EP3492647B1 - Laundry treatment machine with a spraying unit - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a laundry treatment device with at least one bearing plate, a laundry drum and at least one spray unit arranged on the bearing plate for spraying a spray mist into the laundry drum, the spray unit having a holding unit which can be connected to a bearing plate and a nozzle unit which is non-destructively detachable and which is connected to the holding unit Nozzle unit has a nozzle section facing the laundry drum with at least one nozzle opening, on the outer jacket surface of which a driver contour is formed, the nozzle unit being positively or non-destructively releasably connected to the holding unit.

A laundry treatment device can be equipped with a function for de-creasing or smoothing items of laundry. Here, the creased items of laundry in the laundry drum are exposed to moisture while the laundry drum is rotated. In the case of worn items of laundry, the odor of the items of laundry can be reduced at the same time. A corresponding laundry treatment device is for example from the European patent EP 2 504 482 B1 known.

EP 2 467 529 A1 , EP 2 775 027 A1 , EP 2 818 593 A1 and DE 10 2008 051 113 A1 each disclose a spray unit for spraying a spray mist into a laundry drum of a laundry treatment appliance. The spray unit has a holding unit that can be connected to a wall of the laundry treatment appliance and a nozzle unit that is non-destructively detachable and connected to the holding unit. The nozzle unit has a nozzle section which is arranged facing the laundry drum and has at least one nozzle opening.

One object of the invention is to simplify and reduce the outlay for maintaining a laundry treatment appliance of the type mentioned at the outset.

This problem is solved by the independent patent claims. Advantageous configurations are shown in the following description, the dependent claims and the figures, these configurations each taken individually or in various combinations of at least two of these configurations with one another can represent a further developing, in particular also preferred or advantageous, aspect of the invention.

A laundry treatment device according to the invention has at least one bearing plate, a laundry drum and at least one spray unit arranged on the bearing plate for spraying a spray mist into the laundry drum, the spray unit having a holding unit that can be connected to a bearing plate and a nozzle unit that is non-destructively detachable and connected to the holding unit, the nozzle unit has a nozzle section facing the laundry drum with at least one nozzle opening, on the outer circumferential surface of which a driver contour is formed, the nozzle unit being positively or non-positively detachably connected to the holding unit in a non-destructive manner, and wherein on the holding unit at least one latching means for producing a latching connection between the holding unit and the end shield is formed.

According to the invention, the nozzle unit can be actuated via the driver contour formed on the nozzle section in order to release the non-destructively releasable connection between the nozzle unit and the holding unit. Since the nozzle section is arranged facing the laundry drum due to the nozzle opening arranged on it and is therefore directly accessible, the nozzle unit can be actuated without a component of the laundry treatment device, for example a front wall, having to be removed beforehand. Only a door of the laundry treatment device, via which the laundry drum can be loaded with laundry items, has to be pivoted into an open position. After the connection between the nozzle unit and the holding unit has been released, the nozzle unit can be detached or moved away from the holding unit in the direction of the laundry drum, for example by manual handling or the like, and then removed from the laundry treatment device in order to close the nozzle unit, in particular a nozzle opening and / or to be able to free a fluid channel of the nozzle unit away from the laundry treatment appliance in a simple manner from impurities which would worsen the spray properties of the nozzle unit. The connection of the nozzle unit to the holding unit takes place in reverse order, with the connection between the nozzle unit and the holding unit finally being effected by actuation of the nozzle section or the one formed thereon Driver contour is restored. As a result, the effort required to maintain the laundry treatment appliance according to the invention is simplified and reduced.

The holding unit is attached to the end shield. This can take place during the assembly of the laundry treatment device together with the nozzle unit arranged on the holding unit, which simplifies assembly. The holding unit can be made partially or preferably completely from a plastic. The holding unit can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process or an injection molding process. The holding unit can be sealed with respect to the bearing plate, for example by means of a sealing ring or the like, in order to prevent a loss of process air which is guided through the laundry drum during a drying process.

