WO2014040877A1

WO2014040877A1 - Washing machine having a brush unit on the dispenser drawer of the washing machine

Info

Publication number: WO2014040877A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/068137
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Matte; Alex Volk
Original assignee: BSH Bosch und Siemens Hausgeräte GmbH
Priority date: 2012-09-11
Filing date: 2013-09-03
Publication date: 2014-03-20
Also published as: DE102012216053A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a washing machine comprising a dispenser drawer (1) and a drawer housing (8), into which the dispenser drawer (1) can be inserted. The dispenser drawer (1) is guided in relation to the drawer housing (8) and can be moved in an insertion direction (27) and oppositely to the insertion direction (27). A spraying area (30) having several spraying holes (33 - 40) is provided on the drawer housing (8), wherein the spraying holes (33 - 40) are associated with a chamber (3) of the dispenser drawer (1). Furthermore, a brush unit (9) is provided on the dispenser drawer (1). When the dispenser drawer (1) is moved in relation to the drawer housing (8), the brush unit interacts with the spraying area (30) in such a way that the surroundings of the spray holes (33 - 40) are brushed.

Description

Washing machine with a brush unit on its Einspülschale

The invention relates to a washing machine with a Einspülschale and a

Shell housing into which the dispenser tray is insertable. The washing machine is used for washing laundry and comparable laundry. The

Washing machine may optionally be designed as a washer-dryer and both for washing and for drying laundry and comparable

Laundry goods serve. From EP 0 465 800 B1 a washing machine with a detergent dish is known. Here, the detergent shell from the front surface of the washing machine

moved out. In the known washing machine, the detergent shell is movable by an oriented in its direction of movement control rod, which is driven by an actuatable by a switching means, electromotive drive means. In this case, two defined end positions are provided for the adjusting rod, in which the drive means can be switched off and its new direction of movement is set in a presettable manner.

The washing machine known from EP 0 465 800 B1 has the disadvantage that, when water is introduced into the detergent dish for high-pressure spraying of

Laundry treatment, especially a washing powder comes. This results in over the detergent shell to be adhered laundry treatment agents, such as

Detergent and softener. If such soiling, for example, loosens again in the form of lumps, unwanted detergent residues may, for example, occur during a wash cycle on the washed laundry.

In addition, as a result of the adhering detergent residues over time, biofilm formation can occur above the detergent dish. As a result, it comes then to the carryover of dirt, germs, bacteria or the like in the treatment area, which is also unsatisfactory from a hygienic point of view. Furthermore, there is the problem here that the area above the detergent dish is generally poorly visible by the user, so that said soiling and residues may not be detected. The object of the invention is to provide a washing machine with an improved structure. Specifically, it is an object of the invention to provide a washing machine in which the hygiene is improved in the region of the dispenser. The task is accomplished by a washing machine with a Einspülschale and a

Shell housing, in which the dispenser is at least partially inserted, solved, wherein the dispenser guided in relation to the shell housing and in a

Insertion and against the insertion direction is movable, wherein the

Shell housing an injection area is provided with at least one spray hole, which is associated with a chamber of the dispenser, and wherein the dispenser shell at least one brush unit is provided which cooperates when moving the dispenser shell with respect to the shell housing with the injection area that at least one environment of the Brushed is sprayed. The measures listed in the dependent claims are advantageous

Further developments of the washing machine according to the invention possible.

The washing machine is used for washing laundry and similar laundry. In this case, the washing machine may optionally be designed as a washer-dryer to wash laundry or similar laundry and dry. The embodiment of the invention is also suitable for a washing machine with an automatic dosing system, in which one or more flowable treatment agents are stored in suitable containers in a respective amount that is sufficient for multiple treatment operations, if in addition a dispensing chamber is provided for manual dosing. Such a dispensing chamber for manual dosing can be used in particular as a powder chamber to manually dose powdered laundry treatment agent.

