Filter unit for a cleaning device, method and control unit for operating the filter unit and cleaning device

Abstract

The invention relates to a filter unit (105) for a cleaning device (100), wherein the filter unit (105) has a partition wall (225) for dividing an interior space (300) of the filter unit (105) into a pre-chamber (215) and a sieve chamber (230), a sieve element (200) arranged in the sieve chamber (230) for sieving out particles from a fluid (205) located in the filter unit (105), and an impact element (305) which is arranged offset from the partition wall (225) in the direction of the sieve chamber (230) in order to form a flow gap (310) together with the partition wall (225) in order to guide the fluid (205) onto the sieve element (200).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a filter unit for a cleaning device, a method and a control unit for operating the filter unit and a cleaning device.

[0002] In laundry care, draft laws aim to filter microplastics created by abrasion of laundry in the washing machine during the washing process and thus prevent them from entering the sewage system.

[0003] The approach presented here aims to create an improved filter unit for a cleaning device, an improved method and an improved control unit for operating the filter unit, as well as an improved cleaning device.

[0004] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a filter unit for a cleaning device, a method and a control unit for operating the filter unit, and a cleaning device having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set forth in the following subclaims.

[0005] The approach described here makes it possible to flush out the largest possible area of ​​a screen element. For example, dead spots where dirt is no longer flushed away and new dirt is washed in can be avoided. Furthermore, this allows for a larger usable filter area compared to the total filter area and the available installation space of a filter unit to be utilized.

[0006] A filter unit for a cleaning device is presented, wherein the filter unit has a partition wall for dividing an interior of the filter unit into a pre-chamber and a sieve chamber, a sieve element arranged in the sieve chamber for sieving out particles from a fluid located in the filter unit and an impact element which is arranged offset from the partition wall in the direction of the sieve chamber in order to form a flow gap together with the partition wall in order to guide the fluid onto the sieve element.

[0007] The filter unit can advantageously be used for washing machines, washer-dryers or dishwashers so that the fluid used in a cleaning program can be filtered, for example, at the end of a program before it is discharged from the cleaning device. In addition, this allows efficient use of existing installation space. This can advantageously prevent particles or objects from accidentally entering the wastewater. The sieve element can also be referred to as a filter, which can, for example, have a large number of openings through which the fluid can pass. Particles that are larger than the openings can be filtered out of the fluid. The sieve element can, for example, be curved or straight. The collecting channel can, for example, be formed as part of the sieve element, for example as a stepped depression.For example, the pre-chamber can be smaller than the screen chamber. Advantageously, the pre-chamber can be arranged at an inlet of the filter unit through which the fluid can be admitted into the filter unit. The fluid can advantageously initially rise in the pre-chamber until a fill level reaches the height of the partition wall and the fluid can then overflow into the screen chamber. The impact element can advantageously take momentum from the overflowing fluid so that the screen element can be rinsed more evenly. The size of the flow gap can advantageously, in combination with a rate of increase of the fluid, build up pressure at the gap with which the fluid is pressed through the flow gap so that a usable filter surface of the screen element can be used and, at the same time, the self-cleaning of the screen element can be improved.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the partition wall may have an overflow edge, which may be configured to allow the fluid to overflow from the pre-chamber into the screening chamber. The overflow edge may advantageously be rounded to allow the fluid to overflow into the screening chamber more evenly.

[0009] The overflow edge can be curved toward the screen chamber. This advantageously reduces turbulence in the fluid, allowing particles deposited on the screen element to be more easily transported to the collecting trough. The curved overflow edge also allows for better utilization of the screen element's filter surface.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the partition wall can have a height of at least 60% of the chamber height of the pre-chamber and, additionally or alternatively, the screen chamber. The fluid can advantageously initially rise in the pre-filter chamber until a fill level reaches the height of the partition wall, and the fluid can then overflow into the screen chamber.

[0011] Furthermore, the sieve element can be designed as a curved sieve. Advantageously, the use of the curved sieve can filter out microplastics from the fluid. This can also facilitate cleaning of the filter element.

[0012] The sieve element can be arranged with a first end on the partition wall and have a collecting trough at a second end facing away from the first end for collecting the particles sieved out by the sieve element. Advantageously, the particles can be more easily conveyed to the collecting trough.

[0013] According to one embodiment, the first end of the sieve element can be positioned higher in the sieve chamber than the second end when ready for operation. This means that the second end can be designed as the lowest point in front of the collecting trough. The ramp-like arrangement allows gravity to have a supporting effect.

