Water-conducting household appliance having a storage container for a treatment agent

Abstract

A water-conducting household appliance, in particular a laundry processing appliance for washing and / or drying laundry, comprising: a processing area; a storage container configured to receive an amount of a processing agent sufficient for a plurality of processing operations; a valve through which the processing agent can be guided at least indirectly from the storage container into the processing area. The valve comprises a valve seat body configured at least partially in a disc shape and in particular an annular valve closing body. The valve closing body is loaded towards the valve seat body by a closing force. Here, a sealing seat is formed between the valve seat body and the valve closing body. In order to open the sealing seat, the valve closing body is manipulated by a manipulating body against the closing force. Here, the manipulating body has an opening through which the processing agent flows from the storage container to the processing area when the sealing seat is opened.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a laundry processing appliance for washing and / or drying laundry, having a storage container for a treatment agent and a valve through which the treatment agent can be guided from the storage container into a treatment area. The invention particularly relates to the field of washing machines and laundry dryers. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] A water-conducting household appliance is known from EP 2 319 977 A1, which has a housing and a stationary container and a removable container arranged in the housing in a stationary manner. Here, the removable container is connected to the stationary container in the inserted state, in which the removable container is inserted into the housing. The stationary container can in particular be used as a reserve container, while the removable container can be used as a storage container. In a possible configuration, the removable container has a ball holder at the outflow point where the ball is arranged. The ball holder has a lower opening and a lateral opening in the form of a window. When the removable container is inserted into the stationary container, the ball in the ball holder is lifted by a hollow ejector rod of the stationary container. Thereby, the lower opening of the ball is released. Through the lateral opening and the lower opening of the ball holder, the laundry treatment agent can thus flow out of the removable container into the stationary container. When the removable container is removed from the housing, the ball returns from its lifted position to the lower position, in which the lower opening of the ball holder is closed relative to the lateral opening of the ball holder. The removable container can also be removed in a partially emptied state, wherein the ball prevents the removable container from emptying. A pump is also provided, wherein the suction side of the pump is connected to the stationary container. The dosing of the laundry treatment agent can be carried out by the pump.

[0003] The water-conducting household appliance known from EP 2 319 977 A1 has the following disadvantages: The detergent from the removable container has to be metered over a wide distance and has to be guided through a plurality of interfaces or devices. Thereby, for example, when the removable container is empty, it is not possible to simply replace the detergent with another detergent. Because this would lead to mixing with the detergent still present in the fixedly positioned container. Furthermore, in order to connect the removable container to the fixedly positioned container (which is achieved by means of a ball and a ball cage), the fixedly positioned container and the pump require a relatively large installation space in the housing. These individual components together result in increased manufacturing costs. In addition, the connection by means of the ball arranged in the ball cage has disadvantages. For the ball, a narrow guide is required in the ball cage in order to ensure sealing. However, this also requires a large adjustment movement of the ball in order to be able to achieve a sufficient flow cross-section for the outflow of the usually relatively viscous detergent. If the ball adheres in its upper position (in which the detergent can flow out), a long afterflow may still occur when removing the partially filled container. This may lead to soiling of the housing and unnecessary consumption of detergent. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a water-conducting household appliance having an improved structure. In particular, the object of the present invention is to provide a water-conducting household appliance in which the detergent from the storage container can be metered in an improved manner and with reduced expense and the metered detergent can be supplied to the treatment area.

[0005] This object is solved by a water-conducting household appliance, which is particularly used as a laundry treatment appliance for washing and / or drying laundry, wherein the water-conducting household appliance has: a treatment area; a storage container configured to receive an amount of detergent sufficient for a plurality of treatment processes; and a valve through which the detergent can be guided from the storage container at least indirectly to the treatment area, wherein the valve has at least partially a disk-shaped valve seat body and in particular an annular valve closing body, wherein the valve closing body is loaded at least by a closing force towards the valve seat body, and wherein a sealing seat is formed between the valve seat body and the valve closing body.

[0006] Advantageous developments of the water-conducting household appliance according to the invention can be achieved by the measures listed in the description.

