Laundry care system with filter unit

Abstract

A laundry care system includes a laundry care device, a filter unit, and a filter housing. The laundry care apparatus has a control system, a lye container, a pump-out line, and a pump. The pump pumps the washing liquid from the lye container and from the laundry care apparatus through the pump-out line. The pump-out line has a pump-out line section, and the pumped-out washing liquid flows downstream of the pump-out line section in the filter housing. The filter unit filters the washing liquid pumped out through the pump-out line section in order to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the washing liquid. The laundry care system includes a detection device configured to switch to a first switching state when the filter unit is received in the filter housing and to a second switching state when the filter unit is not received in the filter housing. A control system of the laundry care apparatus is configured to activate the pump during a laundry care procedure of the laundry care apparatus based on the first switching state and inhibit activation of the pump during the laundry care procedure of the laundry care apparatus based on the second switching state.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a clothing care system with a filter unit, in particular to a clothing care system comprising a clothing care device and a filter unit. Background Art

[0002] Filter units are often used in water-carrying laundry care appliances, for example to filter out impurities, such as microplastic particles, from waste water that are produced during the operation of a laundry care program for caring for laundry. It may be necessary from time to time to replace and / or clean a filter unit that is accessible to a user for replacement or maintenance purposes. Summary of the invention

[0003] The object of the present invention is to provide a clothing care system, which comprises a clothing care device, a filter unit and a filter housing, wherein a clothing care program of the clothing care device can be run only when the filter unit is inserted into the filter housing.

[0004] The object is achieved by the preferred technical solution of the present invention. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the optional technical solution, the description and the drawings.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the object of the present invention is achieved by a clothing care system, which comprises a clothing care device, a filter unit and a filter housing that can receive the filter unit, wherein the clothing care device has a control system, a lye container for receiving washing liquid, a pump-out line fluidically connected to the lye container, and a pump, wherein the pump is configured to pump the washing liquid out of the lye container and out of the clothing care device through the pump-out line, wherein the pump-out line has a pump-out line section, wherein the pumped washing liquid flows in the filter housing to the downstream of the pump-out line section, wherein the filter unit is configured to filter the washing liquid in the filter housing through the pump-out line. The invention relates to a washing liquid pumped out of a pipeline section to remove impurities, especially microplastics, from the washing liquid, wherein the clothing care system includes a detection device, and the detection device is configured to: when the filter unit is received in the filter housing, the detection device switches to a first switching state, and when the filter unit is not received in the filter housing, the detection device switches to a second switching state, wherein the control system of the clothing care device is configured to allow activation of the pump during the clothing care program of the clothing care device based on the first switching state of the detection device, and prohibit activation of the pump during the clothing care program of the clothing care device based on the second switching state of the detection device.

[0006] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that the control system can identify the filter unit inserted into the filter housing so as to prevent the operation of the clothing care program of the clothing care device when the washing liquid to be pumped out cannot be filtered due to the fact that the filter unit is not inserted. In addition, the control system of the clothing care device can be configured to output an optical signal and / or an acoustic signal to a user interface, in particular to a screen and / or a speaker of the clothing care device, based on the first and / or second switching state of the detection device, which indicates to the user of the clothing care device whether the filter unit has been inserted into the filter housing.

[0007] The pump-out pipe section may be an inner pump-out pipe section arranged inside the clothing care device or an outer pump-out pipe section arranged outside the clothing care device.

[0008] A clothing care device may be understood as a device for caring for clothing, such as a washing machine, a washing and drying machine or a clothing drying machine. In particular, such a clothing care device may be understood as a household clothing care device. That is, such a clothing care device is used in household management and processes clothing in normal household quantities.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device is configured to switch to the first switching state when the filter unit is received in the filter housing in the predetermined position and to switch to the second switching state when the filter unit is not received in the filter housing in the predetermined position.

[0010] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that the control system can identify the filter unit inserted into the filter housing so as to prevent the laundry care program of the laundry care device from running when the washing liquid to be pumped out cannot be filtered due to the filter unit not being correctly inserted. Furthermore, the control system of the laundry care device is configured to output an optical signal and / or an acoustic signal to a user interface, in particular to a screen and / or a speaker of the laundry care device, based on the first and / or second switching state of the detection device, which indicates to the user of the laundry care device whether the filter unit is correctly inserted into the filter housing.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the filter housing can be closed by a filter cover, wherein the filter unit comprises an element which is configured to exert a force on the filter housing opposite to a predetermined direction of insertion of the filter unit into the filter housing, wherein the filter cover is configured in the closed state to counteract the force of the element.

[0012] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that the projection of the filter unit can only contact the contact element of the detection device when the filter cover is closed, so that it is possible to detect whether the filter unit has been correctly inserted into the filter housing.

[0013] The force can be in particular a spring force, a magnetic force, a torque and / or a gravitational force. The element can in particular be a spring element. The filter cover can in particular be configured to push the filter unit into a predetermined position and / or to be fixed in a predetermined position in the closed state so that the detection device can be switched to a first switching state. In this predetermined position, at least one switching element as described below and / or at least one magnetic sensor as described below and / or at least one sensor element as described below can be activated. The element, in particular the spring element, can be comprised by one of the following projections of the filter unit or can also be a separate component of the filter unit. The spring element can be made of plastic.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the detection device comprises a switching element arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing, wherein a protrusion, in particular a pin, a cam or a contact spring is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, wherein the surface of the filter housing has an opening, wherein the protrusion of the filter unit is configured to manipulate the contact element of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing.

