Water-bearing laundry treatment device with a wringing device in a filter device

Abstract

The invention relates to a water-bearing laundry treatment device 1, comprising a first filter device 22 arranged in a drainage channel 23 of the water-bearing laundry treatment device 1, with a filter element 24 for separating microplastic particles from an aqueous liquid 7, and a second filter device 4 with a filter bag 6 for receiving a moist mass 25 containing microplastic particles separated from the filter element 24, wherein a pressing device 10, 15, 31, 32 for the filter bag 6 is arranged above the filter bag 6, which has a flexible and elastic membrane 31, a compressed air connection 15 and a lid 32, wherein the membrane 31 is attached to the lid 32 via a frame 33, and wherein the pressing device is equipped with a device 20, 30, 34, 36 which prevents the membrane 31 from sagging after a completed compression step.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a water-conducting laundry treatment appliance with a squeezing device in a filter device.

[0002] The problem of microplastics is of great importance, as their distribution has been observed even in remote ocean regions and marine life. Microplastics can be generated or spread in various ways, for example, through tire wear, through the use of cleaning products and cosmetics, and even during the treatment of laundry. For example, laundry appliances such as washing machines, washer-dryers, and dryers release small particles, particularly lint and other plastic particles, from the laundry being treated.

[0003] The development and integration of a technical system for cleaning the wastewater of microplastic particles in washing machines is therefore of great importance. The wastewater or exhaust air from laundry treatment machines should be able to be cleaned of microplastic particles, preferably over multiple wash cycles without customer intervention. Work is underway on retention systems for microplastic emissions.

[0004] The publication WO 2020 / 200453A1 describes a filter device with a filter housing for removing particles and fibers, in particular microfibers, from washing water in a washing drum of a washing machine, wherein the filter housing forms and comprises a filter chamber for a filter medium - fastening means designed for releasably fastening the filter housing with a bottom side to a moving or static support of the washing machine in the washing drum, on which the washing water moves alternately in a first and an opposite second direction during a washing process, - at least one first and one opposite second inlet opening in a side wall of the filter housing, wherein the side wall extends between the bottom and a top of the filter housing, and - means for opening and closing the inlet openings, the side wall extending between the bottom and a top of the filter housing, and means for opening and closing the inlet openings, wherein the means for opening and closing the inlet openings are designed to open the first inlet opening and close the second inlet opening when the washing water moves in the first direction, and to open the second inlet opening and close the first inlet opening when the washing water moves in the second direction, and - an outlet region which is at least partially permeable to water, the outlet region being arranged such that washing water entering through the first or second inlet opening passes through a filter device inserted into the filter compartment and leaves the filter housing through the outlet region.

[0005] The publication EP 3 655 365 B1 describes a filter for cleaning a fluid, preferably water, preferably in washing machines and drying machines for textiles and clothing, from microfibers, the filter comprising: - a filter cartridge with: - at least one partially open wall to allow fluid communication between the inside of the filter cartridge and the outside of the filter cartridge, - a filter membrane, preferably a removable filter membrane, which, preferably removable, forms part of the at least one partially open wall of the filter cartridge, - at least one movable internal filter contained in the filter cartridge and movable therein against the filter membrane, whereby a partial self-cleaning of the filter membrane by the movable internal filter takes place; - filter cartridge housing with at least one opening for inserting and / or removing the fluid cartridge and at least one opening for the fluid outlet; - Fluid inlet, preferably removable fluid inlet, wherein the fluid inlet is in fluid communication with the inner part of the filter cartridge, wherein the fluid inlet, preferably removable, forms part of the filter cartridge housing; - Lid, preferably removable lid.

[0006] When filtering liquids containing microplastics, in addition to the actual filtration, the treatment of the filtered-off microplastics is important. The filtered-off microplastics generally form a more or less moist coating on an inserted filter element. For further treatment, this coating is generally either rinsed or scraped off and transferred to a suitable particle storage device (herein also referred to as a "second filter device"), which is filled more or less quickly.

[0007] Against this background, the object of the present invention was to provide a water-based laundry treatment appliance that enables the effective treatment and storage of a separated moist microplastic mass from a previous filtration, i.e., moist microplastic particles. In particular, the laundry treatment appliance should enable efficient and convenient compaction when using filter bags in the particle storage unit. At the same time, the most gentle and trouble-free operation of a squeezing device used in the laundry treatment appliance should be possible.

[0008] This object is achieved according to the invention by a water-conducting laundry treatment appliance having the features of the independent patent claim. Preferred embodiments of the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance according to the invention are listed in the dependent patent claims.

