CN109208273B

CN109208273B - Laundry care appliance having reversibly deformable closure element

Info

Publication number: CN109208273B
Application number: CN201810697110.6A
Authority: CN
Inventors: O·博尔纳; T·哈斯郎格尔; L·延奇
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2017-06-29
Filing date: 2018-06-29
Publication date: 2022-01-28
Anticipated expiration: 2038-06-29
Also published as: DE102017211063B3; CN109208273A

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry care appliance (100) having a liquid collection container (119) for collecting washing liquid, wherein the liquid collection container (119) has a cutout (121) which connects an inner region (123) of the liquid collection container (119) to an outer region (125) of the liquid collection container (119). The laundry care appliance (100) has a reversibly deformable closure element (129) which is arranged and configured on the liquid collection container (119) in order to close the gap (121) in a fluid-tight manner.

Description

Laundry care appliance having reversibly deformable closure element

Technical Field

The invention relates to a laundry care appliance having a reversibly deformable closure element.

In order to prevent washing liquid from escaping from the laundry care appliance during the laundry care process, conventional laundry care appliances have a liquid collection container on the underside which is designed to: the escaping washing liquid is collected inside the laundry care appliance. The corresponding liquid collection container usually has a cutout (Durchbruch) through which a transport assurance element (transporthickengselement) is introduced into the liquid collection container prior to transport of the laundry care appliance in order to reduce the risk of damage to the laundry care appliance during transport to the user. Before the user is at the beginning of the operation of the laundry care appliance (inbeibnahme), the transport-ensuring element must be removed from the laundry care appliance and the gap must be closed in a fluid-tight manner to ensure: no washing liquid can escape into the rack space (Aufstellraum) of the laundry care appliance during operation of the laundry care appliance.

Background

JP 2012254106 discloses a laundry care appliance having a base plate, wherein an opening formed in the base plate is closed by a closure flap.

In US 5,056,341 a base for a laundry care appliance is disclosed, the base having an opening which is closed by a closure panel.

Disclosure of Invention

The object on which the invention is based is to provide an advantageously transportable laundry care appliance having a liquid collection container which is closed in a fluid-tight manner.

This object is achieved by the subject matter having the features according to the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims, the description and the figures.

According to one aspect, the object is achieved according to the invention by a laundry care appliance having a liquid collection container for collecting washing liquid, wherein the liquid collection container has a cutout which connects (communicates) an inner region of the liquid collection container with an outer region of the liquid collection container, wherein the laundry care appliance has a reversibly deformable closure element which is arranged on the liquid collection container and is designed to close the cutout in a fluid-tight manner.

This achieves the technical advantage that: the reversibly deformable closure element ensures an effective, fluid-tight closure of the opening, so that fluid can be prevented from escaping from the liquid collection container during operation of the laundry care appliance. Here, the liquid collection container is arranged in particular on the underside of the laundry care appliance and/or the liquid collection container is in particular designed as a leakage liquid shell (lockflusshule).

At the same time, the reversibly deformable closure element does not have to be removed before the transport of the laundry care appliance and the reversibly deformable closure element does not have to be installed again after the transport of the laundry care appliance, thereby reducing the installation effort at the beginning of the operation of the laundry care appliance at the user.

Before the laundry care appliance is transported, the transport securing element can be pushed through the cutout from the outside into the laundry care appliance, whereby the reversibly deformable closing element is deformed inwardly into the interior region of the liquid collecting container and thereby effectively encloses the introduced transport securing element. After the transport, the transport-securing element is removed again from the laundry care appliance, and the reversibly deformable closing element is deformed back into the original geometry.

The reversibly deformable closing element can in particular be configured as an elastically deformable (or elastically extensible) closing element.

By a laundry care appliance is understood an appliance for laundry care, for example a washing machine or a laundry dryer. In particular, such laundry care appliances are understood to be household laundry care appliances, i.e. laundry care appliances which: the laundry care appliance is used in the household sector and treats household-customary quantities of laundry with the aid of the laundry care appliance.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the transport-securing element can be introduced from an outer region of the liquid collection container into an inner region of the liquid collection container at least in sections through the opening, wherein the reversibly deformable closure element, which closes the opening in a fluid-tight manner, can be deformed in the direction of the inner region of the liquid collection container by introducing the transport-securing element, and wherein the reversibly deformable closure element can be reversibly deformed in the direction of the outer region of the liquid collection container by removing the transport-securing element which has been introduced into the laundry care appliance.

