EP4367335A1

EP4367335A1 - Discharging device and method for filtering and discharging solids from a liquid

Info

Publication number: EP4367335A1
Application number: EP22740400.1A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Felix Pflieger
Original assignee: Pflieger Solutions Ug Haftungsbeschraenkt
Current assignee: PFLIEGER SOLUTIONS GMBH
Priority date: 2021-07-09
Filing date: 2022-07-06
Publication date: 2024-05-15
Also published as: CN117616182A; DE102023200098A1; WO2023280904A1; AU2022305782A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a discharging device (2) for a basin (1), in particular for a sink or a washbasin, for filtering and discharging solids (3) from a liquid (4), having a two-dimensional filter component (6), through which the liquid (4) is able to drain, whereas the solids (3) remain on the surface (7) of the filter component (6). The invention provides for the two-dimensional filter component (6) to be mounted so as to circulate on a roller track (10) having at least two rollers (9), and to able to be moved in circulation by at least one of the rollers (9) being driven, in order to discharge the filtered-out solids (3). Alternatively, the invention provides for the two-dimensional filter component (6) to be mounted on a movable slider (29) of a sliding guide system (28) and to be able to be moved in circulation by the slider (29) being moved along the sliding guide system (28), in order to discharge the filtered-out solids (3).

Description

Discharge device and method for filtering and discharging solids from a liquid

The present application claims priority from International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/EP2021/069166, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The invention relates to a discharge device for a basin, in particular for a sink or washbasin, for filtering and discharging solids from a liquid, according to the preamble of claim 1 .

The invention also relates to a basin, in particular a sink or a washbasin, having a discharge device in order to discharge solids from a liquid running off the basin.

The invention also relates to a method for filtering and removing solids from a liquid drain from a basin.

Basins in a large number of designs are known from the prior art. In particular, sinks for use in kitchens and sinks for personal care are available in numerous variations. Such pools are used, for example, in the home, in industry and in the medical field.

In most cases, hygiene, especially sterility and cleanliness of the pool, is of central importance. For example, organic solids or solids (e.g. leftover food or other waste) in the drainage area of the pool can lead to a high level of germs and, in particular, to an odor nuisance.

In order to avoid an odor nuisance as far as possible, an odor trap or siphon is often provided in the liquid outlet of a pool. However, the known odor traps are sometimes not able to adequately suppress the formation of odors, in particular when organic solids accumulate beyond a certain level inside the siphon. In addition, the known odor traps can become clogged by the accumulation of solids and have to be cleaned mechanically and/or chemically on a regular basis.

In order to ensure that process water is reliably drained from basins, in particular kitchen sinks, waste shredders are sometimes used which comminute solids flushed with the process water into a drain line of the basin. Such a waste shredder is known, for example, from EP 0 443 310 A2. Due to the usually motor-driven comminution components, however, such comminution systems are complex to produce and expensive for the consumer to purchase. Furthermore, waste shredders are sometimes not usable or not permitted by law. Furthermore, blockages can still occur despite the waste shredding, since the shredded waste can also be deposited over time. A simple and inexpensive alternative to separating solids from the process water flowing out of a basin is to provide a sieve in the area of the basin's spout, in which the waste is collected. Such a screen is typically shaped as a basket in which the waste is collected. In order to avoid clogging or clogging of the screen, this screen must be cleaned regularly. For this purpose, the screen is usually manually removed from the drain line and emptied. However, users find the manual cleaning of such screens to be unpleasant and uncomfortable.

Finally, DE 202014 104 522 U1 proposes a drain fitting for a basin with a swiveling sieve for holding back waste flushed into the drain fitting with process water, the drain body having the sieve having a drain opening provided with a closure. Although this can improve the convenience of cleaning the screen, frequent user intervention is still necessary.

In view of the known state of the art, the object of the present invention is to provide a discharge device for filtering and discharging solids from a liquid, which allows particularly convenient operation by the user and which is preferably largely automated.

Finally, it is also the object of the invention to provide a basin with a discharge device for filtering and discharging solids, which enables particularly convenient operation by the user and which is preferably largely automated.

In addition, the object of the invention is to provide a method for filtering and removing solids from a liquid, which offers a particularly high level of user comfort and which is preferably largely automated.

The object is achieved for the discharge device with the features listed in claim 1. With regard to the basin, the object is achieved by the features of claim 18 and with regard to the method by claim 20.

The dependent claims and the features described below relate to advantageous embodiments and variants of the invention.

A discharge device for a basin, in particular for a sink or washbasin, is provided for filtering and discharging solids from a liquid, having a flat filter component through which the liquid can drain, whereas the solids remain on the surface of the filter component. The discharge device can preferably be arranged, in particular fastened, in a liquid outlet of the basin.

The filter component can in particular be a filter or a sieve.