The nozzle opening can be formed on the end face or on the side of the nozzle section of the nozzle unit. The nozzle opening is formed on the nozzle section in such a way that a spray mist emanating from it, optionally also through the loading opening of the laundry drum, is sprayed directly into the laundry drum. For example, the nozzle opening can be arranged in such a way that with it the spray mist is sprayed obliquely from above into the laundry drum, essentially in the direction of the axial center of the drum jacket surface of the laundry drum. The nozzle section can also have two or more corresponding nozzle openings. The nozzle section can be cylindrical, in particular as a straight hollow cylinder.

The driver contour formed on the outer circumferential surface of the nozzle section can be designed to actuate the nozzle section and thus the nozzle unit by means of a tool. For example, the driver contour can be designed as a hexagonal driver contour on which a wrench can act. Alternatively, the driver contour can be unusual or specially designed and operated exclusively with a special tool that is made available to a user of the laundry treatment device.

The nozzle unit can be produced partially or preferably completely from a plastic. The holding unit can be manufactured using an additive manufacturing process or an injection molding process.

With the spray unit according to the invention, a spray mist can be sprayed into the laundry drum of the laundry treatment device in order to smooth laundry items located in the laundry drum and possibly reduce their odor while the laundry drum is being rotated. For this purpose, according to the invention, no liquid is evaporated with the supply of heat, but a liquid at approximately ambient temperature is supplied under pressure to the nozzle opening and atomized by means of the nozzle opening. As a result, no energy is required for heating a liquid for the present invention, as a result of which the energy consumption of the laundry treatment appliance, in particular one in the form of a heat pump dryer, is reduced.

The present invention is advantageous over a spray unit which is made in one piece and is fastened to the end plate, for example via a seal, since with such a spray unit it is not possible to remove the spray unit from the end plate without first dismantling a component of the laundry treatment appliance to clean the spray unit.

The spray unit according to the invention can be combined with further components in order to form a spray device that can be built into a laundry treatment device. For example, the spray device can have a water tank which is connected to the spray unit in a communicating manner and from which water can be taken that is fed to the nozzle opening. The water tank can be an additional component. Alternatively, the water tank can be a condensate collecting container of the laundry treatment device, to which condensation water occurring in the laundry treatment device, in particular during a drying process on a heat exchanger (evaporator) of a heat pump, is fed. The receiving volume of the water tank can be dimensioned such that the amount of water that can be stored in the water tank is only sufficient to carry out a single process for smoothing items of laundry present in the laundry drum. A filter can also be arranged at an inlet opening of the water tank, with which dirt particles are filtered out of a water supplied to the water tank. This is particularly advantageous if the water is condensed water, which usually contains lint and the like. By filtering the water supplied to the water tank, the maintenance intervals for servicing the spray device, in particular the spray unit, are extended, in particular since there is less contamination of the nozzle opening of the spray unit.

The spray device also has water level sensors, for example water level electrodes, via which the current water level within the water tank can be detected. The water level sensors can be connected to device electronics or program control of the laundry treatment device, which can be set up to start and carry out a process for smoothing laundry items contained in the laundry drum only when the water level in the water tank is above a predetermined lower limit value.

Furthermore, the spray device has a pump connected to the water tank and the spray unit via fluid lines, for example hoses, with which the water can be fed from the water tank to the spray unit.

The laundry treatment device with the spray device can have, as an accessory, a refill container, for example a bottle, for filling the water tank with water. A user of the laundry treatment device can thus fill the water tank using the refill container. To this end, depending on the design of the laundry treatment device, it may be necessary to first remove a component of the laundry treatment device arranged directly above the water tank, for example a condensate collecting container, so that a filling opening of the water tank becomes accessible. A spout of the refill container is preferably adapted to the filling opening of the water tank in such a way that the water can be filled into the water tank without spilling.

A correspondingly designed spray device can thus be constructed in a modular manner and at least partially preassembled. This simplifies the installation of the spray device in the laundry treatment device. In addition, the spray device can be optionally installed more easily on the laundry treatment device. In addition, individual components or the entire spray device can be replaced more easily in the event of repairs. The spray unit according to the invention can be connected to further components of the spray device away from a production line for the laundry treatment device, so that a completely pre-assembled spray device can be installed on the production line, which simplifies the production effort.

