EP2516720B1 - Filter device, household appliance, and method for filtering - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a filter device for filtering a liquid of a domestic appliance, comprising: a valveless filter container having a chamber in which at least one filter element is arranged, an inlet opening into the chamber, which fluidly connected by a first opening into the chamber through the filter element is. The invention also relates to a domestic appliance, in particular laundry drying apparatus, with such a filter device and a method for guiding a fluid through such a filter arrangement.

A filter device and a household appliance of the type defined in each case emerge from the DE 10 2006 018 469 A1 ,

From the WO 93/01877 A1 goes out a filter device with two processes, each drain a shut-off valve is assigned.

From the FR 2 791 904 A1 For example, there is provided a dual-effluent filtration apparatus in which a filtered liquid drain and an unfiltered liquid drain are provided, and wherein the unfiltered liquid drain is provided with a check valve.

In general, a domestic appliance in the form of a laundry drying machine with a closed process air circuit is known which has a heat exchanger coupled to an internal process air circuit, the heat exchanger serving to cool and condense moist heat of process air discharged from a laundry drum. The heat exchanger may be, for example, an air-to-air heat exchanger or a heat exchanger of a heat pump.

The WO 2008/119611 A1 describes a method and a flushing device for cleaning a component, in particular an evaporator, a heat pump, and a washing or tumble dryer with such a device. For cleaning the arranged within the process air circuit component during a running drying process condensate, which in the process air cycle from obtained the drying of wet laundry and collected in a condensate water tank, passed to a provided above the component rinsing out and delivered by the sudden opening on the outlet side as a flood of water to the component to be cleaned. In particular, with the flushing device lint and other impurities can be cleaned. The water, which is then heavily flocced, then returns to the condensate water tank after the flushing process. However, it is disadvantageous that this condensate used as flushing liquid itself contains lint, which can accumulate during cleaning or rinsing of the component to be cleaned, which reduces a cleaning effect.

There is also known a laundry drying apparatus in which after the completion of a drying process, the content of the condensate water tank can be automatically pumped into a drain.

It is the object of the invention to enable in a domestic appliance a particularly simple and maintenance-free possibility for providing a purified liquid from a contaminated liquid. It is also an object to provide in a clothes dryer a simple, maintenance-free way to provide purified rinse water from lint-laden condensate water.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are in particular the dependent claims and the following description removable.

• ein ventilloses Filterbehältnis mit einer Kammer, in der mindestens ein Filterelement angeordnet ist, einem in die Kammer mündenden Zulauf, der mit einem in die Kammer mündenden ersten Ablauf durch das Filterelement fluidisch verbunden ist und mit einem in die Kammer mündenden zweiten Ablauf nicht filternd fluidisch verbunden ist,
• einen ersten Strömungskanal, der mit dem ersten Ablauf verbunden ist und der ein Absperrventil aufweist, welches in einer ersten Filterstellung geöffnet und in einer zweiten Filterstellung gesperrt ist;
• einen zweiten, Strömungskanal, der mit dem zweiten Ablauf verbunden ist und nicht für eine Einstellung der ersten oder zweiten Filterstellung absperrbar ist,
• wobei ein erster minimaler Strömungsquerschnitt des ersten Ablaufs und/oder des ersten Strömungskanals größer ist als ein zweiter minimaler Strömungsquerschnitt des zweiten Ablaufs und/oder des zweiten Strömungskanals, so dass
• in der ersten Filterstellung die Flüssigkeit von dem Zulauf durch das Filterelement, den ersten Ablauf und den ersten Strömungskanal pumpbar ist und
• in der zweiten Filterstellung die Flüssigkeit von dem Zulauf ungefiltert durch den zweiten Ablauf und den zweiten Strömungskanal pumpbar ist.