The filter component preferably has a filter surface that is as flat as possible, particularly preferably as flat as possible, and is therefore also referred to as a "flat" filter component in the present case.

The liquid can preferably be water (in particular drinking or tap water or service water). In principle, however, any liquid from which solids are to be removed can be provided.

The proposed discharge device is particularly suitable for use with sinks or wash basins. In principle, however, the discharge device can be suitable for use with any basin in which there is a need to filter out and discharge solids from the liquid conducted through the basin. For example, the basin can also be designed as a bathtub, shower tray, hair wash basin or other basin, but in particular as a basin for cleaning body parts, (parts of) plants and/or objects.

According to the invention, it is provided according to a first variant that the flat filter component is clamped circumferentially on a roller conveyor having at least two rollers. At least one of the rollers can be driven in order to revolve around the flat filter component in order to discharge the filtered solids, in particular in order to discharge the filtered solids as required.

The roller conveyor mentioned above can also be referred to as a “roller conveyor” or “multiple roller arrangement”. The preferably circulating roller conveyor can have exactly two rollers, optionally also more than two rollers, such as three rollers, four rollers, five rollers, six rollers or even more rollers. As a rule, however, two rolls are already sufficient to stretch the flat filter component accordingly.

The rollers of the roller conveyor are preferably spaced apart from one another.

According to the invention, according to an alternative, second variant, it is provided that the flat filter component is clamped on a movable slider of a sliding guide system and can be moved in a circumferential manner by moving the slider along the sliding guide system in order to remove the filtered solids, in particular to remove the filtered solids as required.

The sliding guide system can in particular have a plain bearing and/or a guide rail along which the slider can be moved. The slider itself is also preferably completely circumferential (ie, for example, inside the plain bearing or inside the guide rail) and can be designed, for example, as a runner that is slidably mounted in the slide bearing or in the guide rail, preferably having a roller or ball bearing.

A particular advantage of the invention is that the solids are first advantageously filtered out of the liquid by the flat filter component and then removed in a defined transport direction by driving the at least one roller of the roller conveyor or moving the slider of the sliding guide system.

The solids can preferably be removed from the outflow area of the basin by the driven flat filter component, and this is usually completely automated.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the discharge device has a housing assembly with a liquid inlet and a liquid outlet.

The flat filter component is preferably arranged within the housing assembly between the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet. Provision can be made for the liquid inlet and the liquid outlet to be arranged orthogonally or at least essentially orthogonally to one another (in relation to the direction of flow that the liquid assumes as it flows through the liquid inlet or liquid outlet).

The housing assembly is preferably designed to prevent, or at least substantially prevent, an unintentional exit of the liquid, except through the liquid drain. The housing assembly can ensure that the liquid is routed in a defined manner from the discharge device, starting from the liquid inlet, via the filter component into the liquid outlet.

The housing assembly can be designed in one piece or in multiple pieces.

Provision can be made for the housing assembly to have one or more access openings, preferably a closable access opening, in order to allow the user of the discharge device easy maintenance or cleaning.

Provision can be made for the housing assembly to have one or more fastening means in order to fasten the discharge device in, below or at least in the area of a basin.

The housing assembly is preferably at least essentially, preferably completely, made of a plastic. However, the housing assembly can also be made of a metal, for example stainless steel. A combination of different materials can also be provided. In one embodiment of the invention, it can be provided that the discharge device, in particular the housing assembly of the discharge device, has a connection interface for the liquid inlet and/or a connection interface for the liquid outlet.

The connection interface of the liquid inlet and/or liquid outlet can in particular be a connection and/or a recess for a liquid line. Thus, for example, the liquid inlet can be connected to a liquid outlet of the basin via the connection interface. Standardized connection interfaces are preferably provided in order to enable or at least facilitate the connection of the discharge device to an already existing sanitary infrastructure. An existing tank can advantageously be retrofitted with the proposed discharge device.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the position, alignment and/or orientation of the connection interface of the liquid inlet and/or the connection interface of the liquid outlet can be adjusted.

In this regard, the connection interface can, for example, be a flexible pipeline, e.g. B. have a hose. Telescoping connections, floating bearings in slots, for example, or a rotatable, eccentric arrangement of connection interface and liquid inlet or liquid outlet can also be provided.

The discharge device can therefore be flexibly adaptable and is therefore suitable for use with a large number of different basins.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing assembly has a collecting space for the liquid, which is formed in an area between the flat filter component and the liquid outlet.

The collection space can be used in particular as a collection space or buffer if the liquid cannot run off quickly enough through the liquid outlet. Escape of liquid from the discharge device can therefore generally be avoided even in the case of a partial blockage of the liquid outlet.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the housing assembly has an ejector for the filtered solids.

