Washing machine with guaranteed use of a filter system and procedures for its operation

Abstract

The invention relates to a washing machine comprising a tub, a drum arranged therein for receiving laundry, a water inlet system, a water outlet system, a control device, a drain motor, a filter system 1 arranged in the water outlet system with a filter holder 2 and a filter 3, wherein the filter system 1 is accessible from outside the water outlet system via an access opening 6 which can be closed with a closure device 4, e.g., a lid, and wherein the filter system 1 and / or closure device 4 are designed such that closing the access opening 6 with the closure device 4 and operation of the washing machine are only possible when the filter system 1 is inserted into a filter holder 10. The invention also relates to a method for operating this washing machine.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a washing machine with a guaranteed use of a filter system and a method for its operation. The invention relates in particular to a washing machine with a tub, a drum arranged therein for holding laundry, a water inlet system, a water outlet system, a control device, a drain motor, and a filter system arranged in the water outlet system with a filter holder and a filter, as well as a method for its operation.

[0002] The problem of microplastics has recently received increasing attention, as their presence has been observed even in distant ocean regions and among marine life. Microplastics can be generated and spread in various ways, for example, through tire abrasion, their use in cleaning agents and cosmetics, and also during the treatment of laundry. For instance, small particles, especially lint and other plastic particles, are released from laundry items in washing machines, washer-dryers, and dryers. Microplastic filters suitable for separating microplastics, also referred to here as particle filters, filter membranes, or filter grids, must be particularly fine for effective retention. Therefore, these microplastic filters must be easily accessible for cleaning or replacement in a washing machine's wastewater system.

[0003] A major problem with particle filters in the drain or transfer lines of water-using household appliances is the rapid clogging of these filters. Therefore, filters that are automatically regenerated on a continuous basis are used, and / or the filters must be replaced or cleaned by the appliance users. Since this is generally associated with considerable effort and expense, attempts are sometimes made to avoid it. In extreme cases, users may try to operate a washing machine without a filter to save costs and cleaning time. However, this can lead to particles from the washing machine being released into the environment via the wastewater. Washing machine manufacturers, however, have a responsibility to ensure that their appliances are always operated properly, safely, and in an environmentally friendly manner.Therefore, it is desirable to design a washing machine that has a particle filter in such a way that it cannot be operated without the filter.

[0004] Many washing machines have so-called foreign object traps, which can also be described as very coarse particle filters. These traps are located before the drain pump and protect it from larger, solid objects that have unintentionally entered the wastewater (e.g., buttons, coins, etc.). The traps are often designed so that users can open and clean them via a lid. Generally, they are positioned so that the washing machine's operating water (washing solution, rinse water) will drain out without the trap lid. This means the washing machine cannot be operated without the trap lid in place.

[0005] Regardless of the membrane properties of particle filters or foreign body traps, there is a need to clean the filter. Since particle filters for filtering microplastics clog more easily, their cleaning is even more important.

[0006] The object of the present invention was therefore to provide a washing machine with a filter system which cannot be operated without the filter system.

[0007] The solution to this problem is achieved according to this invention by a washing machine and a method for operating this washing machine with the features of the corresponding independent claims. Preferred embodiments of the washing machine according to the invention are listed in the respective dependent claims. Preferred embodiments of the washing machine according to the invention correspond to preferred embodiments of the method according to the invention and vice versa, even if this is not explicitly stated herein.

[0008] The invention therefore relates to a washing machine comprising a tub, a drum arranged therein for holding laundry, a water inlet system, a water outlet system, a control device, a drain motor, a filter system arranged in the water outlet system with a filter holder and a filter, wherein the filter system is accessible from outside the water outlet system via an access opening that can be closed with a locking device, e.g., a lid, and wherein the filter system and / or locking device are designed such that closing the access opening with the locking device and operating the washing machine is only possible when the filter system is inserted into a filter holder. That is, the washing machine can only be securely / correctly closed when the filter is inserted. Without the locking device or the lid, unwanted water leakage occurs during operation.

