EP2281938B1 - Water-guiding household device with a jacket - Google Patents

Abstract

The bowl (1) has a cover plate (3) flexibly connected with a base body (2). The cover plate has a connection part (21) that cooperates with a connection part (20) of the base body at a snap fit connection. An actuator (25) enables the release of the connection between the cover plate and the base body and the connection between the connection part of the cover plate and the connection part of the base body. The actuator is arranged at a left side (17) or a right side (19) of the cover plate and has structured surface.

Description

The invention relates to a shell, in particular a Einspülschale, and a water-bearing domestic appliance with such a shell. Specifically, the invention relates to the field of washing machines, tumble dryers and laundry dryers in which the functions of washing and drying are integrated in one device.

From the EP 1 884 584 A2 is a washing machine known. The known washing machine has a plurality of containers filled with laundry treatment agents. The amount of laundry treatment agent is sufficient for several washing cycles. About Zumesseinheiten the required amounts of laundry treatment agents are introduced into the washing drum. The containers for receiving the laundry treatment means are arranged on a movable support. Here, the containers are placed separately on the carrier.

The from the EP 1 884 584 A2 known washing machine has the disadvantage that the operation, especially in relation to the container, is expensive.

The DE 10 2005 011 046 B3 discloses a tray for a washing machine having the features of the preamble of claim 1.

The object of the invention is to provide a shell that allows a simplified operation, and a water-bearing household appliance with such a shell. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a shell and a water-bearing domestic appliance, which allow intuitive operation and are particularly suitable for use in a household.

The object is achieved by a shell according to the invention and an inventive water-conducting domestic appliance with the features of the respective independent claim. Preferred embodiments of the invention are set forth in respective dependent claims and the following description, wherein preferred embodiments of the shell correspond to preferred embodiments of the domestic appliance and vice versa, and this even if it is not explicitly stated herein.

Accordingly, the shell according to the invention, which is in particular a Einspülschale for a water-bearing domestic appliance, a base body and a diaphragm, which is connected to the base body, wherein the connection between the panel and the base body is detachable, wherein the panel has at least one connecting element, which cooperates with a connecting element of the base body to a latching connection, wherein an actuating element is provided which allows for releasing the connection between the diaphragm and the base body releasing the latching connection between the connecting element of the diaphragm and the connecting element of the base body.

The inventive water-bearing domestic appliance, which is in particular a domestic appliance for washing and / or drying laundry, has at least one housing part and a shell according to the invention, which can be inserted into the housing part.

Specifically, according to the invention has the advantage that an intuitive operation is possible, with a shapely appearance can be guaranteed.

It is advantageous that the connection between the panel and the base body is made detachable. In this case, the detachable connection enable pivoting of the diaphragm to the body. In addition, it is also possible that the panel can be completely removed from the body.

For example, the shell may have one or more chambers that can be filled with laundry treating agents or, in other applications, comparable liquids. In this case, optionally filling openings may be provided. At certain intervals, manual cleaning of the tray may be required. At such a time, the individual chambers of the shell may be at least partially and optionally filled with different levels. For a cleaning, however, a complete emptying of the chambers is usually required. It is advantageous that the chambers of the shell can be emptied separately via suitable outlets. Such provided with suitable closures spouts are preferably arranged behind the panel and concealed by this, to allow a shapely design. However, then a partial or complete removal of the aperture of the body of the shell is required. By the connecting elements of the shell a latching connection is ensured, the release of which by means of an actuating element allows a release of the connection. By the presence of the actuator, it is apparent to the user how the release of the connection can be achieved.

It is advantageous that the actuating element is in operative connection with the connecting element of the diaphragm. Here, the connecting element of the diaphragm can be configured integrally with the actuating element. However, the actuating element and the connecting element of the diaphragm can also be separate parts, the actuating element acting on the connecting element of the diaphragm for releasing the connection between the diaphragm and the basic body.

