EP4194604A1 - Washing device with a washing detergent flap in a washing detergent drawer - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a washing appliance, in particular a household washing appliance, in particular a washing machine (1) or a washer-dryer, for carrying out a washing program. The washing device comprises a tub, a drum arranged in the tub for receiving laundry and a detergent drawer (6) with a chamber (8a) for receiving detergent. The detergent drawer (6) can be closed by means of a closing movement and opened by means of an opening movement. There is also a detergent flap (9) which can be moved into a closed state and into a first open state. The detergent drawer (6) is designed such that the detergent flap (9) retains the detergent in the chamber (8a) when it is closed and allows the detergent to escape from the chamber (8a) when it is first open. In addition, the washing appliance is designed in such a way that the detergent flap (9) can be moved from the closed state to the first open state by means of the closing movement of the detergent drawer (6) or by means of an actuator.

Description

field of invention

The invention relates to a washing appliance, in particular a household washing appliance, in particular a washing machine or a washer-dryer. The washing machine is suitable for carrying out a washing program. The washing device includes a tub, a drum arranged in the tub for receiving laundry, and a detergent drawer. The detergent drawer comprises a chamber which is suitable for receiving detergent. The detergent drawer can be closed by means of a closing movement and opened by means of an opening movement. In addition, the washing device includes a detergent flap which can be moved into a closed state and into a first open state. The detergent drawer is designed in such a way that the detergent flap retains the detergent in the chamber and in the closed state first open state allows the detergent to escape from the chamber.

background

A washing appliance includes a detergent drawer with a number of chambers into which the user can fill detergent. Liquid or powdered detergent can be filled in.

The chamber for the main detergent regularly includes an insertable restrictor slide with a scale. The throttle slide accumulates liquid detergent in the chamber so that the user can read the filling quantity of the detergent that has been filled in on the scale.

The disadvantage of this solution is that the user has to remove the restrictor slide from the chamber when using a powder detergent. Because if the throttle slide is used, the powdered detergent would only be flushed into the tub with difficulty during the wash program. If the user forgets to remove the throttle slide from the chamber when using powdered detergent, this will result in poor washing results.

Conversely, if the user wants to use liquid detergent but has not used the throttle slide, the detergent will immediately flow out of the chamber into the tub upon filling. The liquid detergent is not backed up by the throttle slide and the user cannot read the volume of detergent filled in.

Presentation of the invention

The task is to provide a washing device that is as easy as possible for the user to operate.

• einen Bottich;
• eine im Bottich angeordnete Trommel zur Aufnahme von Wäsche;
• eine Waschmittelschublade mit einer Kammer zur Aufnahme von Waschmittel. Die Waschmittelschublade ist mittels einer Schliessbewegung schliessbar und mittels einer Öffnungsbewegung öffenbar.
• eine Waschmittelklappe, welche in einen geschlossenen und in einen ersten offenen Zustand bewegbar ist.

This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claim. Accordingly, a washing appliance, in particular a household washing appliance, in particular a washing machine or a washer-dryer,

• a vat;
• a drum disposed in the tub for receiving laundry;
• a detergent drawer with a chamber for holding detergent. The detergent drawer can be closed by means of a closing movement and opened by means of an opening movement.
• a detergent door moveable to a closed condition and a first open condition.

In particular, the washing device includes a feed channel through which detergent can be fed from the detergent drawer into the tub.

The detergent drawer is designed in such a way that the detergent flap retains the detergent in the chamber in the closed state and allows the detergent to escape from the chamber in the first open state. In addition, the washing appliance is designed to move the detergent flap from the closed state to the first open state by means of the closing movement of the detergent drawer or by means of an actuator. In particular, the actuator is driven by an electric motor or electromagnet.

"By means of the closing movement" means that the user exerts a force on the detergent drawer to close it, and this force then also moves the detergent flap. This means that the user only needs to close the detergent drawer and the detergent flap then moves by itself.

This solution has the advantage that the user does not have to insert or remove a restrictor slide in or out of the detergent drawer. The detergent flap can either by an actuator or by a Sliding movement of the detergent drawer are automatically moved from the closed state to the first open state. The washing device is thus designed to be user-friendly.

