateral surface of the microfiber filter (5); and at least one reflector (11b) located opposite the laser sensor (11a) such that it reflects the laser beam emitted by the laser sensor (11a) and that it is on another opposite side of the microfiber filter (5) in the filter body (4). In the absence of any clogging in the microfiber filter (5), the beams emitted by the laser sensor (11a) are reflected back towards the laser sensor by the reflector (11b), and the reflected beams can be detected by the laser sensor. When fluff starts to accumulate in the microfiber filter (5), the beams reaching from the laser sensor (11a) to the reflector (11b) decrease, so the beams returning to the laser sensor (11a) also decrease. When such a decrease is detected preferably by a control unit and/or when it is determined, preferably by means of said control unit, that the detected beams are below a certain threshold value, clogging of the microfiber filter (5) is detected so that the washing device can be switched to a failure mode, and preferably, the user can be informed that the microfiber filter (5) is clogged. In an exemplary embodiment of the invention shown in the figures, the washing device preferably comprises a plurality of laser sensors (11a) and reflectors (11b). The water entering the filter assembly (3) moves from the first inlet (4a) to the first outlet (4b) or to the second outlet (4c) in the filter body (4), and the particles in the water start to accumulate at the side of the microfiber filter (5) farthest from the first inlet (4a). In this case, the beam reception by the laser sensors (11) and the reflectors (11b) decreases too much from the most distant to the first inlet (4a) towards the closest to the first inlet (4a) or cannot receive beams. With this embodiment, the amount of fluff in the microfiber filter (5) can be detected according to the position of the laser sensors (11) and the reflectors (11b), whose beam reception amount has decreased considerably, and the fluff rate can be reported to the user by means of at least one indicator element.
In an embodiment of the washing device according to the invention, as illustrated in figure 8-9, the microfiber filter (5) comprises at least one filter retainer (5a) in a hollow form, preferably cylindrical, having more than one filter hole (5b) thereon (preferably on its lateral surface); at least one filter inlet (5c) located in the filter retainer (5a) so as to correspond to the first inlet (4a), wherein width of the filter inlet (5c) is preferably greater than the first inlet (4a) on at least a part where they contact; and a plurality of filtering elements (5d) located in the filter retainer (5a) to cover the filter holes (5b) and performing the filtering process including microfiber particles. Preferably, the water entering the filter body (4) through the first inlet (4a) for the filtering process performed both radially (from the lateral surfaces) and linearly (from the rear surface) passes through the filter inlet (5c) and enters into the filter retainer (5a). The water in the filter retainer (5a) passes through the filtering elements (5d) located in the filter holes (5b) and returns into the filter body (4), and from there, moves into the respective outlet (for example, the first outlet (4b) or the second outlet (4c) in a filtered manner. Since width of said filter inlet (5c) is preferably greater than the width of the first inlet (4a), water inlet to the microfiber filter (5) can be carried out properly thanks to the smooth and resistance-free water flow. In this embodiment, there is also preferably at least one sealing element located at the part where the first inlet (4a) and the filter inlet (5c) are connected to each other. Thus, all of the water reaching the first inlet (4a) can be filtered by entering into the filter retainer (5a), and an effective washing device can be obtained. In this embodiment, the filter retainer (5a) is open at both ends in order to effectively clean the accumulated fluff inside, and has at least one front cover (5e), preferably in the form of a ring, to cover the end close to the filter inlet (5c) and at least one rear cover (5f) to cover the end farther from the filter inlet (5c). Said front cover (5e) and rear cover (5f) can be attached to the filter retainer (5a) and can be removed from the filter retainer (5a). Tabs and/or grooves on the front cover (5e) and/or on the rear cover (5f) may be provided for attachment and removal processes, whereas tabs and/or grooves may also be present in the filter retainer (5a). In another embodiment, the front cover (5e) and/or the rear cover (5f) can be mounted to the filter retainer (5a) by tight fitting and/or by using mechanical elements such as bolts, nuts and/or magnetic elements such as a magnet, and thus, the front cover (5e) and/or the rear cover (5f) can be attached to the filter retainer (5a) and removed from the filter retainer (5a). In this embodiment, the rear cover (5f) can be in the form of a ring, and the middle part with an opening can be closed with at least one filtering element (5d). Thus, the rear cover (5f) can be used for filtering as well as the lateral walls of the filter retainer (5a) so that an effective filtering process can be realized. In this embodiment, width of the holes of the filtering element (5d) on the rear cover (5f) may be the same as the width of the holes of the filtering element (5d) located in the filter hole (5b) or, preferably, the width of the holes of the filtering element (5d) in the rear cover (5f) (e.g. 200 microns) is less than the width of the holes of the filtering element (5d) (e.g. 300 microns) located in the filter hole (5b) provided on the lateral surface. Since the water flow in the microfiber filter (5) is from the front cover (5e) towards the rear cover (5f), negative pressure occurs in the microfiber filter (5) due to the drain pump (1) and/or the circulation pump (2) sucking water from there. In this case, when the width of the holes of the filtering element (5d) in the rear cover (5f) is smaller, a better filtering can be achieved by using the pressure difference factor. Similarly, since the linear velocity of the water flowing over the filter retainer (5a) is less, when the holes of the filtering elements (5d) in the filter holes (5b) are wider, the water flow inside the microfiber filter (5) can be realized more smoothly. For example, when the hole width of the filtering element (5d) in the rear cover (5e) is 200 microns, and the hole width of the filtering elements (5d) in the filter hole (5b) is 300 microns, a much more efficient and stable filtration can be obtained compared to the embodiment where both of them are 200 microns or 300 microns. Similarly, in an embodiment in which a plurality of filter holes (5b) are provided, the hole widths of the filtering elements (5d) located in the filter holes (5b) may be different from each other. With the effect of gravity, water is present in a much greater amount at the bottom of the microfiber filter (5). Accordingly, hole widths can be adjusted such that width of the holes of the filtering elements (5d) in the filter holes (5b) located at the bottom of the filter retainer (5a) is less (for example 250 microns), width of the holes of the filtering elements (5d) in the filter holes (5b) located on the lateral side