Laundry care system with an external filter element

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry care system (200) comprising a laundry care device (100) and an external filter element (115), wherein the laundry care device (100) has a tub (105) for receiving washing liquid, a drain line (111) fluidically connected to the tub (105), and a pump (113) configured to pump washing liquid from the tub (105) and through the drain line (111) out of the laundry care device (100), wherein the drain line (111) has an external drain line section (111-2) which is arranged outside the laundry care device (100) and which is fluidly connected to the external filter element (115), and wherein the external filter element (115) is configured to filter washing liquid pumped through the external drain line section (111-2) in order to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the to remove washing liquid.The external filter element (115) has an external electrical component (121), and the laundry care system (200) has an electrical connection (129, 142) which connects the laundry care appliance (100) to the external electrical component (121) of the external filter element (115), wherein the external electrical component (121) of the external filter element (115) is configured to provide the electrical energy required for the operation of the laundry care appliance (100) via the electrical connection (129, 142) and / or wherein the external electrical component (121) of the external filter element (115) is configured to communicate with the laundry care appliance (100) via the electrical connection (129, 142).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device and an external filter element.

[0002] Certain models of conventional laundry care appliances have fluid-carrying lines through which washing fluid is circulated. During operation of these appliances, impurities are absorbed into the washing fluid and carried along by the fluid through these lines. Such impurities include, among other things, microplastic particles, which are generated by the friction of laundry items and contribute significantly to environmental pollution.

[0003] To filter out microplastic particles from the washing liquid, external filter elements are used in particular, which are fluidically connected downstream of the corresponding laundry care device.

[0004] However, a disadvantage of conventionally known external filter elements is that if such external filter elements are operated improperly, the laundry care appliance can still be operated even with a non-functional external filter element, in which case corresponding microplastic particles are not filtered from the washing liquid and are released into the wastewater.

[0005] WO 2024 / 034793 A1 (state of the art according to Art. 54(3) EPC) discloses a filter device that can be installed outside a washing machine and connected to a drain device of the washing machine.

[0006] US patent 2022 / 228310 A1 discloses a washing machine with a housing and a filter device that can be arranged outside the housing.

[0007] KR 2020 0114100 A discloses a device for filtering water drained from a washing machine.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to provide a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device with an external filter element, in which operation is only possible when the external filter element is electrically connected to the laundry care device.

[0009] This problem is solved by the items with the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0010] According to a first aspect, the problem according to the invention is solved by a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device and an external filter element, wherein the laundry care device has a tub for receiving washing liquid, a drain line fluidically connected to the tub, and a pump configured to pump washing liquid from the tub and through the drain line out of the laundry care device, wherein the drain line has an external drain section which is arranged outside the laundry care device and which is fluidly connected to the external filter element, and wherein the external filter element is configured to filter washing liquid pumped through the drain section in order to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the washing liquid, and wherein the external filter element has an external electrical component.and wherein the laundry care system has an electrical connection which connects the laundry care appliance to the external electrical component of the external filter element, wherein the external electrical component of the external filter element is configured to provide, via the electrical connection through the laundry care appliance, the electrical energy required for the operation of the laundry care appliance.

[0011] An electrical connection between the external filter element and the laundry care device according to the first aspect can comprise at least one electrical connecting line which electrically connects the external filter element to the laundry care device, wherein electrical energy can be transferred from the external filter element to the laundry care device via the at least one electrical connecting line, and / or wherein data can be transferred from the electrical component of the external filter element to the laundry care device via the at least one electrical connecting line, and / or wherein data can be transferred from the laundry care device to the electrical component of the external filter element via the at least one electrical connecting line.

[0012] If the laundry care appliance is supplied with electrical energy and communication between the laundry care appliance and the external filter element is carried out via the electrical connection line, both functionalities can be carried out via a common electrical connection line or via separate electrical connection lines.

[0013] However, an electrical connection between the external filter element and the laundry care device according to the first aspect can also include a wireless electrical connection mediated via electromagnetic waves, thus enabling wireless communication between the external filter element and the laundry care device via the electrical connection.

[0014] In particular, the external electrical component of the external filter element comprises an external electrical supply for the external filter element, and the electrical connection comprises an electrical connecting line which connects the laundry care appliance to the external electrical supply of the external filter element, wherein the external electrical supply of the external filter element is configured to provide, via the electrical connecting line, the electrical energy required for the operation of the laundry care appliance.

