CN111549498A

CN111549498A - Washing article treating device

Info

Publication number: CN111549498A
Application number: CN202010083938.XA
Authority: CN
Inventors: C·海涅; S·莱奥; C·路易
Original assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Current assignee: BSH Hausgeraete GmbH
Priority date: 2019-02-11
Filing date: 2020-02-10
Publication date: 2020-08-18
Also published as: EP3693504A1; DE102019201718A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a laundry care appliance (1) comprising: a processing space (2) received in the housing (5); an opening (6) from which the processing space (2) is accessible; a door (10) fixed to the housing (5) and pivotable in a direction of movement between a closed position, in which the opening (6) is closed, and an open position, in which the processing space (2) is accessible; and a closing mechanism having at least one movable element and configured to lock and unlock the door in the closed position. The closing mechanism is received in a module housing (16) of a module (15) arranged in the door (10).

Description

Washing article treating device

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a laundry treating appliance having a closed mechanical mechanism.

Background

Laundry treatment appliance (e.g. washing machine, washer-dryer or laundry dryer) bagIncluding a processing space received in the housing, the processing space being accessible through the opening

The opening can be closed by means of a door. In the case of the present laundry treatment appliance, the closing mechanism for locking and unlocking the door is arranged inside the housing of the laundry treatment appliance. For this purpose, for example, a locking spindle is arranged on the door, which spindle interacts with a closing mechanism in the housing in the case of a door closure in order to hold the door stationary. Existing door opening designs are based, for example, on: additional door openers, mechanical push-push closures, or motorized closures with additional opening electronics.

In all embodiments, however, the mechanically movable (and if appropriate electrically powered) part of the closure mechanism is arranged inside the housing of the laundry treatment appliance. The available installation space inside the housing is thus limited, and the components must be arranged and/or equipped with a view to the closure mechanism. Furthermore, the components have to be arranged inside the laundry treatment appliance taking into account the vibration space to be ensured (which may also be referred to as a safety distance), which further sharpens the problem of the spatial conditions inside the laundry treatment appliance.

Disclosure of Invention

The invention is based on the task of: a laundry treatment appliance is proposed, in which the space supply in the housing of the laundry treatment appliance is increased and the production and maintenance of the laundry treatment appliance, in particular of the closure mechanism, are simplified. According to the invention, this object is achieved by a laundry treatment appliance having the features of claim 1.

Accordingly, a laundry treatment appliance comprises: a processing space received in the housing; an opening (through which access to the processing space is gained); a door secured to the housing, the door being swingable along a direction of movement between a closed position in which the opening is closed and an open position in which the processing space is accessible. Furthermore, the laundry treatment appliance has a closing mechanism which has at least one movable element and is configured to lock and unlock the door in the closed position, wherein the closing mechanism is received in a module housing of a module which is arranged in the door.

The laundry treatment appliance may be a washing machine (especially a front-loading washing machine), a washer-dryer or a dryer. Preferably, a substantially cylindrical drum is arranged in the treatment space, and preferably the opening is located on one side in the axial direction of the drum. Furthermore, the laundry treatment appliance can have a lye container which surrounds the drum in such a way that the drum can be accessed from the outside via the opening. The drum and the lye container may be comprised in a vibration system of the laundry treating appliance. More precisely, the vibration system can comprise all components which are moved during operation of the laundry treatment appliance. The vibration system can be fastened to the laundry treatment appliance in such a way that it can vibrate to a predetermined extent (i.e. to a predetermined extent) during operation of the laundry treatment appliance. The door is preferably fastened to the housing by means of at least one hinge (Scharnier) and can be pivoted. The door may comprise a frame member and a transparent section (especially a window) such that a user can see into the treatment space through the transparent section even if the door is in the closed position. For better handling, the door may have a handle piece on the outside.

In other words, a closed bit state can be considered as a bit state: in this position, the opening is closed in such a way that, in particular, no water can escape from the treatment space via the opening. An open bit state can be considered to be a bit state: in this position, the door can be pivoted freely in such a way that the interior of the treatment space (in particular the drum) can be accessed for loading with laundry. Preferably, the laundry treatment appliance has a swing limiting device, in particular a stop, which can limit a maximum swing of the door in order to avoid damage to the door and/or the housing of the laundry treatment appliance. The direction of movement may be such that: the direction may be directed orthogonally away from the door. When the door is opened, the door can be pivoted on a movement path, in particular a section of a circle or an ellipse.

Furthermore, the laundry treatment appliance comprises a closing mechanism which has at least one movable element and is configured to lock and unlock the door in the closed position, wherein the closing mechanism is received in a module housing of a module which is arranged in the door.

In other words, when the door is locked in the closed position by the closing mechanism, then any accidental opening of the door, for example during a washing process, is not possible. Preferably, the door comprises an emergency unlocking mechanism by means of which the door can be opened even if the closing mechanism is not unlocked. This may be achieved, for example, by deactivating the closing mechanism or by unlocking the closing mechanism by an emergency unlocking mechanism. Preferably, the emergency release mechanism can be realized by a mechanical system (in particular a mechanical system with a cable system), alternatively the emergency release mechanism can also be realized by means of an electromagnetic system.