[0007] When the sealing seat is opened, a large opening cross-section can be achieved through a valve in which a valve seat body of at least partially disc-shaped configuration acts together with a preferably annular valve closing body to form the sealing seat. Here, even with a relatively small stroke, a sufficiently large opening cross-section can be achieved so that a relatively viscous treatment agent can flow through at a sufficient flow rate. In addition, through this valve, not only the attachment of the storage container but also metering can be achieved, which is realized by opening and then closing the sealing seat. This can save additional metering devices, especially metering pumps.

[0008] It is also advantageous to provide an actuating body that, in order to open the sealing seat formed between the valve seat body and the valve closing body, actuates the valve closing body against the closing force, and the actuating body has an opening through which the treatment agent flows from the storage container to the treatment area at least indirectly when the sealing seat is opened. It is also advantageous here that the actuating body is configured as at least substantially tubular. Thus, not only the function of actuating the valve by opening and closing the sealing seat but also the function of conveying the treatment agent flowing through the opened sealing seat can be assumed by the actuating body. This enables a configuration with a small number of components and a correspondingly low space requirement.

[0009] It is also advantageous that when the actuating body actuates the valve closing body against the closing force, a seal is formed between the actuating body and the valve closing body along a closing curve that encloses the opening of the actuating body. Thus, when the treatment agent flows through the opened sealing seat, a seal can be formed especially precisely between the preferably tubular actuating body and the valve closing body. However, it is also possible to apply a certain, small pre-tensioning force to the actuating body in order to ensure the seal between the actuating body and the valve closing body also between individual metering processes.

[0010] It is advantageous that the actuating body has an internal space configured as a dosing chamber, and when filling the internal space of the actuating body with the treatment agent, the actuating body receives the treatment agent in a certain dose that is at least substantially determined by the volume of the dosing chamber. In this way, with each filling of the actuating body, the dose can be taken out of the storage container at least approximately. In a possible configuration of a water-conducting household appliance, the desired metering amount can then be directed to the treatment area by the number of doses taken out during the metering process. Here, other modifications are also possible. For example, it is also possible to provide a plurality of actuating bodies with dosing chambers of different sizes, which take out the treatment agent from the storage container through a corresponding number of valves. Thus, the desired metering amount can be taken out of the storage container quickly and accurately.

[0011] Advantageously, a control device and an actuating device are provided, the actuating device adjusting an actuating body to open a sealing seat formed between a valve seat body and a valve closing body, and the control device being configured to control the actuating device in accordance with a program run such that a treatment agent of a metering quantity determined in accordance with the program run is guided at least approximately into a treatment area by means of at least one metering process, in which the sealing seat is opened and subsequently closed. Here, the metering quantity can be determined by means of an opening duration between the opening and the subsequent closing of the sealing seat and / or by means of the number of metering processes in which the sealing seat is opened and subsequently closed. Thus, depending on the configuration, a constant or variable opening duration can be predefined for a single metering process. For example, metering can also be combined with a suitable detection of the treatment agent concentration in the treatment area, which can be achieved, for example, by means of one or more sensors which are arranged in the treatment area or at another suitable location in the water-conducting domestic appliance.

[0012] Advantageously, a closing spring is provided which loads the valve closing body with a closing force towards the valve seat body, wherein the closing spring is arranged between an outer flange of the valve closing body and a storage container. Also advantageously, an elastically deformable connecting piece is provided by means of which the valve closing body is connected to the storage container. Here, the closing spring can be arranged outside the elastically deformable connecting piece. In particular, the closing spring can surround the elastically deformable connecting piece with a plurality of turns. However, the closing spring can also be configured and arranged in other ways. The elastically deformable connecting piece can advantageously be configured as a bellows or an elastic hose piece. In order to achieve the stroke of the valve closing body, a suitable deformation can be generated on the elastic hose piece. For example, the elastic hose piece can be configured as a soft-elastic, hose-shaped hose piece, wherein the required axial movement of the valve closing body and other movement components can also be obtained by means of arcuate sections or loops (Schlinge).