The above object is achieved by a filter device for filtering a liquid of a domestic appliance, comprising:

• a valveless filter container having a chamber in which at least one filter element is arranged, an inlet opening into the chamber, which is fluidly connected to a first outlet opening into the chamber through the filter element and not fluidly connected to a second outlet opening into the chamber is
• a first flow channel, which is connected to the first outlet and which has a shut-off valve, which is opened in a first filter position and locked in a second filter position;
• a second, flow channel, which is connected to the second outlet and can not be shut off for setting the first or second filter position,
• wherein a first minimum flow cross section of the first drain and / or the first flow channel is greater than a second minimum flow cross section of the second drain and / or the second flow channel, so that
• in the first filter position, the liquid from the inlet through the filter element, the first outlet and the first flow channel is pumpable and
• in the second filter position, the fluid from the inlet is pumped unfiltered through the second outlet and the second flow channel.

That the second flow channel is not shut off for a setting of a filter position, means that it has no valve that is operated for a change in the filter position or is operable. For other purposes, e.g. for shut-off during transport of the domestic appliance, a valve may be present in the second flow channel.

The fact that the first minimum flow cross section of the first drain and / or the first flow channel is greater than the second minimum flow cross section of the second drain and / or the second flow channel can also be expressed as a first flow resistance of the first drain and the first flow channel is less than a second flow resistance of the second drain and the second flow channel. The flow cross sections can each be adjusted by appropriate spacers or reducers.

That in the first filter position, in which the shut-off valve is opened, the liquid from the inlet through the filter element, the first drain and the first flow channel is pumpable, comprises that in the first filter position, the liquid or not essential through the second sequence and the second flow channel is pumpable, since the second flow resistance is too high or the second flow cross section is too low for it. In other words, the flow cross sections and correspondingly the flow resistances are designed so that in the first filter position, a high volume flow and consequently a low pressure of the liquid is formed, wherein the pressure is not sufficient to convey the liquid through the second sequence.

An advantage of this filter device is that with only one valve in the first flow channel, the liquid streams in both flow channels can be switched on and off alternately. As a result, it is possible to dispense with a valve in the second flow channel, so that, firstly, the filter device can be produced more cheaply and, secondly, the second flow channel is free of failures.

It is a preferred embodiment that the first minimum flow cross section, at least in sections, is more than twice as large as the second minimum flow cross section, in particular at least 2.5 times as large. As a result, it is effectively achieved that in the first filter position, a high volume flow and a low pressure of the liquid is formed, wherein the pressure is insufficient to convey the liquid through the second sequence.

It is a particularly preferred embodiment that the first minimum flow cross-section, at least in sections, is at least about three times as large as the second minimum flow cross-section. As a result, a pressure build-up in the filter container, which would allow a fluid flow through the second outlet in the first filter position, is prevented particularly effectively.

It is a further preferred embodiment that the first minimum flow cross section has a diameter of about 15 mm to 20 mm, in particular about 20 mm, and the second minimum flow cross section has a diameter of about 7 mm. These dimensions allow, first, in the first filter position an effective prevention of the liquid flow through the second flow and, secondly, a sufficiently strong flow of liquid through the second flow in the second filter position.

It is yet another preferred embodiment that the first outlet has the first minimum flow cross section and the second outlet has the second minimum flow cross section. In other words, then at least the processes are the places with the smallest flow cross-section. The fluidically subsequent flow channels can have the same or a larger flow cross-section. For example, the processes in the form of nozzles may be formed, to which respective flow channels can be attached in the form of hoses. The hoses may in particular have a slightly larger cross-section than the associated sockets or the same cross section.

Alternatively, the location of the smallest flow area may be located in a flow channel, e.g. by means of a reducer inserted in a hose or pipe.

It is also a further preferred embodiment that the second flow channel has no valve, so not for other purposes than a change in the filter position. This results in a particularly simple embodiment. In general, for example, a flow channel may simply be formed with a single tube or tube.

It is also a preferred embodiment that the first flow channel leads to a washing container. As a result, the filtered liquid, in particular filtered condensate water, can be used for cleaning one or more components of a domestic appliance, in particular laundry drying apparatus, for example an evaporator of a heat exchanger.

Alternatively, the first flow channel may lead directly to a heat exchanger and / or to another component to be cleaned with the filtered liquid.

It is a further preferred embodiment that the second flow channel leads to a drain. As a result, heavily lint-laden liquid is removed from the domestic appliance, which reduces a lint contamination.