Preferably, the module can be a replaceable complex element inside the door of the laundry treatment appliance, wherein the module can form a closed functional unit. Preferably, the module itself may be constructed modularly, as long as the module can receive different pre-installed devices. The module housing is, for example, a plastic housing, wherein at least a part of the closing mechanism, which has mechanical (and if necessary electrical) elements, is preferably received in the module housing. Thus, the module can for example be configured as a box: the cassette may be loaded (e.g., pushed) into the door. The closing mechanism can be regarded as a mechanism in which: the mechanical mechanism can effectively achieve the locked state and the unlocked state through the movement of the movable element. The movable element can be a pin, which can interact with a complementary element in order to achieve the locked state. In other words, the closing mechanism can interact with an immovable part (in particular with the locking mandrel or the retaining clip), wherein the immovable part can be arranged on the housing. Thus, the closing mechanism can be made to assume a state when unlocked: in this state, the door is released in the closed position, so that the door can be opened. This also does not mean that the door must be forced out of such a closed position: in the closed position, the opening is closed by a door. In contrast, the closing mechanism can be brought into a state when locked: in this state, the door is held in the closed position in such a way that it cannot be displaced (opened) out of the closed position. In this case, a corresponding door closure design can be provided with regard to the arrangement of the closure mechanism in the door, as long as the closure mechanism located in the door can effectively lock and unlock the door, while the stationary part of the housing of the laundry treatment appliance can be constructed immovably (in particular rigidly).

The above-described configuration offers, inter alia, the advantages of: the module can be produced separately from the remaining components of the laundry treatment appliance (in particular separately from the door), and the module can only be arranged on the door in a subsequent mounting step. Furthermore, one module type can be produced for a plurality of different laundry treatment appliances, whereby the production costs for each module can be reduced. A further advantage of the above-described configuration is that no closing mechanism, which effectively produces the locked state and the unlocked state, has to be arranged in the housing of the laundry treatment appliance, as a result of which the installation space available in the housing of the laundry treatment appliance can be increased. Furthermore, in the above configuration, since the closing mechanism is disposed in the door, accessibility to the closing mechanism is simplified. For example, it is not necessary to first remove the collar (Manschette) of the housing surrounding the opening to access the closure mechanism. Therefore, maintenance or repair of the closing mechanism can be simplified. Furthermore, various functions associated with the door may be included in the module, and thus the extension of the functions in terms of the functions related to the door can also be realized simply by replacement of the module. Furthermore, the module housing of the module can be identical for all product lines of the laundry treatment appliance and nevertheless receive different devices therein, so that different functions of the module are ensured. This enables: despite the presence of a uniform module housing, different values of the laundry treatment appliance are achieved.

Preferably, the module (or the module housing) is releasably held in a recess formed in the door, in particular by means of screws and/or by means of a latching mechanism.

In other words, the clearance may be a space provided in the door, which may receive the module. The recess can be arranged exclusively in the door frame of the door or can extend over several components of the door. "releasably" may mean: the module can be removed in one piece from the laundry treatment appliance providing the function, while the modules, which were previously individual components, can be removed in their entirety without having to be separated from one another. The latching mechanism can be a projection on the module and/or on the module housing, which cooperates with a complementary counterpart on the recess to hold the module in the recess. Preferably, the snap-lock mechanism is a clip-type mechanism that facilitates: the modules are held in the recesses in a form-locking manner. The above configuration provides such advantages: the module can be removed from the door and placed on the door again in a simple manner and with little or no tool effort. This provides the advantage of: repair measures and/or module replacement can be carried out simply and cost-effectively.

Preferably, the at least one movable element is an electrically and/or mechanically movable component of the closing mechanical mechanism.

Such a movable element may be, for example, a locking pin, which may be moved, in particular, by means of a spring or a magnetic field. Such movable elements can be made to act, for example, in cooperation with stationary elements in order to lock the door in motion. "electrically movable" means: the movable element is actuated by an electrically operated actuator (drive element), wherein, for example, an electrical signal is converted into a mechanical movement. By "mechanically movable" is meant: such a movable element can be actuated (i.e. moved) by a user, for example, via a lever.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the module is arranged in a recess formed in the door, which is formed in such a way that the module can be inserted and removed in the direction of movement of the door.

In other words, "insertable and removable in the direction of motion" may mean: the modules can be loaded and unloaded from the front or from the rear, i.e. from the front or rear side of the door. Furthermore, the module can be installed with a prefabricated recess into a completely installed door (in particular of the entire completely installed window assembly). Preferably, the module can be taken out (or put in) from the rear side of the door, i.e. from the side of the door facing the process space in the closed position. The above configuration provides such advantages: in the case where the door can be taken out from the rear side of the door, the appearance of the front side of the door is not hindered by the module. Furthermore, a closing principle similar to the door closing designs currently used can be put into practice, whereby the compatibility can be increased.