[0013] Also advantageously, the valve seat body has a disk-shaped part and a guide part, a sealing seat being formed between the disk-shaped part of the valve seat body and the valve closing body, and when the sealing seat is closed, the valve closing body being guided by the guide part of the valve seat body into a predefined position relative to the disk-shaped part of the valve seat body. Thus, in the closing movement of the valve closing body which takes place when the sealing seat is closed, suitable guidance can be achieved in order to achieve reliable closing of the sealing seat. Also advantageously here, the guide part of the valve seat body is configured such that the valve closing body actuated by the actuating body can be tilted relative to the valve seat body. Thus, during actuation, a seal can also be achieved between the actuating body and the valve closing body if the actuating body is not, for example, guided exactly axially onto the valve closing body. This also enables a certain tolerance for the positioning of the storage container in the housing.

[0014] Advantageously, a flat sealing surface is configured on the valve closing body, and when the sealing seat is closed, the sealing surface of the valve closing body abuts against an annular sealing element provided on the valve seat body. Thereby, in addition to being guided by the guiding portion of the valve seat body, the positioning of the valve closing body relative to the valve seat body can also be supported.

[0015] However, in a modified configuration, it is advantageous that a sealing surface is configured on the valve closing body, which sealing surface is in the form of a part of a spherical surface, and when the sealing seat is closed, the valve closing body abuts against an annular sealing element provided on the valve seat body with its sealing surface. In this configuration, the guiding by the guiding portion can be achieved with a larger clearance, or this guiding can also be omitted. Because reliable sealing can be ensured at different positions of the valve closing body relative to the valve seat body by means of the sealing surface in the form of a part of a spherical surface. This also has an advantageous effect on repeated operating processes. In addition, this simplifies the sealing that may be provided between the actuating body and the valve closing body, which sealing is provided during actuation and, if necessary, also when the sealing seat is closed.

[0016] For metering the treatment agent, it is preferred to open and then close again the sealing seat between the valve seat body and the valve closing body. Thereby, the fluid flow is completely switched on and off. However, the fluid flow can also be continuously controlled in such a way that the fluid flow is continuously controlled, in particular adjusted, by the resulting opening stroke of the valve closing body or the resulting flow cross-section through which the treatment agent is guided through the valve from the storage container. For example, the concentration of an aqueous solution of the treatment agent guided into the treatment area can be measured by a sensor, and the fluid flow can be adjusted accordingly. Description of the Drawings

[0017] In the following description, preferred embodiments of the present invention are further elaborated with reference to the drawings, wherein corresponding elements are provided with consistent reference numerals. The drawings show:

[0018] Figure 1 A water-conducting household appliance corresponding to a first embodiment of the present invention in a valve-closed state is shown in a partial schematic sectional view;

[0019] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A partial view of the water-conducting household appliance according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in in a valve-open state;

[0020] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A partial view of the water-conducting household appliance according to the first embodiment of the present invention shown in in a valve-open state and in another possible position of the valve;

[0021] Figure 4A partial schematic cross-sectional view of a valve of a water-conducting domestic appliance corresponding to a second embodiment in a valve-closed state; and

[0022] Figure 5 Shows the valve of the water-conducting domestic appliance corresponding to the second embodiment in another possible position in the valve-closed state, partially shown in Figure 1 it. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Figure 1 A water-conducting domestic appliance 1 corresponding to a first embodiment is shown in a partial schematic cross-sectional view. The water-conducting domestic appliance 1 has a valve 2, which is shown in the valve-closed state. The water-conducting domestic appliance 1 also has a storage container 3 for receiving a treatment agent 4. Here, the storage container 3 is configured to receive an amount of the treatment agent 4 sufficient for multiple treatments or multiple program runs. Here, multiple chambers can also be provided in the storage container 3 for receiving multiple possibly different treatment agents. Correspondingly, other valves corresponding to the valve 2 can then also be provided.

[0024] The treatment agent 4 can be guided through the valve 2 into a chamber 5 of a flushing device 6. A fresh water line 7 with a shut-off valve 8 also leads into the chamber 5. A control device 9 is used to control the shut-off valve 8 in order to guide fresh water from a water connection 10 through the fresh water line 7 into the flushing device 6 corresponding to the program run. When the valve 2 is closed, the fresh water can thus be guided by an inlet connection 11 into a treatment area 12 in a treatment container 13. When the valve 2 is open, a mixture of the treatment agent 4 and fresh water can be guided into the treatment area 12. The inlet connection 11 connects the flushing device 6 to the treatment container 13. The treatment container 13 can in particular be configured as an alkali solution container 13.

