WO2012022655A1

WO2012022655A1 - Lint filter for a laundry treatment device, laundry treatment device having an accommodation space for the lint filter, and filter insert

Info

Publication number: WO2012022655A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/063666
Authority: WO
Inventors: Klaus Grunert; Reinhard Heyder
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2010-08-20
Filing date: 2011-08-09
Publication date: 2012-02-23
Also published as: PL2606170T3; CN103221605A; DE102010039602A1; CN103221605B; EP2606170A1; EP2606170B1

Abstract

The lint filter (5) is provided for a laundry treatment device (1), wherein the lint filter (5) has an overflow (13) in a side wall (8b). The laundry treatment device (1) has an accommodation space (23) for the lint filter (5), a liquid channel (15) for connection to the overflow (13) of the lint filter (5), a sensor chamber (16) which is connected to the overflow (13) via the liquid channel (15), and at least one moisture sensor (17) which is accommodated in the sensor chamber (16). The filter insert (6) for the lint filter (5) has a polymeric spun-bonded nonwoven as a filter material.

Description

The invention relates to a lint filter for a laundry treatment appliance, in particular a clothes drying appliance. The lint filter has a lint filter and a filter insert. The invention further relates to a laundry treatment appliance, having a receiving space for the lint filter. The invention also relates to a filter cartridge for use in the lint filter. There are laundry drying apparatuses with heat pumps are known in which a filter bag is disposed below a process air lint filter and an evaporator to receive the flushed with a cleaning liquid from the process air lint and the evaporator lint. The rinse water passes through the pores of the filter bag to a condensate pump, while lint and hair are retained in the filter bag. Since the filter bag has only a limited volume for receiving fins / hair, it must be emptied if necessary. The emptying requirement can be determined so far by a user by means of a visual inspection of the filter bag. It is the object of the present invention to provide a more user-friendly laundry treatment device, in particular laundry drying device.

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

The object is therefore achieved by a lint filter for a laundry treatment appliance, in particular household laundry treatment appliance, wherein the lint filter has an overflow in a side wall. The overflow enables a liquid level or level to be used to detect a degree of filling of the lint filter in the holder. It is exploited that a stronger filling of the lint filter with lint, etc. leads to a higher level or level in the lint filter with the same liquid supply. This is partly due to the the lint displaced volume and on the other hand at a by the lint, etc. increased flow resistance of the lint filter. From a certain lint filling level, the liquid reaches the overflow and exits from it, which is detectable accordingly. The maximum level reached is thus correlated with the degree of filling. Since the overflow is arranged in the side wall, and thus below an upper edge of the lint filter, the detection of the degree of filling is sufficiently detectable before a threatening uncontrolled overflow over the upper edge.

It is a preferred embodiment that the lint filter is formed at least partially trough-shaped. This makes it easy to clean and allows a low design.

It is a preferred embodiment that the lint filter consists only of an upwardly open pan. It is an alternative development that the lint filter is made in two parts, with a bottom part and a suitably attachable or usable lid.

It is still a preferred embodiment that the lint filter has at least one liquid deflector for rejecting a moving liquid from the overflow. Thereby, a moving (e.g., sloshing) liquid in the lint filter can be prevented from getting into the overflow even though the corresponding level for the still liquid has not yet been reached. A movement of the liquid can be caused, for example, by a surge-like inflow of a quantity of liquid used for cleaning. The liquid deflector may for example be a partition projecting from a side wall. In particular, this partition may not start directly below the drain on the side wall.

It is still another preferred embodiment that the lint filter has a width and / or a depth between about 150 mm and about 400 mm, in particular between about 150 mm and about 300 mm, in particular between about 175 mm and about 275 mm. The width and / or depth between about 150 mm and about 300 mm makes good use of a corresponding dimension of a typical laundry treatment appliance, especially in Europe, so that a height which is more critical for a component arrangement can be narrower. For devices with larger dimensions, such as those in the American space can be particularly advantageous, the width and / or depth to about 400 mm.

It is a preferred embodiment for easy placement in the laundry treatment appliance that the lint filter has a height which is at least five times, in particular at least eight times, smaller than a width and / or a depth.

It is also a preferred embodiment that the lint filter has a filter cartridge and a holder for receiving the filter cartridge and the holder has the overflow and a plurality of disposed below liquid passage openings. This allows a particularly simple emptying, for example, by replacing the filter cartridge or by emptying and cleaning only the filter cartridge.