It is advantageous that the actuating element is arranged with respect to a front surface of the diaphragm on a left side or a right side of the diaphragm. Specifically, the actuator may be arranged on the panel so that it is covered by a housing part into which the shell is completely inserted. By a section-wise pulling out of the shell from the housing part, the actuating element is then visible and allows actuation. As a result, on the one hand, a shapely design can be realized. On the other hand unintentional actuation in the fully inserted state of the diaphragm is prevented.

But it is also advantageous that the actuating element is arranged with respect to the front surface of the diaphragm at an upper side of the diaphragm. As a result, the actuator is clearly visible to a user. The front surface can be beautifully designed.

It is advantageous that the actuating element has a structured surface. As a result, an operation is possible even with a certain contamination, for example, if dirt and laundry treatment agent residues pollute the actuator. In addition, the textured surface makes it easy for a user to know where to operate the actuator.

Advantageously, a spring element is provided which serves to return the actuating element in a starting position. When connecting the panel with the Basic body then the user only has to make sure that the latching connection between the connecting elements engages. This facilitates the assembly of the shell of the panel and the body.

Here, it is also advantageous that the spring element and the connecting element of the diaphragm are formed as an injection molded part. The spring element may be designed, for example, serpentine, with a certain elasticity is ensured by the serpentine configuration.

It is advantageous that the connecting element of the diaphragm has a web which engages in a groove of the connecting element of the base body and which is displaceable along the groove, that the actuating element is designed as a slide and that by actuation of the actuating element of the web of the connecting element of the diaphragm from the groove of the connecting element of the base body is pushed. Here, it is also advantageous that the spring element and the actuating element are formed from an injection molded part or that the spring element is molded onto the actuating element. This embodiment has the advantage that a relatively low actuation force is required, which may need to be applied against the force of the spring element. By the spring element, the actuating element is returned to its initial position. When reconnecting the panel to the base body, the web of the connecting element of the panel can engage in the groove of the connecting element of the base body, which in a simple manner, a renewed assembly is possible.

It is advantageous that the connecting element of the panel has a latching nose, which engages for connecting the panel to the base body to a latching lug of the connecting element of the base body, that the actuating element has a wedge-shaped wedge piece and that upon actuation of the actuating element, the wedge piece of the actuating element Detent connection between the latch of the connector of the panel and the latch of the connector of the shell triggers. In this way, a latching connection is formed, which allows a simple assembly of the diaphragm and the body. Furthermore, the release of the latching connection can take place with a relatively low actuating force. In this case, the actuating element as a slide be designed. Furthermore, it is also possible for the user to act on the actuating element in such a way that he presses on the wedge.

It is advantageous that the connecting element of the diaphragm has a latching nose, which engages in a recess of the connecting element of the base body and that by an actuation of the actuating element, the latching lug can be lifted out of the recess of the connecting element. Specifically, two such actuating elements can be provided with latching lugs, which are arranged on a left and right side of the panel. By pressing the actuators on both sides by a user a two-sided release of the locking connections is made possible, so that the diaphragm can be removed from the body.

Accordingly, two actuators can be operated with locking lugs on an upper side of the diaphragm, so that also a removal of the diaphragm of the main body is possible.

It is also advantageous that the diaphragm has a connection bar, which is for connecting the panel with the main body with a connecting bar of the body engaged, wherein when dissolved latching connection between the connecting element of the diaphragm and the connecting element of the base pivoting the panel relative to the Base body is made possible about an axis of rotation, which is determined by the engagement of the connecting strip of the panel in the connecting bar of the body. In this way, a reliable attachment of the diaphragm can be achieved on the body by means of a latching connection. Further, after releasing the locking connection, the panel can be completely removed from the body.