is slightly larger (for example 300 microns), and width of the holes of the filtering elements (5d) in the filter holes (5b) located at the top, which are the ones exposed to water at minimum, is maximum (for example 350 microns). In another embodiment, said microfiber filter (5) can be inserted into and removed from the filter body (4) on the first side of the filter body (4). The filter body (4) also preferably comprises at least one carrying section (13b) for the placement of the microfiber filter (5), which comprises said second side; and at least one connection section (13a) connected with the carrying part (13b), which comprises the first side. The filter assembly (3), in turn, preferably comprises at least one filter cover (12) suitable for opening and closing the open part at the first side, wherein said filter cover (12) is preferably suitable to be opened and closed by rotating, and there are grooves thereon for this purpose. There are grooves on the inner surface of the connection section (13a) of the filter body (4), as well, wherein these grooves fit into the grooves on the filter cover (12), and in this way, the open first side of the filter body (4) can be closed in a practical and effective manner. When the user wants to remove the microfiber filter (5) for cleaning, for example, firstly, he/she removes the filter cover (12) attached to the connection section (13a) from the filter body (4) and can take the microfiber filter (5), which is placed in the carrying section (13b), through the first side by opening the first side. When the user wants to re-attach the microfiber filter (5), he/she places it into the filter body (4), again, through the opening on the first side and closes the filter cover (12). In this embodiment, said filter cover (12) can preferably be attached and removed from the filter retainer (5a) such that the front cover (5e) remains between the filter retainer (5a) and the filter cover (12). Thus, the microfiber filter (5) can be easily removed from the filter body (4) or placed inside the filter body (4) both easily and in a way that the first inlet (4a) and the filter inlet (5c) can be correctly aligned.
Before the microfiber filter (5) is placed into the filter body (4), the filter cover (12) is attached to the microfiber filter (5), and the microfiber filter (5) is attached to the carrying section (13b) of the filter body (4) together with the filter cover (12). In the meantime, the filter cover (12) is also placed in the connection section (13a), and by rotating the filter cover (12), it can be tightly connected to the filter body (4). While rotating the filter cover (12) in order to close or open the first side, thanks to the design of the front cover (5e) (in other words, thanks to the front cover (5e) being in the form that can easily rotate axially inside the filter cover (12)), only the filter cover (12) rotates instead of the filter retainer (5a) and the front cover (5e). During the filtering process, accumulation of fluff in the microfiber filter (5) starts from the rear cover (5f) towards the front cover (5e), and the rear cover (5f) may be clogged such that it is not able to perform the filtering process properly. In order to prevent the filtering efficiency from being affected by this unfavorable situation, as shown in Figure 9, the width (diameter) in at least a part of the carrying section (13b) increases as it moves away from the connection section (13a). In this way, the water flow can be realized properly in the microfiber filter (5), and when the fluff starts to accumulate in the rear cover (5f), the water can be effectively filtered by means of the filtering elements (5d) on the lateral surfaces. In addition, this increase in width extends the fluff filling time of the microfiber filter (5) and ensures that the clogging situation occurs later. In another embodiment provided in figure 10, the filter assembly (3) preferably comprises at least one large part filter (14) (in other words, coin filter) located at an end of the filter retainer (5a) close to the first side (or the first inlet (4a)), which enables large particles such as coins and buttons to be retained. The large part filter (14) can preferably be attached onto the filter retainer (5a) by rotating such that it remains between the filter cover (12) and the filter retainer (5a), and removed from the filter retainer (5a) by rotating. In addition to microfiber particles in the water coming from the drum (T) of the washing device, large parts such as coins and buttons can also be present in textile products. These large parts can damage the microfiber filter (5) and reduce the filtering efficiency. For this reason, with the washing device according to the invention, such large parts are retained by the large part filter (14) without entering the filter retainer (5a), and the above-mentioned problems can be avoided. In order for the filtering performance of the microfiber filter (5) to be effective for a long time, the fluff on the filtering element (5d) can be cleaned and collected at the bottom of the filter retainer (5a). However, as the accumulation of fluff may cause clogging in the filter assembly (3) after a while, the washing device according to the invention also preferably comprises a compression mechanism operating pneumatically, hydraulically, magnetically or mechanically to compress the fluff collected at the bottom of the filter retainer (5a). Said compression mechanism comprises at least one telescopic piston which is located in said filter cover (12) and moved pneumatically, hydraulically, magnetically or mechanically (such as a ball screw), wherein the fluff cleaned from the filtering element (5d) and collected in the bottom part of the filter retainer (5a) can be compressed when there is no water passage through the filter assembly (3) by moving said piston linearly in the filter retainer (5a) such that it approaches the drain pump (1) and moves away from the drain pump. Fluff with a much higher volume compared to their weight can be easily compressed with a low force, and thus, it is ensured that the fluff affects the filtering performance of the microfiber filter (5) negatively in a longer term and the clogging time of the microfiber filter (5) is extended so that a practical and reliable washing device is achieved. In this embodiment, the washing device also preferably comprises at least one force sensor located in a lower region of the filter retainer (5a), preferably in contact with the rear cover (5f), so as to be between the filter retainer (5a) and the filter body (4), wherein the force sensor measures weight of the microfiber filter (5); and at least one control unit in connection with said force sensor, comparing the values measured by the force sensor with a threshold value and determining occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) as a result of this comparison (while this control unit can already be a control unit that regulates the operation of the washing device, it can also be a separate unit dedicated to this process). Weight of the microfiber filter (5) increases due to the fluff accumulated in the microfiber filter (5). An initial weight of the microfiber filter (5) without any fluff accumulation is determined and stored in the control unit. According to the values measured by the force