EP2459794B1 - Laundry treating appliance with illumination means in the washing powder tray - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a laundry treatment appliance, in particular water-conducting domestic appliance, with a housing part, a shell which can be introduced into the housing part and at least one light source arranged on the housing part.

The domestic appliance can be designed especially as a laundry treatment appliance for washing and / or drying laundry. More generally, the invention relates to the field of domestic appliances, in particular stoves, dishwashers, washing machines, tumble dryers and laundry dryers, the latter combining the functions of washing and drying in one appliance.

From the EP 1 884 584 A2 a washing machine is known in which a plurality of containers are provided for receiving laundry treatment means. The stocked laundry treatment products are sufficient for several program runs. This known washing machine has the disadvantage that it is relatively complicated for a user to determine whether the laundry treatment means are exhausted.

DE 10 2005 049 078 A1 and EP 2 000 577 A1 disclose illuminated level indicators that are visible within manually filled dispensing chambers. Not disclosed are reservoir or light leaks on the panel.

It's over DE 10 2004 012 542 A1 and GB 2 128 640 A furthermore known solutions for illuminating the dispenser.

The object of the invention is to provide a laundry treatment device that allows an advantageous signaling of an operating condition. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a laundry treatment device in which an intuitive operation, in particular with regard to filling or emptying a shell, is possible.

The object is achieved by an inventive laundry treatment device having the features of the independent claim. Preferred developments of the invention are defined in particular in dependent claims which can be used individually or in combination with one another.

In the laundry treatment appliance according to the invention, in particular water-conducting domestic appliance, with a housing part, an insertable into the housing part shell, which has at least one chamber which is configured, laundry treatment agent for several To record program runs, and with at least one arranged on the housing part bulbs, the shell has a diaphragm on which at least one light outlet is provided, wherein the shell is provided a light exit of the aperture associated light entry and wherein a light exit of the light source so on the Housing part is arranged, that the light exit of the light source is assigned to the light entrance of the shell, when the shell is at least substantially introduced into the housing part.

Specifically, the invention has the advantage that an optical display on a removable shell is possible without an electrical contact is required. This is particularly advantageous in the context of a metering system for laundry treatment, in which the laundry treatment agent is metered automatically from the chambers serving as a reservoir, wherein a control device calculates the respective required amount and controls a metering device accordingly.

The shell can be introduced into the housing part. This includes in particular cases in which in each case the shell can be inserted or inserted into the housing part. If necessary, the shell can also be removed completely from the housing part.

It is preferred that the shell has one or more chambers in the shell base body, which are associated with optical displays on the shell panel. This makes it immediately obvious to a user which chamber is affected. For example, the refilling of one or more laundry treatment or detergent can be signaled.

It is also preferred that one or more optical displays are provided on the shell base body in the region of the one or more chambers. In this case, an operating display is preferably provided on the shell base body for each chamber. As a result, the signaling is ensured even with an at least partially removed shell.

The control device, which serves to drive the lighting means, controls the lighting means in dependence on a selected operating program. For example, the control device at the beginning of the selected operating program for one or more chambers of Shell signal a required filling by means of one or more operator displays. Furthermore, it is possible for the control device to signal when it reaches a stop position in the selected operating program by means of one or more operating displays that one or more chambers are to be filled, for example with a laundry treatment agent, in particular a textile equipment.

Preferably, one or more level sensors are provided, which are connected to the control device, wherein the level sensors detect levels in chambers of the shell and controls the control device in response to the detected levels the light emitting means. In this way, on the one hand, the filling of the chambers can be monitored. On the other hand, a certain amount of stock can be stored in the chambers. As already mentioned, the chambers have a capacity sufficient for several program runs. The controller may then promptly indicate that one or more chambers are to be refilled or refilled.

It is preferred that the operating display allows the display of a symbolism. As a result, the operation can be further simplified.

The light exit of the luminous means represents the place where the light emitted by the luminous means exits from the housing part and may optionally be perceived by a user if the shell is at least partially removed from its operating position. The luminous means is not necessarily arranged directly on the light exit for the luminous means.

