DE102006029202A1 - Flap for a household appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a door for a domestic appliance (1), comprising a displaceable handle element (23) that is mounted essentially above the horizontal centre line of the door (2), a hinge device (24) that can rotate about an essentially vertical hinge axis (241) and that is used to couple the door (2) to the domestic appliance (1) and a latch device (27), that has a displaceable latch bolt (272a) and that can be mechanically coupled to the handle element (23) in such a way that the actuation of the handle element (23) allows the latch device (27) to be actuated. The latch device (27) is mounted on the door (2) in such a way that when said door (2) is closed, the latch bolt (272a) lies on an essentially horizontal centre line of the opening of the domestic appliance (1) that may be closed by the door (2). The invention also relates to a laundry care appliance comprising a door of this type.

Description

The The invention relates to a flap for a household appliance, especially for a washing machine comprising a movable handle element, the essentially above the horizontal centerline of the flap is arranged, one about a substantially vertical hinge axis rotatable hinge device with which the flap can be coupled to the household appliance is, and a Schnappervorrichtung, which includes a movable latch bolt and which is mechanically coupled to the handle element such that by pressing the gripping element the Schnäppervorrichtung actuated is. The invention also relates to a laundry care device with a such a flap.

From the German patent application DE 38 09 998 A1 an assembly for a window or flap of a household washing machine is known. The assembly includes a latch pin and a handle member rotatably disposed about a common axis fixed within the frame or flap. The latch bolt has a hook-like shape and is held by a spring against a stop in a rest position. In the rest position the catch bolt holds the closed window locked. By an actuation of the handle member, the handle member causes a movement of the Schnäpperbolzens out of its rest position, whereby the locking of the window is released and the window can be opened. The assembly is designed only for a possible type of actuation of the handle member, that is, the movement of the Schnäpperbolzens is only effected when the directed to the window center handle member is pulled forward or the handle member is rotated counterclockwise about its axis.

Known front-loading washing machines have an assembly according to DE 38 09 998 A1 on, in which the latch bolt is arranged on a horizontal center line of a window opening of the washing machine and symmetrically to a vertical hinge axis of the window. By such a symmetrical arrangement, the window can be uniformly pressed against a seal arranged between the window and the washing machine housing. The freedom of design of a window with such an assembly is significantly limited with respect to the handle assembly on the window, especially with regard to an ergonomic arrangement.

In addition, is off EP 728 861 A1 a washing machine is known, which has a handle element for actuating a Schnäpperschlosses. By operating the grip element, which is arranged on a window frame of a window or a flap frame of a flap of the washing machine, an opening of the window or the flap can be initiated. The grip element is arranged on a substantially annular window or window frame. The window or the flap is movably attached to the washing machine by means of a hinge device. In the washing machine, the handle member is arranged asymmetrically to these hinge devices, whereby an ergonomically favorable opening operation is provided. In this case, the grip element is arranged substantially in a two-o'clock position on the annular window frame.

The handle member can only be operated in one direction to operate the Schnäpperschloss. It allows only a very limited operation with regard to opening and / or closing of such a window of a washing machine. In the EP 728 861 A1 disclosed window construction is not suitable to equip the window with a handle member having a further type of actuation. Therefore, for each design or equipment variant of the washing machine, which require a different type of actuation of the grip element, each a separate window variant must be created because different types of components of the Schnäppervorrichtung must be provided for each variant. Thus, less common parts can be used in the manufacture of washing machines of different designs, whereby the creation of such design variants are costly.

Furthermore is the bolt, who keeps the window closed, also asymmetrical or above the horizontal center line the window opening arranged. Such an arrangement results in that in the lower window area a small contact force to a arranged between the window and the washing machine housing seal can be ensured. This may result in the operation of the washing machine Laundry, which presses against the window from the inside, the window at the bottom press lightly, whereby in a washing drum existing water from the washing machine can escape.

Therefore It is an object of the present invention, a flap for a household appliance, in particular a laundry care device, with a for one User ergonomically favorable to press To provide grip element, wherein the flap has a sealing seat on a the same opening to be closed household appliance reliable guarantee can.

This object is achieved by a flap having the features of claim 1, and by a laundry care device with a flap comprising the features of claim 11 solved. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are listed in the subclaims.