In particular, the washing device has a detergent drawer housing with a stop. The stop is arranged and designed in such a way that the detergent flap is moved, in particular rotated, or can be rotated from the stop into the first open state by means of the closing movement of the detergent drawer. The stop thus serves as a force deflection. In particular, by closing the detergent drawer, the detergent flap is pressed against the stop, so that the stop moves the detergent flap into the first open state by means of a counterforce.

The mechanism for opening and closing the detergent flap is very easy to implement with this solution. The closing movement of the detergent drawer is sufficient to open the detergent flap.

In particular, when the detergent drawer is closed, the detergent flap is in the first open state. This means that the detergent can be easily rinsed into the tub when the detergent drawer is closed.

In an advantageous embodiment, the detergent flap and the stop are designed in such a way that the detergent flap, by means of the closing movement of the detergent drawer, can be rotated through an angle of greater than 10°, in particular greater than 20°, in particular greater than 30°, and less than 70°, in particular less than 60°, in particular less than 50°, is rotated or can be rotated.

The detergent flap only has to be turned by a certain angle so that the detergent can be flushed into the tub. For example, it is not necessary to turn the detergent flap through an angle of 90°.

A measuring device, in particular a measuring scale, is advantageously arranged on the detergent flap. The user can read the volume of detergent contained in the chamber from the measuring scale, particularly when the detergent flap is closed. Such a scale simplifies the correct dosage of detergent.

In particular, the detergent flap is designed in such a way that the detergent flap is moved, in particular rotated, or is movable, in particular rotatable, during the opening movement of the detergent drawer into the closed state. In such an embodiment, the detergent flap is in the closed state when the detergent drawer is open and in the first open state when the detergent drawer is closed. This ensures that when new detergent is poured into the detergent drawer, the detergent is backed up and the user can read the amount filled in from the scale. On the other hand, it is ensured that the detergent can be flushed into the tub without any problems when the detergent drawer is closed and thus during the execution of a washing program.

The detergent flap is advantageously designed to move into the closed state, in particular to rotate, or to move into the closed state, in particular to rotate, during the opening movement of the detergent drawer due to the detergent flap's own weight or due to spring force. Such a configuration of the detergent flap has the advantage that no particularly high force has to be applied to open the detergent drawer.

In a special embodiment, the detergent flap or the detergent drawer has a permanent magnet. The permanent magnet holds the Detergent flap with open detergent drawer in the closed state. As a result, the detergent flap remains closed, even if a corresponding pressure is exerted on the detergent flap when the detergent is poured in.

In particular, the detergent flap can be removed from the detergent drawer. Thus, even if the detergent door malfunctions, the user can continue washing or clean the detergent door from dirt and put it back in the detergent drawer.

In a particular embodiment, the detergent flap is designed in such a way that when it is closed it presses against a wall due to its own weight. This results in a particularly good sealing behavior of the detergent flap.

As mentioned, the detergent flap can be opened automatically not only by means of a mechanical stop, but also by means of an actuator. I.e. the washing device comprises a controller which controls an actuator, in particular an electric motor or electromagnet, with which the detergent flap can be moved into the closed state and/or into the first open state.

The controller is advantageously designed to move the detergent flap from the closed to the first open state by means of the actuator at any time during the execution of the washing program, in particular when the detergent drawer is closed.

This embodiment has the advantage that detergent can be metered into the tub at different and multiple times during the course of the washing program. The dosing is timely and precise. This allows washing with less detergent and the washing result can be improved.

The controller is advantageously designed to move the detergent flap from the first open state to the closed state by means of the actuator during the execution of the washing program, in particular in such a way that detergent is still present in the chamber after the closed state has been reached. The controller or the actuator can not only open the detergent flap, but also close it. If the control opens the detergent flap only briefly at first, not all of the detergent filled into the chamber escapes. The detergent left in the chamber can be dosed into the tub at a later point in time.

The detergent flap can advantageously be moved into a second open state. In the first open state, the detergent can escape with a larger volume flow than in the second open state. I.e. the detergent flap is less open in the second open state than in the first open state.

This has the advantage that the detergent volume to be metered in can be controlled. If, for example, only a small part of the detergent in the chamber is to be dosed, the control opens the detergent flap only slightly, so that only a small amount of detergent can escape from the chamber.

In particular, the controller is designed to move the detergent flap from the closed to the first open state at least twice by means of the actuator during the execution of a single wash program. As a result, detergent can be metered into the tub at different and multiple times during the course of the washing program. The dosing is timely and precise. This allows washing with less detergent and the washing result can be improved.

