EP3301213A1 - Washing machine - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a washing machine (1) with a tub (2) for receiving washing liquid (11), a drum (3) rotatably mounted in the tub (2) for receiving laundry, a dispenser (4) for receiving washing additive, a line which connects the Einspülkasten (4) with an upper portion of the tub (2), based on the operating position of the washing machine (1), and siphon-free, a supply air duct (6), which with the tub (2 ) and / or the drum (3), and a control device, which is designed to control a flow of air in the washing machine (1) such that the air through the supply air duct (6), the drum (3) and / or the tub (2), through the line and through the Einspülkasten (4) and by a in the Einspülkasten (4) existing Einspülkasten opening (9) is passed in this or reverse order.

Description

The invention relates to a washing machine with a tub for receiving washing liquid, a rotatably mounted in the tub drum for receiving laundry, a Einspülkasten for receiving washing additive and a conduit which the Einspülkasten with an upper portion of the tub, based on the operating position the washing machine, connects. The Einspülkasten serves to receive a washing additive such as a washing, care and / or cleaning agent, which is to be flushed during a wash program in the tub in the laundry to be washed and / or maintained or is to be cleaned.

To flush the washing additive into the tub, liquid in particular water is passed from a supply network in the Einspülkasten and passed together with the washing additive in the tub. The washing, care and / or cleaning agents may be different types, for example, solid or liquid or more or less water-soluble. Therefore, the various laundry additives are flushed out of the Einspülkasten different speed and with different amounts of water. After the washing program, liquid and / or washing additive residues may remain in the dispenser box. As a result, after a prolonged use of a washing machine in the Einspülkasten mold and / or germs can form.

The invention thus presents the problem of providing a washing machine in which the formation of mold and / or germs in the dispenser is prevented or at least reduced.

According to the invention, this problem is solved by a washing machine having the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention will become apparent from the following subclaims.

The achievable with the invention advantages are that the water intake line of the washing machine and in particular the Einspülkasten can be ventilated. Through the ventilation, a formation of mold and / or germs in the water intake line and in particular in the dispenser can be avoided or at least reduced.

The invention relates to a washing machine with a tub for receiving washing liquid, a rotatably mounted in the tub drum for receiving laundry, a Einspülkasten for receiving washing additive, a line, which the Einspülkasten with an upper portion of the tub, based on the operating installation position of the washing machine, connects and siphon-free, and a supply air duct, which is connected to the tub and / or the drum.

The washing machine further comprises a control device, which is designed to control a flow of air in the washing machine such that the air through the supply air duct, the drum and / or the tub, through the conduit and through the Einspülkasten and through in the Injection box existing Einspülkasten-opening is conducted in this or reverse order. As a result, the washing machine line described above is ventilated. The aeration of the strand can prevent or at least reduce the formation of mold and / or germs in the water intake line and in particular in the dispenser. Position and direction information refer to the operational installation position of the washing machine.

In the line, which connects the Einspülkasten with an upper portion of the tub, based on the operational installation position of the washing machine, it is preferably a hose. The conduit is siphon-free designed to allow air to flow in the conduit without difficulty and / or splash of water.

In a first embodiment, the control device is preferably designed to activate a blower of the washing machine, so that the air through the supply air duct, through the drum and / or the tub, through the line and through the Einspülkasten and by an existing in the Einspülkasten Einspülkasten- Opening is passed. In a second embodiment, the control device is preferably designed to control a rotational speed of the drum, so that the air through the supply air duct, through the drum and / or the tub, through the line and through the Einspülkasten and by an existing in the Einspülkasten Einspülkasten- Is passed opening, wherein by means of design of the washing machine with a tub opening in the tub a blower effect is achieved.

The control device is preferably designed to control a flow of air in the washing machine such that the air through the supply air duct, then through the drum and / or the tub, then through the conduit and then through the Einspülkasten and through an existing in the Einspülkasten Dispenser opening is led out of the washing machine out.

The supply air duct can for example also be formed by a gap between the door and the housing of the washing machine. In other words, then the so gets Air through a gap between door and housing, especially if the door is not closed.

