WO2006136409A1

WO2006136409A1 - Filter cartridge

Info

Publication number: WO2006136409A1
Application number: PCT/EP2006/006009
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Wawrla; Kurt Wallerstorfer
Original assignee: Aquis Wasser-Luft-Systeme Gmbh, Lindau Zweigniederlassung Rebstein
Priority date: 2005-06-22
Filing date: 2006-06-22
Publication date: 2006-12-28
Also published as: EP1893065A1

Abstract

A filter cartridge (3) is proposed in which the filter process and in particular properties of the filter cartridge can be controlled by the respective device (2) in which the filter cartridge (3) is used. This object is achieved by a communication element (17) being provided, by means of which cartridge-specific information is accessible to a corresponding external communication element (18).

Description

"Filter cartridge"

The invention relates to a filter cartridge according to the preamble of claim 1.

In household appliances with water tank, such as espresso machines or the like, water filter cartridges are increasingly used to prepare the water before the actual use. Such filter cartridges are usually designed for insertion into the water tank and provided for this purpose with a connection element for connecting a filter drain line to a tank-side connection element. The filter housing is provided with inlet openings for the entry of water from the environment, i. provided from the water tank, wherein the shape and / or position of these inlet openings in the assembled state of the filter cartridge determine the empty level of the water tank, i. the water level to which the water tank, for example via a corresponding device-side suction pump via the filter cartridge can be emptied.

Such a filter cartridge is described for example in the document EP 1 340 442 Bl.

The filtering process is not controlled in any way so that it is possible, for example, that an exhausted filter cartridge or a cartridge of unsuitable type is used.

This disadvantage is also evident in other applications of filter cartridges, i. not only in household appliances, but generally in the treatment of fluids during withdrawal from a tank by filter cartridges therein, e.g. also of liquids other than water or of gases, in particular of air.

The object of the invention is in contrast to propose a filter cartridge in which the o.a. Disadvantages are avoidable.

This object is achieved on the basis of a filter cartridge of the aforementioned type by the characterizing features of claim 1.

The measures mentioned in the dependent claims advantageous embodiments and developments of the invention are possible.

Accordingly, a filter cartridge according to the invention is characterized in that a communication element is provided, by means of which a cartridge-specific information for a corresponding communication element outside the interior of the tank, hereinafter also referred to as external communication element accessible.

Under a communication element here is to understand each element by means of which information from the filter cartridge for an external communication element is readable or transferable.

In this way, it is possible to control to what extent the filter cartridge is capable of being used or not suitable is .

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention in this case a non-contact readable communication element is provided. Such a configuration has the advantage that no connection for the communication element must be provided when inserting the filter cartridge in the tank. This is particularly advantageous in view of the fact that the filter cartridge is usually at least partially in the stored fluid in the tank.

The communication element may be based on different technical transmission principles. Thus, a magnetic, an electromagnetic, an optical and / or a sound or ultrasound based communication element can be provided. All of these operating principles provide the ability to wirelessly access information from the filter cartridge to an external communication element.

A particularly simple embodiment can be, for example, that a magnet is attached to the filter cartridge, which actuates a reed switch or Hall sensor arranged on the tank or outside the tank when it is inserted into the tank. By means of this arrangement can be transmitted as information, for example, whether a filter cartridge is inserted and whether it is inserted correctly. Basically, encryption based on this functional principle can also be provided with more information. For example, different reed switches can be mounted in different positions, so that filter cartridges of different types, which are marked at different locations with a corresponding magnet, can be detected. The properties of such filter cartridges can be easily encoded in this way. A simple optical communication element would be realized, for example, with the aid of a light barrier or the like. An optical reading unit using a corresponding coding, for example a barcode on the filter cartridge, could also be used according to the invention.

In a further development of the invention, however, the communication element is provided with a transmitter for the transmission of information to an external receiver, e.g. a device or a machine provided. In this way, a data transmission channel can be realized, whereby a larger amount of information is transferable.

In a further development of this embodiment, a data exchange between the communication element and the filter cartridge is provided. This allows greater flexibility in terms of the amount and type of information to be exchanged.

By a data exchange between the communication element of the filter cartridge and the external communication element, e.g. a device, a largely forgery-proof authentication of the filter cartridge is possible. In this way it can be ensured that only approved and suitable filter cartridges are used in the corresponding application.

The security of the authentication can be ensured, for example, by storing at least two pieces of information in the filter cartridge's information store, which are linked together with an authentication algorithm. An external communication element programmed with the appropriate algorithm can thus determine whether the two read information is in the intended manner linked together. The information itself can be different for each filter cartridge, since the external communication element always checks only the link through the algorithm. Thus, one of the pieces of information, for example the serial number and the associated second information, could be a correspondingly encrypted check digit.

