DE102020211705A1 - Door unit for closing an opening in a laundry care appliance - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a door unit (13) for closing an opening (11) of a laundry care appliance (1), the door unit (13) comprising a first window ring unit (15), a window element (23) being receivable in the first window ring unit (15). is. The door unit (13) also includes a second window ring unit (45), the second window ring unit (45) being attachable to the first window ring unit (15) and being provided essentially for design reasons, and a window frame (51) for essentially covering the door unit (13), wherein the first window ring unit (15) is formed from a substantially first semi-circular ring member (19) and a substantially second semi-circular ring member (21).

Description

The invention relates to a door unit for closing an opening in a laundry care appliance according to claim 1, a method for assembling a door unit according to claim 13 and a laundry care appliance with a door unit according to claim 15.

A door unit of a laundry care device essentially serves to close an opening through which the utensils to be treated can be placed in a receptacle of a laundry care device. One prior art construction of a door assembly includes a rear frame member. A door glass is inserted in the rear frame element. The door glass is essentially bag-shaped. Furthermore, a so-called design spacer is attached to the rear frame element. The door glass is essentially fixed between the rear frame member and the design spacer in the door unit. A viewing window is usually attached to the design spacer. The viewing window closes the bag-shaped door glass in such a way that a cavity is created between the door glass and the viewing window. This is intended to protect a user from coming into contact with the door glass if, for example, a program is selected on the laundry care appliance in which high temperatures occur or are preset and/or set. So that the door unit also makes a good visual impression, a front frame element is formed, which essentially extends over the entire elements of the door unit, rear frame element, door glass, design spacer and viewing window. Furthermore, the front frame member includes an engaging portion that functions as a door handle.

It is the object of the present invention to provide a door unit for closing an opening of a laundry care appliance which is improved over the prior art.

According to one aspect of the present invention, the object according to the invention is achieved by a door unit for closing an opening of a laundry care appliance with the features mentioned below. The door unit comprises a first window ring unit, a window element being receivable in the first window ring unit, and a second window ring unit, the second window ring unit being attachable to the first window ring unit and being provided essentially for design reasons. Furthermore, the door unit includes a window frame for essentially covering the door unit. The first window ring unit is formed of a generally first semi-circular ring member and a generally second semi-circular ring member.

Material costs are saved with the above construction of the door unit, as less material is required, greater rigidity of the door unit is achieved and quick and easy assembly of the door unit is ensured.

Preferably, the first essentially semicircular ring element comprises a first essentially semicircular receiving device and the second essentially semicircular ring element comprises a second essentially semicircular receiving device, the window element being received or receivable in the first receiving device and in the second receiving device.

In other words, the window member is sandwiched between the first substantially semi-circular ring member and the second substantially semi-circular ring member. The window member is generally supported by the first and second generally semi-circular ring members.

The first receiving device of the first essentially semicircular ring element and the second receiving device of the second essentially semicircular ring element advantageously each have at least one deformable spacer element for tolerance-free receiving of the window element.

Each component essentially has specific manufacturing tolerances that must be taken into account during assembly, so that all components that are necessary or used can be connected to one another. In the present invention, at least one deformable spacer element is provided that can adapt to the window element, also called door glass. This ensures that the window element can be accommodated by the first and second essentially semicircular ring elements despite its manufacturing tolerances and the manufacturing tolerances of the first and second essentially semicircular ring elements. The door glass is thereby substantially fixedly received in the first and second substantially semi-circular ring members. Further fastening means for fastening the window element are essentially not necessary. The at least one deformable spacer element can preferably be designed in the manner of ribs.

The first essentially semi-circular ring element has a first insertion device, wherein the first insertion device is essentially semicircular and is arranged axially offset relative to the first receiving device. The second essentially semicircular ring element has a second insertion device, the second insertion device being essentially semicircular in shape and being arranged axially offset relative to the second receiving device.