In a preferred embodiment, in the first embodiment, a fan is arranged on and / or in the supply air duct, which is designed to blow air from the interior of the washing machine and / or from outside the washing machine into the supply air duct upon activation. By constructing the washing machine, the washing machine line described above can be ventilated. Preferably, the air is passed into the drum. Preferably, the fan is arranged and / or adapted to blow air from the interior of the washing machine in the supply air duct. The blower can also be arranged and / or designed to blow air from outside the washing machine in the supply air duct. From the supply air duct, the air can then flow into the drum.

The supply air duct is preferably arranged in one and / or by a door seal in the first embodiment variant. The door seal is arranged and designed such that a door of the washing machine gas-tight and liquid-tight can close a loading opening for loading the drum with laundry. For example, the door seal on a hole or a recess through which or the supply air duct is at least partially guided and / or ends at the or the supply air duct.

In a preferred embodiment, the control device in the first embodiment variant is designed to activate the blower at and / or after the end of a wash program. The control device of the washing machine or optionally a further control device of the washing machine is preferably designed in the first embodiment to automatically control a washing program that is adjustable by a user of the washing machine. Usually, a washing program has a washing phase, a rinsing phase and a spinning phase.

The control device or the further control device is preferably formed in the first embodiment, to control the flow of air in the washing machine such that the air through the supply air duct, the drum and / or the tub, through the conduit and through the Einspülkasten and through a in the dispenser box existing Einspülkasten-opening the washing machine is passed in this or reverse order, when the drum during or after the spin phase with a relatively low speed of the drum, for example in the range of 700 to 1000 U / min. is turned. The rotation of the drum in the above-described speed range at the end or after the spin phase is also referred to as a crease control step in a wash program.

Alternatively or additionally, the control device or the further control device may preferably be designed to control the flow of air in the washing machine such that the air through the supply air duct, the drum and / or the tub, through the conduit and through the Einspülkasten and by a in the Einspülkasten existing Einspülkasten-opening the washing machine is passed in this or reverse order, while a hygiene program ie a washing program is carried out in which washing and / or rinsing phases are carried out at elevated temperature, for example at least 50 ° C, preferably in the range of 55 to 65 ° C, wherein the control device preferably at least partially activates the blower during the spin phase of the hygiene program to cause the flow of air in the manner described above.

In another preferred embodiment, the tub in the second embodiment, a tub opening, via which it is connected to the supply air duct. The second embodiment is inexpensive, because in addition to the usual components of the washing machine, only the supply air duct is additionally necessary. Drum movement during the spin phase of a wash program is preferably used to achieve a blower action.

The tub opening in the second embodiment is preferably arranged in a region of the tub above an axis of rotation of the drum, based on the operational installation position of the washing machine, and the supply air duct preferably ends above the level of an emergency overflow. As a result, leakage of washing liquid and / or foam from the tub can be avoided.

Preferably, the tub opening in the second embodiment is arranged in a back of the tub, based on the operational installation position of the washing machine, and the drum loaded on a front side of the washing machine, based on the operating position of the washing machine.

The control device of the washing machine or possibly a further control device of the washing machine is preferably designed in the second embodiment variant to automatically control a washing program which is adjustable by a user of the washing machine. Usually, a washing program has a washing phase, a rinsing phase and a spinning phase. The one or more further control device is preferably formed in the second embodiment, to control the flow of air in the washing machine such that the air through the supply air duct, the drum and / or the tub, through the conduit and through the Einspülkasten and by a in the Einspülkasten existing Einspülkasten opening in this or reverse order is passed when the drum during the spin phase at a relatively high speed, for example in the range of 1200 to 1800 U / min, more preferably 1400 to 1600 U / min. is turned. Preferably, an end portion of the spin phase is performed at the relatively high speed of the drum.

Alternatively or additionally, the control device or the further control device may preferably be designed to control the flow of air in the washing machine such that the air through the supply air duct, the drum and / or the tub, through the conduit and through the Einspülkasten and by a in the Einspülkasten existing Einspülkasten-opening the washing machine is passed in this or reverse order, while a hygiene program ie a washing program is carried out, in which washing and / or rinsing phases are carried out at elevated temperature, for example at least 50 ° C, preferably in the range of 55 to 65 ° C, wherein preferably the spin phase of the hygiene program is carried out at the relatively high speed of the drum. In particular, at a high speed of the drum, a blower effect is achieved by the construction of the washing machine, which causes air through the supply air duct, the drum and / or the tub, through the line and through the Einspülkasten and through an existing in the Einspülkasten Einspülkasten Opening flows. As a result, this washing machine line in particular the Einspülkasten is vented.