[0015] Thus, for example in the case of a disposable filter, it is possible to efficiently detect whether the filter unit is received in the filter housing. The projection is molded directly on the filter unit as a plastic part, for example by means of plastic injection molding.

[0016] The opening can have a movable diaphragm and / or a movable sealing device, in particular an O-ring or a shaft sealing ring. Thus, electrical insulation and / or electrical isolation can be achieved between the contact element and the projection.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion of the filter unit is configured to manipulate a contact element of the detection device through an opening of the filter housing so as to electrically connect two electrical contacts of the contact element and switch the detection device to a first switching state, wherein the contact element is configured to electrically interrupt the two electrical contacts of the contact element when the contact element of the detection device is not contacted, in particular by means of a contact element spring connected to the contact element, so as to switch the detection device to a second switching state.

[0018] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that it is possible to effectively detect whether the filter unit is accommodated in the filter housing.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion of the filter unit is configured to manipulate a contact element of the detection device through an opening of the filter housing so as to electrically interrupt two electrical contacts of the contact element and switch the detection device to a first switching state, wherein the contact element is configured to electrically connect the two electrical contacts of the contact element when the contact element of the detection device is not contacted, in particular by means of a contact element spring connected to the contact element, so as to switch the detection device to a second switching state.

[0020] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that manipulations, such as permanent jamming of the contact switches, can be detected.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the protrusion of the filter unit is configured to manipulate a contact element of the detection device through an opening of the filter housing so as to electrically connect two electrical contacts of the contact element and electrically interrupt two other electrical contacts of the contact element and switch the detection device to a first switching state, wherein the contact element is configured to electrically interrupt the two electrical contacts of the contact element and electrically connect the two other electrical contacts of the contact element when the contact element of the detection device is not contacted, in particular by means of a contact element spring connected to the contact element, so as to switch the detection device to a second switching state.

[0022] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that both the first switching state and the second switching state can be actively detected, so that incorrect insertion and / or manipulation attempts of the filter unit can be effectively prevented.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, at least one second protrusion is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, in particular at least one second pin, at least one second cam or at least one second contact spring, which are spaced apart from the protrusion along a predetermined insertion direction, wherein the at least one second protrusion of the filter unit is configured to manipulate a contact element of the switching element through an opening of the filter housing to generate at least one first signal of a detection device, wherein the control system of the clothing care appliance is configured to allow activation of the pump during a clothing care program of the clothing care appliance based on the first switching state and at least the first signal of the detection device.

[0024] The technical advantage achieved thereby is that a complex signal curve of the detection device which is difficult to manipulate can be generated by means of, in particular, a contact element.

[0025] Thus, when the filter unit is inserted or removed, the detection device can briefly detect at least a first signal, which can be evaluated by the control system. For example, this can be the contact element being run over by at least a second projection of the filter unit. For example, when the filter unit is inserted, a pre-pulse can be generated by the detection device, which pre-pulse can be detected by the control system.

[0026] In particular, at least the second protrusion may comprise a plurality of protrusions. The plurality of protrusions may be arranged at a predetermined spacing on the filter unit and actuate the contact element in a chronological order when inserting or removing (the filter unit). The control system is configured to determine the bit sequence of information based on the temporal actuation and / or the spacing and / or the length of the protrusions and in particular to assign an identification number of the filter unit to the bit sequence of information. The control system of the laundry care device may be configured to allow activation of the pump during a laundry care program of the laundry care device based on the identification number.

[0027] The predetermined insertion direction may be a one-dimensional movement of the filter unit (relative to the sequence of projections), for example an axial displacement movement of a cylindrical filter unit or a rotational movement of a bayonet of a cylindrical filter unit.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the detection device comprises a further switching element arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing, wherein the surface of the filter housing has a further opening, which is spaced apart from the opening at a certain angle, in particular perpendicularly, to a predetermined insertion direction of the filter unit, wherein a third protrusion, in particular a third pin, a third cam or a third contact spring is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, which is spaced apart from the protrusion at a certain angle, in particular perpendicularly, to the predetermined insertion direction, wherein the third protrusion of the filter unit is configured to manipulate the further contact element of the further switching element through the further opening of the filter housing so as to generate at least one second signal of the detection device, wherein the control system of the clothing care appliance is configured to allow activation of the pump during a clothing care program of the clothing care appliance based on the first switching state and the second signal of the detection device.

[0029] Therefore, the second signal has little dependence on the insertion or extraction speed of the filter unit along or against the predetermined insertion direction, in particular no dependence if the third projection is arranged perpendicular to the predetermined insertion direction.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, at least one fourth protrusion, in particular at least one fourth pin, at least one fourth cam or at least one fourth contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, the fourth protrusion being spaced apart from the third protrusion along a predetermined insertion direction, wherein the at least one fourth protrusion of the filter unit is configured to manipulate the other contact element of the other switching element through the other opening of the filter housing to generate at least one third signal of the detection device, wherein the control device of the clothing care appliance is configured to allow activation of the pump during a clothing care program of the clothing care appliance based on the first switching state and at least the third signal of the detection device.

[0031] This results in the advantage that a complex signal curve of the detection device which is difficult to manipulate can be generated by means of the further contact element.

[0032] Thus, when the filter unit is inserted or removed, the detection device can briefly detect at least a third signal, which can be evaluated by the control system. For example, this can be that the further contact element is run over by at least a fourth projection of the filter unit. For example, when the filter unit is inserted, a pre-pulse can be generated by the detection device, which pre-pulse can be detected by the control system.

