EP2422010B1 - Household laundry dryer and filtering method - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a household laundry drying apparatus, comprising a filter container and a method for filtering condensate water in a household laundry drying apparatus.

In general, laundry drying devices with a closed process air circuit are known, which have a heat exchanger coupled to the process air circuit, wherein the heat exchanger is used for cooling and condensing moist cotton 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.

For example, describes WO 2008/119611 A1 a method and a flushing device for cleaning a component, in particular an evaporator of a heat pump, and a washing or tumble dryer with such a device. To clean the arranged within the process air circuit component condensate, which is recovered in the process air cycle from the drying of wet laundry and collected in a condensate water pan, directed to a provided above the heat exchanger and out through its sudden opening on the outlet side as a surge of water on the delivered to be cleaned component. 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. In this case, however, it is disadvantageous that the condensate water used as rinsing liquid itself contains lint, which can accumulate during the cleaning or rinsing of the component to be cleaned, which reduces a cleaning effect. To remove the lint from the condensate water tank this can be removed and emptied after a drying process from the laundry dryer. On some clothes dryers, the condensate water tank can be automatically pumped into a drain.

The non-generic DE 1 410 851 relates generally to dry cleaning equipment and to chemical cleaning processes, and more particularly to an improved hydraulic flow circuit for a dry cleaning appliance, wherein dry cleaning can be performed in programmed order, and wherein the solvent is not only constantly filtered during cleaning, but also renewed during the subsequent operating periods of the program, so that the hydraulic flow circuit is prepared for a new programmed sequence of work. The filter device may comprise a plurality of porous tubes which are arranged in a filter housing and are supported by a separation or divider plate, so that the entire solvent flowing through the filter device flows through the tubes, which consist of a conventional design and receive a coating of a filter aid material For example, diatomaceous earth can be used to narrow the pores and make the filter more effective at filtering out 1 micron size and smaller sized debris. An automatic, gravity backwashing of the tubes may be performed by a quantity of fully filtered solvent located above the separator plate. This ensures that the pipes are in a clean condition at the end of each backwash. Instead of the filter tubes, filters of various designs with differently shaped filter surfaces can be used to obtain the same results. A non-generic dry cleaning apparatus with a cleaning liquid filtering device having porous tubes that can be cleaned by backwashing is also eliminated GB 1 025 081 known. However, the two cited documents are limited to the dry cleaning and its special requirements, which are typically unsuitable for household use. Thus, the filters are due to the tubes used, which are required for the very small pore diameter in the cleaning of the cleaning liquid, consuming, bulky and expensive and not suitable for a cleaning of condensate water.

The DE 10 2006 018 469 A discloses a household laundry drying apparatus with a filter container for cleaning lint of condensate with a chamber with an inlet for condensate water to be cleaned and a drain.

It is the object of the invention to provide a maintenance-free possibility for providing purified water from contaminated water, in particular condensate water, in a domestic appliance. In particular, it can be an object to provide a maintenance-free possibility for providing purified rinsing water from lint-laden condensate water in a laundry drying apparatus.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are in particular the dependent claims. The object is achieved by means of a household laundry drying device according to claim 1, wherein in this case the household laundry drying device has at least one filter container, wherein the at least one filter container each having at least: a chamber with an inlet for condensate water to be cleaned, a first outlet and a second outlet and a filter element which is arranged between the inlet and the first outlet and divides the chamber into an inlet-side first chamber part and a second chamber part, wherein the filter container can be aligned such that the inlet is arranged below the filter element and the filter element below the first outlet is arranged and wherein the second outlet opens into the first chamber part.

As a result, a liquid, in particular the condensate water flowing 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 of the household laundry drying apparatus has, inter alia, the advantage that it enables 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 household appliance can be provided so easily and inexpensively from with lime o. Ä. Contaminated water purified water. In addition to facilitating the operation of the device and avoiding incidents (overflow, blockage, low cleaning performance, etc.), fresh water can also be saved. In addition, a conventional emptying a lint can (separate flusendepot, condensate water tank) omitted.

The filter element may have as a filter medium, for example, a sieve, gauze, fleece, etc. The filter element may in particular be designed as a lint filter. In general, the filter element can have one or more, in particular thin, filter layers, wherein the filter layers can each have the screen, the gauze, the nonwoven, etc. The one or more filter layers can be designed in particular as a substantially planar layer (s).