A data exchange between the communication element of the filter cartridge and the external communication element allows e.g. also the use of filter types which are specific, e.g. After transmitting the information about the application, submit the required data. A database on the side of the external communication element, which includes possible filter types, no longer needs to be provided or at least not regularly updated, since this information can be made in a data exchange, for example by the filter cartridge.

Preferably, a wireless power supply for the communication element of the filter cartridge takes place. Such energy transfer can be done for example by induction via a magnetic coil, so that no energy storage or at most a capacitor in the communication element itself is required. This is particularly important in view of the fact that the filter cartridge can be used, inter alia, in a drinking water environment.

Furthermore, it is possible to attach functional elements to the filter cartridge, e.g. Sensors that measure the loading or exhaustion rate or consumption of the filter cartridge fill to communicate that data to the external communications element.

Advantageously, the cartridge-side communication element with an information memory Mistake. In such an information store, all relevant data of the filter cartridge can be stored and thus made available to the external communication element. In this case, preferably cartridge-specific data, such as a serial number, the size, filter capacity or the type of filter mixture come into question.

Such a cartridge-side communication element is preferably provided with a microelectronic chip. In this way, an "intelligent" data exchange is possible. In addition to exclusively cartridge-specific data, such as serial numbers or the like, as stated above, control signals for a device having the external communication element can be transmitted to the device depending on the cartridge state, for example by means of such an "intelligent" communication element.

In particular, such a communication element is also rewritable or programmable gestaltbar, so that, for example, in the case of a refurbishment of such a filter cartridge by replacing 'the filling or the like, the cartridge-side communication element can be provided again with the appropriate current information. The flexibility in terms of writability and programmability also makes it very easy to adapt such trained filter cartridges for use in modified or new types of equipment.

In the case of using a communication element with a transmitter that transmits signals by means of vibrations, such as an electromagnetic transmitter, preferably the frequency of the transmitter is tuned to the transmission through the corresponding fluid, eg water, which can surround such a filter cartridge at least when the tank is full. By an appropriate frequency selection can disturbing effects of the fluid, such as water, in the environment of Filter cartridge reduced or completely reduced.

In the case of an electromagnetic transmitter, the transmission frequency is selected, for example, in an interval between 110 kilohertz and 140 kilohertz. Preferably, the transmission frequency is set to about 125 kilohertz, since this frequency has been found to be particularly trouble-free for a transmission channel in the water. Also, a frequency range between 11 MHz and 15 MHz, preferably 13 MHz is suitable for this application.

In the transmission of a fluid, e.g. Water can cause a frequency shift. In this case, a selective detuning between the filter cartridge-side communication element and the external communication element is preferably provided in the manufacture or adjustment of the transmission and / or reception frequencies in order to compensate for such a frequency shift.

For example, the external communication element may be laterally attached to the tank, e.g. placed next to the tank or integrated into the tank wall. In question comes, for example, housing in a cavity of the tank wall. In these embodiments, the filter cartridge is preferably positioned close to the side wall of the tank.

The communication element is preferably mounted in the region of the connection element of the filter cartridge. In this way, the transmission distance is short, so that the transmission power and thus the power consumption can be kept small.

The arrangement in the region of the connecting element also offers the possibility of laying the transmission path through the material of the cartridge housing or its connecting element, so that no or only a short Transmission path through the fluid is present.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, the communication element is arranged adjacent to the seal of the output line, preferably above the seal in the connection area. In the case of an axial seal, the arrangement above this seal is the position in which the communication element can be arranged closest to the device-side connection. In the case of a radial seal, the communication element could also be arranged below the seal in the vicinity of the device-side connection. In a particular embodiment of the invention, the communication element can also be integrated into the seal itself.

A particularly easy to install arrangement of the communication element results from the formation of a support in the connection area to which the

Communication element can be placed. This support can advantageously also be used as a separating element for the filter bed, e.g. be formed as an inlet or outlet screen. In a particular embodiment, the seal of the output line can then be mounted directly below this separator.

Preferably, the communication element is arranged centrally to the output line. In this way, among other things, a good alignment with respect to a device-side counter-antenna is possible, which can also be oriented in their position at the output line.

In addition, in such an embodiment, the communication element of a fluid line, for example, the output line to be interspersed. In this way, the antenna of the communication element with a larger cross section under favorable utilization of space form in the connection area. The antenna coil can be wound around the connection line with at least one turn. Due to the nature of the arrangement, an antenna coil with a large number of turns is also possible without problems, since the connection geometry in this embodiment is not impaired by the antenna coil.

Advantageously, the entire communication element is annular, so that it can enclose the output line of the filter cartridge, without affecting the arrangement of the connection elements.