sensor, the occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) can be determined based on the initial weight, and the user can be informed about the occupancy status by means of a visual and/or audible warning. In another embodiment, the washing device also preferably comprises at least one ultrasonic sensor which measures a distance between the microfiber filter (5) and the filter body (4), and is located in the filter body (4) between the filter retainer (5a) and the filter body (4) and in a lower region of the filter retainer (5a); and at least one control unit in connection with the ultrasonic sensor, comparing the values measured by the ultrasonic sensor with a threshold value and determining occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) as a result of this comparison (while this control unit can already be a control unit that regulates the operation of the washing device, it can also be a separate unit dedicated to this process). Weight of the microfiber filter (5) increases due to the fluff accumulated in the microfiber filter (5). Due to such an increase in weight, the lower distance between the microfiber filter (5) and the filter body (4) decreases. The initial distance between the microfiber filter (5) without any accumulation of fluff and the filter body (4) is determined and stored in the control unit. According to the values measured by the ultrasonic sensor, the occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) can be determined based on the initial distance, and the user can be informed about the occupancy status by means of a visual and/or audible warning. In another preferred embodiment, the washing device comprises at least one photoelectric sensor which is located in the filter body (4) between the filter retainer (5a) and the filter body (4) and in a lower region of the filter retainer (5a); and at least one control unit in connection with the photoelectric sensor, which detects occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) once the photoelectric sensor detects that the microfiber filter (5) has leaned towards the filter body (4) (while this control unit can already be a control unit that regulates the operation of the washing device, it can also be a separate unit dedicated to this process). Due to the fluff accumulated in the microfiber filter (5), the microfiber filter (5) leans towards the filter body (4) and the occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) can be determined based on this leaning amount transmitted to the control unit. Thus, the user can be informed about the occupancy status by means of a visual and/or audible warning.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention as illustrated in figure 10 and 11, the filter assembly (3) preferably comprises at least one large particle filter (14) (in other words, coin filter) located at an end of the microfiber filter (5) close to the first side (or the first inlet (4a)), which enables large particles such as coins and buttons to be retained. The large part filter (14) can preferably be attached and removed the filter retainer (5a) by rotating. In addition to microfiber particles in the water coming from the drum (T) of the washing device, large parts such as coins and buttons can also be present in textile products. These large parts can damage the microfiber filter (5) and reduce the filtering efficiency. For this reason, with the washing device according to the invention, such large parts are retained by the large part filter (14) without entering the filter retainer (5a), and the above-mentioned problems can be avoided.
In a preferred embodiment of the washing device according to the invention, as illustrated in figures 15-16, the microfiber filter (5) comprises at least one (preferably more than one) filtering component which is attached to the housing (5g) (by tight fitting and/or tooth joint and/or by using mechanical elements such as bolts, nuts and/or magnetic elements such as a magnet) and can be removed from the housing (5g) (one or more filtering components can be attached to a housing (5g), and preferably, the filtering components are placed substantially parallel to each other and perpendicular to the bottom surface of the filter retainer (5a)), wherein the filtering component comprises at least one filter retainer (5a) in a hollow form, preferably half-cylindrical, having at least one housing (5g) in the inner surface thereof; at least one retaining frame (5h), preferably in the form of a circular ring; and at least one filtering element (5d) in a mesh structure located in the cavity part of the retaining frame (5h), having holes wide enough to filter microfiber particles (preferably between 100 microns and 300 microns in width). Thanks to the fact that the filtering component, which preferably performs the filtering process substantially linearly (i.e. from the first inlet (4a) towards the drain pump (1)) can be attached and removed from the housing (5g) in the filter retainer (5a), the filtering element (5d) can be cleaned effectively and practically. In this embodiment, there are preferably a plurality of housings (5g) in the filter retainer (5a) and a plurality of filtering components, at least one for each housing (5g), wherein the distance of the filtering components to each other can be adjusted by the user or automatically. For this adjustment process, the washing device preferably comprises at least one telescopic element located on the filter retainer (5a), on which said housings (5g) are located. The distance of the housings (5g) relative to each other can be adjusted by means of this telescopic element. This telescopic element can be controlled manually or it can also be controlled automatically, for example by means of a control unit included in the washing device. In the embodiment in which a plurality of filtering components is provided, the width of the holes in the filtering element (5d) in one filtering component can be the same as the width of the holes in the filtering element (5d) in another filtering component or can be different from the widths of these holes. For example, while width of the holes of one filtering element (5d) is 100 microns, the width of another can be 100 microns or 200 microns or 300 microns. In an exemplary embodiment in which three filtering components are used as shown in the figures, for example, the width of the holes in the filter element in the filtering component closer to the drain pump (1) can be 300 microns (or for example 100 microns, 200 microns, etc.), the width of the holes of the filter element in the other filtering component adjacent to this filtering component can be 200 microns (or for example 100 microns, 300 microns etc.), and the width of the holes of the filtering element in the filtering component furthest from the drain pump (1) can be 100 microns (or for example 300 microns, 200 microns, etc.). The user can attach the filtering components containing filtering elements with different widths of holes to the filter retainer (5a) according to her/his needs. The water entering the filter body (4) through the first inlet (4a) for filtering process passes through the filter retainer (5a), then, filtered by the filtering element (5d) in the filtering component attached to the housing (5g) in the filter retainer (5a) and returns into the