Laundry care device for the care of objects

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a laundry care appliance for caring for objects with a door unit according to claim 1 and a method for producing a laundry care appliance with a door unit according to claim 12.

[0002] A door unit of a laundry care appliance essentially serves to close an opening through which treating utensils can be placed into a receptacle of a laundry care appliance. A door unit design known from the prior art has a rear frame element or a door frame. A door glass is inserted into the rear frame element. The door glass is essentially bag-shaped. Furthermore, a so-called design spacer is attached to the rear frame element. The door glass is essentially firmly held between the rear frame element and the design spacer in the door unit. A viewing window is usually attached to the design spacer.

[0003] The viewing window closes off the bag-shaped door glass in such a way that a hollow space is created between the door glass and the viewing window. This is intended to protect the user from coming into contact with the door glass, as, for example, when selecting a program on the laundry care appliance, a program with high water temperatures and / or drying temperatures may be selected and the door glass may heat up during the program run. To ensure that the door unit also makes a good visual impression, a front frame element is formed which extends at least partially over one side front of the individual elements of the door unit, door glass, design spacers and viewing window. Furthermore, the door unit comprises an engagement portion which functions as a door handle and is formed on the front frame element and / or on the rear frame element.

[0004] A hinge connects the door unit to the laundry care appliance. The hinge has hinge arms with so-called bushings. The bushings are designed to position the hinge arms or the hinge in a rotationally fixed manner on or within the door unit, so that the door unit can be moved from a closed position, in which the door unit protrudes at least partially into the laundry care appliance's receptacle, to an open position in which the receptacle is accessible to a user.

[0005] US 2010 / 115848 A1 describes a washing machine door having a hinge unit and a locking unit, wherein the locking unit has a locking hinge.

[0006] CN 114 616 372 A describes a washing machine which has a lighting element for illuminating an interior of the washing machine, wherein the lighting element is arranged in a groove of a hinge arm of a hinge unit.

[0007] KR 101 565 930 B1 describes a washing machine with a door unit.

[0008] GB 2 081 858 A describes a tumble dryer with a door unit, whereby if the door unit is opened while the dryer is in operation and a drying program is running, the dryer interrupts the drying program.

[0009] DE 196 49 039 C1 describes a washing machine with a lighting device in the area of ​​the door hinge.

[0010] It is therefore an object of the invention to provide a laundry care appliance with a door unit, wherein the door unit is connected to the laundry care appliance with a cost-effective hinge unit and wherein the hinge unit has a light and simple construction and at the same time a high rigidity and thereby further develops the state of the art.

[0011] The object of the invention is achieved by a laundry care appliance with a door unit according to claim 1 and a method for manufacturing a laundry care appliance with such a door unit according to claim 12. Further advantageous embodiments of the invention are specified in the subclaims as well as in the description and the drawings.

[0012] According to one aspect of the invention, the object of the invention is achieved by a laundry care appliance for caring for objects, wherein the laundry care appliance comprises a housing and a receptacle rotatably received in the housing, wherein the housing comprises a loading side and side walls, and wherein the loading side comprises an opening designed for loading the receptacle, and the laundry care appliance comprises a door unit. The door unit comprises a first door assembly and a second door assembly, wherein the second door assembly protrudes at least partially into the receptacle when the door unit is closed, and wherein the first door assembly is arranged on the second door assembly and is visible from the outside when the door unit is closed.Furthermore, a hinge unit can be arranged on the laundry care appliance, which hinge unit pivotally connects the door unit to the loading side of the housing of the laundry care appliance and the door unit is designed such that the opening of the loading side can be closed, wherein the hinge unit comprises a hinge body and a hinge axis, wherein the hinge body forms a cavity and the hinge axis is arranged in the cavity of the hinge body.

[0013] The hinge unit comprises a hinge body with a hollow space. A hinge axis can be arranged in this hollow space. Designing the hinge body with a hollow space provides a stable hinge body that can compensate for the forces occurring in the hinge area.

[0014] The laundry care appliance can be a washing machine, a washer-dryer, or a tumble dryer. The laundry care appliance cares for items, utensils, and / or laundry. These can include, for example, clothing, towels and / or other hygiene items such as washcloths and cleaning rags, laundry, scarves, towels, gloves, shoes, and / or headwear.