This achieves the technical advantage that: before the laundry care appliance is transported to the user, the reversibly (in particular elastically) deformable closure element does not have to be removed. By introducing the transport securing element into the recess, the transport securing element presses the reversibly deformable closing element up into the interior region of the liquid collection container without the reversibly deformable closing element becoming detached from the liquid collection container. If the transport-securing element is removed again at the user before the laundry care appliance is put into operation, the reversibly deformable closing element is reversibly deformed back towards the outer region of the liquid collection container and thus again has the original geometry.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the reversibly deformable closure element is configured as an elastically deformable (thin) membrane, in particular as an elastically stretchable membrane, or the reversibly deformable closure element is configured as a reversibly deformable bellows, in particular as a reversibly deformable bellows of the pleated type.

This achieves the technical advantage that: since the transport securing element is introduced through the cutout, the elastically deformable membrane can advantageously be stretched in the direction of the inner region of the liquid container. In the case of a subsequent removal of the transport-securing element, the elastically deformable membrane can advantageously be deformed back again to the original state due to the elastic properties. In the case of the introduction of the transport-ensuring element through the cutout, the reversibly deformable bellows (in particular the reversibly deformable corrugated bellows) can also be advantageously deformed into the interior region of the liquid reservoir. Here, the folds (Falten) of the corrugated bellows can be reversibly elastically deformed when the transport-securing element is introduced and removed. Alternatively, a reversible deformation of the folds of the corrugated bellows can be achieved thereby: that is, the corrugated bellows extends in the direction of introduction of the transport securing element, wherein here the corrugations of the corrugated bellows are at least partially unfolded.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the reversibly deformable bellows has a reversibly deformable bellows section with at least sectionally encircling corrugations, and the reversibly deformable bellows has an upper region connected to the bellows section, wherein the reversibly deformable bellows section is formed in particular from a reversibly deformable elastomer, and the upper region is formed from such a reversibly deformable elastomer or from a thermoplastic synthetic material. Alternatively, both the fold section and the upper region can be formed from a reversibly deformable elastomer.

This achieves the technical advantage that: the corrugation of the corrugated section enables a reversible deformation of the corrugated bellows, while an upper region arranged on the upper side of the corrugated bellows is not deformed in particular in itself here, which upper region is lifted inside the liquid collection container only in the introduction direction of the transport securing element. The corrugated bellows can be produced in particular by a two-component injection molding method, wherein the corrugated section is formed from a reversibly deformable elastomer and the upper region is formed from an elastically non-deformable thermoplastic synthetic material.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the reversibly deformable closure element is fastened to the liquid collection container by a form-locking, force-locking, material-locking, magnetic and/or clamping connection, in particular a snap-on connection, an adhesive connection, a riveted connection and/or a screw connection.

This achieves the technical advantage that: an effective, fluid-tight connection between the reversibly deformable closure element and the liquid collection container is ensured by the connection described.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the reversibly deformable closure element has a fastening dome (Befestigungsdom) which is guided through a fastening opening of the liquid collection container in order to fasten the closure element on the liquid collection container, and/or the liquid collection container has a fastening element, in particular a fastening wafer (Befestigungslasche), which is guided through an element opening of the reversibly deformable closure element in order to fasten the closure element on the liquid collection container, and/or the laundry care appliance has an external fastening element, in particular a snap hook (schnappolyhken), which is guided through a fastening opening of the liquid collection container and through an element opening of the reversibly deformable closure element in order to fasten the closure element on the liquid collection container.

This achieves the technical advantage that: by means of the mentioned connection, an effective, fluid-tight and stable connection between the reversibly deformable closure element and the liquid collection container is ensured.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, an inner web (Innensteg) is formed on the inner side of the liquid collection container facing the inner region of the liquid collection container, which inner web surrounds the recess at least in sections, wherein the reversibly deformable closure element rests on and/or is fastened to the inner web.

This achieves the technical advantage that: the inner webs surrounding the recess at least in sections enable an effective fixing of the reversibly deformable closure element.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the laundry care appliance has an inner side facing the inner region and an outer side facing the outer region, wherein the closure element has a fastening section which is guided through the cutout and is fastened on the outer side of the liquid collection container, or wherein the reversibly deformable closure element has a fastening section which is fastened on the inner side of the liquid collection container.