[0009] To further ensure the proper operation of the washing machine, the filter or the filter housing on the washing machine into which the filter is inserted can be color-coded. This allows a signal color to be used at potential leak points, i.e., at those points where liquid may escape if not all parts are completely and correctly assembled.

[0010] For example, the filter holder can be designed in a bright, high-visibility color that warns when no filter is inserted. The filter itself, or the cover, can / should then be designed in a neutral color so that the warning effect is not present when the filter is inserted and the bright color of the filter holder is obscured.

[0011] This way, users are additionally and promptly alerted to potential problems or possible misuse before liquid leakage occurs during use.

[0012] The design of the lid and filter for the described function can be implemented in various ways.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment of the washing machine, the filter system includes a blocking element that prevents the insertion and / or closing of the locking device when no filter system is present in the filter housing. This prevents a user of the washing machine from inserting / closing, for example, the lid.

[0014] Inserting a filter or filter cartridge activates a locking element, such as a latch, which, in its default position (i.e., when no filter is inserted), prevents the user from inserting or closing the lid or any other locking device. The locking element should be held securely in its default position. This can be achieved, for example, through elastic elements (e.g., springs, magnets, gravity) or through positive locking elements (e.g., multi-stage latches).

[0015] According to the invention, a missing filter insert prevents the lid from being fully inserted. A full insertion of the lid consists, for example, of axially positioning the lid (e.g., inserting it into the opening of the housing shaft) followed by a rotational movement (e.g., for screwing a thread or for inserting and securing a bayonet fitting).

[0016] Preventing the lid from fully joining when the filter insert is missing can, for example, prevent the axial positioning and / or the subsequent rotation. For this purpose, at least one component is proposed which, by default, blocks at least one of the two joining steps (a "latch"). The latch is, for example, axially movable (e.g., in an axial sliding guide) within the housing component. This latch must be moved out of the way for the lid to join completely (unblocked). According to the invention, this unlocking of the latch is achieved by the filter insert (either by the insertion of the filter insert unlocking the joining path of the lid), or the unlocking is mediated by the filter insert and ultimately occurs through the joining movement of the lid. For example, the latch could block rotation of the lid by positive locking (a suitable counterpart in the lid, such as a rib).To unlock, the latch must be pushed away from the cover rib in an axial direction, for example, to allow rotation.

[0017] Furthermore, according to the invention, it is possible to decouple part of the joining movement, for example, decoupling the rotational movement of the lid from a required rotation of the threaded ring. The locking mechanism should then preferably couple this movement into the joining process, either mediated by or effecting it through the filter insert. This can be achieved, for example, by creating a positive fit between the lid and the threaded ring via the filter insert. Preferably, the locking mechanism is an integral part of the filter insert, e.g., as a rib.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the closure device, e.g., a lid or screw cap, is axially joined and closed / sealed by a rotational movement. Generally, an additional axial movement also occurs. In this case, the blocking element can be designed to prevent the axial joining movement and / or the primary rotational closing movement. It is advantageous if the blocking element and the blocked movement are primarily orthogonal to each other.

[0019] In this embodiment, the blocking element is moved from its closed position by inserting the filter system (e.g., a filter cartridge). The movement of the blocking element can be achieved in various ways. For example, this opening movement can be rotational. A 'latch' (here also referred to as a locking element) can be rotatably attached around a joint ('rotatably') and held in the default position, for example, by a spring.

[0020] Such a locking element will typically have three basic properties: 1. A starting position that is assumed by default; in this position the system is locked; i.e., adding the lid is blocked. 2. A final position achieved when the lid and filter are correctly assembled. 3. A controlled guide that allows movement between the two end positions.

[0021] The guidance of the locking element mentioned in point 3 can, as already mentioned, be a rotating movement ('rotatory'), a sliding movement ('translatory'), a combination of translational and rotational, or any movement on a more or less defined path, such as over a control curve ('freeform curve').

[0022] According to the invention, several blocking elements can also be used, in particular those that prevent different joining and closing movements.