[0025] In addition, a pump 14 that can be controlled by the control device 9 is provided, which can in particular be configured as an alkali solution pump 14. The pump 14 can pump a liquid out of the treatment area 12 via a pump-out line 15. Depending on the configuration of the water-conducting domestic appliance 1, other functions, in particular an optional recirculation pump function, can also be implemented, where a liquid can be either pumped out of the treatment area 12 or guided back into the treatment area 12 corresponding to the program run. In the treatment area 12, in particular, laundry can be treated with one or more treatment agents 4. One or more treatment agents can be used here. At least one of these treatment agents is stored as the treatment agent 4 in the storage container 3. Here, the treatment agent 4 can be metered automatically corresponding to the program run of the control device 9. Additionally, if necessary, manual metering of additional treatment agents can also be achieved by the user. For this purpose, the user can, for example, introduce such an additional treatment agent into a chamber of the flushing device 6 before starting the program run, which chamber can be the chamber 5 or also another chamber of the flushing device 6.

[0026] The storage container 3 is preferably configured as a removable storage container 3. Here, the storage container 3 can be removed from the housing of the water-conducting household appliance 1 in order to fill the storage container 3. Thus, the operation becomes easier for the user. The storage container 3 can in particular be configured as a pull-out storage container 3, which can optionally be pulled out completely or partially from the housing. Thereby, filling can be carried out in a partially pulled-out state. Then, in the fully removed state, the user can clean the storage container 3 in a simple manner, in particular by rinsing. In addition, access to the receptacle for the storage container 3 in the water-conducting household appliance 1 is thereby possible in order to also be able to clean such a receptacle.

[0027] In this embodiment, the valve 2 is configured on the storage container 3 and is at least partially an integral part of the storage container 3. The valve 2 has a valve seat body 20, which is formed integrally with the storage container 3. For example, the valve seat body 20 and the storage container 3 can be made of plastic as a common injection-molded part. In a modified configuration, the valve seat body 20 can also be injection-molded onto the storage container 3. The valve seat body 20 has a disk-shaped part 21, a connecting part 22 and a guiding part 23. Thus, the valve seat body part is configured disk-shaped. The disk-shaped part 21 is connected to the storage container 3 via the connecting part 22. The connecting part 22 extends along the axis 24 of the valve 2.

[0028] The valve 2 also has an annular valve closing body 25. In this embodiment, the annular valve closing body 25 is configured as a disk-shaped valve closing body 25 with an axial opening 26. The valve 2 also has a closing spring 27, which loads the valve closing body 25 with a closing force towards the valve seat body 20. Here, the closing spring 27 is arranged between the outer flange 28 of the valve closing body 25 and the outer side 29 of the storage container 3. In this embodiment, the closing spring 27 is arranged outside the elastically deformable connecting piece 30, by means of which the valve closing body 25 is connected to the storage container 3. In this embodiment, the closing spring 27 has a plurality of turns, which enclose the elastically deformable connecting piece 30.

[0029] In this embodiment, the elastically deformable connecting piece 30 is configured as a bellows 30. In a modified configuration, the elastically deformable connecting piece 30 can also be configured as a hose piece 30.

[0030] In this embodiment, the valve closing body has a flat sealing surface 31. In addition, an annular sealing element 32 is provided on the valve seat body 20, which faces the flat sealing surface 31 of the valve closing body 25. In the closed position, the valve closing body 25 abuts with its sealing surface 31 against the annular sealing element 32 provided on the valve seat body 20. Thereby, the sealing seat between the valve closing body 25 and the valve seat body 20 is closed.

[0031] The water-conducting household appliance 1 has a control device 33 which includes actuators 34, 35. In addition, a control body 36 is provided, which is configured as a tubular control body 36. The control body 36 has an opening 38 at one end facing the valve 2. In addition, a sealing ring 39 is mounted on the end 37. The sealing ring 39 of the control body 36 faces the outer side 40 of the valve closing body 25.