The first and the second essentially semicircular insertion device are provided for receiving a viewing window of the laundry care appliance. However, it is also conceivable that the window element and the viewing window are configured as one element, so that only a first and a second receiving device are configured. The first and the second essentially semicircular insertion device can be designed analogously to the first and the second essentially semicircular receiving device. The first and the second essentially semicircular insertion device can each have at least one second deformable spacer element. The at least one second deformable spacer element can preferably be designed in the manner of ribs. The viewing window is arranged in front of the window element when the door unit is viewed from above and serves to protect the user, as already mentioned above. A cavity is created between the window element and the viewing window.

The first essentially semicircular ring element advantageously has at least one first connecting element and the second essentially semicircular ring element has at least one second connecting element, with the first connecting element and the second connecting element each being provided on the front side of the respective essentially semicircular ring element.

The first essentially semicircular ring element and the second essentially semicircular ring element are connected to one another with the at least one first connecting element and the at least one second connecting element. The at least one first connection element can be designed as a snap connection and/or clip connection and/or latching connection and/or screw connection. The at least one second connection element can be designed as a snap connection and/or clip connection and/or latching connection and/or screw connection. The at least one first and the at least one second connection element comprises connection receiving elements, which are arranged essentially opposite to the respective connection, snap and/or clip connection and/or screw connection, so that a connection is possible.

It is conceivable that the at least one first connection element and the at least one second connection element have the same connection type or different connection types, such as the at least one first connection element being a snap connection and the at least one second connection element being a screw connection. In the case of a snap connection and/or locking connection and/or clip connection, it is self-explanatory that at least one snap element and/or locking element and/or clip element is designed so that it is inserted into a connection receiving element provided for this purpose. The at least one first connection element and the at least one second connection element are provided for easy connection of the second window ring unit to the first window ring unit.

The second window ring unit advantageously has at least one third connecting element, it being possible for the at least one third connecting element to be connected to the first window ring unit.

The at least one third connecting element is formed in the direction of the first window ring unit. The at least one third connection element is preferably designed as a snap connection and/or latching connection and/or clip connection. However, it is also conceivable that the at least one third connection element is designed as a screw connection and/or as a further fastening element. The at least one third connection element is provided for easy and quick connection of the second window ring unit to the first window ring unit.

A first recessed grip element of a grip unit can preferably be attached to the first window ring unit. The first recessed grip element is a component part of a grip unit. The first recessed grip element can be attached to the first window ring unit with screw connections. However, it is also conceivable that the first recessed grip element is attached to the first window ring unit with a snap connection and/or locking connection and/or clip connection. The first recessed grip element can be attachable to the first essentially semicircular ring element and/or to the second essentially semicircular ring element.

A second recessed grip element is advantageously formed on the second window ring unit, with the second window ring unit being attached in such a way the first window ring unit can be attached such that the first recessed grip element and the second recessed grip element interact in such a way that the handle unit is formed.

The window frame advantageously comprises a plurality of fourth connecting elements which are provided for connecting the window frame to the first window ring unit and/or the second window ring unit.

The plurality of fourth connecting elements can preferably be designed as snap-in connections and/or snap-in connections and/or clip connections. However, it is also conceivable for the plurality of fourth connecting elements to be in the form of screw connections and/or further fastening elements. The plurality of fourth connection elements are provided for easy connection of the window frame to the first window ring unit and/or to the second window ring unit. The window frame serves as the closing element of the door unit and completes the design of the door unit. Furthermore, behind the window frame, the various connecting elements mentioned above are essentially hidden, so that a user cannot get caught on one of the connecting elements.

Advantageously, the first essentially semi-circular ring element and the second essentially semi-circular ring element each have at least one reinforcing rib.

The reinforcing rib gives the first window ring unit or the first essentially semicircular ring element and the second essentially semicircular ring element greater rigidity with a simultaneously thinner material thickness of the first window ring unit or the two ring elements. This saves material costs while at the same time improving the rigidity of the window ring unit.