[0023] According to the invention, the washing machine can be designed such that a blocking element additionally blocks the inlet to the filter system. The locking element, which is moved by the filter insert (the movement of the locking element is effected or mediated by the filter insert), could also prevent the hydraulic inlet to the filter, so that no wastewater can enter the filter housing, which is open at that time. This prevents leakage from the washing machine into the installation room. At the same time, the washing machine detects the futility of a pumping attempt and can initiate countermeasures. This condition can only be remedied by closing the lid and inserting the filter insert.

[0024] In this embodiment, both the lid assembly and the hydraulic access are blocked. The present invention thus enables direct haptic feedback regarding a missing filter element.

[0025] In a compound assembly movement of the lid, each individual step, or even several steps, can be blocked. The blocking can also occur at different phases of the assembly movement. For example, the axial positioning of the lid can be blocked with a locking component, or the subsequent rotational movement, or both, in all cases at any point in the movement sequence (e.g., at the beginning of the screwing movement or towards its end, especially just before the seal is seated) and possibly at multiple points. Parts of the required assembly sequence can be decoupled, e.g., preventing the necessary rotation of a threaded ring. Various locking connections are conceivable for this purpose: tongue and groove connections, pin and bore, ball and bore, rib and rib.

[0026] The end device or lid provided according to the invention can be designed as a hollow body, so that larger quantities of filter residue can be collected in the cavity. The lid could then be used for transporting / handling the filter residue – e.g., from the washing machine to the trash can.

[0027] The prevention of the lid's locking mechanism without the filter system being installed is one way to provoke a leak in the washing machine as a signal to a user that the filter system is not installed correctly.

[0028] In an alternative preferred embodiment of the washing machine, the filter system and the sealing device are sealed together. This means that the filter system and the sealing device are only completely sealed when combined.

[0029] In this embodiment, both the filter system and the sealing device must be airtight to ensure the washing machine is watertight. The absence of either component would result in a leak in the washing machine.

[0030] This means that if only one element is used on its own, e.g., the lid without the filter, unwanted water will leak from the washing machine or the filter system. The sealing function is not necessarily primarily guaranteed by a single, permanently attached component. The sealing function can be achieved by several components working together (even those that can be separated from each other).

[0031] Part of the sealing function is performed by the sealing element on the housing; the filter itself also partially contributes to the sealing function, as does the lid. The connecting elements, for example, threaded connections, are designed so that neither the filter nor the lid can be fully sealed without their respective counterparts.

[0032] A sealing connection can be achieved using a screw connection or, for example, with a bayonet fitting and a noticeable stop during rotation.

[0033] According to the invention, closing the access opening with the closure device and operating the washing machine are only possible when the filter system is inserted into a filter holder. In a preferred embodiment, this can be achieved by the closure device, e.g., a lid, having both an external and an internal thread. The lid is connected to the filter holder, which also has a thread, via its external thread, and to the filter holder, which also has a thread, via its internal thread. The connection can be made by screwing the parts together. Here, too, the sealing function is only fully achieved when both the filter system and the closure device are present.

[0034] Any sealing elements acting primarily axially or primarily radially, and / or any combination thereof, can be used as seals. The sealing effect can be generated axially, as outlined in the examples: By (for example) screwing the components together, they are axially clamped against each other, which can be used to apply the required sealing pressure.

[0035] The sealing pressure can also be applied radially (e.g. by means of corresponding steps on the cylindrical parts), or obliquely (combination of axial and radial).

[0036] The choice of sealing direction could offer advantages, particularly in systems with complementary sealing effects. In addition to the threads and groove-and-field connections shown in the drawings, any joining elements or mechanisms can be used, such as, but not limited to, bayonet fittings, snap connections, screws, retaining rings, press fits, etc. The lid, for example, can simply be joined axially (perhaps in combination with radial sealing elements), i.e., without subsequent rotation (a "plug"). The locking mechanism could then be pushed radially outwards from the filter element to allow the axial joining movement of the lid.

[0037] Securing the lid (e.g. to hold the lid against the internal pressure in the housing) could then be done with a snap connection, a bayonet connection, or another securing element.

[0038] In another alternative preferred embodiment, the locking device and filter system are designed such that the rotational / joining / sealing movement can only occur when both elements are present and connected. This means that the locking device and filter system are designed such that the rotational / joining / sealing movement can only occur when both elements are present and connected, i.e., coupled. This can be achieved, for example, by incorporating grooves in both the filter holder and the locking device. A corresponding spring (the technical counterpart for tongue-and-groove connections) or several springs are then incorporated into the filter holder as a counterpart.