Alternatively, the second flow channel lead to a condensate water tank. Thus, a fluid loss can be avoided.

It is still a preferred embodiment that the filter container comprises: a chamber with the inlet, the first outlet and the second outlet and the filter element, which is arranged between the inlet and the first outlet and the chamber in an inlet-side first chamber part and a second Subdivided chamber part, wherein the filter container can be aligned so that the inlet is arranged below the filter element and the filter element is arranged below the first outlet and wherein the second outlet opens into the first chamber part.

Thereby, a liquid which flows from the inlet through the filter element and further through the first outlet, e.g. is pumped up, lint or other contaminants on one side of the filter element deposit. If this liquid flow is reversed, z. B. by a pumping operation is stopped and the liquid due to gravity drops down, the lint are detached from the filter element and can then be easily removed by the second sequence.

This filter container has, inter alia, the advantage that it allows maintenance-free operation without manual intervention by a user with high filter performance. The filter container is also very easy and inexpensive to produce.

The filter element may have as a filter medium, for example, a sieve, gauze, fleece, etc.

It may be a preferred embodiment that the inlet and the first outlet open opposite into the chamber. This can be a high flow rate be achieved in the filter position. In addition, it is particularly easy to achieve a uniform backflow and thus complete detachment of lint. Furthermore, a particularly simple structure is thus achievable.

For a simple connection of the filter container, the second sequence with respect to the inlet can advantageously open laterally into the chamber. As a result, a flow velocity between the inlet and the second inlet can be reduced in comparison with a straight-line or opposing arrangement.

It may be an alternative preferred embodiment that the inlet and the second outlet open opposite into the chamber. Then, in particular, the first outlet with respect to the inlet can be arranged laterally on the chamber.

For the fluidic connection of the inlet to the second outlet, the filter element can have an opening which tightly surrounds the second outlet. For a simple and straight-flow geometry, the opening may preferably be a central opening.

It is also a preferred embodiment that a storage volume is present in the first outlet and / or in the first flow channel. Thus, after switching off the pump for the return flow of the liquid present in the first outlet and in the first flow channel by emptying the storage volume, a longer-lasting and larger-volume liquid flow can be generated, which in turn improves a rinsing effect. The storage volume may, for example, be in the form of a significant channel widening, e.g. a hose widening. Also, the storage volume may be considered as a volume integrated into the filter container, e.g. a chamber, wherein the storage volume can be arranged in the pumping direction at or behind the drain. The storage volume can furthermore be a separately produced storage housing or container introduced into the first flow channel.

The object is also achieved by a domestic appliance with at least one such filter device. The household appliance can then be provided, for example, with water laced with fluff o. Ä. Contaminated water. Except a relief in the operation of the device and avoidance of incidents (overflow, blockage, low cleaning performance, etc.) can also be saved fresh water.

Preferred embodiments of the domestic appliance in the context of the technically possible at all possible preferred embodiments of the filter device and vice versa, and this even if it is not explicitly indicated herein.

Particularly advantageously, the filter device can be used in a laundry dryer, since there can be effectively cleaned without or with only a small amount of fresh water supplied by lint components and a conventional emptying a lint can (separate lagoons, condensate water tank) can be omitted.

It may be particularly preferred that the inlet is connected to a pump and / or with a condensate water tank and the first outlet is connected to a flushing device. As a result, a cleaning effect can be maintained over an entire drying process.

• ein ventilloses Filterbehältnis mit einer Kammer, in der mindestens ein Filterelement angeordnet ist, einem in die Kammer mündenden Zulauf, der mit einem in die Kammer mündenden ersten Ablauf durch das Filterelement fluidisch verbunden ist und mit einem in die Kammer mündenden zweiten Ablauf nicht filternd fluidisch verbunden ist,
• einen ersten Strömungskanal, der mit dem ersten Ablauf verbunden ist und der ein Absperrventil aufweist, welches in einer ersten Filterstellung geöffnet und in einer zweiten Filterstellung gesperrt ist;
• einen zweiten, Strömungskanal, der mit dem zweiten Ablauf verbunden ist und nicht für eine Einstellung der ersten oder zweiten Filterstellung absperrbar ist,
• wobei ein erster minimaler Strömungsquerschnitt des ersten Ablaufs und/oder des ersten Strömungskanals größer ist als ein zweiter minimaler Strömungsquerschnitt des zweiten Ablaufs und/oder des zweiten Strömungskanals (AW), bei welchem Verfahren die Flüssigkeit durch den Zulauf in die Kammer gedrückt, insbesondere gepumpt, wird, und

in der ersten Filterstellung:

• das Absperrventil geöffnet wird, so dass
• die Flüssigkeit in der Kammer das Filterelement durchströmt und
• dann als gefilterte Flüssigkeit im Wesentlichen nur durch den ersten Ablauf und in den ersten Strömungskanal strömt,
• wobei ein Strömen der Flüssigkeit durch den zweiten Ablauf dadurch verhindert wird, dass ein erster Strömungswiderstand des ersten Ablaufs und des ersten Strömungskanals wesentlich geringer ist als ein Strömungswiderstand des zweiten Ablaufs und des zweiten Strömungskanals, und

in der zweiten Filterstellung:

• das Absperrventil abgesperrt wird, so dass
• die Flüssigkeit als ungefilterte Flüssigkeit durch den zweiten Ablauf und in den zweiten Strömungskanal strömt.

The object is also achieved by means of a method for guiding a fluid through a filter device comprising:

• a valveless filter container having a chamber in which at least one filter element is arranged, an inlet opening into the chamber, which is fluidly connected to a first outlet opening into the chamber through the filter element and not fluidly connected to a second outlet opening into the chamber is
• a first flow channel, which is connected to the first outlet and which has a shut-off valve, which is opened in a first filter position and locked in a second filter position;
• a second, flow channel, which is connected to the second outlet and can not be shut off for setting the first or second filter position,
• wherein a first minimum flow cross-section of the first drain and / or the first flow channel is greater than a second minimum flow cross-section of the second drain and / or the second Flow channel (AW), in which method, the liquid is forced through the inlet into the chamber, in particular pumped, and

in the first filter position:

• the shut-off valve is opened so that
• the liquid in the chamber flows through the filter element and
• then flows as a filtered liquid substantially only through the first drain and into the first flow channel,
• wherein a flow of the liquid through the second flow is prevented by a first flow resistance of the first drain and the first flow channel being substantially less than a flow resistance of the second drain and the second flow channel, and

in the second filter position:

• the shut-off valve is shut off, so that
• the liquid flows as unfiltered liquid through the second outlet and into the second flow channel.

Here, too, there is the advantage that, by shutting off only the first flow channel, the liquid streams in both flow channels can be switched on or off alternately. This makes it possible to dispense with shutting off and opening the second flow channel, so that, firstly, the filter device can be produced more cheaply and, secondly, the second flow channel is free of failure.

It is a preferred development that the method in the first filter position has a step of stopping the pump for a predetermined period, in particular before switching to the second filter position. Thus, a cleaning of the filter container can be provided by a backflow of liquid from the first outlet and the first flow channel.

Incidentally, in the context of the technically possible at all possible preferred embodiments of the filter device or of the domestic appliance, preferred embodiments of the method and vice versa correspond, and this also if this is not explicitly stated herein.

Fig.1

zeigt in einer Prinzipskizze ein Wäschetrocknungsgerät mit ausgewählten, für das Verständnis der Erfindung hilfreichen Bauteilen, einschließlich eines Filterbehältnisses;

Fig.2A

zeigt einen ersten Flüssigkeitsverlauf durch einige der Bauteile des Wäschetrocknungsgeräts aus Fig.1, welche zum Zuführen einer Nutzflüssigkeit vorgesehen sind;

Fig.2B

zeigt einen zweiten Flüssigkeitsverlauf durch die Bauteile aus Fig.2A;

Fig.3

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht ein Filterbehältnis gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsform;

Fig.4

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Schrägansicht das Filterbehältnis gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform in einer detaillierteren Explosionsdarstellung;

Fig.5

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Schrägansicht das zusammengesetzte, noch weiter detaillierte Filterbehältnis gemäß der ersten Ausführungsform; und

Fig.6

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht ein Filterbehältnis gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsform.