The ejection can be provided in particular in the area of an end section of the roller conveyor or the sliding guide system, preferably at the end section of the roller conveyor or the sliding guide system located in the transport direction. The ejection can in particular be an opening in the housing assembly, which is preferably arranged in such a way that liquid cannot unintentionally escape through the opening. For example, a certain spacing can be provided between the ejection and the liquid inlet and optionally the liquid outlet, in particular due to a defined length of the roller conveyor or the sliding guide system. The solids can therefore preferably be transported far enough away from the liquid inlet and outlet via the roller conveyor or the sliding guide system together with the filter component in order to be safely ejected from the chute without unintentional loss of liquid. A collection container for the filtered solids can be provided in the ejection area. The collection container can be designed in one piece or preferably in several parts with the housing assembly. However, the collection container is preferably a waste bin independent of the housing assembly, for example a conventional kitchen waste bin.

Provision can be made for the filter component to have an incline in the direction of transport, so that excess liquid can run off in a direction opposite to the direction of transport. The gradient can be, for example, 60° or less, preferably 45° or less, particularly preferably 30° or less, for example also 20° or less or 10° or less. In principle, however, gradients greater than 60° can even be provided. Optionally, retaining ribs can be arranged on the surface of the flat filter component, in particular if the filter component has an incline in the transport direction, so that the solids can be transported captively despite the incline.

In a further development it can be provided in particular that the housing assembly has a fastening interface for a collection container for the filtered solids in the area of the ejection so that the filtered solids ejected via the ejection pass into the collection container.

A collection container (e.g. a waste container), which is preferably independent of the housing assembly or removal device, can be securely connected to the housing assembly via the attachment interface. Preferably, a modular chute can be provided.

The attachment interface can have a quick-release fastener, for example a mechanical quick-release fastener and/or a magnetic fastener.

It can optionally be provided that the discharge device, preferably the housing assembly of the discharge device, has a lighting device in order to illuminate the interior and/or the exterior of the discharge device for maintenance purposes or for increased user comfort (for example when opening a sink base cabinet). The lighting device can have one or more light sources, preferably light-emitting diodes. The lighting is preferred as required, whereby one or more sensors can be provided (e.g. a door contact or a motion sensor) in order to activate the lighting temporarily.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the flat filter component is designed as a ring-shaped, completely encircling filter belt or belt sieve.

The flat filter component can in particular be a band, a mat, a textile or a foil. The flat filter component can preferably be at least partially elastic in order to enable suitable covering on the roller conveyor or the slider of the sliding guide system.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the flat filter component is made of a plastic or stainless steel fabric.

In principle, however, any material can be used to form the flat filter component, for example a textile fabric.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the mesh size of the flat filter component is 10 mm to 0.05 mm, preferably 5 mm to 0.1 mm.

In the present case, the “mesh size” refers to the size of the openings in the filter component through which the liquid is able to drain. The mesh size therefore defines the possible flow rate and the minimum size of the solids to be filtered. The value ranges mentioned above have proven to be particularly advantageous for filtering organic solids from the liquid outflow of a basin, in particular a sink. In principle, however, other mesh sizes can also be advantageously suitable for use with the invention, depending on the application.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the flat filter component has an antimicrobial coating. The antimicrobial coating can be a nanosilver coating, for example.

In this way, biofilm formation can be prevented and sterility and odor neutrality can be ensured even if the discharge device or the basin is not used for a long time.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the distance at least between the outer rollers of the roller conveyor can be adjusted. Thus, a variable tape center distance can be provided.

Due to the adjustability of the distance at least between the outer rollers of the roller conveyor, the discharge device can be modularly adaptable to the application, for example for covering different sized filter components. This also makes it possible to re-tighten the flat filter component and to easily change the filter component by releasing the tension.

In an advantageous development of the invention, it can be provided that the roller conveyor has a spring tensioner in order to keep the flat filter component under a defined mechanical tension.

A spring tensioner with at least one tension roller can preferably be provided in order to keep the flat filter component under a defined mechanical tension. However, a tension pulley is not absolutely necessary.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the flat filter component can be removed from the roller conveyor or the sliding guide system.

In this way, an optional, manual cleaning of the flat filter component (e.g. in a dishwasher), replacement or maintenance can easily be made possible. In particular, it can be provided that the flat filter component can be removed from the roller conveyor or the sliding guide system without being destroyed, for example by at least temporarily reducing the mechanical stress, which can be made possible in particular by adjusting the distance between at least the outer rollers of the roller conveyor.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the discharge device has a cleaning device for cleaning the flat filter component. The cleaning device is preferably provided for cleaning as required or for regular cleaning (manually and/or automatically). The cleaning process by the cleaning device can optionally be carried out automatically and/or manually, depending on the level of dirt.

The cleaning device can have at least one cleaning nozzle for the targeted supply of a cleaning liquid to the flat filter component.

