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 device and a filter unit.

[0002] Water-based laundry care appliances often use filter units to remove impurities, such as microplastic particles, from the wastewater generated during laundry care programs. It may be necessary to replace and / or clean these filter units, which are accessible to the user for replacement or maintenance, from time to time.

[0003] The JP 2002 282616 A relates to a filter device which can prevent water leaks during washing.

[0004] DE 10 2006 043516 B3 relates to a washing machine with a lint filter which comprises a housing and an insert part arranged therein.

[0005] EP 2 503 050 A1 relates to a washing machine with a filter element.

[0006] EP 2 034 083 A2 relates to a washing machine with a filter device, a magnetic body and a reed switch.

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a laundry care system comprising a laundry care device, a filter unit and a filter housing, in which operation of a laundry care program of the laundry care device is only possible when the filter unit is inserted into the filter housing.

[0008] 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.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the problem according to the invention is solved by a laundry care system according to claim 1.

[0010] The laundry care system comprises a laundry care device, a filter unit, and a filter housing into which the filter unit can be accommodated. The laundry care device includes a control unit, 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. The drain line includes a drain section, the pumped washing liquid flows downstream of the drain section within the filter housing, and the filter unit is configured to filter the washing liquid pumped through the drain section within the filter housing to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the washing liquid. The laundry care system includes a detection device configured toto switch to a first switching state when the filter unit is included in the filter housing, and which is configured to switch to a second switching state when the filter unit is not included in the filter housing, wherein 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 sensing 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 sensing device.

[0011] This achieves the technical advantage that the control unit can detect a filter unit inserted into the filter housing, thus preventing the laundry care program of the washing machine from operating if filtration of the wash liquid to be pumped out is not possible due to a missing filter unit. Furthermore, the control unit of the washing machine can be configured, based on the first and / or second switching state of the detection device, to output optical and / or acoustic signals to a user interface, in particular to a screen and / or a speaker of the washing machine, indicating to the user whether the filter unit is inserted in the filter housing or not.

[0012] The drain line section can be an internal drain line section located inside the laundry care appliance or an external drain line section located outside the laundry care appliance.

[0013] A laundry care appliance is understood to be a device used for laundry care, such as a washing machine, a washer-dryer, 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.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device is configured 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.

[0015] This achieves the technical advantage that the control unit can detect a filter unit inserted into the filter housing, thus preventing the laundry care program of the washing machine from operating if filtration of the wash liquid to be pumped out is not possible due to an incorrectly inserted filter unit. Furthermore, the control unit of the washing machine can be configured, based on the first and / or second switching state of the detection device, to output optical and / or acoustic signals to a user interface, in particular to a screen and / or a speaker of the washing machine, indicating to the user whether the filter unit is correctly inserted in the filter housing or not.

[0016] 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 insertion direction 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.

[0017] This achieves the technical advantage of ensuring that the filter unit's contact element only makes contact with the detection device when the filter cover is closed. This allows for the correct insertion of the filter unit into the filter housing to be verified.

[0018] The force can be, in particular, a spring force, a magnetic force, a torque, and / or gravity. The element can, in particular, be a spring element. The filter cover, when closed, can be configured, in particular, to push the filter unit into the predetermined position and / or to fix it in the predetermined position in order to enable the detection device to switch to the first switching state. In the predetermined position, at least one of the switching elements and / or at least one of the magnetic sensors and / or one of the sensor elements described below can be activated. The element, in particular the spring element, can be encompassed by one of the protrusions of the filter unit described below or be a separate component of the filter unit. The spring element can be made of plastic.

[0019] According to the invention, the detection device comprises a switching element arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing, wherein a protrusion, 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 protrusion of the filter unit is designed to actuate a contact element of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing.

[0020] This allows, for example, a material-efficient way to detect whether the filter unit is inserted into the filter housing of disposable filters. The sensor can be molded directly onto the filter unit using injection molding, for instance, as a plastic part.

[0021] The opening can have a movable diaphragm and / or a movable seal, in particular an O-ring or a shaft seal. This allows for electrical insulation and / or galvanic isolation between the contact element and the protrusion.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, the raised section 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.

[0023] This achieves the technical advantage of enabling efficient detection of whether the filter unit is included in the filter housing.