[0009] The subject matter of the invention is therefore a water-conducting laundry treatment appliance, comprising a first filter device arranged in a drainage channel of the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance, said first filter device having a filter element for separating microplastic particles from an aqueous liquid, and a second filter device having a filter bag for receiving a moist mass containing microplastic particles and separated from the filter element, wherein a squeezing device for the filter bag is arranged above the filter bag, said squeezing device having a flexible and elastic membrane, a compressed air connection and a lid, wherein the membrane is fastened to the lid via a frame, and wherein the squeezing device is equipped with a device which prevents the membrane from sagging after a compression step has ended.

[0010] While a first filtration is carried out in the first filter device, the particles collected therein are transferred to the second filter device, which is therefore also referred to as a secondary filter or particle storage device.

[0011] The membrane is generally connected to the lid via a frame. The frame can be connected to the lid in various ways, for example, as a single-piece part using two-component injection molding. It is also possible to cut a membrane to size and then insert it into the frame, with attachment being achieved, for example, by adhesive and / or screw connections. The membrane generally has a thickness in the range of 0.5 to 1 mm.

[0012] According to the invention, a water-conducting laundry treatment appliance is preferred in which the device that prevents the membrane from sagging after a completed compression step comprises at least one magnet arranged on the lid and at least one ferromagnetic sheet arranged on the membrane. In this embodiment, it is preferred that a receiving unit for receiving the magnet is arranged on the lid. The ferromagnetic sheet is preferably sheet steel, while the magnet is preferably a ferrite magnet or a neodymium magnet. The ferromagnetic sheet is generally attached to the side of the membrane facing the lid. The membrane with the ferromagnetic sheet is attracted to and held by the magnet arranged on the lid, thus preventing excessive sagging of the membrane.

[0013] According to the invention, the lid is preferably designed in a trough-shaped manner, so that no problems arise during assembly, particularly when using a receiving unit for a magnet.

[0014] A water-conducting laundry treatment appliance is preferred in which the membrane has a holding device for the ferromagnetic sheet.

[0015] In an alternative embodiment of the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance, a device is used which includes a spring element, for example a tension spring or a leaf spring.

[0016] It is therefore preferred according to the invention that the spring element comprises a tension spring which is arranged between the membrane and the cover.

[0017] Alternatively, it is preferred according to the invention for the spring element to comprise a leaf spring arranged on the diaphragm. Generally, the leaf spring is straight in its unstressed state, when the diaphragm is not pressurized with compressed air. If the diaphragm expands when pressurized air is applied, the leaf spring follows this movement and bends to a maximum tension at the diaphragm's maximum expansion. After a compression step, the leaf spring, and with it the diaphragm, relaxes more or less quickly into the deflated state of the squeezing device.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance according to the invention, the stretchable membrane consists, for example, of EPDM, silicone, TPE, or thermoplastic elastomers (TPE). The frame is preferably made of polypropylene (PP).

[0019] The squeezing device is generally connected to a compressor via a pressure connection, allowing it to be filled with compressed air. The compressed air connection can be located at various points on the squeezing device, particularly on the side or on the lid.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment of the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance according to the invention, the compressed air connection is arranged in the lid.

[0021] The dispenser tray is used in particular for dispensing detergents or other treatment agents into a suds container of a water-conducting laundry treatment appliance.

[0022] In the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance according to the invention, the second filter device is preferably arranged next to a dispenser tray.

[0023] In this embodiment, the dispenser tray is preferably connected to the second filter device. The dispenser tray and second filter device can form a single-piece component, which can be manufactured, for example, by injection molding. Alternatively, the dispenser tray and second filter device can also be detachably connected to one another, e.g., by snapping them together.

[0024] Furthermore, it is preferred according to the invention for the second filter device to be arranged behind the dispenser tray. This means that a user of the water-conducting household appliance can first pull out the dispenser tray. If the dispenser tray and second filter device are connected, both can be pulled out together.

[0025] The second filter device preferably has an upper secondary filter part and a lower secondary filter part. Preferably, the lower secondary filter part is removable, while the upper secondary filter part remains in the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance.

[0026] According to the invention, a water-conducting laundry treatment appliance is therefore particularly preferred in which a lower secondary filter part of the second filter device is designed to be removable from the laundry treatment appliance. In particular, the filter bag is arranged in the lower secondary filter part. Preferably, a lid or the squeezing device are arranged in an upper secondary filter part of the second filter device that remains in the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance.