This achieves the technical advantage that: the securing section enables an effective securing of the reversibly deformable closure element. According to a first alternative, a reversibly deformable closure element arranged in the liquid collection container is connected to the inside of the liquid collection container by means of a fastening section. According to a second alternative, the fastening section of the reversibly deformable closure element arranged in the liquid collection container is guided through the cutout outwards and rests on the outside of the liquid collection container.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the reversibly deformable closing element has an element outer side facing the outer region of the liquid collection container, and the reversibly deformable closing element has a frame element which is arranged on the element outer side and is guided at least in sections through the cutout into the inner region of the liquid collection container in order to deform the reversibly deformable closing element at least in sections into the inner region of the liquid collection container.

This achieves the technical advantage that: the frame element ensures that the reversibly deformable closure element is at least in sections dimensionally stable. The frame element is arranged on the outside of the element and is guided through the recess at least in sections into the interior of the liquid collection container. The reversibly deformable closing element is thereby held in the inwardly deformed state in the interior region of the liquid collection container by the frame element and, after removal of the transport-securing element, does not return to the original geometry again.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the reversibly deformable closing element has a (in particular inclined) liquid outlet face on the side facing the interior region of the liquid collecting container, which is configured for: the liquid which has fallen onto the reversibly deformable closure element is conducted out into a liquid collection container.

This achieves the technical advantage that: the reversibly deformable closing element, which is deformed inward by the frame element, has a liquid discharge surface, by means of which liquid dripping in the direction of the reversibly deformable closing element can be discharged into the liquid collecting container in an efficient manner.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the reversibly deformable closure element is formed from a reversibly deformable elastomer, in particular ethylene-propylene-diene monomer (EPDM), Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), EPDM-SW, silicone and/or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE).

This achieves the technical advantage that: the mentioned synthetic material ensures advantageous deformation properties of the reversibly deformable closure element.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the reversibly deformable closure element has an upper region or an upper side which is arranged at a distance from the inside of the liquid collection container, wherein a reinforcing element is arranged on the upper region or on the upper side.

This achieves the technical advantage that: damage to the reversibly deformable closure element can be prevented by the reinforcing element when it comes into contact with the vibrating element of the laundry care appliance.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, a floating element is arranged in the liquid collecting container, and the laundry care appliance has a control device which is designed to: detecting the position of the floating element such that: when liquid enters the liquid collection container, a change in position of the floating element is detected.

This achieves the technical advantage that: the control means can effectively detect when liquid enters the liquid collection container by a change in position of the floating element in the liquid collection container. Here, the liquid entering the liquid collecting container lifts the floating element and the control device can, for example, interrupt the water supply in order to realize a water stop function (Aqua-stop-function) in the laundry care appliance.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the reversibly deformable closing element has a contact section which is designed to come into contact with the floating element, so that: in the case of the introduction of the transport-ensuring element through the recess, the position of the floating element is changed by means of the contact section, wherein the control device is designed to: if the control device detects a change in the position of the floating element when the laundry care appliance is put into operation, a warning message is output to the user of the laundry care appliance.

This achieves the technical advantage that: the control device can be used to alert the user to: after the laundry care appliance has started to operate, the transport assurance element is not removed from the laundry care appliance. Before transport, the transport securing element is pushed at least in sections through the cutout into the liquid collection container, whereby the reversibly deformable closure element is deformed inward and whereby the contact section of the reversibly deformable closure element is pressed against the floating element and the position of the floating element is changed in such a way that: the floating element is pressed in particular upwards.

In normal operation, the control device correlates the change in position of the floating element with an increased degree of escape of washing liquid. However, when the laundry care appliance is put into operation, the control device associates the change in position of the floating element caused by the transport-ensuring element with the transport-ensuring element which has not yet been removed from the laundry care appliance and gives a corresponding prompt to the user.

In an advantageous embodiment of the laundry care appliance, the gap is bounded by straight and/or rounded gap edges, wherein the gap is bounded in particular by three straight gap edges and one rounded gap edge.

This achieves the technical advantage that: the notch edge effectively delimits the notch and advantageously supports the introduction of the transport-ensuring element through the notch.