[0024] In an advantageous embodiment, the raised section 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.

[0025] This achieves the technical advantage that manipulation, for example by permanently jamming the contact switch, can be detected.

[0026] In an advantageous embodiment, the raised section 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 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.

[0027] 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.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, at least a second projection, in particular at least a second pin, at least a second cam or at least a second contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, which is spaced apart from the projection along the predetermined insertion direction, wherein the at least one second projection of the filter unit is configured 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 from the detection device, wherein the control of the laundry care appliance is configured to release 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 from the detection device.

[0029] This offers the advantage that, particularly with a single contact element, a complex signal waveform of the detection device can be generated, which is difficult to manipulate.

[0030] The detection device can thus briefly capture at least the first signal when the filter unit is inserted or removed, which can then be evaluated by the control system. This could, for example, be the passage of at least the second projection of the filter unit over the contact element. For instance, a pre-pulse can be generated by the detection device when the filter unit is inserted, which can then be detected by the control system.

[0031] In particular, the second measurement, at least, can comprise a multitude of measurements. These multiple measurements can be arranged at defined intervals on the filter unit and, upon insertion or removal, actuate the contact element in a specific sequence. The control unit can be configured to determine a bit sequence of information based on the timing of the activation and / or the intervals and / or lengths of the measurements, and, in particular, to assign an identification number to the filter unit to this bit sequence. Based on this identification number, the control unit of the laundry care appliance can then enable the activation of the pump during the laundry care program.

[0032] The predetermined insertion direction can be a one-dimensional movement of the filter unit with respect to the sequence of the elevations, for example an axial thrust movement of a cylindrical filter unit or a rotational movement of a bayonet fitting of a cylindrical filter unit.

[0033] 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 at an angle, in particular perpendicularly, to a predetermined insertion direction of the filter unit, wherein a third projection, 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 at an angle, in particular perpendicularly, to the predetermined insertion direction from the projection, wherein the third projection of the filter unit is configured 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 device is configuredbased 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.

[0034] This allows the second signal to be less dependent, and especially when the third protrusion is arranged perpendicular to the predetermined insertion direction, on the insertion or withdrawal speed of the filter unit along or against the predetermined insertion direction.

[0035] In an advantageous embodiment, at least a fourth projection, in particular at least a fourth pin, at least a fourth cam or at least a fourth contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit, which is spaced apart from the third projection along the predetermined insertion direction, wherein the at least one fourth projection of the filter unit is configured 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 a third signal from the detection device, wherein the control of the laundry care appliance is configured to release 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.

[0036] This achieves the advantage that the additional contact element allows for the creation of a complex signal profile from the detection device, which is difficult to manipulate.

[0037] The detection device can thus briefly capture at least the third signal when the filter unit is inserted or removed, which can then be evaluated by the control system. This could, for example, be the passage of the filter unit's fourth or subsequent contact element over another contact point. For instance, a pre-pulse can be generated by the detection device when the filter unit is inserted, which can then be detected by the control system.

[0038] In particular, the fourth or so stylus can comprise a multitude of styluses. These multiple styluses can be arranged at defined intervals on the filter unit and, upon insertion or removal, actuate the contact element in a specific sequence. The control unit can be configured to determine a bit sequence of information based on the timing of the actuation and / or the intervals and / or lengths of the styluses, and, in particular, to assign an identification number to the filter unit to this bit sequence. Based on this identification number, the control unit of the laundry care appliance can then activate the pump during the laundry care program.

[0039] 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 configured to detect an approach of the magnetic element to the magnetic sensor in order to switch the detection device into the first switching state.

[0040] This allows for a simple 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 inside the filter housing.

[0041] 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 actuate a standard magnetic sensor, such as a reed switch, over distances of several millimeters to centimeters. Intermediate (plastic) walls and air gaps have only a negligible effect. Therefore, galvanic isolation between the water-carrying and current-carrying areas can be easily achieved with such an arrangement.

[0042] If a reed contact is used, then the first switching state and / or the second switching state can be efficiently detected via this contact.

[0043] If an analog sensor, such as a Hall sensor, is used as the magnetic sensor, its switching threshold can be generated analogously, digitally, or preferably via software, which can be implemented by the controller. With an analog sensor, it is possible, for example, to determine not only the presence of a suitable magnetic field but also its strength. When using a multidimensional magnetic sensor, the local direction of the magnetic field at the sensor's location can also be detected.

