Adapter for connecting a water filter to the water circuit of a cleaning robot
A 3D printed adapter integrates ion exchange resin filters to address limescale issues in robotic cleaners, enabling tap water use and reducing maintenance costs through tool-free installation.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- DE202025001248
- Authority / Receiving Office
- DE · DE
- Patent Type
- Utility models
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-05-14
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-24
- Estimated Expiration
- 2035-05-31
AI Technical Summary
Commercially available robotic cleaners lack effective water treatment to prevent limescale buildup, necessitating the use of distilled water and increasing maintenance costs and effort.
A 3D printed PETG adapter that integrates commercially available ion exchange resin filters, allowing tool-free attachment and connection to the cleaning robot's water circuit, enabling the use of tap water and reducing limescale deposits.
Prevents limescale buildup, reduces maintenance costs by using tap water, and allows easy retrofitting of existing devices.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Technical field:
[0001] The invention relates to an adapter for receiving a water filter, in particular for retrofitting cleaning robots with a water circuit, by simple integration of commercially available ion exchange resin filters.
[0002] State of the art:
[0003] Many commercially available robotic cleaners, especially models with a mopping function, are equipped with simple pre-filters that only remove coarse particles from the water. Further water treatment, particularly to reduce limescale, is generally not included. This creates a risk of limescale buildup in the water-carrying components, leading to malfunctions and increased maintenance. Furthermore, the use of distilled water is often recommended, which incurs additional costs and effort. Purpose of the invention:
[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a cost-effective, easily retrofitted, and modular adapter solution that makes commercially available water filter cartridges usable for water softening in cleaning robots. This should enable the use of tap water, reduce limescale deposits, and extend the service life of the device. Solution to the problem:
[0005] This task is solved by an adapter, manufactured using 3D printing from PETG, which replaces the cleaning robot's original coarse filter. The adapter is used as an improved technical measure for water treatment.
[0006] The modular adapter is designed so that it can be adapted for different cleaning robot models before printing, while always maintaining the basic shape and functionality.
[0007] He has: - a mounting device for tool-free attachment of commercially available water filter cartridges (e.g. ion exchange resin filters for limescale reduction) -a connection for a silicone hose, which allows integration into the robot's water circuit, -a mechanical plug connection that allows for easy, tool-free assembly and disassembly, and the filter cartridge is simply plugged onto the adapter, so no special fasteners are required. -The adapter can be retrofitted to existing cleaning robots and allows the use of ordinary tap water without the risk of limescale damage. Advantages of the invention: -Prevention of limescale deposits: Protection of water-bearing components -Using tap water instead of distilled water: cost advantage and user-friendliness -Upgradeability: Even older devices can be easily upgraded. -Tool-free assembly: Quick, easy, user-friendly - Use of standard filter cartridges: No dependence on special accessories -Individually customizable through 3D printing: Modular for different robot models Attachment: List of reference symbols: 1. Bridge for grid to snap onto slot in water tank 2. Abbreviation of company name “KREATIV KAUTZ” (variable) 3. Connection for silicone hose 4. Version description (variable) 5. Bridge for grid to snap into slot in water tank 6. Housing with connecting tunnel between filter and connection for silicone hose 7. Internal fit / clamping for ion exchange resin / limescale filter 8. External fit for ion exchange resin / limescale filter 9. Filtered water towards the main pump 10. Adapter for silicone hose 11. Connection channel between water filter and silicone hose 12. Already filtered water / / Flow direction 13. Perfectly fitting mount for ion exchange resin / limescale filter
Claims
[1] Adapter for attaching a water filter to cleaning robots, characterized by that the adapter includes a mechanical holding device for a standard water filter cartridge, has a connection for a silicone hose for connection to the water circuit of the cleaning robot and includes a tool-free plug connection for easy assembly and disassembly of the adapter in the designated installation space of the cleaning robot, The adapter serves to reduce limescale deposits in the water circuit of the cleaning robot. [2] Adapter according to claim 1, characterized by that the adapter is made from a 3D-printed material. [3] Adapter according to claims 1 and 2, characterized by that the adapter can be adapted for different models of cleaning robots, while the basic shape of the adapter always remains recognizable. [4] Adapter according to claims 1, 2 and 3, characterized bythat the water filter cartridge is an ion exchange filter or a limescale filter.