[0039] In this embodiment, there is a lid as a closing device that seals the washing machine to the outside and is intended to be closed by the user, and a threaded ring which is rotatably connected to the lid via a tongue-and-groove joint on the circumference of the threaded ring or on the inner circumference of the lid. This means that in the axial direction, the two parts are positively locked and can only move together. In the tangential direction, only the comparatively small friction acts, so that if an attempt is made to screw in the lid without a filter inserted, the torque in the thread, i.e., between the threaded ring and the housing, exceeds the sliding torque in the tongue-and-groove joint between the lid and the threaded ring, and the lid spins freely. The thread cannot therefore be tightened by turning the lid. The threaded ring has at least one groove, preferably axially located. The lid has, for example,via a radially oriented groove on the inside, i.e., the side facing the filter system. The filter system has one or more ribs ('spring') which, when the cover is mounted together with the filter system, couple the threaded ring to the cover via a positive fit, so that a positive connection also exists between the cover and the threaded ring in the tangential direction, and the cover can therefore now be screwed firmly and thus tightly to the housing.

[0040] Two functional elements are essential in this embodiment: 1. A threaded ring (or a comparable component, e.g. a bayonet fitting or similar) that is rotatably mounted against the cover component, i.e. no significant torque can be transmitted between the two. 2. A positive-locking connection of the two parts, lid and threaded ring, in a tangential direction through the filter element. This positive lock can be achieved, for example, by tongue-and-groove connections.

[0041] In addition to tongue-and-groove connections, other positive locking elements, such as pins and bores, can also be used. Furthermore, the roles of positive (e.g., tongue or pin) and negative (e.g., groove or bore) for both contact points can be interchanged as desired. The positive locking elements can also be arranged tangentially as desired (e.g., as a circle division). For example, a pin in the filter element can engage with 20 matching positive locking elements in the lid (e.g., bores or ribs), thus creating a positive locking connection between the two parts with respect to rotation.

[0042] With the filter system installed, the attached spring (rib) in the groove of the threaded component and in the groove of the filter holder ensures a positive fit. This allows the manually applied torque to be transferred to the threaded part, so that the parts can be securely joined and a tight seal is achieved.

[0043] The seal can consist, for example, of a sealing ring at the bottom and on the end face of the housing. For sealing purposes, the two components, the cover and the filter holder, must be pressed against each other with a certain axial force to generate the required sealing pressure. This axial force is generated, for example, by the rotation of the threaded ring.

[0044] This prevents liquid from leaking out. Without the filter element in place, assembly of the parts is not possible, consequently resulting in liquid leakage.

[0045] The filter system is generally a cylindrical filter insert, in that its external dimensions or geometry are designed in such a way as to allow unhindered insertion into an essentially cylindrical filter housing and corresponding unhindered removal by a user of the washing machine.

[0046] The filter can be designed as a lint filter and / or a foreign object trap. The lint filter can be designed like a sieve, which is particularly useful for retaining hair, lint, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the filter element can be designed as a foreign object trap, which serves to retain larger foreign objects such as coins, hair clips, or similar small items.

[0047] The invention further relates to a method for operating a washing machine, a tub, a drum arranged therein for receiving laundry items, a water inlet system, a water outlet system, a control device, a drain motor, a filter system arranged in the water outlet system with a filter holder and a filter, wherein the filter system is accessible from outside the water outlet system via an access opening that can be closed with a closure device, e.g. a lid, wherein the filter system and / or closure device are designed such that closing the access opening with the closure device and operation of the washing machine are only possible when the filter system is inserted into a filter holder, and wherein the washing machine is only operated when the filter system is inserted into a filter holder.

[0048] Generally, the aqueous liquid is then conveyed into the domestic wastewater system.

[0049] In a preferred embodiment of the method according to the invention, the control device is configured to ensure proper operation with the filter system and closure device.