[0032] When the control device 9 controls the control device 33 to open the valve in accordance with the program running process, the actuators 34, 35 of the control device 33 control the control body 36 such that the control body 36 is adjusted in the direction 41. Here, the direction 41 is preferably oriented along the axis 24. In addition, the tubular control body 36 is preferably oriented with respect to the axis 24.

[0033] After a certain adjustment distance, the control body 36 contacts the outer side 40 of the valve closing body 25 with its sealing ring 39. Then, the valve 2 is opened, or the sealing seat formed between the valve seat body 20 and the valve closing body 25 is opened.

[0034] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A partial view of the water-conducting household appliance 1 of the first embodiment shown in the opened state of the valve. Here, the control body 36 axially manipulates the valve closing body 25. Thus, in this case, the valve 2 is opened by the axial movement of the valve closing body 25 against the closing force of the closing spring 27. Thereby, the sealing seat is opened and an annular gap 42 is formed between the valve closing body 25 and the disc-shaped portion 21 of the valve seat body 20. The treatment agent 4 present on the initially still closed sealing seat can now flow into the inner space 43 of the tubular control body 36 through the annular gap 42 in the opened state of the valve. The tubular control body 36 for manipulating the valve closing body 25 simultaneously serves as a pipe for supplying the treatment agent 4. Here, when the control body 36 manipulates the valve closing body 25 against the closing force of the closing spring 27, a seal is formed between the control body 36 and the valve closing body 25 along a closed sealing curve by the sealing ring 39, and the closed sealing curve surrounds the opening 38 of the control body 36. Thus, when the valve 2 is opened, the treatment agent 4 in the area of the valve 2 can be prevented from flowing out. On the other hand, in the closed state of the valve, a seal is formed on the sealing seat between the valve closing body 25 and the valve seat body 20. Thus, the treatment agent 4 is either held in the storage container 3 or guided through the tubular control body 36. In this embodiment, the control body 36 is configured as a control tappet 36.

[0035] Therefore, the actuating device 33 for actuating the valves 2 by means of the actuators 34, 35 can be configured simply and cost-effectively. This is achieved in particular by the fact that substantially all sealing functions and guiding functions are designed in an axial structural form. Thus, when the valve 2 is opened and closed, relatively small axial forces occur. In this case, in particular, low frictional forces are generated, and relatively little force is required to produce the corresponding sealing effect due to the substantially axial compression of the sealing element 32 or the sealing ring 39. In addition, due to the compact structural form of the valve 2, a relatively large flow cross-section or pipeline cross-section can be provided in a relatively small size, which is used to convey the treatment agent 4 in the valve open state. Thereby, a large volume flow can be achieved even in the case of a highly viscous treatment agent 4.

[0036] To illustrate the mode of action, the possible paths that the treatment agent 4 can take in the valve open state through the then opened sealing seat between the valve closing body 25 and the valve seat body 20 are exemplarily illustrated by curves 44, 45 provided with direction arrows.

[0037] Figure 3 Shown in Figure 1 a partial view of the water-conducting household appliance of the first embodiment shown in another possible position when the valve 2 is in the valve open state. In this other possible position, the valve closing body 25 is inclined relative to the Figure 2 axially oriented position shown. In this way, tolerance compensation can be carried out. In addition, the actuating body 36 abuts eccentrically against the outer side 40 of the valve closing body 25 with the sealing ring 39. Therefore, tolerance compensation can also be achieved in this regard. Thus, the actuating body 36 and the valve closing body 25 acting together when actuating the valve 2 can move and / or pivot relative to each other within a large range, and thus a high tolerance is generated with respect to the accuracy required during manufacture, assembly and operation. Here, if the storage container 3 is configured as a removable and / or pull-out storage container 3, improved tolerances are obtained when the storage container 3 is placed in a suitable receiving part of the housing of the water-conducting household appliance 1.

[0038] When the valve 2 is closed, the valve closing body 25 is again guided by the guiding part 23 into the starting position shown in the Figure 1 when the valve is in the closed state. Here, the movement is ensured by the closing force of the closing spring 27. In this embodiment, the guiding part 23 is formed by guiding ribs 50, 51, which are configured as centering ribs 50, 51 and are used to center the movable valve closing body 25. Here, the number of such guiding ribs 50, 51 can be pre-given depending on the respective application case.