According to an alternative embodiment, the module is arranged in a recess formed in the door, which is formed in such a way that the module can be inserted and removed orthogonally to the direction of movement of the door. This means that the module is insertable and removable on the side of the door. This provides the advantage of: the frame of the door can be configured continuously around without the need to provide an opening for a recess on the front or rear side of the door.

Preferably, the closing mechanism interacts with a profile (ausforming) on the housing, which is arranged on the front side of the housing, in order to lock the door in the closed position.

Preferably, this co-action may be a mechanical friction-lock connection, for example by co-operation of a closure mechanism with a complementary formation on the housing. Furthermore, this interaction can additionally or alternatively be achieved by a magnetic connection which is realized by means of a magnetic field which can be generated in the region of the shaping on the housing and a complementary magnetic field which is generated by the closure mechanism.

The above configuration provides such advantages: the formation on the housing can be configured simply. In particular, the shaping can be a mandrel (Dorn), a retaining clip (halfb ü gel) and/or a permanent magnet. Furthermore, the shaped portion can be produced simply on the front side of the housing and is well accessible.

Alternatively, the closing mechanism can interact with a profile on the housing, which is arranged on the edge of the housing surrounding the opening, in order to lock the door in the closed position.

In other words, the cover edge (Umbug) can be regarded as such a section of the housing: in this section, the housing material (in particular the steel sheet) is bent in order to ensure, for example, the stability of the housing and/or in order to obtain a receiving portion for a door that is deeply buried on the front side of the housing. The edge covering can be configured analogically to a stepped border (Zarge) which cooperates with a conventional door fold (Turfalfaz) of a door used in building construction. Furthermore, the profile can be arranged on the housing such that it faces the side of the door when the door is in the closed position. Preferably, the shaped portion is deeply buried in the envelope (that is to say deeply recessed). For example, the interaction of the door with the profile arranged in the covering edge can be similar to the interaction of a room door with a closing plate which is mounted on the door frame and is provided with a tumbler switch, so that a lateral locking possibility on the housing of the laundry treatment appliance can be created. Furthermore, emergency unlocking by means of an emergency unlocking mechanism can be put into effect as usual by means of such a lateral locking possibility.

The above configuration provides such advantages: no fixing spindle or the like protrudes from the front side of the housing. Furthermore, the shaping is disposed in the envelope (i.e., disposed in a radially directed manner in relation to the positioning away from the opening), so that the installation space available in the housing is further increased. In particular, the opening of the laundry treatment appliance can be enlarged by the enlarged available installation space in the housing.

Preferably, the forming part protrudes from the front side of the washing treatment appliance and/or protrudes towards the side of the washing treatment appliance orthogonal to the front side.

In other words, the profiling can project or protrude relative to the front side of the laundry treatment appliance in such a way that it points away from the laundry treatment appliance. As mentioned above, the shaping can be a holding element, for example a mandrel (i.e. a locking mandrel), can be a hook, or can be a clip which is configured eyelet-like. The shaping can be provided as a separate element which is fixed on the front side of the laundry treatment appliance. Alternatively, the shaping portion may also be constructed integrally with the front side of the laundry treatment appliance. In the case of the profile being a separate element, this can be fastened to the front side of the laundry treatment appliance by means of a fastening element in such a way that the fastening element (for example a screw or the like) does not protrude into the interior of the laundry treatment appliance. Alternatively or additionally, the profile can project or protrude towards a side orthogonal to the front side such that the protruding direction extends substantially parallel to the front side of the laundry treatment appliance. More precisely, the profile can project towards the side wall of the laundry treatment appliance. In other words, the profile can extend substantially along the front side of the laundry treatment appliance. In this case, the profile can be, in particular, a recess, which makes possible the lateral locking possibility of the door on the housing of the laundry treatment appliance. That is, the shaped portion may be fixed to the housing such that no part of the shaped portion and/or no part of the fixing location of the shaped portion protrudes towards the inside of the laundry treating appliance (i.e. towards the treatment space). In other words, preferably no part of the shaping part and/or no part of the fixing point of the shaping part extends from the front side of the laundry treatment appliance into the interior space of the laundry treatment appliance.

In particular, this configuration differs from the prior art in that: the profiling can be arranged such that no element projects towards the inside of the laundry treatment appliance (as in the case of a closing mechanism arranged at the location of the profiling). In this way, a flat (i.e. planar) surface can be achieved on the inside of the front side of the laundry treatment appliance, at least in the region of the profiling. In this region, therefore, additional components and/or free spaces (for example vibration spaces) can be provided independently of the profile (i.e. independently of the closing mechanism). Furthermore, the further members and/or the free space may be arranged to have a substantially constant and/or rectilinear shape. In other words, the installation space and/or the vibration space inside the laundry treating appliance can be increased.