[0015] This achieves the technical advantage that the electrical energy required by the laundry care device is supplied via the electrical connecting line from the external electrical supply of the external filter element.

[0016] Therefore, if the laundry care appliance is not electrically connected to the electrical supply of the external filter element, no electrical energy can be supplied to it, and operation of the laundry care appliance without an external filter element connected to the laundry care appliance is not possible.

[0017] This ensures that the external filter element is always connected when the laundry care device is in operation, so that effective filtration of impurities, especially microplastics, is always and without exception guaranteed.

[0018] In particular, the laundry care appliance has no independent electrical supply other than the electrical connection to the external filter element via the electrical connecting cable.

[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the external electrical component of the external filter element can comprise an external communication interface of the external filter element, wherein the electrical connection comprises an electrical connecting line and / or a wireless electrical connection mediated by electromagnetic waves, which connects the laundry care appliance to the external communication interface of the external filter element via the wireless electrical connection mediated by electromagnetic waves, in particular a communication network, wherein the external communication interface of the external filter element is configured to communicate with the laundry care appliance via the electrical connecting line and / or wirelessly via the electrical connection mediated by electromagnetic waves, in particular via the communication network.

[0020] In this context, the external communication interface of the external filter element can be designed in particular to inform the laundry care device, especially a control unit of the laundry care device, in particular via a communication interface of the laundry care device, that the external filter element is effectively and operationally connected to the laundry care device, so that in this case, too, the external filter element is always connected when the laundry care device is in operation, so that effective filtration of impurities, especially microplastics, is always and without exception ensured.

[0021] A laundry care appliance is understood to be a device used for laundry care, such as a washing machine or a tumble dryer. Specifically, such a laundry care appliance is understood to be a household laundry care appliance. That is, a laundry care appliance used in the course of household management and with which laundry in typical household quantities is treated.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the external electrical component comprises an external electrical supply for the external filter element, wherein the external electrical supply comprises an external electrical consumer of the external filter element and an external electrical connecting line, which is configured to electrically connect the external electrical consumer of the external filter element to an electrical energy source present in the installation area of ​​the laundry appliance, in particular a household socket, in order to supply the energy provided by the electrical energy source to the external electrical consumer of the external filter element.

[0023] This achieves the technical advantage that the corresponding external electrical connection line between the external filter element and the electrical energy source is sufficient to adequately supply both the external filter element and the laundry care device with electrical energy via the corresponding electrical connection, in particular the electrical connection line.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the external electrical consumer of the external filter element comprises an external control of the external filter element and / or an external pump of the external filter element for increasing the pump pressure of the washing liquid pumped out through the external filter element and / or an external communication interface for communication with the laundry care device and / or sensors, in particular pressure sensors.

[0025] This achieves the technical advantage that the external control of the external filter element allows for effective control of its functions, and / or that the external pump of the external filter element can effectively increase the pump pressure of the washing liquid pumped through the external filter element if the pump pressure provided by the laundry care appliance's pump is insufficient, and / or that the external communication interface enables effective communication, in particular effective data exchange, with the laundry care appliance. Appropriate sensors, especially pressure sensors, effectively detect relevant parameters of the external filter element.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the electrical connection comprises an electrical connecting cable which is inseparably electrically connected to the laundry care appliance, and the electrical connecting cable has a plug or socket which is electrically connected to a correspondingly complementary socket or plug of the external filter element in order to provide the electrical energy required by the laundry care appliance for the operation of the laundry care appliance.

[0027] This achieves the technical advantage of an effective electrical connection between the laundry care device and the external filter element.

[0028] In particular, the plug or socket of the electrical connection cable is designed as a coded plug or socket, which is electrically connected exclusively to a correspondingly complementary coded socket or plug of the external filter element. This achieves the technical advantage that the corresponding coded plug-socket connection can be used exclusively for the electrical connection between the laundry care appliance and the external filter element.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, the electrical connection comprises an electrical connecting cable which is inseparably electrically connected to the external filter element, and the electrical connecting cable has a further plug or socket which is electrically connected to a correspondingly complementary further socket or plug of the laundry care appliance in order to provide the electrical energy required by the laundry care appliance for the operation of the laundry care appliance.

[0030] This achieves the technical advantage of an effective electrical connection between the laundry care device and the external filter element.