Alternatively, the lint filter may have (in particular not removable) filter areas. The lint filter may be formed, in particular at least in regions, as a sieve. Such a lint filter can be removed, for example, then emptied and cleaned and subsequently used again in the laundry treatment appliance.

It is a preferred development that the holder is made in one piece, in particular as an upwardly open pan. Alternatively, the holder may be made in two parts, with a bottom part and a matching lid. The bottom part may in particular be a trough-shaped, upwardly open bottom part, and the lid may in particular be a (conversely) cup-shaped, downwardly open lid. In a bottom or bottom of the bottom part and possibly in a side wall may be introduced a plurality of holes for a fluid passage.

One or more openings may be introduced into the cover, for example a first inlet opening, through which liquid originating from a heat exchanger can flow, and / or a second inlet opening, through which liquid originating from a process air lint filter can flow.

The lint filter (bottom part and / or filter insert) can have an oblique region, which advantageously results in an increased deposition of the lint on this process. serves rich. The oblique area can be provided in particular away from the inlet openings.

The object is also achieved by a laundry treatment device having a receiving space for the lint filter as described above, a liquid channel for connection to the overflow of the lint filter, a sensor chamber which is connected to the overflow via the liquid channel and at least one in the sensor chamber housed humidity sensor. The liquid flowing through the outlet of the lint filter can thus flow through the liquid channel to a sensor chamber, whereupon the moisture sensor accommodated therein strikes. The liquid channel, the sensor chamber and the moisture sensor can thus also serve as a level detection unit. It is a preferred embodiment that the moisture sensor comprises at least one pair of electrodes. By touching the two electrodes of the electrode pair, a conductance changes between them, which is easily detectable. The use of the pair of electrodes thus provides a particularly simple, inexpensive and robust moisture sensor ready.

It is also a preferred embodiment that the sensor chamber has a drain. As a result of the drainage of the liquid, it is possible to shorten a period until a later-flowing liquid is detected (a duration of a detection "dead-time") ) be prevented.

It is a specific preferred embodiment that the process leads to a permanent receiving area, the permanent receiving area being set up and / or arranged to allow liquid located therein to evaporate. So can be avoided on a consuming discharge of the liquid to a pump or a drain to the outside. Since the amount of liquid to be evaporated is typically very small, also the permanent receiving area can be made small and does not pose a risk for a proper operation of the laundry treatment appliance. It is still a preferred embodiment that between the liquid channel and the moisture sensor, a splash guard wall is arranged. Thus, unwanted wetting of the moisture sensor with liquid can be prevented with passing through the liquid channel splashes.

It is yet another preferred embodiment that the at least one moisture sensor is connected or coupled to a control device of the laundry treatment device, so that at least one sensor signal generated due to a striking of the moisture sensor can be received by the control device and subsequently by means of the control device due to the at least one Sensor signal at least one action is triggered. Such an action may include, for example, an output of a hint. The hint may e.g. an optical indication (flashing of a warning light, text or symbol display in a display field or similar) and / or an acoustic indication.

It is a preferred development that the control unit is set up to trigger an action only when a predetermined number of sensor signals belonging to different events has been received, for example within a predetermined number of drying cycles. Thus, a false triggering of a hint can be suppressed.

It is also a preferred embodiment that the lint filter is used in the laundry treatment appliance, in particular in the receiving space.

The lint filter is removable in particular from the laundry treatment device (and weedereinsetzbar). Alternatively, the lint filter may be fixedly disposed in the laundry treating machine and the like through a suitable opening or flap or by a displacement mechanism. be accessible from outside, e.g. for emptying or cleaning.

The object is, in particular for the case that the lint filter has a filter insert and a holder for receiving the filter cartridge and the holder has the overflow and a plurality of disposed below liquid passage openings, also solved by a filter insert for the lint filter, wherein the filter insert a nonwoven, in particular - dere plastic spunbonded, as a filter material. This has the advantage of a good filter effect, a diverse shape formation and a long service life. Such a filter insert can also be used several times. It is a preferred embodiment that the filter cartridge is a trough-shaped filter cartridge having a height which is at least eight times less than a width and / or a depth. Thus, the filter insert can also be used in a flat, preferably also trough-shaped holder. The invention will be described in more detail with reference to an embodiment schematically illustrated in the figures of the accompanying drawings. In this case, the same or equivalent elements may be provided with the same reference numerals for clarity. 1 shows a sectional side view of a laundry treatment appliance in the form of a heat pump tumble dryer;