It is advantageous that the injection area at an upper inside of the

Shell housing is configured. In this case, the injection region can be designed on a separate component, which is connected, for example, to the shell housing, wherein the at least one spray hole is provided on this separate component. However, the injection area can also be designed directly on the shell housing. In this case, the at least one injection hole can be configured on the upper inner side of the shell housing.

It is also advantageous that a plurality of injection holes are provided which are associated with the chamber of the dispenser. Here, it is also advantageous that at least a part of the injection holes, which are assigned to the chamber of the dispenser, are arranged in a row along the insertion direction. If the dispenser bowl in the

Insertion direction is pushed into the end position, then can be done in this way through the multiple injection holes an advantageous supply of water to rinse the chamber. In this case, it is also advantageous that, in the closed end position of the dispensing tray, in which the dispensing tray is inserted as far as possible into the tray housing, the brush unit is positioned behind the at least one injection hole, in particular the multiple spray holes, as viewed in the insertion direction. When moving the Einspülschale against the insertion direction thus a brushing is achieved by the brush unit at the rearmost spray holes. This can optionally be done with a single brush unit brushing on all spray holes.

It is advantageous that the brush unit has at least one brush, which is oriented with respect to the insertion by at least approximately 90 ° upwards. This shows the brush directly upwards. In this embodiment, both when moving the dispenser tray in the insertion direction and when moving the dispenser tray against the insertion direction an effective brushing in the field of spray holes can be achieved.

However, it is also advantageous that the brush unit has at least one brush which is oriented upwards in the insertion direction. In particular, it is advantageous in this case that the brush unit has at least one brush, which is oriented in the insertion direction by approximately 45 ° upwards. When moving the dispenser tray in the insertion direction can be improved by this brush position a brush.

Accordingly, it is advantageous that the brush unit has at least one brush, which is oriented counter to the insertion direction upwards. In particular, it is advantageous that the brush unit has at least one brush which opposes the insertion direction is oriented by approximately 45 ° upwards. In this way, when moving the dispenser tray against the insertion direction, the effect of the brushing can be improved. Specifically, the brush unit may have differently oriented brushes. As a result, a particularly good cleaning effect can be achieved. Here, if necessary, environments of obliquely directed spray holes can be effectively brushed free. In an advantageous embodiment, the brush unit is plugged

Brush unit designed which can be inserted at the chamber in the dispenser shell. This embodiment allows for a replacement of an optionally worn or dirty brush unit. On the other hand, this can simplify the production of the dispenser tray. Preferably, the brush unit is at least partially made of polypropylene. As a result, the brush unit can be made alkali-resistant and dirt-resistant.

By brush unit thus a brushing around the spray holes is possible. As a result, detergent residues can be removed on the one hand. On the other hand, it also prevents a biofilm from forming.

Depending on the configuration of the washing machine, in particular the dispenser shell, one or more brush units can be provided. Specifically, a brush unit may be provided for each chamber of the dispenser tray. A brush unit may advantageously have a plurality of rows each having a plurality of brushes. As a result, a cleaning effect can be increased. Specifically, the brushes of a row can be arranged one behind the other perpendicular to the insertion direction in order, as it were, to achieve cleaning of the shell housing or of the injection area of the shell housing over the entire width of the chamber of the dispensing tray or across the width of all the chambers.

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

Fig. 1 is a Einspülschale a washing machine in a schematic

Sectional view according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is an upper inside of a shell housing of the washing machine of the first embodiment of the invention in a schematic

Presentation;

Fig. 3 is a brush unit of the dispenser tray shown in Fig. 1 in one

schematic representation of the designated III direction of view according to a second embodiment of the invention and Fig. 4, the brush unit shown in Fig. 3 from the designated IV

Viewing direction according to a third embodiment of the

Invention.

Fig. 1 shows a dispenser 1 of a washing machine in a schematic sectional view according to a first embodiment. The washing machine can in this case be used in particular for washing and optionally also for drying laundry. The washing machine is suitable in a suitably adapted embodiment, however, also for washing comparable laundry. Further, the washing machine may optionally also perform other treatments, such as bleaching, dyeing or disinfecting.

