Filter system and laundry treatment unit

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter device designed for removable installation in a working position on or in a laundry treatment machine (1) and comprising a filter housing (6), wherein the filter housing (6) defines a filter chamber (5) for receiving at least one filter element (4), which, when the filter device (3) is arranged in the working position on or in the laundry treatment machine (1), serves to filter process fluid from the laundry treatment machine (1). The filter housing (6) has at least one through-opening (7) which opens into the filter chamber (5). A valve (14) is arranged at each of the at least one through-opening (7), which opens the at least one through-opening (7) in a first switching state and closes the at least one through-opening (7) in a second switching state.Each valve (14) can be switched to a second switching state by external action on the filter device (3) in order to set the second switching state of each valve (14) when the filter device (3) is in the working position on or in the laundry treatment device (1), whereas each valve (14) automatically assumes the first switching state in the absence of external action.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a filter device designed for removable installation in a working position on or in a laundry treatment device, in particular a washing machine or washer-dryer, and comprising a filter housing, wherein the filter housing defines a filter chamber for receiving at least one filter element, which, when the filter device is installed in the working position on or in the laundry treatment device, serves to filter process fluid of the laundry treatment device, and wherein the filter housing has at least one through-opening which opens into the filter chamber. The invention further relates to a laundry treatment device with the aforementioned filter device.

[0002] Due to the increasing environmental pollution with microplastics, a wide variety of measures are being taken to reduce or avoid microplastics. Modern laundry equipment often incorporates filter systems that remove microplastics from the pumped-out water or washing solution. This reduces the amount of microplastics in wastewater when washing synthetic clothing. In most cases, the filter system of a laundry machine can be removed for cleaning or replacement.

[0003] EP 3 839 128 A1 discloses a washing machine with a housing and a fluid system designed for conveying a process fluid in the form of water or washing lye. The washing machine has a detergent dispenser that can be removed from the washing machine housing. A filter unit is also housed within the detergent dispenser housing. This filter unit is designed, when the detergent dispenser is in its operating position, to filter synthetic fibers and thus microplastics from the process fluid passing through it. The filter unit has a through-opening through which process fluid can be supplied or discharged.

[0004] Based on the prior art described above, the object of the present invention is to provide a filter device through which process fluid of a laundry treatment device can be reliably filtered, in particular for the removal of microplastics, wherein the filter device should be able to be removed from a working position on or in the laundry treatment device with the best possible handling.

[0005] This problem is solved starting from the preamble of claim 1 in conjunction with its characterizing features. The subsequent dependent claims each describe advantageous embodiments of the invention. A laundry treatment device in which a filter device according to the invention can be removed is further the subject of claims 11 to 14.

[0006] According to the invention, a filter device, which is designed for removable installation in a working position on or in a laundry treatment device, in particular a washing machine or a washer-dryer, comprises a filter housing. The filter housing defines a filter chamber for receiving at least one filter element, which, when the filter device is installed in its working position on or in the laundry treatment device, serves to filter process fluid from the laundry treatment device. Furthermore, the filter housing has at least one through-opening that opens into the filter chamber.

[0007] The filter device according to the invention is therefore intended for use in a laundry treatment machine, to be arranged on or in the laundry treatment machine in a working position in which process fluid can be filtered via the filter device, in particular to filter out microplastics from the process fluid. The filter device has a filter housing which forms a filter chamber. The filter chamber is designed to accommodate at least one filter element. In addition, the filter housing has at least one through-opening that opens into the filter chamber and through which process fluid can be supplied to or discharged from the filter chamber.Accordingly, the at least one through-opening in the filter device allows for an exchange of process fluid, either in the form of process fluid flowing in from the outside into the filter chamber or in the form of process fluid flowing out of the filter chamber.

[0008] The filter device comprises one or more filter elements for filtration, preferably designed as microfilters. According to the invention, at least one filter element is specifically designed for separating microplastics from the process fluid to be filtered. Within the scope of the invention, the at least one filter element can be accommodated in the filter housing as a replaceable filter cartridge.