[0039] To open the valve 2, a certain thrust or actuating force is required, which has to be exerted by the actuators 34, 35 of the actuating device 33. This thrust for opening the valve 2 is essentially given by the closing force of the closing spring 27 plus the force required to deform the elastically deformable connecting piece 30 by the liquid column of the treatment agent 4 acting on this connecting piece. On the other hand, in the valve closed state, the valve closing body 25 is loaded against the valve seat body 20 at least by the closing force of the closing spring 27.

[0040] The following advantages also result therefrom: When the valve is opened, the thrust (opening force) is transmitted through the sealing ring 39, thereby correspondingly enhancing the sealing effect in this regard. On the other hand, in the valve closed state, the closing force of the closing spring 27 and the pressure of the liquid column of the treatment agent 4 present are transmitted to the sealing element 32 through the valve closing body 25, whereby the sealing effect is also correspondingly enhanced. In addition, a very large valve cross-section and a small stroke are produced, which is beneficial for the volumetric flow even in the case of a highly viscous treatment agent 4.

[0041] In a modified configuration, the actuating body 36 can also be configured in other ways. The actuating body 36 can in particular have an internal space 43, which is configured as a dosing chamber 43. Then, by temporarily opening the valve 2, the internal space 43 can be filled with the treatment agent 4. The dosing chamber 43 is filled until the same filling level as in the storage container 3 is reached in the internal space 43 of the actuating body 36 according to the principle of the mutually communicating tubes. The internal space 43 of the actuating body is configured such that the internal space 43 is filled with substantially the same volume of the treatment agent 4 for different filling levels in the storage container 3, wherein this volume determines the dosing of the treatment agent 4. This can be achieved in such a way that the internal space 43 extends up to the maximum filling height of the storage container 3, wherein the upper region of the internal space 43 has a volume significantly smaller than the lower region of the internal space 43, that is to say, the volume of the lower region of the internal space forms the dosing chamber and substantially determines the dosing quantity.

[0042] Subsequently, when the valve 2 is closed, the internal space 43 serving as the dosing chamber 43 can be emptied into the treatment area 12 through the chamber 5 of the flushing device 6. Thereby, dosing by portions can be carried out. For this purpose, the outflow from the internal space 43 into the chamber 5 of the flushing device 6 can, for example, have a relatively high throttling effect or a relatively small opening cross-section compared to the inflow through the opening of the valve 2. In addition, the chamber 43 can first be filled and then emptied directly into the chamber 5 through the opening 38 when the valve 2 is closed.

[0043] However, the dosing of the treatment agent 4 can also be achieved by the opening duration of the valve 2. In addition, a continuous input of the treatment agent 4 is possible, wherein the flow of the treatment agent 4 through the valve 2 is controlled, in particular adjusted, by a change in the opening cross-section. For this purpose, the actuating device 33 is configured such that a variable stroke of the valve closing body 25 can be achieved.

[0044] It should be noted that the valve seat body 20, in particular the disc-shaped part 21 of the valve seat body 20, is arranged in a position-fixed manner relative to the storage container 3, while the valve closing body 25 is arranged movably relative to the storage container 3.

[0045] Therefore, in an advantageous manner, the control device 9 can control the actuating device corresponding to the program run, such that the metering quantity of the treatment agent 4 determined according to the program run is guided into the treatment area 12 at least approximately by means of at least one metering process, in which the sealing seat formed between the valve closing body 25 and the valve seat body 20 is opened and then closed. Here, the actuating device 33 adjusts the actuating body 36 for opening the sealing seat formed between the valve seat body 20 and the valve closing body 25. The metering quantity of the treatment agent 4 determined according to the program run can be determined in particular with respect to the filling quantity of the treatment container 13 and / or with respect to the water hardness, and the filling quantity can be determined, for example, by the weight of the laundry to be treated or the like.

[0046] In the valve closed state, a predefined position can be determined for the valve closing body 25. This predefined position preferably corresponds to the axial orientation of the valve closing body 25 with respect to the axis 24, as shown in Figure 1 as shown. When the sealing seat is closed, the valve closing body 25 is then guided by the guiding part 23 of the valve seat body 20 into the predefined position relative to the disc-shaped part 21 of the valve seat body 20. The guiding ribs 50, 51 of the guiding part 23 are additionally configured such that the valve closing body 25 can be tilted relative to the valve seat body 20 in the valve open state.