The cleaning liquid can preferably be the same liquid from which the solids are filtered out, for example the process water of a pool (the process water from a supply line to the pool, i.e. fresh water, is preferably used for cleaning). The cleaning liquid can also be a cleaning agent or a mixture of a cleaning agent and the service water.

The cleaning can take place as required, for example after a certain period of operation, after contamination has been detected by sensors or for example at the user's request or at regular time intervals. The cleaning of the flat filter component can preferably be provided outside of the normal operation of the discharge device, ie in particular when no filtering and discharge of solids is taking place. The revolving movement of the filter component can be omitted or it can take place at a defined, for example reduced, speed or in discrete steps.

Provision can optionally be made to close any ejection present in the housing assembly during the cleaning of the filter component in order to prevent the cleaning liquid from escaping.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the discharge device has at least one radiation source for generating ionizing radiation, preferably a UV-C radiation source for generating UV-C radiation in order to irradiate at least one section of the flat filter component.

The sterility and odor neutrality of the discharge device according to the invention can be further improved by the ionizing radiation. The wavelength of the ultraviolet radiation can be, for example, 100 nm to 400 nm, preferably 200 nm to 300 nm, particularly preferably approximately or exactly 254 nm.

The radiation source can preferably be arranged within the housing assembly.

Several radiation sources can also be provided.

The radiation sources, in particular UV-C radiation sources, are preferably optically shielded, for example arranged behind a covering of any openings in the housing assembly.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, a flushing channel device can be provided for the basin, having a profile assembly with an interface or with a plurality of interfaces (in particular a connection and/or a recess for a liquid supply line) for supplying a liquid (preferably water, in particular drinking or Tap water, optionally with additives and/or a cleaning liquid) into a distribution line of the profile assembly and a dispensing area for dispensing the liquid.

The profile assembly can have a flow channel extending from the distributor line to the dispensing area along a course of the channel. The manifold, flow channel, and dispensing area may extend through the profile assembly along a longitudinal axis of the profile assembly.

Due to the fact that said flow channel is formed between the distribution line and the dispensing area, a cleaning of the basin or rinsing of the basin can be particularly beneficial appropriate liquid output. In contrast to pools in which the water is dispensed directly from the distribution line via individual nozzles or holes, a more homogeneous, laminar flow can develop through the flow channel, which can result in even wetting of the inside of the pool. It has been shown that an even distribution of liquid when rinsing the pool contributes significantly to the sterility and general cleanliness of the pool.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the discharge device has a control device that is set up to control and/or monitor a drive of the at least one roller of the roller conveyor or a drive of the slider of the sliding guide system, preferably as a function of a user input and/or a detected flow rate of the liquid.

The control device can also be provided to control further procedural steps of the discharge device, for example to control the cleaning function of the cleaning device or to control the irradiation by the radiation source. It can also be provided that the control device controls and/or monitors the dispensing of the liquid from the dispensing area of the flushing channel device, preferably as a function of a user input.

In particular, the control device can also be set up to plan and manage cleaning cycles, preferably according to automatable schedules relating to the start, end, duration and/or intensity of a cleaning cycle. A monitoring of fill levels of a cleaning liquid can also be provided. For example, it can be provided that the cleaning of the flat filter component and the basin are coordinated with one another by means of the flushing channel device. For example, the process water or the (already clean) waste water from the scavenging channel device can be used at the same time to clean the flat filter component. Provision can be made, for example, for the flat filter component to be used for removing the solids after regular use of the basin, after which the filter component is cleaned, preferably with the liquid still flowing from the flushing channel device.

The control device can be communicatively connected (wired and/or wireless) to electronic components of the discharge device, such as pumps, motors or sensors.

The control device can have a user interface in order to enable the user of the discharge device or the basin to make user inputs and/or to read out statuses and measured values (e.g. an indication of the need to clean the flat filter component or a request to empty the collection container) . The user interface can have a display device, for example a screen, one or more signal sources (for example a light-emitting diode) and/or an input device, for example one or more buttons. A wireless user interface is preferably provided, with any radio standard being usable, in particular a Bluetooth standard (eg BLE), a WLAN standard, a ZigBee standard, a GSM standard or a other radio standard, but especially within the ISM band. The user interface can include a web application and/or an application on a mobile device ("app").

The control device can have a data interface via which the control device is connected to a database and, if necessary, to an external computing unit. In particular, the data interface can provide an Internet connection, as a result of which the control device can be connected to a cloud system, for example.

The flat filter component or the at least one roller of the roller conveyor/the slider of the sliding guide system can be driven mechanically or electrically, for example by means of an electric motor. The drive can also be generated by the service water itself, for example by a turbine driven by the liquid flowing into or out of the discharge device.

Belt slip monitoring can optionally be provided, for example by monitoring the operating current of an electric motor driving the at least one roller of the roller conveyor by means of a current sensor or other sensor.

