Laundry care system comprising a filter unit

Abstract

The present invention relates to a laundry care system (200) comprising a laundry care device (100), a filter unit (115), and a filter housing (109) into which the filter unit (115) can be received, wherein the laundry care device (100) has a control unit (107), 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 a drain line section (111-1), wherein the pumped washing liquid flows downstream of the drain line section (111-1) within the filter housing (109), and wherein the filter unit (115) is configured to be carried by the Pumping line section (111-1) to filter pumped-out washing liquid within the filter housing (109) to remove impurities,in particular to remove microplastics from the washing liquid, wherein the laundry care system (200) comprises a detection device configured to switch to a first switching state when the filter unit (115) is received in the filter housing (109), and configured to switch to a second switching state when the filter unit (115) is not received in the filter housing (109), wherein the control unit (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) is configured to enable activation of the pump (113) during a laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) based on the first switching state of the detection device, and to disable activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) based on the second switching state of the detection device.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a laundry care system with a filter unit, in particular a laundry care system comprising a laundry care appliance and a filter unit.

[0002] Filter units are often used in water-based laundry care appliances, for example, to filter contaminants, such as microplastic particles, from the wastewater generated during the operation of a laundry care program. It may be necessary to replace and / or clean the filter units, which are accessible to the user for replacement or maintenance, from time to time.

[0003] It is the object of the present invention to provide a laundry care system comprising a laundry care appliance, a filter unit and a filter housing, in which operation of a laundry care program of the laundry care appliance is only possible when the filter unit is inserted into the filter housing.

[0004] This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the object of the invention is achieved by a laundry care system comprising a laundry care appliance, a filter unit, and a filter housing into which the filter unit can be accommodated, wherein the laundry care appliance has a controller, a tub for receiving washing liquid, a pumping line fluidly connected to the tub, and a pump designed to pump washing liquid out of the tub and through the pumping line out of the laundry care appliance, wherein the pumping line has a pumping line section, wherein the pumped-out washing liquid flows downstream of the pumping line section within the filter housing, and wherein the filter unit is designed to filter the washing liquid pumped out through the pumping line section within the filter housing in order to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the washing liquid.wherein the laundry care system comprises a detection device configured to switch to a first switching state when the filter unit is accommodated in the filter housing and configured to switch to a second switching state when the filter unit is not accommodated in the filter housing. The control of the laundry care appliance is configured to enable activation of the pump during a laundry care program of the laundry care appliance based on the first switching state of the detection device and to disable activation of the pump during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance based on the second switching state of the detection device.

[0006] This achieves the technical advantage that the controller can detect a filter unit inserted into the filter housing in order to prevent operation of the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance if filtering of washing liquid to be pumped out is not possible due to a missing filter unit. Furthermore, based on the first and / or second switching state of the detection device, the controller of the laundry care appliance can be configured to output optical and / or acoustic signals to a user interface, in particular to a screen and / or a loudspeaker of the laundry care appliance, which indicate to a user of the laundry care appliance whether the filter unit is inserted in the filter housing or not.

[0007] The drain line section may be an internal drain line section arranged inside the laundry care appliance or an external drain line section arranged outside the laundry care appliance.

[0008] A laundry care appliance is a device used for laundry care, such as a washing machine, a washer-dryer, or a tumble dryer. In particular, such a laundry care appliance is understood to be a household laundry care appliance. That is, a laundry care appliance used in household management and used to treat laundry in normal household quantities.

[0009] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device is designed to switch to the first switching state when the filter unit is received in the filter housing in a predetermined position, and to switch to the second switching state when the filter unit is not received in the filter housing in the predetermined position.

[0010] This achieves the technical advantage that the controller can detect a filter unit inserted into the filter housing in order to prevent operation of the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance if filtering of washing liquid to be pumped out is not possible due to an incorrectly inserted filter unit. Furthermore, based on the first and / or second switching state of the detection device, the controller of the laundry care appliance can be configured to output optical and / or acoustic signals to a user interface, in particular to a screen and / or a loudspeaker of the laundry care appliance, which indicate to a user of the laundry care appliance whether the filter unit is correctly inserted in the filter housing or not.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the filter housing can be closed by a filter cover, wherein the filter unit comprises an element which is designed to exert a force on the filter housing which acts opposite to a predetermined direction of insertion of the filter unit into the filter housing, wherein the filter cover is designed to counteract the force of the element in the closed state.

[0012] This achieves the technical advantage of ensuring that the filter unit's protrusion only contacts the contact element of the detection device when the filter cover is closed. This allows for detection of the filter unit's correct insertion into the filter housing.

[0013] The force can in particular be a spring force, a magnetic force, a torque and / or gravity. The element can in particular be a spring element. In the closed state, the filter cover can in particular be designed to push the filter unit into the predetermined position and / or to fix it in the predetermined position in order to enable switching of the detection device into the first switching state. In the predetermined position, at least one of the switching elements described below and / or at least one of the magnetic sensors described below and / or one of the sensor elements described below can be activated. The element, in particular the spring element, can be comprised by one of the elevations of the filter unit described below or can be a separate component of the filter unit. The spring element can be made of plastic.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device comprises a switching element arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing, wherein a projection, in particular a pin, a cam or a contact spring, is arranged on a surface of the filter unit, wherein a surface of the filter housing has an opening, wherein the projection of the filter unit is designed to actuate a contact element of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing.