A flap according to the invention is for a household appliance formed with an about a substantially vertical hinge axis rotatably mounted hinge device can be coupled to the household appliance is. It is still a Schnäppervorrichtung comprising a catch bolt to hold an opening of the household appliance placed on the flap, being on the flap beyond a handle member is movably disposed and the handle member with the catch device is mechanically coupled. This mechanical coupling or this mechanical operative connection is designed such that by operating the Handle element, the Schnäppervorrichtung actuated is. An essential idea of the invention is the Schnäpbolbolzen the catch device and the handle element substantially spatially separated from each other to arrange on the flap. That is, the grip is essentially above a centerline of the flap at one for the actuation of the handle member ergonomically Great Location and the bolt is with the flap closed on a substantially horizontal Center line of the flap to be closed opening of the household appliance arranged. Only by such an arrangement of Schnäpperbolzens can at a achieved such asymmetric arrangement of the handle member on the flap be that a symmetrical to the hinge device support the Flap in relation to the opening or one at the opening arranged seal can be maintained, causing the sealing seat The closed flap can be optimally guaranteed. The Position of the handle element is on the horizontal center line of the flap referred to, is the horizontal axis of symmetry of the to closing opening corresponding flap part. The location of the bolt is related to the horizontal center line the opening, because the outer contour the flap for ergonomic or functional reasons opposite the offset to be closed opening can be arranged.

The Schnäppervorrichtung Advantageously, at least one triggering element, with the handle element and the bolt can work together in such a way that the pin bolt by an operation of the handle element triggered is. The trigger element can be inside the snap device be arranged so that it at the same time with the Schnäpbolbolzen and the handle element is coupled, whereby the spatial Separation of handle element and Schnäpbolbolzen is easily possible.

The Schnäppervorrichtung includes a spine carrier the bolt of the bolt and the trigger element are arranged. The mechanics of Schnäppervorrichtung is on the one hand designed with little effort, guaranteed on the other hand, however, a high reliability in terms of safe activity the catch device.

Particularly favorable is a development in which the Schnäpperbolzen ( 272a ) rotatable about a Schnäpperachse ( 271 ), which is arranged substantially parallel to the hinge axis, that is, that the Schnäpperachse has a substantially vertical orientation. In such an arrangement, the Schnäpbolbolzen when opening or closing the flap can be inserted into a cooperating with the Schnäpperbolzen Zuhaltevorrichtung of the household appliance or run from the same, without the Schnäpperbolze thereby grinds or jammed on the Zuhaltevorrichtung.

advantageously, also has the handle element on a handle axis, the location of the location of the Schnäpperachse differs. Thus, the Schnäpperbolzen encompassed by the Schnäppervorrichtung on the for arranged the tumbler or sealing seat of the flap optimal position Even if the grip element above the center line of the horizontal centerline of the opening is arranged. The catch bolt can thus be clearly spatial be attached to the flap away from the handle member. Furthermore is such a configuration particularly advantageous for a flap, which has a window held by a window ring and at the axes of the handle member and the Schnäpperbolzens on the window ring are arranged, since the handle element at a through the window ring spatially predetermined restriction very variable positionable on the window ring.

The Griffachse the handle member is in a preferred manner at an angle α to a Schnäpperachse the Schnäppervorrichtung arranged. Preferably, the angle between the handle axis and the catch axle about 75 °. It can also be provided that the angle α in the range of about 65 ° to 85 °, in particular in the range between 70 ° and 80 °. Prefers is the Schnäpperachse essentially vertically oriented. In such an arrangement The axes can be the handle element in an ergonomically favorable Position be arranged.

The Grip element is advantageously on a frame member of Arranged flap. The catch device itself is preferred on a carrier element arranged the flap. The carrier element and the gripping element are preferably mechanically fixed to each other connected. It may further be provided that the flap substantially annular is formed and the carrier element represents a so-called flap ring.

At the flap is the Schnäppervorrichtung preferred opposite arranged to the hinge device. The catch device and the hinge device are thus substantially symmetrical to a vertical axis of symmetry of the corresponding to the opening to be closed Positioned flap part. Preferably, the handle element is then asymmetrical arranged to the hinge device. The asymmetry is related indicated to a vertical and / or horizontal line of symmetry of the opening.

The Home appliance, on which a erfindungemäße flap or one of the developments of this flap is arranged especially as a household appliance for the care of laundry items or designed as a laundry care device. Preference may be given to a tumble dryer or a washing machine, wherein the flap for closing a loading port a laundry treatment room, in particular a laundry drum, is used. Such laundry care devices have thus flaps on, which for a user ergonomically favorable to press are at the same time an optimal sealing seat on an opening to be closed Have laundry care device.

Especially the user needs to open a vertically arranged laundry compartment flap a laundry care device, for example at a so-called front loader, not to bend, since the handle element accordingly can be arranged at the top of such a flap.

The The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to schematic drawings. It demonstrate:

1 a schematic representation of a washing machine,

2 an exploded view of a flap of the washing machine according to 1 .

