WATER-GUIDING DOMESTIC APPLIANCE

Abstract

A washing machine in the form of a water-guiding domestic appliance has a water tank with a drum as treatment compartment therein, wherein the water tank has an outflow at the bottom. The washing machine also has a pump, a filter between the outflow and the pump and a water-guiding system with water lines, valves, the pump and the filter. A flexible or bendable flex line adjoins the outflow, which line extends at an angle of between 15° and 0° to the vertical from the outflow at the bottom, wherein a substantially horizontally extending telescopic line of variable length, which leads to the filter, adjoins the flex line. A drain valve, which may be configured as an actively closable valve or as a nonreturn valve, is arranged between the telescopic line and the filter. The filter is in turn arranged at a short distance downstream of the drain valve.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to German Application No. 10 2022 213 808.2, filed Dec. 16, 2022, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

FIELD OF APPLICATION AND PRIOR ART

The invention relates to a water-guiding domestic appliance, in particular a washing machine, wherein the domestic appliance has a water tank with a treatment compartment therein and an outflow at the bottom, a pump, a filter and a water-guiding system.

It is known from DE 10 2020 213 968 B3 not to supply water to laundry in a washing machine by fully flooding the tub, but rather to introduce water into the drum and onto the laundry from above.

It is known from DE 10 2021 209 568 A1 how in a washing machine water can be applied into a filter or onto a screen mounted in the filter in order to achieve advantageous filter function.

A further filter device for a washing machine is known from DE 102019203809 B3. This filter device can be easily backflushed to clean it.

OBJECT AND ACHIEVEMENT THEREOF

The object of the invention is to provide an above-stated water-guiding domestic appliance with which prior art problems can be solved and in particular to make it possible to configure the structure of such a domestic appliance such that it is relatively simple, practical, and easy to install and repair, wherein desired functions can also be performed within the domestic appliance.

This object is achieved by a water-guiding domestic appliance having the features of claim 1. Advantageous and preferred embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of further claims and are explained in greater detail below. The wording of the claims is incorporated by express reference into the content of the description.

The water-guiding domestic appliance has a water tank, often denoted “tub” in the case of a washing machine. In the water tank there is located a treatment compartment, conventionally the “drum” in a washing machine, which can be rotated by means of a drive motor. The water tank has an outflow at the bottom to allow water to drain out. The water tank, in particular together with the treatment compartment, advantageously has a device for introducing water from above onto objects arranged in the treatment compartment, such as for example laundry. A pump is arranged downstream of the bottom outflow, with a filter being arranged between the outflow and the pump. This has the advantage that coarser objects which might damage the pump can be filtered out of the water as it drains away. Furthermore, the water-guiding domestic appliance comprises a water-guiding system comprising water lines and valves. The pump, filter and outflow may also be counted as parts of the water-guiding system.

According to the invention, a flexible or bendable, water-guiding “flex line” adjoins the outflow. This flex line extends at an angle of between 15° and 0° to the vertical from the outflow at the bottom, which is advantageously arranged substantially perpendicularly. Adjoining this flex line is a telescopic line of variable length, this leading in turn to the above-stated filter. The telescopic line extends substantially horizontally or at an angle of between 0° and 20° to the horizontal. A drain valve is arranged between the telescopic line and the filter, which drain valve is preferably configured as a closable valve, or alternatively also as a simple nonreturn valve. This is explained in more detail below. The filter is in turn arranged downstream of the drain valve, such that the drain valve may be used to adjust or stop water flow to the filter. Advantageously, the filter is arranged just downstream of the drain valve, particularly advantageously at a distance of less than 10 cm or even less than 5 cm.

The downstream water-guiding system may be moved by the flexible flex line, for example arranged in and extractable from an above-stated function module, so resulting in this respect in a degree of movement play. This is advantageous specifically in interplay with the telescopic line, ensuring that the latter is easily telescopable. Furthermore, movement play for the water tank may be enabled in this way due to its conventional spring-loaded suspension. The flex line allows certain movements or tolerance, in particular both for the water tank and for the telescopic line.