[0015] This allows, for example, material-efficient detection of whether the filter unit is inserted into the filter housing in disposable filters. The raised part can, for example, be molded directly onto the filter unit as a plastic part using plastic injection molding.

[0016] The opening can have a movable membrane and / or a movable seal, in particular an O-ring or a shaft seal. This can achieve electrical insulation and / or galvanic separation between the contact element and the elevation.

[0017] In an advantageous embodiment, the elevation of the filter unit is designed to actuate the contact element of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing in order to electrically connect two electrical contacts of the contact element and to switch the detection device into the first switching state, wherein the contact element is designed to electrically interrupt the two electrical contacts of the contact element, in particular by means of a contact element spring connected to the contact element, when the contact element of the detection device is not contacted in order to switch the detection device into the second switching state.

[0018] This provides the technical advantage of efficiently detecting whether the filter unit is accommodated in the filter housing.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the elevation of the filter unit is designed to actuate the contact element of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing in order to electrically interrupt two electrical contacts of the contact element and to switch the detection device into the first switching state, wherein the contact element is designed to electrically connect the two electrical contacts of the contact element, in particular by means of a contact element spring connected to the contact element, when the contact element of the detection device is not contacted in order to switch the detection device into the second switching state.

[0020] This provides the technical advantage that any manipulation, for example by permanently clamping the contact switch, can be detected.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the elevation of the filter unit is designed to actuate the contact element of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing in order to electrically connect two electrical contacts of the contact element and to electrically interrupt two further electrical contacts of the contact element, and to switch the detection device into the first switching state, wherein the contact element is designed, in particular by means of a contact element spring connected to the contact element, to electrically interrupt the two electrical contacts of the contact element and to electrically connect the two further electrical contacts of the contact element when the contact element of the detection device is not contacted in order to switch the detection device into the second switching state.

[0022] This achieves the technical advantage that both the first switching state and the second switching state can be actively detected, thus efficiently preventing insertion errors of the filter unit and / or manipulation attempts.

[0023] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one second elevation, in particular at least one second pin, at least one second cam or at least one second contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, which is spaced apart from the elevation along the predetermined insertion direction, wherein the at least one second elevation of the filter unit is designed to actuate the contact element of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing in order to generate at least a first signal of the detection device, wherein the control of the laundry care appliance is designed to enable activation of the pump during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance based on the first switching state and the at least first signal of the detection device.

[0024] This provides the advantage that, with a contact element in particular, a complex signal curve of the detection device can be generated which is difficult to manipulate.

[0025] The detection device can thus briefly detect at least the first signal when inserting or removing the filter unit, which can be evaluated by the controller. This can, for example, be the result of the at least second elevation of the filter unit passing over the contact element. For example, when inserting the filter unit, a pre-pulse can be generated by the detection device, which can be detected by the controller.

[0026] In particular, the at least second elevation can comprise a plurality of elevations. The plurality of elevations can be arranged at defined intervals from one another on the filter unit and, upon insertion or removal, actuate the contact element in a chronological sequence. The controller can be configured to determine a bit sequence of information based on the chronological actuation and / or on the distances and / or lengths of the elevations and, in particular, to assign an identification number of the filter unit to this bit sequence of information. The controller of the laundry care appliance can be configured to enable activation of the pump during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance based on the identification number.

[0027] The predetermined insertion direction can be a one-dimensional movement of the filter unit with respect to the sequence of elevations, for example an axial pushing movement of a cylindrical filter unit or a rotating movement of a bayonet closure of a cylindrical filter unit.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device comprises a further switching element arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing, wherein the surface of the filter housing has a further opening which is spaced from the opening at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to a predetermined insertion direction of the filter unit, wherein a third elevation, in particular a third pin, a third cam or a third contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, which is spaced from the elevation at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the predetermined insertion direction, wherein the third elevation of the filter unit is designed to actuate a further contact element of the further switching element through the further opening of the filter housing in order to generate at least a second signal of the detection device, wherein the control of the laundry care appliance is designed,based on the first switching state and the second signal of the detection device, to enable activation of the pump during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance.,

[0029] As a result, the second signal can be less dependent on the insertion or withdrawal speed of the filter unit along or against the predetermined insertion direction, in particular when the third elevation is arranged perpendicular to the predetermined insertion direction and is independent of the elevation.

[0030] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one fourth elevation, in particular at least one fourth pin, at least one fourth cam or at least one fourth contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, which is spaced apart from the third elevation along the predetermined insertion direction, wherein the at least one fourth elevation of the filter unit is designed to actuate the further contact element of the further switching element through the further opening of the filter housing in order to generate at least one third signal from the detection device, wherein the control of the laundry care appliance is designed to enable activation of the pump during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance based on the first switching state and the at least third signal from the detection device.

[0031] This has the advantage that the additional contact element can be used to generate a complex signal curve of the detection device that is difficult to manipulate.

[0032] The detection device can thus briefly detect at least the third signal when inserting or removing the filter unit, which can be evaluated by the controller. This can, for example, be the result of the filter unit passing over the further contact element with the at least fourth elevation. For example, when inserting the filter unit, a pre-pulse can be generated by the detection device, which can be detected by the controller.