3 a carrier element of the flap according to 2 .

4 a perspective view of a portion of a Schnäppervorrichtung,

5 an exploded view of the Schnäppervorrichtung with a handle element and

6 a view of the flap according to the 2 and 3 ,

In The figures are the same or functionally identical elements with the provided the same reference numerals.

In 1 is a schematic representation of a perspective view of a household appliance for the care of laundry items shown. In the exemplary embodiment, the household appliance is a washing machine 1 , The washing machine 1 indicates at its front 11 a loading opening, which through a flap 2 is closable. The flap 2 is designed as a loading door. As from the illustration in 1 it can be seen, is the flap 2 formed substantially annular and has an outer frame member 21 and a sight glass 22 on. The sight glass 22 is that corresponding to the opening to be closed flap part, which with one between the opening and the sight glass 22 arranged seal cooperates to seal the opening. In addition, a handle element 23 on the outer frame member 21 movably arranged. The flap 2 is with a hinge device 24 at the washing machine 1 movably attached. To this hinge device 24 can thus shut the door 2 be pivoted, with a hinge axis 241 runs vertically in the embodiment.

The grip element 23 In the embodiment shown is substantially asymmetrical to the hinge device 24 with regard to a vertical and / or a horizontal axis of symmetry of the sight glass 22 positioned.

In 2 is an exploded perspective view of the flap 2 shown. The flap 2 includes the outer frame element 21 to which the arc segment-like shaped handle element 23 is movably arranged. The grip element 23 is one on the handle element 23 illustrated handle axis 231 arranged rotatably movable. In addition, the flap includes 2 the sight glass 22 and a spacer ring 25 at which the hinge device 24 is arranged. As can be seen, the spacer ring 25 between the outer frame member 21 and the sight glass 22 positioned.

In addition, the flap points 2 also a flap ring 26 on, with the sight glass 22 in the peripheral edge area between the spacer ring 25 and the flap ring 26 is arranged. At the flap ring 26 is a snap device 27 arranged. The catch device 27 is substantially opposite the hinge device 24 positioned and has a substantially hinge axis 241 parallel Schnäpperachse 271 on.

The catch device 27 includes a spine carrier 272 on which a pin bolt 272a is arranged. The catch bolt 272a is hook-shaped. The Schnäpperträger 272 is in a snapper holder 273 stored, with the Schnäpperhalter 273 on the flap ring 26 is is orders. Preferably, the Schnäpperhalter 273 in the valve ring 26 integrated and preferably in one piece with the flap ring 26 educated. The flap ring 26 has an opening 261 on, through which the pin bolt 272a in the assembled state of the flap 2 protrudes. The exploded view of the 2 shown sub-elements of the flap 2 are in the assembled state of the flap 2 stable connected to each other, leaving the flap 2 represents a uniform overall system.

As already from the representation in 2 it can be seen, is the handle axis 231 by an angle α (shown in 3 ) with respect to the catch axle 271 turned.

As further from the representation in 2 can be seen, the outer frame member has 21 a recess 211 on, in which the handle element 23 is arranged. The grip element 23 is in the embodiment in an actuation relative to the outer frame member 21 movably arranged. The type of movement is a rotation about the handle axis 231 , The grip element 23 can thereby on the sight glass 22 projecting or inner edge 234 the handle element of washing machine 1 be pulled away. This is the outer edge 233 of the handle element 23 handy to the washing machine 1 moved, causing a rotational movement of the handle member 23 around the handle axis 231 in the direction of the arrow 232 arises.

In 3 is a flap ring 26 the flap 2 shown. Here it is clear that the handle axis 231 at an angle α compared to the embodiment of the vertical arranged Schnäpperachse 271 is arranged. The Schnäpperachse 271 is essentially parallel to the vertical axis of symmetry 2a the sight glass 22 , The grip element 23 is both asymmetric to the vertical axis of symmetry 2a as well as the horizontal axis of symmetry 2 B the sight glass 22 with regard to the hinge device 24 and / or the Schnäppervorrichtung 27 positioned. In the embodiment, the grip element 23 arranged substantially in a two o'clock position. The handle axis 231 is in the embodiment with respect to the horizontal axis of symmetry 2 B the sight glass 22 inclined by an angle β of about 165 ° counterclockwise. The angle α between the Schnäpperachse 271 and the handle axis 231 is about 75 ° in the embodiment.

In the embodiment, the grip element 23 and the catch device 27 in the 3 shown first quarter of a segment-like division of the flap 2 arranged.