In one advantageous development of the invention, the drain valve may be arranged between the telescopic line and the filter in such a way that the drain valve is externally accessible when the telescopic line has been detached from the filter, that is to say for cleaning, servicing, repair or replacement. This allows practical, resource-efficient operation of the domestic appliance. Furthermore, as a result of the telescopic line, and in particular also the flex line, movement of the drain valve out of the domestic appliance, advantageously with an above-stated solution with a movable function module, is possible and helpful. This greatly increases the accessibility of the drain valve, such that it can be particularly well serviced and/or cleaned and/or repaired.

In a further advantageous development of the invention provision may be made for the drain valve or at least one valve seat thereof to be arranged at the end of the telescopic line and facing towards the filter. In this way, it is virtually automatically ensured that the drain valve is accessible after detachment or separation of the telescopic line from the filter. Furthermore, the drain valve may also be configured to form the connection between telescopic line and filter, such that separate connecting means such as couplings or the like can be dispensed with or integrated into the drain valve or into the telescopic line.

In one advantageous development of the invention, the telescopic line, the drain valve, the filter and the pump may be arranged in a function module which is configured independently or as a self-contained structural unit in terms of handling and movability. In this way, it may for example be preassembled for fitting and more readily installed as a whole in the domestic appliance. It may likewise be readily removed. This structural unit may advantageously be arranged in the lower region of the water-guiding domestic appliance below the water tank and the treatment compartment. In this case, the flex line may be connected with one end of the telescopic line, such that the two merge directly together. In this case, this end of the telescopic line facing the flex line may remain largely unmoved when the function module moves, such that the length of the telescopic line changes and the other end moves, specifically together with the function module.

In a further development of the invention, provision may be made for the function module to be movable forwards, preferably horizontally, out of the domestic appliance. In particular, it may adopt a pull-out embodiment, for which purpose a corresponding rail guide may be provided to fit the function module with rail guide in the domestic appliance. In this case, the function module may preferably be configured such that it may be pulled out in a pull direction by up to at least 50% of its length.

In one development of the invention, the drain valve may be provided in its own valve structural unit, which can be independently mounted and also dismounted or removed, such that it is arranged between the telescopic line and the filter. In this case, provision is advantageously made for the valve structural unit not to be visible, and thus also not accessible, from outside if the telescopic line is connected to the filter. The valve structural unit may also be fitted in watertight manner.

In one advantageous development of the invention, the drain valve may be configured as a force-loaded, self-closing nonreturn valve. This preferably has a closing member, which, for a closed position, can be pressed by a force against a valve seat in a direction contrary to water flow out of the treatment compartment and the telescopic line and into the filter. This force may be a separately generated force, generated for example by means of a spring or an actuator, or alternatively it may be a structurally generated force. Finally, it is also possible for this force to be generated by the weight of the closing member itself, in particular if the closing member is attached or mounted as it were obliquely as a type of valve flap. The nonreturn valve with closing member is then configured and mounted in such a way that, in the closed position, the closing member is pressed against the valve seat solely under the effect of gravity, so as to close the nonreturn valve. Advantageously, a pivot pin or rotary shaft of the valve flap is arranged above the valve flap, wherein in particular the entire valve flap is arranged therebelow.

The drain valve may have an actuator, which may preferably take the form of an electric motor or a solenoid. In this case, the drain valve has a valve flap movable by the actuator and a valve scat.

In an alternative development the closing member may be spring-loaded in the closed position, for which reason a spring-mounting device may be provided for the closing member. Alternatively, a separate spring may simply rest against the closing member and press it against the valve seat. When water needs to flow out of the water tank through the outflow, the pressure or weight force thereof may be sufficient to force the closing member open against the force of the spring, so as to let the water through to empty the water tank and also the outflow, in particular also the flex line and the telescopic line. Such maximally complete emptying serves to avoid sanitary problems caused by remaining or residual water.