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view of a side cut surface of the heat pump tumble dryer in a region of an overflow;

3 shows a view obliquely from above on a bottom part of a lint filter of

Heat pump tumble dryer. ; and

FIG. 4 shows a filter insert for use with the lint filter in an oblique view from above. 1 shows a household laundry treatment device in the form of a heat pump tumble dryer 1. The heat pump tumble dryer 1 has a rotatable laundry drum 2 in which laundry to be dried (not shown) can be accommodated for cleaning. The laundry is overflowed or flowed through by warm process air, which emerges from the laundry drum 2 as a moist-warm process air L and is guided through a process air lint filter 3 to a condensation unit in the form of a heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is designed here as an evaporator 4 of a heat pump. During a passage of the moist-warm process air L through the evaporator 4, this condenses out and drips as condensate K from the evaporator 4 into a lint filter 5 arranged therebelow. The lint filter 5 is in a receiving space 23rd housed, in or even below a floor group. The now drier process air L is further to a heater, such as a condenser of a heat pump, out (o. Fig.) And passed from there back into the laundry drum 2. The laundry to be dried during a drying process except water and fluff, hair, etc. F from which are carried by the process air L. Much of the fluff F, etc. is retained by the process air lint filter 3, thereby increasing its flow resistance. A smaller proportion of the lint F, in particular a finer proportion, reaches the evaporator 4 and settles on its surface. As a result, an efficiency of the evaporator 4 can be lowered.

In order to clean both the process air lint filter 3 and the evaporator 4 of the fluff, etc. F, these can be rinsed simultaneously or individually with liquid, in particular condensate K (possibly with an admixture of fresh water), which, for example, by rapid emptying of a higher collecting container or rinsing container (not shown) is provided. The condensate K thus impinges on the process air lint filter 3 and / or the evaporator 4 and tears the fluff existing there, etc. F, as indicated by the associated arrows. The then fluff-retained condensate K also enters the lint filter 5.

The existing in the lint filter 5 condensate K passes through the lint filter 5 leaving the lint, etc. F through and can continue to a pump (o.Abb.) Flow, which pump the largely lint-free condensate K to a drain or back into the sump can.

In the embodiment shown, the lint filter 5 has a rigid support 7 in which a filter insert 6 can be inserted. The filter cartridge 6 is thus held or carried by the carrier 7. The carrier 7 is made in two parts with a trough-shaped, open-top part 8 of the depth t and a cup-shaped, bottom open lid 9. The lid 9 and the bottom part 8 can be separated from each other or by a joint, in particular rotary joint, eg film hinge, rotatable with each other be connected. In a bottom or bottom 8a of the bottom part 8 and in possibly in the circumferential side wall a plurality of holes 10 are introduced, through which the condensate K can flow. In an upper surface of the lid 9, a plurality of openings are formed, namely, an evaporator inlet opening 11 through which condensate K originating from the evaporator 4 (from a laundry drying process or a cleaning process) can flow, and a process air lint filter inlet opening 12 through which the process - Air-lint filter 3 during the Abreinigungsablaufs originating condensate K can flow. The bottom 8a of the bottom part 8 has, away from the evaporator inlet opening 11 and the process air lint filter inlet opening 12, an oblique area 8d, which adjoins a substantially (+/- 2 °) horizontal area 8c of the floor 8a. The oblique portion 8d serves to increase the deposition of the fluff F.

The filter insert 6 consists of one or more layers of plastic nonwoven with a retention capacity for particles from about 80 μηι to about 100 μηι. The holes 10 thus serve not a retention of the lint F, but in particular a good passage for the purified by the filter cartridge 6 condensate K (as indicated by the drops) with an otherwise good supporting effect for the filter cartridge 6. To a formation of microorganisms (bacteria , Mushrooms, etc.) in the deposited lint, etc. F to suppress, eg In order to avoid an odor development, the filter insert 6 can be designed at least partially antimicrobial, for example by an antimicrobial coating, in particular comprising copper, silver and / or bronze.

Alternatively, the bottom portion 8 of the lint filter 5 may be configured as a rigid filter or a screen, e.g. in the form of a perforated metal or plastic sheet. The Lö- 10 may then be dimensioned so that the bottom part 8 as such shows the desired filtering effect.