Preferably, a ballast weight is arranged on the inside of the front side of the laundry treatment appliance at least in the region of the profiling. Furthermore, the ballast weights may have an at least substantially constant thickness, in particular a constant thickness, along the front side.

Here, the inner side can be the side of the front side of the laundry treatment appliance which is: the side faces the inner space of the washing processing appliance. Furthermore, the ballast weight may be arranged such that a vibration space is provided between the ballast weight and the front side. The vibration space may be a safety space that ensures that the member that vibrates does not come into contact with other members. In particular, the vibration space may be a space: the space separates the vibration system (that is to say in particular the lye container) from the elements arranged in the vicinity of the vibration system (for example in particular the housing). In other words, it may happen that, while the laundry treatment appliance is in operation: the vibration system is displaced from its initial position, for example due to an imbalance. In this case, the vibration space can provide the necessary free space for this purpose, so that the vibration system does not come into contact with other components. In other words, the vibration space can be regarded as the distance which the vibration system has to follow from the other components of the laundry treatment appliance. Preferably, the vibration space is as small (i.e. thin) as possible in order to obtain as much installation space as possible inside the laundry treatment appliance.

The ballast weights may be such members: the component has in particular a high density. Furthermore, the ballast weights may have a high weight. The ballast weights may be fixed to the vibration system to dampen vibrations of the vibration system. This can be advantageous in order to damp the vibrations of the laundry treatment appliance as a whole. The ballast weight may have a ring shape and may be arranged such that it surrounds the opening of the laundry treatment appliance in the form of a ring. In addition, the ballast weights may include a plurality of individual weights that may be secured at different locations on the vibration system. Preferably, the ballast weights are constructed in the form of plates. Furthermore, the ballast weights can be fastened to the lye container, in particular by means of screws. In such a case where the ballast weights are fixed to the vibration system, the ballast weights may move and/or deflect with the vibration system. It is therefore necessary to provide a vibration space so that the ballast weights do not come into contact with other components as well. In other words, it is also necessary to ensure a sufficient space (i.e., vibration space) between the ballast weights and other components. Thus, it is possible to provide a vibration space particularly between the ballast weights and the inner side of the front side.

Further, the thickness of the ballast weights may be substantially constant along the front side. The thickness of the ballast weight may be measured in a direction orthogonal to the front side of the laundry treating appliance. Furthermore, the cross-section of the ballast weights may be substantially constant at least in the region of the shaping portion. The cross section can lie in a plane which is formed by a direction which is orthogonal to the front side of the laundry treatment appliance and by a direction which extends vertically on the front side in the operating position of the laundry treatment appliance. Here, the thickness may vary slightly, for example due to production tolerances of the ballast weights. Furthermore, the ballast weights may be slightly narrowed towards one side and have, for example, a truncated cone shape. Furthermore, the ballast weights may have a constant thickness which varies only within production tolerances in the direction of extension of the ballast weights along the front side. In other words, the ballast weights may be arranged substantially parallel to the front side.

In the area of the forming section, such areas can be delineated around the forming section: in particular a circular area having a radius of 2cm to 20cm, preferably a radius of 3cm to 15 cm. Furthermore, the vibration space can be arranged adjacent to the ballast weight and adjacent to the front side. In other words, the vibration space can ensure a desired spacing between the ballast weights and the front side (i.e., the housing) of the laundry treating appliance. That is, the vibration space may be arranged between the ballast weight and the front side.

Since the inner side of the front side has a flat inner surface in the region of the shaped portion, the ballast weights can be arranged with a continuous shape, taking into account the required vibration space. In other words, the ballast weight does not have to have a groove or the like to ensure the necessary vibration space between the front side and the ballast weight. Thereby, the ballast weights can be constructed with a simpler shape. Furthermore, the ballast weights can have a high form stability, since a change in cross section is not necessary, in particular for the consideration of the closing mechanism. In other words, the notch effect in the ballast weights can be avoided. The design is thus more robust overall and avoids transport damage when the ballast element is handled separately or when the laundry treatment appliance is handled in a completely installed manner. Overall, this can contribute to a reduced tendency for cracking in the ballast weights. In particular, a greater reduction in the cross-sectional area of the ballast element is achieved. Therefore, the volume of the ballast weight can be increased. Thus, the ballast weights may be constructed of less expensive materials. More precisely, the ballast weights may be constituted by: these substances have a density (e.g. concrete) which is low compared to the materials usually used (e.g. cast iron). Since less compact materials are generally cheaper in cost, cost savings can be realized. Alternatively or additionally, the space saving achieved by smaller ballast weights can be achieved by a higher volume of the ballast weights. This embodiment is therefore particularly suitable for use in laundry treatment appliances having a particularly long and narrow outer shape of the housing.

Preferably, the ballast weights are at least partially made of concrete.