In the figures of the accompanying drawings, embodiments of the invention are shown schematically and described in more detail in the following description. It can be provided with the same reference numerals for better clarity identical or equivalent elements.

Fig.1

shows in a schematic diagram of a laundry drying device with selected, helpful for understanding the invention components, including a filter container;

2A

shows a first course of liquid through some of the components of the laundry dryer Fig.1 , which are provided for supplying a Nutzflüssigkeit;

2B

shows a second flow of liquid through the components 2A ;

Figure 3

shows a sectional side view of a filter container according to a first embodiment;

Figure 4

shows a sectional view in an oblique view of the filter container according to the first embodiment in a more detailed exploded view;

Figure 5

shows a sectional view in an oblique view of the composite, even more detailed filter container according to the first embodiment; and

Figure 6

shows a sectional view in side view of a filter container according to a second embodiment.

Fig.1 shows a laundry dryer in the form of an exemplary clothes dryer WG. The tumble dryer WG has a closed process air circuit with a laundry drum WT and a process air duct PL adjoining on both sides. In the laundry drum WT laundry W is overflowed by warm and dry process air, which thereby absorbs moisture from the laundry W. The then moist-warm process air is subsequently sucked out of the laundry drum WT through the process air duct PL to a condensation unit VD (which in a conventional tumble dryer may correspond to a water or air-cooled condensation unit and in the case of a heat pump can correspond to a condensation unit VD) and into the condensation unit VD cooled. As a result, the water vapor contained in the process air condenses and drains off as condensate water K into a condensate water tank KW. The process air cool behind the condensation unit VD is further drawn in by a blower G and subsequently blown by a heating unit H (which may correspond to an electrically operated heater in a conventional tumble dryer and which may correspond to a condenser in a heat pump). In the heating unit H, the process air is heated and blown again as dry-warm air into the washing drum WT. In the laundry drum WT, the process air absorbs, in addition to the moisture from the laundry W, fluff which in the following circulation through the process air duct PL partially attaches to the condensation unit VD and reduces its efficiency and partially reaches the condensate water tub KW with the condensate water K. The blower G can also be arranged at another location in the process air duct PL.

For a cleaning of the condensation unit VD, a flushing device SP can be provided, which by means of a pump P the condensate water K through a riser SL pumped up in a washing container SB, where it is first collected and discharged as needed by opening a valve VE1 through a downpipe FR to the condensation unit VD. As a result, cooling fins can be overflowed in the condensation unit VD with condensate water K at high speed and so entrained. Thus, the condensation unit VD should be freed from the lint. The lint-laden condensate water K is then passed back into the condensate water tank KW. In known tumble dryers, the problem arises that a cleaning of the condensation unit VD with the lint-containing condensate water K results in only a limited cleaning effect, since the fluff of the drained from the washing tank SB condensate K can be deposited again at the condensation unit VD. In the present laundry drying appliance WG, however, the lint-laden condensate water K is pumped out of the condensate water tub KW through a filter container 1, which serves to forward the condensate water K flowing in at an inlet 2 as purified condensate water K through a first outlet 3 into the washing container SB.

2A shows a resulting in a filter position first liquid flow through some of the components of the laundry dryer WG Fig.1 , which are provided for supplying the purified condensate water K as the Nutzflüssigkeit. The course of the liquid is indicated in black. The components comprise the condensate water sump KW, the pump P, the filter container 1, the riser SL, a shut-off valve VE2 introduced between the first outlet 3 and the washing container SB and a sewer AW connected to a second outlet 4. The sewer AW can lead eg back into the condensate water tank KW. In the filter position shown, the shut-off valve VE2 is opened, so that the still unfiltered condensate water K is pumped by the pump P to the inlet 2 of the filter device 1, the filter device 1 passes through and is filtered and further from the first outlet 3 through the riser SL is pumped up into the washing container SB.