[0044] In one embodiment, a permanent magnet is arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing such that a magnetic field from the permanent magnet passes through the magnetic sensor and forms a magnetic circuit. The magnetic element can be designed as a ferromagnetic element and can be configured to shorten the magnetic circuit when approaching a corresponding inner surface of the filter housing, thereby achieving coupling between the magnetic sensor and the permanent magnet. This allows the magnetic field to be concentrated at the magnetic sensor and a switching threshold of the magnetic sensor to be exceeded.

[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. The filter unit can incorporate a ferromagnetic element, which is more material-efficient than a permanent magnet.

[0046] In an advantageous embodiment, at least one further magnetic element, in particular another ferromagnetic element or another 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 configured to detect an approach of the further magnetic element to the magnetic sensor in order to generate at least a fourth signal from the detection device, wherein the control of the laundry care appliance is configured to release 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 from the detection device.

[0047] This offers the advantage that a complex signal waveform can be generated with just one magnetic sensor, which is difficult to manipulate.

[0048] In an advantageous embodiment, the magnetic sensor is arranged in an indentation of a surface of the filter housing, which projects 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 shape 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.

[0049] In an advantageous embodiment, the filter unit has a fifth projection, 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, which is configured to move the permanent magnet opposite to the predetermined insertion direction, wherein the fifth projection of the filter unit is configured to move the permanent magnet along the predetermined insertion direction when the filter unit is inserted 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 into the first switching state.

[0050] 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 in a particularly energy-efficient manner, as magnetic elements on the filter unit can be omitted.

[0051] In an advantageous embodiment, the detection device comprises at least one sensor element configured to detect sensor data, wherein the detection device is configured to switch to the first switching state based on the sensor data, wherein the sensor element is configured 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 protrusions of the filter unit, within the filter housing.

[0052] To measure the conductivity of the electrical component of the filter unit, an electrically conductive component can, for example, be arranged on the filter unit, which can close the contact between two electrodes of the detection device that protrude into the filter housing. The electrodes can be galvanically isolated from the detection device.

[0053] 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 appliance, such as when the washing liquid is being pumped out. Capacitive measurement methods can then be used to detect a displacement volume of plastic caused by the filter unit, for example, by plastic components molded onto the filter unit.

[0054] The inductive element of the filter unit can, in particular, be a sheet of iron.

[0055] Further examples of implementation are explained with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Fig. 1 a schematic view of a laundry care system according to one embodiment; Fig. 2a,b schematic views of a filter unit and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to one embodiment; Fig. 3a,b schematic views of a filter unit with a raised section and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to one embodiment; Fig. 3c a signal from a detection device in a laundry care system according to one embodiment; Fig. 4a,b schematic views of a filter unit with a raised section and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to one embodiment; Fig. 5a,b schematic views of a filter unit with a raised section and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to one embodiment; Fig. 6a-e schematic views of a filter unit with a magnetic element and a filter housing in a laundry care system according to embodiments; Fig.6. Fine signal of a detection device in a laundry care system according to one embodiment; Fig. 7a,b schematic views of a magnetic sensor in a laundry care system according to one 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 one embodiment.

[0056] Fig. 1 Figure 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 includes a [missing information - likely a component or component]. Fig. 1 The alkaline container 105, shown only schematically, is for receiving washing liquid and can be fluidically connected to a water connection 101 via a water supply line 103 in order to supply the washing liquid to the alkaline container 105.

[0057] The washing machine's tub 105 can hold 100 loads of laundry, which can release impurities, especially microplastics, into the washing liquid during a washing program.

[0058] The laundry care appliance 100 includes a Fig. 1 Control unit 107, shown only schematically, one in the Fig. 1 Filter unit 115 (not shown) and a filter housing 109 into which the filter unit 115 can be accommodated.

[0059] As further in the Fig. 1As shown, the laundry care appliance 100 has a drain line 111 fluidly connected to the washing container 105 and a pump 113, which is designed to pump washing liquid from the washing container 105 and out of the laundry care appliance 100 via the drain line 111. The drain line 111 has a drain section 111-1, wherein the pumped washing liquid flows downstream of the drain section 111-1 within the filter housing 109.