In the prior art, concrete is used as ballast weight material in laundry treatment appliances, however, this approach is limited in terms of achievable density and shape (i.e. geometry). In other words, with concrete as the material for the ballast weights, it is not easy to provide a clearance in the ballast weights or to achieve a change in shape. In the prior art, therefore, the ballast weights are constructed, for example, from cast iron, which, due to the consideration of other components, must be constructed with a modified outer shape. Furthermore, in the prior art, the ballast weights are constructed from cast iron if a high weight is to be achieved with little space. However, in the present embodiment of the invention, concrete can be used without problems, because no grooves or the like have to be provided in the ballast weights, and the external shape of the ballast weights can be simpler on the one hand, and the volume of the ballast weights can be increased on the other hand. In the present embodiment of the invention, the space inside the laundry treatment device is optimally utilized. Since the ballast weights have a substantially continuous shape (i.e. a constant cross-section without voids), the ballast weights may be at least partially made of concrete. In addition, the ballast weights may have a frame surrounding the concrete, which frame is made of another material. A significant cost reduction can thus be achieved compared to the use of cast iron. Furthermore, a greater mass can be achieved in the case of concrete ballast weights, since no recesses for closing the mechanical means have to be provided. As mentioned above, this contributes in particular to a reduced tendency of the ballast weights to crack in case concrete is used in the ballast weights. Furthermore, reinforcements (in particular reinforcing bars) may be provided in the ballast weights constructed from concrete. This can additionally improve the shape stability of the ballast weights. Further, as the concrete, heavy concrete or polymer type concrete may be used. Furthermore, the concrete may be supplemented with fillers that increase the weight and/or stability of the ballast weights.

Preferably, the formation is a hollow, with which the closing mechanism cooperates in the closed position in order to hold and lock the door in the closed position.

Here, two functions can be realized in particular: on the one hand, the door can be held in the closed position, which means that it cannot be displaced from the closed position by itself, and on the other hand, the door can be locked by the interaction of the closing mechanism with the recess, so that it cannot be displaced from the closed position even by accidental actuation (for example by a user). This locking can be accomplished, for example, by the insertion of corresponding elements of the closing mechanism into the recesses, which function can be similar to that of a conventional house door, among other things. Alternatively or additionally, a locking spindle can also be provided, which is known from conventional washing machines. The recess can be configured, for example, like an angle closure plate (Winkelschlie β blech) which is used for constructing known door frames from a building.

The above configuration provides such advantages: the forming part necessary on the shell of the washing processing device can be simply configured. Furthermore, the recess can be configured in such a way that it does not require a movable part, so that very low wear is possible.

Preferably, at least one electrical contact is arranged in the door, with which the module is in contact in the installed state. That is, in such an embodiment, the module housing preferably also has at least one electrical contact. The electrical contacts may be designed in a planar manner or as plugs and sockets.

Preferably, the electrical contacts supply current to the module. In addition, a connection can be established with the control device arranged in the housing by means of the contacts, so that the module can be controlled by the control device. Alternatively or additionally, the module may communicate with the control device by means of wireless data transmission (e.g. NFC). Furthermore, the control device can also control the programs implemented in the laundry treatment appliance and the control of other functions. Furthermore, a lighting device (preferably an LED lighting device) can be arranged in the module, which can be configured to illuminate the interior of the treatment space. Furthermore, a further consumer, which can be supplied with current via electrical contacts and/or with instructions from a control device or from another device in the laundry treatment appliance, can be arranged in the module. The electrical contacts can be configured as spring contacts, so that, once the module is inserted into the recess, the module is connected to the electrical contacts in an electrically conductive manner and, in addition, reliable contact is ensured even in the event of door fluttering or vibrations. The electrical contacts can be connected to devices in the housing of the laundry treatment appliance, for example, by means of flat cables. Furthermore, the door can have mechanical contacts which can interact with the module (in particular with the devices arranged in the module) when the module is inserted into the recess, for example in order to transmit commands or manipulations thereto. The above configuration provides such advantages: the supply of current to the devices received in the module can be ensured by the electrical contacts. Furthermore, different functions of the devices arranged in the module can be controlled by means of the electrical contacts.

Preferably, a mechanical mechanism for swinging the door open (Aufschwenken) is received in the module.

In other words, when the closing mechanism has unlocked the door, the mechanism may swing the door open. This opening can be achieved by a mechanical pin, a push-push mechanism, a magnet, a spindle, pre-tensioning by means of a spring or the like. This allows the door to be automatically transferred from the closed position to the open position without the user having to intervene. The control device may output corresponding instructions, for example after the washing program is ended or by means of a signal of a remote control.

The above configuration has such advantages: the operating comfort of the laundry treating appliance can be improved. Furthermore, no separate installation space for the opening mechanism has to be provided, since such an opening mechanism can be received in the module.