[0015] A closed state of the door unit is, for example, a state in which no fluid, such as water, water vapor and / or process air, can escape from the laundry care appliance through the opening closed by the door unit.

[0016] The door unit is pivotable and / or rotatable and / or tiltable and / or pendulum-like arranged on the hinge unit or on the laundry care appliance.

[0017] The hinge body can also be referred to as a hinge housing. The hinge body has a substantially rectangular shape. Furthermore, the hinge body essentially comprises four wall elements and at least one additional element, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0018] Preferably, a rib structure is formed in the cavity of the hinge body of the hinge unit. The term "rib structure" refers to individual ribs formed in the hinge body, which can also be referred to as a rib array or rib geometry. The rib structure imparts high rigidity to the hinge body and is therefore robustly constructed. This allows the hinge unit to withstand heavy loads, such as shear forces from the door unit and / or sagging of the door unit during extended use, which may be caused by the weight of the door unit.

[0019] Advantageously, the first door assembly has a first recess in an edge region, wherein the first door assembly of the door unit essentially comprises a design cover and the second door assembly of the door unit essentially comprises a door frame.

[0020] This allows for a simple door design. At least one section or partial area of ​​the hinge unit can be arranged in the first recess. The first recess is formed in an edge area of ​​the first door assembly.

[0021] The second door assembly preferably has a second recess, wherein the second recess is formed in an edge region of the second door assembly and wherein the hinge unit can be arranged substantially in the second recess of the door frame of the second door assembly.

[0022] This ensures that the door unit can be moved around a pivot axis using the hinge unit. Furthermore, the hinge unit is integrated into the door unit in such a way that the door unit retains its familiar appearance and the hinge unit is concealed.

[0023] The hinge unit advantageously comprises at least one lighting device. The at least one lighting device can be arranged in the region of the hinge unit facing the door unit or the first door assembly and / or the second door assembly. The at least one lighting device can be used to display various design variations or design effects, and to realize lighting effects. Furthermore, the at least one lighting device can conceal a gap that exists between the hinge unit and the first door assembly and / or the second door assembly.

[0024] Preferably, the hinge unit comprises a cover element and the first door assembly has a surface, and the cover element has a cover element surface, wherein the surface of the first door assembly is substantially identical to the cover element surface.

[0025] The cover element can be attached or mounted to the hinge unit via a clip connection, a snap connection, and / or a magnetic connection. Furthermore, it is also conceivable for a film hinge to connect the cover element and the hinge body of the hinge unit. With the surface of the first door assembly essentially identical to the surface of the cover element, a consistent design is created, allowing for a harmonious presentation of the door unit.

[0026] Advantageously, the cover element has a cover element front side and the first door assembly has a door assembly front side, wherein the cover element front side and the door assembly front side are planar.

[0027] This avoids sharp transitions and / or edges on which a user could be injured and / or dirt particles could collect and / or objects or utensils to be cared for could get caught or even tear or break when being placed in or removed from the laundry care appliance.

[0028] The hinge axis preferably has a first end and a second end, and a first bushing is arranged at the first end of the hinge axis, and a second bushing is arranged at the second end of the hinge axis. As a result, the hinge axis is firmly arranged between the two bushings or received in the two bushings.

[0029] The first bushing and the second bushing are advantageously arranged in the second door assembly when installed. The hinge unit is permanently mounted on the laundry care appliance. The door unit can be rotated about the rotation and / or pivot axis of the hinge unit or hinge axis via the hinge axis and the first and second bushings located at both ends of the hinge axis.

[0030] Preferably, the first door assembly has a rib that is arranged in the region of the first bushing when the first door assembly is installed and is provided for securing the hinge axis. The rib prevents the hinge axis from slipping out of the hinge unit in the direction of gravity when the door unit is installed and when the door unit is in use.

[0031] Advantageously, a closure receiving device is formed on the second door assembly, which is arranged opposite the hinge unit and a closure element for closing the door unit can be arranged in the closure receiving device.

[0032] The locking device ensures quick and easy assembly of the locking element, minimizing incorrect assembly.