In a further development of this embodiment, the communication element is arranged in a built-in part fluid-tight separately from the filter cartridge. This mounting part can be connected during assembly of the filter cartridge with this. This embodiment of a separate built-in part has the advantage that the production of the communication element can be easily automated. In addition, a simple foreign reference can be provided with clear warranty exclusion in the manufacture of the filter cartridge according to the invention. The handling of such separate built-in parts is also facilitated because they are available as bulk material.

Such a built-in part can at any point inside or outside, releasably or non-detachably connected to the filter cartridge, z. B. up or plugged.

Advantageously, however, the separate built-in part is formed as an insert, for example as an annular insert for placement in the interior of the cartridge. The outer geometry is thereby preferably adapted to the inner contour of the cartridge housing, so that when inserting this separate built-in part by adapting to the housing contour, the Installation position quasi self-positioning results. In the case of a cartridge with a circular cross-section, the insert is therefore preferably of annular construction, so that the insert is centered during insertion.

The fixation in the axial direction can for example take place in that a pipe with a radial projection, such as an annular shoulder, a cam or the like is inserted after inserting the insert through the inner opening of the insert and fixed with the radial projection of the insert in the axial direction ,

For easier insertion of the insert while also guide elements in the cartridge housing, such as guide ribs or the like can be provided.

In general, the shape of the cartridge in this design of the shape and mounting position of the communication element comprehensive fitting can be adjusted. Ideally, this installation part finds its end position by simply inserting it into the housing.

Due to the installation position of the invention

Communication element, the antenna can be easily formed as a coil with a wire winding. Such a coil can be produced cost-effectively as a machine winding with a high number of turns and also sealed fluid-tight. Thus, for example, the communication element and / or the entire built-in component can be overmolded in a fluid-tight manner with plastic or cast with a corresponding sealing material.

The use of a separately manufactured insert also allows a more flexible production of the filter cartridge with and without inventive communication element. In In one case, only the installation part is omitted in the production. In addition, a recycling of the communication element in this design is easily possible.

Advantageously, the communication element is fluid-tight and in particular waterproof inside or outside attached to the filter cartridge. Thus, the communication element may e.g. be installed in a fluid-tight, such as a waterproof case, which in turn is attached to the filter cartridge. Such an embodiment also allows, for example, an exchangeable communication element which is detachably formed by the filter cartridge.

In another embodiment of the invention, the communication element becomes fluid-tight, e.g. watertight, molded into the wall of the filter cartridge housing or in the material whose connection element. On the one hand, in this embodiment, the production and sealing is particularly simple; on the other hand, it is ensured in such a design that the cartridge-specific information always also applies to the filter cartridge connected to the communication element.

The antenna of the external communication element can (to obtain the best possible range) directly into the connection element of the associated device, which ensures the fluid seal and fluid management of the tank, are installed. As a result, the conversion to the device having the external communication element is minimal and the range is maximum. Neither the tank nor the device must be changed seriously. Fast and cheap conversion is possible.

By the arrangement of the communication element in Connection area of the filter cartridge and the opposite arrangement of the remote antenna on the side of the device, a very short signal transmission strength can be accomplished. As a result, an energy saving can be achieved, ie the components can be made smaller in terms of energy transfer. This in turn allows a small design, such as an integrated chip solution with a smaller antenna, for example, smaller diameter and / or fewer windings. Such a design requires less space, so that more space for the seal, for example, for a surrounding plastic or other sealing material is present. These advantages apply both to the side of the cartridge with respect to the communication element and to the device-side communication element, in particular its counter-antenna.

Also on the device side, the counter antenna is advantageously arranged in a ring around the fluid line in the connection region of the device. In this case, the counter-antenna can be arranged for example around the outlet of the tank. However, it is particularly advantageous if the counter antenna also remains in the device during a tank removal, so that it can be wired without detachable contacts. The counter antenna can advantageously also be arranged so that it encloses a device-side connection element and optionally a connection element of the tank received therein. Among other things, in an advantageous embodiment, a valve in the interior of such an annular counter-antenna in the region of the passing fluid line can be arranged. As can be seen from the above descriptions, the structure of the fluid line in the terminal area is hardly affected by such a ring-shaped counter-antenna.

Such a counter-antenna can also be manufactured in a separately fluid-tight manner, then into the device mountable insert be made. This in turn results in the above-mentioned advantages of a separate fluid-tight built-in component with regard to the tightness, the flexibility of installation or retrofitting, handling bulk, automated production, external sourcing, easy installation, for example by clipping, etc. Also a Detection and sorting of separate, retrofittable components both in terms of the cartridge-side and on the device-side communication element easier and especially achievable with less loss.