The nozzle unit is positively or non-positively detachably connected to the holding unit in a non-destructive manner. Both types of connection can be closed and released several times in a simple manner. The non-positive connection can be a screw connection, for example.

Because at least one latching means is formed on the holding unit for producing a latching connection between the holding unit and the end shield, the holding unit and thus the spray unit can be attached to the end shield in a simple manner without using a tool in a production line of the laundry treatment appliance, which production simplified.

According to an advantageous embodiment, the nozzle unit is connected non-destructively detachable to the holding unit via a bayonet lock. This represents a special embodiment of the form-fitting connection. At least one receiving slot of the bayonet connection can be arranged on the holding unit and at least one projection that can be introduced into the receiving slot can be arranged on the nozzle unit, or vice versa.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the nozzle unit has a connecting flange from which the nozzle section protrudes axially on one side and at least one first connecting means is arranged on the side facing away from the nozzle section, and that the holding unit has at least one second connecting means cooperating with the first connecting means. The connecting means form the non-destructively releasable form-fitting or force-fitting connection between the nozzle unit and the holding unit. The first connecting means is arranged on the side of the connecting flange facing away from the laundry drum, as a result of which the nozzle unit can be released or removed from the holding unit exclusively in the direction of the laundry drum after the connection to the holding unit has been released. An outer diameter of the connecting flange is larger than an outer diameter of the nozzle section.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the nozzle unit has a connecting pin which protrudes axially from the connecting flange on the side of the connecting flange facing away from the nozzle section and into a fluid inlet channel of the Holding unit is inserted, wherein a fluid channel runs through the connecting pin, the connecting flange and the nozzle section, with which the nozzle opening is communicatively connected and which ends in the nozzle section. The nozzle section of the connecting flange and the connecting pin are preferably monolithically connected to one another.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, at least one circumferential seal is arranged radially and / or axially on the outside of the connecting pin. As a result, the connection pin can be pressed into the fluid inlet channel of the holding unit with elastic deformation of the seal, for example a sealing ring, whereby the nozzle unit is sealed off from the holding unit. This prevents the liquid to be supplied to the nozzle opening from escaping undesirably upstream of the nozzle opening, which could impair the spray properties of the spray unit.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the holding unit is cup-shaped and has a base with the fluid inlet channel. The connecting flange can be supported axially on the bottom of the holding unit. The holding unit is designed to be open in the direction of the laundry drum. A jacket of the holding unit that is connected circumferentially to the floor can be beveled at its free end in order to provide more space for a spray mist emerging from the nozzle opening.

According to a further advantageous embodiment, the laundry treatment device has a spray device for spraying a spray mist into the laundry drum, the spray device having a water tank in which water can be stored that is used to form the spray mist, a pump connected to the water tank via a hose, with which the water can be pumped out of the water tank to generate the spray mist, another hose which connects the pump with the spray unit for spraying the spray mist into a laundry drum, and a sensor unit for detecting a current water level inside the water tank, the water tank has a filling opening for filling the water tank.

The end shield is in particular a front or front end shield which is arranged on the side of a loading opening of the laundry drum. The laundry treatment device can be, for example, a tumble dryer, a washer-dryer or a washing machine. The laundry treatment device can have a heat pump that is thermally coupled to a process air circuit. In addition, the laundry treatment device can have a condensate collection container. The laundry treatment device can have the spray device described above, which can be controlled with device electronics in order to carry out a process for smoothing laundry items located in the laundry drum.

Fig. 1

eine schematische und perspektivische Detaildarstellung eines Ausführungsbeispiels für ein erfindungsgemäßes Wäschebehandlungsgerät;

Fig. 2

eine weitere schematische und perspektivische Detaildarstellung des in Fig. 1 gezeigten Wäschebehandlungsgeräts in einem Montagezustand;

Fig. 3

eine weitere schematische und perspektivische Detaildarstellung des in Fig. 1 gezeigten Wäschebehandlungsgeräts in einem weiteren Montagezustand;

Fig. 4

eine schematische Schnittdarstellung des in Fig. 1 gezeigten Wäschebehandlungsgeräts;

Fig. 5

eine schematische und perspektivische Darstellung der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Sprüheinheit;

Fig. 6

eine weitere schematische und perspektivische Darstellung der in Fig. 5 gezeigten Sprüheinheit; und

Fig. 7

eine schematische und perspektivische Schnittdarstellung der in den Fign. 5 und 6 gezeigten Düseneinheit.