[0060] As in the Fig. 1 As shown, the drain line section 111-1 can be an internal drain line section located within the laundry care appliance 100. Even if this is shown in the Figure 1Not shown, the drain line section 111-1 can alternatively be an external drain line section located outside the laundry care appliance 100. Similarly, the filter housing 109 with the filter unit 115 can be located inside the laundry care appliance 100 or outside the laundry care appliance 100.

[0061] 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 impurities, especially microplastics, from the washing liquid.

[0062] The Laundry Care System 200 includes a [unit / section] in the Fig. 1detection device not shown, which is configured to switch to a first switching state when the filter unit 115 is received in the filter housing 109, and which is configured to switch to a second switching state when the filter unit 115 is not received in the filter housing 109.

[0063] The control unit 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.

[0064] The detection device can comprise at least one sensor element configured to detect sensor data. The detection device can be configured to switch to the first switching state based on the sensor data. The sensor element for detecting the sensor data can be configured 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 protrusions of the filter unit 115, within the filter housing 109.

[0065] Fig. 2a and 2bshow schematic views of a filter unit 115 and a filter housing 109 in a laundry care system 200 according to one embodiment.

[0066] The Laundry Care System 200 can do that in the Fig. 1 The laundry care system 200 shown is shown. The filter housing 109 can include a pivotally arranged filter cover 119, which is pivotally attached to the filter housing 109, for example, by means of a hinge 121.

[0067] As in the Fig. 2a As shown, with the filter cover 119 open, 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.

[0068] 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, for example, completely enclosed in the filter housing 109 when the filter cover 119 is closed.

[0069] The detection device can 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.

[0070] Figs. 3a to 5b Schematic views show a filter unit 115 according to the invention, comprising a projection 123 and a filter housing 109, in a laundry care system 200 according to embodiments. The laundry care system 200 can be used in the Fig. 1The laundry care system 200 shown is used. The protrusion 123, in particular a pin, a cam or a contact spring, is arranged on a surface of the filter unit 115.

[0071] According to the invention, the detection device comprises a switching element arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing 109, which includes a contact element 125 and electrical contacts 127, as well as, as shown in the Figures 5a and 5b As shown, the filter housing 109 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 projection 123 of the filter unit 115 is designed to actuate the contact element 125 of the switching element through the opening in the filter housing 109.

[0072] As already mentioned in the Figures 2a and 2bAs described, the filter housing 109 can be closed by a filter cover 119. The protrusion 123 of the filter unit 115 can include a spring element, preferably made of plastic, which is designed to exert a spring force on the filter housing 109, acting in the opposite direction to the predetermined insertion direction 117 of the filter unit 115 into the filter housing 109. The filter cover 119 can be designed to counteract the spring force of the spring element when closed.

[0073] As in the Figs. 3a and 3bAs shown, the projection 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, in order 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.

[0074] The contact element 125 can further be configured 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.

[0075] Fig. 3cFigure 1 shows a signal from a detection device in a laundry care system 200 according to one embodiment. The laundry care system 200 can detect the following: Figs. 3a and 3b The described laundry care system 200 should be as described. Figure 3c As illustrated by 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.

[0076] The one in Figure 3c The depicted course of the signal from the detection device can, for example, change when the filter unit 115 is replaced, based on the information provided. Figures 3a and 3b The described connecting and disconnecting of contact element 125 takes place as described. As described in the Figure 3cAs shown in the second time period 155, removing the filter unit 115 can reduce the signal to the second signal level 151. As shown in the Figure 3c As shown in the first time periods 153, the signal of the detection device can be at the first signal level before the removal and after the insertion of the new or cleaned filter unit 115.

[0077] Thus, a change in the switching state of the detection device can be registered and evaluated by the controller 107. Replacing the filter unit 115 can therefore correspond to a signal sequence from the detection device. This means that the detection by the 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, the controller 107 expects and queries a single (or even multiple) change in the signal state.

[0078] As in the Figs. 4a and 4b As shown, the survey 123 of the filter unit can be used as an alternative to the representation in the Figs. 3a and 3bThe contact element 125 of the detection device is configured to actuate the contact element 125 through the opening of the filter housing 109 in order to electrically interrupt two electrical contacts 127 of the contact element 125 and 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 in contact, in order to switch the detection device to the second switching state.