[0033] In particular, at least the fourth projection may comprise a plurality of projections. The plurality of projections can be arranged at a determined spacing on the filter unit and can actuate the contact element in a chronological order when inserting or removing (the filter unit). The control system can be configured to determine a bit sequence of information based on the temporal actuation and / or the spacing and / or the length of the projections and in particular to assign an identification number of the filter unit to the bit sequence of information. The control device of the laundry care appliance can be configured to allow activation of the pump during a laundry care program of the laundry care appliance based on the identification number.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device comprises a magnetic sensor, in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor, wherein a magnetic element, in particular a ferromagnetic element or a permanent magnet, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to detect the approach of the magnetic element to the magnetic sensor in order to switch the detection device to a first switching state.

[0035] Therefore, it is easy to achieve isolation between the water-carrying area and the current-carrying area of ​​the filter housing, that is, it is easy to achieve electrical isolation and / or current isolation between the detection device and the washing liquid in the filter housing.

[0036] The surface of the filter housing is preferably made of plastic and has a thickness of about 1 mm. The magnetic field of a typical magnet can actuate common magnetic sensors, such as reed contacts, within a spacing of a few millimeters to a few centimeters. The (plastic) walls and air gaps between them have little influence. Therefore, electrical isolation between the water-carrying area and the current-carrying area can also be easily achieved with this arrangement.

[0037] If a reed contact is used, the first switching state and / or the second switching state can be actively detected via the reed contact.

[0038] If an analog sensor (such as a Hall sensor) is used as a magnetic sensor, its switching threshold can be generated analogously, digitally or preferably by software, which is implemented by the control system. By means of an analog sensor, for example, in addition to determining whether a suitable magnetic field is present, the strength of the magnetic field can also be determined. If a multidimensional magnetic sensor is used, the direction of the local magnetic field at the location of the magnetic sensor can also be detected.

[0039] In one embodiment, a permanent magnet is arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing so that the magnetic field of the permanent magnet passes through the magnetic sensor and forms a magnetic circuit. The magnetic element can be constructed as a ferromagnetic element and can be configured to shorten the magnetic circuit when approaching the corresponding inner surface of the filter housing, thereby achieving coupling between the magnetic sensor and the permanent magnet, thereby concentrating the magnetic field at the magnetic sensor and exceeding the switching threshold of the magnetic sensor.

[0040] Thus, it is easy to achieve isolation of the water-carrying area and the current-carrying area of ​​the filter housing, that is, it is easy to achieve electrical isolation and / or galvanic isolation between the detection device and the washing liquid in the filter housing. The filter unit may include ferromagnetic elements that are more material efficient than permanent magnets.

[0041] In a preferred embodiment, at least one other magnetic element, in particular another ferromagnetic element or another permanent magnet, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, wherein the other magnetic element is spaced apart from the magnetic element along a predetermined insertion direction, wherein the magnetic sensor is configured to detect the approach of the other magnetic element to the magnetic sensor to generate at least a fourth signal of the detection device, and wherein the control system of the clothing care appliance is configured to allow activation of the pump during a clothing care program of the clothing care appliance based on the first switching state and the at least fourth signal of the detection device.

[0042] This has the advantage that only one magnetic sensor is required to generate a complex signal curve that is difficult to manipulate.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic sensor is arranged in a recessed portion of the filter housing surface, which recessed portion protrudes into the interior of the filter housing, and the magnetic element is arranged at a groove of the filter unit, in particular annularly surrounding the groove, wherein when the filter unit is inserted into the filter housing, the recessed portion of the filter housing surface cooperates with the groove of the filter unit.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the filter unit has a fifth protrusion, in particular a pin or a cam, which is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, wherein a permanent magnet that can move along a predetermined direction for inserting the filter unit into the filter housing is supported on the inner surface of the filter housing, and the permanent magnet is in particular movably supported on a guide rail, wherein an elastic element, in particular composed of a ferromagnetic element, is arranged on the inner surface of the filter housing and is configured to move the permanent magnet against the predetermined direction, wherein the fifth protrusion of the filter unit is configured to move the permanent magnet against the predetermined direction when the filter unit is inserted into the filter housing, wherein the detection device comprises a second magnetic sensor, in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor, wherein the second magnetic sensor is configured to detect the approach of the permanent magnet to the second magnetic sensor so as to switch the detection device to a first switching state.

[0045] As a result, it is easy to achieve isolation of the water-carrying area and the current-carrying area of ​​the filter housing, that is, it is easy to achieve electrical isolation and / or galvanic isolation between the detection device and the washing liquid in the filter housing. In addition, since the magnetic element on the filter unit can be omitted, the manufacture of the filter unit is particularly energy-saving.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the detection device comprises at least one sensor element configured to detect sensor data, wherein the detection device is configured to switch to a first switching state based on the sensor data, wherein the sensor element is configured to detect the sensor data: measuring the flow resistance and / or pressure of the washing liquid, in particular the flow resistance and / or pressure within the pump; measuring the electrical conductivity of electrical components of the filter unit; capacitively measuring the displacement (or water displacement) of the filter unit within the filter housing; inductively measuring the filter unit, in particular the inductive element of the filter unit; and / or optically detecting the filter unit within the filter housing, in particular a plurality of protrusions of the filter unit.

[0047] In order to measure the conductivity of the electric components of the filter unit, for example, a conductive component can be arranged on the filter unit, which can close the contact between two electrodes of a detection device protruding into the filter housing. Here, the electrodes can be electrically isolated from the detection device.