[0009] The invention further comprises the technical teaching that a valve is arranged at each of the at least one through-opening, which opens the at least one through-opening in a first switching state and closes the at least one through-opening in a second switching state. Each valve can be moved into the second switching state by external action on the filter device in order to set the second switching state when the filter device is arranged in the working position on or in the laundry treatment device, whereas, in the absence of external action, each valve automatically assumes the first switching state.

[0010] In other words, in the filter device according to the invention, a valve is placed in the area of ​​each of the at least one through-opening, and each valve can be in a first switching state and a second switching state. In the first switching state, each valve allows process fluid to flow through the at least one through-opening, while in the second switching state, each valve closes the at least one through-opening and thus prevents the flow of process fluid through it. Each valve can be actuated externally, thereby switching it to its second switching state. Without external action, each valve remains in its first switching state.

[0011] This type of filter design offers the advantage of reliably filtering process fluids, particularly those from laundry treatment equipment. Specifically, it allows for the removal of microplastics that may have contaminated the process fluid during the treatment of synthetic laundry. The removable design of the filter allows for easy replacement of components, such as filter elements, and cleaning of the entire unit, ensuring its continued reliable operation. The substances removed from the process fluid by the filter can then be disposed of.Furthermore, the single valve significantly improves handling when removing the filter assembly, as the at least one through-opening is closed by the valve when no external force is applied to it, i.e., after the filter assembly has been moved out of its working position. This prevents any residual liquid remaining in the filter assembly from dripping and leaking out during and after removal. Consequently, when using the filter assembly according to the invention in a laundry treatment machine, the risk of slipping, which could otherwise be caused by leaked residual liquid, is eliminated.

[0012] Within the scope of the invention, the arrangement of each valve at the at least one through-opening is understood to mean that each valve is positioned in the region of the at least one through-opening such that, in a first switching state of each valve, the at least one through-opening can be opened for the supply or discharge of process fluid, and in a second switching state of each valve, the at least one through-opening can be closed. Depending on the specific embodiment of each valve, it can also be positioned at least partially within the at least one through-opening.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filter housing also forms a detergent dispenser for the laundry treatment machine, in that the filter housing defines at least one chamber, in addition to the filter chamber, for receiving detergent and / or laundry aids, such as solid detergent, liquid detergent, and / or fabric softener. This has the advantage that, to remove the filter unit from its working position on or in the laundry treatment machine, the detergent dispenser formed by the filter housing is removed, thus eliminating the need for an additional removal opening on the laundry treatment machine beyond the designated area for the detergent dispenser. Furthermore, a detergent dispenser in a laundry treatment machine is typically located at a height that allows for convenient removal.According to the invention, a valve can be provided at each outlet opening of the at least one chamber, analogous to the at least one through-opening of the filter device. This valve closes the respective outlet opening of the at least one chamber when the detergent dispenser is removed from the laundry treatment machine. This also prevents any residual liquid from dripping out of the at least one chamber.

[0014] As an alternative to the aforementioned embodiment, the filter housing is designed for detachable mounting on a feed tray of the laundry treatment machine. This allows the filter housing, which holds the at least one filter element, to be positioned within the feed tray of the laundry treatment machine, enabling removal of the filter housing and thus also the filter unit directly from the feed tray. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for a separate removal opening on the laundry treatment machine, as the feed tray of a laundry treatment machine is typically located at a height that allows for easy access. Preferably, the filter housing is designed in a tray-like shape. This ensures reliable retention of a filter element and also of substances separated from the process fluid by the filter unit.The filter housing is thus designed as a collection or collecting tray.

[0015] According to one embodiment of the invention, the at least one through-opening forms a drain through which, when the filter device is arranged in the working position on or in the laundry treatment device, process fluid can be discharged from the filter chamber.

[0016] In a further embodiment of the invention, each valve can be manually switched to its first switching state from outside the filter housing. Advantageously, this allows a person removing the filter unit from its working position on or in the laundry treatment machine to selectively drain or rinse away residual liquid or substances separated by the filter unit at a suitable location via the at least one through-opening. For example, each valve can be manually switched to its first switching state over a sink.