[0027] In the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance of the present invention, the filter element is preferably a cylindrical filter element and the first filter device is configured to rotate the cylindrical filter element such that a moist mass containing microplastic particles deposited on the filter element is spun off and conveyed through a conveying line into the second filter device due to a suitably generated flow.

[0028] For example, in the cylindrical filter element, a cylindrical filter surface can surround a cylindrical filter interior and an aqueous liquid to be filtered can flow radially into the cylindrical filter interior and leave it again in an axial direction.

[0029] As regards the cylindrical filter optionally used as a filter element, it is preferred according to the invention that the cylindrical filter has a mesh size in the range of 10 to 300 µm, preferably in the range of 30 to 70 µm and very particularly preferably in the range of 40 to 60 µm, for example 50 µm.

[0030] Finally, it is preferred according to the invention that a membrane connected to a frame is attached to the lid. The exact design will generally depend on the thickness and material of the membrane used. In any case, the membrane and frame, which are both generally made of a plastic, can be joined together by ultrasonic welding or gluing. In particular, joint injection molding of the frame and membrane using a suitable 2K process is also possible. The 2K component (lid with membrane) can be screwed or snapped onto the lid. In order to maintain an airtight space between the 2K component and the lid, the soft component generally also has a sealing geometry, i.e. a seal to the lid.

[0031] During operation of the water-based laundry treatment appliance according to the invention, the membrane, which expands and deforms when compressed air is applied to the squeezing device, generally moves downward toward the filter bag. This compresses and regenerates a filter bag filled with microplastic particles.

[0032] For example, a compression device filled with compressed air as the compression medium may empty slowly or retract upwards after a compression step is completed. To improve the device's function, for example, by reducing the distance between a magnet in the lid and a ferromagnetic sheet on the membrane, relaxation of the compression device can be supported or enabled by applying negative pressure, thereby increasing its effectiveness. In any case, the membrane is ultimately pulled upwards and held by the device in an upper position in which the compression device is not subjected to compressed air.

[0033] In any case, in a preferred embodiment of the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance according to the invention, a pump for pumping out the compressed air is connected to the squeezing device.

[0034] According to the invention, the moist mass containing microplastic particles is contained in a filter bag. The filter bag is preferably made of a plastic material suitable for the temperature and pressure conditions in the second filter device. To achieve space-saving compaction of the moist mass containing microplastic particles, the filter bag should be sufficiently permeable to water.

[0035] The water-based laundry treatment appliance is preferably selected from the group consisting of a washing machine and a washer-dryer. The aqueous liquid to be freed of microplastic particles by filtration is generally the washing solution used in a textile washing process.

[0036] If the laundry treatment appliance according to the invention is a washing machine or a washer-dryer, it generally also has a drum rotatably mounted in a tub for holding laundry items, as well as a water supply device. The latter can, for example, be a valve-controlled fresh water connection, with the valve preferably being controllable by the control unit.

[0037] The compressor is generally operated by an electric drive motor.

[0038] The invention has numerous advantages. Due to the reduced sagging of the membrane, the invention minimizes noise generated by a moving membrane during the washing or spinning process. Membrane relaxation over its lifetime is significantly reduced. Furthermore, it can be ensured that the membrane has completely returned to its original shape or movement after the squeezing process. Due to the absence or reduced sagging of the membrane, in embodiments of the invention, no damage to the membrane can occur when the dispenser tray is pulled out. Finally, faster release of the dispenser tray lock is possible because the membrane settles into its upper end position more quickly.The tightness of the dispensing device can be ensured, especially in the case of a welded construction and when using a sealing geometry on the membrane to the lid in a screw or snap-in construction. A device can be tested for tightness in its as-delivered condition.

[0039] The invention is illustrated below with reference to non-limiting embodiments of a second filter device usable according to the invention and a water-conducting laundry treatment appliance according to the invention, in this case a washing machine. Reference is made to the Fig. 1 to 10.

[0040] Fig. Figure 1 shows, in a non-limiting embodiment, a washing machine 1 as an example of a water-conducting laundry treatment appliance according to the invention. The washing machine 1 of Fig. 1 comprises a tub 2 in which a drum 3 is rotatably mounted and driven by a drive motor 5. Carriers 14 and scooping devices 17 on the inner surface of the drum shell ensure improved mixing of the aqueous liquid 7 with laundry items (not shown here). The washing machine 1 also comprises a water supply system comprising a water connection fitting 20 for the domestic water supply, an electrically controllable valve 21, and a supply line 13 to the tub 2, which may optionally also be routed via a detergent dispenser tray 12, from which the incoming water can transport detergent portions into the tub 2 during a washing process. Furthermore, a heating device 16 is located in the tub 2.The valve 21 as well as the heating device 16 can be controlled by a control device 8 depending on a program flow chart, which can be linked to a time program and / or to the achievement of certain measured values ​​of parameters such as water level, water temperature, drum speed, etc. within the washing machine 1. 9 denotes a motor-drum control unit.