In order to make good use of the space in the heat pump tumble dryer 1, and in particular in or below the floor group, the lint filter 5, in particular its bottom part 8, preferably has a low height, in particular a height which is at least five times, in particular at least eight times lower is as a width of the lint filter 5. It is particularly advantageous if the lint filter 5 (eg, the bottom part 8 and / or the filter cartridge 6) has a height h in a range of about 15 mm to about 20 mm. The bottom part 8 has in its side wall on an overflow 13, in which the condensate K can flow, if it reaches the height of the overflow 13. This will happen all the sooner the more lint, etc. F collect in the filter cartridge 6. If the lint F reaches a certain volume, the condensate K will reach the height of the overflow 13 during normal operation of the heat pump tumble dryer 1, in particular during a cleaning of the process air lint filter 3 and / or the evaporator 4. For a free access to the overflow 13 is in front of a side wall 9 b of the lid 9, a passage opening 14 is introduced.

2 shows a partial sectional view of a sectional area A-A of the heat pump tumble dryer 1 in a region of the overflow 13. The overflow 13 is configured in the form of a channel leading to the outside. When the lint filter 5 is inserted, the overflow 13 rests on an upper end of a liquid channel 15 of the heat pump tumble dryer 1 and is thus fluidly connected to it. The liquid channel 15 extends from its upper end downwardly inclined to a sensor chamber 16. In the sensor chamber 16, a moisture sensor in the form of a vertically arranged pair of electrodes 17 is arranged. The electrode pair 17 is spaced from a bottom 16 a of the sensor chamber 16. Below the electrode pair 17, the sensor chamber 16 has a drain 18.

The drain 18 leads to a permanent receiving area 24, as indicated by the dot-dashed arrow, wherein the permanent receiving area 24 is set up and / or arranged to allow condensate located therein to evaporate. The permanent receiving area 24 can be designed, for example, as a simple tub (or bowl or pot).

In the sensor chamber 16, a splash guard wall 19 is further arranged between the liquid channel 15 and the pair of electrodes 17. Thus, a direct flow of the condensate K from the liquid channel 15 to the pair of electrodes 17 can be prevented, which reduces a risk of false alarms or false alarms.

The electrode pair 17 is connected to a control device 20 so that at least one sensor signal generated due to a striking of the electrode pair 17 is deflected by the sensor Control device 20 is receivable or recognizable and following by means of the control device 20 due to the at least one sensor signal at least one action can be triggered. The striking of the electrode pair 17 can be realized for example by a change in a conductance between the electrodes. The action can be, for example, the output of a hint to a user.

3 shows a view obliquely from above (from the top right with regard to FIG. 1) of the bottom part 8. If, for example, lint-laden condensate K runs into the bottom part from a cleaning of the process air lint filter 3 through the process air lint filter inlet opening 12, the condensate flows K initially in the direction of the other side (the left side in Figure 1) of the bottom part 8, as indicated by the hatched arrows. If the condensate K then impinges on a rear wall 21 of the lint filter 5 (e.g., the lid 9), as indicated by the dashed line, the condensate returns as splash water, as indicated by the solid arrows.

In order to prevent the returning surge water from entering the overflow 13, although a (static) level in the bottom part 8 has not yet reached the overflow 13, a surge water deflector 22 is arranged below the overflow 13 and in the direction of the rear wall 21. The splash deflector 22 is configured as a horizontally disposed wall or plate which projects inwardly in the vicinity of the overflow 13 from the side wall 8b. Alternatively, the splashgate 22 may be disposed on an inner side of the lid 9 in an analogous position and project inwardly and in the vicinity of and below the passage opening 14 from the side wall 9b. With reference to FIGS. 1 to 3, for example, when the process air lint filter 3 and / or the evaporator 4 is purged, a predetermined amount of condensate is discharged from a rinsing container (o the process air lint filter 3 and / or on the evaporator 4. At the process air lint filter 3 and / or on the evaporator 4 are entrained by the condensate K, the lint F adhering thereto. The then lint-laden condensate K enters through the evaporator inlet opening 11 or through the process air lint filter inlet opening 12 in the lint filter 5 and distributed as indicated in Figure 3. In this case, the fluff F are deposited or built up, above all, in a rear region P of the bottom part 8, in particular in the oblique region 8d of the bottom 8a of the bottom part 8 many lint F deducted in the filter cartridge that a (critical) level of the condensate K in the lint filter 5 is so high that condensate K flows despite the Schwallwasserabweisers 22 through the overflow 13, an action is triggered and, for example, given a warning to a user. The critical level of the condensate K thus corresponds to a static level or a quasi-static level (with only slight ripple).