[0017] According to one embodiment of the invention, the filter housing has several through-openings, each equipped with a valve. This allows for reliable sealing of the filter assembly when it is removed from its working position on or in the laundry treatment machine, even with multiple through-openings through which process fluid can be exchanged. This prevents residual fluid from leaking out through the through-openings. The multiple through-openings also allow for faster exchange of process fluid while the filter assembly is in its working position on or in the laundry treatment machine.

[0018] In a further development of the aforementioned design option, the valves are combined into a valve assembly in which they can be switched together between the first and second switching states. Advantageously, this allows for the simple release of the multiple through-openings when the filter assembly is positioned in its operating position on or in the laundry treatment machine. This may require only a single release element, which is activated externally by the laundry treatment machine. Alternatively, and preferably additionally, the multiple through-openings are arranged in a structure, particularly a perforated structure.

[0019] According to one embodiment of the invention, each valve has a valve body which is movably guided between the first switching state and the second switching state. In the second switching state, the valve body rests against its associated valve seat, thereby closing the at least one through-opening. In the first switching state, the valve body is moved out of its associated valve seat. This provides a suitable design for each valve. Preferably, each valve body is biased into the second switching state by an associated spring element and rigidly coupled to an actuating element, which allows the valve body to be moved into the first switching state against the force of the associated spring element.

[0020] In a further development of the aforementioned embodiment, each valve body is connected to an actuating element that projects outwards from the filter housing and through which external influence can be applied to each valve. This allows for simple external control of each valve.

[0021] The invention further relates to a laundry treatment device comprising a housing and a filter unit configured according to one or more of the variants described above. The filter unit can be removablely arranged on or in the housing of the laundry treatment device in the working position in which filtering of process fluid from the laundry treatment device is possible via the filter unit.

[0022] The laundry treatment device according to the invention, which is preferably a washing machine or a washer-dryer, has a housing on or in which the filter device according to the invention can be placed in a working position and can also be moved out of this working position and thus removed from or into the housing. In the working position, the filter device can filter process fluid of the laundry treatment device, wherein the process fluid is a liquid used in the laundry treatment device for cleaning laundry items. Preferably, the process fluid is water or washing lye, and the process fluid can be present as water and as washing lye in different process steps of a laundry treatment.Filtering the process fluid via the filter device can take place during a closed-loop circulation of the process fluid within the laundry treatment unit, by passing the process fluid through the filter device at least temporarily during this circulation. Alternatively, filtering can also be carried out before the process fluid is discharged, particularly when pumped out of the laundry treatment unit, by passing the process fluid through the filter device during discharge.

[0023] Within the scope of the invention, it would be conceivable that if the filter element is missing or incorrectly inserted into the filter housing of the filter device, it is not possible to place the filter device in the working position on or in the laundry treatment device.

[0024] When positioned in its operating position, the filter device is preferably integrated into a fluid system of the laundry treatment machine. This system provides a supply of process fluid to be filtered to the filter device and also allows for the return of the filtered process fluid. According to the invention, the fluid system can implement a closed-loop system, in which process fluid is circulated within the laundry treatment machine via a tubing container and, during this circulation, is at least temporarily directed to the filter device for filtration. Alternatively, the fluid system can also function as a drain system, through which process fluid is drained from the laundry treatment machine after the laundry treatment has been completed or after a laundry treatment step has been completed, and is thereby directed to the filter device for filtration.In this case, the process fluid filtered via the filter device is preferably discharged into a pumping line of the laundry treatment device.

[0025] Preferably, the housing is designed with a release element which, when the filter unit is placed on or in the housing in its operating position, acts on the respective valve of the filter unit and switches it to its first switching state. This allows for a simple transition of the respective valve to its first switching state when the filter unit is placed in its operating position. The release element can act on the respective valve vertically, horizontally, or at an angle. The release element is preferably formed by the housing of the laundry treatment device itself or by a component attached to it, and is therefore particularly stationary.