[0033] In particular, the at least fourth elevation can comprise a plurality of elevations. The plurality of elevations can be arranged at defined intervals from one another on the filter unit and, upon insertion or removal, actuate the contact element in a chronological sequence. The controller can be configured to determine a bit sequence of information based on the chronological actuation and / or on the distances and / or lengths of the elevations and, in particular, to assign an identification number of the filter unit to this bit sequence of information. The controller of the laundry care appliance can be configured to enable activation of the pump during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance based on the identification number.

[0034] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device comprises a magnetic sensor, in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor, wherein a magnetic element, in particular a ferromagnetic element or a permanent magnet, is arranged on a surface of the filter unit, wherein the magnetic sensor is designed to detect an approach of the magnetic element to the magnetic sensor in order to switch the detection device into the first switching state.

[0035] This allows for easy separation of the water-carrying and current-carrying areas of the filter housing, i.e. an electrical and / or galvanic separation between the detection device and the washing liquid within the filter housing.

[0036] The surface of the filter housing is preferably made of plastic and has a thickness of approximately 1 mm. Magnetic fields from typical magnets can activate a conventional magnetic sensor, such as a reed switch, over a distance of a few mm to cm. Intermediate (plastic) walls and air gaps have at most a minor effect. With such an arrangement, galvanic isolation between the water-carrying and current-carrying areas can therefore be very easily achieved.

[0037] If a reed contact is used, the first switching state and / or the second switching state can be efficiently and actively detected.

[0038] If an analog sensor, such as a Hall sensor, is used as the magnetic sensor, its switching threshold can be generated analogically, digitally, or preferably via software, which can be implemented by the controller. With an analog sensor, for example, not only the presence of a suitable magnetic field but also its strength can be determined. Using a multidimensional magnetic sensor, the local direction of the magnetic field at the location of the magnetic sensor can also be detected.

[0039] In one embodiment, a permanent magnet is arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing such that a magnetic field of the permanent magnet extends through the magnetic sensor and forms a magnetic circuit. The magnetic element can be embodied as a ferromagnetic element and can be configured to shorten the magnetic circuit upon approaching a corresponding inner surface of the filter housing, thereby achieving a coupling between the magnetic sensor and the permanent magnet, allowing the magnetic field to be concentrated at the magnetic sensor and a switching threshold of the magnetic sensor to be exceeded.

[0040] This allows for easy separation of the water-carrying and current-carrying areas of the filter housing, i.e., electrical and / or galvanic isolation between the detection device and the washing liquid within the filter housing. The filter unit can comprise a ferromagnetic element that is more material-efficient than a permanent magnet.

[0041] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one further magnetic element, in particular a further ferromagnetic element or a further permanent magnet, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, wherein the further magnetic element is spaced apart from the magnetic element along the predetermined insertion direction, wherein the magnetic sensor is designed to detect an approach of the further magnetic element to the magnetic sensor in order to generate at least a fourth signal of the detection device, wherein the control of the laundry care appliance is designed to enable activation of the pump during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance based on the first switching state and the at least fourth signal of the detection device.

[0042] This has the advantage that a complex signal curve that is difficult to manipulate can be generated using only one magnetic sensor.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, the magnetic sensor is arranged in an indentation of a surface of the filter housing, which protrudes into the interior of the filter housing, and the magnetic element is arranged on a recess of the filter unit, in particular in a ring around the recess, wherein the indentation of the surface of the filter housing engages in the recess of the filter unit when the filter unit is inserted into the filter housing.

[0044] In an advantageous embodiment, the filter unit has a fifth elevation, in particular a pin or a cam, which is arranged on a surface of the filter unit, wherein a permanent magnet is movably mounted on an inner surface of the filter housing along a predetermined insertion direction of the filter unit into the filter housing, in particular on a guide rail, wherein an elastic element, in particular consisting of a ferromagnetic element, is arranged on the inner surface of the filter housing and is designed to move the permanent magnet counter to the predetermined insertion direction, wherein the fifth elevation of the filter unit is designed to move the permanent magnet along the predetermined insertion direction when inserting the filter unit into the filter housing, wherein the detection device comprises a second magnetic sensor, in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor,wherein the second magnetic sensor is configured to detect an approach of the permanent magnet to the second magnetic sensor in order to switch the detection device to the first switching state.,

[0045] This allows for easy separation of the water-carrying and current-carrying areas of the filter housing, i.e., electrical and / or galvanic isolation between the detection device and the washing liquid within the filter housing. Furthermore, the filter unit can be manufactured with particularly high energy efficiency, as magnetic elements on the filter unit are eliminated.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device comprises at least one sensor element which is designed to detect sensor data, wherein the detection device is designed to switch to the first switching state based on the sensor data, wherein the sensor element is designed to detect the sensor data: to measure a flow resistance and / or pressure of the washing liquid, in particular in the pump, to measure a conductivity of an electrical component of the filter unit, to capacitively measure a water displacement of the filter unit within the filter housing, to inductively measure the filter unit, in particular an inductive element of the filter unit, and / or to optically detect the filter unit, in particular a plurality of elevations of the filter unit, within the filter housing.