• - Einsetzen eines Fensterelements in ein erstes halbkreisförmiges Ringelement einer ersten Fensterringeinheit,
• - Aufsetzen eines zweiten halbkreisförmigen Ringelements der ersten Fensterringeinheit auf das Fensterelement und das erste halbkreisförmige Ringelement der ersten Fensterringeinheit,
• - Anbringen eines ersten Griffmuldenelements an der ersten Fensterringeinheit,
• - Anbringen einer zweiten Fensterringeinheit an der ersten Fensterringeinheit, wobei die zweite Fensterringeinheit ein zweites Griffmuldenelement umfasst,
• - Anbringen eines Fensterrahmens an der zweiten Fensterringeinheit und/oder an der ersten Fensterringeinheit, zum im Wesentlichen Verkleiden der Türeinheit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the object according to the invention is achieved by a method for assembling a door unit. The procedure includes:

• - inserting a window element into a first semi-circular ring element of a first window ring unit,
• - placing a second semi-circular ring element of the first window ring unit on the window element and the first semi-circular ring element of the first window ring unit,
• - attaching a first recessed grip element to the first window ring unit,
• - attaching a second window ring unit to the first window ring unit, the second window ring unit comprising a second recessed grip element,
• - attaching a window frame to the second window ring unit and/or to the first window ring unit to essentially disguise the door unit.

The method for assembling a door unit of a laundry care appliance provides a cost-effective method for assembling a door unit. The points listed above are not to be fixed in this order, but can vary in their order, so that easier assembly can be guaranteed.

The method preferably includes the features illustrated or described above.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, the object according to the invention is achieved by a laundry care appliance with a door unit according to one of the aspects mentioned above.

• 1 zeigt eine Frontansicht eines Wäschepflegegeräts mit einer Türeinheit;
• 2 zeigt eine erste Fensterringeinheit mit einem Fensterelement;
• 3a zeigt ein erstes im Wesentlichen halbkreisförmiges Ringelement;
• 3b zeigt einen vergrößerten Abschnitt des ersten im Wesentlichen halbkreisförmigen Ringelements;
• 3c zeigt einen weiteren, vergrößerten Abschnitt des ersten im Wesentlichen halbkreisförmigen Ringelements;
• 4 zeigt eine an der Türeinheit angeordnete zweite Fensterringeinheit;
• 5 zeigt eine Gesamtansicht der Türeinheit;
• 6 zeigt einen Fertigungsprozess der Türeinheit.

Further properties and advantages of the present invention result from the following description with reference to the drawings.

• 1 shows a front view of a laundry care appliance with a door unit;
• 2 shows a first window ring unit with a window element;
• 3a shows a first substantially semi-circular ring member;
• 3b Figure 12 shows an enlarged portion of the first substantially semi-circular ring member;
• 3c Figure 12 shows another enlarged portion of the first substantially semi-circular ring member;
• 4 shows a second window ring unit arranged on the door unit;
• 5 shows an overall view of the door unit;
• 6 shows a manufacturing process of the door unit.

In 1 a laundry care appliance is shown with a door unit. The laundry care appliance 1 can be a washing machine, a washer-dryer and/or a tumble dryer, for example.

The laundry care appliance 1 essentially comprises a housing 3. A receptacle 5 is arranged in the housing 3. In the present exemplary embodiment, utensils to be cleaned and/or dried, such as laundry, can be accommodated in the receptacle 5 . Furthermore, the housing 3 has a front wall 7 and side walls 9 . An opening 11 is formed in the front wall 7 of the case 3 . A user can put the utensils to be cleaned and/or dried into the receptacle 5 through the opening 11 . The opening 11 can be closed with a door unit 13 . The door unit 13 is essentially rotatably or pivotably attached to the housing 3 of the laundry care appliance 1 .

The door unit 13 of the laundry care appliance 1 includes a first window ring unit 15. In 2 the first window ring unit 15 is shown with a first recessed grip element 17 of a grip unit 18 . The first window ring unit 15 has a first substantially semi-circular ring element 19 and a second substantially semi-circular ring element 21 . The window ring unit 15 has a horizontal axis H, for example. For example, the first essentially semicircular ring element 19 is arranged below the horizontal axis H and the second essentially semicircular ring element 21 is arranged above the horizontal axis H. However, it is also conceivable that the first essentially semicircular ring element 19 is arranged above the horizontal axis H and the second essentially semicircular ring element 21 is arranged below the horizontal axis H. In the following it is assumed that above the horizontal axis H the second essentially semi-circular ring element 21 is arranged.