[0047] Figure 4 Fig. shows a partial schematic sectional view of the valve 2 of the water-conducting domestic appliance 1 corresponding to the second embodiment in the valve closed state. In this embodiment, the sealing surface 31 of the valve closing body 25 is configured in the form of a part of a spherical surface 55. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the valve seat body 20 includes a disc-shaped part 21 and a connecting part 22, wherein, different from the first embodiment, no guiding part 23 is provided. Therefore, for the valve closing body 25, no defined position relative to the valve seat body 20 is defined in the valve closed state. Thereby, the angular mobility of the movable, disc-shaped valve closing body 25 relative to the fixed valve seat body 20, in particular the disc-shaped part 21 of the valve seat body 20, is achieved, while the sealing effect is ensured by means of the annular sealing element 32.

[0048] Figure 5 Fig. shows the valve 2 of the water-conducting domestic appliance 1 corresponding to the second embodiment in Figure 4 partially shown in the valve closed state in another possible position. The valve closing body 25 is axially oriented in the position shown in Figure 4 in the closed state, while the valve closing body 25 is in Figure 5In another possible position shown, it is positioned on the disk-shaped part 21 of the valve seat body 20 with an angular offset 56 in the closed state.

[0049] In addition, there are countless other possible positions in which the valve closing body 25 can be positioned relative to the valve seat body 20 in the valve closed state. For the angular offset 56, two degrees of freedom can preferably be achieved for this purpose.

[0050] Therefore, even when the angular and positional deviations between the valve closing body 25 and the actuating body 36 are very large, the valve 2 of the second embodiment can also ensure sealing on the sealing ring 39 from the very beginning throughout the entire actuation process. The actuating body is used to actuate the valve closing body 25. Here, the movable valve closing body 25 remains in the last occupied position when closed, and this position is usually the same as the position required for opening. Thus, the actuating device 33 can be configured simply because any motion curve is possible since the valve closing body 25 matches the given situation statically and dynamically.

[0051] Therefore, by means of sealing and guiding elements that actually act only axially, in particular the sealing element 32, the sealing ring 39 and the guiding part 23, the axial force during docking and actuation of the valve 2 can be reduced. In addition, the valve 2 also tolerates very large deviations in the angular offset 56 and the axial position of the co-acting parts due to its structural form.

[0052] Due to these two characteristics, namely low actuation force and high tolerance for errors, the valve 2 is particularly suitable for cost-effective valve connections, such as a combined switching valve and bottom discharge valve in a metering system. The compact structural form allows for a larger cross-section for the fluid to pass through and additionally results in a larger opening cross-section per stroke. Therefore, when using the viscous treatment agent 4, a higher volume flow can be generated with a smaller working stroke.

[0053] The treatment agent 4 is a flowable treatment agent 4. However, the treatment agent 4 can also be metered here in the form of a non-exclusive liquid, in particular as a mixture of a flowable component and a solid constituent part (in particular a powdery component). In addition, the treatment agent 4 can also be made from a mixture of a concentrate and an aqueous liquid, in particular fresh water, and then be provided for metering. Thus, a large range of applications is obtained.

[0054] The present invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0055] Reference signs