[0047] To measure the conductivity of the electrical component of the filter unit, an electrically conductive component can be arranged on the filter unit, for example, which can close the contact between two electrodes of the detection device that extend into the filter housing. The electrodes can be galvanically isolated from the detection device.

[0048] The conductivity of an electrical component of the filter unit can be measured, for example, by exploiting the fact that the filter housing is filled with water during operation of the laundry care appliance, for example, when the washing liquid is pumped out. Capacitive measurement methods can detect a plastic displacement volume caused by the filter unit, for example, by plastic bodies molded onto the filter unit.

[0049] The inductive element of the filter unit can in particular be an iron sheet.

[0050] Further embodiments are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show: Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry care system according to an embodiment; Fig. 2a, b shows schematic views of a filter unit and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to an embodiment; Fig. 3a, b shows schematic views of a filter unit with a raised portion and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to an embodiment; Fig. 3c shows a signal from a detection device in a laundry care system according to an embodiment; Fig. 4a, b shows schematic views of a filter unit with a raised portion and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to an embodiment; Fig. 5a, b shows schematic views of a filter unit with a raised portion and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to an embodiment; Fig. 6a shows schematic views of a filter unit with a magnetic element and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to embodiments;6 shows a signal from a detection device in a laundry care system according to an embodiment; Fig. 7a,b schematic views of a magnetic sensor in a laundry care system according to an embodiment; and Fig. 8a,b schematic views of a filter unit with a protrusion and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to an embodiment.

[0051] Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a laundry care system 200 comprising a laundry care appliance 100, such as a washing machine. The laundry care appliance 100 comprises a Fig. 1 only schematically shown lye container 105 for holding washing liquid, which can be fluidly connected to a water connection 101 via a water supply line 103 in order to supply the washing liquid to the lye container 105.

[0052] A user of the laundry care appliance 100 can insert laundry into the tub 105, which laundry can release contaminants, in particular microplastics, into the washing liquid during a laundry care program.

[0053] The laundry care appliance 100 comprises a Fig. 1 only schematically shown control 107, one in the Fig. 1 not shown filter unit 115 and a filter housing 109 into which the filter unit 115 can be accommodated.

[0054] As further stated in the Fig. 1As shown, the laundry care appliance 100 has a pumping line 111 fluidly connected to the tub 105 and a pump 113 configured to pump washing liquid out of the tub 105 and out of the laundry care appliance 100 through the pumping line 111. The pumping line 111 has a pumping line section 111-1, wherein the pumped-out washing liquid flows downstream of the pumping line section 111-1 within the filter housing 109.

[0055] As in the Fig. 1 As shown, the drain line section 111-1 may be an internal drain line section arranged within the laundry care appliance 100. Although this is not Figure 1not shown, the pumping line section 111-1 can alternatively be an external pumping line section arranged outside the laundry care appliance 100. Accordingly, the filter housing 109 with the filter unit 115 can be arranged inside the laundry care appliance 100 or outside the laundry care appliance 100.

[0056] The filter unit 115 is designed to filter the washing liquid pumped out through the pumping line section 111-1 within the filter housing 109 in order to remove the contaminants, in particular the microplastics, from the washing liquid.

[0057] The laundry care system 200 includes a Fig. 1not shown detection device, which is designed to switch into a first switching state when the filter unit 115 is accommodated in the filter housing 109, and which is designed to switch into a second switching state when the filter unit 115 is not accommodated in the filter housing 109.

[0058] The controller 107 of the laundry care appliance 100 is configured to enable activation of the pump 113 during a laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100 based on the first switching state of the detection device, and to disable activation of the pump 113 during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100 based on the second switching state of the detection device.

[0059] The detection device can comprise at least one sensor element which is designed to detect sensor data. The detection device can be designed to switch to the first switching state based on the sensor data. The sensor element for detecting the sensor data can be designed to: measure a flow resistance and / or pressure of the washing liquid, in particular in the pump 113, measure a conductivity of an electrical component of the filter unit 115, capacitively measure a water displacement of the filter unit 115 within the filter housing 109, inductively measure the filter unit 115, in particular an inductive element of the filter unit 115, and / or optically detect the filter unit 115, in particular a plurality of elevations of the filter unit 115, within the filter housing 109.

[0060] Fig. 2a and 2bshow schematic views of a filter unit 115 and a filter housing 109 in a laundry care system 200 according to an embodiment.

[0061] The Laundry Care System 200 can Fig. 1 The laundry care system 200 shown may be used. The filter housing 109 may include a pivotably mounted filter cover 119, which is pivotally attached to the filter housing 109, for example, by means of a hinge 121.

[0062] As in the Fig. 2a As shown, in an open state of the filter cover 119, the filter unit 115 can be inserted into the filter housing 109 by a user along a predetermined insertion direction 117. The predetermined insertion direction 117 can, in particular, run parallel to at least one inner wall of the filter housing 109.

[0063] As in the Fig. 2bAs shown, the filter unit 115 can be arranged in a predetermined position in the filter housing 109, in which the filter unit 115 is completely received in the filter housing 109, for example when the filter cover 119 is closed.

[0064] The detection device may be configured to switch to the first switching state when the filter unit 115 is received in the filter housing 109 in the predetermined position and to switch to the second switching state when the filter unit 115 is not received in the filter housing 109 in the predetermined position.