[0079] As in the Figs. 5a and 5b As shown, the survey 123 of the filter unit can be used as an alternative to the representation in the Figs. 3a to 4bThe contact element 125 of the detection device is configured 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 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 configured, 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 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.

[0080] 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 shown in the Fig. 3a,b and 4a to 4b If 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.

[0081] Even if this is in the Figures 3a to 5bNot shown, at least a second projection, in particular at least a second pin, at least a second cam, or at least a second contact spring, can be arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115, which is spaced apart from the projection 123 along the predetermined insertion direction 117. The at least one second projection of the filter unit 115 can be configured 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 control unit 107 of the laundry care appliance 100 is configured, based on the first switching state and the at least first signal from the detection device, to activate the pump 113 during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100.

[0082] Even if this is in the Figures 3a to 5bNot shown, the detection device may include a further switching element arranged on the outer surface of the filter housing 109. The surface of the filter housing 109 may have a further opening which is spaced at an angle, in particular perpendicularly, to the predetermined insertion direction 117 of the filter unit 115 from the opening. On the surface of the filter unit 115, a [missing information] may be arranged in the Figures 3a to 5bA third projection (not shown), in particular a third pin, a third cam, or a third contact spring, may be arranged, which is spaced at an angle, in particular perpendicularly, to the predetermined insertion direction 117 from the projection 123. The third projection of the filter unit 115 may be configured 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 control unit 107 of the laundry care appliance 100 is configured, based on the first switching state and the second signal from the detection device, to activate the pump 113 during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100.

[0083] Even if this is in the Figures 3a to 5bNot shown, at least a fourth projection, in particular at least a fourth pin, at least a fourth cam, or at least a fourth contact spring, can be arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115, which is spaced apart from the third projection along the predetermined insertion direction 117. The at least one fourth projection of the filter unit 115 can be configured 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 a third signal from the detection device, wherein the control unit 107 of the laundry care appliance 100 is configured, based on the first switching state and the at least third signal from the detection device, to activate the pump 113 during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100.

[0084] Figs. 6a to 6eFigure 1 shows 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 can be used in the Fig. 1 The laundry care system shown is 200.

[0085] The detection device can comprise a magnetic sensor 137, in particular a reed switch or a Hall sensor. The magnetic element 135, in particular a ferromagnetic element or a permanent magnet, can be arranged on a surface of the filter unit 115. The magnetic sensor 137 can be configured to detect the approach of the magnetic element 135 to the magnetic sensor 137 in order to switch the detection device into the first switching state.

[0086] As in the Figs. 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.

[0087] As in the Figs. 6c to 6eAs shown, at least one further magnetic element 145, in particular another ferromagnetic element or another permanent magnet, can be arranged on the surface of the filter unit 115, which is 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 configured to detect the 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 control unit 107 of the laundry care appliance 100 is configured, based on the first switching state and the at least fourth signal from the detection device, to activate the pump 113 during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance 100.

[0088] 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.

[0089] Fig. 6f Figure 1 shows a signal from a detection device in a laundry care system 200 according to one embodiment. The laundry care system 200 can detect the following: Fig. 6c-e The described laundry care system 200 should be as described. Figure 6f As illustrated by 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.

[0090] As through the in the Figure 6fAs shown in the second time period 155, the signal may be at the second signal level 151 due to the absence of the filter unit 115. As shown in the Figure 3c As shown in the first time period 153, after the filter unit 115 is inserted, 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, especially when the filter unit 115 is received in the filter housing 109 in the predetermined position.

[0091] A pre-pulse of the signal from the detection device can be generated, for example, when the filter unit 115 is inserted along the insertion direction 117, by the magnetic sensor 137 detecting the additional magnetic element 145 during a third time interval 157. Similarly, a post-pulse of the signal from the detection device can be generated, for example, when the filter unit 115 is removed in the opposite direction to the insertion direction 117, by the magnetic sensor 137 detecting the additional magnetic element 145. Between the pre-pulse and the main pulse, the signal from the detection device can be at the second signal level 151 during a fourth time interval 159.