[0048] For example, the conductivity of the electrical components of the filter unit can be measured by the fact that the filter housing is filled with water during operation of the laundry care appliance, for example when washing liquid is pumped out. In this case, the displacement volume composed of plastic, which is caused by the filter unit, for example by a plastic body molded onto the filter unit, can be detected by means of a capacitive measurement method.

[0049] The inductive element of the filter unit can in particular be an iron sheet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0050] Other embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the accompanying drawings:

[0051] Figure 1 A schematic diagram showing a clothing care system according to one embodiment;

[0052] Figure 2a , b shows a schematic diagram of a filter unit and a filter housing in a clothing care system according to an embodiment;

[0053] Figure 3a , b is a schematic diagram showing a filter unit with a protrusion and a filter housing in a clothing care system according to an embodiment;

[0054] Figure 3c shows signals of a detection device in a clothing care system according to an embodiment;

[0055] Figure 4a , b is a schematic diagram showing a filter unit with a protrusion and a filter housing in a clothing care system according to an embodiment;

[0056] Figure 5a, b is a schematic diagram showing a filter unit with a protrusion and a filter housing in a clothing care system according to an embodiment;

[0057] Figure 6a -e is a schematic diagram showing a filter unit with a magnetic element and a filter housing in a clothing care system according to some embodiments;

[0058] Figure 6f shows signals of a detection device in a clothing care system according to an embodiment;

[0059] Figure 7a , b shows a schematic diagram of a magnetic sensor in a clothing care system according to an embodiment;

[0060] Figure 8a , b are schematic diagrams showing a filter unit with a protrusion and a filter housing in a clothing care system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Figure 1 1 is a schematic diagram of a clothing care system 200, which includes a clothing care device 100, such as a washing machine. The clothing care device 100 includes Figure 1 The alkali liquid container 105 , which is only schematically shown, is used to receive washing liquid. The alkali liquid container can be fluidically connected to the water connection 101 via a water supply line 103 so as to supply the washing liquid to the alkali liquid container 105 .

[0062] A user of the laundry care device 100 can place laundry in the lye container 105 , which laundry can release impurities, in particular microplastics, into the washing liquid during a laundry care program.

[0063] The clothing care device 100 includes a control system 107 ( Figure 1 ), filter unit 115 ( Figure 1 ) and a filter housing 109 in which the filter unit 115 can be received.

[0064] In addition, if Figure 1 As shown, the clothing care device 100 has a pump-out line 111 and a pump 113, which are fluidically connected to the lye container 105, and the pump is configured to pump the washing liquid out of the lye container 105 and out of the clothing care device 100 through the pump-out line 111. The pump-out line 111 has a pump-out line section 111-1, wherein the pumped washing liquid flows into the filter housing 109 downstream of the pump-out line section 111-1.

[0065] like Figure 1As shown, the pump-out pipe section 111-1 may be an inner pump-out pipe section arranged inside the clothing care device 100. Alternatively, even if Figure 1 It is not shown in the figure, the pump-out pipe section 111-1 may also be an external pump-out pipe section arranged outside the clothing care device 100. Accordingly, the filter housing 109 with the filter unit 115 may be arranged inside the clothing care device 100, or may also be arranged outside the clothing care device 100.

[0066] The filter unit 115 is configured to filter the washing liquid pumped out of the filter housing 109 through the pump-out line section 111 - 1 , so as to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the washing liquid.

[0067] The clothing care system 200 includes a detection device ( Figure 1 ), the detection device is configured to switch to a first switching state when the filter unit 115 is received in the filter housing 109, and to switch to a second switching state when the filter unit 115 is not received in the filter housing 109.

[0068] The control system 107 of the clothing care device 100 is configured to allow activation of the pump 113 during the clothing care program of the clothing care device 100 based on the first switching state of the detection device, and to prohibit activation of the pump 113 during the clothing care program of the clothing care device 100 based on the second switching state of the detection device.

[0069] The detection device may include at least one sensor element configured to detect sensor data. The detection device may be configured to switch to the first switching state in accordance with the sensor data. The sensor element for detecting sensor data may be configured to: measure the flow resistance and / or pressure of the washing liquid, in particular the flow resistance and / or pressure in the pump 113; measure the conductivity of the electrical components of the filter unit 115; capacitively measure the displacement of the filter unit 115 in the filter housing 109 The filter unit 115 , in particular an inductive element of the filter unit 115 , is measured inductively; and / or the filter unit 115 , in particular protrusions of the filter unit 115 in the filter housing 109 , is detected optically.

[0070] Figure 2a and 2b A schematic diagram showing a filter unit 115 and a filter housing 109 in a clothing care system 200 according to an embodiment. The clothing care system 200 may be Figure 1The laundry care system 200 is shown. The filter housing 109 may include a pivotably arranged filter cover 119 , which is pivotably fixed to the filter housing 109 , for example, by a hinge 121 .

[0071] like Figure 2a As shown, when the filter cover 119 is opened, the user can insert the filter unit 115 into the filter housing 109 along a predetermined insertion direction 117. The predetermined insertion direction 117 can be parallel to at least one inner wall of the filter housing 109.

[0072] like Figure 2b As shown, the filter unit 115 may be arranged in a predetermined position in the filter housing 109 , in which position, for example when the filter cover 119 is closed, the filter unit 115 is fully received in the filter housing 109 .

[0073] The detection device may be configured to switch to a first switching state when the filter unit 115 is received in a predetermined position in the filter housing 109 , and to switch to a second switching state when the filter unit 115 is not received in the predetermined position in the filter housing 109 .