[0014] Furthermore, the impact element can be attached to a side wall and, additionally or alternatively, to a roof element of the filter unit. For example, the impact element can be screwed or riveted to the side wall and, additionally or alternatively, to the roof element.

[0015] In addition, the impact element can be designed as a flat impact plate. The simple shape of the impact element can advantageously reduce manufacturing costs. For example, the impact element can be realized by stamping or casting.

[0016] Furthermore, a method for operating a filter unit in a previously mentioned variant is presented, wherein the method comprises a step of introducing the fluid into the pre-chamber in order to allow the fluid to flow from the pre-chamber via the partition wall onto the sieve element in the sieve chamber.

[0017] The method can advantageously be controlled and additionally or alternatively carried out within a cleaning device, which can be designed, for example, as a washing machine or a washer-dryer.

[0018] The approach presented here further provides a control unit configured to perform, control, or implement the steps of a variant of a method presented here in corresponding devices. This embodiment of the invention in the form of a device also allows the problem underlying the invention to be solved quickly and efficiently.

[0019] The control unit can be designed to read in input signals and to determine and provide output signals using the input signals. An input signal can, for example, represent a sensor signal that can be read in via an input interface of the control unit. An output signal can represent a control signal or a data signal that can be provided at an output interface of the control unit. The control unit can be designed to determine the output signals using a processing rule implemented in hardware or software. For example, the control unit can comprise a logic circuit, an integrated circuit, or a software module and can, for example, be implemented as a discrete component or be comprised of a discrete component.

[0020] Also advantageous is a computer program product or computer program with program code that can be stored on a machine-readable carrier or storage medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk memory, or an optical memory. If the program product or program is executed on a computer or a control unit, the program product or program can be used to carry out, implement, and / or control the steps of the method according to one of the embodiments described here.

[0021] Furthermore, a cleaning device is presented which has a filter unit in a previously mentioned variant, a pump unit which is coupled to the filter unit, and a control unit in a previously mentioned variant which is electrically coupled to the pump unit.

[0022] The cleaning device can advantageously be designed as a washing machine or a washer-dryer. Alternatively, the cleaning device can be designed as a dishwasher. The cleaning device can, for example, be designed as a household appliance. Alternatively, the approach described here can be used accordingly in connection with a commercial or professional device, for example, a medical device, such as a cleaning or disinfection device, a small-scale sterilizer, a large-capacity disinfector, or a container washing system.

[0023] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Fig. 1 a schematic representation of a cleaning device according to an embodiment; Fig. 2 a schematic representation of a filter unit; Fig. 3 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter unit; Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter unit; Fig. 5 a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter unit; Fig. 6 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for operating a filter unit; and Fig. 7 a block diagram of a control unit according to an embodiment.

[0024] Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a cleaning device 100 according to an embodiment. The cleaning device 100 is designed, for example, as a washing machine or as a washer-dryer, which can be used both as a household appliance and as a professional appliance. The cleaning device 100 has a filter unit 105, a pump unit 110, and a control unit 115. The pump unit 110 is coupled to the filter unit 105, as described in more detail in at least one of the following figures. The control unit 115 is designed to control and / or carry out a method for operating the filter unit, as described, for example, in Fig. 7. This means that the control unit 115 is electrically coupled to the pump unit 110 and, for example, controls it. The pump unit 110 is designed, for example, as an electric pump or as a layer pump. This means that the pump unit 110, as a lye pump, is also, for example, the pump of the cleaning device 100 that transports the cleaning solution for a cleaning program through the cleaning device 100.

[0025] Furthermore, the cleaning device 100 according to this exemplary embodiment has an operating unit 120, which is coupled or can be coupled to the control unit 115. The operating unit 120 comprises, for example, a display element, which is optionally designed as a touch-sensitive display.

[0026] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter unit 105, which, for example, corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1. According to this exemplary embodiment, only one mode of operation of the filter unit 105 with a screen element 200 shaped as a curved screen is shown. By using the screen element 200, a self-cleaning effect of the screen element 200 is utilized.