It is an embodiment that the first sequence is connected to a flushing device, wherein the flushing device is in particular provided to flush one or more components of the household laundry drying device for its or their cleaning. In particular, the rinsing device is provided for a purging, and thus cleaning, of a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may, in the event that the household laundry dryer has a heat pump, in particular, flush an evaporator. Consequently, components contaminated by lint can be cleaned effectively without or with only a small supply of fresh water.

It may be a further embodiment that the inlet and the first outlet open opposite into the chamber. As a result, a high flow velocity in the filter position can be achieved. 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.

According to the invention, the inlet and the second outlet open into the chamber opposite each other, and the first outlet is arranged laterally with respect to the inlet at 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 may be a further embodiment that the second outlet is at least partially formed as a nozzle, which extends from a chamber wall through the second chamber part to at least the opening in the filter element, wherein the nozzle at a flow through the chamber from the inlet to the first sequence (eg at a Filtering) can be closed by means of a flow body, and wherein the nozzle is not completely closed in a return flow from the first flow to the inlet by means of the flow body (eg in a self-cleaning process), for example by lifting the flow body of the nozzle. As a result, a self-switching valve function can be integrated into the filter device, which has a particularly simple structure and, for example, needs only a single movable element, for example the flow body. This embodiment can be easily implemented, in particular in the event that the inlet and the second outlet open into the chamber opposite.

It may in particular be a configuration that the nozzle is not completely closed by the flow body during flow through the chamber from the inlet to the second outlet.

Advantageously, the first outlet or a flow channel connected to the first outlet can have a larger flow cross-section than the second outlet or a flow channel connected to the second outlet. As a result, a passive valve function can be controlled particularly easily by means of the flow body. This valve function ensures that the filter element either flows through in the filter position or is bypassed in the self-cleaning position. Alternatively or additionally, the first drain may be equipped with a filtered water reservoir.

A particularly simple circuit of the valve function in the self-cleaning position can be achieved in that the flow body does not completely close the nozzle in a flow through the chamber from the inlet to the second outlet.

The filter container of the household laundry drying apparatus can be regarded as a filter apparatus which has a first outlet and a second outlet, wherein over the first sequence in a household appliance, a purified water as the use liquid, in particular rinsing liquid, can be fed and at least in the first sequence a filter element for filtering the liquid is arranged, and via the second sequence, the water from the household appliance is removable, wherein in a first position, the purified water through the first outlet and the at least one filter element is pumpable and in a first position, the water through the first expiration and the at least one filter element is drainable in the reverse direction, and wherein in a second position, the water is removable through the second drain.

However, this filter device is not dependent on the presence of the filter container. Thus, the at least one filter element can also be used in the first sequence. The first drain may be formed as a one-piece or as a multi-part drain channel. A branch of the first flow and the second flow can, for. B. occur at a Y-shaped branch.

The household laundry drying device may preferably have at least one shut-off valve which is connected to at least one of the drains of the filter container.

It may be advantageous if the household laundry drying device has a pump which is connected to the inlet of the filter container.

The object is also achieved by means of a method for filtering water in a household tumble dryer according to claim 9 wherein in the method (a) in a filtering step (i) the water to be filtered is pumped through an inlet into a chamber, (ii) then in the chamber a filter element flows through and (iii) then filtered out of a first outlet; and (b) in a self-cleaning step, pumping the water through the inlet is stopped so that at least a portion of the water flows back through the filter element.

It is a further development that at least one component of the household laundry drying device, in particular heat exchanger, is flushed with the filtered water emerging from the first outlet.

Fig.1

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

Fig.2

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

Fig.3

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Seitenansicht ein Filterbehältnis gemäß einer zweiten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform;

Fig.4

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung in Explosionsansicht ein Filterbehältnis gemäß einer dritten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform;

Fig.5A

zeigt als Schnittdarstellung die Filtervorrichtung gemäß der dritten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform in einer Filterstellung;

Fig.5B

zeigt die Filtervorrichtung gemäß der dritten erfindungsgemäßen Ausführungsform in einer Selbstreinigungsstellung.

In the following figures, the invention will be described schematically with reference to exemplary embodiments. It can be provided with the same reference numerals for better clarity identical or equivalent elements.