In the following, the invention is explained by way of example with reference to the attached figures using a preferred embodiment. Show it:

Fig. 1

a schematic and perspective detailed representation of an embodiment for a laundry treatment device according to the invention;

Fig. 2

a further schematic and perspective detailed representation of the in Fig. 1 laundry treatment device shown in an assembled state;

Fig. 3

a further schematic and perspective detailed representation of the in Fig. 1 laundry treatment device shown in a further assembly state;

Fig. 4

a schematic sectional view of the in Fig. 1 laundry treating device shown;

Fig. 5

a schematic and perspective illustration of the in Fig. 1 spray unit shown;

Fig. 6

a further schematic and perspective illustration of the in Fig. 5 spray unit shown; and

Fig. 7

a schematic and perspective sectional view of the FIGS Figs. 5 and 6th nozzle unit shown.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic and perspective detailed representation of an exemplary embodiment of a laundry treatment device 1 according to the invention with a front end plate 2, a laundry drum (not shown) and a spray device 3 for spraying a spray mist (not shown) into the laundry drum.

The spray device 3 has a water tank 4 in which water can be stored that is used to form the spray mist. The water tank 4 has a filling opening 5 through which the water tank 4 can be filled with water. Above the water tank 4 there is a condensate container shell 6 of the laundry treatment device 1, into which a condensate collecting pan (not shown) can be inserted and which has a lint filter 7 on the inlet side and an outlet port 8 opening into the filling opening 5 of the water tank 4 on the outlet side.

Furthermore, the spray device 3 has a sensor unit 9 which, for example, can have water level electrodes (not shown), via which the current water level within the water tank 4 can be detected. The sensor unit 9 can be connected to non-device electronics or program control of the laundry treatment device 1, which can be set up to start and carry out a process for smoothing items of laundry contained in the laundry drum only when the water level in the water tank 4 is above a predetermined lower level Limit value lies.

In addition, the spray device 3 has a pump 11 connected to the water tank 4 via a hose 10, with which the water can be pumped out of the water tank 4 to generate the spray mist.

In addition, the spray device 3 has a spray unit 13 connected to the pump 11 via a further hose 12 for spraying the spray mist into a laundry drum. The structure of the spray unit 13 is in connection with the Figs. 5 to 7 described.

The spray device 3 can be preassembled and then arranged on the end shield 2. The connection between the spray device 3 and the bearing plate 2 will be described in more detail in connection with the Figs. 2 to 4 described.

The laundry treatment device 1 has, as an accessory, a refill container 14 for filling water into the water tank 4. To refill the water tank 4, the water can be poured through the lint filter 7 into the condensate container shell 6, from where the water reaches the water tank 4 under the action of gravity. A spout, not shown, of the refill container 14 is preferably adapted to the filling opening 5 of the water tank 4 or the lint filter 7 in such a way that the water can be poured into the water tank 4 or the condensate container shell 6 without spilling.

Fig. 2 shows a further schematic and perspective detailed representation of the in Fig. 1 laundry treatment device 1 shown in an assembled state. The end shield 2 is shown, on which a fastening projection 15 and a support projection 16 are formed, their functions Figs. 3 and 4th becomes clear. Furthermore, an opening 17 is formed on the end shield 2, at which the spray unit, not shown, is arranged.

Fig. 3 shows a further schematic and perspective detailed illustration of the in Fig. 1 laundry treatment device 1 shown in a further assembly state. A fastening bracket 18 is arranged on the end shield 2 and can be guided through an opening 19 on a fastening bracket 20 of the fastening bracket 18 and fastened to the fastening projection 16 via a fastening means (not shown). The fastening bracket 18 has a receiving section 21 into which the support section 17 is partially inserted in order to additionally support the fastening bracket 18 on the bearing plate 2. Furthermore, the fastening bracket 18 has a fastening section 23, which is configured in the shape of a circular cylinder and is connected to the receiving section 21 via two parallel webs 22, and has its function Fig. 4 becomes clear.