[0027] For this purpose, a fluid 205 is admitted through an inlet 210 into a pre-chamber 215 of the filter unit 105 and further rises until it reaches an overflow edge 220 of a partition wall 225. The partition wall 225 separates the pre-chamber 215 from a screen chamber 230 of the filter unit 105, in which the screen element 200 is arranged. According to this exemplary embodiment, arrows 235 further indicate a wave-like overflow of the fluid 205 and a position at which the fluid 205 impinges on the screen element 200. In a region 240 of this position, the screen element 200 is flushed clean, thus preventing clogging of the screen element 200 at least at this point.

[0028] Curved screens can also be used in commercial washing machines to filter particles such as microplastics from wastewater. Due to the drain height of washing machines, the screens must be as flat as possible. With a curved screen, the water flows over a drain edge like a waterfall onto a curved filter material. The falling water cleans the filter material on impact and allows the dirt to flow further downwards. The service life of the curved screen is increased because the collected dirt collects in one place. The rinsed surfaces keep the flow rate high for longer. Due to the waterfall-like drainage over the drain edge, the rinsed area is a straight line across the filter material. The rinsing effect can vary within this line. Therefore, area 240 is rinsed in particular.

[0029] Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter unit 105, which, for example, corresponds to the one shown in Fig. 1 described filter unit and the one in Fig. 2. The filter unit described in Fig. The filter unit 105 described in Figure 3 has the partition wall 225 for dividing an interior space 300 of the filter unit 105 into the pre-chamber 215 and the sieve chamber 230, as well as the sieve element 200 arranged in the sieve chamber 230 for sieving particles out of the fluid 205 located in the filter unit 105, and an impact element 305 arranged offset from the partition wall 225 in the direction of the sieve chamber 215 in order to form a flow gap 310 together with the partition wall 225 in order to guide the fluid 205 onto the sieve element 200. Here, too, the partition wall 225 has the overflow edge 220, which is designed to enable the fluid 205 to overflow from the pre-chamber 215 into the sieve chamber 230. The partition wall 225 has a height of at least 60% of a chamber height of the pre-chamber 215 and / or the sieve chamber 230.

[0030] When the fluid 205 overflows the overflow edge 220, the fluid 205 initially bounces off the impact element 305, which is designed, for example, as a flat baffle plate, so that the fluid 205, unlike in Fig. 2 does not "splash" into the screen chamber 230 in a wave-like manner, but flows evenly into the screen chamber 230 at a flow rate that depends on the size of the flow gap 310 and a rate of increase of the fluid in the pre-chamber 215. While the fluid 205 in Fig. 2 frontally strikes a surface of the sieve element 200, the fluid 205 flows according to this embodiment along the surface of the sieve element 200, so that the area 240 flushed by the fluid 205 is smaller than in Fig. 2 is significantly larger and reduces blockages of the sieve element 200, thus maintaining the desired self-cleaning function of the sieve element 200, which according to this embodiment is designed as a curved sieve. For this purpose, a first end of the sieve element 200, in the operational state of the filter unit 105, is arranged higher in the sieve chamber 200 than a second end of the sieve element 200. More precisely, the sieve element 200 is arranged entirely with the first end on the partition wall 225 and optionally has a collecting channel 315 at a second end facing away from the first end for collecting the particles sieved out by the sieve element 200.A curved surface of the sieve element 200 extending between the ends has, for example, a plurality of passage openings for allowing the fluid 205 to pass through in order to filter out the particles in the fluid 205 before the filtered fluid 205 is discharged as wastewater via an outlet 320 of the filter unit 105.

[0031] In other words, the approach described here improves drainage behavior in order to flush the filter unit 105 over as large an area as possible, for example by adapting the overflow edge 220, also referred to as the drainage edge.

[0032] The wash-up is changed by installing the baffle plate 305 in front of the overflow edge 220. With curved screens, the water usually flows in a high arc over the drain edge and then lands on a small area of ​​the filter. If the drain edge is slightly rounded, as shown in this embodiment with the overflow edge 220, the water flows more evenly over the edge 220. The additional baffle plate 305 slows the fluid, for example water, and forces it to flow through a narrow slot, described here as the flow gap 310. The water therefore flows more quickly along the curved screen element 200. The rinsed-off area 240 is increased, and all the dirt is directed in one direction.

[0033] Fig. 4 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter unit 105, which, for example, corresponds to the one shown in the Fig. 1 and / or 3. According to this exemplary embodiment, the impact element 305 has a fixing section 400, via which the impact element 305 is fixed to a side wall 405 and / or a roof element of the filter unit 105. For example, the impact element 305 is screwed or riveted. The impact element 305 also has an edge geometry 410, which, for example, enables a bypass function in the event that fluid reaches the prechamber 215 through the inlet 210 of the filter unit 105 faster than it can flow through the flow gap 310 into the sieve chamber 230.