In a special embodiment, the washing device has a spring. This expresses due to a Spring preload the detergent flap by means of a spring force in the closed state. In particular, the actuator is designed to move the detergent flap into the first open state by means of an actuator force against the spring force.

Advantageously, the detergent flap can move about an axis of rotation by means of a rotary movement. In particular, the axis of rotation lies in the spring or outside of the spring and/or the actuator presses a linearly moving rail against the detergent flap in order to open the detergent flap.

In an alternative embodiment, the washing device comprises a spring which presses the detergent flap into the first open state by means of a spring force. In addition, a locking device is provided in order to hold the detergent flap in the closed state by locking. This means that when it is closed, the detergent flap is locked and the spring is pretensioned. Once the latch is released, the detergent door moves to an open condition due to spring force. In particular, the actuator can release the locking device by actuating the locking device in order to move the detergent flap from the closed state to the first open state.

This embodiment has the advantage that the actuator only has to apply a small amount of force in order to move the detergent flap from the closed state to the open state. Because the actuator only has to release the lock.

In a further alternative embodiment, a spring is also provided, which presses the detergent flap into the first open state by means of a spring force. A permanent magnet is configured and arranged to hold the detergent door in the closed state by magnetic force.

In particular, the washing machine includes a closing device which the detergent flap when Opening the detergent drawer automatically moves to the closed state. In particular, this closing movement takes place as a result of the force exerted on the drawer by the user. The design of the locking device is very simple. It is not necessary for the detergent flap to be able to be closed by means of the actuator.

The detergent flap can advantageously be designed in such a way that the detergent flap can be closed by hand when the detergent drawer is open. This functionality can be combined with all of the embodiments already mentioned. In an embodiment in which the detergent flap can be closed by means of the actuator, the user can also close the detergent flap by hand.

In particular, in all of the described embodiments, liquid or powder detergent can be filled into the chamber without impairing the functionality of the detergent flap. The detergent flap does not need to be removed or moved to a different position when using powder detergent.

In particular, the detergent drawer can have an overflow protection so that the detergent can escape from the chamber when the detergent flap is closed as soon as the chamber is completely filled.

In particular, the detergent drawer can be moved into the detergent drawer housing by means of the closing movement and can be moved out of the detergent drawer housing by means of the opening movement.

In particular, the actuator is designed not to be able to close the detergent flap.

In particular, "retain in the closed state" means that in the closed state no more than 5 ml, in particular no more than 2 ml, of detergent escapes from the chamber within one hour.

Brief description of the drawings

• Fig. 1 eine Waschmaschine mit einer Waschmittelschublade;
• Fig. 2a eine erste Ausführungsform einer Waschmittelschublade mit einer Waschmittelklappe im geschlossenen Zustand;
• Fig. 2b die Waschmittelklappe der ersten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 2c die erste Ausführungsform der Waschmittelschublade mit Sicht von unten;
• Fig. 2d eine Schnittansicht der ersten Ausführungsform der Waschmittelschublade, wobei sich die Waschmittelklappe im geschlossenen Zustand befindet;
• Fig. 2e die erste Ausführungsform der Waschmittelschublade mit demontierter Waschmittelklappe;
• Fig. 3a die erste Ausführungsform der Waschmittelschublade mit der Waschmittelklappe im ersten offenen Zustand;
• Fig. 3b eine Schnittansicht der Waschmittelschublade, wobei sich die Waschmittelklappe im ersten offenen Zustand befindet;
• Fig. 3c eine Detailansicht der Fig. 3b;
• Fig. 4 eine zweite Ausführungsform der Waschmittelschublade, bei welcher die Waschmittelklappe im geschlossenen Zustand schräg zur Vertikalen angeordnet ist;
• Fig. 5a eine dritte Ausführungsform einer Waschmittelschublade mit einer aktorbetriebenen Waschmittelklappe;
• Fig. 5b die dritte Ausführungsform in Seitenansicht mit ausgeblendeter Wanne;
• Fig. 5c eine Detailzeichnung von Waschmittelklappe und Aktor der dritten Ausführungsform;
• Fig. 5d und 5e Seitensichten von Waschmittelklappe und Aktor im offenen und im geschlossenen Zustand;
• Fig. 6 eine vierte Ausführungsform einer Waschmittelschublade mit einer aktorbetriebenen Waschmittelklappe;
• Fig. 7a eine fünfte Ausführungsform einer Waschmittelschublade mit einer aktorbetriebenen Waschmittelklappe;
• Fig. 7b die fünfte Ausführungsform mit detaillierter Seitansicht;
• Fig. 7c die fünfte Ausführungsform mit der Waschmittelklappe in geschlossener Position; und
• Fig. 7d die fünfte Ausführungsform mit der Waschmittelklappe in geöffneter Position.