[0050] The invention has numerous advantages. For example, it ensures that the washing machine operates with a filter without the need for additional elements / components, particularly without additional electrical or electronic components. This results in lower costs for both the manufacturing and operation of the washing machine. Circumventing the filter operation, i.e., operating the washing machine without a filter, is made so difficult that the manufacturer fulfills their obligation to prevent foreseeable misuse.

[0051] Non-restrictive examples of components essential to the invention are shown below with reference to the attached Fig. 1 to 9 explained. They show: Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the removable filter cartridge of a washing machine according to the invention, consisting of a filter system with a filter holder, with a mounted lid as a closing device and a washing machine / filter system-side housing part with a receptacle for the filter cartridge (filter receptacle). Fig. Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of the removable filter cartridge of a washing machine according to the invention and a housing part on the washing machine / filter system side with a receptacle for the filter cartridge. In contrast to Fig. 1. The lid is not installed as a sealing device. Liquid can leak from the filter system here. Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the removable filter cartridge of a washing machine according to the invention, comprising an inseparably connected partial lid with thread and a lid with hole and threads in the assembled state. It is mounted on the washing machine / filter system-side housing part with threaded receptacle. Fig. 4 differs from Fig. 3. This is because the lid is unscrewed. The filter system is not waterproof in this form. Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the filter cartridge removable from a washing machine according to the invention, consisting of a filter system with a filter holder, wherein the lid, which has a lid opening, is screwed onto the filter holder. Liquid can escape along the arrows shown. Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a filter system in a washing machine according to the invention (not shown in detail here), in which the filter or filter system used pushes the blocking element (blocking element) to the side so that the lid can be fitted to seal the system. Fig. Figure 6 shows an assembled state with filter and lid. Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a filter system in a washing machine according to the invention (not shown in detail here) with a blocking element. The filter system is not installed, so the blocking element prevents the correct installation of the lid. The filter system is not watertight. Fig. Figure 7 shows a non-sealing mounted state with the separate filter 3. Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a filter system in a washing machine according to the invention (not shown in detail here), with a lid and threaded ring, and an inserted filter cartridge with a spring (counterpart to the groove) for transmitting torque from the lid to the threaded ring. The illustration shows the installed state with the filter cartridge and the lid mounted up to the sealing seat. Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic representation of a filter system with a lid and threaded ring, and an uninstalled filter cartridge with a spring (counterpart to the groove). The illustration shows the uninstalled state with the filter cartridge, in which the lid cannot be fitted with a seal due to the lack of torque transmission.

[0052] Seals and joining elements can be designed not only as schematically depicted in the accompanying drawings, but also, for example, integrated (primarily) into the opposing component. In sealing connections between two components, the seal essentially consists of three functional elements: the two surfaces of the parts in contact at the sealing point (e.g., lid and housing) and the (soft elastic) seal (e.g., O-ring). The (soft elastic) seal can be attached, for example, to one of the two parts (e.g., attached to the lid), to neither of the two parts (floating seal), or to a third part (e.g., the filter element).

[0053] Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of the filter cartridge removable from a washing machine according to the invention, consisting of a filter system 1 with a filter holder 2, with a mounted lid 4 as a closing device and a washing machine / filter system-side housing part with a filter receptacle 10 for the filter system 1. Fig. Figure 1 thus shows the situation in a preferred embodiment of the washing machine according to the invention, in which the filter system 1 and the sealing device 4 are sealed together, such that the filter system 1 and the sealing device 4 are only completely sealed in combination. In this embodiment, the lid 4 and the filter system must each be sealed to ensure the washing machine is watertight. The absence of at least one of the two sealing components would lead to a leak in the filter system 1. In the example shown here, the lid 4 cannot be mounted without the filter 3, since the small filter holder thread 8 for the lid 4 is located on the filter holder 2. 9 denotes a filter mounting thread on the filter holder 10. 14 is a large filter mounting thread. 6 is an internal lid thread.

[0054] Fig. 2 shows in comparison to Fig. 1 A schematic representation of the removable filter cartridge of a washing machine according to the invention, consisting of a filter system 1 with a filter holder 2 with a lid 4 (shown removed here) as a closing device and a housing part on the washing machine / filter system side with a receptacle 10 for the filter cartridge. In contrast to Fig. 1. The lid is not installed as a sealing device. Liquid can leak from the filter system here.