[0074] Figures 3a to 5b A schematic diagram showing a filter unit 115 with a protrusion 123 and a filter housing 109 in a clothing care system 200 according to an embodiment. The clothing care system 200 may be Figure 1 The laundry care system 200 is shown. A protrusion 123 , in particular a pin, a cam or a contact spring, may be arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115 .

[0075] The detection device may include a switching element, which is arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing 109 and may include a contact element 125 and an electrical contact 127 as well as Figure 5a and 5b Other electrical contacts 133 are shown. The surface of the filter housing 109 facing the surface of the filter unit 115 may include an opening. The protrusion 123 of the filter unit 115 may be configured to operate the contact element 125 of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing 109.

[0076] like Figure 2a and 2bAs described, the filter housing 109 can be closed by the filter cover 119. The projection 123 of the filter unit 115 may include a spring element, in particular molded from plastic, which is configured to exert a spring force on the filter housing 109, the spring force acting in a direction opposite to the predetermined insertion direction 117 of the filter unit 115 into the filter housing 109. In the closed state, the filter cover 119 may be configured to counteract the spring force of the spring element.

[0077] like Figure 3a and Figure 3b As shown, the protrusion 123 of the filter unit can be configured to manipulate the contact element 125 of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing 109 so as to electrically connect the two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125 and switch the detection device to the first switching state. The two electrical contacts 127 can be arranged in the switching circuit 131 of the detection device.

[0078] Furthermore, the contact element 125 can also be configured such that, if the contact element 125 of the detection device is not contacted, two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125 are electrically interrupted, in particular by a contact element spring 129 connected to the contact element 125 , in order to switch the detection device to the second switching state.

[0079] Figure 3c 2 shows the signal of the detection device in the clothing care system 200 according to one embodiment. The clothing care system 200 may be Figure 3a and Figure 3b The clothing care system 200 described in Figure 3c As shown by way of example, a first switching state of the detection device can be assigned to a first signal level 149 of the detection device signal and a second switching state of the detection device can be assigned to a second signal level 151 of the detection device signal, in particular a zero level.

[0080] For example, when according to Figure 3a and Figure 3b When the contact element 125 is connected and disconnected to replace the filter unit 115, Figure 3c The change curve of the detection device signal is shown in FIG. Figure 3c As shown in the second time period 155 shown in FIG. 1 , when the filter unit 115 is removed, the signal may drop to the second signal level 151. Figure 3c As shown in the illustrated first time period 153 , before and after the new or cleaned filter unit 115 is removed, the signal of the detection device may be at a first signal level.

[0081] Thus, the control system 107 can record and analyze changes in the switching state of the detection device. Thus, the replacement of the filter unit 115 can correspond to the signal sequence of the detection device. Thus, the detection performed by the detection device cannot be deceived by a simple stuck contact element 125, for example, because, as described above and below, when the filter unit 115 is replaced, the control system 107 can expect and query single or multiple changes in the signal state.

[0082] like Figure 4a and Figure 4b As shown, Figure 3a and Figure 3b In the alternative shown, the protrusion 123 of the filter unit can be configured to manipulate the contact element 125 of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing 109 so as to electrically disconnect the two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125 and switch the detection device to the first switching state. The contact element 125 can also be further configured to electrically connect the two electrical contacts of the contact element 125 when the contact element 125 of the detection device is not contacted, in particular by means of a contact element spring 129 connected to the contact element, so as to switch the detection device to the second switching state.

[0083] like Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, Figures 3a to 4b Alternatively, the protrusion 123 of the filter unit can be configured to manipulate the contact element 125 of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing 109 so as to electrically connect the two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125 and electrically disconnect the other two electrical contacts 133 of the contact element 125, thereby switching the detection device to the first switching state. The contact element 125 can also be further configured to electrically disconnect the two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125 and electrically connect the other two electrical contacts 133 of the contact element 125 when the contact element 125 of the detection device is not contacted, in particular by means of a contact element spring 129 connected to the contact element, so as to switch the detection device to the second switching state.

[0084] like Figure 3a , b and Figure 4a to Figure 4b As shown, the contact element 125 can be arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 109 that is in the predetermined insertion direction 117. Alternatively, even if Figure 3a , b and Figures 4a to 4b Not shown in the figure, the contact element 125 can also be arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 109 parallel to the predetermined insertion direction 117 .

[0085] Even in Figures 3a to 5bNot shown, at least one second protrusion, in particular at least one second pin, at least one second cam or at least one second contact spring, may also be arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115, which is spaced apart from the protrusion 123 along the predetermined insertion direction 117. The at least one second protrusion of the filter unit 115 may be configured to manipulate the contact element 125 of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing 109 to generate at least one first signal of the detection device, wherein the control system 107 of the clothing care device 100 is configured to allow activation of the pump 113 during the clothing care program of the clothing care device 100 according to the first switching state and the at least first signal of the detection device.

[0086] Although in Figures 3a to 5b Although not shown in the figure, the detection device may include further switching elements arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing 109. The surface of the filter housing 109 may have further openings which are spaced apart at an angle, in particular perpendicularly, to the predetermined insertion direction 117 of the filter unit 115. Figures 3a to 5b The filter unit 115 further comprises a third protrusion, not shown, in particular a third pin, a third cam or a third contact spring, which is spaced apart at an angle to the predetermined insertion direction 117, in particular vertically from the protrusion 123. The third protrusion of the filter unit 115 can be configured to manipulate the other contact element of the other switching element through the other opening of the filter housing 109 to generate a second signal of the detection device, wherein the control system 107 of the clothing care device 100 is configured to allow activation of the pump 113 in the clothing care program of the clothing care device 100 according to the first switching state and the second signal of the detection device.