Preferably, the dispenser box has a handle panel with at least one dispenser box opening configured to allow air to flow in or out of the washing machine interior from the washing machine. The Einspülkasten is preferably arranged in the front region of the washing machine. The air can thereby leave the washing machine in the case of a front loader in its front area or enter, based on the operational installation position of the washing machine, which is advantageous because the front of the washing machine is usually not covered or otherwise delivered. Preferably, the Einspülkasten is formed with a slot, into which a retractable insert is inserted.

In a preferred embodiment, the air is unheated. That is, the air flowing through the above described strand is unheated. This is inexpensive.

The washing machine preferably has an automatic metering device which is connected to the dispensing box in such a way that detergent from the automatic metering device can be supplied via the dispensing box and then via the line into the tub. In a washing machine with an automatic dosing of the Einspülkasten and in particular the slot of the Einspülkaustens not usually opened, therefore, the ventilation of the above-described strand is particularly advantageous in this case.

The washing machine may further comprise a circulating device, which is designed to convey washing liquid from a first, preferably lower, region of the tub into a second, preferably upper, region of the tub.

The washing machine can be a washing machine which is designed to automatically carry out washing, rinsing and spinning phases as a function of a set washing program, or a combination appliance such as a washer-dryer. Preferably, the washing machine is a washing machine, which is designed exclusively for washing laundry. The washing machine can be a household appliance or a commercial appliance. Preferably, the washing machine is designed as a front loader.

Fig. 1

eine schematische Darstellung einer Waschmaschine gemäß einer ersten Ausführungsvariante;

Fig. 2

eine weitere schematische Darstellung der in Fig. 1 gezeigten Waschmaschine; und

Fig. 3

eine schematische Darstellung einer Waschmaschine gemäß einer zweiten Ausführungsvariante.

Embodiments of the invention are shown purely schematically in the drawings and not to scale and will be described in more detail below. It shows

Fig. 1

a schematic representation of a washing machine according to a first embodiment;

Fig. 2

another schematic representation of in Fig. 1 shown washing machine; and

Fig. 3

a schematic representation of a washing machine according to a second embodiment.

Fig. 1 shows a schematic representation of a washing machine according to a first embodiment. The washing machine 1 has a tub 2 for receiving washing liquid 11 and a rotatably mounted in this, to a drive device (not shown) coupled drum 3 for receiving laundry (not shown). Below the tub 2 a drain device 10 is connected to a drain pump 10 a. To the tub 2 a Einspülkasten 4 is also connected via a line 5. The line 5 is formed siphon-free. Furthermore, an inlet channel 6 is connected to the tub 2, which is connected to a fan 7. The washing machine 1 further has a control device 12, which is designed to activate and deactivate the fan 7 and to control a washing program.

Fig. 2 shows a further schematic representation of in Fig. 1 shown washing machine. In the Fig. 2 shown washing machine 1 corresponds to in Fig. 1 shown washing machine 1, wherein the sake of clarity, the drain device 10 with the drain pump 10a and the control device 12 in Fig. 2 are not shown. In the in Fig. 2 shown illustration of Washing machine 1, a door seal 14 and a door 15 of the washing machine 1 are visible, which is a front loader. The door 15 closes in the closed position shown a loading opening (not shown) for loading the drum 3 with laundry (not shown). The door seal ring 14 is arranged and formed such that the door 15 closes the loading opening gas-tight and liquid-tight. The door seal 14 has a door seal opening (not shown) to which the supply air duct 6 is connected. The fan 7 is formed so that upon activation of the fan 7 air in the supply air duct 6 through the door seal opening (not shown) in the tub 2 and / or the drum 3 and then passed through the dispenser 4 and the Einspülkasten opening 9 becomes. The Einspülkasten 4 has a slot 16, in which a washing additive (not shown) can be filled. When operating the washing machine 1, the drawer 16 is inserted into a slot (not shown).