[0041] In this embodiment, the washing machine 1 has an acoustic and / or optical input and display unit 11 with which, for example and in particular, the execution of a washing program can be displayed.

[0042] 18 denotes a pump (lye pump) connected to the control device 8 for pumping the aqueous liquid 7 out of the lye container 2. For this purpose, the pump 18 is arranged in the drainage channel 23. In the drainage channel 23, a first filter device 22 with a filter element 24 for separating a moist mass 25 containing microplastic particles from an aqueous liquid 7 from the lye container 2 and a second filter device 4 for receiving the moist mass 25 containing microplastic particles separated by the filter element 24 are arranged. In the schematic representation of Fig. 1, the first filter device 22 located at the bottom left is connected to the second filter device 4 via the feed line 26. The second filter device 4 contains a pressing device 10, which is connected to a compressor (not shown here) via a pressure connection 15. The second filter device 4 contains a water-permeable filter bag 6 for receiving the moist mass 25 containing microplastic particles.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a second filter device 4 usable according to the invention, in which the device that prevents the membrane from sagging after a completed compression step comprises a magnet 34 (ferrite magnet or neodymium magnet) arranged on the cover 32 and a ferromagnetic sheet 36 arranged on a membrane 31. The membrane 31 is connected to the cover 32 via a frame 33. These components form the squeezing device 10. The solid line shows the non-expanded state of the membrane 31, and the dotted line shows the expanded and therefore deformed state of the membrane 31. The membrane, which deforms due to the application of compressed air from the compressed air supply line 15, presses against a filter bag 6 filled with a moist microplastic mass. 28 denotes a pull-out lower part of the second filter device 4, and 27 a water-permeable bottom wall of the particle storage.

[0044] Fig. 3 shows a sheet metal receiving unit 37 which can be used according to the invention and a ferromagnetic sheet 36 inserted into it. When using the sheet metal receiving unit 37, the sheet is finally fixed to the membrane (not shown here) via undercuts 39 in the sheet metal receiving unit 37 and formations 40 on the ferromagnetic sheet 36.

[0045] Fig. Figure 4 shows an embodiment of an upper part of a second filter device usable according to the invention, in which the cover 32 is designed as a trough. A magnet 34 arranged on the cover 32 is located here in a magnet receiving unit 35.

[0046] Fig. 5 shows in an open, from the laundry treatment device of Fig. 1 in the state pulled out by a user, a one-piece arrangement comprising a dispenser tray 12 and a second filter device 4. The internal structure of the dispenser tray 12 and a lower secondary filter part 28 of the second filter device 4 is clearly shown here, wherein no filter bag is shown on the filter bag snap-in part 38.

[0047] Fig. Figure 6 shows an embodiment of a part of a second filter device usable according to the invention, in which a membrane 31 is connected to a frame 33. 37 denotes a sheet metal receiving unit 37 attached to the membrane 31.

[0048] Fig. 7 shows an enlarged section of Fig. 6, in which the connection between membrane 31 and frame 33 is more clearly visible. Both may have been joined, for example, by ultrasonic welding.

[0049] Fig. Figure 8 shows a one-piece frame-membrane unit that can be connected to the frame via two frame recesses 41 with a cover (not shown here). The frame recesses 41 can be designed more complexly than shown here to enable a better connection, e.g., locking, with the cover.

[0050] Fig. Figure 9 shows a further embodiment of a second filter device 4 usable according to the invention, in which the device that prevents the membrane 31 from sagging after a completed compression step comprises a tension spring 29 arranged between the membrane 31 and the cover 32. When the membrane 31 expands, a tensile force is exerted which acts as a restoring force after a compression step has been performed. The membrane 31 is connected to the cover 32 via a frame 33. These components form the squeezing device 10. The dotted line shows the expanded and therefore deformed state of the membrane 31. The membrane 31, which deforms due to the application of compressed air from the compressed air supply line 15, presses against a filter bag 6 filled with a moist microplastic mass. 28 denotes a pull-out lower part of the second filter device 4, and 27 a water-permeable bottom wall of the particle storage device.