[0031] In particular, the additional plug or socket of the electrical connection cable is designed as an additional coded plug or socket of the electrical connection cable, which is electrically connected exclusively to a correspondingly complementary additional coded socket or plug of the laundry appliance. This achieves the technical advantage that the corresponding additional coded plug-socket connection can be used exclusively for the electrical connection between the laundry appliance and the external filter element.

[0032] In an advantageous embodiment, the external filter element comprises an external communication interface, and the electrical connection comprises an electrical connecting line and / or a wireless electrical connection mediated by electromagnetic waves, which connects the laundry care device to the external communication interface of the external filter element, wherein the external communication interface of the external filter element is configured to communicate with the laundry care device via the connecting line and / or via the wireless electrical connection mediated by electromagnetic waves.

[0033] In particular, the external electrical component of the external filter element includes an external control unit for the external filter element, which is configured to communicate with a control unit of the laundry care appliance via the communication interface of the external filter element, which is connected in particular via a communication network to another communication interface of the laundry care appliance, and in particular to transmit data to the control unit of the laundry care appliance.

[0034] In particular, the control unit of the laundry care appliance is designed to control the operation of the laundry care appliance based on the data transmitted by the external control unit of the external filter element, and in particular to stop the operation of the laundry care appliance if no operational readiness is transmitted to the control unit of the laundry care appliance by the external control unit of the external filter element.

[0035] In particular, the communication between the external communication interface of the external filter element and the laundry care device is bidirectional, whereby both the external communication interface can transmit information to the laundry care device via the electrical connection, and the laundry care device can also transmit information to the external communication interface of the external filter element via the electrical connection.

[0036] This achieves the technical advantage that effective communication between the external filter element and the laundry care device ensures that the laundry care device only operates when the filter element is ready for use.

[0037] In an advantageous embodiment, the external filter element has an external drain line, wherein the external filter element is configured to drain the filtered washing flow fluid through the external drain line, in particular into a drain located in the installation area of ​​the laundry care appliance.

[0038] This achieves the technical advantage of ensuring effective removal of filtered washing liquid.

[0039] In an advantageous embodiment, the external filter element has an external control unit and an external communication interface connected to the external control unit, which is configured to communicate with a control unit of the laundry care device via a communication interface of the laundry care device, wherein the external communication interface of the external filter element communicates with the communication interface of the laundry care device either wired or wirelessly.

[0040] In particular, the communication between the external communication interface of the external filter element and the communication interface of the laundry care device is bidirectional, whereby both the external communication interface can transmit information via the electrical connection to the communication interface of the laundry care device, and the communication interface of the laundry care device can also transmit information via the electrical connection to the external communication interface of the external filter element.

[0041] This achieves the technical advantage of effective data exchange via the corresponding communication interfaces of the laundry care device and the external filter element.

[0042] In an advantageous embodiment, the external filter element comprises a filter unit, in particular a replaceable or regenerable filter unit, in particular a filter cartridge, in particular a replaceable or regenerable filter cartridge, for filtering the pumped-out washing liquid, wherein the control of the laundry care appliance is configured to activate the pump for pumping out washing liquid from the tub and through the pump line to the external filter element when the external control of the external filter element has transmitted the presence of the replaceable filter cartridge to the control of the laundry care appliance via the external communication interface.

[0043] This achieves the technical advantage that washing liquid can only be pumped through the external filter element if a filter unit is present in the external filter element.

[0044] In particular, the filter unit is designed as a filter cartridge, wherein a filter cartridge is characterized in particular by the fact that it can be positioned as an independent component, in particular lockable, in the external filter element. A filter unit or filter cartridge that is replaceable can be easily exchanged for a new replaceable filter unit or filter cartridge after it becomes clogged with contaminants. A filter unit or filter cartridge that is regenerable does not need to be replaced after it becomes clogged with contaminants, but can be restored to a usable condition through a regeneration process in which the contaminants are removed.

[0045] In an advantageous embodiment, the external control of the external filter element is configured to determine the readiness of the filter unit, wherein the control of the laundry care appliance is configured to activate the pump for pumping out washing liquid from the tub and through the pumping line to the external filter element when the external control of the external filter element has transmitted the presence and readiness of the filter unit to the control of the laundry care appliance via the external communication interface.