However, it is also conceivable that the window ring unit 15 has a vertical axis and the first essentially semicircular ring element 19 is arranged to the left or right of the vertical axis and the second essentially semicircular ring element 21 is arranged to the right or left of the vertical axis.

A window element 23 is accommodated between the first essentially semi-circular ring element 19 and the second essentially semi-circular ring element 21 . At least one reinforcement rib 25 is formed on the first substantially semi-circular ring member 19 . Furthermore, at least one reinforcement rib 25 is formed on the second essentially semicircular ring element 21 . In the present embodiment in 2 preferably three reinforcing ribs 25 are formed on the first substantially semi-circular ring member 19 and three reinforcing ribs 25 are formed on the second substantially semi-circular ring member 21 .

The first recessed grip element 17 is essentially curved. The first recessed grip element 17 is essentially designed as a section of an arc of a circle. The first recessed grip element 17 essentially extends over a circular path of a ring of a quadrant. The recessed grip element 17 is attached to the first window ring unit 15 with at least one recessed grip fastening means 27 . The recessed grip element 17 can preferably be attached to the first and/or to the second essentially semicircular ring element 19 , 21 . The recessed grip element 17 is preferably attached to one of the two essentially semicircular ring elements 19 , 21 . In the present exemplary embodiment, the recessed grip element 17 is preferably arranged on the second essentially semicircular ring element 21 . Furthermore, the first recessed grip element 17 extends in the in 2 embodiment shown beyond an end face 29 of the second ring element 21 also.

In 3a the first essentially semi-circular ring element 19 and the second essentially semi-circular ring element 21 are shown by way of example. In 3b An enlarged portion of the first substantially semi-circular ring member 19 is shown by way of example. The second substantially semi-circular ring member 21 includes substantially in the 3a until 3c items shown.

The first essentially semicircular ring element 19 comprises a first essentially semicircular receiving device 31. The second essentially semicircular ring element 21 comprises a first essentially semicircular receiving device 33. The window element 23 is in each case in the first essentially semicircular receiving device 31 and in of the second essentially semicircular receiving device 33 is received.

Furthermore, the first essentially semicircular ring element 19 comprises a first insertion device 35 and the second essentially semicircular ring element 21 comprises a second insertion device 37. The first insertion device 35 and the second insertion device 37 are both essentially semicircular. The first insertion device 35 is arranged axially offset to the first receiving device 31 on the first essentially semicircular ring element 19 . The second insertion device 37 is axially offset to the second receiving device 33 is arranged on the first essentially semicircular ring element 21 . In the first insertion device 35 and in the second insertion device 37 there is a viewing window 38 (shown, inter alia, in 4 and 6 ) recorded.

The first essentially semi-circular ring element 19 comprises at least one first connecting element 39. The second essentially semi-circular ring element 21 comprises at least one second connecting element 41. The at least one first connecting element 39 and the at least one second connecting element 41 are each on the front side of the respective essentially semi-circular Ring element 19, 21 arranged or formed. The first connecting element 39 and the second connecting element 41 can be designed as a snap connection and/or clip connection and/or latching connection and/or screw connection. As already mentioned above, the first connecting element 39 and the second connecting element 41 can be designed as different types of connection. It is also conceivable that a plurality of first connecting elements 39 are formed on the first ring element 19 and a plurality of second connecting elements 41 are formed on the second ring element 21 . At least one connecting element 59 is arranged opposite the at least one first connecting element 39 and the at least one second connecting element 41 so that the first ring element 19 can be connected to the second ring element 21 and vice versa.

In 3c a further, enlarged section of the first essentially semicircular ring element 19 is shown as an example. The second essentially semicircular ring element 21 essentially comprises the 3c items shown.