[0051] Fig.Figure 10 shows a further embodiment of a second filter device 4 usable according to the invention, in which the device that prevents the membrane 31 from sagging after a completed compression step comprises a leaf spring 30 arranged along the membrane 31 as a spring element. The membrane 31 is connected to the lid 32 via a frame 33. These components form the squeezing device 10. The dotted line shows the expanded and therefore deformed state of the membrane 31. The membrane 31, which deforms due to the application of compressed air from the compressed air supply line 15, presses against a filter bag 6 filled with a moist microplastic mass. 28 denotes a lower part of the second filter device 4 that can be pulled out by a user of the corresponding water-conducting laundry treatment appliance, and 27 denotes a water-permeable bottom wall of the particle storage 4.The leaf spring 30 is straight in the unstressed state, when the diaphragm 31 is not pressurized with compressed air from the compressed air supply line 15. When the diaphragm 31 expands when pressurized, the leaf spring 30 follows this movement and bends to a maximum tension at the maximum expansion of the diaphragm 31. After a compression step, the leaf spring 30, and with it the diaphragm, relaxes to the empty initial state of the squeezing device 10. List of reference symbols 1 water-based laundry treatment device; washing machine 2 lye containers 3 drums 4 Second filter unit 5 Drive motor for the drum 6 filter bags 7 aqueous liquid 8 Control device 9 Motor-drum control unit 10 Squeezing device 11 optical and / or acoustic input and display unit 12 (Detergent) dispenser tray 13 Supply line to the lye container 14 drivers 15 Compressed air supply line; compressed air connection 16 Heating device 17 Scooping device 18 Pump for transporting aqueous liquid from the lye container 19 axis of rotation 20 Water supply, domestic water network, water supply 21 (electrically controlled) valve 22 First filter device 23 drainage channel 24 Filter element in the first filter device (for filtering out microplastic particles) 25 Filter pad; moist mass containing microplastic particles 26 Conveyor line for moist mass containing microplastic particles 27 Water-permeable bottom wall of the particle storage 28 Lower part of the second filter device; lower secondary filter part 29 Spring element, tension spring 30 spring element, leaf spring 31 Membran 32 Lid (of the second filter device) 33 frames 34 Magnet 35 Holding unit for magnet 36 Ferromagnetic sheet 37 Sheet metal holding unit 38 Filter bag snap-in part 39 undercuts 40 shapes 41 frame bulges QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

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

[0000] WO 2020 / 200453A1

[0004] EP 3 655 365 B1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1), comprising a first filter device (22) arranged in a drainage channel (23) of the water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) with a filter element (24) for separating microplastic particles from an aqueous liquid (7), and a second filter device (4) with a filter bag (6) for receiving a moist mass (25) separated from the filter element (24) and containing microplastic particles, wherein above the filter bag (6) there is arranged a squeezing device (10, 15, 31, 32) for the filter bag (6), which has a flexible and elastic membrane (31), a compressed air connection (15) and a lid (32), wherein the membrane (31) is fastened to the lid (32) via a frame (33), and wherein the squeezing device is equipped with a device (20, 30, 34, 36) which prevents the membrane (31) from sagging after a completed Compression step prevented. [2] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the device (20,30,34,36) comprises at least one magnet (34) arranged on the cover (32) and at least one ferromagnetic sheet (36) arranged on the membrane (31). [3] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterized by that a receiving unit for receiving the magnet (34) is arranged on the cover (32). [4] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 2 or 3, characterized by that the lid (32) is trough-shaped. [5] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 2 to 4, characterized by that the membrane (31) has a holding device (37) for the ferromagnetic sheet (36). [6] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterized by that the device (20,30,34,36) includes a spring element (29,30). [7] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the spring element (29,30) comprises a tension spring (29) which is arranged between the membrane (31) and the cover (32). [8] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterized by that the spring element (29,30) comprises a leaf spring (30) arranged on the membrane (31). [9] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized by that the compressed air connection (15) is arranged in the cover (32). [10] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by that the second filter device (4) is arranged next to a dispensing bowl (12). [11] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 10, characterized by that the induction bowl (12) is connected to the second filter device (4). [12] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 10 or 11, characterized by that the second filter device (4) is arranged behind the induction bowl (12). [13] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by that a lower secondary filter part (28) is designed to be removable from the laundry treatment appliance (1). [14] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 13 characterized by in that the filter element (24) is a cylindrical filter element and the first filter device (22) is arranged to rotate the cylindrical filter element (24) in such a way that the moist mass (25) containing microplastic particles deposited on the filter element (24) is spun off and, due to a suitably generated flow, is conveyed through a conveying line (26) into the second filter device (4). [15] Water-conducting laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by that a membrane (31) connected to a frame (33) is attached to the cover (32).

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