Provision may in general be made for the valve flap and/or the valve seat to extend in a plane which is at an angle of between 10° and 45° to the vertical. It thus extends roughly upright.

In one development of the invention, the closing member or an above-stated valve flap may be of rounded configuration, preferably even circular. A valve may thus be simply configured and incorporated into a conventionally round line, in particular the telescopic line.

In a further development of the invention, the valve flap and/or the valve seat may be of resilient configuration. This may be achieved in particular by shaping and/or material selection, preferably by a resilient plastics material or rubber.

In one advantageous development of the invention, the flex line is configured as a line in the form of “bellows”. Such a line configured as bellows has the desired flexibility or mobility, specifically both along the longitudinal direction thereof and in a direction transverse thereto.

In a further advantageous development of the invention, the telescopic line may consist of a plurality of individual lines. In this case, the individual lines in themselves are rigid and have different diameters, so that they can be nested inside one another to provide the telescopic line with length variability. In this case, a seal between two individual lines may advantageously be arranged or fastened on an outer individual line, which accommodates an inner individual line and is sealed relative thereto by means of the seal. Such a seal may be an inserted sealing ring, or alternatively it may be attached to or injection-molded onto one of the two individual lines. A telescopic line preferably has precisely two, three or four individual lines.

These and further features are found in the description and in the drawings as well as in the claims, wherein the individual features can each be realized singly or severally in the form of sub-combinations in one embodiment of the invention and in other fields, and can represent designs advantageous and protectable per se, for which protection is claimed here. The subdivision of the application into individual sections and sub-headings does not limit the statements made thereunder in their general validity.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Exemplary embodiments of the invention are shown schematically in the drawings and are explained in more detail below. In the drawings:

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a washing machine as a water-guiding domestic appliance according to the invention,

FIG. 2 shows an inside view from the side onto the washing machine of FIG. 1,

FIG. 3 shows a view from the front onto the installation space below a tub of the washing machine with a bellows line at the outflow from the tub, which leads to a telescopic line towards the filter,

FIG. 4 is a simplified representation of the bellows line together with adjustable telescopic line towards the filter,

FIG. 5 is a sectional representation of the junction of the telescopic line with a housing of the filter with integral drain valve configured as a nonreturn valve,

FIG. 6 is a further sectional representation of the junction shown in FIG. 4 from a different sectional perspective,

FIG. 7 is a representation similar to FIG. 5, the section being taken slightly higher and with the view being onto the drain valve, and

FIG. 8 shows still another representation of the arrangement of the drain valve.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1 shows a front view of a washing machine 11 according to the invention in the form of a water-guiding domestic appliance according to the invention in one development of the invention. The washing machine 11 has a housing 12 in which a conventional drawer 18 is provided top left. This drawer 18 can be pulled out so that laundry detergent, rinse conditioner and other cleaning agents or additives for a washing process can be added manually to each washing process. Top right on the front face 16 the washing machine 11 has an advantageously conventionally configured operating means 22, with which an operator can control the washing process or establish settings. Furthermore, information may be displayed for the operator.

An above-stated function module 30 is arranged bottom right on the washing machine 11 and has a front panel 31 at the front face. As is known in the prior art for the drawer 18, the front panel 31 may also be inserted fitted and flush into the front face 16. The front panel has a handle means or the like for pulling it out. A door 12′ to a drum 15 is arranged thereabove.

From the lateral representation of the washing machine 11 according to FIG. 2 it is clear that behind the door 12′ a drum holder 14 is provided as a water tank with the rotatable drum 15 therein, a conventional seal D being provided here. The drum 15 is driven by a drive motor 28. At the front, close to the door 12′ and on a seal for the drum 15, an injection nozzle 26 is provided, as the above-mentioned nozzle or as a water outlet, which points or extends into the drum 15. Such injection nozzles 26 are known from “recirculation” washing machines. Through them water, which is introduced using a circulation line 54, can be applied into the drum holder 14 and in particular onto laundry in drum 15. However, this is known from the prior art and docs not need to be explained further here.