[0087] Even in Figures 3a to 5b Not shown, at least one fourth protrusion, in particular at least one fourth latch, at least one fourth cam or at least one fourth contact spring, may also be arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115, which is spaced apart from the third protrusion along the predetermined insertion direction 117. The at least one fourth protrusion of the filter unit 115 may be configured to manipulate the other contact element of the other switching element through the other opening of the filter housing 109 to generate at least a third signal of the detection device, wherein the control system 107 of the clothing care device 100 is configured to allow activation of the pump 113 during the clothing care program of the clothing care device 100 according to the first switching state and the at least third signal of the detection device.

[0088] Figures 6a to 6e A schematic diagram showing a filter unit 115 with a magnetic element 135 and a filter housing 109 in a clothing care system 200 according to some embodiments. The clothing care system 200 may be Figure 1 The garment care system 200 shown in .

[0089] The sensing device may include a magnetic sensor 137, in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor. A magnetic element 135, in particular a ferromagnetic element or a permanent magnet, may be arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115. The magnetic sensor 137 may be configured to detect whether the magnetic element 135 is close to the magnetic sensor 137, so as to switch the detection device to the first switching state.

[0090] like Figure 6a and 6b As shown, the magnetic sensor 137 may be arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 109 perpendicular to the predetermined insertion direction 117. Alternatively, as Figure 6c to Figure 6e As shown, the magnetic sensor 137 can also be arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 109 parallel to the predetermined insertion direction 117 .

[0091] like Figures 6c to 6e As shown, at least one further magnetic element 145, in particular a ferromagnetic element or a permanent magnet, may be arranged on a surface of the filter unit 115, in particular parallel to the insertion direction 117. The further magnetic element 145 may be spaced apart from the magnetic element 135 along the predetermined insertion direction 117. The magnetic sensor 137 may be configured to detect the approach of the further magnetic element 145 to the magnetic sensor 137, so as to generate at least a fourth signal of the detection device, wherein the control system 107 of the clothing care device 100 is configured to allow activation of the pump 113 during a clothing care program of the clothing care device 100 according to the first switching state and the at least fourth signal of the detection device.

[0092] Here, if Figure 6d and 6e As shown, during the process of inserting the filter unit 115 into the filter housing 109 along the predetermined insertion direction 117 , the further magnetic element 145 may be guided past the magnetic sensor 137 .

[0093] Figure 6f 2 shows the signal of the detection device in the clothing care system 200 according to one embodiment. The clothing care system 200 may be Figure 6c -e described clothing care system 200. Figure 6f As shown, the first switching state of the detection device can be assigned to a first signal level 149 of the detection device signal, and the second switching state of the detection device can be assigned to a second signal level 151 (in particular a zero level) of the detection device signal.

[0094] like Figure 6f As shown in the second time period 155 shown in FIG, due to the absence of the filter unit 115, the signal may be at the second signal level 151. Figure 3c As shown in the illustrated first time period 153 , after the filter unit 115 is inserted, when the magnetic sensor 137 detects the magnetic element 135 , in particular when the filter unit 115 is received in a predetermined position of the filter housing 109 , the signal of the detection device may be at a first signal level.

[0095] For example, when the filter unit 115 is inserted along the insertion direction 117, the magnetic sensor 137 detects the further magnetic element 145 in the third time period 157, and a front pulse of the detection device signal may be generated. Correspondingly, for example, when the filter unit 115 is guided out against the insertion direction 117, the magnetic sensor 137 detects the further magnetic element 145, and a rear pulse of the detection device signal may be generated. Between the front pulse and the main pulse, the signal of the detection device may be at the second signal level 151 during a fourth time period 159.

[0096] according to Figures 3a to 5b The described embodiment can realize an analog (or similar) signal curve during mechanical actuation via the second projection of the filter unit 115 .

[0097] Even in Figures 6a to 6e It is not shown in the figure, the magnetic sensor 137 can also be arranged in a recessed portion on the surface of the filter housing 109, and the recessed portion protrudes into the interior of the filter housing 109. The magnetic element 135 can be arranged at the groove of the filter unit 115, especially annularly surrounding the groove. When the filter unit 115 is inserted into the filter housing 109, the recessed portion on the surface of the filter housing 109 can match the groove of the filter unit 115.

[0098] Even in Figure 6c to Figure 6e It is not shown in the figure, the other magnetic element 135 can also be arranged in other grooves of the filter unit 115 in addition or alternatively, especially surrounding the other grooves in an annular manner. When the filter unit 115 is inserted into the filter housing 109, the recessed part of the surface of the filter housing 109 can cooperate with the other grooves of the filter unit 115.

[0099] Figure 7a and 7b A schematic diagram of a magnetic sensor 137 in a clothing care system 200 according to an embodiment is shown. The clothing care system 200 may be Figure 6a -e described clothing care system 200. Figure 7a and 7bAs shown, the permanent magnet 161 can be arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing 137, so that the magnetic field of the permanent magnet 161 passes through the magnetic sensor 137 and forms a magnetic circuit. The magnetic element 135 configured as a ferromagnetic element can be configured to shorten the magnetic circuit when approaching the corresponding inner surface of the filter housing 137, thereby achieving coupling between the magnetic sensor 137 and the permanent magnet 161, thereby concentrating the magnetic field at the magnetic sensor 137 and exceeding the switching threshold of the magnetic sensor 137.