In particular, the counter-antenna can be constructed in the described design over a Dfahtwicklung. This wire winding comprising at least one turn, but preferably a plurality of turns, is made of a wire in an advantageous development of this embodiment. The ends of this single-wire winding then also represent the connecting wires for wiring the remote antenna on the device side.

Such an antenna winding is preferably produced by a wire insulated in a fluid-tight manner at least in the region of the connecting wires. If a fully insulated wire is used for the production of the winding, the opposite antenna is already fluid-tightly insulated thereby. For a manageable design is recommended in any case a sheath, for example, the encapsulation with plastic or the casting with a potting material.

When using fluid-tight insulated connecting wires during casting or encapsulation with suitable material, the implementation of the connecting wires is readily sealed against all fluids in question. As already mentioned several times, a filter cartridge according to the invention is provided with a connection element which fits on a corresponding connection element of the tank of a fluid-conducting device. In order to make a filter cartridge usable for different devices with different connection elements, in a specific embodiment of the invention, the filter cartridge is provided with an adapter piece. To adapt to a particular device therefore does not need to be adapted to the complete cartridge housing, but only a suitable adapter piece can be used. Such a design allows larger numbers of the actual filter cartridge for use in various devices.

In a further development of the invention, the filter cartridge comprises a sensor for detecting one or more state parameters. For example, the sensor may be suitable for detecting the installation position of the cartridge and for ensuring that the cartridge is correctly inserted by an operator via corresponding feedback from the device.

Another operating parameter to be sensed is, for example, the degree of loading or the degree of exhaustion of the filter cartridge. Such a sensor could be designed, for example, as a conductivity sensor. Another variant would be possible by a location sensor, which is movably attached to the filter material and thus traced movements of the filter material. The volume of filter materials, e.g. Depending on the loading state, ion exchange resins may be different, so that the loading state can ultimately be detected via such a sensor.

Such a sensor can be used for example as a level sensor or as a flow sensor for the corresponding device. Preferably, such a sensor is designed as a passive sensor element without energy storage, wherein the device side, an active sensor element with transmitter and receiver is provided. Due to the wireless energy transfer to the passive sensor element is unnecessary in this case, as well as in the corresponding embodiment of the communication element energy storage or electrical lines to the filter cartridge.

In a further development of this embodiment, at least one electrical resonant circuit is provided in the filter cartridge. Such a resonant circuit can be excited by electromagnetic radiation and absorb the energy necessary for the operation of a sensor element and / or a communication element. An electrical resonant circuit also has the advantage of being tunable to a resonant frequency, i. It can readily be assigned for different purposes of several resonant circuits different communication and / or sensor elements and operated in parallel next to each other.

In a development of this embodiment, the electrical property of the resonant circuit can be influenced by the communication element. This is particularly advantageous if a common resonant circuit is provided for a sensor element and a communication element. Thus, for example, by irradiation of the resonant frequency, a location detection of an associated resonant circuit of the filter cartridge can be realized, so that thereby a spatially resolving position sensor in a passive design, ie without its own power supply, is present. By coded influencing the electrical property of the resonant circuit, an information transmission can take place in addition to this sensor function. So, for example be influenced via the chip of a communication element, the damping of the resonant circuit in a coded sequence and detected externally. On the side of the device having the external communication element, a transmitting antenna for irradiating the resonance vibration and a receiving antenna for receiving the radiation caused by induction in the resonant circuit of the filter cartridge is provided. With the help of the received response from the filter cartridge, the information to be transmitted can be decrypted.

In the construction described not only a spatially resolving sensor element, but also a motion sensor can be realized via successive location detection in conjunction with a time recording. Such a sensor arrangement with an oscillation circuit location system and a location resonant circuit to be located is known e.g. described in WO 03/038380 Al. The resonant circuit location system of such an arrangement can have a plurality of transmitting and receiving units and / or operate with different resonance frequencies and thus interact with a plurality of locating resonant circuits and / or communication elements according to the invention.

Communication elements which operate via a coded influencing of the electrical properties of a resonant circuit are known, for example, as so-called RFID.

The control and evaluation of such a sensor arrangement and the communication unit can be made on the machine side by a common microprocessor. In particular, the main computer of a device such as a beverage machine take over this task.

With the aid of a communication element according to the invention, a multiplicity of advantages can be achieved. Thus, on the one hand, the consumption of filter capacity, the water hardness or the running time of a filter cartridge can be monitored. This results in an optimal use of the filter cartridge as well as a protection of users and the corresponding equipment from faulty operation.

Authentication of a cartridge is possible, so that the devices can be protected against filter cartridges of inferior quality.