[0046] This achieves the technical advantage that pumping out washing liquid from the laundry care device through the external filter element is only possible when the filter unit is ready for use.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, the external control of the external filter element is configured to detect the number of pumping operations performed with the filter unit, and the external control is configured to determine the operational readiness of the filter unit when the number of detected pumping operations is below a threshold value of the number of pumping operations.

[0048] This achieves the technical advantage that the threshold for the number of pumping cycles defines a maximum service life for the filter unit, since exceeding this threshold indicates reduced filter efficiency and therefore the filter unit is not operational. If the number of pumping cycles falls below the threshold, the filter unit's operational readiness can be determined.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, the external filter element has an external pump for increasing the pump pressure of the washing liquid pumped through the external filter element, wherein the external control is configured to detect an electrical power parameter, in particular motor current, of the external pump, and is configured to determine the operational readiness of the filter unit when the detected electrical power parameter is below a threshold value of the electrical power parameter.

[0050] This achieves the technical advantage that a correspondingly measured electrical power parameter, especially motor current, which is below a certain threshold value, correlates with good flow through the filter unit and thus with the operational readiness of the filter unit. If the filter unit gradually becomes clogged with contaminants, especially microplastic particles, during operation, the pump's power requirement increases, so that if the threshold value of the electrical power parameter is exceeded, the filter unit is no longer operational.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, the external filter element has a volume flow sensor for detecting a volume flow of the washing liquid pumped through the external filter element, wherein the external control is configured to determine the operational readiness of the filter unit when the detected volume flow exceeds a volume flow threshold.

[0052] This achieves the technical advantage that a corresponding volume flow rate, which is above a certain threshold value, correlates with good flow through the filter unit and thus with the operational readiness of the filter unit. If the filter unit gradually becomes clogged with contaminants, especially microplastic particles, during operation, the volume flow rate decreases, so that if the threshold value of the electrical performance parameter is undershot, the filter unit is no longer operational.

[0053] In an advantageous embodiment, the external control of the external filter element is configured to activate the control of the laundry care appliance to switch off the laundry care appliance, to interrupt the execution of a laundry care program of the laundry care appliance, to block a fresh water supply to the laundry care appliance, to deactivate the pump of the laundry care appliance, and / or to deactivate the power supply to the laundry care appliance via the external filter element if the external control of the external filter element has not determined that the filter unit is ready for use.

[0054] This achieves the technical advantage that, through appropriate measures, it is ensured that no washing liquid is passed through the external filter element when the filter unit is not ready for use, thus preventing unfiltered washing liquid from entering the environment via the drain.

[0055] For the embodiments for determining the non-existent operational readiness of the filter unit, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0056] In an advantageous embodiment, the laundry care device and / or the external filter element has a warning device which is designed to warn the user of the laundry care device when the external control of the external filter element has not determined that the filter unit is ready for use.

[0057] This achieves the technical advantage that the warning signal, in particular an acoustic and / or visual warning signal, ensures that the user is made aware of the lack of operational readiness of the filter unit and can, for example, change or regenerate the filter unit.

[0058] For the embodiments for determining the non-existent operational readiness of the filter unit, reference is made to the above explanations.

[0059] According to a second aspect not in the invention, the problem of the invention is solved by an external filter element for a laundry care system, wherein the external filter element can be arranged outside the laundry care device and can be fluidically connected to the laundry care device, and wherein the external filter element is configured to filter washing liquid that can be pumped out by the laundry care device, in particular by an external pump line section of the laundry care device, in order to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the washing liquid, wherein the external filter element has an external electrical component which can be connected to the laundry care device via an electrical connection of the laundry care system, wherein the external electrical component of the external filter element is configuredto provide the electrical energy required for the operation of the laundry care appliance via the electrical connection through the laundry care appliance and / or wherein the external electrical component of the external filter element is designed to communicate with the laundry care appliance via the electrical connection.

[0060] The embodiments designated as such for the laundry care system according to the first aspect are also embodiments for the external filter element according to the second aspect.

[0061] Further examples of implementation are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a laundry care device; Fig. 2 a schematic view of a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device and an external filter element according to one embodiment; Fig. 3 a schematic view of a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device and an external filter element according to another embodiment; Fig. 4 a schematic view of a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device and an external filter element according to another embodiment; and Fig. 5 a schematic view of a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device and an external filter element according to another embodiment.