[0100] Figure 8a and 8b A schematic diagram showing a filter unit 115 with a protrusion 123 and a filter housing 109 in a clothing care system 200 according to an embodiment. The clothing care system 200 may be Figure 1 A garment care system 200 is shown.

[0101] The filter unit 115 may have a fifth protrusion 139, in particular a pin or a cam, which is arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115. The permanent magnet 141 may be movably supported on the inner surface of the filter housing 109, in particular on a guide rail 143, along a predetermined insertion direction 117 of the filter unit 115 into the filter housing 109. An elastic element, in particular an elastic element consisting of a ferromagnetic element, may be arranged on the inner surface of the filter housing 109, which elastic element is configured to move the permanent magnet 141 against the predetermined insertion direction 117.

[0102] The fifth protrusion 139 of the filter unit 115 is configured to move the permanent magnet 141 along the predetermined insertion direction 117 when the filter unit 115 is inserted into the filter housing 109. The detection device may include a second magnetic sensor 147, in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor. The second magnetic sensor 147 may be configured to detect the approach of the permanent magnet 141 to the second magnetic sensor 147, so as to switch the detection device to the first switching state.

[0103] All features explained and shown in the individual embodiments of the invention can be arranged in different combinations in the subject matter of the invention in order to achieve their advantageous effects simultaneously.

[0104] The scope of protection of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the drawings.

[0105] Reference numerals list

[0106] 100 Clothing Care Equipment

[0107] 101 water interface

[0108] 103 Water supply pipeline

[0109] 105 alkali solution container 107 control system

[0110] 109 filter housing

[0111] 111 Pump out pipe

[0112] 111-1 Pump outlet pipe section

[0113] 113 Pump

[0114] 115 filter unit

[0115] 117 Predetermined insertion direction 119 Filter cover

[0116] 121 Hinge

[0117] 123 Protrusion

[0118] 125 contact elements

[0119] 127 electrical contacts

[0120] 129 contact element spring 131 circuit

[0121] 133 Other electrical contacts

[0122] 135 Magnetic Components

[0123] 137 Magnetic Sensor

[0124] 139 Fifth Prominence

[0125] 141 permanent magnet

[0126] 143 Guide Rail

[0127] 145 other magnetic elements 147 second magnetic sensor 149 first signal level 151 second signal level 153 first time period

[0128] 155 Second Time Period

[0129] 157 The third time period

[0130] 159 Fourth time period 161 Other permanent magnets 200 Clothing care system.

Claims

1. A clothing care system (200), comprising a clothing care device (100), a filter unit (115) and a filter housing (109) capable of receiving the filter unit (115), wherein the clothing care device (100) has a control system (107), a lye container (105) for receiving washing liquid, a pumping line (111) fluidically connected to the lye container (105) and a pump (113), wherein the pump is configured to pump the washing liquid out of the lye container (105) and through A pumping line (111) is pumped out from the clothing care device (100), wherein the pumping line (111) has a pumping line section (111-1), wherein the pumped washing liquid flows in the filter housing (109) to the downstream of the pumping line section (111-1), wherein the filter unit (115) is configured to filter the washing liquid pumped out through the pumping line section (111-1) in the filter housing (109) to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the washing liquid, characterized in that: The clothing care system (200) comprises a detection device, wherein the detection device is configured to: when the filter unit (115) is received in the filter housing (109), the detection device switches to a first switching state; when the filter unit (115) is not received in the filter housing (109), the detection device switches to a second switching state; The control system (107) of the clothing care device (100) is configured to allow activation of the pump (113) during a clothing care program of the clothing care device (100) based on a first switching state of the detection device, and to prohibit activation of the pump (113) during a clothing care program of the clothing care device (100) based on a second switching state of the detection device.

2. The clothing care system (200) according to claim 1, characterized in that: The detection device is configured to switch to a first switching state when the filter unit (115) is received in a predetermined position in the filter housing (109), and to switch to a second switching state when the filter unit (115) is not received in the predetermined position in the filter housing (109).

3. The clothing care system (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The filter housing (109) can be closed by a filter cover (119), wherein the filter unit (115) comprises an element configured to apply a force to the filter housing (109) that acts opposite to a predetermined insertion direction (117) of the filter unit (115) into the filter housing (109), wherein the filter cover (119) is configured in the closed state to counteract the force of the element.

4. The clothing care system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The detection device comprises a switching element arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing (109), wherein a protrusion (123), in particular a pin, a cam or a contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), wherein the surface of the filter housing (109) has an opening, wherein the protrusion (123) of the filter unit (115) is configured to operate a contact element (125) of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing (109).

5. The clothing care system (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The projection of the filter unit is configured to manipulate the contact element (125) of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing (109) in order to electrically connect two electrical contacts (127) of the contact element (125) and switch the detection device into a first switching state, The contact element (125) is configured such that, when the contact element (125) of the detection device is not contacted, two electrical contacts (127) of the contact element (125) are electrically interrupted, in particular by means of a contact element spring (129) connected to the contact element (125), so as to switch the detection device to a second switching state.

6. The clothing care system (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The projection (123) of the filter unit is configured to manipulate the contact element (125) of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing (109) in order to electrically interrupt two electrical contacts (127) of the contact element (125) and switch the detection device into a first switching state, The contact element (125) is configured such that, when the contact element of the detection device is not contacted, two electrical contacts of the contact element (125) are electrically connected, in particular by means of a contact element spring (129) connected to the contact element, so as to switch the detection device to a second switching state.