During operation of the washing machine 1, the control device 12 controls a washing program set by a user on the washing machine 1, which has a washing phase, a rinsing phase and a spinning phase. In an end stage of the spin phase, the control device 12 activates the fan 7, whereby air through the supply air duct 6, then the drum 3 and / or the tub 2, then through the line 5 and through the dispenser 4 along the drawer 16 and through in the Einspülkasten 4 existing Einspülkasten opening 9 is passed in the direction indicated by the arrows or flows.

Fig. 3 shows a schematic representation of a washing machine according to a second embodiment. The washing machine 1 has a washing tub 2 for holding washing liquid (not shown) and a drum 3 rotatably mounted thereon and coupled to a drive device (not shown) for receiving laundry (not shown). To the tub 2 a Einspülkasten 4 is also connected via a line 5. The line 5 is formed siphon-free. Furthermore, an inlet channel 6 is connected to the tub 2. The supply air channel 6 opens at a tub opening 8 in the tub 2.

The washing machine 1 further comprises a control device (not shown) which is designed to control a washing program and in particular a rotational speed of the drum 3 during a washing program. The washing machine 1 further has a door sealing ring 14 and a door 15. The door 15 closes in the closed position shown a loading opening (not shown) for loading the drum 3 with laundry. The door seal 14 is arranged such that the door 15 closes the loading opening gas and liquid-tight. The washing machine 1 is a front loader. The Einspülkasten 4 has a slot 16, in which a washing additive (not shown) can be filled. When operating the washing machine 1, the drawer 16 is inserted into a slot (not shown).

In operation of the washing machine 1, the control device (not shown) controls a washing program set by a user on the washing machine 1, which has a washing phase, a rinsing phase and a spinning phase. In an end portion of the spin phase, the drum 3 is rotated at a speed, so that a fan effect is generated, which causes air through the supply air duct 6, then the drum 3 and / or the tub 2, then through the line 5 and through the Einspülkasten 4 is guided along the insert 16 and by a present in the dispenser 4 Einspülkasten opening 9 in the direction indicated by the arrows or flows.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Washing machine

2

tub

3

drum

4

dispenser drawer

5

management

6

supply air duct

7

fan

8th

Tub opening

9

Dispenser drawer opening

10

off device

10a

Drain pump

11

washing liquid

12

control device

14

Door seal

15

door

16

insertion

Claims (10)

Washing machine (1) with a tub (2) for receiving washing liquid (11), a rotatably mounted in the tub (2) drum (3) for receiving laundry, a Einspülkasten (4) for receiving washing additive, a line (5 ), which connects the Einspülkasten (4) with an upper portion of the tub (2), based on the operating position of the washing machine (1), and siphon-free, a supply air duct (6), which with the tub (2) and / or the drum (3) is connected, and a control device, which is designed to control a flow of air in the washing machine (1) such that the air through the supply air duct (6), the drum (3) and / or the tub (2), through the line (5) and through the Einspülkasten (4) and through a in the Einspülkasten (4) existing Einspülkasten opening (9), the washing machine (1) is passed in this or reverse order. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that on and / or in the supply air duct (6) a fan (7) is arranged, which is formed, upon activation of air from the inside of the washing machine (1) and / or from outside the washing machine (1) in the supply air duct (6) to blow. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the air is passed into the drum (3). Washing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control device is designed to activate the blower (7) on and / or after the end of a washing program. Washing machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the tub (2) has a tub opening (8), via which it is connected to the supply air duct (6). Washing machine (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that the tub opening (8) in a region of the tub (2) above a rotation axis of the drum (3) is arranged, based on the operational installation position of the washing machine (1), and the supply air duct (6) ends above the level of an emergency overflow. Washing machine (1) according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that the tub opening (8) in a back of the tub (2) is arranged, based on the operating position of the washing machine (1), and the Drum (3) on a front side of the washing machine (1) can be loaded, based on the operating position of the washing machine (1). Washing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the Einspülkasten (4) has a handle plate with at least one Einspülkasten opening (9), which is formed, air from the interior of the washing machine (1) from the washing machine (1 ) to flow out or into. Washing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the air is unheated. Washing machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by an automatic metering device which is connected to the dispenser (4) such that detergent from the automatic metering device via the dispenser (5) and then via the line (5) in the tub (2) can be fed.

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