[0065] Fig. 3a to 5b show schematic views of a filter unit 115 with a protrusion 123 and a filter housing 109 in a laundry care system 200 according to embodiments. The laundry care system 200 may be the Fig. 1The laundry care system 200 shown may be used. The elevation 123, in particular a pin, a cam, or a contact spring, may be arranged on a surface of the filter unit 115.

[0066] The detection device may comprise a switching element arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 109, which switching element comprises a contact element 125 and electrical contacts 127 and, as shown in the Figures 5a and 5b shown, may include further electrical contacts 133. A surface of the filter housing 109 facing the surface of the filter unit 115 may have an opening. The elevation 123 of the filter unit 115 may be configured to actuate the contact element 125 of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing 109.

[0067] As already mentioned in the Figures 2a and 2bAs described, the filter housing 109 can be closed by a filter cover 119. The elevation 123 of the filter unit 115 can comprise a spring element, particularly formed from plastic, which is designed to exert a spring force on the filter housing 109 that acts opposite to the predetermined insertion direction 117 of the filter unit 115 into the filter housing 109. The filter cover 119 can be designed, in the closed state, to counteract the spring force of the spring element.

[0068] As in the Fig. 3a and 3bAs shown, the elevation 123 of the filter unit can be configured to actuate the contact element 125 of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing 109 to electrically connect two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125 and switch the detection device to the first switching state. The two electrical contacts 127 can be arranged in a circuit 131 of the detection device.

[0069] The contact element 125 can further be designed to electrically interrupt the two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125, in particular by means of a contact element spring 129 connected to the contact element 125, when the contact element 125 of the detection device is not contacted in order to switch the detection device into the second switching state.

[0070] Fig. 3cshows a signal from a detection device in a laundry care system 200 according to an embodiment. The laundry care system 200 can Fig. 3a and 3b described Laundry Care System 200. As described in the Figure 3c As shown by way of example, the first switching state of the detection device can be assigned to a first signal level 149 of a signal of the detection device and the second switching state of the detection device can be assigned to a second signal level 151, in particular a zero level, of a signal of the detection device.

[0071] The one in the Figure 3c The curve of the signal of the detection device shown can, for example, be changed when the filter unit 115 is changed based on the Figures 3a and 3b Connecting and breaking the contact element 125 as described above. As shown in the Figure 3cAs shown in the second time period 155 shown in Figure 4c, the signal can drop to the second signal level 151 by removing the filter unit 115. As shown by the first time periods 153 shown in Figure 4c, the signal of the detection device can be at the first signal level before removal and after insertion of the new or cleaned filter unit 115.

[0072] Thus, a change in the switching state of the detection device can be registered and evaluated by the controller 107. A replacement of the filter unit 115 can thus correspond to a signal sequence of the detection device. Thus, the detection by the detection device cannot be circumvented, for example, by simply clamping the contact element 125, since when the filter unit 115 is replaced, as described above and below, a single (or even multiple) change in the signal state can be expected and interrogated by the controller 107.

[0073] As in the Fig. 4a and 4b shown, the elevation 123 of the filter unit can alternatively be shown in the Fig. 3a and 3bbe configured to actuate the contact element 125 of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing 109 in order to electrically interrupt two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125 and to switch the detection device to the first switching state. The contact element 125 can further be configured to electrically connect the two electrical contacts of the contact element 125, in particular by means of the contact element spring 129 connected to the contact element, when the contact element 125 of the detection device is not contacted, in order to switch the detection device to the second switching state.

[0074] As in the Fig. 5a and 5b shown, the elevation 123 of the filter unit can alternatively be shown in the Fig. 3a to 4bbe designed to actuate the contact element 125 of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing 109 in order to electrically connect two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125 and to electrically interrupt two further electrical contacts 133 of the contact element 125 in order to switch the detection device to the first switching state. The contact element 125 can further be designed, in particular by means of a contact element spring 129 connected to the contact element, to electrically interrupt the two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125 and to electrically connect the two further electrical contacts 133 of the contact element 125 when the contact element 125 of the detection device is not contacted in order to switch the detection device to the second switching state.

[0075] As in the Fig. 3a,b and 4a to 4bAs shown, the contact element 125 can be arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 109 perpendicular to the predetermined insertion direction 117. Even if this is not the case in the Fig. 3a,b and 4a to 4b is not shown, the contact element 125 can alternatively be arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 109 parallel to the predetermined insertion direction 117.

[0076] Even if this is in the Figures 3a to 5bnot shown, at least one second elevation, in particular at least one second pin, at least one second cam or at least one second contact spring, can be arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115, which is spaced apart from the elevation 123 along the predetermined insertion direction 117. The at least one second elevation of the filter unit 115 can be designed to actuate the contact element 125 of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing 109 in order to generate at least a first signal from the detection device, wherein the controller 107 of the laundry care appliance 100 is designed to enable activation of the pump 113 during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100 based on the first switching state and the at least first signal from the detection device.