Fig. 1

eine Schale in einer auszugsweisen, schematischen, räumlichen Darstellung entsprechend einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 2

den in Fig. 1 mit II bezeichneten Ausschnitt einer Schale entsprechend einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 3

die in Fig. 1 gezeigte Schale entsprechend einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel aus der mit III bezeichneten Richtung in einer auszugsweisen räumlichen Darstellung und

Fig. 4

die in Fig. 3 dargestellte Schale entsprechend einem vierten Ausführungsbeispiel in einer auszugsweisen, teilweise geöffneten Darstellung.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which corresponding elements are provided with corresponding reference numerals. Show it:

Fig. 1

a shell in an excerpt, schematic, spatial representation according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

the in Fig. 1 designated II section of a shell according to a second embodiment;

Fig. 3

in the Fig. 1 shown shell according to a third embodiment of the designated III direction in a partial spatial representation and

Fig. 4

in the Fig. 3 illustrated shell according to a fourth embodiment in a partial, partially open representation.

Fig. 1 shows a shell 1 in an excerpt, schematic, spatial representation according to a first embodiment. The shell 1 can be configured in particular as a dispenser 1 and serve for a water-conducting domestic appliance. Specifically, the shell 1 can be used for a water-handling household appliance designed as a laundry treatment appliance, which serves for washing and / or drying laundry. Specifically, such a water-conducting household appliance can be configured as a washing machine or washer-dryer. However, the shell 1 and the water-bearing domestic appliance with such a shell 1 is also suitable for other applications.

The shell 1 has a main body 2 and a diaphragm 3. The panel 3 has a front surface 4 on which an engagement 5 is designed to pull the panel 3 with the main body 2, for example, from a housing part of a water-bearing household appliance. The main body 2 of the shell 1 has chambers 6, 7, in the laundry treatment agent or the like. Can be filled. Here are filling openings 8, 9 are provided, through which the laundry treatment agent into the chambers 6, 7 are filled.

Between the program runs of the domestic appliance, the user can check whether the chambers 6, 7 are still sufficiently filled and possibly refill laundry treatment. However, it may be necessary at certain intervals that the entire shell 1 must be removed for cleaning purposes from the water-bearing household appliance. In this case, certain quantities of laundry treatment agents can still be stored in the chambers 6, 7. In order to allow a separate removal of stocked in the shell 1 laundry treatment agent, are on a front side 10 of the base body 2, the back of the 11th facing the panel 3, provided with closures closed outlets. Each chamber 6, 7 is associated with an outlet.

The panel 3 is connectable to the main body 2. In the connected state, the spouts are covered by the aperture 3. However, the connection between the panel 3 and the main body 2 is designed to be detachable in order to reach the outlets for the chambers 6, 7 and to remove the closures.

The panel 3 has a connecting strip 15, which is for connecting the panel 3 with the base body 2 with a connecting bar 16 of the base body 2 in engagement. Here is in the Fig. 1 a state shown in which the engagement between the connecting bar 15 of the panel 3 and the connecting bar 16 of the base body 2 is released. When the connecting strip 15 of the panel 3 is engaged with the connecting bar 16 of the base body 2, then pivoting of the panel 3 is made possible relative to the base body 2 about an axis of rotation, by the engagement of the connecting bar 15 of the panel 3 in the connecting bar 16 of Basic body 2 is determined. For example, pivoting about 45 ° from the fixed starting position is possible in order to then completely detach the diaphragm 3 from the main body 2. Thus, the panel 3 can be completely removed from the base body 2.

To connect the panel 3 with the base body 2 is used in addition to the connecting strips 15, 16 which are provided in the region of a left side 17 of the panel 3 relative to the front surface 4, a locking connection 18 which provided in the region of a right side 19 of the panel 3 is. The latching connection 18 is formed between a connecting element 20 of the main body 2 and a connecting element 21 of the diaphragm 3. In this embodiment, the connecting element 21 of the diaphragm 3 has a web 22 which engages in a groove 23 of the connecting element 20 of the base body 2. In this case, the connecting element 21 of the panel 3 has a groove into which a corresponding web of the connecting element 20 of the base body 2 engages. When mounting the panel 3 on the base body 2 by a user (user) is due to a certain flexibility of the connecting elements 20, 21 the possibility that the connecting elements 20, 21 bend slightly laterally and slide past each other to a snap and thus a simple Allow assembly.