By the second sequence 4 runs in the filter position little or no condensate K. This is achieved in that a flow resistance of the condensate K through the second drain 4 and the sewer AW is far higher than a flow resistance of the condensate K through the first flow. 3 and the riser SL. In other words, the flow cross-section through the first outlet 3 and the riser SL designed so that a high volume flow and a low pressure of the condensate water K form, the pressure is not sufficient to promote the condensate water K through the second drain 4 and the sewer AW. The current through the second drain 4 is thus not blocked by a valve or other barrier, so that there is a particularly maintenance-free and inexpensive solution. For self-cleaning of the filter container 1, the pump P is stopped. As a result, condensate water K located in the riser SL flows back through the filter container 1, taking with it the adhering lint. Subsequently, the shut-off valve VE2 is closed and thus the clothes drying device WG transferred to the self-cleaning position. In the riser SL a storage volume BV is introduced in order to be able to maintain the liquid flow for a longer period of time for a return flow of the liquid for a thorough cleaning.

2B shows a second course of liquid through the in 2A shown components in a self-cleaning position. In the self-cleaning position, the shut-off valve VE2 is closed and the pump P pumps the condensate water K displaced with the entrained fluff through the second outlet 4 and the sewer AW from the filter container 1 and further to a drain or back into the condensate water trough KW. Since the flow path formed by the second sequence 4 and the sewer AW valveless, this also does not need to be switched open.

By means of the use of the filter container 1, the condensation unit VD can be cleaned better. The filter container 1 can be actuated automatically, for example, by means of a control unit, not shown here, and / or by a user interaction, e.g. for activating a self-cleaning function of the tumble dryer WG. The structure and the mode of operation of the filter device will be explained below with reference to various embodiments. The filter container 1, the pump P, the shut-off valve VE2, a shut-off valve, not shown, to the sewer AW and / or the riser SL can be regarded as parts of a filter device.

Show it Figure 3 as a sectional view in side view, Figure 4 as a sectional view in an oblique view in a more detailed exploded view and Figure 5 as a sectional view in an oblique view as a composite device shown in more detail a filter container 1a according to a first embodiment, for example for use as the filter container 1 in Fig.1 to Fig. 2B , The filter container 1a has a chamber 5, into which in the orientation shown here, the inlet 2 opens from below. In the chamber 5, a filter element 6 is arranged in the form of a lint filter, which divides the chamber 5 into a first chamber part 5a and a second chamber part 5b. In the first chamber part 5a open both the inlet 2 and - this directly opposite - the second outlet 4, while the first outlet 3 opens into the second chamber part 5b. For this purpose, the second outlet 4 is partially formed as a nozzle 7, which extends from a chamber wall 8 of the chamber 5, starting through the second chamber part 5b to a central opening 9 in the filter element 6. The filter element 6 and the nozzle 7 are sealed against each other, so that no parasitic currents can pass the filter element 6. A housing 10 of the filter container 1a is constructed here of two housing parts 10a and 10b, wherein the filter element 6 is inserted between the two sections 10a and 10b. A cross section of the first drain 3 is about 20 mm, while a minimum cross section of the second drain 4 is considerably lower, namely here about 7 mm about one third of it. The filter element 6 can be inserted for the assembly of the filter container 1a in the lower housing part 10a and sealed with an O-ring 11 to the outside. For assembly, the upper housing part 10 b can then be placed with pressure on the lower housing part 10 a, whereby both the filter element 6 and the O-ring 11 between the two housing parts 10 a, 10 b are held.

In the filter position, such as in 2A is shown, a to the first flow 3 associated flow channel (eg, the riser SL) is open. In this position, condensate water K runs from the inlet 2 to the first outlet 3, through the filter element 6. Fluff or other suspended particles are retained in the condensate water K at the upstream side of the filter element 6, and the condensate K discharged through the first outlet 3 is cleaned of these lint, etc.