[0077] Even if this is in the Figures 3a to 5bis not shown, the detection device can comprise a further switching element arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing 109. The surface of the filter housing 109 can have a further opening which is spaced from the opening at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the predetermined insertion direction 117 of the filter unit 115. On the surface of the filter unit 115, a Figures 3a to 5bA third elevation (not shown), in particular a third pin, a third cam, or a third contact spring, may be arranged, which is spaced from the elevation 123 at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the predetermined insertion direction 117. The third elevation of the filter unit 115 can be designed to actuate a further contact element of the further switching element through the further opening of the filter housing 109 in order to generate a second signal from the detection device, wherein the controller 107 of the laundry care appliance 100 is designed to enable activation of the pump 113 during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100 based on the first switching state and the second signal from the detection device.

[0078] Even if this is in the Figures 3a to 5bnot shown, at least one fourth elevation, in particular at least one fourth pin, at least one fourth cam or at least one fourth contact spring, can be arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115, which is spaced apart from the third elevation along the predetermined insertion direction 117. The at least one fourth elevation of the filter unit 115 can be designed to actuate the further contact element of the further switching element through the further opening of the filter housing 109 in order to generate at least one third signal from the detection device, wherein the controller 107 of the laundry care appliance 100 is designed to enable activation of the pump 113 during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100 based on the first switching state and the at least third signal from the detection device.

[0079] Fig. 6a to 6eshow schematic views of a filter unit 115 with a magnetic element 135 and a filter housing 109 in a laundry care system 200 according to embodiments. The laundry care system 200 may be the Fig. 1 The laundry care system 200 shown here.

[0080] The detection device may comprise a magnetic sensor 137, in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor. The magnetic element 135, in particular a ferromagnetic element or a permanent magnet, may be arranged on a surface of the filter unit 115. The magnetic sensor 137 may be configured to detect an approach of the magnetic element 135 to the magnetic sensor 137 in order to switch the detection device to the first switching state.

[0081] As in the Fig. 6a and 6b As shown, the magnetic sensor 137 can be arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 109 perpendicular to the predetermined insertion direction 117. As shown in the Figures 6c to 6e As shown, the magnetic sensor 137 can alternatively be arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 109 parallel to the predetermined insertion direction 117.

[0082] As in the Fig. 6c to 6eAs shown, at least one further magnetic element 145, in particular a further ferromagnetic element or a further permanent magnet, can be arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115, in particular parallel to the insertion direction 117. The further magnetic element 145 can be spaced apart from the magnetic element 135 along the predetermined insertion direction 117. The magnetic sensor 137 can be designed to detect an approach of the further magnetic element 145 to the magnetic sensor 137 in order to generate at least a fourth signal from the detection device, wherein the controller 107 of the laundry care appliance 100 is designed to enable activation of the pump 113 during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100 based on the first switching state and the at least fourth signal from the detection device.

[0083] Here, as in the Fig. 6d and 6eAs shown, during the insertion of the filter unit 115 into the filter housing 109 along the predetermined insertion direction 117, the further magnetic element 145 is guided past the magnetic sensor 137.

[0084] Fig. 6f shows a signal from a detection device in a laundry care system 200 according to an embodiment. The laundry care system 200 can Fig. 6c-e described Laundry Care System 200. As described in the Figure 6f As shown by way of example, the first switching state of the detection device can be assigned to a first signal level 149 of a signal of the detection device and the second switching state of the detection device can be assigned to a second signal level 151, in particular a zero level, of a signal of the detection device.

[0085] As shown by the Figure 6fAs shown in the second time period 155 shown in Figure 4c, the absence of the filter unit 115 can cause the signal to be at the second signal level 151. As shown in the first time period 153 shown in Figure 4c, after the insertion of the filter unit 115, the signal of the detection device can be at the first signal level when the magnetic element 135 is detected by the magnetic sensor 137, in particular when the filter unit 115 is received in the predetermined position in the filter housing 109.

[0086] A pre-pulse of the detection device signal can be generated, for example, during insertion of the filter unit 115 along the insertion direction 117 by detection of the additional magnetic element 145 by the magnetic sensor 137 during a third time period 157. Accordingly, a post-pulse of the detection device signal can be generated, for example, during removal of the filter unit 115 counter to the insertion direction 117 by detection of the additional magnetic element 145 by the magnetic sensor 137. Between the pre-pulse and the main pulse, the detection device signal can be at the second signal level 151 during a fourth time period 159.

[0087] An analog signal curve can be generated by a mechanical actuation according to the Figures 3a to 5b described embodiments with the second elevation of the filter unit 115.

[0088] Even if this is in the Figures 6a to 6eNot shown, the magnetic sensor 137 can be arranged in an indentation of a surface of the filter housing 109, which protrudes into the interior of the filter housing 109. The magnetic element 135 can be arranged in a recess of the filter unit 115, in particular in a ring around the recess. The indentation of the surface of the filter housing 109 can engage in the recess of the filter unit 115 when the filter unit 115 is inserted into the filter housing 109.

[0089] Even if this is in the Figures 6c to 6e Not shown, the further magnetic element 135 can additionally or alternatively be arranged in a further recess of the filter unit 115, in particular in a ring around the further recess. The indentation of the surface of the filter housing 109 can engage in the further recess of the filter unit 115 when the filter unit 115 is inserted into the filter housing 109.