The dispenser 1 has a main body 2 with a plurality of chambers 3, 4, 5. Further, 2 guide ribs 6, 7 are configured on the base body, with which the

Induction tray when inserted into a shell housing 8 (Figure 2) with respect to the

Shell housing 8 is guided.

In this embodiment, the washing machine brush units 9, 10, 1 1 on. The brush unit 9 is assigned to the chamber 3 of the dispenser 1. The brush unit 10 is assigned to the chamber 4. The brush unit 1 1 is assigned to the chamber 5. Here, in this embodiment, the brush units 9, 10, 1 1 each designed as a separate component and, for example, in the main body 2 of

Einspülschale 1 inserted. As a result, a replacement of the brush units 9, 10, 1 1 is possible. As a result, the brush units 9, 10, 1 1, for example, for

Cleaning be removed. Further, the brush units 9, 10, 1 1

optionally also be replaced if they are worn or too dirty.

However, the brush units 9, 10, 1 1 can also be firmly connected to the main body 2 of the dispenser 1. Furthermore, the brush units 9, 10, 1 1 may also be an integral part of the main body 2 of the dispenser 1.

Each of the brush units 9, 10, 11 has a plurality of brushes 12 to 18, of which only the brushes 12 to 18 are marked in FIG. 1 in order to simplify the illustration. The brushes 12 to 16 of the brush unit 9 extend over the entire width 25 of the brush unit 9 and the chamber 3 of the

Einspülschale 1.

The embodiment of the washing machine is described below also with reference to FIG. 2. It should be noted that the design of the

Brush units 10, 1 1 corresponds to the embodiment of the brush unit 9 described in detail. In this case, a different number of chambers 3, 4, 5 may be provided. Further, for each of the chambers 3, 4, 5 may optionally be provided a different number of brush units. This includes the possibility that only a part of the chambers 3, 4, 5 is provided with a brush unit 9, 10, 1 1. In particular, only one of the chambers 3, 4, 5 can be provided with a brush unit 9, 10, 11.

Fig. 2 shows an upper inside 26 of the shell housing 8 of the washing machine of the first embodiment in a schematic representation. The dispenser 1 is inserted into the shell housing 8 in an insertion direction 27. In an extension direction 28, which is oriented counter to the insertion direction 27, the dispenser 1 is pulled out of the shell housing 8. The insertion and withdrawal takes place here by a user, ie manually. However, a design is conceivable in an automated movement of the dispenser 1 in the insertion direction 27 and against the insertion direction 27, ie in the extension direction 28, takes place.

On the upper inner side 26 of the shell housing 8 a plurality of injection regions 30, 31, 32 are provided. The injection area 30 is assigned to the chamber 3. Of the

Injection region 31 is assigned to the chamber 4. The injection region 32 is assigned to the chamber 5. At the injection area 30 are a plurality of injection holes 33 to 40th

intended. At the injection areas 31, 32 a plurality of injection holes 41, 42, 43, 44 are respectively provided, of which only the injection holes 41 to 44 are indicated for the sake of simplicity of illustration. Seen from a front side of the housing, the injection hole 33 of the injection area 30 is the foremost injection hole 33, while the injection hole 40 is the rearmost injection hole 40. If the dispenser 1 is inserted as far as possible in the shell housing 8, then the dispenser 1 is in a closed end position. The insertion of the dispenser 1 in the shell housing 8 may be limited for example by a stop of a front panel, not shown on a housing of the washing machine.

The brush unit 9 is arranged on the dispenser 1, that the

Brush unit 9 in the closed end position of the dispenser 1 in the

Insertion 27 considered behind the rearmost injection hole 40 and thus located behind all spray holes 33 to 40 of the injection portion 30. Thus, the brush unit 9 is positioned in the closed end position of the dispenser 1 behind the spray holes 33 to 40.