filter body (4), and from there, it is directed to the corresponding outlet (such as the first outlet (4b) or the second outlet (4c)) in a filtered manner. In this embodiment, the microfiber filter (5) can be attached and removed from the filter body (4) on the first side of the filter body (4). The filter body (4), in turn, comprises at least one carrying section (13b) for the placement of the microfiber filter (5), which comprises said second side; and at least one connection section (13a) connected with the carrying section (13b) and comprising said first side. The filter assembly (3) preferably comprises at least one filter cover (12) suitable for opening and closing the open part at the first side, wherein the filter cover (12) is preferably suitable for being opened and closed by rotating, for which grooves are provided thereon. There are grooves on the inner surface of the connection section (13a) of the filter body (4), as well, wherein these grooves fit into the grooves on the filter cover (12), and in this way, the open first side of the filter body (4) can be closed in a practical and effective manner. When the user wants to remove the microfiber filter (5) for cleaning, for example, firstly, he/she removes the filter cover (12) attached to the connection section (13a) from the filter body (4) and can take the microfiber filter (5), which is placed in the carrying section (13b), through the first side by opening the first side. When the user wants to re-attach the microfiber filter (5), he/she places it into the filter body (4), again, through the opening on the first side and closes the filter cover (12). In this embodiment, said filter cover (12) can preferably be attached and removed from the filter retainer (5a). Thus, the microfiber filter (5) can be easily removed from the filter body (4) or placed inside the filter body (4) both easily and in a way that it can be correctly aligned. Before the microfiber filter (5) is placed into the filter body (4), the filter cover (12) is attached to the filter retainer (5a) and the microfiber filter (5) is placed in the carrying section (13b) of the filter body (4) together with the filter cover (12). In the meantime, the filter cover (12) is also placed in the connection section (13a), and it can be tightly connected to the filter body (4) by rotating the filter cover (12). While rotating the filter cover (12) in order to open or close the first side, only the filter cover (12) rotates instead of the filter retainer (5a). In a further embodiment, the filter assembly (3) preferably comprises at least one large part filter (14) (in other words, coin filter) located at an end of the filter retainer (5a) close to the first side, which enables large particles such as coins and buttons to be retained. In addition to microfiber particles in the water coming from the drum (T) of the washing device, large parts such as coins and buttons can also be present in textile products. These large parts can damage the microfiber filter (5) and reduce the filtering efficiency. For this reason, with the washing device according to the invention, such large parts are retained by the large part filter (14) without entering the filter retainer (5a), and the above-mentioned problems can be avoided. In this embodiment, the large part filter (14) preferably comprises at least one filter section (14a) located to correspond to the first inlet (4a), wherein the water coming from the first inlet (4a) passes therein and the large parts are filtered, wherein the filter cover (12) is attached to the filter section (14a); and at least one body section (14b) in connection with the filter section (14a), which has at least one opening on the wall thereof connected with the filter section (14a), wherein the filter retainer (5a) placed inside the body section (14b) by passing from the opposite side of said wall. Thus, both the large parts can be filtered and the filter retainer (5)a) can be fixed to the filter body (4) in a smooth, rigid and secure manner. In this embodiment, there is provided at least one assembly section (5m) located in the part of the filter retainer (5a) close to the drain filter (1) and preferably in the form of a tube having two ends that are at least partially open; and at least a first connection part (5j), preferably in the form of a protrusion, located on the outer surface of the assembly section (5m), wherein the large part filter (14) preferably comprises at least a second connection part (5k), preferably in the form of a recess, which is located on the opposite side of said wall of the body section (14b), which is connected to the first connection part (5j). After the filter retainer (5a) is placed in the body section (14b), the first connection part (5j) is connected to the second connection part (5k) and in this way, the large part filter (14) and the filter retainer (5a) can be fixed to each other. The filter cover (12) is, in turn, attached to the filter section (14a) of the large part filter (14) so that it is placed in the filter body (4). In this embodiment, the filter cover (12) can rotate independently from the large part filter (14) and the fixing process to the filter body (4) can be performed without rotating the filter retainer (5a) and the large part filter (14). In another preferred embodiment, the width of the part of said retaining frame (5h) placed in the housing (5g) is less than the width of the other part. Thus, when the filtering component is attached to the housing (5g), it does not unintentionally rotate inside the housing (5g). In another preferred embodiment, the washing device according to the invention comprises at least one brush (preferably at least as much as the number of filtering components, preferably at least one for each filtering component) which is located in the filter body (4) for cleaning the filtering element (5d) in the filtering component and is able to move with the liquid pressure inside the filter body (4), wherein the brush moves linearly on the filtering element (5d), preferably from top to the bottom, as a result of the changing pressure in the filter body (4) following the discharge of the water in the drum (T) through the filter assembly (3) with the drain pump (1) when a cleaning process is completed, and thus, cleaning the fluff in the filtering element (5d) and collecting it at the bottom, in the filter retainer (5a) (and/or the filter body (4)). This brush is preferably located in a top part of the filter body (4) and can move on the filtering element (5d) preferably by means of a hydraulic or pneumatic piston. When the piston is driven, said brush moves linearly in one direction, preferably from top to bottom, and when it is not driven, it returns to its initial position by moving linearly in the opposite direction, preferably from bottom to top. Thanks to such a movement, the brush containing the wires perpendicular to the plane of the filter element (5d) cleans the fluff on the filter element (5d). Yet in another alternative embodiment, in contrast to the normal operating mode in which the circulation pump (2) draws water from the drum (T) towards the first inlet (4a) for cleaning the filtering element (5d), the circulation pump (2) can also be operated in a reverse operating mode in which it draws the water in the drum (T) towards the second