Fig. 4 shows a schematic sectional view of the in Fig. 1 laundry treatment device 1 shown in a further assembly state. The fastening means 24 is shown, via which the fastening flange 20 is fastened to the fastening projection 16. The water tank 4 has been clipped onto the fastening section 23 in a manner not shown or via a latching or clamping connection, not shown the fastening portion 23 connected. The spray unit (not shown) has been arranged at the opening (not shown) of the end shield 2.

Due to the configuration of the connection between the water tank 4 and the fastening section 23, the water tank 4 can be tilted slightly about a longitudinal center axis, not shown, of the fastening section 23. The final determination of the water tank 4 takes place through the arrangement of the condensate container shell 6 on the water tank 4.

Fig. 5 FIG. 11 shows a schematic and perspective illustration of the FIG Fig. 1 The spray unit 13 has a holding unit 25 which can be connected to the bearing plate (not shown) and a nozzle unit 26 which is detachably connected to the holding unit 25 in a non-destructive manner. The nozzle unit 26 is connected to the holding unit 25 in a form-fitting manner, in particular via a bayonet lock, in a non-destructive detachable manner.

The holding unit 25 is pot-shaped and has a base 27 with a fluid inlet channel 28 or an inlet connector 29 surrounding it and a cylindrical jacket 30 connected circumferentially to the base 27. The holding unit 25 is in Fig. 5 shown from its side closed with the bottom 27.

On the jacket 30, three radially outwardly pointing support sections 31 are arranged uniformly circumferentially offset from one another, via which the holding unit 25 can be supported on a side of the bearing shield facing away from the laundry drum (not shown) of the bearing shield (not shown). The support sections 31 can cooperate with the end shield in such a way that they participate in the formation of an anti-rotation device, not shown, which prevents the holding unit 25 from rotating about its longitudinal center axis, not shown, relative to the end shield.

Two connecting means 32 in the form of two diametrically opposite, circular arc-shaped openings are formed on the bottom 27. At least one latching means (not shown) for producing a latching connection between the holding unit 25 and the bearing plate can be formed on the holding unit 25. The inlet connection 29 has on the bottom side a widened section 35 which is used to receive an in Fig. 7 The connection piece shown in the nozzle unit 26 is used, on which one in Fig. 7 Seal shown is arranged.

A circular connecting flange 33 of the nozzle unit 26 is shown, which is supported on the base 27 of the holding unit 25. At the in Fig. 5 Side of the connecting flange 33 shown, two connecting means 34 are formed in the form of diametrically opposite hooks, which are passed through the openings 32 on the base 27 and, in the shown rotational position of the nozzle unit 26 relative to the holding unit 25, engage behind the base 27 to surround the nozzle unit 26 to be releasably connected to the holding unit 25 in a non-destructive manner. Further portions of the nozzle unit 26 are shown in FIGS Figs. 6th and 7th shown.

Fig. 6 FIG. 11 shows a further schematic and perspective illustration of the FIG Fig. 1 13. It can be seen that the jacket 30 of the holding unit 25 is chamfered on the side facing away from the inlet connection 29 of the holding unit 25. The hose 12 is pushed onto the inlet connection 29 of the holding unit 25.

The nozzle unit 26 has a nozzle section 36 with a nozzle opening 37, on the outer jacket surface of which a driver contour 38 in the form of a hexagon nut is formed. The nozzle section 36 projects axially on one side from the connecting flange 33 of the nozzle unit 26.