[0092] An analog signal waveform can be obtained during mechanical actuation according to the [relevant parameters]. Figures 3a to 5b The described embodiments are achieved with the second elevation of the filter unit 115.

[0093] 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 projects into the interior of the filter housing 109. The magnetic element 135 can be arranged on a recess of the filter unit 115, in particular in a ring shape 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.

[0094] Even if this is in the Figures 6c to 6e Not shown, the additional magnetic element 135 can also be arranged at a further recess of the filter unit 115, in particular in a ring shape around the further recess. When the filter unit 115 is inserted into the filter housing 109, the indentation of the surface of the filter housing 109 can engage in the further recess of the filter unit 115.

[0095] Figs. 7a and 7bFigure 1 shows schematic views of a magnetic sensor 137 in a laundry care system 200 according to one embodiment. The laundry care system 200 can be used to measure the following: Fig. 6a-e The described laundry care system 200 should be as described. Figs. 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 passes 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 when approaching a corresponding inner surface of the filter housing 137, thereby achieving a coupling between the magnetic sensor 137 and the permanent magnet 161. This allows the magnetic field to be concentrated at the magnetic sensor 137 and a switching threshold of the magnetic sensor 137 to be exceeded.

[0096] Figs. 8a and 8bSchematic views of a filter unit 115 with a protrusion 123 and a filter housing 109 in a laundry care system 200 according to one embodiment are shown. The laundry care system 200 can be used in the Fig. 1 The laundry care system shown is 200.

[0097] The filter unit 115 can have a fifth projection 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, which is configured to move the permanent magnet 141 opposite to the predetermined insertion direction 117.

[0098] The fifth projection 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 include a second magnetic sensor 1, in particular a reed contact or a Hall sensor. The second magnetic sensor 147 may be configured to detect the approach of the permanent magnet 141 to the second magnetic sensor 147 in order to switch the detection device to the first switching state.

[0099] 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.

[0100] 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

[0101] 100 Laundry care device 101 Water connection 103 Water supply line 105 Tub 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 Raise 125 Contact element 127 Electrical contact 129 Contact element spring 131 Circuit 133 Additional electrical contacts 135 Magnetic element 137 Magnetic sensor 139 Fifth rise 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 interval 155 Second time interval 157 Third time interval 159 Fourth Time period 161 Further permanent magnet 200 Laundry care system

Claims

1. Laundry care system (200), comprising a laundry care appliance (100), a filter unit (115) and a filter housing (109), in which the filter unit (115) can be accommodated, wherein the laundry care appliance (100) has a controller (107), an outer tub (105) for receiving washing liquid, a drain pump (111) connected fluidically with the outer tub (105) and a pump (113), which is embodied to drain washing liquid out of the outer tub (105) and through the drain line (111) out of the laundry care appliance (100), wherein the drain line (111) has a drain line section (111-1), wherein the drained washing liquid flows downstream of the drain line section (111-1) within the filter housing (109), and wherein the filter unit (115) is embodied to filter the washing liquid drained through the drain line section (111-1) within the filter housing (109) in order to remove impurities, in particular microplastics, from the washing liquid, wherein the laundry care system (200) comprises a detection apparatus which is embodied to switch into a first switching state when the filter unit (115) is accommodated in the filter housing (109), and which is embodied to switch into 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 embodied, based on the first switching state of the detection apparatus, to enable an activation of the pump (113) during a laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) and, based on the second switching state of the detection apparatus, to block the activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100), characterised in that the detection apparatus comprises a switching element arranged on an outer surface of the filter housing (109), wherein an elevation (123) is arranged on a surface of the filter unit (115), wherein a surface of the filter housing (109) has an opening, wherein the elevation (123) of the filter unit (115) is embodied to actuate a contact element (125) of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing (109).

2. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 1, characterised in that the detection apparatus is embodied to switch into the first switching state when the filter unit (115) is accommodated in the filter housing (109) in a predetermined position, and to switch into the second switching state when the filter unit (115) is not accommodated in the filter housing (109) in the predetermined position.

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

4. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elevation (123) is a pin, a lobe or a contact spring.

5. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the elevation of the filter unit is embodied to actuate the contact element (125) of the detection apparatus 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 apparatus into the first switching state, wherein the contact element (125) is embodied 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 apparatus is not contacted in order to switch the detection apparatus into the second switching state.