[0034] The sieve chamber 230 also has a bypass 415, which is aligned with the outlet 320 of the filter unit 105. The bypass 415 is designed to drain fluid that reaches the position of the bypass 415 and thus rises excessively within the sieve chamber 230.

[0035] Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of an embodiment of a filter unit 105, which, for example, corresponds to the one shown in the Fig. 1 to 4 described filter unit at least. As in Fig. 4, the filter unit 105 according to this embodiment has the impact element 305, which is fixed to the side wall 405 of the filter unit 105 by means of the fixing section 400. Only the overflow edge 220 is curved in the direction of the screen chamber 230 according to this embodiment, thus enabling a more uniform flow of the fluid through the flow gap 310.

[0036] In other words, the overflow edge 220 is adapted to enable improved cleaning of a filter surface of the sieve element 200 for microplastic filtration in commercial laundry care.

[0037] Fig. 6 shows a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 600 for operating a filter unit, as described, for example, in at least one of the Fig. 1 to 5. The method 600 comprises a step 605 of introducing the fluid into the pre-chamber to allow the fluid to flow from the pre-chamber via the partition wall onto the sieve element in the sieve chamber. For example, this is done by controlling a pump unit of a cleaning device, as described, for example, in Fig. 1 was described.

[0038] Fig. Figure 7 shows a block diagram of a control unit 115, such as may be used as part of a cleaning device in Fig. 1. The control unit 115 is designed, for example, to control and / or carry out a method for operating a filter unit, as described, for example, in Fig.6. According to this exemplary embodiment, the control unit 115 has an introduction unit 700, which is designed to introduce the fluid into the pre-chamber in order to allow the fluid to flow from the pre-chamber via the partition wall onto the sieve element in the sieve chamber.

Claims

[1] Filter unit (105) for a cleaning device (100), wherein the filter unit (105) has the following features: - a partition wall (225) for dividing an interior space (300) of the filter unit (105) into a pre-chamber (215) and a sieve chamber (230); - a sieve element (200) arranged in the sieve chamber (230) for sieving out particles from a fluid (205) located in the filter unit (105); and - an impact element (305) which is arranged offset from the partition wall (225) in the direction of the screen chamber (230) in order to form a passage gap (310) together with the partition wall (225) in order to guide the fluid (205) onto the screen element (200). [2] Filter unit (105) according to claim 1, wherein the partition wall (225) has an overflow edge (220) which is designed to allow the fluid (205) to overflow from the pre-chamber (215) into the screen chamber (230). [3] Filter unit (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the overflow edge (220) is bent in the direction of the sieve chamber (230). [4] Filter unit (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the partition wall (225) has a height of at least 60% of a chamber height of the pre-chamber (215) and / or the sieve chamber (230). [5] Filter unit (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sieve element (200) is formed as a curved sieve. [6] Filter unit (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the sieve element (200) is arranged with a first end on the partition wall (225) and has a collecting channel (315) at a second end facing away from the first end for collecting the particles sieved out by the sieve element (200). [7] Filter unit (105) according to claim 6, wherein the first end of the screen element (200) is arranged higher in the screen chamber (230) than the second end in the operative state. [8] Filter unit (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the impact element (305) is fixed to a side wall (405) and / or a roof element of the filter unit (105). [9] Filter unit (105) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the impact element (305) is designed as a flat impact plate. [10] A method (600) for operating a filter unit (105) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method (600) comprises a step (605) of introducing the fluid (205) into the pre-chamber (215) to allow the fluid (205) to flow from the pre-chamber (215) via the partition wall (225) onto the screen element (200) in the screen chamber (230). [11] Control unit (115) which is designed to carry out and / or control the step (605) of the method (600) according to claim 10 in a corresponding unit (700). [12] Computer program product with program code for carrying out the method (600) according to claim 10, when the computer program product is executed on a control unit (115) according to claim 11. [13] Machine-readable storage medium on which the computer program according to claim 12 is stored [14] Cleaning device (100) having the following features: - a filter unit (105) according to one of claims 1 to 9; - a pump unit (110) coupled to the filter unit (105); and - a control unit (115) according to claim 11, which is electrically coupled to the pump unit (110).

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