[0033] According to a second aspect of the invention, the object is achieved by a method for producing a laundry care appliance with a door unit, wherein the laundry care appliance (1) and the door unit (3) comprise at least one feature of the above-mentioned aspects and wherein the method essentially comprises: Inserting a second door assembly into a mounting device; inserting a first bushing and a second bushing into the second door assembly; inserting and fastening a locking element into a locking receiving device formed on the second door assembly; positioning the hinge unit on the second door assembly; inserting a hinge axis through the first bushing such that the hinge axis extends through the hinge unit to the second bushing and is received by the second bushing; placing the first door assembly on the second door assembly and fastening the first door assembly to the second door assembly; mounting the hinge unit (19) on a laundry care appliance (1).

[0034] The method described above provides a simple, fast and cost-effective production of a hinge unit with a door unit for a laundry care appliance.

[0035] Preferably, a cover element is arranged on the hinge unit such that a cover element front side of the cover element and a door assembly front side of the first door assembly are planar.

[0036] This avoids sharp transitions and / or edges on which a user could be injured and / or dirt particles could collect and / or objects or utensils to be cared for could get caught or even tear or break when being placed in or removed from the laundry care appliance.

[0037] Advantageously, the first door assembly is latched to the second door assembly. A latching connection is simple and cost-effective to manufacture. Furthermore, a latching connection enables quick and easy connection or assembly of the first door assembly and the second door assembly.

[0038] The invention set out above, or the laundry care appliance with a door unit described above, or the door unit for a laundry care appliance, as well as the method for producing a laundry care appliance with a door unit, has the advantages, among others, that a hinge unit and a door unit can be manufactured cost-effectively, with little assembly effort required. Furthermore, a small number of additional connecting elements, such as screws, are required. Furthermore, the above-mentioned structure of the door unit and the hinge unit makes it possible to produce a door unit and a hinge unit with high rigidity. The hinge unit can be used both for purely plastic door units, which mean a low overall weight of the door unit, and for door units with a glass element, which mean a higher overall weight of the door unit.The hinge unit is more cost-effective than currently known hinge units. Furthermore, the individual components of the door unit or hinge unit can be cleanly separated from one another during disassembly and recycled separately. Furthermore, lighting effects can be easily fed into the door unit without having to integrate a cable routing into moving components, such as a hinge arm of the hinge unit. The bushings are accommodated in the second door assembly, which prevents the first door assembly from gaping open relative to the second door assembly, since the bushings are not clamped between the first door assembly and the second door assembly, as is known from the prior art.

[0039] The goal of the hinge unit is to position the first and second bushings, which transfer the forces from the door frame to the hinge unit, as far outward as possible on a pivot axis of the door unit. This creates a longer lever, which reduces the resulting moment on the hinge unit. Furthermore, to ensure a load-appropriate design, the first door assembly is prevented from pivoting (the second door assembly usually pivots open in the area of ​​the hinge axis and between the bushings), thus preventing the resulting weakening of the hinge unit.

[0040] According to the invention, the hinge body, the cover element, the first and second bushings, the door frame of the second door assembly, and the design cover of the first door assembly are made of plastic. The hinge axis is preferably made of steel. Preferably, the cover element and the design cover are made of ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene copolymer), the first and second bushings are made of POM (polyoxymethylene), and the door frame and the hinge body are made of PP (polypropylene).

[0041] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 schematically shows a laundry care appliance with a door unit; Fig. 2a shows a section of a known embodiment of a front wall with a door unit; Fig. 2b shows a section of a known embodiment of a front wall with an open door unit; Fig. 2c shows a known hinge unit with a through-hole hinge axis; Fig. 3 shows a section of a front view of a loading side of a laundry care appliance with a door unit; Fig. 4a shows a section of a side view of a loading side of a laundry care appliance with an open door unit; Fig. 4b shows a section of a front view of a loading side of a laundry care appliance with an open door unit; Fig. 5 shows an exploded view of a door unit and a hinge unit for a laundry care appliance; Fig. 6 shows a front view of a second door assembly of the door unit; Fig. 7a shows an embodiment of a hinge unit; Fig.7b shows an embodiment of a hinge unit with a lighting device; Fig. 7c shows a section of a door unit with a built-in hinge unit with lighting device; Fig. 8a shows a section of the second door assembly with the hinge unit arranged; Fig. 8b shows a sectional view of the second door assembly with the hinge unit in the area shown in . Fig. 8a drawn section C; Fig. 9a shows a door unit with a hinge unit arranged thereon; Fig. 9b shows a sectional view of the door unit with hinge unit in the area of Fig. 9a drawn section D; Fig. 9c shows a section of a loading side of a laundry care appliance with a mounted hinge unit; Fig. 10 schematically shows a method for manufacturing a laundry care appliance with a door unit.