Fig.1

shows a schematic diagram of a laundry drying device with selected, for the understanding of the invention helpful components,

Fig.2

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

Figure 3

shows a sectional side view of a filter container according to a second embodiment of the invention;

Figure 4

shows a sectional view in exploded view of a filter container according to a third embodiment of the invention;

5A

shows a sectional view of the filter device according to the third embodiment of the invention in a filter position;

FIG.5B

shows the filter device according to the third embodiment of the invention in a self-cleaning position.

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 an evaporator VD of a heat pump (in general: to a heat exchanger) and cooled in the evaporator VD. 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 cooled behind the evaporator VD is further drawn in by a blower G and subsequently blown through a heater H. In the heater H, the process air is heated up and blown into the laundry drum WT again as dry-warm air. In the laundry drum WT, the process air except the moisture from the laundry W also absorbs lint, which partially accumulate in the following circulation through the process air duct PL to the evaporator VD and reduce its efficiency and partially reach the condensate water tank KW with the condensate water K.

For cleaning the evaporator VD, a flushing device SP can be provided which can pump the condensate water K by means of a pump P through a riser SL in a washing container SB, in which it collected first and if necessary by opening a valve VE1 gushing through a downpipe FR is drained to the evaporator VD. As a result, cooling fins in the evaporator VD can be overflowed with condensate water K at high speed and thus entrained. So the vaporizer VD should be freed from the lint. The lint-laden condensate water K is then passed back into the condensate water tank KW. In conventional clothes dryers, the problem arises that a cleaning of the evaporator 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 on the evaporator VD.

In the present laundry drying appliance WG, however, the lint-laden condensate water K is pumped out of the condensate water tank KW through a filter container 1, which serves to forward the condensate water K flowing in at a feed 2 in a filter position as purified condensate water K through a first outlet 3 into the washing container SB and in a self-cleaning position by a second outlet 4 with the dissolved from the filter tank 1 lint into the sewer AW to conduct. Alternatively, the second sequence 4 can lead back into the condensate water tank KW. The first drain 3 and / or the second drain 4 may be closed by means of respective shut-off valves, e.g. Shut-off valves are shut off, as indicated here by way of example by a valve VE2 introduced between the first outlet 3 and the rinsing tank SB.

By means of the use of the filter container 1, the evaporator VD can be better cleaned. 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, eg for activating a self-cleaning function of the tumble dryer WG. Hereinafter the structure and operation of the valve 1 will be explained 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.

Fig.2 shows a filter container 1a according to a first embodiment, for example, for use as the filter container 1 in Fig.1 , 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. The lint filter here has a flat filter layer or Sieblage. 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.

In the filter position, a flow channel associated with the second outlet 4 is shut off, while a flow channel associated with the first outlet 3 is open. Such a filter position can in Fig.1 correspond to a position in which liquid in the form of condensate water K is pumped by means of the pump P to the inlet 2 of the filter device 1 or 1a and is further pumped up from the first outlet 3 in the washing tank SB. 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.

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 shown

Pump P flows through this 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 at the inlet side, here: lower, side of the filter element 6 located lint.

Subsequently, the first sequence 3 are shut off and the second sequence 4 is opened, and it is the pumping action resumed, z. B. by a restart of the pump P in Fig.1 , As a result, the condensate water K, which is particularly affected by flocculation, is removed from the filter device 1a through the connection 7 or the second outlet 4, for example, into the sewer AW Fig.1 ,

In order to return to the filter position, the flow channel is opened by the first outlet 3 and the flow channel is closed by the second outlet 4.

This filter container 1a has the advantage that it manages without moving parts and only by a suitable blocking and opening the processes 3 and 4 provides both an effective filter performance and a simple self-cleaning option.

Figure 3 shows a filter container 1b according to a second embodiment, which also as the filter device 1 in Fig.1 can be used. In contrast to the embodiment of Fig.2 now lies the first outlet 3 to the inlet 2, while the second outlet 4 opens laterally into the first chamber part 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 in self-cleaning, the returning or returning condensate water K flows through the filter element 6 substantially uniformly, while in the first embodiment according to Fig.2 behind the nozzle 7 results in a flow shadow, in which lint can stick to the filter element 6. 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.