outlet (4c). In this embodiment, when the cleaning process in the washing device is completed, before starting the process of discharging water in the drum (T), water is sent into the filter assembly (3) through the filtering elements (5d) via the circulation pump (2) over the drum (T) so that the fluff accumulating on the filtering elements (5d) is cleaned and accumulated at the bottom of the filter retainer (5a). Since accumulation of fluff, which are present on the filtering element (5d), at the bottom of the filter retainer (5a) may cause clogging in the filter assembly (3) after a while, the washing device according to the invention also preferably comprises at least one compression mechanism operating pneumatically, hydraulically, magnetically or mechanically to compress the fluff collected at the bottom of the filter retainer (5a). Said compression mechanism comprises at least one piston actuated pneumatically, hydraulically, magnetically or mechanically (such as a ball screw), wherein the fluff cleaned from the filtering element (5d) and collected at the bottom part of the filter retainer (5a) can be compressed by moving said piston linearly. Fluff with a much higher volume compared to their weight can be easily compressed with a low force, and thus, it is ensured that the fluff affects the filtering performance of the microfiber filter (5) negatively in a longer term and the clogging time of the microfiber filter (5) is extended so that a practical and reliable washing device is achieved.
In another preferred embodiment of the invention, the washing device comprises at least one (preferably more than one) nozzle (15) which is located in the filter body (4) so as to be on an upper side of the microfiber filter (5), and sprays pressurized water or air to the microfiber filter (5). As a result of each cleaning process, fluff may remain adhered to the inner surface of the microfiber filter (5) such that it reduces the filtering performance. Therefore, pressurized water and/or air is sprayed to the microfiber filter (5) by means of the nozzle (15) at certain intervals after each cleaning and discharging process is completed and/or during the cleaning process, and thus, the adhered fluff can be removed from the inner surface of the microfiber filter (5) (and preferably collected at the bottom of the filter retainer (5a)). In this way, a reliable washing device can be obtained by increasing the filtering efficiency. In this embodiment, the washing device preferably comprises at least one measuring device which detects weight of the fluff accumulated in the microfiber filter (5). The weight value determined by the measuring device is transmitted to a control unit in the washing device and compared with a threshold value, and if the measured weight value is equal to and/or higher than this threshold value, the nozzle (15) is enabled to spray water and/or air, thus saving energy. The nozzle (15) can also preferably spray water and/or air onto the large particle filter (14).
In another alternative embodiment, at least part of inner surface of the first inlet (4a) is preferably grooved. Thus, fluff in the water passing through the first inlet (4a) are subjected to centrifugal force such that the fluff approach each other since weight of the fluff is more than water. Therefore, fluff filtering process can be achieved more easily and effectively.
In another alternative embodiment of the invention, the washing device according to the invention preferably comprises at least one light source located in the filter body (4) and illuminating inner side of the filter body (4) after each operation of the drain pump (2) to discharge the water in the drum (T) through the filter assembly (3); at least one camera located in the filter body (4), which captures at least one image of the inner side of the filter body (4) and therefore of the microfiber filter (5) after the light source illuminates; and at least one control unit in connection with the light source and the camera, which determines occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) by taking the image captured by the camera and processing it with at least one image processing technique (while this control unit can already be a control unit that regulates the operation of the washing device, it can also be a separate unit dedicated to this image processing technique). Thanks to the camera and illumination element provided in the filter body (4) preferably in a transparent shield, preferably a plurality of images of the microfiber filter (5) are captured at multiple angles and transmitted to the control unit, which then determines occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) based on these images. Thus, it can be determined whether there is a need for cleaning in the microfiber filter (5), and the user can be informed about the occupancy status by means of a visual and/or audible warning.
In another preferred embodiment, the washing device according to the invention comprises at least one pressurestat measuring discharge time of water from the drum (T) by means of the drain pump (1); and at least one control unit in connection with the pressurestat, which determines occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) by comparing the measured discharge time with a threshold value (while this control unit can already be a control unit that regulates the operation of the washing device, it can also be a separate unit dedicated to this process). Due to the accumulation of fluff in the microfiber filter (5), the flow rate of the drain pump (1) decreases and the time to discharge the water in the drum (T) is prolonged. The discharge time of the drain pump (1) to discharge the water in the drum (T) can be measured by means of the pressurestat, and occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) can be determined based on the normal water discharge flow rate of the drain pump (1). Thus, it can be determined whether there is a need for cleaning in the microfiber filter (5), and the user can be informed about the occupancy status by means of a visual and/or audible warning.
In a further embodiment, the washing device preferably comprises at least one flow meter located in the circulation pump (2), which measures flow rate of the water filtered by the circulation pump (2) and sent to the drum (T); and at least one control unit in communication with the flow meter, comparing the measurement information obtained from the flow meter with a threshold value, and determining occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) as a result of this comparison (while this control unit can already be a control unit that regulates the operation of the washing device, it can also be a separate unit dedicated to this process). Due to the fluff accumulated in the microfiber filter (5), the flow rate of the circulation pump (2) decreases. The flow rate at which the circulation pump (2) sends the water back into the drum (T) can be measured by the flow meter, and occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) can be determined based on the normal operating flow rate of the circulation pump (2). Thus, it can be determined whether there is a need for cleaning in the microfiber filter (5), and the user can be informed about the occupancy status by means of a visual and/or audible warning.