[0042] In Fig. 1 1 schematically shows a laundry care appliance 1 with a door unit 3. The laundry care appliance 1 has a housing 5. Arranged in the housing 5 is a receptacle 6, which, in the present exemplary embodiment, essentially holds utensils to be cleaned and / or dried, for example laundry. The housing 5 has a front wall 7 and side walls 9, wherein, in this exemplary embodiment, a loading side 11 corresponds to the front wall 7 of the laundry care appliance 3. An opening 13 is formed in the front wall 7 or in the loading side 11 of the housing 5.

[0043] It is also conceivable for the loading side 11 and the opening 13 of the laundry care appliance 1 to be formed on a top side 14 of the housing 5 of the laundry care appliance 1. The opening 13 can be closed with the door unit 3. The door unit 3 is attached to the housing 5 of the laundry care appliance 1, for example, in a pivotable, rotatable, or tiltable manner, as already described above.

[0044] In Fig. 2a A section of a known embodiment of a front wall 407 of a laundry care appliance 401 with a door unit 403 is shown. In this embodiment, the front wall corresponds to a loading side 411, with the door unit 403 being mounted on the loading side 411. The door unit 403 is in Fig. 2a shown in a closed state. The door unit 403 has a hinge area 416, wherein a so-called surface hinge 418 is mounted on the laundry care appliance 401. Openings 420 are formed in the hinge area 416 in the door unit 403, so that when the door unit 403 is opened, the door unit 403 with the openings 420 can be submerged under the surface hinge 418, which is in Fig. 2b is shown as an example.

[0045] In Fig. 2b A section of a known embodiment of a front wall 407 with the door unit 403 open is shown. The surface hinge 418 has hinge arms 422. The openings 420 are designed such that the hinge arms 422 can enter and exit these openings 420. The door unit is in Fig. 2b shown in an open state, so that a user can, for example, reach through an opening 413 into a receiving container 406 arranged behind it in the laundry care appliance 401.

[0046] In Fig. 2c A surface-mounted hinge 418 known from the prior art is shown with a hinge axis 424. The surface-mounted hinge 418 has hinge arms 422 which are L-shaped, so that a recess 426 is formed under which the door unit 403 can pass. The hinge axis 424 has a continuous steel axis 428 through the hinge arms 422. The side openings 420 on the door unit 403 have laundry care appliances 401 which have a surface-mounted hinge 418 and a large opening angle. Fig. 2c The top-mounted hinge 418 shown has two mounting holes 430. The mounting holes 430 are provided for attaching the top-mounted hinge 418 to the loading side 411.

[0047] In Fig. 3 a section of a front view of a loading side 11 of a laundry care appliance 1 with a door unit 3 is shown.

[0048] In Fig. 3 A hinge area 16 is shown. The hinge area 16 is formed in a recess 17 of the door unit 3. A hinge unit 19 is arranged in the recess 17 or in the hinge area 16. In Fig. 3 At least part of a hinge body 21 and a cover element front side 23 with a cover element surface 24 of a cover element 25 are shown from the hinge unit 19.

[0049] The door unit 3 comprises a first door assembly 27 and a second door assembly 29. The first door assembly 27 essentially comprises a design cover 31. The design cover 31 is preferably designed as a front element 33. The door assembly 27 or the design cover 31 has a door assembly front 35 with a surface 37. Preferably, the surface 37 of the door assembly front 35 of the first door assembly 27 is essentially identical to the cover element surface 24 of the cover element front 23 of the cover element 25. The door assembly front 35 and the cover element front 23 are planar, so that a transition from the door assembly front 35 to the cover element front 23 is edge-free. Furthermore, the first door assembly 27 comprises a first recess 39 in the region of the hinge unit 19 or in the hinge region 16.The hinge unit 19 is at least partially arranged in the first recess 39.