Drawings

Embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the drawings and described in detail below. The figures show:

FIG. 1: a schematic view showing a laundry care appliance;

fig. 2A, fig. 2B: a schematic illustration of a liquid collection container of a laundry care appliance with a reversibly deformable closure element according to a first embodiment is shown; and

FIG. 3: a schematic illustration of a liquid collection container of a laundry care appliance with a reversibly deformable closure element according to a second embodiment is shown;

fig. 4A, fig. 4B: a schematic illustration of a liquid collection container of a laundry care appliance with a reversibly deformable closure element according to a third embodiment is shown;

FIG. 5: a schematic illustration of a liquid collection container of a laundry care appliance with a reversibly deformable closure element according to a fourth embodiment is shown; and

fig. 6A, 6B, 6C: a schematic illustration of the connection between a liquid collection container of a laundry care appliance and a reversibly deformable closure element according to a further embodiment is shown.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a schematic view of a generic laundry care appliance 100, for example a washing machine. The laundry care appliance 100 comprises a rinsing housing 101, into which rinsing housing 101 a detergent or other liquid substance can be introduced. The laundry care appliance 100 comprises a door 103 for loading the laundry care appliance 100 with laundry, wherein the door 103 closes off an appliance opening 105 of the laundry care appliance 100, and wherein the door 103 is arranged on an appliance outer side 107 of the laundry care appliance 100.

The laundry care appliance 100 has a front side 109, a rear side 111, an upper side 113, a lower side 115 and two opposite longitudinal sides 117.

Inside the laundry care appliance 100, on the underside 115 of the laundry care appliance 100, a washing liquid collection container 119, which is only schematically illustrated in fig. 1, is arranged for collecting washing liquid.

Fig. 2A and 2B each show a schematic representation of a liquid collection container of a laundry care appliance having a reversibly deformable closure element according to a first embodiment.

A liquid collecting container 119 for receiving washing liquid, which is arranged on the underside 115 of the laundry care appliance 100, is only schematically illustrated in fig. 2. The liquid collection container 119 has a recess 121, which recess 121 connects an inner region 123 of the liquid collection container 119 to an outer region 125 of the liquid collection container 119. The notch 121 is bounded by three straight notch edges 127-1 and one rounded notch edge 127-2.

The notch 121 is closed in a fluid-tight manner by a reversibly deformable closure element 129, in order to prevent: the washing liquid received in the liquid collection container 119 escapes from the laundry care appliance 100. The reversibly deformable closure element 129 shown in the first embodiment according to fig. 2A and 2B is designed as an elastically deformable membrane 129-1 (in particular as an elastically stretchable membrane 129-1), which is formed in particular from an elastomer, for example Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), EPDM SW, silicone and/or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The material of the elastically deformable membrane 129-1 has in particular an elongation at break of more than 50% and/or has a shore hardness of between 20 and 80 and/or has a temperature resistance of between-50 ℃ and 100 ℃ and/or has a material thickness of between 0.1mm and 3.0 mm.

The elastically deformable closure element 129 is fastened to the liquid collecting container 119, in particular by a form-locking, force-locking, material-locking and/or clamping connection, for example a snap-on connection, an adhesive connection, a riveted connection and/or a screw connection.

The reversibly deformable closing element 129 rests here on an inner web 131, which inner web 131 surrounds and delimits the recess 121 at least in sections. The inner bead 131 is arranged on that inner side 133 of the liquid collection container 119 which faces the inner region 123.

The reversibly deformable closing element 129 has a fastening section 134, which fastening section 134 is guided from the inner region 123 of the liquid collection container 119 through the cutout 121 and is fastened to the outer side 135 of the liquid collection container 119 facing the outer region 125.

The reversibly deformable closure element 129 fastened to the outer side 135 of the liquid collection container 119 therefore extends from the outer region 125 through the cutout 121 into the inner region 123 of the liquid collection container 119.

Fig. 2B shows the reversibly deformable closing element 129 in the normal operating state of the laundry care appliance 100, wherein the elastically deformable film 129-1 here hangs down slightly on the upper side due to the gravitational force acting on it. The elastically deformable membrane 129-1 closes the notch 121 in a fluid-tight manner and prevents: the washing liquid escapes from the liquid collection container 119 and the function of a not shown floating element (water seal) inside the liquid collection container 119 is ensured here.