[0062] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry care appliance 100, such as a washing machine. The laundry care appliance 100 includes a dispenser drawer 101 into which laundry care substance, such as detergent, can be poured. The laundry care appliance 100 includes a door 103 for loading the laundry care appliance 100 with laundry. The laundry care appliance 100 has a housing 102 and a [missing information - likely a specific feature or component]. Fig. 1 Control unit 104 is shown only schematically.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows a schematic view of a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device and an external filter element according to one embodiment.

[0064] The laundry care appliance 100 of the laundry care system 200 features a Fig. 2 The diagram shows a schematically depicted alkaline container 105 for receiving washing liquid and has a fresh water supply device 107, which is designed in particular to include a Fig. 2 The washing liquid is supplied to the detergent dispenser 105 via a washing liquid supply line 109 (not shown) in the detergent dispenser.

[0065] The laundry care appliance 100 also features a Fig. 2 The diagram shows a pump line 111, which is connected to the washing container 105 via a fluid-technical connection, and a pump 113, which is designed to pump washing liquid from the washing container 105 and through the pump line 111 out of the laundry care appliance 100.

[0066] The pumping line 111 has an internal pumping line section 111-1 arranged in the laundry care appliance 100 and an external pumping line section 111-2 arranged outside the laundry care appliance 100.

[0067] The external pumping line section 111-2, located outside the laundry care appliance 100, is fluidically connected to an external filter element 115 of the laundry care system 200.

[0068] The external filter element 115 is designed to filter the washing liquid pumped through the external discharge line section 111-2 in order to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the washing liquid, and to discharge the filtered washing liquid via an external discharge line 117, in particular into a Fig. 2 To drain the not shown drain located in an installation area of ​​the laundry care appliance 100.

[0069] To ensure effective filtration of contaminants, especially microplastics, the external filter element 115 features, in particular, a Fig. 2 Filter unit 119, shown only schematically, is designed as a filter cartridge. Filter unit 119 is designed as a replaceable filter cartridge which, when clogged with accumulated contaminants, can simply be replaced with a new one. Alternatively, filter unit 119 is designed as a regenerable filter cartridge which, when clogged with accumulated contaminants, can be regenerated, thus eliminating the need to replace the filter cartridge.

[0070] In order to enable appropriate regeneration of the filter unit 119, and / or to enable communication between the external filter element 115 and the laundry care device 100, and / or to compensate for any pressure loss that may exist in the external filter element 115, the external filter element 115 has a Fig. 2 The external electrical supply 121-1, shown only schematically, is presented as an exemplary electrical component 121.

[0071] The external electrical supply 121-1 of the external filter element 115 comprises an external electrical consumer 123 of the external filter element 115 and an external electrical connecting line 125, which is designed to electrically connect the external electrical consumer 123 of the external filter element 115 to an electrical energy source 127, in particular a household socket, located in the installation area of ​​the laundry appliance 100, in order to supply the energy provided by the electrical energy source 127 to the external electrical consumer 123 of the external filter element 115.

[0072] As in the Fig. 2 The external electrical connecting cable 125, which is only shown schematically, has in particular an external plug 126 which is plugged into a household socket designed as an electrical energy source 127 in order to provide the electrical energy for the external electrical consumer 123.

[0073] To ensure that the external filter element 115 is used in a functional manner in the laundry care system 200 in all operating situations, the present embodiment ensures that the operation of the laundry care device 100 is only possible when the external filter element 115 is connected to the laundry care device 100.

[0074] For this reason, the supply of electrical energy to the laundry care appliance 100 is provided entirely via the external filter element 115, as described below.

[0075] The laundry care system 200 has an electrical connecting cable 129, which connects the laundry care device 100 to the external electrical supply 121-1 of the external filter element 115. The external electrical supply 121-1 of the external filter element 115 is configured to provide the electrical energy required by the laundry care device 100 for its operation via the electrical connecting cable 129.

[0076] The in Fig. 2 The electrical connecting cable 129 shown is permanently electrically connected to the laundry care appliance 100 and has a plug 131 which is electrically connected to a corresponding complementary socket 133 of the external filter element 115 in order to supply the electrical energy required by the laundry care appliance 100 for its operation. The plug 131 of the electrical connecting cable 129 and the complementary socket 133 of the external filter element 115 are keyed, so that the plug 131 of the electrical connecting cable 129 is only compatible with the complementary keyed socket 133 of the external filter element 115, and not with other sockets.