[0050] The second door assembly 29 essentially comprises a door frame 41. Preferably, a handle unit 43 is formed on the door frame 41 of the second door assembly 29 (shown inter alia in Fig. 4b and Fig. 5 ). The door frame 41 of the second door assembly 29 comprises a second recess 45. The hinge unit 19 or the hinge body 21 is essentially arranged in the second recess 45 of the second door assembly 29.

[0051] The first recess 39 of the first door assembly 27 is formed in an edge region 47a of the first door assembly 27 of the door unit 3. The second recess 45 of the second door assembly 29 is formed in an edge region 47b of the second door assembly 29 of the door unit 3. The first recess 39 of the first door assembly 27 and the second recess 45 of the second door assembly 29 are essentially identical and / or at least the same size. The first recess 39 of the first door assembly 27 and the second recess 45 of the second door assembly 29 are essentially U-shaped. The U-shaped first recess 39 corresponds to the U-shaped second recess 45. The hinge unit 19 is essentially arranged in the first recess 39 of the first door assembly 27 and in the second recess 45 of the second door assembly 29.The first recess 39 of the first door assembly 27 and the second recess 45 of the second door assembly 29 are formed substantially at a nine o'clock position of the door unit 3. However, it is also conceivable that the first recess 39 of the first door assembly 27 and the second recess 45 of the second door assembly 29 are formed at any other position, depending on how the door unit is to be opened.

[0052] In Fig. 4a is a section of a side view of a loading side 11 of a laundry care appliance 1 with an open door unit 3. In Fig. 4b A section of a front view of a loading side 11 of a laundry care appliance 1 with the door unit 3 open is shown. The hinge body 21 and the cover element 25 of the hinge unit 19 are firmly connected to the front wall 7 and the loading side 11, respectively, and are not moved when the door unit 3 is moved.

[0053] In Fig. 4b Furthermore, the handle unit 43 is shown. The handle unit is provided in an upper region of the door unit 3. Furthermore, the second door assembly 29 comprises a closure element 49. The closure element 49 is received in a closure receiving device 51. The closure element 49 is received in a closed state of the door unit 3 in the laundry care appliance 1, in particular in the front wall element 7 and / or the loading side 11. The closure element 49 and the closure receiving device 51 are in the present embodiment in Fig. 4b arranged opposite the hinge unit 19 on the door frame 41 of the second door assembly 29. This means that the locking element 49 and the locking receiving device 51 are formed at a three o'clock position of the door unit. The locking element 49 engages a locking receptacle 53. The locking receptacle 53 is formed on the front wall element 7 and / or the loading side 11. For the sake of completeness, it should be mentioned that the front wall 7 has a cleaning hatch 55 or that a cleaning hatch 55 is formed on the loading side 11.

[0054] In Fig. 5 An exploded view of a door unit 3 and a hinge unit 19 for a laundry care appliance 1 is shown. The door unit 3 comprises the first door assembly 27 and the second door assembly 29.

[0055] The first door assembly 27 comprises in the embodiment in Fig. 5 a front element 33 or a design cover 31. The first door assembly 27 has a front side 57 and a rear side 59, wherein the rear side 59 is directed toward the second door assembly 29. Latching elements 61, in particular latching hooks, are formed in the region of the rear side 59 of the first door assembly 27. The first recess 39 is formed in an edge region 47a of the first door assembly 27. The first recess 39 is formed in the region of the hinge unit 19, or the hinge unit 19 is at least partially arranged in the first recess 39.

[0056] The second door assembly 29 comprises in the embodiment in Fig. 5 a door frame 41. The door frame 41 is formed in one piece from plastic. However, it is also conceivable for the second door assembly 29 to comprise at least two elements, the door frame 41 and a door window (not shown). The door frame 41 comprises a door frame ring 63, which is at least partially annular, and an inner door frame element 65, which has a bulbous or salad bowl-shaped design. The inner door frame element 65 can be transparent, opaque, or opaque. On a side 67 facing the first door assembly 27, the second door assembly 29, in particular the door frame ring 63, has locking element receptacles 69. The locking elements 61 of the first door assembly 27 can be received in the locking element receptacles 69 and are locked there, so that the first door assembly 27 is fastened to the second door assembly 29.