Figure 4 shows a filter container 1c according to a third embodiment, which also as the filter container 1 in Fig.1 is usable. The filter container 1c is a development of in Fig.2 shown basic form according to the first embodiment. This view shows that the filter element 6 can be inserted for assembling the filter container 1c in the lower housing part 10a and can be 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. 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.

In addition to the in Fig.2 shown filter device 1a is now a flow body 12 at least partially disposed axially movable in the neck 7 and partially in the first chamber part 5a. The flow body 12 has a lower, the inlet 2 opposite sealing disc 13 and directed to the nozzle 7 and axially guided in this guide member 14. The operation of this filter device 1c will be described below in the Fig.5A and Fig.5B described in more detail, wherein 5A the filter device 1 c in a filter position shows and FIG.5B shows the filter device 1c in a self-cleaning position.

In the in 5A shown filter position, the sequence 3 is open (eg, characterized in that the shut-off valve VE2 in Fig.1 is open), so that condensate K flows up through the inlet 2 in the first chamber part 5a, for example pumped up by the pump P. Due to the large cross-section of the first start-up 3, a high volume flow and a high flow velocity are formed. The flow body 12 is arranged in the flow, which is supported by the opposite arrangement of the inlet 2 and the second outlet 4 and a small distance of the associated orifices in the first chamber part 5a. The flow body 12 can be pressed in the flow conditions of the filter position in the flow direction against gravity close to the nozzle 7. As a result, the second sequence 4 is shut off. The liquid, for example in the form of condensate water K, flows around the flow body 12 through the filter element 6 into the second chamber part 5b and further through the first drain 3, for example to the washing container SB. The flow body 12 thus forms together with the nozzle 7 thus a flow-dependent 'passive' shut-off valve.

At the transition to the in FIG.5B shown self-cleaning position no condensate water K is more pumped into the inlet 2, for example, by switching off the pump P. This flows due to gravity pumped up or higher than the first flow 3 befindliches condensate K (eg residual liquid from the first drain associated liquid channels such as hoses or pipes , For example, the riser SL) back into the chamber 5 and further through the inlet 2. In this case, located on the underside of the filter element 6 impurities (lint, etc.) are detached from the filter element 6 and entrained. Due to the absence of upwardly directed flow of the filter position and supported by the return flow of the flow body 12 decreases due to gravity and supported by the backflow down in the direction of the inlet 2 and are the nozzle 7 free.

Following, e.g. after a few seconds, the first drain 3 is shut off, e.g. by closing the shut-off valve VE2, and again condensate water K pumped through the inlet 2. However, the cross-section of the second drain 4 is too small to allow a flow to be established which is sufficient to be able to press the flow element 12 sealingly onto the nozzle 7 again. Rather, the nozzle 7 remains open towards the first chamber part 5a, so that now the condensate water K displaced with the cleaned fluff can run off unfiltered through the second outlet 4 and can be removed, e.g. into the sewer AW or back into the condensate water tank KW.

In this filter container 1 c can thus be achieved by a choice of a cross section of the respective processes 3 and 4, a cross section of the downstream flow channels SL (hose, pipe, etc.), a flow channel length of the downstream flow channels SL and / or a delivery height that clearly distinguish a volume flow in the filter position and a volume flow in the self-cleaning position. This asymmetry in the volume flows causes the movably mounted flow body 12 to close the second outlet 4 in the filter position and can not close it in the self-cleaning position. Such a switching characteristic may e.g. be adjusted by fixing the mass of the flow body with.

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

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

A shut-off of a drain or an associated flow channel can be carried out by means of at least one valve. In this case, the at least one valve may be part of the filter container and / or may be part of the filter device connected to the filter container. The processes or the associated flow channels can be shut off individually or by means of one or more common valves.