[0026] According to one embodiment of the invention, a device is also provided by which at least one of the respective switching states of each valve can be detected. This allows for the detection of correct placement of the filter device in the working position on or in the housing of the laundry treatment device and / or incorrect placement of the filter device, and, if necessary, provides corresponding feedback to an operator. Furthermore, operation of the laundry treatment device can also be prevented, interrupted, or terminated if necessary.

[0027] Advantageous embodiments of the invention, which are explained below, are illustrated in the drawings. It shows: Fig. 1 to 4 schematic views of a laundry treatment device according to a first embodiment of the invention; Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 schematic representations of a laundry treatment device according to a second embodiment of the invention; Fig. Figures 7 and 8 show schematic views of a first possible modification of the variants of Fig. 1 to 6; and Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Schematic representations of a second possible modification of the variants of Fig. 1 to 6.

[0028] From the Fig. Figures 1 to 4 show different views of a part of a laundry treatment device 1 according to a first embodiment of the invention. The laundry treatment device 1 has a housing 2 and is designed in this case as a washing machine in which laundry items placed in the laundry treatment device 1 can be treated in a manner known in principle to those skilled in the art.

[0029] During the treatment of the laundry items, they come into contact with process fluid for cleaning. Depending on the treatment step, this fluid can be either washing lye or pure water. The process fluid is pumped out of the laundry treatment unit 1 after completion of certain process steps, in a manner also known to those skilled in the art. To at least reduce the microplastic contamination of the pumped-out wastewater when treating synthetic laundry items, the laundry treatment unit 1 is equipped with a filter device 3, which can separate out microparticles and thus microplastics.The filtration of the process fluid via the filter device 3 takes place in the laundry treatment unit 1 either in a circuit in which the process fluid circulates between the filter device 3 and a tubing container of the laundry treatment unit 1, or directly before a drain line into which the process fluid to be discharged is pumped. For the filtration of the process fluid, the filter device 3 is to be arranged in the housing 2 of the laundry treatment unit 1 in a working position in which the filter device 3 is in the . Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 is shown in each case.

[0030] As in the Fig. As can be seen in Figures 1 to 4, the filter device 3 comprises at least one filter element 4, which is a microfilter and is housed in a filter chamber 5. The filter chamber 5 is formed by a filter housing 6, and the at least one filter element 4 may be arranged in the filter chamber 5 of the filter housing 6 as a removable filter cartridge. In addition to an inlet opening (not shown here), the filter housing 6 also has an outlet opening 7, which forms an outlet 8 of the filter device 3. While process fluid to be filtered is supplied to the filter device 3 via the inlet in the operating position, filtered process fluid can flow out via the outlet 8 in the operating position of the filter device 3. The outlet 8 is preferably located at the lowest point of the filter housing 6 when installed.

[0031] The filter housing 6 of the filter unit 3 also forms a feed tray 9 of the laundry treatment device 1, in that the filter housing 6 defines several chambers 10, 11 and 12 in addition to the filter chamber 5, each of which is intended for receiving detergent and / or washing aids, such as solid or liquid detergent or fabric softener.

[0032] In this case, the filter housing 6, and thus also the filter assembly 3 and the induction tray 9, can be completely removed from the housing 2 of the laundry treatment device 1 in order to clean or replace the at least one filter element 4 in the filter assembly 3, or to remove substances separated by the at least one filter element 4 and accumulated in the filter chamber 5. For this purpose, the filter housing 6 is pulled out of a receiving area 13 of the housing 2, as shown in Fig. 3 is indicated, and ultimately taken from housing 2.

[0033] Since residual liquid remaining in the filter chamber 5 could escape via the drain 8 when the removed filter housing 6 is pulled out and also during subsequent handling, a valve 14 is provided in the drain 8 as a special feature. In the working position of the filter unit 3, this valve allows process liquid to flow out via the drain 8, but closes the drain 8 when the working position is left. The valve 14 comprises a valve body 15, which is movably guided and biased against a valve seat 17 by a spring element 16. The valve seat 17 is defined by the filter housing 6 around the drain 8. The valve body 15 is also rigidly connected to an actuating element 18, which allows the valve 14 to protrude outwards from the drain 8 relative to the filter housing 6.