To release the locking connection 18 between the connecting elements 20, 21 is an actuating element 25, which is arranged on the right side 19 of the panel 3. The actuator 25 has a textured surface, whereby the operation is facilitated and the actuator 25 is intuitively recognized as such by an operator. Further, 25 symbols 26, 27 may be provided on the panel 3 in the area of the actuating element, which symbolize a closed state and an open state. This further facilitates the use.

The actuating element is by a spring element 28 ( Fig. 2 ) is acted upon in the direction indicated by the symbol 26 position with a restoring force. The arranged on the right side 19 actuator 25 can be hidden in the inserted state of the shell 1 by a housing part. After pulling out of the shell 1 by the width of the right side 19 of the panel 3, the actuator 25 is visible and can be operated by the user.

Fig. 2 shows the in Fig. 1 labeled II section of a shell 1 according to a second embodiment in a schematic, spatial representation. In this embodiment, the spring element 28 is molded onto the actuating element 25. Here, the spring element 28 is designed serpentine, whereby a certain elasticity of the spring element 28 is ensured. Upon actuation of the actuating element 25 in the direction 29, the spring element 28 is compressed. This creates a bias that acts on the actuator 25 in the direction of its initial position. The connecting element 20 of the main body 2 and the connecting element 21 of the diaphragm 3 are configured finger-shaped in this embodiment. In this case, the connecting element 20 of the main body 2 has a latching lug 35. Furthermore, the connecting element 21 of the diaphragm 3 has a latching nose 36 adapted to the latching lug 35 of the connecting element 20 of the base body 2. The locking lugs 35, 36 face each other, so that between these a locking connection can be produced. The actuating element 25 has a wedge-shaped wedge piece 37. In this embodiment, upon actuation of the actuating element 25 by means of the wedge piece 37, a bending of the connecting element 21 of the panel 3 is possible in order to release the latching connection 18 between the latching lugs 35, 36 of the connecting elements 20, 21.

In the in the Fig. 2 illustrated second embodiment, the actuating element 25 is designed as a slide. However, it is also possible that the actuating element 25 is designed as a pusher, wherein a compressive force is applied to the wedge piece 37, for example via a base surface 38 of the wedge piece 37 for releasing the latching connection 18. The actuating element 25 has a U-shaped guide element 39. By the guide member 39, a guide of the connecting element 21 can be ensured in the initial state to ensure a reliable latching connection 18, in particular an undesirable bending of the connecting element 21 over the life of the shell 1 is prevented. Upon actuation of the actuating element 25, the connecting element 21 passes at least largely from the U-shaped guide element 39, so that a wide bending of the connecting element 21 by the wedge piece 37 is made possible.

Fig. 3 shows the in Fig. 1 illustrated shell 1 from the designated III viewing direction in a partial, partially open, spatial representation according to a third embodiment. In this embodiment, locking connections 18, 18 'on the right side 19 and the left side 17 of the panel 3 are provided. With respect to the snap-in connections 18, 18 ', the diaphragm 3 and the basic body 2 of the shell 1 are designed to be substantially symmetrical. The panel 3 has connecting strips 15, 15 ', which engage in connecting strips 16, 16' of the main body 2. Here, a guide of the diaphragm 3 is formed by the connecting strips 16, 16 'of the base body 2. When released snap-in connections 18, 18 ', the diaphragm 3 can be removed in the direction 30, wherein the diaphragm 3 is guided by the connecting strips 16, 16' of the base body 2.