Under the panel of the shell is the part of the shell that is visible to a user in the inserted state. The iris of the shell may be a front surface of the shell. The shell can be configured in one or more parts. In a multi-part embodiment, it is also possible that the diaphragm is designed and manufactured as a separate part and connected, for example, with a base body.

It is preferred that the light entry of the shell is provided on a rear side of the panel. It is further preferred that the light outlet of the luminous means is arranged in the region of a front side of the housing part. This is in a partially removed shell, especially in a part of the housing part drawn shell, or clearly visible in a remote shell, the light emission of the lamp on the housing part. Therefore, the information displayed by the light source is available to the user both in a substantially incorporated tray and in other cases. This ergonomic operation is possible. In this case, the functioning can be reliably fulfilled especially in a water-conducting household appliance, since the light source can be arranged protected against water within the housing part. The operation is then reliably ensured even with an introduced, wet or filled with liquids shell, since an electrical contact between the housing part and the shell with respect to the light source is not required.

It is preferred that a light guide integrated into the shell is provided, that the light entrance of the shell is provided at a first end of the light guide and that the light exit of the aperture is provided at a second end of the light guide. Through the light guide, the light emission can be positioned at the aperture at a desired location. Specifically, a position can be selected that is favorable for the design and / or a good visual perceptibility.

In a particularly preferred manner, an information signal associated with the light exit of the diaphragm is provided. This information sign can for example be designed or attached to the panel. For example, the information sign can be designed in a flower shape, as is customary for a laundry treatment agent serving as a fabric softener. This further facilitates intuitive operation. The signaled operating state can thereby be assigned intuitively by a user. For example, it may be signaled to the user whether or not a chamber of the tray serving for a softener or the like is empty.

In this case, it is preferable that an information sign associated with the light exit of the light source arranged on the housing is provided which corresponds to the information sign associated with the light exit at the panel. As a result, an intuitive detection is also possible for the light emission in the region of the housing.

It is also preferred that the light exit is arranged on the panel on a handle bar of the panel. Furthermore, it is advantageous that the light emission at the diaphragm as elongated Light emission is configured. As a result, an attractive embodiment and a good perceptibility of the light exiting via the light emission can be achieved.

In this case, it is further preferred that a light generated by the luminous means is distributed uniformly in the elongated light exit by means of a light guide of the shell. By a uniform distribution of light in the elongated light exit can on the one hand improved perceptibility and on the other hand the visual impression can be optimized.

It is also preferred that the optical waveguide has a sawtooth profile that light generated by the illuminant is at least partially guided via the optical waveguide to the sawtooth profile and that the sawtooth profile distributes the light at least substantially evenly to the elongated light exit. This allows a homogeneous distribution of the light, i. a homogeneous luminance, are achieved at the elongated light emission. The sawtooth profile can in this case be integrated in a cost-effective manner in the light guide, resulting in a compact design and the number of required components is optimized.

On the housing part, it is also possible to provide a plurality of light sources each having a light exit, wherein light exits assigned to the light exits on the shell and light exits corresponding to the panel of the shell are provided on the shell. This makes it possible, for example, to specify for several chambers of the shell whether they are empty or not. It can be stored in the chambers of the shell several laundry treatment agent, with a capacity for several program runs is possible.

It is further preferred that the light entry and the further light entrance to the shell are not arranged one above the other. As a result, interference between the light of the luminous means and the light of the further luminous means, which can be configured in particular as light-emitting diodes, can be avoided.