[0034] Valve 14 is in its working position in a first switching state, which is in Fig. Figure 1 shows the first switching state. In this initial state, the valve body 15 is lifted out of the valve seat 17 against the spring element 16, in order to allow the flow of filtered process fluid via the outlet 8 in the operating position of the filter unit 3. The lifting of the valve body 15 is effected by the actuating element 8, which is moved against the spring element 16 by means of a release element 19 and, due to the rigid coupling, carries the valve body 15 along with it against the spring element 16. The release element 19 is fixed to the housing 2 of the laundry treatment device 1 and is provided with a contour against which the actuating element 18 engages when the filter housing 6 is inserted into the receiving area 13 into the operating position of the filter unit 3 in the insertion direction.This results in a horizontal actuation of the actuating element 18 via the release element 19 and translates it into a vertical actuating movement of the actuating element 18.

[0035] As the filter assembly 3 moves out of its working position, the valve body 15 is moved into the valve seat 17 via the spring element 16 due to the loss of contact between the actuating element 18 and the release element 19, thus establishing a second switching state for the valve 14. In this second switching state, which is Fig. 3 and also Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the valve body 15 then closes the drain 8 and also seals it due to its contact with the valve seat 17. This results in, as shown in Fig. As indicated in section 4, this prevents residual liquid from escaping from the filter chamber 5. However, a device may also be provided in the area of ​​the actuating element 18 to manually return the valve 14 to its first switching state even after it has left its working position, thereby allowing the residual liquid to drain away in a controlled manner, for example, over a sink.

[0036] Furthermore, the Fig. 5 and Fig. Six schematic representations of a laundry treatment device 20 according to a second embodiment of the invention. This laundry treatment device 20 largely corresponds to the previous variant according to the Fig. 1 to 4, with the difference that a filter housing 21 of the filter unit 3 is now designed as a bowl-shaped housing part that can be inserted into and separated from another housing part 22. The other housing part 22 forms a dispensing tray 23 of the laundry treatment unit 20. As already in the variant according to the Fig. 1 to 4, the filter housing 21 has a through-opening 7 in the form of a drain 8 and a valve 14 provided therein. In this respect and with regard to the transition of the valve 14 between its switching states by interaction with a release element 19, the design option according to the Fig. 5 and Fig. 6 of the variant according to the Fig. 1 to 4, so that reference is made to what is described here.

[0037] Furthermore, it is evident from the Fig. 7 and Fig. Figure 8 presents a first possible modification of the two variants described above. In this modification, several through-openings 24 in the respective filter housing 6 or 21 are designed as drains 25, the drains 25 being arranged in a hole pattern, as shown in particular in Fig. 8 can be recognized. Each of the processes 25 is assigned a valve 26 with a valve body 27, the valves 26 being grouped into a valve assembly 28 by connecting the valve bodies 27 to a common actuating element 29 and biasing them against a respective valve seat 31 via a common spring element 30. The common actuating element 29, in conjunction with the release element 19, enables the simultaneous movement of all valves 26 from their second switching states to their first switching states.

[0038] Finally, the Fig. 9A and Fig. 9B Schematic views of a second possible modification of the variant according to the Fig. 1 to 6, whereby this second variation is combined with the first variation according to the Fig. 7 and Fig. 8 could be combined. Different from the configurations according to the Fig. In 1 to 6, the respective actuating element 18 of the respective valve 14 is not actuated horizontally, but rather the actuating element 18 is actuated vertically via a fixed release element 32 when the filter device 3 is placed in the working position.