Preferably, the module housing and the recess have complementary shapes to one another, so that the module housing can be inserted only into the recess predetermined for this purpose. In this case, the contour shape of the module housing and the contour shape of the recess can have individual shapes adapted to one another, so that only one respective module housing can be inserted into one recess adapted thereto. Alternatively or additionally, individual elements on the module can also be formed in a keyed manner and can be matched to corresponding elements on the recess, so that the module housing is prevented from being inserted into the recess provided for this purpose. In addition, it can thus be ensured that the module is inserted in the correct orientation into the recess provided for this purpose. The above configuration provides such advantages: only module housings, which are assigned to a specific product type, for example, can be inserted into corresponding recesses of the same product type. It is thus ensured that: the end user accordingly combines only the parts that fit each other. Furthermore, it can be ensured that the module is inserted in the correct orientation into the recess provided for this purpose.

Preferably, the laundry treatment appliance additionally comprises at least one further module having a further function for actuating the door, which can be interchanged with the module arranged in the door.

In other words, different devices for providing different functions of the door can be received in the module housing. Different modules with different functions can be provided according to the product grade, which modules can be replaced by other modules already embedded in the hollow. In other words, a plurality of kinds of modules having respectively different functions can be embedded in the same hollow of the door.

The above configuration provides such advantages: the end user can obtain additional or different functions with respect to the door of the laundry treatment appliance by replacing the module, without the entire laundry treatment appliance being rebuilt or newly purchased. Therefore, the value retention of the product obtained by the user can be maintained for a longer time.

Preferably, the module housing is configured according to the type of flat box.

In other words, the module housing may have a small height compared to its length. Furthermore, the module housing may have a small width compared to its length. In particular, the module housing can be designed such that it can be inserted without problems into the side of the door in the radial direction of the door, depending on the length.

The above configuration provides such advantages: the door of the laundry treatment appliance, into which the module is to be inserted, does not have to be excessively expanded for receiving the module in the recess provided therein.

Drawings

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained in detail below with reference to the drawings. Shown here are:

fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a laundry treating appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, having an open door,

figure 2 shows a simplified perspective view of a door according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 3 shows a simplified perspective view of a door according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 4 shows a simplified perspective view of a door according to an embodiment of the invention,

figure 5 shows a simplified perspective view of a module according to an embodiment of the invention,

fig. 6 shows a perspective view of the front side of a laundry treating appliance according to an embodiment of the present invention, with the door open,

FIG. 7 shows a schematic cross section through the front side of a laundry treatment appliance according to an embodiment of the invention in the region of the profiling, and

fig. 8 shows a section through the front side of a laundry treatment appliance according to the prior art, corresponding to fig. 7.

In the drawings, the same or mutually identical parts are designated by the same reference numerals.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 shows a laundry treatment appliance 1, which laundry treatment appliance 1 has a housing 5 and a treatment space 2 located therein. The treatment space 2 rotatably receives the drum 3, wherein the drum 3 is accessible from outside the housing 5 through a circular opening 6. The opening 6 is located at an axial end of the drum 3 and is configured such that the drum 3 can be loaded with laundry. The opening 6 can be closed by means of a door 10. The door 10 is fastened to the housing 5 of the laundry treatment appliance 1 by means of a hinge 30 in such a way that the door 10 can be pivoted back and forth in the direction of movement (see arrow in fig. 1) between an open position and a closed position. Furthermore, the laundry treatment appliance 1 comprises a drawer 7, at least one container being received in said drawer 7.

Furthermore, the housing 5 comprises a rim 4 surrounding the opening. The rim 4 is a section of the housing 5 which is bent in such a way that a ring is produced which surrounds the opening 6, wherein the opening 6 and the rim 4 are concentric. In other embodiments, a plurality of hems are provided on the housing 5. In one embodiment, the tipping 4 is manufactured by means of a deep drawing process. Furthermore, a profile 8 is provided on the housing 5, which profile 8 is located in the vicinity of the opening 6, so that the profile 8 can interact with a door 10 (details about this are explained later). In other embodiments, the forming section 8 is located on the hem 4. In other embodiments, the formation 8 is a mandrel or hook that projects forwardly from the housing 5. In a further embodiment, the mandrel or hook projects from the covering 4 parallel to the front side 9 of the housing 5, so that its direction of extension is substantially parallel to the front side 9 of the housing 5. In an alternative embodiment, the forming section 8 is a permanent or electromagnetic device.

In the open position, the opening 6 is thus released, so that access to the process space 2 is possible. In contrast, in the closed position, the opening 6 is closed in such a way that, for example, no water can escape from the opening 6 during a washing process and the treatment space 2 is not accessible through the opening 6.

As shown in fig. 2, the door 10 includes a door frame 12 and a transparent section 11. In a preferred embodiment, the transparent section 11 is made of glass and is arched in such a way that the transparent section 11 projects into the process space 2 in the closed position. The door 10 comprises a rear side facing the process space 2 in the closed position and a front side 9 opposite to the rear side 9. The door 10 has side surfaces orthogonal to the front side 9 and the rear side.

Furthermore, the door 10 comprises a module 15, said module 15 comprising a module housing 16. A closing mechanism is received in the module housing 16, which closing mechanism has movable elements and can lock the door 10 in the closed position. When locked, the closing mechanism interacts with a profile 8 arranged on the housing 5.