In another alternative embodiment, the washing device according to the invention preferably comprises at least one heating element (2c) located in the first inlet line (2a) between the filter assembly (3) and the circulation pump (2); at least one thermometer measuring temperature (preferably outer surface temperature) of the heating element (2c); and at least one control unit in connection with the thermometer, comparing the temperature value measured by the thermometer with a threshold value and determining occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) as a result of this comparison (while this control unit can already be a control unit that regulates the operation of the washing device, it can also be a separate unit dedicated to this process). Due to the fluff accumulated in the microfiber filter (5), the amount of water exiting the filter assembly (3) decreases over time, and thus, the amount of water passing over the heating element (2c) also decreases. As a result of this decrease, temperature increase occurs in the heating element (2c). Temperature of the heating element (2c) can be measured by means of the thermometer, and the occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) can be determined by the control unit based on maximum temperature value reached by the heating element (2c) during the normal cleaning process, preferably within certain tolerance values (e.g., while washing a textile product weighing 7 kilograms, it was observed that the temperature of heating element (2c) had increased to 135°C; and in an experimental study describing the situation in which the microfiber filter (5) was clogged, it was observed that the temperature of heating element (2c) had increased to 150°C). Thus, it can be determined whether there is a need for cleaning in the microfiber filter (5), and the user can be informed about the occupancy status by means of a visual and/or audible warning.
In a further embodiment of the invention, the washing device preferably comprises at least one control unit which determines occupancy status of the microfiber filter (5) and adjusts flow rate of the circulation pump (2) and/or the drain pump (1) according to said determination. Due to the fluff accumulated in the microfiber filter (5), occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) increases and the amount of water passing through the filter assembly (3) decreases. Consequently, the flow rate of the circulation pump (2) and/or the drain pump (1) may decrease. Such a decrease can be detected by the control unit and the flow rate of the circulation pump (2) and/or the drain pump (1) can be adjusted automatically (for example, it can be increased) so that operating performance of the washing device is not adversely affected by this situation.
In another alternative embodiment, the washing device according to the invention comprises at least one reed switch that detects whether the microfiber filter (5) is removed from the filter body (4). When occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) is determined and it needs to be removed for cleaning, whether the microfiber filter (5) is removed or not can be controlled by the reed switch; and in the event that it is not removed (for example, before the washing device is operated for a cleaning process), the user can be provided with additional information visually and/or audibly.
In another exemplary embodiment of the washing device according to the invention, preferably, the filtering element (5d) is made of a material by which widths of the holes thereof can be changed by electric current. In this embodiment, the filtering element (5d) is in connection with at least one control unit, wherein the control unit applies a certain amount of current to the filtering element (5d) so that width of the holes change (e.g. increase), depending on the occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5). Thus, for example, when occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) increases, diameters of the holes are expanded and a more comfortable water flow can be provided through the microfiber filter (5). In addition, hole diameters can be adjusted depending on the types of textile products to be cleaned in the washing device, and the operating performance of the washing device can be increased accordingly.
In a further preferred embodiment, the microfiber filter (5) comprises at least a first filter component comprising at least one filter retainer (5a) preferably having a cylindrical form and having at least one filter hole (5b) thereon, and at least one filtering element (5d) wound on top of the filter hole (5b) with a first winding so as to have a first spacing value to filter microfiber particles; and at least a second filter component comprising at least one filter retainer (5a) preferably having a cylindrical form and having at least one filter hole (5b) thereon, and at least one filtering element (5d) wound on top of this filter hole (5b) with a second winding (the second winding may be the same or different from the first winding) so as to have a second spacing value (the second spacing value may be the same or different from the first spacing value) to filter microfiber particles, wherein the second filter component is located movably within the first filter component (for example, rotatable with respect to the first filter component about an axis at least parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first filter component or linearly movable in an axis at least parallel to the longitudinal axis of the first filter component). When the particle size to be filtered by the microfiber filter (5) is desired to be changed, the first filter component and the second filter component are moved relative to each other (for example, they are rotated or moved back and forth) so that width between the filtering elements (5d) (relative to each other) in the filter components is adjusted due to the overlapping windings. Thus, if the user wants a more effective filtering, she/he can reduce the width of spacing between the filtering elements (5d) relative to each other, and increase it when she wants to filter larger particles. Thus, both effective filtering can be made according to the types of products to be cleaned in the washing device, and a practical and reliable washing device can be obtained by extending the filling time of the microfiber filter (5). In this embodiment, the washing device also preferably comprises at least one movement element (e.g. electric motor and/or a pneumatic, hydraulic, magnetic or mechanical piston, etc.) in connection with the first filter component and/or the second filter component, which can move the first filter component and/or the second filter component relative to each other (for example, rotate or translate) to change the spacing between the filtering elements (5d) relative to each other. In this embodiment, for example, the user can determine a desired spacing width by means of a control panel of the washing device, and as a result of this determination, spacing can be adjusted by the movement element. In another example, according to the program selected by the user for the cleaning process and/or according to the type of items to be cleaned in the washing device, the spacing can be adjusted automatically by means of the movement element. In this embodiment, preferably, length of the second filter component is shorter than the first filter element. Thus, filter components can move more comfortably and effectively relative to each other.