[0090] Fig. 7a and 7bshow schematic views of a magnetic sensor 137 in a laundry care system 200 according to an embodiment. The laundry care system 200 may Fig. 6a-e described Laundry Care System 200. As described in the Fig. 7a and 7b As shown, a permanent magnet 161 can be arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 137 such that a magnetic field of the permanent magnet 161 extends through the magnetic sensor 137 and forms a magnetic circuit. The magnetic element 135, designed as a ferromagnetic element, can be configured to shorten the magnetic circuit upon approaching a corresponding inner surface of the filter housing 137, thereby achieving a coupling between the magnetic sensor 137 and the permanent magnet 161, whereby the magnetic field can be concentrated on the magnetic sensor 137 and a switching threshold of the magnetic sensor 137 can be exceeded.

[0091] Fig. 8a and 8bshow schematic views of a filter unit 115 with a protrusion 123 and a filter housing 109 in a laundry care system 200 according to an embodiment. The laundry care system 200 may be the Fig. 1 The laundry care system 200 shown here.

[0092] The filter unit 115 can have a fifth elevation 139, in particular a pin or a cam, which is arranged on a surface of the filter unit 115. A permanent magnet 141 can be movably mounted on an inner surface of the filter housing 109 along the predetermined insertion direction 117 of the filter unit 115 into the filter housing 109, in particular on a guide rail 143. An elastic element, in particular consisting of a ferromagnetic element, can be arranged on the inner surface of the filter housing 109 and is designed to move the permanent magnet 141 counter to the predetermined insertion direction 117.

[0093] The fifth elevation 139 of the filter unit 115 is configured to move the permanent magnet 141 along the predetermined insertion direction 117 when the filter unit 115 is inserted into the filter housing 109. The detection device may comprise a second magnetic sensor 1, in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor. The second magnetic sensor 147 may be configured to detect an approach of the permanent magnet 141 to the second magnetic sensor 147 in order to switch the detection device to the first switching state.

[0094] All features explained and shown in connection with individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the subject matter according to the invention in order to simultaneously realize their advantageous effects.

[0095] The scope of the present invention is given by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the figures. List of reference symbols

[0096] 100 Laundry care appliance 101 Water connection 103 Water supply line 105 Soil container 107 Control unit 109 Filter housing 111 Drain line 111-1 Drain line section 113 Pump 115 Filter unit 117 Predetermined insertion direction 119 Filter cover 121 Hinge 123 Raised portion 125 Contact element 127 Electrical contact 129 Contact element spring 131 Circuit 133 Additional electrical contacts 135 Magnetic element 137 Magnetic sensor 139 Fifth raised portion 141 Permanent magnet 143 Guide rail 145 Additional magnetic element 147 Second magnetic sensor 149 First signal level 151 Second signal level 153 First time period 155 Second time period 157 Third time period 159Fourth time period 161Further permanent magnet 200Laundry care system

Claims

1. Laundry care system (200), comprising a laundry care appliance (100), a filter unit (115) and a filter housing (109) into which the filter unit (115) can be received, wherein the laundry care appliance (100) has a controller (107), a tub (105) for receiving washing liquid, a pumping line (111) fluidically connected to the tub (105) and a pump (113) which is designed to pump washing liquid out of the tub (105) and through the pumping line (111) out of the laundry care appliance (100), wherein the pumping line (111) has a pumping line section (111-1), wherein the pumped-out washing liquid flows downstream of the pumping line section (111-1) within the filter housing (109), and wherein the filter unit (115) is designed to be Pumping line section (111-1) to filter pumped washing liquid within the filter housing (109) in order to remove impurities, in particular microplastics,to be removed from the washing liquid, characterized in that the laundry care system (200) comprises a detection device which is designed to switch to a first switching state when the filter unit (115) is accommodated in the filter housing (109), and which is designed to switch to a second switching state when the filter unit (115) is not accommodated in the filter housing (109), wherein the controller (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) is designed to enable activation of the pump (113) during a laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) based on the first switching state of the detection device, and to block activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) based on the second switching state of the detection device.

2. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 1, characterized in thatthe detection device is designed to switch to the first switching state when the filter unit (115) is received in the filter housing (109) in a predetermined position, and to switch to the second switching state when the filter unit (115) is not received in the filter housing (109) in the predetermined position.

3. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the filter housing (109) can be closed by a filter cover (119), wherein the filter unit (115) comprises an element which is designed to exert a force on the filter housing (109) which acts opposite to a predetermined insertion direction (117) of the filter unit (115) into the filter housing (109), wherein the filter cover (119) is designed, in the closed state, to counteract the force of the element.

4. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe detection device comprises a switching element arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing (109), wherein a projection (123), in particular a pin, a cam or a contact spring, is arranged on a surface of the filter unit (115), wherein a surface of the filter housing (109) has an opening, wherein the projection (123) of the filter unit (115) is designed to actuate a contact element (125) of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing (109).

5. Laundry care system (200) according to one of claims 4, characterized in thatthe elevation of the filter unit is designed to actuate the contact element (125) of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing (109) in order to electrically connect two electrical contacts (127) of the contact element (125) and to switch the detection device into the first switching state, wherein the contact element (125) is designed to electrically interrupt the two electrical contacts (127) of the contact element (125), in particular by means of a contact element spring (129) connected to the contact element (125), when the contact element (125) of the detection device is not contacted, in order to switch the detection device into the second switching state.

6. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 4, characterized in thatthe elevation (123) of the filter unit is designed to actuate the contact element (125) of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing (109) in order to electrically interrupt two electrical contacts (127) of the contact element (125) and to switch the detection device into the first switching state, wherein the contact element (125) is designed to electrically connect the two electrical contacts of the contact element (125), in particular by means of a contact element spring (129) connected to the contact element, when the contact element of the detection device is not contacted, in order to switch the detection device into the second switching state.

7. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 4, characterized in thatthe elevation (125) of the filter unit is designed to actuate the contact element (125) of the detection device through the opening of the filter housing (109) in order to electrically connect two electrical contacts (127) of the contact element (125) and to electrically interrupt two further electrical contacts (133) of the contact element (125), and to switch the detection device into the first switching state, wherein the contact element (125) is designed, in particular by means of a contact element spring (129) connected to the contact element, to electrically interrupt the two electrical contacts (127) of the contact element (125) and to electrically connect the two further electrical contacts (133) of the contact element (125) when the contact element (125) of the detection device is not contacted in order to switch the detection device into the second switching state.

8. Laundry care system (200) according to one of claims 4 to 7, characterized in thatat least one second elevation, in particular at least one second pin, at least one second cam or at least one second contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), which is spaced apart from the elevation (123) along the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the at least one second elevation of the filter unit (115) is designed to actuate the contact element (125) of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing (109) in order to generate at least a first signal from the detection device, wherein the controller (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) is designed to enable activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) based on the first switching state and the at least first signal from the detection device.

9. Laundry care system (200) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in thatthe detection device comprises a further switching element arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing (109), wherein the surface of the filter housing (109) has a further opening which is spaced from the opening at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to a predetermined insertion direction (117) of the filter unit (115), wherein a third elevation, in particular a third pin, a third cam or a third contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), which is spaced from the elevation (123) at an angle, in particular perpendicular, to the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the third elevation of the filter unit (115) is designed to actuate a further contact element of the further switching element through the further opening of the filter housing (109) in order to generate a second signal of the detection device, wherein the controller (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) is designed,based on the first switching state and the second signal of the detection device, to enable activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100).

10. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 9, characterized in thatat least one fourth elevation, in particular at least one fourth pin, at least one fourth cam or at least one fourth contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), which is spaced apart from the third elevation along the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the at least one fourth elevation of the filter unit (115) is designed to actuate the further contact element of the further switching element through the further opening of the filter housing (109) in order to generate at least one third signal from the detection device, wherein the controller (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) is designed to enable activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) based on the first switching state and the at least third signal from the detection device.

11. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe detection device comprises a magnetic sensor (137), in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor, wherein a magnetic element (135), in particular a ferromagnetic element or a permanent magnet, is arranged on a surface of the filter unit (115), wherein the magnetic sensor (137) is designed to detect an approach of the magnetic element (135) to the magnetic sensor (137) in order to switch the detection device into the first switching state.

12. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 11, characterized in thatat least one further magnetic element (145), in particular a further ferromagnetic element or a further permanent magnet, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), wherein the further magnetic element (145) is spaced apart from the magnetic element (135) along the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the magnetic sensor (137) is designed to detect an approach of the further magnetic element (145) to the magnetic sensor (137) in order to generate at least a fourth signal from the detection device, wherein the controller (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) is designed to enable activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) based on the first switching state and the at least fourth signal from the detection device.

13. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in thatthe magnetic sensor (137) is arranged in an indentation of a surface of the filter housing (109), which protrudes into the interior of the filter housing (109), and wherein the magnetic element (135) is arranged on a recess of the filter unit (115), in particular in a ring shape around the recess, wherein the indentation of the surface of the filter housing (109) engages in the recess of the filter unit (115) when the filter unit (115) is inserted into the filter housing (109).

14. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe filter unit (115) has a fifth elevation (139), in particular a pin or a cam, which is arranged on a surface of the filter unit (115), wherein on an inner surface of the filter housing (109) a permanent magnet (141) is movably mounted along a predetermined insertion direction (117) of the filter unit (115) into the filter housing (109), in particular on a guide rail (143), wherein on the inner surface of the filter housing (109) an elastic element, consisting in particular of a ferromagnetic element, is arranged, which is designed to move the permanent magnet (141) counter to the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the fifth elevation (139) of the filter unit (115) is designed to move the permanent magnet (141) along the predetermined insertion direction (117) when inserting the filter unit (115) into the filter housing (109), wherein the detection device a second magnetic sensor (147),in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor, wherein the second magnetic sensor (147) is designed to detect an approach of the permanent magnet (141) to the second magnetic sensor (147) in order to switch the detection device to the first switching state.

15. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in thatthe detection device comprises at least one sensor element which is designed to detect sensor data, wherein the detection device is designed to switch to the first switching state based on the sensor data, wherein the sensor element is designed to detect the sensor data: to measure a flow resistance and / or pressure of the washing liquid, in particular in the pump (113), to measure a conductivity of an electrical component of the filter unit (115), to capacitively measure a water displacement of the filter unit (115) within the filter housing (109), to inductively measure the filter unit (115), in particular an inductive element of the filter unit (115), and / or to optically detect the filter unit (115), in particular a plurality of elevations of the filter unit (115), within the filter housing (109).

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