[0057] The second recess 45 is formed in an edge region 47b of the second door assembly 29. The second recess 45 is formed in the region of the hinge unit 19, or the hinge unit 19 is at least partially arranged in the second recess 39. The hinge body is preferably arranged in the region of the second door assembly 29, while the cover element 25 of the hinge body 19, in an installed state, is arranged in the region of the first door assembly 27. The second recess 45 is preferably formed in the region of the door frame ring 63.

[0058] The closure element 49 can be received in the closure receiving device 51, which in Fig. 6 described or shown in more detail.

[0059] The first recess 39 and the second recess 45 are preferably U-shaped. The hinge unit 19 can be arranged in the first recess 39 and the second recess 45. The hinge unit 19 comprises a hinge body 21 and a cover element 25. The hinge body 21 has a cavity 71. A rib structure 73 or ribs in a specific pattern or a rib geometry is formed in the cavity 71 of the hinge body 21. The hinge body 21 has side walls 75, a bottom side 77, and a top side 79. The side walls 75, the bottom side 77, and the top side 79 form the cavity 71. The underside 77 of the hinge body 21 faces the front wall 7 of the laundry care appliance 1 or, in an installed state of the door unit 3 and the hinge unit 19, the underside 77 of the hinge body 21 rests against the front wall 7 of the laundry care appliance 1.The cover element 25 is arranged on the upper side 79 of the hinge body 21. Two opposite side walls 75 of the hinge body 21 each have a through-opening 81a, 81b. The through-openings 81a, 81b are referred to below as a first through-opening 81a and a second through-opening 81a. The first through-opening 81a is preferably formed at a six o'clock position of the hinge unit 19 or the hinge body 21. The second through-opening 81a is preferably formed at a twelve o'clock position of the hinge unit 19 or the hinge body 21.

[0060] A hinge pin 83 is arranged in the cavity 71 of the hinge body 21. The hinge pin 83 is preferably made of steel. The hinge pin 83 is inserted into the hinge body 21 through the first through-opening 81a. The hinge pin 83 extends essentially through the first through-opening 81a, the cavity 71 of the hinge body 21, and through the second through-opening 81b. The hinge pin 83 has a first end 85a and a second end 85b. A first bushing 87a is arranged at the first end 85a of the hinge pin 83, and a second bushing 87b is arranged at the second end 85b of the hinge pin 83.

[0061] In the area of ​​the hinge unit 19, a first bushing receptacle 89a and a second bushing receptacle 89b are formed in the door frame 41 of the second door assembly 29 (shown, for example, in Fig. 7a ). The first bushing receptacle 89a and the second bushing receptacle 89b are formed on or in the door frame 41 in such a way that the first bushing 87a and the second bushing 87b can be received in the respective bushing receptacle 89a, 89b when the hinge body 21 is installed. The first bushing 87a and the second bushing 87b are arranged adjacent to the first through-opening 81a and the second through-opening 81b when the hinge unit 19 is installed. The hinge axis 83 is preferably pressed from below through the first bushing 87a, then through the first through-opening 81a, through the cavity 71 of the hinge body 21, through the second through-opening 81b and into the second bushing 87b.

[0062] In Fig. 6 a front view of the second door assembly 29 of the door unit 3 is shown. In Fig. 6 the side 67 of the second door assembly 29 or the door frame 41 facing the first door assembly 27 is shown.

[0063] The second recess 45, in which the hinge unit 19 or the hinge body 21 can be arranged, is formed in the area of ​​the nine o'clock position of the door frame 41. The second recess 45 is essentially U-shaped. Fig. 6 the first socket 87a is received in the first socket receptacle 89a of the door frame 41 and the second socket 87b is received in the second socket receptacle 89b of the door frame 41.

[0064] Opposite, at the three o'clock position of the door frame 41, the closure receiving device 51 is formed. The closure receiving device 51 has a closure receptacle 91 and a closure cover element 92. The closure cover element 92 is in Fig. 6 for example, via a closure film hinge 93 connected to the closure receptacle 91. After the closure element 49 has been received in the closure receptacle 91, the closure cover element 92 is folded onto the closure element 49. The closure cover element 92 can be fixed, for example, with fastening means, such as screws, in fastening receptacles 94 provided for this purpose.