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 operations are not limited to a rectangular arrangement, but may also result in other suitable angles to each other in the chamber.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

filter means

1a

filter means

1b

filter means

1c

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

12

flow body

13

sealing washer

14

guide

AW

sewer

FR

downspout

G

fan

H

heater

K

condensate water

KW

Condensate water trough

P

pump

PL

Process air duct

SL

riser

SP

flushing

SB

rinse tank

VD

Evaporator

VE1

Valve

VE2

shut-off valve

W

Laundry

WG

Laundry drying device

WT

washing drum

Claims (10)

1. Domestic laundry drying appliance (WG), comprising at least one filter container (1; 1 a; 1 b; 1 c), wherein the at least one filter container (1; 1 a; 1 b; 1 c) at least comprises:

   - a chamber (5) with a feed (2) for condensation water (K) to be cleaned, a first drain (3) and a second drain (4) and

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

   - wherein the filter container (1; 1 a; 1 b; 1 c) is so alignable that the feed (2) is arranged below the filter element (6) and the filter element (6) is arranged below the first drain (3) and

   - wherein the second drain (4) opens into the first chamber part (5a), and wherein further

   - particles, which are deposited on the filter element (6), from a liquid pressure-fed via the feed (2) into the chamber (5) are detachable from the filter element (6) at the conclusion of the pressure-feeding by liquid backflowing in the chamber (5) and are removable via the second drain (4); and

   - wherein in addition the feed (2) and the second drain (4) open oppositely into the chamber (5, 5a) and the first drain (3) is arranged laterally at the chamber (5) with respect to the feed (2).
2. Domestic laundry drying appliance (WG) according to claim 1, in which the first drain (3) is connected with a flushing device (SB; FR), particularly a flushing device (SB;FR) for a heat exchanger.
3. Domestic laundry drying appliance (WG) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the filter element (6) has an opening (9), particularly a central opening, which sealingly surrounds the second drain (4, 7).
4. Domestic laundry drying appliance (WG) according to claim 3, in which the second drain (4) is formed at least partly as a stub pipe (7), which extends from a chamber wall (8) through the second chamber part (5b) at least up to the opening (9) in the filter element (6), wherein the stub pipe (7) when flow takes place through the chamber (5) from the feed (2) to the first drain (3) is closable by means of a flow body (12) and wherein the stub pipe (7) when backflow takes place from the first drain (3) to the feed (2) is not completely closable by means of the flow body (12).
5. Domestic laundry drying appliance (WG) according to claim 4, in which the stub pipe (7) when flow takes place through the chamber (5) from the feed (2) to the second drain (4) is not completely closable by means of the flow body (12).
6. Domestic laundry drying appliance (WG) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the first drain (3) or a flow channel (SL) connected with the first drain (3) has a larger flow cross-section than the second drain (4) or a flow channel connected with the second drain (4).
7. Domestic laundry drying appliance (WG) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the filter element (6) comprises a lint filter.
8. Domestic laundry drying appliance (WG) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the feed (2) of the at least one filter container (1; 1 a; 1 b; 1 c) is connected with a condensation water container (KW).
9. Method for filtering water (K) in a domestic laundry drying appliance (WG), comprising at least one filter container (1; 1 a; 1 b; 1 c), wherein the at least one filter container (1; 1a; 1b; 1 c) at least comprises:

   - a chamber (5) with a feed (2) for condensation water (K) to be cleaned, a first drain (3) and a second drain (4) and

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

   - wherein the filter container (1; 1 a; 1 b; 1 c) is so alignable that the feed (2) is arranged below the filter element (6) and the filter element (6) is arranged below the first drain (3) and

   - wherein the second drain (4) opens into the first chamber part (5a), and wherein further

   - particles, which are deposited on the filter element (6), from a liquid pressure-fed via the feed (2) into the chamber (5) are detachable from the filter element (6) at the conclusion of the pressure-feeding by liquid backflowing in the chamber (5) and are removable via the second drain (4); and

   - wherein in addition the feed (2) and the second drain (4) open oppositely into the chamber (5, 5a) and the first drain (3) is arranged laterally at the chamber (5) with respect to the feed (2),

   in which method in a filter step:

   - the water (K) to be filtered is pumped through the feed (2) into the chamber (5),

   - then in the chamber (5) flows through the filter element (6), wherein particles to be filtered are restrained at the filter element (6), and

   - then issues as filtered water (K) from the first drain (3),

   and in a self-cleaning step:

   - the pressure-feeding, particularly pumping, of the water (K) through the feed (2) is stopped so that at least a part of the water (K) flows back through the filter element (6), and restrained particles in that case detach from the filter element (6) and are discharged via a second drain (4).
10. Method according to claim 9, in which at least a component of the domestic laundry drying appliance (WG), particularly heat exchanger (VD), is flushed by the filtered water (K) issuing from the first drain (3).

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