6. Laundry care appliance (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the elevation (123) of the filter unit is embodied to actuate the contact element (125) of the detection apparatus 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 apparatus into the first switching state, wherein the contact element (125) is embodied 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 apparatus is not contacted in order to switch the detection apparatus into the second switching state.

7. Laundry care system (200) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the elevation (125) of the filter unit is embodied to actuate the contact element (125) of the detection apparatus through the opening in 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 apparatus into the first switching state, wherein the contact element (125) is embodied 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, and to electrically connect the two further electrical contacts (133) of the contact element (125) when the contact element (125) of the detection apparatus is not contacted in order to switch the detection apparatus into the second switching state.

8. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one second elevation, in particular at least one second pin, at least one second lobe or at least one second contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), and is at a distance from the elevation (123) along the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the at least one second elevation of the filter unit (115) is embodied to actuate the contact element (125) of the switching element through the opening of the filter housing (109), in order to generate at least one first signal of the detection apparatus, wherein the controller (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) is embodied to enable an activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) on the basis of the first switching state and the at least first signal of the detection apparatus.

9. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the detection apparatus 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 at an angular, in particular perpendicular, distance from the opening with respect to a predetermined insertion direction (117) of the filter unit (115), wherein a third elevation, in particular a third pin, a third lobe or a third contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115) and is at an angular, in particular perpendicular, distance from the elevation (123) with respect to the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the third elevation of the filter unit (115) is embodied 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 apparatus, wherein the controller (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) is embodied to enable an activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) on the basis of the first switching state and the second signal of the detection apparatus.

10. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 9, characterised in that at least one fourth elevation, in particular at least one fourth pin, at least one fourth lobe or at least one fourth contact spring, is arranged on the surface of the filter unit (115), and is at a distance from the third elevation along the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the at least one fourth elevation of the filter unit (115) is embodied 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 of the detection apparatus, wherein the controller (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) is embodied to enable an activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) on the basis of the first switching state and the at least third signal of the detection apparatus.

11. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the detection apparatus 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 the surface of the filter unit (115), wherein the magnetic sensor (137) is embodied to detect an approach of the magnetic element (135) to the magnetic sensor (137), in order to switch the detection apparatus into the first switching state.

12. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 1, characterised in that at 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 at a distance from the magnetic element (135) along the predetermined insertion direction (117), wherein the magnetic sensor (137) is embodied to detect an approach of the further magnetic element (145) to the magnetic sensor (137) in order to generate at least one fourth signal of the detection apparatus, wherein the controller (107) of the laundry care appliance (100) is embodied to enable an activation of the pump (113) during the laundry care program of the laundry care appliance (100) on the basis of the first switching state and the at least fourth signal of the detection apparatus.

13. Laundry care system (200) according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the magnetic sensor (137) is arranged in an indentation of a surface of the filter housing (109), which projects 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-shaped manner around the recess, wherein the indentation of the surface of the filter housing (109) engages with the cutout 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, characterised in that the filter unit (115) has a fifth elevation (139), in particular a pin or a lobe, which is arranged on a surface of the filter unit (115), wherein a permanent magnet (141) is movably mounted along a predetermined insertion direction (117) of the filter unit (115) into the filter housing (109) on an inner surface of the filter housing (109), in particular on a guide rail (143), wherein an elastic element, consisting in particular of a ferromagnetic element, which is embodied to move the permanent magnet (141) against the predetermined insertion direction (117), is arranged on the inner surface of the filter housing (109), wherein the fifth elevation (139) of the filter unit (115) is embodied to move the permanent magnet (141) along the predetermined insertion direction (117) when the filter unit (115) is inserted into the filter housing (109), wherein the detection apparatus comprises a second magnetic sensor (147), in particular a Reed contact or a Hall sensor, wherein the second magnetic sensor (147) is embodied to detect an approach of the permanent magnet (141) to the second magnetic sensor (147) in order to switch the detection apparatus into the first switching state.

15. Laundry care system (200) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the detection apparatus comprises at least one sensor element, which is embodied to detect sensor data, wherein the detection apparatus is embodied to switch into the first switching state on the basis of the sensor data, wherein the sensor element is embodied 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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