In this filter container 1a can be adjusted through the processes 3 and 4 by a choice of the cross section of the first outlet 3 in comparison to the cross section of the second sequence 4, the corresponding volume flows. In particular, the cross-section of the first outlet 3 can be selected to be comparatively large enough that a pressure in the chamber 5 when the first outlet 3 is open is so small that no substantial volume flow through the second inlet 4 results, although this is not obstructed. Of the The flow cross-section of the first outlet 3 may be at least twice as large, preferably at least three times as large as the flow cross-section of the second outlet 4. Setting the flow cross-sections already at the processes 3 and 4 has the advantage that they are not adjusted in the connected flow channels will need so that simple hoses can be attached to the processes 3 and 4, for example, lead up to the washing tank SB, the drain or to the condensate water tank KW.

For self-cleaning of the filter container 1 a pumping up of the condensate water K is stopped by the inlet 2, for example by stopping the in Fig.1 to Fig.2B As a result, pump P flows out in the second chamber part 5b, in the first outlet 3 and possibly in an adjoining flow channel (eg the riser SL) Fig.1 ) located condensate water K back through the filter element 6 and further through the inlet 2. This backflow lifts the located on the inlet side, here: lower, side of the filter element 6 lint. Subsequently, the first sequence 3 is shut off and it is the pumping resumed, z. B. by a reconnection of the pump P. As a result, the particularly flocculent condensate K is now removed through the nozzle 7 and the second outlet 4 from the filter device 1 a, for example, in the sewer AW. To return to the filter position of the flow channel is opened by the first sequence 3 again.

This filter container 1a has the advantage that it manages without moving parts and only by a suitable blocking and opening the process 3 provides both an effective filter performance and a simple self-cleaning option.

Figure 6 shows a filter container 1 b according to a second embodiment, which also as the filter device 1 in Fig.1 can be used. In contrast to the filter device 1a of the first embodiment, the first outlet 3 now faces the inlet 2, while the second outlet 4 opens laterally into the first chamber section 5a. This can be dispensed with an opening in the filter element 6 and a provision of a nozzle 7. In addition, there is the advantage that during self-cleaning, the backflowing or returning condensate water K flows through the filter element 6 substantially uniformly, while in the first embodiment behind the nozzle 7 results in a flow shadow, in which lint adhered to the filter element 6 can stay. Also, the housing 10 of the filter device 1b is designed in two parts, wherein the filter element 6 is secured between the two housing parts 10a and 10b.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiments shown.

Thus, other home appliances may be equipped with the filter container or filter device, e.g. a dishwasher, the impurities may then be, for example, leftovers.

In general, the first sequence can be used to provide a useful liquid, which in particular can be a rinsing liquid. In this case, for example, can be dispensed with a washing.

The processes are not limited to a rectangular arrangement on the filter container, but may also lead to each other at different suitable angles in the chamber.

The flow cross sections can also be adjusted at the downstream of the processes 3 and 4 flow channels (eg the riser SL or the sewer AW), for example by reduction pieces.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

filter means

1a

filter means

1b

filter means

2

Intake

3

first course

4

second course

5

chamber

5a

first chamber part

5b

second chamber part

6

filter element

7

Support

8th

chamber wall

9

Opening in the filter element

10

casing

10a

housing part

10b

housing part

11

O-ring

AW

sewer

BV

storage volume

FR

downspout

G

fan

H

heating unit

K

condensate water

KW

Condensate water trough

P

pump

PL

Process air duct

SL

riser

SP

flushing

SB

rinse tank

VD

condensation unit

VE1

Valve

VE2

shut-off valve

W

Laundry

WG

Laundry drying device

WT

washing drum

Claims (15)

1. Filter device for filtering a liquid (K) of a domestic appliance, comprising:

   - a valve-free filter container (1; 1 a; 1 b) with a chamber (5) in which at least one filter element (6) is arranged, and a feed (2) which communicates with the chamber (5) and which is in fluid connection via the filter element (6) with a first outlet (3) communicating with the chamber (5),

   characterised by:

   - a second outlet (4) which communicates with the chamber (5) and which is in non-filtering fluid connection with the feed (2),

   - a first flow channel (SL) which is connected with the first outlet (3) and comprises a blocking valve (VE2), which is open in a first filter setting and blocked in a second filter setting,

   - a second flow channel (AW) which is connected with the second outlet (4) and cannot be blocked for setting of the first or second filter setting,