Fig. 2A shows the reversibly deformable closure element 129 in the transport state of the laundry care appliance 100. In order to ensure reliable transport of the laundry care appliance 100, the transport-ensuring element 137 (in particular a vibration-damping profile) is introduced into the interior region 123 of the liquid collection container 119 through the recess 121 before transport (see also fig. 2B). Due to the reversible nature of the reversibly deformable closure element 129, the introduction of the transport securing element 137 causes the reversibly deformable closure element 129 to be stretched inward and thus enables the transport securing element 137 to be received. Here, the elastically deformable film 129-1 encloses (umspan) the transport assurance element 137 during transport.

After the transport securing element 137 is removed after the end of transport, the elastically deformable membrane 129-1 again has the initial shape shown in fig. 2B and thus further secures the function of water stop.

Thus, an additional mounting step is dispensed with, since it is not necessary to detach and reattach a separate cover on the cutout 121, and it is not necessary for this purpose to place the laundry care appliance 100 on the rear side 111.

On the upper side 139 of the reversibly deformable membrane 129-1, which is arranged at a distance from the inner side 133 of the liquid collection container 119, reinforcing elements, which are not shown in fig. 2A and 2B, can be arranged in order to reduce wear phenomena which can occur in the event of contact between the elastically deformable membrane 129-1 and the vibration system of the laundry care appliance 100.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a liquid collection container of a laundry care appliance having a reversibly deformable closure element according to a second embodiment.

The liquid collection container 119 has a recess 121, which recess 121 connects an inner region 123 of the liquid collection container 119 to an outer region 125 of the liquid collection container 119. The recess 121 is delimited by three straight recess edges 127-1 and is closed in a fluid-tight manner by a reversibly deformable closure element 129, wherein the reversibly deformable closure element 129 is configured as a reversibly deformable membrane 129-1.

The reversibly deformable film 129-1 rests here on an inner web 131, which inner web 131 surrounds and delimits the recess 121 at least in sections. The inner bead 131 is arranged on that inner side 133 of the liquid collection container 119 which faces the inner region 123.

The reversibly deformable closing element 129 according to the second embodiment shown in fig. 3 has a frame element 141. The frame element 141 is arranged on that element's outer side 143 of the reversibly deformable closing element 129 which faces the outer region 125 of the liquid collecting container 119. The frame element 141 is guided at least in sections from the outer region 125 of the liquid collection container 119 through the cutout 121 into the inner region 123 of the liquid collection container 119, in order to deform the reversibly deformable closure element 129 at least in sections into the inner region 123 of the liquid collection container 119.

The frame element 141 contributes to the stabilization of the elastically deformable membrane 129-1, thus delimiting the deformation path of the elastically deformable membrane 129-1 and preventing: after the transport securing member 137 is removed, the elastically deformable film 129-1 hangs down onto the floor of the parking space.

Furthermore, the frame element 141 has a (in particular inclined) liquid outlet surface 145 on the side facing the interior area 123 of the liquid collection container 119, which liquid outlet surface 145 is designed to: the washing liquid falling onto the elastically deformable membrane 129-1 is efficiently conducted out into the liquid collection container 119.

Fig. 4A, 4B show schematic representations of a liquid collection container of a laundry care appliance having a reversibly deformable closure element according to a third embodiment.

The liquid collection container 119 has a recess 121, which is not shown in fig. 4A and 4B, said recess 121 connecting an inner region 123 of the liquid collection container 119 to an outer region 125 of the liquid collection container 119. The recess 121 is closed in a fluid-tight manner by a reversibly deformable closure element 129, wherein the reversibly deformable closure element 129 is configured as a reversibly deformable bellows 129-2.

Fig. 4A shows the laundry care appliance 100 in a normal operating state, while fig. 4B shows the laundry care appliance 100 in a transport state, in which transport securing element 137, which is not shown in fig. 4B, is introduced through the recess 121 into the interior region 123 of the liquid collecting container 119, as a result of which the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2 is deformed inwardly into the liquid collecting container 119 and effectively surrounds the transport securing element 137.

The reversibly deformable bellows 129-2 are formed in particular from an elastomer, for example Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM), Nitrile Butadiene Rubber (NBR), EPDM SW, silicone and/or a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The material of the elastically deformable bellows 129-2 has, in particular, a shore hardness of between 20 and 70 and/or a material thickness of between 0.2mm and 10.0 mm.

The reversibly deformable bellows 129-2 is fastened to the liquid collecting container 119, in particular by a form-locking, force-locking, material-locking, magnetic and/or clamping connection, for example a snap-on connection, an adhesive connection, a riveted connection and/or a screw connection.