By means of a corresponding coding, filter cartridges can be specifically marked according to device manufacturers. Furthermore, the user behavior with the aid of a technique according to the invention can be detected.

In many applications, e.g. In beverage machines, in particular in connection with filter cartridges, the combination of the resonant circuit location technology with the RFID technology in all technical areas of advantage to which the resonant circuit location technology is usefully used. The combination of these two techniques by using an RFID chip in the resonant circuit of a position sensor element authentication and / or other data transmission with little effort is feasible for any desired type of application.

A frequency shift occurring in the transmission of electromagnetic waves through various media or fluids, for example due to water, can be compensated for by targeted detuning of the resonant frequencies both in sensor technology and in communications technology. In the case of the above-mentioned combination of locating circuit with RFID technology, the targeted detuning of a single resonant frequency, eg the locating circuit, is sufficient. Advantageously, the filter cartridge has a housing which has one or more inlet openings for the entry of a fluid from the environment. If the fluid is a liquid, for example water, then its shape and / or position in the assembled state of the filter cartridge determines the empty level of the associated tank. Such a design of the filter cartridge no connections for the inflow are required, while ensuring that the associated tank is largely emptied even when using the invention in a liquid.

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, an axial seal is provided for the sealing of the outflow line of the filter cartridge with the tank-side connection. An axial seal has the advantage that the seal can be accomplished with respect to a flat bottom surface, whereby at the same time the inlet openings can be mounted further down. In addition, causes an axial seal when inserting the filter cartridge no frictional forces to produce the seal, as would be the case for example with a radial seal. However, a radial seal is basically used in combination with the invention.

In one embodiment of the invention, a cutting device is further provided in the filter cartridge, which provides the blending of treated liquid with non-treated liquid or with a processed liquid in another way. Thus, for example, in the case of using water, after the passage of a filter section with ion exchanger softened water can be made with non-softened water. In another embodiment, for example, softened water can be generated and mixed via a filter section and decarbonated water via a second filter section. Other applications are also different Processing methods with subsequent waste conceivable.

In addition, advantageously, the tank can be provided with a communication element, by means of which a tank-specific information for a corresponding communication element outside the tank is accessible.

By means of such an external communication element, a corresponding device or an associated system can accordingly detect and evaluate not only the data of the filter cartridge but also of the tank. Thus, for example, an authentication of the tank or one of the above-described with respect to the filter cartridge applications of data detection or transmission also in relation to the tank can be used.

Advantageously, the tank comprises a unit for detecting the position of the filter cartridge, in which case, in particular, its axial orientation, its height and / or its installation angle is of interest. The axial alignment can be controlled, for example, to ensure good tightness of an axial seal. The height of the filter cartridge can be interpreted as a statement about the correct insertion depth into the tank. The installation angle may also be of interest in the case of a corresponding design, for example in the case of a screw connection, in order to check the correct connection. Also, other advantageous uses of such a position detection are conceivable. In the simplest case, such a position detection simply identifies only the presence of a filter cartridge in the correct location.

Furthermore, a level sensor can be provided in a tank according to the invention. Such a level sensor can also use, for example, the possibilities of the tank side and / or the filter cartridge side communication element. In particular, the Possibility of information transmission in these communication elements are used to transmit the level of a device or a system. The influencing of the transmission paths by a fluid in the tank can be used, for example, to detect a level.

In a particular embodiment, the level sensor comprises a wireless signal transmission path. According to this, when removing the tank and / or the filter cartridge for refilling or replacement, for example, no contacts for wired signal transmission need to be disconnected or closed.

A tank of the type described above with a filter cartridge according to the invention can be used in a variety of devices and equipment. In particular, the advantages of the invention are thereby achieved in water-conducting household appliances and equipment for the preparation of food and drinks, such as coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking appliances but also steam and / or high pressure cleaners, air cleaners and conditioners or such devices.

In the case of an application for water filtration advantageously at least one filter section for water softening and / or Wasserentkarbonisierung is provided. In addition, of course, filter stages for mechanical cleaning, i. for the removal of airborne particles and / or the use of flavor enhancers, such as activated carbon useful.

The filter cartridge described is especially in the case of application to liquids in devices with suction pump advantageous that the liquid through the filter cartridge from the Tank sucks. In the case of the use of the filter cartridge according to the invention in a gas, a suction pump can also be used. However, in this case, if the tank is placed under excess pressure to accommodate a larger supply, then such a suction pump can be dispensed with.

Advantageously, a filter recognition is also provided which operates independently of the communication element of the filter cartridge. Such

Filter detection element can be arranged for example in the tank and / or the device side. With a cartridge-independent filter detection system can be reliably determined, among other things, whether a filter cartridge is used or not, even if this has no communication element itself. This is especially important if only filter cartridges are to be allowed with communication element for the operation of the associated device. In this case, with the independent cartridge detection, a foreign cartridge without a communication element can be detected.