The function module 30 is arranged below the drum holder 14. A feed line 52 to the function module 30 runs down from the drum holder 14 acting as water tank or from an outflow 51 therein, which may take the form of an opening or a short pipe connection. The function module 30 has a plurality of function units and is configured as a self-contained structural unit in terms of handling. As shown below in multiple embodiments, the function module can be moved, and in particular can be moved out of the washing machine 11, either partly or mostly or even entirely.

The function module 30 has a circulating pump 33 which can be considered the central component. If this circulating pump 33 can be pulled out with the function module 30, then it is externally accessible for repair and/or servicing. The circulating pump 33 may be configured as previously described and known from the prior art.

Furthermore, the function module 30 has a pump valve 35. This pump valve 35 is advantageously arranged close to the circulating pump 33, possibly also directly fastened thereto or even incorporated therein as a component thereof. In addition to the pump valve 35, still further valves or other parts or modules can be arranged in the function module 30. A filter 40 is connected upstream of the circulating pump 33. Said filter is here illustrated only generally and schematically, it appears in detail in FIGS. 5 and 6. Advantageously an outflow line in the form of the flex line 52 leads into the function module 30 and directly into the filter 40. The water filtered there is then conveyed on, for example to the circulating pump 33.

Furthermore, the function module 30 has an auxiliary module 45. This may be any desired above-stated auxiliary module, for example for dispensing laundry detergent or other cleaning agents.

Moreover, the function module 30 has a controller 48. This is shown here connected with a connecting cable 13. The controller 48 may be provided just for the function module 30, in particular for the circulating pump 33 and the pump valve 35. It may however also assume control tasks for the entire washing machine 11, and under certain circumstances even for the operating means 22.

Furthermore, the controller 48 may also contain power electronics. Advantageously, it contains the power electronics for at least the circulating pump 33, possibly also for the drive motor 28 and the operating means 22. In an extreme development of the invention, the controller 48 in the function module 30 may incorporate all the intelligence and all the power electronics and also perform power conversion for the washing machine 11. Since the controller 48 is also easily accessible for repair due to its arrangement in the pull-out function module 30, this is a good idea. The dashed lines show how the function module 30 can be pulled out with the front panel 31. It has here been pulled out by around 60%.

A freshwater line 58 leads from the back into the washing machine 11 or into the housing 12 thereof. It extends to the function module 30, advantageously directly and as depicted here. The freshwater feed line may be internally controlled, for example by way of a valve similar to the pump valve 35 arranged in the function module 30. Fluid lines or a fluid-guiding system between the individual function units within the function module 30 are not shown here, but are readily conceivable.

In general, the function module 30 is preferably also arranged so low down in the washing machine because water or washing water can then drain out of the drum 15 or the drum holder 14 through at least part of the filter 40 by itself or automatically under the effect of gravity. This is advantageous for a water-guiding system and above all for a possible sanitary design.

FIG. 3 shows a view obliquely from the front into the washing machine 11 as in FIGS. 1 and 2. An outflow 51, advantageously simply in the form of an opening, is provided at the bottom, on the drum holder 14, which has a seal D at the front. This outflow is connected to a flex line 52, which is configured as a type of bellows. This means that on the one hand it can convey water in sealed manner and on the other hand it can, to a degree, compensate movements in all directions and adapt its length. The flex line 52 is also configured such that if, as depicted, it is arranged upright at an angle of about 8° to the vertical, it cannot collect any stagnant water within it or no water reservoir can remain full. This is of great significance for the above-stated desired sanitary conditions. Furthermore, this flex line 52 may compensate movements of the conventionally spring-suspended drum holder 14 with the drum 15 therein. At the same time, it is clear that it is relatively short, and yet it is more flexible and more readily installable over this shorter length than a hose, despite the latter being flexible. A wound hose would again have the disadvantage on the one hand of not being able to exhibit a large diameter and on the other hand of possibly being able to collect water.