It is also preferred that an elongated light guide piece, which is preferably cylindrical in shape, and an elongated further light guide piece, which is also preferably designed cylindrical, are provided, that the light exit of the lighting means designed as a circular light exit and on the light guide piece is provided and that the further light exit of the further light source configured as a circular light exit and is provided on the further light guide piece. As a result, a compact embodiment of the shell is possible, wherein the light generated by the bulbs can be advantageously coupled into the optical fiber of the shell or the like. Specifically, the light can be directed in parallel through the circular light exits in the light guide or the like.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are also explained in more detail in the following description with reference to the figures of the accompanying drawing, in each of which mutually corresponding elements are provided with matching reference numerals. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

Fig. 1

ein Hausgerät in einer auszugsweisen, schematischen Schnittdarstellung entsprechend einem ersten Ausführungsbeispiel;

Fig. 2

das in Fig. 1 dargestellte Hausgerät in einer auszugsweise Darstellung aus der mit II bezeichneten Blickrichtung;

Fig. 3

den in Fig. 2 gezeigten Ausschnitt eines Hausgeräts bei entfernter Schale;

Fig. 4

eine Schale mit Lichtleitern des Hausgeräts entsprechend einem zweiten Ausführungsbeispiel in einer auszugsweisen, schematischen, räumlichen Darstellung und

Fig. 5

eine Schale mit Lichtleitern des Hausgeräts entsprechend einem dritten Ausführungsbeispiel in einer auszugsweisen, schematischen, räumlichen Darstellung.

In the drawing show:

Fig. 1

a domestic appliance in an excerpt, schematic sectional view according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

this in Fig. 1 illustrated domestic appliance in a partial representation of the designated II viewing direction;

Fig. 3

the in Fig. 2 shown section of a household appliance with the shell removed;

Fig. 4

a shell with optical fibers of the domestic appliance according to a second embodiment in a partial, schematic, spatial representation and

Fig. 5

a shell with optical fibers of the domestic appliance according to a third embodiment in a partial, schematic, spatial representation.

Fig. 1 shows a designed as a water-bearing household appliance household appliance 1 in a partial, schematic sectional view corresponding to a first embodiment. The water-conducting laundry treatment appliance 1 for washing and / or drying laundry serves. Specifically, the water-bearing domestic appliance 1 as a washing machine, Be configured dryer or washer dryer.

The laundry treatment appliance 1 has at least one housing part 2, on which a front surface 3 is provided. Furthermore, a recessed relative to the front surface 3 front surface 4 is provided. The front surface 3 and the recessed front surface 4 represent a front side 5 of the housing part 2.

The laundry treatment appliance 1 has a shell 6 with a main body 7 and a diaphragm 8. In this case, the shell 6 is shown in a position in which the shell 6 is largely, but not completely inserted into the housing 2. Here, the aperture 8 covers the recessed front surface 4 of the front side 5 of the housing part 2. The aperture 8 of the shell 6 has a front or outside 9. In the fully inserted state of the shell 6, the front 9 of the panel 8 is aligned on the front surface 3 of the housing part 2, so that there is a substantially flat front side 5, 9 of the laundry treatment appliance 1.

The main body 7 of the shell 6 may have one or more chambers 10. The chamber 10 serves for example for receiving a certain amount of a laundry treatment agent, such as a fabric softener. In this case, the chamber 10 can receive a lot of the laundry treatment agent, which is sufficient for several program runs. In order to allow a comfortable use of the laundry treatment appliance 1, it is advantageous if a user is informed whether the currently stored in the chamber 10 amount of the laundry treatment agent is sufficient to carry out another program run.

The laundry treatment appliance 1 has a control device 11, which is connected to a suitable fill level measuring device 12. In this embodiment, the level measuring device 12 measures whether the chamber 10 is at least substantially empty. However, the level measuring device 12 may also be designed so that it measures whether the chamber 10 is largely full. This is advantageous, for example, in the case of a shell 6 designed as a condensation water container for a washer-dryer.

Depending on the measurement of the fill level measuring device 12, the control device 11 controls a lighting means 15. The illuminant 15 is in the region of the recessed front surface 4, i. in the region of the front side 5 of the housing part 2, arranged. The light emitted by the light source 15 is thereby easily perceived by a user when the tray 6 is partially or fully drawn out. For example, the lighting means 15 can be set by the control device 11 in a flashing red operating state when the level measuring device 12 detects a largely empty chamber 10. Otherwise, the bulb 15 may light green. The light-emitting means 15 may be formed, for example, by a light-emitting diode.