[0055] Fig. Figure 3 shows a schematic representation of the filter cartridge removable from a washing machine according to the invention, consisting of a filter system 1 with a filter holder 2, with an inseparably connected lid 4 having an inner lid thread 6 and an outer lid thread 10 attached to it in the assembled state, wherein the lid 4 has an opening 15 through which liquid can, in principle, escape. The filter system 3, 4 is screwed to an inner lid thread 6 via a small filter holder thread 8. The lid 4 is in turn screwed to a filter mounting thread 9 on the filter holder 10 via its outer lid thread 10. The filter 3 therefore cannot be installed without the lid 4. The sealing effect is only achieved by correctly installing both parts.

[0056] Fig. 4 differs from Fig. 3 because the lid 4 is unscrewed here. The filter system is not watertight in this form. Otherwise, the reference symbols have the same meaning as for Fig. 3.

[0057] Fig. Figure 5 shows a schematic representation of the removable filter cartridge of a washing machine according to the invention, consisting of a filter system with a filter holder 2, wherein the lid 4, provided with a lid opening 15, is screwed onto the filter holder 10. 9 denotes a filter holder thread and 7 an external lid thread. 8 denotes a small filter holder thread. Liquid can escape here along the arrows shown.

[0058] Fig. Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of a filter system in a washing machine according to the invention (not shown in detail here), in which the filter 4 or filter system 2,3 inserted pushes the blocking element to the side so that the lid 4 can be mounted to seal the system. Fig. Figure 6 shows an assembled state with filter 3 and lid 4, wherein the lid 4 is screwed to a filter holder 10 via an external lid thread 7 with a filter mounting thread 9.

[0059] Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic representation of a filter system in a washing machine according to the invention (not shown in detail here) with a blocking element 11. The filter system with filter 3 is not installed, so the blocking element 11 prevents the correct installation of the lid 4. The filter system is not watertight. Fig. Figure 7 shows a non-sealing mounted state with the separate filter 3. The arrow indicates the flow direction of a liquid in the leaking state shown here.

[0060] Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic representation of a filter system in a washing machine according to the invention (not shown in detail here) with lid 4, threaded ring 12 and sealing ring 13, and an inserted filter cartridge with a spring (counterpart to the groove) for transmitting torque from lid 4 to threaded ring 12. The illustration shows the installed state with the filter cartridge and lid 4 mounted up to the sealing seat.

[0061] This is an example where the locking device 4 and the filter system are designed such that the rotary / joining / sealing movement can only occur when both elements are present and connected. That is, the locking device 4 and the filter system are designed such that the rotary / joining / sealing movement can only occur when both are present and connected, i.e., coupled. This can be achieved, as shown here, by incorporating grooves in both the threaded component (e.g., an external thread on the filter insert) and the locking device 4. A corresponding spring (the technical counterpart for tongue-and-groove connections), or several springs, are incorporated as a counterpart in the filter component. The illustration on the left in Fig. 8 and the entire Fig. Figure 9 each represents a half-section through the system, meaning only half of the cross-sectional area of ​​the essentially rotationally symmetrical components is shown. The axis of symmetry runs vertically. The hatched component on the left is the filter holder 10 with a thread for attaching the cover 4.

[0062] There is a lid that seals the washing machine and is intended to be closed by the user, and a threaded ring 12 which is rotatably connected to the lid 4 via a tongue-and-groove joint on the circumference of the threaded ring 12 or on the inner circumference of the lid 4. This means that in the axial direction, the two parts are positively locked and can only move together. In the tangential direction, only the comparatively small friction acts, so that if an attempt is made to screw in the lid 4 without a filter inserted, the torque in the thread, i.e., between the threaded ring and the housing, exceeds the sliding torque in the tongue-and-groove joint between the lid and the threaded ring, and the lid 4 spins freely. The thread cannot therefore be tightened by turning the lid 4.