[0065] In Fig. 7a and Fig. 7b an embodiment of the hinge unit 19 is shown. In particular, Fig. 7a the hinge body 21 and the cover element 25 of the hinge body 21 are shown. The cover element 25 is preferably connected to the hinge body 21 with a cover film hinge 95.

[0066] The rib structure 73 comprises a plurality of rib elements 96 that are arranged in various ways. A hinge axis receptacle 97 is formed in the rib structure 73. The hinge axis 83 can be arranged in the hinge axis receptacle 97. The hinge axis receptacle 97 essentially comprises channel-like receptacles 98 and passages 99. The hinge axis 83 extends along the channel-like receptacles 98 and through the passages 99. The first and second passage openings 81a, 81b are formed on opposite side walls 75 in such a way that the first and second passage openings 81a, 81b are to be regarded as an extension of the hinge axis receptacle 97. The first and second passage openings 81a, 81b are formed on opposite side walls 75 in such a way that the hinge axis 83 is inserted into the hinge axis receptacle 97 when inserted into or through the first passage opening 81a.The hinge axis 83 is mounted in the hinge axis holder 97 in a rotationally fixed manner.

[0067] Furthermore, the hinge body 21 has connecting devices 100. In the embodiment in Fig. 7a Two connecting devices 100 are formed. The connecting devices 100 are formed on opposite side walls 75 within the cavity 71 of the hinge body 21. The connecting devices 100 are each formed in the region of the through openings 81a, 81b or adjacent to the through openings 81a, 81b.

[0068] In Fig. 7b An embodiment of a hinge unit 19 with at least one lighting device 102 is shown. It is conceivable that a lighting device 102, as in Fig. 7b is shown, is formed by one of the side walls 75. However, it is also conceivable for a lighting device 102 to be formed, for example, in the cover element 25 (not shown). The lighting device 102 is preferably arranged on the hinge body 21. The lighting device 102 is preferably formed on the side wall 75, which, in an installed state of the hinge unit 19, is directed towards the door unit 3.

[0069] In Fig. 7c A section of a door unit 3 with a built-in hinge unit 19 and a lighting device 102 is shown. The hinge unit 19 has Fig. 7c the cover element 25. The surface 37 of the door assembly front side 35 is formed identically to the cover element surface 24 of the cover element 25. The surface 37 of the door assembly front side 35 is formed substantially planar with the cover element surface 24 of the cover element 25. In the installed state of the hinge unit 19, a gap 104 forms between the hinge unit 19 and the door unit 3. The at least one lighting device 102 is in the embodiment in Fig. 7c formed on the hinge unit 19 such that the gap 104 is at least partially or partially illuminated. The illuminated gap 104 can be advantageous for design reasons and / or can convey information to the customer, for example, about an operating state of the laundry care appliance 1.

[0070] In Fig. 8a a section of the second door assembly 29 with the hinge unit 19 arranged is shown. At least a part of the hinge unit 19 is in Fig. 8a The second door assembly 29 in the form of the door frame 41 is shown in Fig. 8a with the hinge body 21 of the hinge unit 19. Furthermore, the first bushing 87a is arranged in the first bushing receptacle 89a and the second bushing 87b in the second bushing 89b. Furthermore, the hinge axis 83 is arranged in the hinge axis receptacle 97 of the hinge body 21 of the hinge unit 19. Furthermore, Fig. 8a a section C is drawn, which runs essentially along the hinge axis 83. The section C is in Fig. 8b shown enlarged.

[0071] In Fig. 8b is a sectional view of the second door assembly 29 with the installed hinge unit 19 in the area of Fig. 8a shown in section C. The hinge unit 19 or section C is shown in Fig. 8b by 90° to the representation in Fig. 8a rotated so that a side view of section C is shown. In Fig. 8b It is clearly visible that the hinge axis 83 extends from the first bushing 87a to the second bushing 87b. The first bushing 87a is arranged in the first bushing receptacle 89a in the door frame 41. The second bushing 87b is arranged in the first bushing receptacle 89b in the door frame 41.