Further configurations, advantages and applications of the invention result from the dependent claims and from the following description based on the figures. show:

• 1 a washing machine with a detergent drawer;
• Figure 2a a first embodiment of a detergent drawer with a detergent flap in the closed state;
• Figure 2b the detergent door of the first embodiment;
• Figure 2c the first embodiment of the detergent drawer viewed from below;
• Fig. 2d a sectional view of the first embodiment of the detergent drawer, wherein the detergent flap is in the closed state;
• Figure 2e the first embodiment of the detergent drawer with the detergent flap disassembled;
• Figure 3a the first embodiment of the detergent drawer with the detergent flap in the first open state;
• Figure 3b a sectional view of the detergent drawer, wherein the detergent door is in the first open state;
• 3c a detailed view of Figure 3b ;
• 4 a second embodiment of the detergent drawer, in which the detergent flap is arranged obliquely to the vertical in the closed state;
• Figure 5a a third embodiment of a detergent drawer with an actuator-operated detergent flap;
• Figure 5b the third embodiment in a side view with the tub hidden;
• Figure 5c a detailed drawing of detergent flap and actuator of the third embodiment;
• Figures 5d and 5e Side views of the detergent flap and actuator in the open and closed state;
• 6 a fourth embodiment of a detergent drawer with an actuator-operated detergent flap;
• Figure 7a a fifth embodiment of a detergent drawer with an actuator-operated detergent flap;
• Figure 7b the fifth embodiment with a detailed side view;
• Figure 7c the fifth embodiment with the detergent door in the closed position; and
• Figure 7d the fifth embodiment with the detergent door in the open position.

Ways to carry out the invention

1 shows a washing machine 1 with a door opening 2 through which laundry can be introduced into a drum 3 . The drum 3 is arranged inside a tub 4 . The drum 3 and the tub 4 are shown schematically by means of dashed lines. A controller 5 is arranged below the vat and is also shown schematically with dashed lines.

A detergent drawer 6 and a control element 7 are arranged on the top of the washing machine. The detergent drawer 6 can be pulled out of the housing of the washing machine 1 . If the detergent drawer 6 is pulled out, the user can pour detergent into the detergent drawer 6 .

Figure 2a shows a first embodiment of a detergent drawer 6. This comprises three chambers 8a, 8b and 8c. The chamber 8a is used to hold detergent for the main wash cycle. The chamber 8b is used to hold detergent for the pre-wash cycle. The chamber 8c is used to hold a fabric softener. At least the chamber 8a can accommodate both liquid and powdered detergent. The detergent drawer 6 can be closed by means of a closing movement and opened by means of an opening movement.

A detergent flap 9 is arranged in the chamber 8a. The detergent flap 9 can assume at least a closed state and a first open state. The Figures 2b and 2d show the detergent flap 9 in the closed state. The Figures 3a and 3b show the detergent flap 9 in the first open state. If the detergent flap 9 is closed, the detergent present in the chamber 8a is retained in the chamber 8a. If the detergent flap 9 is in the first open state, the detergent can escape from the chamber 8a. Liquid detergent immediately escapes from the chamber 8a and powdered detergent escapes as soon as the chamber 8a has been flooded with water. the inside Figure 2a The arrow 10 shown shows the direction of flow of detergent flowing out of the chamber 8a.

The Figure 2b shows the detergent flap 9 in detail. A measuring scale 10 is arranged on the front side of the detergent flap 9 . The measuring scale 10 is positioned on an inclined projection 11 so that the measuring scale 10 is clearly visible to the user looking into the detergent drawer 6 from above. The closed detergent flap 9 backs up the liquid detergent so that the user can read off the volume of the detergent that has been filled in on the measuring scale 10 .

The detergent flap 10 is rotatably mounted in the chamber 8a by means of a hinge. The hinge comprises pins 12 arranged on the detergent flap 10 and rotatably suspended in receiving devices 13 of the chamber 8a.