In a development of the invention, it can be provided that the discharge device has a waste shredder or chopper which is arranged upstream of or downstream of the flat filter component in the transport direction, in order to at least partially comminute the solids to be filtered off or already filtered off.

In one embodiment, it can be provided that the discharge device has a generator arrangement for the partial conversion of kinetic energy of the supplied liquid into electrical energy, for the preferably self-sufficient electrical supply of electronic components of the discharge device. In this way, the discharge device can also be controlled without access to an electrical connection.

The generator arrangement can in particular have a water turbine and a generator connected to the water turbine.

Optionally, an electrical energy store can be provided, such as a battery pack, in order to store the electrical energy generated by the generator arrangement. An electrical energy store, in particular an exchangeable or chargeable energy store, can also be provided as a complete alternative to a generator arrangement. In this way, the discharge device can be operated autonomously, at least at times.

The generator arrangement can preferably be immediately before the liquid inlet, behind the liquid inlet, in the housing assembly, before the liquid outlet or behind the liquid outlet be arranged discharge device. An arrangement in a supply line to the discharge device can also be provided. In principle, it can be provided to connect the generator arrangement to any liquid supply line in the pool—possibly also to the liquid supply line to a conventional fitting in the pool (thus, for example, to a corner valve in the building). In particular, the generator arrangement can have a 3/8-inch coupling for connection to the liquid supply line.

The invention also relates to a basin, in particular a sink or a washbasin, having a discharge device according to the above and following statements, in order to discharge solids from a liquid running out of the basin by means of the discharge device.

According to the invention, hygiene can be significantly increased when operating the pool, for example in hospitals, old people's homes, medical practices, laboratories, in private households and also in large parts of the food industry. The infection and contamination potential as well as the odor nuisance in the drainage area of, for example, sinks or washbasins can be significantly reduced according to the invention.

Advantageously, the discharge device for filtering and discharge of solids such. B. dirt (hair or other biological material, but also inorganic material) can be provided from the liquid.

Provision can be made for the discharge device to be glued, screwed or otherwise detachably or non-detachably connected to the liquid outlet of the basin. A one-piece design between the discharge device and basin can also be provided.

The activation of the discharge device, ie the drive of the flat filter component in the direction of transport, can take place mechanically and/or electronically.

In particular, the control device described above can be provided for controlling the discharge device, for example for controlling valves, pumps, motors, electromechanical nozzles and/or for evaluating sensors and actuating switches.

The control device can be designed as a microprocessor. Instead of a microprocessor, any other device for implementing the control device can also be provided, for example one or more arrangements of discrete electrical components on a printed circuit board, a programmable logic controller (PLC), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) or another programmable circuit, for example also a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a programmable logic array (PLA), and/or a commercial computer.

The basin can be made of metal, in particular sheet metal, ceramic and/or plastic. Preferably, the pool can also be made of a composite material, for example a quartz composite material. The combination of different materials is of course also possible. In principle, the basin can be made of any material.

In principle, the basin can have any optional components, in particular a liquid outlet for the liquid (drain, downpipe and/or siphon), an overflow for the liquid, storage areas, etc.

In particular, it can be provided that the basin has a fitting that is fed via a main supply line (in particular with drinking or tap water).

An actuation of the fitting and/or the discharge device by means of a proximity or movement sensor can also be provided.

According to a development of the invention, it can be provided that the discharge device is arranged near the floor, ie in the lower area within the basin or (preferably) in a liquid outlet of the basin.

Thus, solids that accumulate when using the pool can be filtered out before entering the sewage pipe system, which can prevent clogging of the sewage pipes. Furthermore, the formation of germs and the development of unpleasant odors in the sewage pipes can be prevented.

Optionally, odor extraction can be provided within the discharge device, for example within the housing assembly of the discharge device. An activated carbon filter or plasma filter can be used here.

An overflow detection can optionally be provided within the discharge device, for example within the housing assembly, in order to warn of an overflow of the liquid or to interrupt the liquid supply to the basin if necessary.

The invention also relates to a method for filtering and removing solids from a liquid draining off a basin, in particular a sink or washbasin, having at least the following method steps: a) Conducting the liquid onto a flat filter component through which the liquid can flow, so that the solids remain on the surface of the filter component; b) Driving the flat filter component around at least two rollers of a roller conveyor or around a sliding guide system in order to discharge the filtered solids.

Features that are related to one of the objects of the invention, namely given by the discharge device according to the invention, the pool according to the invention or the invention Methods have been described can also be advantageously implemented for the other objects of the invention. Likewise, advantages that were mentioned in connection with one of the objects of the invention can also be understood in relation to the other objects of the invention.

In addition, it should be pointed out that terms such as "comprising", "having" or "with" do not exclude any other features or steps. Furthermore, terms such as "a" or "that" which indicate a singular number of steps or features do not exclude a plurality of features or steps - and vice versa.