At a taking place from the closed end position pulling the

Einspülschale 1 in the extension direction 28, the injection area 30 of the

Brush unit 9 brushed. The brushing takes place here first via the spray hole 40 and it follows the spray hole 39. This continues through the injection holes 33 to 38, when the dispenser 1 is pulled far enough out of the shell housing 8.

The injection regions 30, 31, 32 may also be designed as raised injection regions in order to facilitate brushing by the brushes 12 to 18 of the brush units 9, 10, 11. In operation, by injecting water through the injection holes 33 to 40 of the injection area 30, the surroundings of the injection holes 33 to 40 are humidified. Due to this moisture biofilm formation is possible. In this case, such a biofilm formation is promoted by spray-on laundry treatment agent, in particular a washing powder or a fabric softener. By the regular brushing is such a biofilm formation, adhesion of detergent residues or other

Reliably prevents soiling.

Accordingly, the brush units 10, 1 1 are in the closed

End position of the dispenser 1 viewed in the insertion direction 27 behind the rearmost spray holes 42, 44. The brushes 17 of the brush unit 10 ensure a brushing of the spray holes 41, 42 of the injection area 31st The brushes 18 of the brush unit 1 1 ensure a brushing of the spray holes 43, 44 of the injection area 32nd

In this embodiment, the injection holes 33 to 44 of the respective

Injection region 30 to 33 each arranged in a row along the insertion direction 27. The injection holes 33 to 40 are in this case assigned to the chamber 3 of the dispenser 1. By this arrangement, a complete flushing of the chamber 3 is ensured. The same applies to the chambers 4, 5.

It should be noted that a possible position of the brush units 9, 10, 1 1 in the closed end position of the dispenser 1 in FIG. 2 is illustrated by a dot-dash line 45. Further, a viewing direction on the upper inner side 26 in the closed end position of the dispenser 1 is opposite to the viewing direction indicated in Fig. 1 with III.

FIG. 3 shows a brush unit 9 of the dispenser 1 shown in FIG. 1 in a schematic representation from the viewing direction designated III according to a second exemplary embodiment. The brush unit 9 has in this embodiment a plate-shaped holding body 50 and a plurality of brushes 12 to 16, 51 to 56. The brushes 12 to 16, 51 to 56 are in this case inserted into the plate-shaped holding body 50 and connected in a suitable manner with the plate-shaped holding body 50. The brushes 12 to 16, 51 to 56 are here shown simplified to the arrangement to illustrate the holding body 50. The brushes 12 to 15 are arranged in a row perpendicular to the insertion direction 27 in a row. The brushes 16, 51, 52 are also arranged in a row perpendicular to the insertion direction 27 in a row. The row of brushes 12, 13, 14, 15 is in this case arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction 27 offset from the row of brushes 16, 51, 52 arranged. Furthermore, a further row is provided with the brushes 53 to 56, which are also arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction 27. As a result of this arrangement, when the dispensing tray 1 is moved in and counter to the insertion direction 27, effective brushing of the surroundings of the injection holes 33 to 40 of the injection area 30 is achieved. Specifically, the entire injection area 30 can be brushed free.

Fig. 4 shows the brush unit 9 shown in Fig. 3 from the designated IV

Viewing direction according to a third embodiment. In this

Embodiment, at least one brush 52 of the brush unit 9 with respect to the insertion direction 27 by an angle 57 of 90 ° oriented upwards. This embodiment is to be understood as meaning that a center axis 58 of the brush 52 with the insertion direction 27 encloses the angle 57 of 90 °.

In addition, at least one brush 12 is provided, which is oriented counter to the insertion direction 27 upwards. This is to be understood that a central axis 59 of the brush 12 is oriented to one side opposite to the insertion direction 27 and on the other hand with an axis 60 which is oriented parallel to the insertion direction 27, an angle 61 which is greater than 0 ° and smaller than 90 °. In this embodiment, the angle 61 is equal to 45 °.