[0039] Using the inventive embodiments of a laundry treatment device, the filtering of process fluid via a removable filter device can be reliably designed, whereby the removal of the filter device can be carried out with good handling. List of reference symbols: 1 laundry treatment machine 2 housings 3 Filter system 4 filter element 5 Filter chamber 6 filter housings 7 Passage opening 8 Procedure 9 detergent dispenser 10 chambers 11th Chamber 12th Chamber 13 Recording area 14 valve 15 valve bodies 16 spring element 17 Valve seat 18 Actuating element 19 Trigger element 20 Laundry treatment machine 21 filter housings 22 Housing part 23 detergent dispenser 24 passage opening 25 processes 26 valves 27 Valve bodies 28 Valve assembly 29 Actuator 30 spring element 31 Valve seat 32 Trigger element QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] EP 3 839 128 A1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Filter device (3) which is provided for a removable arrangement in a working position on or in a laundry treatment appliance (1; 20), in particular a washing machine or a washer-dryer, and which comprises a filter housing (6; 21), wherein the filter housing (6; 21) defines a filter space (5) for receiving at least one filter element (4) which, when the filter device (3) is arranged in the working position on or in the laundry treatment appliance (1; 20), serves to filter process liquid of the laundry treatment appliance (1; 20), and wherein the filter housing (6; 21) has at least one through-opening (7; 24) which opens into the filter space (5), characterized byin that a valve (14; 26) is arranged on each of the at least one through-openings (7; 24), which opens the at least one through-opening (7; 24) in a first switching state and closes the at least one through-opening (7; 24) in a second switching state, and in that each of the valves (14; 26) can be converted into the second switching state by external influence on the filter device (3) in order to set the second switching state for each of the valves (14; 26) when the filter device (3) is arranged in the working position on or in the laundry treatment appliance (1; 20), whereas each of the valves (14; 26) automatically assumes the first switching state in the absence of external influence. [2] Filter device (3) according to claim 1, characterized bythat the filter housing (6) also forms a dispensing tray (9) for the laundry treatment appliance (1), in that the filter housing (6) defines at least one chamber (10, 11, 12) in addition to the filter space (5) for each receiving detergent and / or washing aid. [3] Filter device (3) according to claim 1, characterized by that the filter housing (21) is provided for detachable mounting on a dispenser tray (23) of the laundry treatment appliance (20). [4] Filter device (3) according to claim 3, characterized by that the filter housing (21) is designed like a bowl. [5] Filter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the at least one through-opening (7; 24) forms a respective outlet (8; 25) via which process liquid can be discharged from the filter chamber (5) when the filter device (3) is arranged in the working position on or in the laundry treatment appliance (1; 20). [6] Filter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that each valve (14; 26) can be manually transferred from outside the filter housing (6; 21) into the first switching state. [7] Filter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the filter housing (6; 21) has a plurality of through openings (24), at each of which a valve (26) is provided. [8] Filter device (3) according to claim 7, characterized by that the valves (26) are combined to form a valve device (28) in which the valves (26) can be transferred jointly between the first switching states and the second switching states. [9] Filter device (3) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized byin that each valve (14; 26) has a valve body (15; 27) which is movably guided between the respective first switching state and the respective second switching state, wherein each valve body (15; 27) in the respective second switching state bears against a respective associated valve seat (17; 31) and thereby closes the at least one through-opening (7; 24), whereas each valve body (15; 27) in the respective first switching state is moved out of the respective associated valve seat (17; 31). [10] Filter device (3) according to claim 9, characterized by in that each valve body (15; 27) is connected to an actuating element (18; 29) which projects outwards relative to the filter housing (6; 21) and via which the external influence on each valve (14; 26) can be introduced. [11] Laundry treatment appliance (1; 20), in particular a washing machine or washer-dryer, comprising a housing (2) and a filter device (3) according to one or more of claims 1 to 10, wherein the filter device (3) can be removably arranged on or in the housing (2) of the laundry treatment appliance (1; 20) in the working position in which a filtering of process liquid of the laundry treatment appliance (1; 20) can be carried out via the filter device (3). [12] Laundry treatment appliance (1; 20) according to claim 11, characterized by that on the side of the housing (2) a trigger element (19; 32) is designed which, when the filter device (3) is placed on or in the housing (2) in the working position, acts on the respective valve (14; 26) of the filter device (3) and transfers this into the respective first switching state. [13] Laundry treatment appliance (1; 20) according to claim 12, characterized bythat each trigger element (19; 32) acts vertically, horizontally or obliquely on each valve (14; 26). [14] Laundry treatment appliance according to one of claims 11 to 13, characterized by that a device is also provided by means of which at least one of the respective switching states of each valve can be detected.

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