7. The clothing care system (200) according to claim 4, characterized in that: The projection (125) of the filter unit is configured to manipulate the contact element (125) of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing (109) so as to electrically connect two electrical contacts (127) of the contact element (125) and electrically disconnect two other electrical contacts (133) of the contact element (125) and switch the detection device to a first switching state, The contact element (125) is configured such that, when the contact element (125) of the detection device is not contacted, two electrical contacts (127) of the contact element (125) are electrically interrupted and two other electrical contacts (133) of the contact element (125) are electrically connected, in particular by means of a contact element spring (129) connected to the contact element, so as to switch the detection device to a second switching state.

8. The clothing care system (200) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that: At least one second protrusion, in particular at least one second pin, at least one second cam or at least one second contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), the second protrusion being spaced apart from the protrusion (123) along the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the at least one second protrusion of the filter unit (115) is configured to manipulate the contact element (125) of the switching element through an opening of the filter housing (109) to generate at least one first signal of the detection device, wherein the control system (107) of the clothing care device (100) is configured to allow activation of the pump (113) during a clothing care program of the clothing care device (100) based on the first switching state and at least the first signal of the detection device.

9. The clothing care system (200) according to any one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that: The detection device comprises a further switching element arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing (109), wherein the surface of the filter housing (109) has a further opening which is spaced apart from the opening at an angle, in particular perpendicularly, to the predetermined insertion direction (117) of the filter unit (115), wherein a third protrusion, in particular a third pin, a third cam or a third contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), the third protrusion being spaced apart from the protrusion (123) at an angle to the predetermined insertion direction (117), in particular perpendicularly, wherein the third protrusion of the filter unit (115) is configured to manipulate other contact elements of the other switching elements through other openings of the filter housing (109) to generate a second signal of the detection device, wherein the control system (107) of the clothing care device (100) is configured to allow activation of the pump (113) during a clothing care program of the clothing care device (100) based on the first switching state and the second signal of the detection device.

10. The clothing care system (200) according to claim 9, characterized in that: At least one fourth protrusion, in particular at least one fourth pin, at least one fourth cam or at least one fourth contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), the fourth protrusion being spaced apart from the third protrusion along the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the at least one fourth protrusion of the filter unit (115) is configured to manipulate the other contact element of the other switching element through the other opening of the filter housing (109) so as to generate at least one third signal of the detection device, wherein the control system (107) of the clothing care device (100) is configured to allow activation of the pump (113) during a clothing care program of the clothing care device (100) based on the first switching state and at least the third signal of the detection device.

11. The clothing care system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The detection device comprises a magnetic sensor (137), in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor, wherein a magnetic element (135), in particular a ferromagnetic element or a permanent magnet, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115). The magnetic sensor (137) is configured to detect the approach of the magnetic element (135) to the magnetic sensor (137) so as to switch the detection device to a first switching state.

12. The clothing care system (200) according to claim 11, characterized in that: At least one further magnetic element (145), in particular a further ferromagnetic element or another permanent magnet, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), wherein the further magnetic element (145) is spaced apart from the magnetic element (135) along the predetermined insertion direction (117), The magnetic sensor (137) is configured to detect the proximity of the other magnetic element (145) to the magnetic sensor (137) so as to generate at least one fourth signal of the detection device, wherein the control system (107) of the clothing care device (100) is configured to allow activation of the pump (113) during a clothing care program of the clothing care device (100) based on the first switching state and at least the fourth signal of the detection device.

13. The clothing care system (200) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The magnetic sensor (137) is arranged in a recessed portion of the surface of the filter housing (109), the recessed portion extending into the interior of the filter housing (109), wherein the magnetic element (135) is arranged at a groove of the filter unit (115), in particular annularly surrounding the groove, wherein when the filter unit (115) is inserted into the filter housing (109), the recessed portion of the surface of the filter housing (109) fits into the groove of the filter unit (115).

14. The clothing care system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The filter unit (115) has a fifth projection (139), in particular a pin or a cam, which is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), wherein the permanent magnet (141) is supported movably on the inner surface of the filter housing (109), in particular on a guide rail (143), along a predetermined insertion direction (117) of the filter unit (115) into the filter housing (109), wherein an elastic element, in particular an elastic element consisting of a ferromagnetic element, is arranged on the inner surface of the filter housing (109), the elastic element being configured to move the permanent magnet (141) counter to the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the fifth protrusion (139) of the filter unit (115) is configured to move the permanent magnet (141) along the predetermined insertion direction (117) when the filter unit (115) is inserted into the filter housing (109), wherein the detection device comprises a second magnetic sensor (147), in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor, The second magnetic sensor (147) is configured to detect the approach of the permanent magnet (141) to the second magnetic sensor (147) so as to switch the detection device to a first switching state.

15. The clothing care system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that The detection device comprises at least one sensor element, which is configured to detect sensor data, wherein the detection device is configured to switch to a first switching state based on the sensor data, wherein the sensor element is configured to detect the sensor data: measuring the flow resistance and / or pressure of the washing liquid, in particular the flow resistance and / or pressure in the pump (113); measuring the conductivity of the electrical components of the filter unit (115); capacitively measuring the displacement of the filter unit (115) in the filter housing (109); inductively measuring the filter unit (115), in particular the inductive element of the filter unit (115); and / or optically detecting the filter unit (115) in the filter housing (109), in particular a plurality of protrusions of the filter unit (115).

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