The detergent flap 9 includes a permanent magnet 13 on its underside. This exerts an attractive magnet when the detergent flap 9 is closed Force on a ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic piece of material 14, which is arranged in the bottom of the detergent drawer 6. The acting magnetic force holds the detergent flap 9 in the closed state with a specific magnetic force. This prevents the detergent flap 9 from opening unintentionally when detergent is poured in.

Conversely, the permanent magnet can be arranged in the base of the detergent drawer 6 and the ferrimagnetic or ferromagnetic piece of material can be arranged in the detergent flap 9 .

Figure 2e shows the detergent drawer 6 with the detergent flap 9 removed. The chamber 8a has receiving devices 13 on its side walls, which include guides so that the user can insert and fix the detergent flap 9 into the receiving device 13 from above. If the user wants to dismantle the detergent flap 9 for cleaning, he can move it out of the receiving device 13 upwards.

As mentioned, the detergent flap 9 is rotatably mounted in the receiving devices 13 by means of pins 12 . while the Figures 2a and 2d show the detergent flap 9 in the closed position, the detergent flap 9 is in the Figures 3a and 3b in the first open position. While the detergent flap 9 is arranged vertically in the closed position, it has an angle 15 of 45° to the vertical in the first open position. In the first open position there is a passage through which the detergent can flow into the tub 4 from the chamber 8a. The direction of flow of the detergent is illustrated with the arrow 16 .

If the detergent drawer 6 is open, ie pulled out of the housing of the washing machine 1, then the detergent flap 9 is in the closed state. Ie in the Figures 2a and 2d is the detergent drawer 6 pulled out of the housing of the washing device 1. If the user closes the detergent drawer 6, the detergent flap 9 opens automatically. When the detergent drawer 6 is pushed in, the top of the detergent flap 9 hits a stop 17 of the detergent drawer housing 18. The stop 17 presses the detergent flap 9 in the opposite direction to the pushing-in movement of the detergent drawer 6. The detergent flap 9 rotates counterclockwise about the axis of rotation 19 and thus moves from the closed position to the first open position.

The Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show the detergent drawer 6 closed or fully pushed in. In this position, the detergent flap 9 is in the first open state, ie detergent can enter the tub 4 . If the user pulls the detergent drawer out again starting from this position, the detergent flap 9 loses contact with the stop 17. The detergent flap 9 rotates back into the closed state due to its own weight. That is, the rotational movement takes place in a clockwise direction about the axis of rotation 19. Alternatively or additionally, a spring can be provided which presses the detergent flap 9 into the closed state.

The 4 shows a second embodiment of a detergent drawer, wherein the detergent flap 9 is in the closed state. In contrast to the first embodiment, the detergent flap 9 is not in the vertical position when it is closed, but is inclined at an angle 20 of 15° to the vertical. This improves the closing behavior, since the weight of the detergent flap 9 presses it closed even when it is closed.

Figure 5a shows a third embodiment of a detergent drawer 6.

The chambers 8a, 8b and 8c sit in a trough 21 of the detergent drawer 6. On the outside An actuator designed as an electric motor 22 is arranged in this tub 21 . The controller 5 controls the electric motor 22, puts it into operation if necessary and also stops it again. When the electric motor 22 rotates, its rotary motion is transmitted to a toothed rail 23 that moves linearly. The toothed rail 23 then transmits its movement to a gear wheel 24 and the gear wheel 24 transmits its movement to a rail 25. Alternatively, the force could also be introduced via a belt drive.

Starting from the closed state as shown in Figure 5b As shown, the electric motor 22 rotates counterclockwise to move the detergent door 9 to the first open state. The toothed rail 23 moves downwards, so that the gear wheel 24 also rotates counterclockwise. The consequence of this is that the rail 25 moves to the left and thus hits the detergent flap 9 . The detergent flap 9 rotates counterclockwise about the axis of rotation 26. The directions of movement are in Figure 5b each marked with arrows. The Figures 5c and 5d also show the detergent flap 9, the electric motor 22 and the other components in the position with the detergent flap 9 closed.

As a comparison, the Figure 5e the detergent flap 9 in the first open position. It is clearly visible that the rack 23 has moved down, the gear 24 has moved counterclockwise and the rail 25 has moved to the left. The detergent flap 9 has turned counterclockwise about the axis of rotation 26 .