The first receiving device 31 of the first essentially semicircular ring element 19 comprises at least one deformable spacer element 43. In 3c only one deformable spacer element 43 is shown by way of example in the first receiving device 31 of the first essentially semicircular ring element 19 . The at least one deformable spacer element 43 is provided for receiving the window element 23 without tolerance.

In 4 a second window ring unit 45 arranged on the door unit 13 is shown. The second window ring unit 45 comprises at least one third connecting element 47. The at least one third connecting element 47 is preferably designed as a snap connection and/or clip connection and/or latching connection. Other types of connection are conceivable. It is also conceivable that the third connecting elements 47 comprise different types of connection, as already described above for the first and the second connecting elements 39, 41, for example. As already mentioned above, the at least one third connecting element 47 is arranged essentially opposite the connecting receiving element (not shown), the connecting receiving elements being provided for receiving the at least one third connecting element 47 .

Furthermore, a second recessed grip element 49 is formed on the second window ring unit 45 . The second window ring unit 45 can be attached to the first window ring unit 15 with the third connecting elements 47 in such a way that the first recessed grip element 17 and the second recessed grip element 49 interact in such a way that the grip unit 18 is formed.

In 5 an overall view of the door unit 13 is essentially shown. In addition to the features already described above, the door unit 13 in 5 a window frame 51. The window frame 51 is provided for cladding the door unit 13 substantially.

In the following and in 6 a manufacturing process or an assembly process of the above-described door unit 13 of the laundry care appliance 1 is briefly described. In 6 the manufacturing process or the assembly process is shown in simplified form. In the 6 Arrows shown represent the assembling direction of the door unit 13 and are only for better illustration.

One of the two essentially semicircular ring elements 19, 21 of the first window ring unit 15 is taken. It goes without saying that there is essentially no difference whether the first or the second essentially semi-circular ring element 19, 21 is taken. In the following, the first essentially semicircular ring element 19 is taken for the sake of simplicity.

The window element 23 is inserted into the first receiving device 35 of the first essentially semicircular ring element 19 . The window element 23 is essentially held by means of the spacer elements 43 and/or the first receiving device 35 . The viewing window 38 is then inserted into the first insertion device. Furthermore, a hinge unit 53 and a closing element 55 are inserted into the first ring element 19 . Then the second essentially semi-circular ring element 21 placed and connected to the first essentially semi-circular ring elements 19 . Now either the first recessed grip element 17 of the grip unit 18 can be fastened or attached to the second, essentially semicircular ring element 21 of the first window ring unit 15 and then the second window ring unit 45, or first the second window ring unit 45 and then the recessed grip element 17. Depending on which mounting method is easier.

The recessed grip element 49 formed on the second window ring unit 45 forms, together with the first recessed grip element 17, the grip unit 18 of the laundry care appliance 1. Finally, the window frame 51, which includes at least a fourth connecting element 57, is attached to the door unit 13. The at least one fourth connecting element 57 is preferably designed as a snap connection and/or clip connection and/or latching connection. Other types of connection are conceivable.

The at least one first connecting element 39, the at least one second connecting element 41, the at least one third connecting element 47 and the at least one fourth connecting element 57 can be connected to a connection receiving element 59. The connection receiving elements 59 are formed essentially opposite the respective connection element 39, 41, 47, 57, so that it is possible to connect components. The connection receiving element 59 is shown in FIG 6 and 3a shown. This means, for example, that a first connecting element 39 is formed in the area of an end face 21 of one of the essentially semicircular ring elements 19, 21 and a connection receiving element 59 is formed on the other essentially semicircular ring elements 19, 21 arranged opposite in the area of end face 21. The same applies to all connecting elements 39,41,47,57. The interaction of the connecting elements 39, 41, 47, 57 and the connecting receiving elements 59 enables the individual components to be connected simply, quickly and securely. It should be mentioned once again that the connection receiving elements 59 are provided for receiving one of the connecting elements 39, 41, 47, 57.