The flex line 52 leads, as is clear in particular also from schematic FIG. 4 explained below, to the rear end of a telescopic line 60. This runs approximately horizontal with a slight inclination of around 1° to 5° away from the junction with the flex line 52, such that it can empty out of its own accord. For the purposes of the invention, this has proven important for compliance with sanitary requirements. The flex line 60 leads forwards at a right angle towards a valve connection 71, in which the stated drain valve 66 is arranged. The valve connection 71 is simultaneously the connection to the filter 40 with filter housing 41 and screw-on housing cover 42. This filter 40 may be arranged fixedly on the function module 30 and pulled forwards therewith out of the housing 12 of the washing machine 11.

The schematic representation of FIG. 4 shows how water can easily flow out of the drum holder 14 through the flex line 52 into the telescopic line 60. The telescopic line 60 consists of an outer tube 62 and an inner tube 64 mounted therein, and is therefore in two parts here. It could however also without difficulty have even more parts, for example a total of three parts or four parts. In this way, it could be even longer when pulled out. The flex line 52 is connected to the inner tube 64, as shown in FIG. 4. This may be displaced telescopically relative to the outer tube 62. It goes without saying that the outer tube 62 and the inner tube 64 are sealed relative to one another, for example by means of a circumferential rubber seal.

The telescopic line 60 leads either in one piece or by means of a sealed connection to the stated valve connection 71. Although this may be molded onto the filter housing 41, it is advantageously removable in the manner of a flap. This has the advantage, as the later figures show, of making cleaning of the drain valve 66 more straightforwardly possible.

FIG. 5 shows this in a section roughly from the front, it being clear therefrom how the drain valve 66, depicted here as closed, has an oblique valve flap 67. The valve flap 67 is movably mounted in the upper region with a flap pin 68, for which see also FIG. 7. In the position depicted in FIGS. 5 and 7, it rests in sealing manner against a still just visible valve seat 70. In FIG. 5, when water flows against it from the outflow 51, the flex line 52 and the telescopic line 60, it may fold upwards and to the right and in this way allow water through. In the opposite direction it is sealed or closed in the manner of a nonreturn valve. Here, therefore, the drain valve 66 is configured as an automatic nonreturn valve. Alternatively, it could also be configured with an electrical, for example electromotive or electromagnetic, drive. For a better sealing action, a soft plastics material or rubber can be injection-molded on to the valve flap 67 and/or the valve seat 70 as a particularly good seal. This is simple to achieve, for example in a multi-component injection-molding process, and is unproblematic.

With regard to the filter 40, the figure shows how an upper filter surface 44 and a lower filter surface 45 are provided in the filter housing 41. Waste water flows through the drain valve 66 initially onto the upper filter surface 44, which for this reason is advantageously configured as a coarse filter. Then the water runs downward onto the lower filter surface 45, which is advantageously configured as a fine filter. The also finely and thus very well filtered water may then exit to the right and rear out of the filter housing 41, and advantageously it may then flow to the circulating pump 33.

The partially sectional oblique view of FIG. 6 shows to an extent how, with a fold-openable configuration of the valve connection 71, the drain valve 66 can be made accessible. In this way, it can for example be cleaned of coarse impurities, in particular socks or the like.

A similar view is provided by FIG. 7. This shows still more clearly the flap pin 68 by means of which the valve flap 67 is rotatably mounted. The valve flap 67 rests against the valve seat 70 solely by way of weight force. If the filter 40 is backflushed at the above-described backward-pointing end of the filter housing 41, water flows from inside against the drain valve 66 or against the valve flap 67, and this closes, as is conventional for a nonreturn valve, see also FIG. 4. It may in this way be ensured that, on backflushing of the filter 40, no contaminated water can reach the telescopic line 60 or even still further in the direction of the drum holder 14. Furthermore, a certain water pressure may in this way be built up in the filter 40 and cleaning or backflushing of the filter 40 or of the filter surfaces 44 and 45 may proceed particularly well.