In the case of a non-approved filter cartridge, the operation of the associated device can be stopped or blocked. The cause of this can be, e.g. acoustically or visually, and release the operation after removal of the unauthorized cartridge.

The invention is applicable to all types of filter cartridges regardless of how the filter bed is flowed through. Both the inflow and Abstrompatronen or mixed forms or other flow guidance, the invention provides the advantages described.

An embodiment of the invention is shown in the drawing by way of example with reference to a filter cartridge with filter section in an upflow and is based on the figure below explained in more detail.

Show in detail

Figure 1 shows a section through a water tank with

Filter cartridge in a sectional view and

Figure 2 is a schematic sectional view through a beverage machine with water tank and filter cartridge.

The figure shows a water tank 1 of a household appliance 2, for example an espresso machine. In the water tank 1, a filter cartridge 3 is inserted, which is held in the water tank 1 via brackets not shown in the position shown.

The filter cartridge 3 comprises a cartridge housing 4, which is accessible in the vicinity of the bottom 5 of the water tank 1 via inlet openings 6 for the water in the water tank 1.

Via a lower separating element 7, which is designed as a sieve in the illustrated embodiment, the water enters the filter bed 8 filled with filter material, which is thus flowed through in this cartridge mold in the upward flow (see arrow W). Inside the filter cartridge 3 is a downpipe 9, which is sealed with a porous plug 10 at the top. Through the porous plug 10, the water enters the downpipe 9, wherein the filter material is retained.

The water flow is subsequently down to the connection opening 11 of the water tank, which merges into a nozzle 12, with which the water tank is connected to the household appliance. A bellows seal 13 seals the pure water region 14 from the raw water region 15. The bellows seal 13 seals axially, which is why it is pressed by axial pressure against a sealing surface 16 on the bottom 5 of the water tank 1.

According to the invention, a communication element 17 is now arranged, for example, with an electronic chip in the connection region of the filter cartridge 2.

In the immediate vicinity of the bottom 5 of the water tank 1, a communication element 18 is arranged in the household appliance 2, which is connected to a control unit 19 via one or more line connections 20.

The communication element 18 preferably comprises a coil, which is, for example, arranged in a ring around the connection region, in particular the connection 12. By means of such a coil, various functions can be perceived. On the one hand, such a coil can be used as an antenna for electromagnetic signals from the cartridge-side communication element 17. On the other hand, however, such a coil can also be used to transfer energy into the cartridge-side communication element 17, which is preferably also equipped with a coil for this purpose. The energy transfer takes place by magnetic induction. Also, in the cartridge-side communication element 17, such a coil can be used at the same time as a transmitting and / or receiving antenna.

The control unit is used to control and control the communication between the communication elements 17 and 18 and the energy transfer to the operation of the control element 17th

In an advantageous embodiment of the invention, energy transmission and information transmission become simultaneous carried out, which is possible for example by appropriate modulation on the radiated to the power supply vibrations.

By the data exchange between the communication elements 17, 18 of the complete filtration process can be controlled. In addition, if necessary, a constant control of the cartridge status is possible. In particular, it can also be checked whether a suitable cartridge is used. Various cartridge-specific information can be transmitted thereby, e.g. the type of cartridge, the age of the cartridge, the capacity of the cartridge, etc.

The filter cartridge 3 can additionally be provided with sensor elements whose data can also be transmitted via the control elements 17, 18.

Also manufacturer specifications, such as serial numbers or the like, can be transmitted or exchanged via the communication elements 17, 18 in order to determine the suitability of the cartridge used for the respective device.

In a further developed embodiment, the operation of the household appliance 2 is controlled depending on the filter cartridge used. The household appliance 2 sucks over the nozzle 12, the required water from the water tank 1. About the flow rate can be done, for example, an adaptation to the filter cartridge used or at the operating condition.

The coffee machine 21 according to FIG. 2 comprises a machine housing 22, a water tank 23 and a filter cartridge 24, which is arranged in the water tank 23 and operates in the manner described with reference to FIG. A first sensor element 25 with locating circuit is movable via a displaceable upper separating screen 26 with the Fill 27 of the filter cartridge 24 connected. If the filling 27 shrinks, the first sensor element 25 with a locating circuit inside the filter cartridge 24 is lowered. If the filling then expands again, the first sensor element 25 with the locating circuit is raised again.

In a guide channel 28 designed as a float second sensor element 29 is arranged with locating circuit. Due to the training as a float is the second sensor element 29 and locating circuit with the water level 30 in the interior of the water tank. A third sensor element 31 with locating circuit is arranged in the interior of the machine housing.