The connecting element 20 of the main body 2 is in this embodiment part of the connecting strip 16 '. In this case, the connecting element 20 has a recess 45 into which a detent 36 of the connecting element 21 of the diaphragm 3 engages. The spring element 28 brings about a certain bias, with which the locking lug 36 is pressed into the wedge-shaped recess 45 in order to ensure a reliable latching connection 18. Upon actuation of the actuating element 25, the connecting element 21 of the diaphragm 3 is actuated together with the latching lug 36 in the direction 29. In this case, the locking lug 36 lifts out of the recess 45 of the Connecting element 20, ie the bar 16 ', of the base body 2. This allows a release of the locking connection 18th

The locking connection 18 'is configured according to the latching connection 18. In particular, an actuating element 25 ', a spring element 28' and a connecting element 21 'are provided, which are arranged in the region of the left side 17 of the diaphragm 3. To release the snap-in connections 18, 18 ', the actuators 25, 25' are turned inwardly against each other, i. operated in or against the direction 29.

Fig. 4 shows the in Fig. 3 illustrated shell 1 according to a fourth embodiment in a partial, partially open, spatial representation. In this embodiment, the actuators 25, 25 'with respect to the front surface. 4 of the diaphragm 3 is arranged on a recessed upper side 46 of the diaphragm 3. In this case, the actuating element 28 'in the direction 29, ie down, actuated. In this operation, the connecting element 21 'of the diaphragm 3 in a direction 29', which is approximately perpendicular to the direction 29, actuated. In this case, a latching nose 36 'of the connecting element 21' rises from a recess 45 'of the connecting element 20 of the base body 2. This movement of the latching nose 36' in the direction 29 'with respect to the actuation of the actuating element 25 in the direction 29 by the spring element 28 ', which is formed by a slot in the recessed upper side 46 of the panel 3.

Thus, the locking connection 18 'between the locking lug 36' and the recess 45 'can be solved. The design and the release of the locking connection 18 result in a corresponding manner. After releasing the snap-in connections 18, 18 'by actuating the actuating elements 25, 25' by a user, the diaphragm 3 can be pushed in the direction 30 of the main body 2. When removing the panel 3 in the direction 30, this is performed by the engagement of the connecting strips 15, 15 'of the panel 3 on the connecting strips 16, 16' of the base body 2.

The formation and thus arrangement of the actuating elements 25, 25 'on the recessed upper side 46 of the panel 3 has the advantage that the actuating elements 25, 25' in the inserted state of the shell 1 of a housing part of the domestic appliance can be covered. When pulling out the shell 1 from such a housing part, the actuators 25, 25 'for a user well perceived, so that an intuitive operation for releasing the connection between the panel 3 and the base body 2 of the shell 1 is made possible.

In particular, in the embodiments described in detail above, there is the advantage that the panel 3 is easily and intuitively removable and refastenable. In this case, the aperture 5 provided with the aperture 3 can be configured as a grip. In addition, damage or destruction of elements of the shell 1 during disassembly of the panel 3 is prevented. Furthermore, there is a large scope. In addition, a considerable gain in comfort can be achieved with relatively low costs, in particular with only one additional part. Furthermore, a cleaning of the shell, in particular a Einspülschale for a washing machine or a container for a dishwasher, guaranteed. In addition, results from the shell 1 an easy to be differentiated feature to point to the particular function of the shell 1 and equipped with the shell 1 water-bearing household appliance. Specifically, it may be noted that a metering system is realized, wherein a plurality of chambers 6, 7 are used for receiving laundry treatment agents or the like, which are sufficient for several program runs.

The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Bowl

2

body

3

cover

4

front surface

5

intervention

6, 7

chamber

8, 9

fill opening

10

front

11

back

15, 16

connecting strip

17

left side

18

locking connection

19

right side

20

Connecting element of the main body 2

21

Connecting element of the panel 3

22

web

23

groove

25

actuator

26, 27

symbols

28

spring element

29, 30, 31

direction

35, 36

locking lug

37

wedge

38

Floor space

39

guide element

45

recess

46

recessed top

Claims (15)