Fig. 7 FIG. 11 shows a schematic and perspective sectional illustration of the FIGS Figs. 5 and 6th The nozzle unit 26 has a connecting piece 39 which protrudes axially from the connecting flange 33 on the side of the connecting flange 33 facing away from the nozzle section 36 and in which in FIG Fig. 5 fluid inlet channel shown in Figs. 5 and 6th holding unit shown or in the in Fig. 5 The expansion shown can be inserted at the inlet connection of the holding unit. A fluid channel 40, with which the nozzle opening 37 is communicatively connected and which ends in the nozzle section 36, runs through the connecting piece 39, the connecting flange 33 and the nozzle section 36. A circumferential seal 41 is arranged on the connecting piece 39 radially on the outside.

List of reference symbols:

1

Laundry treatment device

2

Bearing shield

3

Spray device

4th

Water tank

5

Inlet opening of 4

6th

Condensate container tray

7th

Lint filter

8th

Outlet port

9

Sensor unit

10

hose

11th

pump

12th

hose

13th

Spray unit

14th

Refill container

15th

Fixing protrusion from 2

16

Support protrusion from 2

17th

Opening on 2nd

18th

Mounting bracket

19th

Breakthrough on 20th

20th

Fastening strap from 18

21

Pick-up section of 18

22nd

Bridge from 18

23

Attachment section of 18

24

Fasteners

25th

Holding unit

26th

Nozzle unit

27

Floor of 25

28

Fluid inlet channel from 25

29

Inlet nozzle from 25

30th

Coat of 25

31

Support section from 25

32

Lanyard from 25

33

Connection flange from 26

34

Lanyard from 26

35

Widening from 29

36

Nozzle section of 26

37

Nozzle opening at 36

38

Driver contour on 36

39

Connection piece from 26

40

Fluid channel

41

poetry

Claims (7)

1. Laundry treatment appliance (1) with at least one bearing shield (2), a laundry drum and at least one spray unit (13) arranged on the bearing shield (2) for spraying a spray mist into the laundry drum, wherein the spray unit (13) has a holding unit (25) which can connect to a bearing shield (2) and a nozzle unit (26) which is connected to the holding unit (25) such that it can be detached in a non-destructive manner, wherein the nozzle unit (26) has a nozzle section (36) arranged facing towards the laundry drum with at least one nozzle opening (37), on the outer peripheral surface of which an agitator contour (38) is embodied, wherein the nozzle unit (26) is connected to the holding unit (25) with a positive or non-positive fit such that it can be detached in a non-destructive manner, characterised in that at least one latching means for establishing a latching connection between the holding unit (25) and the bearing shield (2) is embodied on the holding unit (25).
2. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that the nozzle unit (26) is connected to the holding unit (25) such that it can be detached in a non-destructive manner via a bayonet closure.
3. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the nozzle unit (26) has a connecting flange (33), from which the nozzle section (36) protrudes axially on one side and on the side of which facing away from the nozzle section (36) at least one first connecting means (34) is arranged, and that the holding unit (25) has at least one second connecting means (32) that interacts with the first connecting means (34).
4. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 3, characterised in that the nozzle unit (26) has a connecting peg (39) that protrudes axially from the connecting flange (33) on the side of the connecting flange (33) facing away from the nozzle section (36) and is inserted into a fluid supply duct (28) of the holding unit (25), wherein running through the connecting peg (39), the connecting flange (33) and the nozzle section (36) is a fluid duct (40), to which the nozzle opening (37) is connected such that they can communicate and which ends in the nozzle section (36).
5. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 4, characterised in that at least one circumferential seal (41) is arranged radially and/or axially on the outside of the connecting peg (39).
6. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the holding unit (25) is embodied in a pot-like manner and has a bottom (27) with the fluid supply duct (28).
7. Laundry treatment appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the laundry treatment appliance has a spray apparatus (3) for spraying a spray mist into the laundry drum, wherein the spray apparatus (3) has a water tank (4), with which it is possible to stockpile water that is used to form the spray mist, a pump (11) that is connected to the water tank (4) via a hose (10), with which the water can be pumped out of the water tank (4) in order to generate the spray mist, a further hose (12), which connects the pump (11) to the spray unit (13) for spraying the spray mist into a laundry drum, and a sensor unit (9) for recording a current water level within the water tank (4), wherein the water tank (4) has a filling opening (5) for filling the water tank (4).

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