Reference List

1

laundry care device

3

housing

5

receptacle

7

front wall

9

Side wall

11

opening

13

door unit

15

first window ring unit

17

recessed grip element

18

handle unit

19

first substantially semi-circular ring member

21

second substantially semi-circular ring member

23

window element

25

reinforcing rib

27

handle fasteners

29

face

31

first substantially semi-circular receptacle

33

second substantially semi-circular receptacle

35

first introducer

37

second insertion device

38

viewing window

39

first connector

41

second connector

43

spacer element

45

second window ring unit

47

third connector

49

second recessed grip element

51

window frames

53

hinge unit

55

closing element

57

fourth connector

59

connection receiving element

Claims (13)

Door unit (13) for closing an opening (11) of a laundry care appliance (1), wherein the door unit (13) comprises a first window ring unit (15), wherein a window element (23) can be accommodated in the first window ring unit (15), a second window ring unit (45), wherein the second window ring unit (45) can be attached to the first window ring unit (15) and is provided essentially for design reasons, a window frame (51) for substantially covering the door unit (13), characterized in that the first window ring unit (15) is formed of a substantially first semi-circular ring member (19) and a substantially second semi-circular ring member (21). Door unit (13) after claim 1 , characterized in that the first substantially semi-circular annular element (19) has a first substantially semi-circular receptacle (31) and the second substantially semi-circular annular element (21) has a second substantially semi-circular receptacle (33), the window element (23) is received in the first receiving device (31) and in the second receiving device (33). Door unit (13) after claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the first substantially semi-circular receiving device (31) of the first substantially semi-circular ring element (19) and the second substantially semi-circular receiving device (33) of the second substantially semi-circular ring element (21) each have at least one deformable spacer element (43) have for tolerance-free accommodation of the window element (23). Door unit (13) after claim 3 , characterized in that the first essentially semicircular ring element (19) has a first insertion device (35), wherein the first insertion device (35) is essentially semicircular and is arranged axially offset to the first receiving device (31) and that the second The essentially semicircular ring element (21) has a second insertion device (37), the second insertion device (37) being essentially semicircular and being arranged axially offset relative to the second receiving device (33). Door unit (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first substantially semi-circular ring element (19) has at least one first connecting element (39) and the second substantially semi-circular ring element (21) has at least one second connecting element (41), wherein the first connecting element (39) and the second connecting element (41) are each provided on the front side of the respective essentially semicircular ring element (19, 21). Door unit (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second window ring unit (45) has at least one third connecting element (47), it being possible for the at least one third connecting element (47) to be connected to the first window ring unit (15). Door unit (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a first recessed grip element (17) of a grip unit (18) can be attached to the first window ring unit (15). Door unit (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a second recessed grip element (49) is formed on the second window ring unit (45), the second window ring unit (45) being attachable to the first window ring unit (15) in such a way that the first recessed grip element (17) and the second recessed grip element (49) interact in such a way that the grip unit (18) is formed. Door unit (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the window frame (51) comprises a plurality of fourth connecting elements (52) for connecting the window frame (51) to the first window ring unit (15) and/or the second window ring unit (45) are provided. Door unit (13) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first substantially semi-circular ring element (19) and the second substantially semi-circular ring element (21) each have at least one reinforcing rib (25). Method for assembling a door unit (13) of a laundry care appliance (1), the method essentially comprising: - inserting a window element (23) into a first semi-circular ring element (19) of a first window ring unit (15), - placing a second semicircular ring element (21) of the first window ring unit (15) on the window element (23) and the first semicircular ring element (19) of the first window ring unit (15), - Attaching a first recessed grip element (17) to the first window ring unit (15), - Attaching a second window ring unit (45) to the first window ring unit (15), the second window ring unit (45) comprising a second recessed grip element (49), - attaching a window frame (51) to the second window ring unit (45) and/or to the first window ring unit (15) to essentially disguise the door unit (13). procedure after claim 10 , characterized in that the method has the characteristics of Claims 1 until 9 includes. Laundry care appliance (1) with a door unit (13) according to one of Claims 1 until 10 .

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