1. Tray (1), particularly flushing-in tray for a water-conducting domestic appliance, comprising a base body (2) and a cover plate (3) connected with the base body (2), wherein the connection between the cover plate (3) and the base body (2) is releasable, and wherein the cover plate (3) comprises at least one connecting element (21) which co-operates with a connecting element (20) of the base body (2) to form a detent connection (18), characterised in that an actuating element (25) is provided which for releasing the connection between the cover plate (3) and the base body (2) enables release of the detent connection (18) between the connecting element (21) of the cover plate (3) and the connecting element (20) of the base body (2).
2. Tray according to claim 1, characterised in that the actuating element (25) is operatively connected with the connecting element (21) of the cover plate (3).
3. Tray according claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the actuating element (25) is arranged at a lefthand side (17) or a righthand side (19) of the cover plate (3) with respect to a front surface (4) of the cover plate (3).
4. Tray according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the actuating element (25) is arranged at an upper side (46) of the cover plate (3) with respect to a front surface (4) of the cover plate (3).
5. Tray according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the actuating element (25) has a structured surface.
6. Tray according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that a spring element (28) serving for restoration of the actuating element (25) to an initial setting (26) is provided.
7. Tray according to claim 6, characterised in that the spring element (28) and the connecting element (21) of the cover plate (3) are constructed as an injection-moulded part.
8. Tray according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the connecting element (21) of the cover plate (3) has a web (22) which engages in a groove (23) of the connecting element (20) of the base body (2) and is displaceable longitudinally of the groove (23), that the actuating element (25) is constructed as a slide and that through actuation of the actuating element (25) the web (22) of the connecting element (21) of the cover plate (3) can be pushed out of the groove (23) of the connecting element (20) of the base body (2).
9. Tray according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the connecting element (21) of the cover plate (3) has a detent lug (36) which for connection of the cover plate (3) with the base body (2) detents at a detent lug (35) of the connecting element (20) of the base body (2), that the actuating element (25) comprises an at least approximately wedge-shaped wedge member (37) and that on actuation of the actuating element (25) the wedge member (37) of the actuating element (25) releases the detent connection (18) between the detent lug (36) of the connecting element (21) of the cover plate (3) and the detent lug (35) of the connecting element (20) of the base body (2).
10. Tray according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the connecting element (21) of the cover plate (3) has a detent lug (36) engaged in a recess (45) of the connecting element (20) of the base body (2) and that through actuation of the actuating element (25) the detent lug (36) can be lifted out of the recess (45) of the connecting element (20) of the base body (2).
11. Tray according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that the cover plate (3) has a connecting strip (15) which for connection of the cover plate (3) with the base body (2) is disposed in engagement with a connecting strip (16) of the base body (2), wherein when the detent connection (18) between the connecting element (21) of the cover plate (3) and the connecting element (20) of the base body (2) is released a pivotation of the cover plate (3) relative to the base body (2) is made possible about an axis of rotation defined by the engagement of the connecting strip (15) of the cover plate (3) in the connecting strip (16) of the base body (2).
12. Tray according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterised in that a further connecting element (21') of the cover plate (3) co-operates with a further connecting element (20') of the base body (2) to form a further detent connection (18') and that a further actuating element (25') is provided which for release of the connection between the cover plate (3) and the base body (2) enables release of the further detent connection (18') between the further connecting element (21') of the cover plate (3) and the further connecting element (20') of the base body (2).
13. Tray according to claim 12, characterised in that the detent connections (18, 18') are arranged in the region of a righthand side (19) of the cover plate (3) and a lefthand side (17) of the cover plate (3) with respect to a front surface (4) of the cover plate (3).
14. Tray according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterised in that the base body (2) has at least one chamber (6, 7), that the base body (2) has an outlet, which is closable by means of a closure, for the chamber (6, 7), which outlet faces a rear side (11) of the cover plate (3), and that the cover plate (3) connected with the base body (2) covers the outlet closed by the closure.
15. Water conducting domestic appliance, particularly domestic appliance for washing and/or drying laundry, comprising at least one housing part and a tray (1), which is insertable into the housing part, according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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