In another alternative embodiment, the washing device according to the invention preferably comprises at least one piston which can move from the first inlet (4a) towards the microfiber filter (5), enables compression of fluff between the microfiber filter (5) and the filter body (4), has holes to ensure water flow when not in use, and can be moved mechanically, hydraulically or pneumatically. When the microfiber filter (5) is filled with fluff and is not cleaned, fluff also fills between the microfiber filter (5) and filter body (4). Due to the fluff filling between microfiber filter (5) and filter body (4), the microfiber filter (5) may not be removed from the filter body (4). In this case, by means of the piston, the fluff is compressed from the first inlet (4a) towards the microfiber filter (5) and the microfiber filter (5) can be removed from the filter body (4).
Thanks to the washing device according to the present invention, microfiber particles can be filtered both during the cleaning process and during the discharging process. Therefore, these microfiber particles with serious negative effects on health of the living beings and nature can be prevented from being released into the nature as much as possible, and a reliable washing device can be achieved.

Claims

A washing device comprising at least one body (G); at least one drum (T) located in the body (G), in which cleaning and spinning processes are carried out; at least one front wall (G1) which is located in the body (G) and has at least one placement opening (G2) for access to the drum (T); at least one drain pump (1) located in the body (G) for removing the cleaning liquid in the drum (T) by means of at least one discharge line (1a) out of the drum (T) when a cleaning process is completed and/or during a spinning process; at least one circulation pump (2) for circulating the water in the drum (T) during a cleaning process, which is in fluid communication with the drum (T) by means of at least a first outlet line (2b), characterized by comprising at least one filter assembly (3) which is located in the body (G) and comprises:
- at least one filter body (4) having a first side that is open and in the form of a hollow chamber, and an outlet opening (1b) on a second side opposite to the first side, wherein said drain pump (1) is located on the second side thereof such that it is in fluid communication via the outlet opening (1b), and wherein the filter body (4) comprises
• at least a first inlet (4a) through which fluid communication is provided with the drum (T) via at least one main inlet line (T1),

• at least a first outlet (4b) in communication with the discharge line (1a), through which the cleaning liquid received from the first inlet (4a) exits during operation of the drain pump (1),

• at least a second outlet (4c) through which the cleaning liquid received from the first inlet (4a) exits during operation of the circulation pump (2), and through which fluid communication is provided with the circulation pump (2) via at least a first inlet line (2a); and

- at least one microfiber filter (5) located in the filter body (4), which filters the cleaning liquid received into the filter body (4) through the first inlet (4a) so as to retain microfiber particles.
A washing device according to claim 1, characterized in that the washing device comprises at least a third outlet (4d) which is used to discharge the water coming from the drum (T) to the filter assembly (3) in case the microfiber filter (5) becomes clogged, wherein the third outlet (4d) is located in the filter body (3), on the same side with the first inlet (4a), that the third outlet (4d) is connected to an emergency discharge line contained in the washing device, and that the washing device comprises at least one emergency outlet line (4e) for said connection, whose one side is connected with the third outlet (4d) and the other side thereof is connected to the emergency discharge line.
A washing device according to claim 2, characterized by comprising at least one bypass pump (6) located in the body (G) for discharging water in case of clogging; at least a second inlet line (6a) connected on one side with the third outlet (4d) and on the other side with the bypass pump (6); at least a second inlet (4f) which communicates into the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1), and is located in the filter body (4); and at least a second outlet line (6b) connected on one side with the bypass pump (6) and on the other side with the second inlet (4f), wherein the second outlet line (6b) is located such that at least a part of it is above the height of a maximum amount of water that can be received into the drum (T) during a cleaning process.
A washing device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising at least a second inlet (4f) which communicates into the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1), and is located in the filter body (4); at least a secondary discharge line (T2) connected on one side to the main inlet line (T1), and on the other side to said second inlet (4f); and at least one valve (7) which is located on the secondary discharge line (7) and has an open position that allows liquid passage through the secondary discharge line (T2) and a closed position that prevents liquid passage through the secondary discharge line (T2).
A washing device according to claim 1, characterized by comprising at least a second inlet (4f) which communicates into the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1), and is located in the filter body (4); at least a secondary discharge line (T2) connected on one side to the main inlet line (T1), and on the other side to said second inlet (4f); and at least one actuator valve (8) which is located in the part where the secondary discharge line (T2) is connected to the main inlet line (T1), the actuator valve (8) having at least one inlet part and at least two outlet parts, at least one of which is connected to the main inlet line (T1) and at least another of which is connected to the secondary discharge line (T2), wherein the actuator valve (8) provides connection between the secondary discharge line (T2) and the main inlet line (T1) and enables that the water in the drum (T) passes through the main inlet line (T1) so that it is transmitted to the filter assembly (3) through the first inlet (4a) when no triggering action is applied, wherein the actuator valve (8) enables the water in the drum (T) to pass through the secondary discharge line (T2) so that it is transmitted to the filter assembly (3) and the pump room (1b) of the drain pump (1) through the second inlet (4f) when a triggering action is applied.
A washing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one transmitting element (9) located in the filter body (4) such that it is on one side of a lateral surface of the microfiber filter (5); and at least one receiving element (10) located opposite the transmitting element (9) such that it is on another side of the microfiber filter (5) within the filter body (4) and can exchange signals with the transmitting element (9), or by comprising at least one laser sensor (11a) located in the filter body (4) such that it is on one side of a lateral surface of the microfiber filter (5); and at least one reflector (11b) located opposite the laser sensor (11a) such that it reflects the laser beam emitted by the laser sensor (11a) and that it is on another opposite side of the microfiber filter (5) in the filter body (4).