In the in the Fig. 1 shown position of the aperture 8 or in a position in which the aperture 8 rests with its rear side 16 on the recessed front surface 4, the lamp 15 is largely hidden by the aperture 8 and thus not or only badly perceptible by a user. However, the diaphragm 8 has a light entrance 17 in the region of the rear side 16. The light entrance 17 is assigned to a light outlet 18 of the luminous means 15 on the housing part 2. The light entrance 17 is connected via a built-in aperture 8 light guide 19 with a light exit 20 of the aperture 8. In this case, the light entrance 17 of the diaphragm 8 is provided at a first end 21. The light exit 20 of the diaphragm 8 is provided at a second end 22 of the light guide 19. Via the light inlet 17 and the light guide 19, at least a substantial part of the light emitted by the illuminant 15 reaches the light exit 20 on the front side 9 of the aperture 8.

In the inserted state of the shell 6, the light exit 20 on the front side 9 of the panel 8 can be clearly recognized by a user. In this case, the optical waveguide 19 allows an advantageous placement of the light exit 20 on the front side 9, which is independent of the position of the illuminant 15 or of the light exit 18 of the illuminant 15 on the housing part 2.

In this embodiment, the light exit 20 is arranged on the panel 8 on a handle bar 25 of the aperture 8. The handle bar 25 allows an engagement of a user to pull the shell 6 from the housing part 2. By the arrangement of the light exit 20, the user can intuitively detect whether a filling of a chamber 10 of the shell 6 is required or not. For example, the user turns red flashing signal at the light exit 20 immediately recognize that he has to pull the shell 6 from the housing part 2 to fix the error.

Fig. 2 shows that in Fig. 1 shown water-bearing laundry treatment appliance 1 from the viewing direction designated II. Here, the shell 6 is inserted into the housing part 2. The light exit 20 on the handle bar 25 of the aperture 8 is associated with an information sign 26. In this embodiment, the information sign 26 is arranged on the handle bar 25. The information mark 26 shows a stylized flower indicative of a fabric conditioner serving as a softener. For example, when a green light is lit at the light exit 20, the user recognizes that the softener is filled in a sufficient amount. If a red flashing light is visible at the light exit 20, then the user recognizes that softener is to be refilled.

In addition, a further light outlet 20 'on the handle bar 25 of the aperture 8 is provided. The design corresponds to that for the light exit 20. In this case, the control device 11 can monitor a further chamber of the shell 6 with a further fill level measuring device. The light exit 20 'is associated with another information sign 26', which is designed on the handle bar 25. The information sign 26 'may, for example, illustrate a refill container for a laundry treatment agent.

The usability of the domestic appliance 1 is further facilitated by the light exits 20, 20 'on the panel 8 with the associated information signs 26, 26'.

Fig. 3 shows that in Fig. 2 At the recessed front surface 4 of the housing part 2, an information signal 27 assigned to the light exit 18 is configured, which corresponds to the information sign 26 on the front side 5 of the panel 8. In the remote state of the shell 6, the user can read the current operating state at the light exit 18. By the information sign 27, it can be seen even when the tray 6 is removed which action is to be performed by the user.

Corresponding to the light exit 18 and the information sign 27 associated with the light exit 20 and the information sign 26, a light exit 18 'and an information sign 27' are also provided on the recessed front surface 4. in the remote state of the shell 6, the user can also read the operating state at the light exit 18 '. When the shell 6 is inserted, the light emitted at the light exit 18 'is guided via a light guide 19 corresponding light guide to the light exit 20' at the aperture 8.

Thus, a warning may be given to a user, if at least one chamber 10 of the shell 6 is largely empty and a filling with a laundry treatment agent is required. This visual warning is visible to the user both with inserted shell 6 and 6 with remote shell, so regardless of whether the shell 6 is closed or opened. In addition, it can be seen that the domestic appliance 1 is equipped with a special technology. The light guides 19 may be formed for example by fiber optic cables or light wells.