In a puristic embodiment of the invention, however, it can also be provided that the features introduced in the invention with the terms “comprising”, “having” or “with” are listed exhaustively. Accordingly, one or more listings of features may be considered complete within the scope of the invention, e.g. considered for each claim. The invention can consist exclusively of the features mentioned in claim 1, for example.

It should be mentioned that designations such as "first" or "second" etc. are primarily used for reasons of distinguishing between respective device or method features and are not necessarily intended to indicate that features are mutually dependent or related to one another.

Furthermore, it should be emphasized that the values and parameters described here are deviations or fluctuations of ±10% or less, preferably ±5% or less, more preferably ±1% or less, and very particularly preferably ±0.1% or less of the respectively named Include value or parameter, provided that these deviations are not excluded in the implementation of the invention in practice. The specification of ranges by means of initial and final values also includes all those values and fractions that are enclosed by the range specified in each case, in particular the initial and final values and a respective mean value.

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

The figures each show preferred exemplary embodiments in which individual features of the present invention are shown in combination with one another. Features of an exemplary embodiment can also be implemented separately from the other features of the same exemplary embodiment and can accordingly easily be combined with features of other exemplary embodiments by a person skilled in the art to form further meaningful combinations and sub-combinations.

Elements with the same function are provided with the same reference symbols in the figures.

They show schematically: FIG. 1 shows a discharge device for filtering and discharging solids from the liquid in the liquid outlet of a basin according to a first exemplary embodiment;

FIG. 2 shows a discharge device for filtering and discharging solids from the liquid according to a second embodiment in a closed state of the housing assembly;

FIG. 3 shows the discharge device of FIG. 2 with the cover of the housing assembly open;

FIG. 4 shows the discharge device from FIG. 2 in a side view with the cover open and optional developments shown in dashed lines; and

FIG. 5 shows an exemplary embodiment of a sliding guide system for moving the filter component as an alternative to a roller conveyor.

A first exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 as an example and in a highly schematic manner. Figure 1 shows a lower section of a basin 1, for example a sink or washbasin, in which a discharge device 2 for filtering and discharging solids 3 is provided in order to remove the solids 3, for example organic or inorganic waste, from the liquid running out of the basin 1 4 (indicated as a dashed arrow in FIG. 4) to be discharged. The discharge device 2 is arranged in the liquid outlet 5 of the basin 1 and is therefore able to filter out the solids 3 that accumulate when the basin 1 is used before they enter the sewage pipe system, which prevents the sewage pipes from clogging, germ formation and the development of unpleasant odors in the sewage pipes can.

The discharge device 2 has a flat filter component 6 through which the liquid 4 can flow off, whereas the solids 3 remain on the surface 7 of the filter component 6 . In the exemplary embodiments, the flat filter component 6 is designed as a filter belt that runs completely around in the form of a ring. The flat filter component 6 can preferably be made of a plastic or of a stainless steel mesh and have a mesh size of 10 mm to 0.05 mm, preferably 5 mm to 0.1 mm. Optionally, the flat filter component 6 can have an antimicrobial coating, preferably with a nanosilver coating, in order to suppress germ formation.

The surface 7 of the filter component 6 can be cleaned of the solids 3 as required or regularly (manually and/or automatically), for example by the solids 3 being placed in a collection container or collection container 8 (e.g. a waste bin). For this purpose it is provided that the flat filter component 6 is clamped in a circumferential manner on a roller conveyor 10 having at least two rollers 9 and can be moved in a circumferential manner by driving at least one of the rollers 9 . In this way, the filtered solids 3 can be transported along a transport direction T to the collection container or Collection container 8 are spent. An electric motor can preferably be provided to drive the at least one roller 9, although this is not shown in the figures.

A control device 11 can be provided (shown in dashed lines in FIG. 1) in order, for example, to control the drive of the at least one roller 9 of the roller conveyor 10 . The control device 11 can be used in particular to carry out the method for filtering and removing the solids 3 from the liquid 4 draining from the basin 1 . The control device 11 can optionally be connected to one or more sensors (not shown). The control device 11 can preferably drive the roller 9 of the roller conveyor 10 as a function of a user input and/or a detected flow rate of the liquid 4 .

The discharge device 2 can be a fixed component of the basin 1 or can be combined with a basin 1 in a modular manner as an independent component. The discharge device 2 can preferably be retrofitted in the liquid outlet 5 of the basin 1 .

A somewhat more concrete exemplary embodiment of the discharge device 2 is shown in FIGS.