Starting from the first open position as shown in Figure 5e is shown, the detergent flap 9 can also be returned to the closed position, as shown in FIG Figure 5d shown to be turned back. For this purpose, the controller controls the electric motor 22 in such a way that it rotates clockwise. The rack 23 moves back upwards, the gear wheel 24 also moves clockwise, so that the rail 25 moves away from the detergent flap 9 to the right. At the same time, a spring 27 arranged along the axis of rotation 26 inside the detergent flap 9 rotates the detergent flap 9 clockwise back into the closed position. The spring 27 is drawn in by means of a dashed circle.

If the user pulls out the detergent drawer 6 and the detergent flap 9 is not closed, he can also close the detergent flap 9 by hand. It should also be mentioned that due to the design of the opening mechanism, the detergent flap 9 does not necessarily have to be moved into the first open position shown. The detergent flap 9 can also be opened significantly less, i.e. in a second open position. This option can be used to meter detergent into the tub more slowly or in smaller quantities.

The 6 showed a fourth embodiment. The same components are identified with the same reference numerals as in the third embodiment. A detergent flap 9 is again arranged in the chamber 8a of the detergent drawer 6 . A spring 27 is also arranged on the axis of rotation 26 and inside the detergent flap 9 and presses the detergent flap 9 into the closed position. If the detergent flap 9 is to be moved into the first open position, the electric motor 22 rotates and the rail 25 is moved in the direction of the arrow 25a.

In contrast to the first embodiment, the electric motor 22 and the rail 25 are not arranged on the tub 21 but are installed in the washing machine 1 separately from the detergent drawer 6 . If the detergent drawer 6 is pulled out of the washing machine 1 by the user, the contact between the toothed rail 25 and the detergent flap 9 is released immediately. Was the Detergent flap 9 is in the first open position when the detergent drawer 6 is closed, so the spring 27 immediately rotates the detergent flap 9 into the closed position when the detergent drawer 6 is pulled out.

The Figures 7a to 7d show a fifth alternative embodiment. The Figure 7b 12 is a detailed side view of the detergent drawer 6. Inside the detergent flap 9 there is again a spring 27 on the axis of rotation, which, in contrast to the previous embodiments, presses or moves the detergent flap 9 into the first open position. As in Figure 7b shown, the detergent flap 9 is held against the spring force by means of a locking device 28 in the closed position. The locking device 28 blocks a projection 29 of the detergent flap 9. Because of this blockage, the detergent flap 9 cannot open.

If the detergent flap 9 is to be moved from the closed position to the first open position, the controller 5 controls the electric motor 22 in such a way that the plunger 30 moves in the direction of the arrow 31 . The locking device 28 rotates clockwise as in FIG Figure 7b shown about its axis of rotation 32. The projection 29 is released and the spring 26 rotates the detergent door 9 from the closed position to the first open position.

In this fifth embodiment it is not possible to move the detergent flap 9 back to the closed position by means of the electric motor 22 . How this movement is carried out should be based on the Figures 7c and 7d be explained. The Figure 7c shows the detergent drawer 6 with the detergent flap 9 in the closed position and the Figure 7d shows the detergent drawer 6 with the detergent flap 9 in the first open position. If the detergent flap 9 was moved into the first open position during the washing program, the situation according to FIG Figure 7d .

The detergent flap 9 has a web 33 on its upper side. The washing machine 1 also has an opening lever 34. The opening lever 34 is arranged in a stationary manner on the washing machine 1 and does not move with the detergent drawer 6 when it is pulled out and pushed in.

If the detergent drawer 6 starting from the in Figure 7d shown situation, ie with open detergent flap 9, pulled out by the user at the beginning of a washing program to fill in detergent, the bar 33 pushes the opening lever 34. The detergent flap 9 rotates with the bar 33 back into the closed position. the inside Figure 7b Projection 29 shown is pressed into the locking device 28, so that the detergent flap 9 does not release from the closed position despite the prestressed spring 26. After the user has pushed the detergent drawer 6 back into the washing machine 1, the situation is shown in FIG Figure 7c . The web 33 and the opening lever 34 act together as a closing device.

An exemplary washing process could look like this: The user pulls the detergent drawer 6 out of the washing machine 1 in the embodiment of the third embodiment, fills detergent at least into the chamber 8a and then closes the detergent drawer 6 . The detergent flap 9 is in the closed state. Detergent does not flow into the tub. The user activates a washing program.