Fig. 4 shows the shell 6 of the laundry treatment appliance 1 according to a second embodiment in a partial, schematic, spatial representation. In this embodiment, optical fibers 19, 19 'are integrated as components in the shell 6. Here, the light guide 19 in the region of its second end 22 on an elongated nose 30. With the elongated nose 30, the light guide 19 is hooked to a retaining element 31 of the panel 8 and optionally locked. As a result, a connection of the light guide 19 with the diaphragm 8 is possible. Accordingly, the light guide 19 'on an elongated nose 30'. On the elongated nose 30 ', the light guide 19' is connected to a holding element 31 'of the diaphragm 8. The light entrance 17 of the light guide 19 and a further light entrance 17 'of the light guide 19' are not arranged one above the other, so that interferences between the light guided through the light guide 19 and the light guided through the light guide 19 'are prevented from the outset.

The light exit 20 at the aperture 8 is designed as an elongated light exit 20. Accordingly, the light exit 20 'as an elongated light exit 20' configured. In this case, the light is guided through the light guides 19, 19 'such that the most uniform possible illumination or light distribution is achieved both at the light exit 20 and at the light exit 20'. For this purpose, the light guide 19 has a sawtooth profile 32 at its second end 22. In this embodiment, the sawtooth profile 32 is configured at the second end 22 of the light guide 19. The light is guided by the light guide 19 laterally into the second end 22 so that it impinges laterally on the sawtooth profile 32. The sawtooth profile 32 continues to rise in the direction of the incident light at. As a result, a comparable proportion of the light guided through the light guide 19 is scattered on all teeth of the sawtooth profile 32. The scattering takes place here in the direction of the light exit 20. As a result, an at least substantially uniform luminance is achieved at the light exit 20. As a result, a homogeneous distribution of the light is possible.

The light guide 19 'has a first end 21' and a second end 22 '. In this case, the light entrance 17 'at the first end 21' is provided. At the second end 22 ', the light guide 19' also has a sawtooth profile 32 '. As a result, an at least substantially uniform luminance is achieved at the elongated light exit 20 '.

In the mounted state, the second ends 22, 22 'of the light guides 19, 19' optionally at least pointwise to the aperture 8 at. In order to allow this an advantageous reflection within the light guide 19, 19 ', the system of light guides 19, 19' is preferably limited to individual contact points, which are arranged distributed around the light exits 20, 20 '. As a result, light losses occurring due to absorption are largely avoided, so that a large part of the light guided through the light guides 19, 19 'emerges from the elongated light exits 20, 20' and can thus be perceived.

Fig. 5 shows a shell 6 of the laundry treatment appliance 1 according to a third embodiment in a schematic, excerpt, spatial representation. In this embodiment, a cylindrical, elongated optical fiber piece 35 and a cylindrical, elongated further optical fiber piece 35 'are provided. The light guide piece 35 is associated with the light guide 19 and thus the light exit 20. The light guide piece 35 'is associated with the light guide 19' and thus the light exit 20 '. The light guide pieces 35, 35 'have circular light exits 18, 18'. By the light exits 18, 18 ', the light can be directed in parallel in the respective light guide 19, 19'. The lighting means 15 need not necessarily be centered on entry surfaces or the like, since the illumination at the elongated light exits 20, 20 'is not necessarily centered on origin coordinates and is ensured in this embodiment on the sawtooth profiles 32, 32' in a uniform shape. The lighting means 15 can emit red and / or blue light, for example.

In the in the Fig. 5 illustrated third embodiment, the sawtooth profiles 32, 32 ', which are provided at the second ends 22, 22' of the light guides 19, 19 ', facing each other.

A homogeneous illumination or a homogeneous luminance at the light exits 20, 20 'can additionally or alternatively also be achieved by an eroded structure on the surfaces of the light exits 20, 20'.