In other words, when the door 10 is in the closed position, the door 10 may be locked by the closing mechanism. However, the door 10 may be in the closed position without the door 10 being locked. Accordingly, the locking of the door 10 prevents the door 10 from opening, for example, during a wash cycle. Nevertheless, the laundry treating appliance 1 comprises an emergency unlocking mechanism, which can release the locking of the door 10 or render the locking of the door 10 inoperative. In one embodiment, the emergency release mechanism is mechanically configured (i.e., has a cable mechanical configuration), while in other embodiments the emergency release mechanism is electrically operated.

Furthermore, the door 10 comprises a recess 13, in which recess 13 the module 15 is received. According to the embodiment shown in fig. 2, the recess 13 is designed in such a way that the module 15 can be removed on one side of the door 10 and inserted into the door 10 in the same direction. In other words, the recess 13 is formed on the side of the door 10.

According to a further embodiment shown in fig. 3, the recess 13 is designed in such a way that the module 15 can be removed on one side of the door 10 and on the rear side of the door 10 and can be inserted into the door 10 in the same direction. In other words, the recess 13 is formed on the side and rear side of the door 10.

According to a further embodiment shown in fig. 4, the recess 13 is designed in such a way that the module 15 can be removed from the rear side of the door 10 and inserted into the door 10 in the same direction. In other words, the recess 13 is formed on the rear side of the door 10.

In fig. 5, the modules 15 are shown separately in the extracted state. In a preferred embodiment, the module 15 comprises fixing elements 18, the fixing elements 18 being mounted on the module housing 16 and the module 15 being inserted into the recess 13 by means of the fixing elements 18, wherein the fixing elements 18 engage with complementary elements on the recess 13 and thus hold the module 15 in the recess 13. In an alternative embodiment, the fastening elements 18 are fastened to the door 10 by means of screws and thus hold the module 15 in the recess 13. Furthermore, the module housing 16 has a mating section 19, which mating section 19 has a predefined shape. In a preferred embodiment, the mating section 19 has pins which protrude from the module housing 16 and can be inserted into grooves formed on the recess 13. Depending on the module 15 (in particular on the functions that can be performed by the module 15), the pins are arranged at different locations of the module housing 16. This results in that the module 15 can only be inserted into such a recess 13: the recess 13 has a groove at the appropriate location for this particular module 15. In a further preferred embodiment, the mating section 19 is a specially shaped surface of the module housing 16.

Furthermore, an electrical interface 17 is provided on the module 15, which electrical interface 17 interacts with electrical contacts provided in the recess 13 when the module 15 is inserted into the recess 13. The module 15 is supplied with current by means of electrical contacts. In a further embodiment, the module 15 is additionally supplied with data (in particular with instructions of a control device arranged in the laundry treatment appliance 1). In a further embodiment, the module 15 additionally has a mechanical interface 20, which mechanical interface 20 interacts with a complementary contact in the recess 13 when the module 15 is inserted into the recess 13.

In a further embodiment, not shown, the module 15 comprises an opening mechanism able to automatically open the door 10 when the closing mechanism unlocks the door 10.

Furthermore, the control device arranged in the laundry treatment appliance 1 can be adapted to different functions contained in different modules 15. In other words, the control device can be adapted by means of an application program according to the currently built module 15.

In one embodiment, the laundry treatment appliance 1 has a module 15, wherein the module 15 has a tear-open closure (Aufrei β verseschluss) for opening the door 10. According to this embodiment, in the laundry treatment device 1, the module 15 can be replaced, and the automatic opening of the door 10 can be provided by a new module 15.

Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a part of a laundry treatment appliance 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. In particular, the front side 9 is shown in fig. 6 together with the door 10. Other components of the laundry treating appliance 1 are omitted in fig. 6. The door 10 is in an open position. Furthermore, the door 10 comprises a module 15. A shaped portion 8 is formed on the front side 9 of the laundry treatment appliance 1. More precisely, in the present embodiment, the forming section 8 is a mandrel projecting forward from the front side 9. In other words, the forming part 8 extends from the laundry treatment appliance 1 away from the front side 9. In the present embodiment, the forming section 8 is configured as a rigid element. In the present exemplary embodiment, the profile 8 is fixed to the front side 9 by means of a press fit (Presspassung). In a further embodiment, not shown, the profile 8 is fixed to the front side 9 by means of screws (in particular by means of screws). In a still further embodiment, the forming section 8 is constructed integrally with the front side 9.