The sectional representation of FIG. 8 again shows how the drain valve 66 can be made accessible. As an alternative to opening the valve connection 71, the drain valve 66 may be cleaned from the inside after opening of the housing cover 42 and possible removal at least of the upper filter surface 44.

Claims

1. A water-guiding domestic appliance, having:

a water tank having a treatment compartment and a bottom in a water tank,

wherein said water tank has an outflow at said bottom,

a pump,

a filter between said outflow and said pump,

a water-guiding system comprising water lines, valves, said pump and said filter,

wherein: a flexible flex line or a bendable flex line is provided and adjoins said outflow, said flex line extending at an angle of between 15° and 0° to the vertical from said outflow at said bottom, a telescopic line of variable length is provided, said telescopic line leading to said filter and adjoining said flex line, said telescopic line extending at an angle of between 0° and 20° to the horizontal, a drain valve is provided being arranged between said telescopic line and said filter, said filter is arranged downstream of said drain valve.

2. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said filter is arranged at a distance of less than 10 cm or less than 5 cm downstream of said drain valve.

3. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drain valve is configured as a closable valve.

4. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drain valve is arranged between said telescopic line and said filter in such a way that said drain valve is externally accessible when said telescopic line has been detached from said filter.

5. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 4, wherein said drain valve or at least one valve seat of said drain valve is arranged at an end of said telescopic line towards said filter.

6. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopic line, said drain valve, said filter and said pump are arranged in a function module, said function module being configured as a self-contained structural unit in terms of handling and movability and is arranged in a lower region of said water-guiding domestic appliance below said water tank and said treatment compartment.

7. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 6, wherein said flex line is connected with one end of said telescopic line, wherein said end of said telescopic line remains largely unmoved when said function module moves and said length of said telescopic line changes.

8. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 6, wherein said function module is movable forward out of said domestic appliance.

9. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 8, wherein said function module can be pulled out of said domestic appliance using a rail guide, wherein said function module is fitted with said rail guide in said domestic appliance.

10. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drain valve is forming its own valve structural unit, said valve structural unit being independently installable and arranged removably between said telescopic line and said filter.

11. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 10, wherein said valve structural unit is not externally visible when said telescopic line is connected to said filter.

12. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drain valve is configured as a force-loaded, self-closing nonreturn valve and has a closing member, wherein said closing member, for a closed position, is pressed by force against a valve seat in a direction contrary to water flow out of said treatment compartment and said telescopic line and into said filter.

13. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 12, wherein said closing member is spring-loaded in said closed position and said force is a spring-force from a spring.

14. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 12, wherein said nonreturn valve has a valve flap as closing member, wherein a pivot pin or rotary shaft of said valve flap is arranged above said valve flap and wherein said entire valve flap is arranged below said pivot pin or said rotary shaft.

15. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 14, wherein said valve flap or said valve seat extend in a plane, said plane being at an angle of between 10° and 45° to the vertical.

16. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 12, wherein, in said closed position, said nonreturn valve with said closing member is configured and mounted in such a way that said closing member is pressed against said valve seat solely under an effect of gravity, so as to close said nonreturn valve.

17. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 12, wherein said closing member or said valve flap is of rounded configuration or circular configuration.

18. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said drain valve is a driven valve with an actuator, wherein said actuator is in a form of an electric motor or a solenoid, wherein said drain valve has a valve flap being movable by said actuator and a valve seat.

19. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 12, wherein said valve flap or said valve seat are of resilient configuration.

20. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 19, wherein said valve flap or said valve seat are resiliently configured by shaping or material selection.

21. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said flex line is configured as a line in a form of bellows.

22. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 1, wherein said telescopic line is configured to consist of a plurality of individual lines, wherein said individual lines in themselves are rigid and have different diameters, so as, nested inside one another, to provide said telescopic line with a length variability.

23. The domestic appliance as claimed in claim 22, wherein a seal between two said individual lines is arranged or fastened on an outer individual line of said individual lines, wherein said outer individual line accommodates an inner individual line of said individual lines and is scaled relative to said inner individual line by means of said seal.