The sawtooth profiles 32, 32 'represent reflection surfaces for the light guided through the light guides 19, 19'. The design of the sawtooth profiles 32, 32 'makes it possible to optimize the homogeneity of the luminance at the light exits 20, 20'.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Water-carrying laundry treatment appliance

2

housing part

3

front surface

4

recessed front surface

5

front

6

Bowl

7

body

8th

cover

9

Front side (outside)

10

chamber

11

control device

12

Level measuring device

15

Lamp

16

back

17, 17 '

light entry

18, 18 '

light output

19, 19 '

optical fiber

20, 20 '

light output

21

first end

22, 22 '

second end

25

handle bar

26, 26 '

information signs

27, 27 '

information signs

30, 30 '

elongated nose

31, 31 '

retaining element

32, 32 '

sawtooth

35, 35 '

Optical fiber piece

Claims (15)

1. Laundry treatment appliance (1) comprising a housing section (2), a tray (6) which can be inserted in the housing section (2) and which has at least one compartment (10) designed to accommodate laundry treatment agents, and comprising at least one illumination means (15) disposed on the housing section (2), wherein the tray (6) has a panel (8) on which at least one light exit (20) is provided, wherein a light entry (17) associated with the light exit (20) of the panel (8) is provided on the tray (6) and wherein a light exit (18) of the illumination means (15) is disposed on the housing section (2) such that the light exit (18) of the illumination means (15) is associated with the light entry (17) of the tray (6) when the tray is at least substantially inserted in the housing section (2), characterised in that the laundry treatment appliance (1) has a laundry treatment agent dispensing system, the at least one compartment (10) is designed to accommodate laundry treatment agents for a plurality of program runs, a light exit (20) being assigned to each of the one or more compartments (10) on a front side (9) of the panel (8), the laundry treatment agent is automatically dispensed from the compartment (10) used as a storage container, wherein a control device (11) calculates the respective quantity required and activates a dispensing device accordingly, and the control device (11) activates the illumination means (15) as a function of a selected operating program.
2. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the light entry (17) of the tray (6) is provided on a rear side (16) of the panel (8).
3. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 2, characterised in that the light exit (18) of the illumination means (15) is disposed in the region of a front side (5) of the housing section (2).
4. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a light guide (19) incorporated in the tray (6) is provided, that the light entry (17) of the tray (6) is provided at a first end (21) of the light guide (19) and that the light exit (20) is provided on the panel (8) at a second end (22) of the light guide (19).
5. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that an information symbol (26) associated with the light exit (20) of the panel (8) is provided.
6. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 5, characterised in that an information symbol (27) associated with the light exit (20) of the illumination means (15) is provided, said information symbol (27) corresponding to the information symbol (26) associated with the light exit (20) on the panel (8).
7. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the light exit (20) on the panel (8) is disposed on a handle strip (25) of the panel (8).
8. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the light exit (20) on the panel (8) is implemented as an elongated light exit (20).
9. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that light produced by the illumination means (15) is guided by means of a light guide (19) of the tray (6) in a uniformly distributed manner into the elongated light exit (20).
10. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 9, characterised in that the light guide (19) has a sawtooth profile (32), that light produced by the illumination means (15) is guided via the light guide (19) at least partly onto the sawtooth profile (32) and that the sawtooth profile (32) distributes the light at least substantially uniformly over the elongated light exit (20).
11. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the control device (11) activates the illumination means (15) as a function of a fill level of the compartment (10) of the tray (6).
12. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 11, characterised in that the control device (11) activates the illumination means (15) if the compartment (10) is at least largely empty.
13. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that at least one additional illumination means is provided on the housing section (2), that an additional light entry with which an additional light exit (20') on the panel (8) is associated is provided on the tray (6), and that a light exit (18') of the additional illumination means is associated with the additional light entry of the tray (6) when the tray (6) is at least substantially inserted in the housing section (2).
14. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 13, characterised in that the light entry (17) and an additional light entry (17') on the tray (6) are not disposed one above the other.
15. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 13 or 14, characterised in that a preferably cylindrical, elongated section of light guide (35) and a preferably cylindrical, elongated additional section of light guide (35') are provided, that the light exit (18) of the illumination means (15) is implemented as a circular light exit (18) and provided on the section of light guide (35) and that the additional light exit (18') of the additional illumination means is implemented as a circular light exit (18') and provided on the additional section of light guide (35').

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