Fig. 7 shows a schematic cross section through the front side 9 of the laundry treatment appliance 1. More precisely, fig. 7 shows a vertical cross section through the front side 9 in the region of the forming section 8. In particular, in fig. 7, the ballast weights 31 and the vibration space 32 are shown. The ballast weight 31 is located on the side of the front side 9 facing the treatment space 2, i.e. facing the interior space of the laundry treatment appliance 1. Since the forming portion 8 does not protrude inward (i.e., in a direction not toward the treatment space 2), the ballast weights 31 may have a continuous shape and need not have a clearance or the like to ensure a necessary vibration space for other structural elements (e.g., a closed mechanical mechanism). Furthermore, it can be seen in fig. 7 that the ballast weights 31 and the vibration space 32 have a constant thickness. The thickness is determined in a direction orthogonal to the front side 9, that is to say in the plane of the drawing of fig. 7. Furthermore, it is clearly visible in fig. 7 that the ballast weights 31 have a constant cross section along the front side 9. In other words, in the ballast weight 31, no space is necessary, since the shaping 8 is arranged completely in the front side 9 and does not project in the direction of the treatment space 2.

In contrast, fig. 8 shows a section through the front side 109 of a laundry treatment appliance from the prior art, which section corresponds to fig. 7. Fig. 8 also shows a door 110 with a spindle 108, which spindle 108 can interact with a latching mechanism 115. In the prior art shown in fig. 8, the latching mechanism 115 is located on the front side 109 of the laundry treatment appliance, whereby the ballast weight 131 must have a clearance in order to ensure the necessary vibration space 132 for the latching mechanism. Therefore, the ballast weight 131 is weakened by the vacant portions and is liable to crack. Further, the ballast weight 131 has a reduced volume relative to the ballast weight 131 according to the present invention.

Although the specific embodiments listed above have been described in detail, the present invention is not limited thereto. Furthermore, individual features and individual embodiments can be combined with one another and form new embodiments which fall within the scope of the invention.

List of reference numerals

1 washing treatment device

2 treatment space

3 roller

4 wrapping edge

5 casing

6 opening

7 drawer

8 forming section

9 front side

10 door

11 transparent segment

12 door frame

13 hollow part

15 Module

16 module case

17 electrical/mechanical contact

18 fixing element

19 mating section

20 mechanical contact

30 hinge

31 ballast weight

32 vibration space

Claims

1. A laundry care appliance (1) comprising:

a processing space (2) received in the housing (5),

an opening (6) through which the processing space (2) is accessible,

-a door (10) fixed to the casing (5) and able to swing along a movement direction between a closed position, in which the opening (6) is closed, and an open position, in which the processing space (2) is accessible, and

a closing mechanism having at least one movable element and configured to lock and unlock the door in the closed position,

wherein the closing mechanism is received in a module housing (16) of a module (15) arranged in the door (10).

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

wherein the module (15) or the module housing (16) is releasably held in a recess (13) formed in the door (10), in particular by means of screws and/or by means of a latching mechanism.

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

wherein the at least one movable element is an electrically and/or mechanically movable component of the closure mechanism.

4. Laundry care appliance (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the module (15) is arranged in a recess (13) formed in the door (10), which recess is designed such that the module (15) can be inserted and removed in the direction of movement of the door (10).

5. Laundry care appliance (1) according to any of claims 1 to 3,

wherein the module (15) is arranged in a recess (13) formed in the door (10), said recess being designed such that the module (15) can be inserted and removed orthogonally to the direction of movement of the door (10).

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

wherein the closing mechanism cooperates with a formation (8) on the housing (5) for locking the door (10) in the closed position,

wherein the shaped portion (8) is arranged on a front side (9) of the housing (5).

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

wherein the shaped portion (8) is arranged on a covering edge (4) of the housing (5) which surrounds the opening (6).

8. Laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 6 or 7,

wherein the shaped portion (8) protrudes from a front side (9) of the laundry treatment appliance (1) and/or protrudes towards a side of the laundry treatment appliance (1) orthogonal to the front side (9).

9. The laundry care appliance (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 8,

wherein a ballast weight (31) is arranged on the front side/on the inside of the front side of the laundry treatment appliance (1) at least in the region of the profile section/the profile section (8), and

wherein the ballast weight (31) has an at least substantially constant thickness, in particular a constant thickness, along the front side (9).

10. Laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 9,

wherein the ballast weight (31) is at least partially made of concrete.

11. Laundry care appliance (1) according to any of claims 6 to 10,

wherein the formation (8) is a recess, the closing mechanism co-acting with the recess in the closed position to hold and lock the door (10) in the closed position.

12. Laundry care appliance (1) according to any of claims 1 to 11,

wherein at least one electrical contact (4) is arranged in the door (10), with which electrical contact the module (15) is in contact in the installed state.

13. Laundry care appliance (1) according to any of claims 1 to 12,

wherein a mechanical mechanism for swinging the door (10) open is received in the module (15).

14. Laundry care appliance (1) according to any of claims 1 to 13,

wherein the module housing (16) and the recess (13) have complementary shapes (19) such that the module housing (16) can be inserted only into the recess (13) predetermined for this purpose.

15. Laundry care appliance (1) according to any of claims 1 to 14,

wherein the laundry treatment appliance (1) additionally comprises at least one further module having further functions for operating the door (10), which is interchangeable with a module (15) arranged in the door (10).