The reversibly deformable 129-2 is in particular configured as a reversibly deformable corrugated tube 129-2, the corrugated tube 129-2 having a corrugation section 147, the corrugation section 147 having a plurality of reversibly deformable corrugations 149 at least sectionally surrounding the corrugation section 147. As shown in fig. 4B, with the introduction of the transport securing element 137 through the cutout 121, the longitudinal extension of the pleat segments 147 can be increased by the reversible deformation of the reversibly deformable pleats 149, as a result of which an effective reception of the transport securing element 137 in the reversibly deformable pleated bellows 129-2 is achieved.

Furthermore, the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2 has a fastening section 134, which fastening section 134 rests on the inner side 133 of the liquid collection container 119. Furthermore, the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2 has an upper region 151 connected to the bellows section 147, said upper region 151 closing the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2.

Furthermore, the wall thickness of the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2 can be designed to be variable in order to optimize the mechanical properties (for example natural frequency, bending stiffness, vibration properties and flip properties) and also the geometrical properties (for example the wear thickness at that interface to the concrete weight of the laundry care appliance 100) and/or the fall properties achieved by gravity in the context of a displacement of the center of gravity.

What may be performed is: in order to improve the slip behavior without adhesion during the introduction and removal of the transport securing element 137, the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2 is coated or dusted. The geometry of the folds 149 can be designed such that the required stroke is achieved by the deformation of the folds 149 and, by a larger projection area compared to the area of that connection to the liquid collection container 119, a falling over (umsotilpen) in the outer region 125 of the laundry care appliance 100 is prevented.

In another embodiment, a contact section may be provided on the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2, which contact section, in the event of inward deformation of the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2, presses against the floating element of the water sensor and thereby manipulates the floating element (or moves it upward). In the case of removal of the transport securing element 137, the contact section is deformed and, in turn, the floating element and the water stop sensor are released. By means of such a signal, the control device of the laundry care appliance 100 can analyze: whether the transport-ensuring element 137 has been removed correctly before the appliance is operated (or whether the laundry care appliance 100 is activated only in the case of a removal of the transport-ensuring element 137). A prompt for this may be shown on the appliance display surface and indicate to the user: the transport assurance member 137 is to be removed. In this way, incorrect operation of the laundry care appliance 100 with the transport securing element 137 installed is precluded. Furthermore, the actuation of the floating element or the water stop sensor can be achieved by the rotationally and/or translationally effective lever geometry by making good use of the elasticity of the bellows 129-2 in a spring-return manner (federrickstellung).

By means of the reversibly deformable closure element 129 according to the disclosure, an internal installation (In-House-Montage) can be ensured, whereby incorrect installation of the closure of the recess 121 can be ruled out. Furthermore, the water-stop function can be ensured by the notch 121 which is closed from the beginning, and no user-side mounting of the closure cap is required. Such a reversibly deformable closure element 129 is resistant to incorrect removal (or incorrect handling) of the transport-securing element 137 and prevents the entry of animals through the gap 121. The reversibly deformable closing element 129 contributes to noise reduction during operation of the device and can be used in a plate bottom groove and a synthetic material bottom groove (Blech-und kunststoffbodenwann).

Furthermore, air circulation in the appliance 100 can be improved, and the number of components can be reduced by the integrated connection type.

Fig. 5 shows a schematic representation of a liquid collection container of a laundry care appliance having a reversibly deformable closure element according to a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment shown in fig. 5 corresponds to the third embodiment shown in fig. 4A and 4B, except that the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2 according to the fourth embodiment shown in fig. 5 is constructed as a two-part member.

The corrugated section 147 of the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2 is constructed of a reversibly deformable elastomer as disclosed in accordance with fig. 4, the corrugated section 147 having a plurality of reversibly deformable corrugations 149 surrounding the corrugated section 147.

In contrast, the upper region 151 of the reversibly deformable bellows 129-2, which is connected to the pleat sections 147, is composed of a thermoplastic synthetic material, which is irreversibly deformable. Here, the thermoplastic synthetic material comprises, in particular, polypropylene (PP), ABS, POM or Polyamide (PA).

Here, the upper region 151 made of thermoplastic synthetic material can be in contact with the vibrating component system of the laundry care appliance 100.

Fig. 6A, 6B, 6C show schematic representations of the connection between a liquid collection container of a laundry care appliance and a reversibly deformable closure element according to a further embodiment.