The discharge device 2 preferably has a housing assembly 12 with a liquid inlet 13 and a liquid outlet 14 . The flat filter component 6 is arranged inside the housing assembly 12 between the liquid inlet 13 and the liquid outlet 14 (cf. in particular FIG. 4). The housing assembly 12 is preferably designed to ensure that the liquid 4 is completely routed from the liquid inlet 13 to the liquid outlet 14 so that the liquid does not escape from the discharge device 2 unintentionally. For this purpose, the housing assembly 12 can be closed all around, for example. For maintenance and/or cleaning purposes, however, an access opening 15 can be provided (see FIG. 3), which can be closed by one or more covers 16 (see FIG. 2).

Optionally, the position, alignment and/or orientation of a connection interface 17 of the liquid inlet 13 and/or a connection interface of the liquid outlet 14 can be adjustable, so that the discharge device 2 can be modularly suitable for use with different outlet systems of any basin 1. A connection interface 17 for the liquid inlet 13 is shown in FIG. Because of the rotatable, eccentric design, it can be easily adapted to the existing pipe system of the pool 1 .

The housing assembly 12 can have a collecting space 18 for the liquid 4 (cf. in particular FIG. 3 and FIG. 4), which is formed in an area between the flat filter component 6 and the liquid outlet 14 . This can be advantageous in order to provide a collection area for the liquid 4 if the liquid 4 cannot drain through the liquid outlet 14 sufficiently quickly. The liquid 4 can thereby be prevented from escaping even if the amount of liquid drained is reduced (for example due to a blockage). Finally, the housing assembly 12 can have an ejector 19 for the filtered solids 3, which is preferably arranged in the region of the end section of the roller conveyor 10 arranged in the transport direction T. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 2 to 4, a fastening interface 20 is provided on the housing assembly 12 in the area of the ejection 19 in order to fasten the collection container 8, for example a waste bin, to the housing assembly 12 so that the filtered solids ejected via the ejection 19 3 reach the collection container 8 safely.

Provision can optionally be made for the distance D between the outer rollers 9 of the roller conveyor 10 to be adjustable (cf. FIG. 4). As a result, the discharge device 2 can be adapted for use with different filter components 6 or different sizes of filter components 6 . In addition, by adjusting the distance D between the rollers 9 of the roller conveyor 10, the flat filter component 6 can optionally be more easily removed from the roller conveyor 10. In order to keep the flat filter component 6 under a defined mechanical tension to avoid slipping during operation, a spring tensioner 21 can preferably be provided, for example a spring tensioner 21 with a tension roller 22 (indicated by dashed lines in FIG. 4). However, a spring tensioner 21 can also be omitted, for example if the flat filter component 6 has sufficient elasticity and the distance D between the outer rollers 9 of the roller conveyor 10 is set accordingly, so that the flat filter component 6 is under a corresponding elastic tensile stress.

A few further optional developments of the discharge device 2 are proposed below, each of which is indicated by dashed lines in FIG.

For example, a cleaning device 23 can be provided for cleaning the flat filter component 6 as required, preferably having at least one cleaning nozzle 24 for the targeted supply of a cleaning liquid (usually the same type of liquid 4 that is filtered, in particular fresh industrial water). The cleaning can be triggered, for example, by the user or automatically, for example by the control device 11 already mentioned above.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the discharge device 2 has at least one radiation source 25 for generating ionizing radiation, preferably a UV-C radiation source for generating UV-C radiation in order to irradiate at least one section of the flat filter component 6 . In this way, the liquid 4 and the discharge device 2 or the flat filter component 6 can be disinfected before and/or after the liquid 4 flows through. The ionizing radiation can be optically shielded by, for example, protective plates (not shown) or can be arranged in the housing assembly 12 in such a way that it cannot be seen. Optionally, a waste shredder 26 arranged upstream of the flat filter component 6 (cf. FIG. 4) or downstream in the transport direction T can also be provided in order to at least partially comminute the solids 3 to be filtered off or already filtered out. It can be provided that the filter component 6 has an incline in the transport direction T, so that excess liquid 4 can run off in a direction opposite to the transport direction T (not shown in the figures). Optionally, retaining ribs 27 can be arranged on the surface 7 of the flat filter component 6 (some retaining ribs 27 are shown as an example by dashed lines in Figure 4), in particular if the filter component 6 has said incline in the transport direction T, so that the solids 3 are transported captively despite the incline be able.

FIG. 5 shows a further exemplary embodiment of a discharge device, in which a sliding guide system 28 is used as an alternative to a roller conveyor 10 . A sliding guide system, for example the sliding guide system 28 described below, is basically compatible with all the variants of the invention described above.

The discharge device 2 shown in FIG. 5 again has a flat filter component 6 through which the liquid 4 can flow off, whereas the solids 3 remain on the surface 7 of the filter component 6 . The flat filter component 6 is designed as a filter belt that runs completely around in the form of a ring and is clamped on a movable slider 29 . The sliding guide system 28 has a slide or guide rail 30 along which the slider 29 can be moved. In the exemplary embodiment, the slider 29 runs completely around the guide rail 30 and includes a ball bearing which is arranged circumferentially in the guide rail 30 .