   - wherein a first minimum flow cross-section of the first outlet (3) and/or of the first flow channel (SL) is greater than a second, minimum flow cross-section of the second outlet (4) and/or of the second flow channel (AW) so that

   - in the first filter setting the liquid (K) can be pumped from the feed (2) through the filter element (6), the first outlet (3) and the first flow channel (SL) and

   - in the second filter setting the liquid (K) can be pumped from the feed (2) unfiltered through the second outlet (4) and the second flow channel (AW).
2. Filter device according to claim 1, wherein the first minimum flow cross-section at least in a part is more than twice as large as the second minimum flow cross-section, particularly at least 2.5 times as large.
3. Filter device according to claim 2, wherein the first minimum flow cross-section is at least in part at least approximately three times as large as the second minimum flow cross-section.
4. Filter device according to claim 3, wherein the first minimum flow cross-section has a diameter of approximately 20 millimetres and the second minimum flow cross-section has a diameter of approximately 7 millimetres.
5. Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first outlet (3) has the first minimum flow cross-section and the second outlet (4) has the second minimum flow cross-section.
6. Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second flow channel (AW) does not have a valve.
7. Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flow channel (SL) leads to a rinsing container (SB).
8. Filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the first flow channel (SL) leads to a heat exchanger (VD).
9. Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second flow channel (AW) leads to an outlet.
10. Filter device according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the second flow channel (AW) leads to a condensate water trough (KW).
11. Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filter container (1; 1a; 1b) comprises:

    - a chamber (5) with the feed (2), the first outlet (3) and the second outlet (4) and

    - the filter element (6), which is arranged between the feed (2) and the first outlet (3) and divides the chamber (5) into a feed-side first chamber part (5a) and a second chamber part (5b),

    - wherein the filter container (1; 1 a; 1 b) can be aligned so that the feed (2) is arranged below the filter element (6) and the filter element (6) is arranged below the first outlet (3) and

    - wherein the second outlet (4) opens into the first chamber part (5a).
12. Filter device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a storage volume (BV) is present in the first outlet (3) and/or in the first flow channel (SL).
13. Domestic appliance (WG), particularly laundry drying appliance, with a filter device for filtering a liquid (K) of the domestic appliance according to claim 1.
14. Domestic appliance (WG) according to claim 13, in which the feed (2) of the at least one filter container (1; 1 a; 1 b) is connected with a pump (P) and/or with a condensate water container (KW) and the first outlet (3) is connected with a rinsing device (SB; FR).
15. Method of conducting a liquid (K) through a filter device, comprising:

    - a valve-free filter container (1; 1 a; 1 b) with a chamber (5), in which at least one filter element (6) is arranged, and a feed (2), which communicates with the chamber (5) and which is in fluid connection via the filter element (6) with a first outlet (3) communicating with the chamber (5) and in non-filtering fluid connection with a second outlet (4) communicating with the chamber (5),

    - a first flow channel (SL) which is connected with the first outlet (3) and comprises a blocking valve (VE2), which is open in a first filter setting and blocked in a second filter setting,

    - a second flow channel (AW) which is connected with the second outlet (4) and cannot be blocked for a setting of the first or second filter setting,

    - wherein a first minimum flow cross-section of the first outlet (3) and/or of the first flow channel (SL) is greater than a second, minimum flow cross-section of the second outlet (4) and/or of the second flow channel (AW), in which method the liquid (K) is forced, in particular pumped, through the feed (2) into the chamber (5), and

    in the first filter setting:

    - the blocking valve (VE2) is opened so that

    - the liquid (K) in the chamber (5) flows through the filter element (6) and

    - then flows as filtered liquid (K) substantially only through the first outlet (3) and in the first flow channel (SL),

    - wherein a flow of the liquid (K) through the second outlet (4) is prevented by the fact that a first flow resistance of the first outlet (3) and of the first flow channel (SL) is substantially less than a flow resistance of the second outlet (4) and of the second flow channel (AW), and

    in the second filter setting:

    - the blocking valve (VE2) is blocked so that

    - the liquid (K) flows as unfiltered liquid (K) through the second outlet (4) and in the second flow channel (AW).

Images