[0056] 1 Water-conducting household appliance

[0057] 2 Valve

[0058] 3 Storage container

[0059] 4 Treatment agent

[0060] 5 cavities

[0061] 6 charging device

[0062] 7 fresh water pipeline

[0063] 8 stop valve

[0064] 9 control device

[0065] 10 water connector

[0066] 11 input connection

[0067] 12 treatment area

[0068] 13 treatment container

[0069] 14 pump

[0070] 15 pump-out pipeline

[0071] 20 valve seat body

[0072] 21 disc part

[0073] 22 connecting part

[0074] 23 guiding part

[0075] 24 axis

[0076] 25 annular valve closing body

[0077] 26 opening

[0078] 27 closing spring

[0079] 28 outer flange

[0080] 29 outer side

[0081] 30 elastically deformable connecting piece

[0082] 31 flat sealing surface

[0083] 32 annular sealing element

[0084] 33 operating device

[0085] 34, 35 actuator

[0086] 36 operating body

[0087] 37 end

[0088] 38 opening

[0089] 39 sealing ring

[0090] 40 outer side

[0091] 41 Direction

[0092] 42 Annular Gap

[0093] 43 Internal Space

[0094] 44, 45 Curves

[0095] 50, 51 Guide Ribs

[0096] 55 Spherical Surface

[0097] 56 Angular Offset

Claims

1. A water-conducting household appliance (1) having: a treatment area (12); a storage container (3) configured to receive an amount of treatment agent (4) sufficient for a plurality of treatment processes; and a valve (2) through which the treatment agent (4) can be guided at least indirectly from the storage container (3) into the treatment area (12). Characterized in that the valve (2) has a valve seat body (20) with at least partially a disk-shaped configuration and an annular valve closing body (25), the valve closing body (25) being loaded at least by a closing force towards the valve seat body (20), and a sealing seat being formed between the valve seat body (20) and the valve closing body (25). There is provided an actuating body (36) which, in order to open the sealing seat formed between the valve seat body (20) and the valve closing body (25), actuates the valve closing body (25) against the closing force, and the actuating body (36) has an opening (38) at one end facing the valve (2), through which the treatment agent (4) flows at least indirectly from the storage container (3) to the treatment area (12) when the sealing seat is opened.

2. The water-conducting household appliance according to claim 1,[ Characterized in that the water-conducting household appliance (1) is a laundry processing appliance for washing and / or drying laundry.

3. The water-conducting household appliance according to claim 1 or 2,[ Characterized in that the actuating body (36) is configured as at least substantially a tubular actuating body (36).

4. The water-conducting household appliance according to claim 1 or 2,[ Characterized in that when the actuating body (36) actuates the valve closing body (25) against the closing force, a seal is formed between the actuating body (36) and the valve closing body (25) along a closed curve that encloses the opening (26) of the actuating body (36).

5. The water-conducting household appliance according to claim 1 or 2,[ Characterized in that the actuating body (36) has an internal space (43) configured as a divided cavity (43).

6. The water-conducting household appliance according to claim 1 or 2,[ Characterized in that a control device (9) and an actuating device (33) are provided, the actuating device (33) adjusts the actuating body (36) for opening the sealing seat formed between the valve seat body (20) and the valve closing body (25), and the control device (9) is configured to control the actuating device (33) in accordance with a program run such that at least a metered amount of treatment agent (4) determined according to the program run is guided into the treatment area (12) through at least one metering process, in which the sealing seat is opened and then closed.

7. The water-conducting household appliance according to claim 1 or 2,[ Characterized in that A closing spring (27) is provided, which loads the valve closing body (25) towards the valve seat body (20) with a closing force, and the closing spring (27) is arranged between the outer flange (28) of the valve closing body (25) and the storage container (3).

8. The water-conducting household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that an elastically deformable connecting piece (30) is provided, by means of which the valve closing body (25) is connected to the storage container (3).

9. The water-conducting household appliance according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the valve seat body (20) has a disc-shaped part (21) and a guiding part (23), a sealing seat is formed between the disc-shaped part (21) of the valve seat body (20) and the valve closing body (25), and when the sealing seat is closed, the valve closing body (25) is guided by the guiding part (23) of the valve seat body (20) into a pre-given position relative to the disc-shaped part (21) of the valve seat body (20).

10. The water-conducting household appliance according to claim 9, characterized in that the guiding part (23) of the valve seat body (20) is configured such that the actuated valve closing body (25) can be tilted relative to the valve seat body (20).

11. The water-conducting household appliance according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 10, characterized in that a flat sealing surface (31) is constructed on the valve closing body (25), and when the sealing seat is closed, the valve closing body (25) abuts against an annular sealing element (32) provided on the valve seat body (20) with its sealing surface.

12. The water-conducting household appliance according to any one of claims 1, 2, and 10, characterized in that a sealing surface (31) is constructed on the valve closing body (25), which is in the form of a part of a spherical surface (55), and when the sealing seat is closed, the valve closing body (25) abuts against an annular sealing element (32) provided on the valve seat body (20) with its sealing surface (31).

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