[0077] This achieves the advantage that the relevant legal requirements for connecting an external filter element 115, in particular for filtering microplastics, to a laundry care appliance 100 are met, since the laundry care appliance 100 can only be supplied with electrical energy and operated effectively if a functional external filter element 115 is connected.

[0078] A further advantage is that only a single household socket needs to be used for both the external filter element 115 and the laundry care device 100.

[0079] Furthermore, only a minor modification needs to be made to the laundry care appliance 100, as only a different plug needs to be fitted.

[0080] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device and an external filter element according to a further embodiment.

[0081] The in Fig. 3 The embodiment of the laundry care system 200 shown differs from the one in Fig. 2 The embodiment of the laundry care system 200 shown is distinguished solely by the fact that the in Fig. 3 The electrical connecting cable 129 is permanently electrically connected to the external filter element 115 and has a further plug 135 which is electrically connected to a corresponding complementary socket 137 of the laundry care appliance 100 in order to supply the electrical energy required by the laundry care appliance 100 for its operation. The further plug 135 of the electrical connecting cable 129 and the complementary socket 137 of the laundry care appliance are specifically coded, such that the further plug 135 of the electrical connecting cable 129 is only compatible with the complementary coded socket 137 of the laundry care appliance 100, and not with other sockets.

[0082] The in Fig. 2 The illustrated lines carrying washing liquid are, in the embodiment of the Fig. 3 also present, but not shown.

[0083] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device and an external filter element according to a further embodiment.

[0084] The one in Fig. 4 The laundry care system 200 shown corresponds to the one in Fig. 2 The laundry care system 200 shown differs from the fact that, in addition to the electrical connection between the laundry care device 100 and the external filter element 115, there is also a control-technical connection between the external filter element 115 and the laundry care device 100.

[0085] In this case, the external filter element 115 has an external control 139 and an external communication interface 141 connected to the external control 139 in terms of control technology.

[0086] The external communication interface 141 is designed to communicate with a control unit 104 of the laundry care device 100 via a communication interface 143 of the laundry care device 100, using a wired communication line 145 between the external communication interface 141 and the communication interface 143.

[0087] The control unit 104 of the laundry care appliance 100 is specifically designed to activate the pump 113 for pumping out washing liquid from the tub 105 and through the pumping line 111 to the external filter element 115 when the external control unit 139 of the external filter element 115 has transmitted the presence of a filter unit 119 to the control unit 104 of the laundry care appliance 100 via the external communication interface 141 and the communication interface 143.

[0088] This ensures that a pumping process can only take place if a filter unit 119 is inserted in the external filter element 115.

[0089] The external control 139 of the external filter element 115 is particularly configured to determine the operational readiness of the filter unit 119, wherein the control 104 of the laundry care appliance 100 is configured to activate the pump 113 for pumping out washing liquid from the tub 104 and through the pumping line 111 to the external filter element 115, when the external control 139 of the external filter element 115 has transmitted the presence and operational readiness of the filter unit 119 to the control 104 of the laundry care appliance 100 via the external communication interface 141 and the communication interface 143.

[0090] The operational readiness of filter unit 119 can be determined as follows.

[0091] In particular, the external control 139 of the external filter element 115 is designed to record the number of pumping operations carried out with a filter unit 119, and is designed to determine the operational readiness of the filter unit 119 when the number of recorded pumping operations is below a threshold value of the number of pumping operations.

[0092] If the recorded number of pumping operations exceeds the threshold value for the number of pumping operations, the external control 139 does not determine the operational readiness of the filter unit 119.

[0093] Alternatively or additionally, the external filter element 115 has an external pump for increasing the pump pressure of the washing liquid pumped through the external filter element 115, wherein the external control 139 is configured to detect an electrical power parameter, in particular motor current, of the external pump, and is configured to determine the operational readiness of the filter unit 119 when the detected electrical power parameter is below a threshold value of the electrical power parameter.

[0094] If the detected electrical power parameter is above the threshold value of the electrical power parameter, the external control 139 does not determine the operational readiness of the filter unit 119.

[0095] Alternatively or additionally, the external filter element 115 has a volume flow sensor for detecting a volume flow of the washing liquid pumped through the external filter element 115, wherein the external control 139 is configured to determine the operational readiness of the filter unit 119 when the detected volume flow is above a volume flow threshold.