The reversibly deformable closure element 129, which is designed as a reversibly deformable bellows 129-2, is fastened to the liquid collection container 119, in particular by a form-locking, force-locking, material-locking, magnetic and/or clamping connection, for example a snap-on connection, an adhesive connection, a riveted connection and/or a screw connection.

In fig. 6A, the reversibly deformable closure element 129 has a fastening dome 153, wherein the fastening dome 153 is arranged in particular on the fastening section 134 of the reversibly deformable closure element 129. The liquid collection container 119 has a fixed opening 156, which fixed opening 156 connects the inner region 123 of the liquid collection container 119 with the outer region 125 of the liquid collection container 119.

The fixing dome 153 of the reversibly deformable closure element 129 is guided from the interior region 123 of the liquid collection container 119 through the fixing opening 156. The fastening dome 153 has fastening projections 155, which fastening projections 155 bear against the outer side 135 of the liquid collection container 119 in order to fasten the reversibly deformable closure element 129 on the liquid collection container 119.

In fig. 6B, the liquid collection container 119 has a fixing element 157, in particular a fixing lug, on the inner side 133. The reversibly deformable closing element 129 has an element opening 159, which element opening 159 is formed in the fastening section 134 of the reversibly deformable closing element 129.

The fastening element 157 is guided through an element opening 159 and has a fastening projection 155, which projection 155 rests on the fastening section 134 of the reversibly deformable closure element 129 in order to fasten the reversibly deformable closure element 129 to the liquid collection container 119.

In fig. 6C, the fastening section 134 of the reversibly deformable closure element 129 has an element opening 159 and the liquid collection container 119 has a fastening opening 156, wherein here the element opening 159 and the fastening opening 156 are arranged one above the other.

The outer fastening element 161 (in particular snap hooks or bayonet hooks) is guided from the inner region of the liquid collection container 119 through the element opening 159 and through the fastening opening 156 and rests with its fastening projection 155 on the outer side 135 of the liquid collection container 119 in order to fasten the reversibly deformable closure element 129 on the liquid collection container 119. The connection shown according to fig. 6C can be arranged in multiple loops on the fastening section 134.

All features explained and illustrated in conjunction with the individual embodiments of the invention can be provided in different combinations in the subject matter according to the invention in order to achieve their advantageous effects at the same time.

The scope of protection of the invention is provided by the claims and is not limited by the features explained in the description or shown in the drawings.

List of reference numerals

100 washing nursing device

101 punch-in shell

103 door

105 appliance opening

107 outside of the appliance

109 front side

111 backside

113 upper side

115 lower side

117 longitudinal side

119 liquid collecting container

121 gap

123 interior region of liquid collecting container

125 outer region of the liquid collecting container

127-1 straight notch edge

127-2 rounded notch edge

129 reversibly deformable closure element

129-1 reversibly deformable membranes

129-2 reversibly deformable bellows

131 inner connecting strip

133 inside of the liquid collecting container

134 fixed section

135 outside of the liquid collecting container

137 transport assurance element

139 reversibly deformable upper side of the closure element

141 frame element

143 outside of the element

145 liquid leading-out face

147 fold section

149 fold

151 upper region

153 fixed vault

155 fixing projection

156 fixed opening

157 fixing element

159 element opening

161 external fixation element

Claims

1. A laundry care appliance (100) having a liquid collection container (119) for collecting washing liquid, wherein the liquid collection container (119) has a cutout (121) which connects an inner region (123) of the liquid collection container (119) with an outer region (125) of the liquid collection container (119),

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the laundry care appliance (100) has a reversibly deformable closure element (129) which is arranged on the liquid collection container (119) and is designed to close the opening (121) in a fluid-tight manner,

wherein a transport securing element (137) can be introduced from an outer region (125) of the liquid collection container (119) through the recess (121) at least in sections into an inner region (123) of the liquid collection container (119),

wherein the reversibly deformable closure element (129) closing the opening (121) in a fluid-tight manner is deformable in the direction of an inner region (123) of the liquid collection container (119) by introducing the transport securing element (137) such that it is deformable

Wherein the reversibly deformable closure element (129) is reversibly deformable in the direction of the outer region (125) of the liquid collection container (119) by removing a transport-ensuring element (137) which has been introduced into the laundry care appliance (100).

2. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 1,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) is configured as an elastically deformable membrane (129-1), or

The reversibly deformable closure element (129) is configured as a reversibly deformable bellows (129-2).

3. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 2,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) is configured as an elastically stretchable membrane, or

The reversibly deformable closure element (129) is configured as a reversibly deformable bellows.

4. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 3,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable bellows has a reversibly deformable fold section (147) having at least sectionally encircling folds (149), and

the reversibly deformable bellows has an upper region (151) connected to the bellows section (147).

5. The laundry care appliance (100) of claim 4,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable pleat segments (147) are formed from a reversibly deformable elastomer, and the upper region (151) is formed from the reversibly deformable elastomer or from a thermoplastic synthetic material.

6. The laundry care appliance (100) according to any of claims 1-5,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) is fixed to the liquid collection container (119) by means of a form-locking, force-locking, material-locking and/or clamping connection.

7. The laundry care appliance (100) of claim 6,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) is fixed to the liquid collection container (119) by means of a snap connection, an adhesive connection, a rivet connection and/or a screw connection.

8. The laundry care appliance (100) of claim 6,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) is fixed to the liquid collection container (119) by a magnetic connection.

9. The laundry care appliance (100) according to any of claims 1-5, 7,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) has a fastening dome (153) which is guided through a fastening opening (156) of the liquid collection container (119) in order to fasten the closure element (129) to the liquid collection container (119) and/or

The liquid collection container (119) has a fastening element (157) which is guided through an element opening (159) of the reversibly deformable closure element (129) in order to fasten the closure element (129) to the liquid collection container (119) and/or

The laundry care appliance (100) has an external fastening element (161) which is guided through a fastening opening (156) of the liquid collection container (119) and through an element opening (159) of the reversibly deformable closure element (129) in order to fasten the closure element (129) on the liquid collection container (119).

10. The laundry care appliance (100) according to any of claims 1-5, 7, 8,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

on an inner side (133) of the liquid collection container (119) facing the inner region (123) of the liquid collection container (119), an inner web (131) is formed which surrounds the recess (121) at least in sections, wherein the reversibly deformable closure element (129) rests on the inner web (131) and/or is fixed to the inner web (131).

11. The laundry care appliance (100) according to any of claims 1-5, 7, 8,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the liquid collection container (119) having an inner side (133) facing the inner region (123) and an outer side (135) facing the outer region (125),

wherein the closure element (129) has a fastening section (134) which is guided through the recess (121) and is fastened to the outer side (135) of the liquid collection container (119), or

Wherein the reversibly deformable closure element (129) has a fastening section (134) which is fastened to an inner side (133) of the liquid collection container (119).

12. The laundry care appliance (100) according to any of claims 1-5, 7, 8,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) has an element outer side (143) which faces an outer region (125) of the liquid collection container (119) and

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) has a frame element (141) which is arranged on the element outer side (143) and which is guided at least in sections through the cutout (121) into the interior region (123) of the liquid collection container (119) in order to deform the reversibly deformable closure element (129) at least in sections into the interior region (123) of the liquid collection container (119).

13. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 12,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) has a liquid outlet surface (145) on a side facing the interior region (123) of the liquid collection container (119), which is designed to: -conducting the liquid impinging on the reversibly deformable closure element (129) out into the liquid collection container (119).

14. Laundry care appliance (100) according to any of claims 1-5, 7, 8, 13,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) is formed from a reversibly deformable elastomer.

15. Laundry care appliance (100) according to any of claims 1-5, 7, 8, 13,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) has an upper region (151) or an upper side (139) which is arranged at a distance from an inner side (133) of the liquid collection container (119), wherein a reinforcing element is arranged on the upper region (151) or on the upper side (139).

16. Laundry care appliance (100) according to any of claims 1-5, 7, 8, 13,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

a floating element is arranged in the liquid collection container (119),

the laundry care appliance (100) has a control device which is designed to: detecting a position of the floating element such that: when liquid enters the liquid collection container (119), a change in position of the floating element is detected.

17. Laundry care appliance (100) according to claim 16,

it is characterized in that the preparation method is characterized in that,

the reversibly deformable closure element (129) has a contact section configured for contacting the floating element such that: in the case of a transport securing element (137) introduced through the recess (121), the position of the floating element is changed by means of the contact section,

wherein the control device is configured to: if the control device detects a change in the position of the floating element when the laundry care appliance (100) is put into operation, a warning is output to the user of the laundry care appliance (100).