[0063] The threaded ring 12 has at least one groove, preferably axially oriented. The cover 4, for example, has a radially oriented groove on its inner side (the side facing the filter element). The filter element has one or more ribs ('springs') which, when the cover is mounted together with the filter element, couple the threaded ring to the cover by means of a positive fit, so that a positive connection also exists between the cover and the threaded ring in the tangential direction, and the cover can therefore now be screwed tightly (and thus leak-proof) to the housing.

[0064] Two functional elements are essential here: - A threaded ring (or a comparable component, e.g. a bayonet fitting or similar) that is rotatably mounted against the cover component, i.e. no significant torque can be transmitted between the two. - A positive-locking connection between the two parts, lid and threaded ring, in a tangential direction through the filter insert. This positive lock can be achieved, for example, by tongue-and-groove connections.

[0065] In addition to tongue-and-groove connections, other positive locking elements, such as pins and bores, can also be used. Furthermore, the roles of positive (e.g., tongue or pin) and negative (e.g., groove or bore) for both contact points can be interchanged as desired. The positive locking elements can also be arranged tangentially in any way (e.g., as a circle division). For example, a pin in the filter element can engage with corresponding positive locking elements in the lid (e.g., bores or ribs), thus creating a positive locking connection between the two parts with respect to rotation.

[0066] Fig. 9 shows the structure of Fig. 8, where filter 3 and filter holder 2 are shown in their uninstalled state. The illustration shows the uninstalled state with the filter cartridge, in which the cover cannot be fitted with a seal due to the lack of torque transmission. Otherwise, the reference symbols have the same meaning as for Fig. 8. Reference symbol list 1 filter system 2 filter holders 3 filters 4 Locking device 5 Access opening 6 Inner cover thread 7 Outer cover thread 8 Small filter holder thread 9 filter mounting threads 10 filter holder 11 Blocking element 12 threaded ring 13 Sealing ring 14 Large filter holder thread 15 Opening in the lid through which liquid can, in principle, escape

Claims

[1] Washing machine with a tub, a drum arranged therein for receiving laundry items, a water inlet system, a water outlet system, a control device, a drain motor, a filter system (1) arranged in the water outlet system with a filter holder (2) and a filter (3), wherein the filter system (1) is accessible from outside the water outlet system via an access opening (6) which can be closed with a locking device (4), e.g. a lid, characterized by , that the filter system (1) and / or the closing device (4) are designed such that closing the access opening (6) with the closing device (4) and operating the washing machine is only possible when the filter system (1) is inserted into a filter holder (10). [2] Washing machine according to claim 1, characterized by, that the filter system (1) has a blocking element (11) which prevents the insertion and / or closing of the closure device (4) when no filter system (1) is present in the filter receptacle (10). [3] Washing machine according to claim 2, characterized by , that the closure device (4) is a screw closure which is joined axially and closed / sealed by rotational movement. [4] Washing machine according to claim 3, characterized by , that the blocking element (11) is moved from its closing position by the insertion of the filter system (1). [5] Washing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that the filter system (1) and the closure device (4) are sealed together. [6] Washing machine according to claim 5, characterized by, that the closure device (4) has an external thread (7) and an internal thread (6), wherein the closure device (4) is connected via its external thread (7) to the filter holder (10) which has a corresponding thread (9), and on the other hand via its internal thread (6) to the filter holder (2) which also has a thread (8). [7] Washing machine according to claim 1, characterized by , that the locking device (4) and filter system (1) are designed such that the rotational / joining / sealing movement can only take place when both elements (1,4) are present and connected to each other. [8] Method for operating a washing machine, comprising a tub, a drum arranged therein for receiving laundry items, a water inlet system, a water outlet system, a control device, a drain motor, a filter system (1) arranged in the water outlet system with a filter holder (2) and a filter (3), wherein the filter system (1) is accessible from outside the water outlet system via an access opening (6) which can be closed with a closure device (4), e.g. a lid, wherein the filter system (1) and / or closure device (4) are designed such that closing the access opening (6) with the closure device (4) and operating the washing machine is only possible when the filter system (1) is inserted into a filter holder (10), and wherein the washing machine is only operated when the filter system (1) is inserted into a filter holder (10).

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