Claims

P atentClaims

1. Discharge device (2) for a basin (1), in particular for a sink or washbasin, for filtering and discharging solids (3) from a liquid (4), having a flat filter component (6) through which the liquid (4 ) is able to flow off, whereas the solids (3) remain on the surface (7) of the filter component (6), d a d a r c h g e k e n z e i c h n e t that the flat filter component (6), in order to discharge the filtered solids (3), a) on at least two rollers ( 9) having the roller conveyor (10) clamped around it and can be moved around it by driving at least one of the rollers (9); or b) clamped on a movable slider (29) of a sliding guide system (28) and can be moved in a circumferential manner by moving the slider (29) along the sliding guide system (28).

2. Discharge device (2) according to Claim 1, g e k e n n z e i c h n e t d u r c h a housing assembly (12) with a liquid inlet (13) and a liquid outlet (14), the flat filter component (6) within the housing assembly (12) between the liquid inlet (13) and the Liquid outlet (14) is arranged.

3. Discharge device (2) according to claim 2, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the position, alignment and/or orientation of a connection interface (17) of the liquid inlet (13) and/or a connection interface of the liquid outlet (14) can be adjusted.

4. Discharge device (2) according to claim 2 or 3, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the housing assembly (12) has a collecting space (18) for the liquid (4), which is in an area between the flat filter component (6) and the liquid outlet (14) is trained.

5. Discharge device (2) according to one of claims 2 to 4, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the housing assembly (12) has an ejection (19) for the filtered solids (3), preferably in the region of an end section of the roller conveyor (10) or the sliding guide system ( 28).

6. discharge device (2) according to claim 5, characterized in that the housing assembly (12) has a fastening interface (20) for a collection container (8) for the filtered solids (3) in the area of the ejection (19), so that the filtered solids (3) ejected via the ejection (19) into the collection container (8) arrive.

7. Discharge device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 6, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the flat filter component (6) is designed as a ring-shaped completely circumferential filter belt.

8. discharge device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 7, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the flat filter component (6) is formed from a plastic or stainless steel fabric.

9. Discharge device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 8, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that a mesh size of the flat filter component is 10 mm to 0.05 mm, preferably 5 mm to 0.1 mm.

10. Discharge device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 9, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the flat filter component (6) has an antimicrobial coating, preferably a nanosilver coating.

11. Discharge device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 10, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the distance (D) at least between the outer rollers (9) of the roller conveyor (10) is adjustable.

12. Discharge device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 11, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the roller conveyor (10) has a spring tensioner (21), preferably a spring tensioner (21) with a tensioning roller (22) to under the flat filter component (6). to maintain a defined mechanical tension.

13. Discharge device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 12, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the flat filter component (6) can be removed from the roller conveyor (10) or the slider (29) of the sliding guide system (28).

14. discharge device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by a cleaning device (23) for cleaning the flat filter component (6) as required, having at least one cleaning nozzle (24) for the targeted supply of a cleaning liquid to the flat filter component (6).

15. Discharge device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 14, g e k e n n z e i c h n e t du r c h at least one radiation source (25) for generating ionizing radiation, preferably a UV-C radiation source for generating UV-C radiation, around at least a section of the flat filter component (6) to irradiate.

16. Discharge device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 15, g e k e n n z e i c h n e t by a control device (11) which is set up to drive the at least one roller (9) of the roller conveyor (10) or the slider (29) of the sliding guide system (28). control and/or monitor, preferably depending on a user input and/or a detected flow rate of the liquid (4).

17. Discharge device (2) according to one of Claims 1 to 16, g e k e n n z e i c h n e t d u r c h a waste shredder (26) arranged upstream of the flat filter component (6) or arranged downstream in the transport direction (T) in order to at least partially remove the solids (3) to be filtered off or already filtered off shred.

18. Basin (1), in particular a sink or washbasin, having a discharge device (2) according to one of claims 1 to 17, in order to remove solids (3) from a liquid (4) draining from the basin (1) by means of the discharge device (2). to dissipate

19. Basin (1) according to claim 18, d a d u r c h g e k e n n z e i c h n e t that the discharge device (2) is arranged near the bottom within the basin (1) or in a liquid outlet (5) of the basin (1).

20. Method for filtering and removing solids (3) from a liquid (4) running off a basin (1), in particular a sink or washbasin, comprising at least the following method steps: a) conducting the liquid (4) onto a flat filter component ( 6) through which the liquid (4) is allowed to drain leaving the solids (3) on the surface (7) of the filter component (6); b) driving the flat filter component (6) around at least two rollers (9) of a roller conveyor (10) or around a sliding guide system (29) in order to discharge the filtered solids (3).