After the start of the main wash cycle, the electric motor 32, controlled by the controller 5, opens the detergent flap 9. Water flows into the chamber 8a and the detergent, liquid or in powder form, reaches the tub completely.

Alternatively, the detergent flap 9 could only be opened slightly and briefly and only allow part of the detergent to flow into the tub. The controller 5 could then open the detergent flap 9 at a later point in time open again to allow the remaining detergent to flow into the tub.

While the present application describes preferred embodiments of the invention, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited thereto and may be otherwise embodied within the scope of the following claims.

Claims (15)

Washing appliance, in particular household washing appliance, in particular a washing machine or a washer-dryer, for carrying out a washing program, comprising - a vat (4), - a drum (3) arranged in the tub (4) for receiving laundry, - a detergent drawer (6) with a chamber (8a) for receiving detergent, wherein the detergent drawer (6) can be closed by means of a closing movement and opened by means of an opening movement, - at least one detergent flap (9) which can be moved into a closed state and into a first open state, wherein the detergent drawer (6) is designed in such a way that the detergent flap (9) retains the detergent in the chamber (8a) when it is closed and allows the detergent to escape from the chamber (8a) when it is first open, characterized in that the washing appliance is designed in such a way that the detergent flap (9) can be moved from the closed state to the first open state by means of the closing movement of the detergent drawer (6) or by means of an actuator (22). Washing machine according to Claim 1, having a detergent drawer housing (6) with a stop (17) which is arranged and configured in such a way that the detergent flap (9) moves from the stop (17) into the first open state by means of the closing movement of the detergent drawer (6). , especially turned, is
in particular wherein the detergent flap (9) is in the first open state when the detergent drawer (6) is closed. Washing appliance according to claim 2, wherein the detergent flap (9) and the stop (17) are designed in such a way that the detergent flap (9) rotates by means of the closing movement of the detergent drawer (6) through an angle of greater than 10°, in particular greater than 20°, in particular greater 30° and less than 70°, in particular less than 60°, in particular less than 50°. Washing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, wherein a measuring device (10), in particular a measuring scale, is arranged on the detergent flap (9), so that the volume of the detergent held in the chamber (8a) can be read from the measuring device (10). Washing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detergent flap (9) is designed such that the detergent flap (9) is moved, in particular rotated, into the closed state during the opening movement of the detergent drawer (6). Washing device according to claim 5, wherein the detergent flap (9) is designed to move, in particular to rotate, into the closed state during the opening movement of the detergent drawer (6) due to the weight of the detergent flap (9) or due to a spring force. Washing machine according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the detergent flap (9) or the detergent drawer (6) has a permanent magnet (13), the permanent magnet (13) holding the detergent flap (9) in the closed state when the detergent drawer (6) is open. Washing appliance according to one of the preceding claims, in which the detergent flap (9) is detachable from the detergent drawer (6). Washing appliance according to Claim 1, having a controller (5) in order to move the detergent flap (9) by means of the actuator (22), the controller (5) being designed to move the detergent flap (9), in particular when the detergent drawer (6) is closed, to move from the closed to the first open state by means of the actuator (22) at any time during the execution of the washing program. Washing device according to claim 9, wherein the control is designed to move the detergent flap (9) by means of the actuator (22) during the execution of the washing program from the first open state to the closed state,
in particular such that detergent is still present in the chamber (8a) after the closed state has been reached. Washing appliance according to one of Claims 9 or 10, in which the detergent flap (9) can be moved into at least a second open state by means of the actuator (22), it being possible for the detergent to escape from the chamber (8a) with a greater volume flow in the first open state than in the second open state. Washing appliance according to one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the controller (5) is designed to move the detergent flap (9) by means of the actuator (22) at least twice during the execution of a single washing program from the closed to the first open state. Washing appliance according to one of Claims 9 to 12, having a spring (27) which presses the detergent flap (9) into the closed state by means of a spring force. Washing appliance according to Claim 13, in which the detergent flap (9) is designed to move by means of a rotary movement about an axis of rotation (26), in particular in which - the axis of rotation (26) lies in the spring (27) or outside of the spring (27), and/or - the actuator (22) pushes a rectilinearly moving rail (25) against the detergent flap (9) in order to open the detergent flap (9). Washing device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the washing device is designed such that the chamber (8a) can accommodate liquid or powdered detergent and the liquid or powdered detergent escapes from the chamber (8a) in the first open state.

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