[0096] If the detected volume flow is below the volume flow threshold, the external control 139 does not determine the operational readiness of the filter unit 119.

[0097] Thus, the operational readiness of the filter unit 119 of the external filter element 115 can be determined through a variety of analyses.

[0098] On the other hand, the external control 139 of the external filter element 115 is designed to activate the control 104 of the laundry care appliance 100 to switch off the laundry care appliance 100, to interrupt the execution of a laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100, to block a fresh water supply to the laundry care appliance 100, to deactivate the pump 113 of the laundry care appliance 100, and / or to deactivate the power supply to the laundry care appliance 100 via the external filter element 115 if the external control 139 of the external filter element has not determined that the filter unit 119 is ready for use.

[0099] Optionally, the laundry care device 100 and / or the external filter element 115 has a warning device designed to warn the user of the laundry care device 100, in particular to warn visually and / or audibly, if the external control 139 of the external filter element 115 has not determined that the filter unit 119 is ready for use.

[0100] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device and an external filter element according to a further embodiment.

[0101] The in Fig. 5 The illustrated embodiment of the laundry care system 200 differs in that it is described in Fig. 4The embodiment of the laundry care system 200 shown differs only in that there is no wired communication connection between the external communication interface 141 of the external filter element 115 and between the communication interface 143 of the laundry care device 100, but rather a wireless electrical connection 142 mediated by electromagnetic waves, in particular a WLAN communication connection.

[0102] All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the object according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

[0103] The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures. Reference symbol list

[0104] 100 Laundry care appliance 101 Detergent dispenser 102 Appliance housing 103 Door 104 Control unit 105 Tub 107 Fresh water inlet 109 Wash liquid inlet 111 Drain line 111-1 Internal drain line section 111-2 External drain line section 113 Pump 115 External filter element 117 External drain line 119 Filter unit 121 External electrical component 121-1 External power supply 123 External electrical consumer 125 External electrical connection cable 126 External plug 127 Electrical power source 131 Plug of the electrical connection cable 133 Socket of the external filter element 135 Additional plug of the electrical connection cable 137 Additional socket of the laundry care appliance 139 External control of the external filter element 141 External communication interface of the external filter element 142 Wireless electrical connection mediated via electromagnetic waves 143 Communication interface of the laundry care appliance 145 Communication line200 Laundry Care System

Claims

1. Laundry care system (200) comprising a laundry care appliance (100) and an external filter element (115), wherein the laundry care appliance (100) has an outer tub (105) for receiving washing liquid, a discharge line (111) fluidically connected to the outer tub (105) and a pump (113), which is designed to discharge washing liquid out of the outer tub (105) and through the discharge line (111) out of the laundry care appliance (100), wherein the discharge line (111) has an external discharge line section (111-2), which is arranged outside of the laundry care appliance (100), and which is fluidically connected to the external filter element (115), and wherein the external filter element (115) is designed to filter the washing liquid discharged through the external drainage line section (111-2) in order to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the washing liquid, wherein the external filter element (115) has an external electrical component (121), and that the laundry care system (200) has an electrical connection (129, 142) which connects the laundry care appliance (100) to the external electrical component (121) of the external filter element (115), characterised in that the external electrical component (121) of the external filter element (115) is designed to provide electrical power required by the laundry care appliance (100) for operating the laundry care appliance (100) via the electrical connection (129, 142).

2. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 1, characterised in that the external electrical component (121) comprises an external electrical supply (121-1) of the external filter element (115), wherein the external electrical supply (121-1) comprises an external electrical consumer load (123) of the external filter element (115) and an external electrical connection line (125), which is designed to electrically connect the external electrical consumer load (123) of the external filter element (115) to a power source (127) present in the installation area of the laundry care appliance (100), in particular to a household socket, in order to supply power provided by the electrical power source (127) to the external electrical consumer load (123) of the external filter element (115).

3. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 2, characterised in that the external electrical consumer load (123) of the external filter element (115) comprises an external controller (139) of the external filter element (115) and / or an external pump of the external filter element (115) for increasing the pump pressure of the washing liquid discharged by the external filter element (115) and / or an external communication interface (141) for communicating with the laundry care appliance (100) and / or sensors, in particular pressure sensors.

4. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the electrical connection (129, 142) comprises an electrical connection line (129), which is electrically connected to the laundry care appliance (100) in a non-detachable manner, and the electrical connection line (129) has a plug (131) or a socket which is electrically connected to a correspondingly complementary socket (133) or a correspondingly complementary plug of the external filter element (115), in order to provide electrical power required by the laundry care appliance (100) for operating the laundry care appliance (100).

5. Laundry care system (200) according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the electrical connection (129, 142) comprises an electrical connection line (129), is electrically connected to the external filter element (115) in a non-detachable manner, and the electrical connection line (129) has a further plug (133) or further socket, which is electrically connected to a correspondingly complementary further socket (137) or a correspondingly complementary further plug of the laundry care appliance (100), in order to provide electrical power required by the laundry care appliance (100) for operating the laundry care appliance (100).

6. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the external filter element (115) comprises an external communication interface (141), and the electrical connection (129, 142) comprises an electrical connection line (129) and / or an electrical connection (142) imparted wirelessly via electromagnetic waves, which connects the laundry care appliance (100) to the external communication interface (141) of the external filter element (115), wherein the external communication interface (141) of the external filter element (115) is designed to communicate with the laundry care appliance (100) via the electrical connection line (129) and / or via the electrical connection (142) imparted wirelessly via electromagnetic waves.

7. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the external filter element (115) has an external drain line (117), and wherein the external filter element (115) is designed to drain the filtered washing liquid through the external drain line (117), in particular to drain it into a drain present in the installation area of the laundry care appliance (100).

8. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the external filter element (115) has an external controller (139) and an external communication interface (141) connected to the external controller (139) via control technology, which controller is designed to communicate with a controller (104) of the laundry care appliance (100) via a communication interface (143) of the laundry care appliance (100), wherein the external communication interface (141) of the external filter element (115) communicates with the communication interface (143) of the laundry care appliance (100) in a wired or wireless manner.

9. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 8, characterised in that the external filter element (115) has a filter unit (119), in particular a replaceable or regenerable filter unit (119), in particular a filter cartridge, in particular a replaceable or regenerable filter cartridge for filtering the discharged washing liquid, wherein the controller (104) of the laundry care appliance (100) is designed to activate the pump (113) for discharging washing liquid out of the outer tub (105) and through the discharge line (111) to the external filter element (115), when the external controller (139) of the external filter element (115) communicates the presence of the filter unit (119) via the external communication interface (143) and via the communication interface (141) to the controller (104) of the laundry care appliance (100).

10. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 9, characterised in that the external controller (139) of the external filter element (115) is designed to ascertain an operational readiness of the filter unit (119), wherein the controller (104) of the laundry care appliance (100) is designed to activate the pump (113) for discharging washing liquid out of the outer tub (105) and through the discharge line (111) to the external filter element (115), when the external controller (139) of the external filter element (115) communicates the presence and the operational readiness of the replaceable filter unit (119) via the external communication interface (143) and via the communication interface (141) to the controller (104) of the laundry care appliance (100).

11. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 10, characterised in that the external controller (139) of the external filter element (115) is designed to detect the number of discharge processes performed by the filter unit (119) and is designed to determine the operational readiness of the filter unit (119) when the number of detected discharge processes lies below a threshold value for the number of discharge processes.

12. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 10 or 11, characterised in that the external filter element (115) has an external pump for increasing the pump pressure of the washing liquid discharged by the external filter element (115), wherein the external controller (139) is designed to detect an electrical performance parameter, in particular a motor current of the external pump and is designed to ascertain the operational readiness of the filter unit (119) when the detected electrical performance parameter lies below a threshold value for the electrical performance parameter.

13. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterised in that the external filter element (115) has a volumetric flow rate sensor for detecting a volumetric flow of the washing liquid discharged by the external filter element (115), wherein the external controller (139) is designed to ascertain the operational readiness of the filter unit (119) when the detected volumetric flow rate exceeds a threshold value for the volumetric flow rate.

14. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 10, 11, 12 or 13, characterised in that the external controller (139) of the external filter element (115) is designed to activate, via the external filter element (115), the controller (104) of the laundry care appliance (100) to switch off the laundry care appliance (100), to interrupt the execution of a laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100), to block a fresh water supply of the laundry care appliance (100), to deactivate the pump (113) of the laundry care appliance (100), and / or to deactivate the power supply of the laundry care appliance (100), when the external controller (139) of the external filter element (115) ascertains that the filter unit (119) is not operationally ready.

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