A washing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the microfiber filter (5) comprises at least one filter retainer (5a) in a hollow form, having more than one filter hole (5b) thereon; at least one filter inlet (5c) located in the filter retainer (5a) so as to correspond to the first inlet (4a); and a plurality of filtering elements (5d) located in the filter retainer (5a) to cover the filter holes (5b) and performing the filtering process including microfiber particles.
A washing device according to claim 7, characterized in that the filter retainer (5a) is open at both ends in order to effectively clean the accumulated fluff inside, and comprises at least one front cover (5e) to cover the end close to the filter inlet (5c) and at least one rear cover (5f) to cover the end farther from the filter inlet (5c), which is in the form of a ring and comprises at least one filtering element (5d) covering the middle part thereof having an opening.
A washing device according to claim 7 or claim 8, characterized by comprising at least one force sensor located in a lower region of the filter retainer (5a) so as to be between the filter retainer (5a) and the filter body (4), wherein the force sensor measures weight of the microfiber filter (5); and at least one control unit in connection with said force sensor, comparing the values measured by the force sensor with a threshold value and determining occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) as a result of this comparison, or by comprising at least one ultrasonic sensor which measures a distance between the microfiber filter (5) and the filter body (4), and is located in the filter body (4) between the filter retainer (5a) and the filter body (4) and in a lower region of the filter retainer (5a); and at least one control unit in connection with the ultrasonic sensor, comparing the values measured by the ultrasonic sensor with a threshold value and determining the occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) as a result of this comparison or by comprising at least one photoelectric sensor which is located in the filter body (4) between the filter retainer (5a) and the filter body (4) and in a lower region of the filter retainer (5a); and at least one control unit in connection with the photoelectric sensor, which detects the occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) once the photoelectric sensor detects that the microfiber filter (5) has leaned towards the filter body (4).
A washing device according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the microfiber filter (5) comprises at least one filtering component which can be attached and removed from the housing (5g) and comprises at least one filter retainer (5a) in a hollow form, having at least one housing (5g) in the inner surface thereof; at least one retaining frame (5h) in the form of a ring; and at least one filtering element (5d) in a mesh structure located in the cavity part of the retaining frame (5h), having holes wide enough to filter microfiber particles.
A washing device according to claim 10, characterized in that the filter assembly (3) comprises at least one large part filter (14) located at an end of the filter retainer (5a) close to the first side, which enables large particles to be retained and comprises at least one filter section (14a) located to correspond to the first inlet (4a), wherein the water coming from the first inlet (4a) passes therein and the large parts are filtered, wherein the filter cover (12) is attached to the filter section (14a); and at least one body section (14b) in connection with the filter section (14a), which has at least one opening on the wall thereof connected with the filter section (14a), wherein the filter retainer (5a) placed inside the body section (14b) by passing from the opposite side of said wall.
A washing device according to claim 11, characterized in that the washing device comprises at least one assembly section (5m) located in the part of the filter retainer (5a) close to the drain filter (1), and at least a first connection part (5j) located on the outer surface of the assembly section (5m), and that the large part filter (14) comprises at least a second connection part (5k) which is located on the opposite side of said wall of the body section (14b), which is connected to the first connection part (5j).
A washing device according to any of the claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the microfiber filter (5) comprises at least a first filter component comprising at least one filter retainer (5a) having at least one filter hole (5b) thereon, and at least one filtering element (5d) wound on top of the filter hole (5b) with a first winding so as to have a first spacing value to filter microfiber particles; at least a second filter component comprising at least one filter retainer (5a) having at least one filter hole (5b) thereon, and at least one filtering element (5d) wound on top of this filter hole (5b) with a second winding so as to have a second spacing value to filter microfiber particles, wherein the second filter component is located movably within the first filter component; and at least one movement element in connection with the first filter component and/or the second filter component, which can move the first filter component and/or the second filter component relative to each other to change the spacing between the filtering elements (5d) relative to each other.
A washing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one nozzle (15) which is located in the filter body (4) so as to be on an upper side of the microfiber filter (5), and sprays pressurized water or air to the microfiber filter (5) and/or the large part filter (14); and at least one measuring device which detects weight of the fluff accumulated in the microfiber filter (5).
A washing device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by comprising at least one light source located in the filter body (4) and illuminating inner side of the filter body (4) after each operation of the drain pump (2) to discharge the water in the drum (T) through the filter assembly (3); at least one camera located in the filter body (4), which captures at least one image of the inner side of the filter body (4) and therefore of the microfiber filter (5) after the light source illuminates; and at least one control unit in connection with the light source and the camera, which determines occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) by taking the image captured by the camera and processing it with at least one image processing technique and/or by comprising at least one pressurestat measuring discharge time of water from the drum (T) by means of the drain pump (1); and at least one control unit in connection with the pressurestat, which determines occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) by comparing the measured discharge time with a threshold value and/or by comprising at least one flow meter located in the circulation pump (2), which measures flow rate of the water filtered by the circulation pump (2) and sent to the drum (T); and at least one control unit in communication with the flow meter, comparing the measurement information obtained from the flow meter with a threshold value, and determining occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) as a result of this comparison and/or by comprising at least one heating element (2c) located in the first inlet line (2a) between the filter assembly (3) and the circulation pump (2); at least one thermometer measuring temperature of the heating element (2c); and at least one control unit in connection with the thermometer, comparing the temperature value measured by the thermometer with a threshold value and determining occupancy rate of the microfiber filter (5) as a result of this comparison.