A resonant circuit location system 32 extends laterally adjacent to the water tank 23 substantially over the entire height thereof. The oscillating circuit location system 32 carries an electronic plug-in connection 33, transmitting and receiving coils not shown in detail, and an RFID reading unit 34. Via the electronic plug-in connection 33, the oscillating circuit location system 32 is connected to the main electronic unit of the beverage machine 21, which has a microprocessor for controlling and evaluating the non-contact Sensor technology includes.

First, the first, the second and the third sensor elements 25, 29 and 31 with locating circuit serve as path sensors. The position of the sensor element 25, 29 and 31 with the locating circuit can be detected by way of the abovementioned transmission and reception coils (not shown) on the resonant circuit location system 32. The operation of such sensor elements with locating circuit was explained in the introduction to the description. Deviating from the known use of the location sensor is now in the first sensor element with locating circuit 25 an RFID chip (not shown in detail) provided. Using this RFID chip can take place using the interaction between the resonant circuit location system 32 and the first sensor element 25 with locating circuit by a coded influencing the resonant circuit of the first sensor element 25 with locating circuit information exchange. Accordingly, on the one hand information about the state of the filling 27 can be made by measuring the filling level of the filling 27 via the first sensor element 25 with locating circuit. The extent of such a filling 27 gives a measure of the loading state, so that in this way statements about the exhaustion of the filter cartridge can be made.

In addition, via the second and the third sensor element 29, 31 with locating circuit further sensory functions can be met, for example, the level control in the water tank 23 or a water change control.

The third sensor element 31 with locating circuit can be used for a variety of purposes in the operation of the machine for control.

With the help of such a sensor arrangement, a detection of the consumption state, a Neufiltererkennung, a lifetime control and a water hardness calculation and many other state and / or operating data is possible. The water hardness calculation could be determined, for example, based on the lifetime of the filter cartridge taking into account the flow rate. Also, a descaling notice of the beverage machine can be generated based on the thus acquired state and / or operating data. Machine use without a filter or with a wrong filter can also be detected so that warranty service and warranty claims may be coupled to the use of a correct filter if necessary.

By fully utilizing the filter capacity, a savings in the number of required filters is achieved.

The RFID technology allows for authenticity monitoring, possibly in conjunction with a lock on the machine when using an unauthenticated filter cartridge. It can take place a flow rate control and again a filter change detection. The flow rate control requires the storage of the water flowed through the filter cartridge. This can be detected, for example, by a time measurement during the reference of water by the coffee maker 21. The corresponding storage unit is preferably accommodated in the sensor system of the filter cartridge 24, so that these cartridge-specific data are also currently available for an interim replacement of the filter cartridge 24 and its renewed insertion.

In order to manage with a limited storage capacity for such filter-specific operating data, the use of a so-called FIFO memory is recommended, so that older, unnecessary data are replaced by newly stored data. In this way, the data is always stored only for a certain period of time, whereby a smaller storage capacity is needed.

In addition to the illustrated embodiments, a variety of other variants are possible. Essential for the invention is a filter cartridge 3, which is equipped with a communication element. List of reference numbers:

1 water tank

2 home appliance

3 filter cartridge

4 cartridge case

5 floor

6 entrance opening

7 separating element

8 filter bed

9 downpipe

10 plugs

11 connection opening

12 nozzles

13 bellows seal

14 pure water area

15 raw water area

16 sealing surface

17 communication element

18 communication element

19 control unit

20 line connections

21 coffee machine

22 machine housing

23 water tank

24 filter cartridge

25 first sensor element with locating circuit

26 dividing screen

27 filling

28 guide channel

29 second sensor element with locating circuit

30 water levels

31 third sensor element with locating circuit

32 resonant circuit location system

33 electronic plug connection

34 RFID reader

Claims

Claims :

Characterized in that the filter cartridge (3) comprises a communication element (17), by means of which a cartridge-specific information for a corresponding communication element (17) is provided for insertion into a tank and for this purpose a connection element for connection to a tank-side connection element 18) is accessible outside the interior of the tank.

2. Filter cartridge according to claim 1, characterized in that a non-contact readable communication element (17) is provided.

3. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element (17) comprises a transmitter for the transmission of information to a device with receiver.

4. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a data exchange between the communication element (17) of the filter cartridge (3) and the external or device-side communication element (18) is provided.

5. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an energy transfer to the communication element (17) of the filter cartridge (3) is provided.

6. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that for transmitting energy to the communication element (17) of the filter cartridge (3) at least one magnetic coil is provided, which also serves as a transmitting and / or receiving antenna.

7. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element (17) comprises an information memory.

8. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the information storage comprises cartridge-specific data.

9. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter cartridge is authenticated by a device by means of the communication element.

10. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element (17) comprises a microelectronic chip.

11. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least two different, linked via an algorithm information is transferable.

12. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transmitter of the

Communication element (17) is tuned to a fluid-transmitting frequency.

13. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element (17) is arranged in the connection region of the filter cartridge.

14. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element (17) above the seal (13) is arranged in the connection area.

15. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element rests on a cartridge-side support (7).

16. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a separating element for the filter bed (8) comprises the support (7).

17. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element is arranged centrally to the output line of the filter cartridge.

18. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element is penetrated by a fluid line.

19. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element comprises an antenna coil with at least one turn, which is penetrated by the connecting line.

20. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element is annular.

21. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element is arranged in a separately manufactured fluid-tight from the filter cartridge built-in part, which is connectable to the filter cartridge.

22. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the built-in part is provided as an insert for insertion into the filter cartridge.

23. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the antenna of the communication element comprises a wire winding.

24. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the insert is annular.

25. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that one or more latching elements are provided on the filter cartridge and / or on the separate fluid-tight mounting part with communication element for their connection to each other.

26. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication element is molded with plastic fluid-tight or sealed in some other way.

27. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sensor for detecting an operating parameter of the filter cartridge is provided.

28. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sensor element comprises a communication element.

29. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a passive, designed to receive a wireless transmitted energy sensor element is provided in the filter cartridge.

30. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the passive sensor element comprises a resonant circuit.

31. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one electrical property of the resonant circuit can be influenced by the communication element.

32. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an information transmission is provided by coded influencing the resonant circuit.

33. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filter cartridge has a housing, wherein the filter housing has one or more inlet openings for the entry of fluid to be filtered from the environment.

34. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the shape and / or position of the inlet opening in the assembled state of the filter cartridge determine the empty level of the tank.

35. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an axial seal is provided for the sealing of the discharge line with the tank-side connection.

36. Filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a cutting device is provided for blending recycled fluid with untreated or otherwise treated fluid.

37. Tank with a filter cartridge according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tank comprises a communication element, by means of which a tank-specific information for a corresponding communication element outside the tank is accessible.

38. Tank with filter cartridge according to claim 37, characterized in that a unit for detecting the position of the filter cartridge, in particular its axial orientation, the height and / or the installation angle is provided.

39. Tank according to one of claims 37 or 38, characterized in that a level sensor is provided.

40. Tank according to one of claims 37 to 39, characterized in that the filling level sensor comprises a wireless signal transmission path.

41. Apparatus, in particular water-conducting household appliance or apparatus for processing food and / or drinks, such as coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking appliances, steam and / or high pressure cleaners, air cleaners and conditioners or the like with a tank, characterized in that the tank according to a of claims 22 to 25 is formed.

42. Device with filter cartridge according to claim 41, characterized in that a counter-antenna is provided in the connection area for the wireless connection to the communication element of the filter cartridge.

43. Device according to one of claims 41 or 42, characterized in that the counter-antenna is provided in a ring around a fluid line in the connection region of the device to the fluid tank.

44. Device according to one of claims 41 to 43, characterized in that the counter-antenna encloses a connection element of the tank at least partially.

45. Device according to one of claims 41 to 44, characterized in that a valve is provided in the interior of an annular counter-antenna.

46. Device according to one of claims 41 to 45, characterized in that the counter-antenna is arranged in a separately fluid-tight manufactured in the device mountable component.

47. Device according to one of claims 41 to 46, characterized in that the two fluid-tight built-in component with the opposite antenna two fluid-tight insulated lead wires are led out.

48. Device according to one of the preceding claims 41 to 47, characterized in that the counter-antenna comprises a wire winding.

49. Device according to one of the preceding claims 41 to 48, characterized in that the winding of the counter-antenna and the fluid-tight insulated connecting wires consist of one piece.

50. Device according to one of the preceding claims 41 to 49, characterized in that the counter-antenna of the insert is fluid-tightly encapsulated in plastic.

51. Device according to one of claims 41 to 50, characterized in that a suction pump is provided to suck the fluid from the tank through the filter cartridge.

52. Apparatus, in particular water-conducting domestic appliance or apparatus for processing food and / or drinks, such as coffee machines, drinking water dispensers, cooking appliances, steam and / or high-pressure cleaners, air cleaners and conditioners or the like, in particular according to one of claims 41 to 51 with a tank, which has a connection element for connecting a filter cartridge in the interior of the tank, characterized in that an independently of a cartridge-side communication element working filter detection unit is provided to detect the installation of a filter cartridge, which is not designed according to one of claims 1 to 36.