In addition, a brush 56 of the brush unit 9 is provided, which is oriented in the insertion direction 27 upwards. This is to be understood that a central axis 62 of the brush 56 is oriented on the one hand in the insertion direction 27 and thus against the extension direction 28 and on the other hand forms an angle 63 with the axis 60 which is greater than 0 ° and smaller than 90 ° , In this embodiment, the angle 63 is equal to 45 °.

By the brush 12 is when moving the dispenser 1 against the

Insertion 27 an effective brushing the environment of the spray surface 33 to 40 of the injection area 30 achieved. Accordingly, when moving the Einspülschale 1 in the insertion direction 27 by the brush 56 an effective brushing the environment of the spray area 33 to 40 of the injection area 30 achieved. By the brush 52 an effective brushing is achieved in both cases. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1 dispenser tray

2 main body

3, 4, 5 chamber

6, 7 guide rib

8 shell housing

9, 10, 1 1 brush unit

12 - 18 brush

25 width

26 upper inside

27 insertion direction

28 Extraction direction

30, 31, 32 injection range

33 to 40 injection hole

41 to 44 spray hole

45 dot-dash line

50 plate-shaped holding body

51 - 56 brush

57 angles

58, 59 central axis

60 axis

61 angles

62 central axis

63 angles

Claims

1 . Washing machine with a Einspülschale (1) and a shell housing (8) into which the Einspülschale (1) is at least partially insertable, wherein the

Inlet dish (1) guided in relation to the shell housing (8) and in an insertion direction (27) and against the insertion direction (27) is movable, characterized

an injection area (30) with at least one injection hole (33-40) is provided on the shell housing (8), which chamber is assigned to a chamber (3) of the dispenser shell (1), and in that at least one brush unit (1) is provided on the dispenser shell (1). 9) is provided, which cooperates with the injection area (30) when moving the dispensing tray (1) with respect to the tray housing (8) in such a way that at least one environment of the injection hole (33-40) is brushed.

2. Washing machine according to claim 1, characterized in that the

Injection region (30) on an upper inner side (26) of the shell housing (8) is configured.

3. Washing machine according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a plurality of injection holes (33 - 40) are provided which are associated with the chamber (3) of the dispenser tray (1).

4. Washing machine according to claim 3, characterized in that at least a part of the injection holes (33-40) associated with the chamber (3) of the dispensing tray (1) are arranged in a row along the insertion direction (27).

5. Washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the brush unit (9) in a closed end position of the dispenser tray (1), in which the dispenser tray (1) as far as possible in the shell housing (8) is inserted, in the insertion direction (27) is considered behind the at least one injection hole (33 - 40) is positioned.

6. Washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the brush unit (9) has at least one brush (52) which is oriented with respect to the insertion direction (27) by at least approximately 90 ° upwards.

7. Washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the brush unit (9) has at least one brush (56) which is oriented in the insertion direction (27) upwards, and / or

in that the brush unit (9) has at least one brush (56) which is oriented approximately 45 ° upwards in the insertion direction (27).

8. Washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the brush unit (9) has at least one brush (12) which is oriented counter to the insertion direction (27) upwards, and / or

in that the brush unit (9) has at least one brush (12) which is oriented counter to the insertion direction (27) by approximately 45 ° upwards.

9. Washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that an automatic metering device is provided which serves for metering at least one flowable laundry treatment agent, and that the chamber (3) of the dispenser tray (1) serves to receive a manually metered detergent.

10. Washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the brush unit (9) is designed as a plug-brush unit (9) which at the chamber (3) in a base body (2) of the dispenser shell (1) can be inserted.

1 1. Washing machine according to one of claims 1 to 10, characterized in that the brush unit (9) has a plurality of rows each having a plurality of brushes (12-16, 51-56).

12. Washing machine according to claim 1 1, characterized in that the brushes (12-16, 51-56) of each row are arranged perpendicular to the insertion direction (27) one behind the other.