In 4 is a perspective view of the Schnäpperträgers 272 the catch device 27 shown. The Schnäpperträger 272 has in the exemplary embodiment on an elongated structure, which by the main carrier 272b is formed. At this main carrier 272b is at a first end of the bolt 272a attached to the main beam 272b movably arranged or mounted via a spring coupling. The hook-shaped Schnäpbolbolzen 272a is with a first trigger element 272d mechanically coupled.

As from the illustration in 4 can be seen, are the trigger element 272d plate-shaped and formed on the main carrier 272b arranged.

In the exemplary embodiment, the in 5 shown arrangement of the trigger element 272d such that when the handle member 23 in the direction of A, that is from the washing machine 1 is moved away or pulled, the first triggering element 272d is pressed. In this case, a force is introduced according to the direction of arrow B from above on the first trigger element 272d ,

In the mode of actuation, the mechanical coupling is thus such that the grip element 23 the trigger element 272d press from top to bottom.

The 6 shows the arrangement of the handle member 23 at the flap 2 , wherein the handle element 23 pointing to the middle of the valve.

1

Washing machine

2

Flap with handle element 23

2a

Vertical axis of symmetry of the sight glass 22

2 B

Horizontal symmetry axis of the sight glass 22

21

Outer frame element

211

Recess in the outer frame element 21

22

sight glass

23

handle element (Execution A)

231

handle axis

232

Arrow direction of the rotation of the grip element 23 in one actuation

233

Outer wall of the handle element 23

234

Inside edge of the handle element 23

24

hinge device

241

hinge axis

25

spacer

26

valve ring

261

Opening in the valve ring 26

27

Schnäppervorrichtung

271

Schnäpperachse

272

Schnäpperträger

272a

latch bolt

272b

main carrier

272c

first triggering element

272d

second triggering element

273

Schnäpperhalter

A

Arrow direction of a type of actuation on the handle element 23

B

Arrow direction of a force on the trigger element 272d

C

Arrow direction of a force on the trigger element 272c

α

Angle between the handle axis 231 and the pinch axle 271

β

Angle between the horizontal axis of symmetry 2 B and the handle axis 231

Claims (12)

Flap for a household appliance ( 1 ) comprising a movable grip element ( 23 ) substantially above the horizontal center line ( 2 B ) the flap ( 2 ) is arranged around a substantially vertical hinge axis ( 241 ) rotatable hinge device ( 24 ), with which the flap ( 2 ) on the household appliance ( 1 ), and a catch device ( 27 ), which has a movable latch pin ( 272a ) and with the handle element ( 23 . 33 ) is mechanically coupled such that by operating the grip element ( 23 ) the catch device ( 27 ) is actuated, characterized in that the Schnäppervorrichtung ( 27 ) at the flap ( 2 ) is arranged that the Schnäpbolbolzen ( 272a ) with the flap closed ( 2 ) on a substantially horizontal centerline ( 2 B ) one of the flap ( 2 ) to be closed opening of the household appliance ( 1 ) lies. Flap according to claim 1, characterized in that the Schnäppervorrichtung ( 27 ) at least one triggering element ( 272d ), which is for actuating the Schnäpperbolzens ( 272a ) by actuating the grip element ( 23 ) is triggered. Flap according to claim 2, characterized in that the Schnäppervorrichtung ( 27 ) a Schnäpperträger ( 272 ), on which the Schnäpbolbolzen ( 272a ) and the trigger element ( 272d ) are arranged. Flap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the catch bolt ( 272a ) rotatable about a substantially parallel to the hinge axis ( 241 ) arranged Schnäpperachse ( 271 ) is stored. Flap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip element ( 23 ) rotatable about a handle axis ( 231 ) and that the handle axis ( 231 ) and the Schnäpperachse ( 271 ) have a different position. Flap according to claim 5, characterized in that the handle axis ( 231 ) and the Schnäpperachse ( 271 ) is arranged at an angle α to each other. Flap according to claim 6, characterized in that the angle α in a range of 65 ° to 85 °, in particular in a range between 70 ° and 80 °, lies. Flap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the flap ( 2 ) is annular. Flap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the grip element ( 23 ) on an outer frame element ( 21 ) the flap ( 2 ) is arranged. Flap according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Schnäppervorrichtung ( 27 ) on a support element of the flap ( 2 ), in particular on a flap ring ( 26 ) is arranged. Laundry-care appliance, in particular washing machine, characterized in that a flap ( 2 ) according to any one of the preceding claims. Laundry care appliance according to claim 11, characterized in that the flap ( 2 ) for closing a feed opening of a laundry treatment room, in particular a laundry drum, is formed.