4 shows a filter insert 6 obliquely from above. The filter insert 6 is substantially conformal to the contour of the surface of the base part 8 covered by it. The filter insert 6 has the shape of a flat trough whose side wall or sidewalls 6b a height H of not more than 30 mm, in particular not more than 25 mm, in particular not more than 20 mm. The width B and / or the depth T are preferably at least eight times greater than the height H. The bottom 6a has a substantially flat (e.g., within +/- 2 °) region 6c and an adjoining inclined region 6d.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown. In particular, the lid can be dispensed with.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 heat pump tumble dryer

2 laundry drum

3 process air lint filter

4 evaporators

5 lint filter

6 filter element

6a bottom of the filter cartridge

6b side wall of the filter element

6c flat area of the bottom of the filter cartridge

6d oblique area of the bottom of the filter cartridge 7 carrier

8 bottom part of the carrier

8a bottom of the bottom part

8b side wall of the bottom part

8c horizontal area of the bottom part

8d oblique area of the bottom part

9 Lid of the carrier

9b sidewall of the lid

10 holes

11 evaporator inlet opening

12 process air lint filter inlet

13 overflow

14 passage opening

15 fluid channel

16 sensor chamber

16a bottom of the sensor chamber

17 pair of electrodes

18 process

19 splash guard wall 20 control device

21 rear wall

22 splash water deflector

23 recording room

24 continuous recording area

B Width of the filter element

F fluff

h height of the bottom part

H height of the filter element

K condensate

L process air

T depth of the filter element

Claims

claims

Lint filter (5) for a laundry treatment appliance (1), wherein the lint filter (5) has an overflow (13) in a side wall (8b).

Lint filter according to claim 1, wherein the lint filter (5, 8) is formed at least partially trough-shaped.

Lint filter (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lint filter (5) has at least one liquid deflector (22) for deflecting a moving liquid (K) from the overflow (13).

Lint filter (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lint filter has a width and / or a depth (t) of between about 150 mm and 400 mm, in particular between about 150 mm and about 300 mm.

Lint filter (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lint filter (5) has a height (h) which is at least five times, in particular at least eight times, smaller than a width and / or a depth (t).

Lint filter (5) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the lint filter

(5) a filter cartridge (6) and a holder (7) for receiving the filter cartridge

(6) and the holder (7) has the overflow (13) and a plurality of liquid passage openings (10) arranged underneath.

Laundry treatment appliance (1), comprising:

a receiving space (23) for the lint filter (5) according to one of the preceding claims,

a fluid channel (15) for connection to the overflow (13) of the lint filter (5), a sensor chamber (16) which is connected to the overflow (13) via the liquid passage (15), and

at least one in the sensor chamber (16) accommodated moisture sensor (17).

8. A laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 7, wherein the moisture sensor (17) comprises at least one pair of electrodes.

9. laundry treatment appliance (1) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, wherein the sensor chamber (16) has a drain (18).

10. laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 9, wherein the outlet (18) leads to a permanent receiving area (24), wherein the permanent receiving area (24) is arranged and / or arranged to evaporate therein liquid (K).

11. laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 7 to 10, wherein between the liquid channel (15) and the moisture sensor (17) a splash guard wall (19) is arranged.

12. laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the at least one moisture sensor (17) with a control device (20) of the laundry treatment appliance (1) is connected so that at least one due to a striking of the moisture sensor (17) generated sensor signal from the control device (20) is receivable and subsequently by means of the control device (20) due to the at least one sensor signal at least one action can be triggered.

13. laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of claims 7 to 1 1, wherein the river sen senor (5) according to one of claims 1 to 6 in the laundry treatment appliance (1) is inserted.

14. filter insert (6) for the lint filter (5) according to claim 6, wherein the filter insert (6) comprises a plastic spunbonded as a filter material. A filter cartridge (6) according to claim 15, wherein the filter cartridge is a trough-shaped filter cartridge (6) having a height (H) which is at least eight times less than a width (B) and / or a depth (T).