[0072] In Fig. 9a a door unit 3 is shown with a hinge unit 19 arranged thereon. The hinge unit 19 is without cover element 25 in Fig. 9a and Fig. 9b The door unit 3 comprises the first door assembly 27 and the second door assembly 29. Clearly visible in Fig. 9a , the first recess 39 of the first door assembly 27. The first recess 39 as well as the second recess 45 of the second door assembly 29 is essentially filled by the hinge unit 19. Furthermore, in Fig. 9a a section D is drawn, which runs at least partially along the hinge axis 83. The section D is in Fig. 9b shown enlarged.

[0073] In Fig. 9b is a sectional view of the door unit 3 with hinge unit 19 in the area of Fig. 9a shown in section D. The section view in Fig. 9b is contrary to the view from Fig. 9a is shown slightly rotated.

[0074] The front element 33 or the design cover 31 of the first door assembly 27 has the first recess 39. The door frame 41 of the second door assembly 29 has the second recess 45. The hinge body 21 of the hinge unit 19 is arranged in the first recess 39 and the second recess 45. The first end 85a of the hinge spindle 83 is received in the first bushing 87a, wherein the first bushing 87a is received in the first bushing receptacle 89a, and wherein the first bushing receptacle 89a is formed in the door frame 41 of the second door assembly 29. The door frame 41 has a receiving opening 108 through which the hinge spindle 83 can be inserted into the first bushing 85a and up to the second bushing 85b. The receiving opening 108 is formed in the region of the first bushing 85a. The receiving opening 108 extends from an edge 110 of the second door assembly 29 to the first socket receptacle 89a.

[0075] The design cover 31 of the first door assembly 27 has a rib 112 in the region of the first bushing 87a or in the region of the first bushing receptacle 89a, which extends from the rear side 59 of the first door assembly 27 in the direction of the hinge axis 83 or the first end 85a of the hinge axis 83. The rib 112 is designed such that the rib 112 extends below the first end 85a of the hinge axis 83, so that the rib 112 prevents the hinge axis 83 from falling out through the receptacle opening 108.

[0076] In Fig. 9c A section of a loading side 11 of a laundry care appliance 1 with a mounted hinge unit 19 is shown. The cover element 25 of the hinge unit 19 is not shown for clarity.

[0077] The hinge body 21 of the hinge unit 19 is attached to the loading side 11 of the laundry care appliance 1 by fastening means 114. The fastening means 114 are received in the connecting devices 100 provided for this purpose. Preferably, the fastening means 114 are screws that are mounted through the connecting devices 100 and into the loading side 11 and / or into the laundry care appliance 1. This means that the hinge unit 19 is attached to the laundry care appliance 1 via the fastening means 114, with the door unit 3 being connected to the laundry care appliance 1 via the hinge axis 83 and the two bushings 87a, 87b.

[0078] In Fig. 10 A method for producing a laundry care appliance 1 with a door unit 3 is shown schematically.

[0079] The method comprises inserting a second door assembly 29 into an assembly device. The first and second bushings 87a, 87b are inserted into the door frame 41 of the second door assembly 29. Furthermore, the closure element 49 is inserted into the closure receiving device 51 of the door frame. The closure cover element 92 is integrally molded onto the door frame 41 by means of a closure film hinge 93. The closure cover element 92 is folded over 180° and screwed onto the door frame 41 with two screws, each of which extends into a fastening receptacle 94.

[0080] The hinge body 21 is positioned on the door frame 41 in the second recess 45. The hinge axis 83 is inserted through a receiving opening 108 on an underside of the door frame 41 and pressed upward by the first bushing 87a, the hinge body 21, and the second bushing 87b. The design cover 31 or the front element 33 of the first door assembly 27 is then placed on the door frame 41 and locked. A rib 112, also referred to as a locking rib, is formed on the design cover 31. The rib 112 is arranged below the hinge axis 83 so that the hinge axis 83 is prevented from slipping downward. As an alternative to the rib 112, a snap hook is also conceivable, which deflects during hinge axis assembly and locks the hinge axis 83 in the final assembly position of the hinge axis 83 in the door unit 3.

[0081] The door unit 3 can now be mounted or screwed to the loading side 11. This is done using the fastening means 114, which are arranged in the connecting devices 100. The cover element 25 is then placed on the hinge body 21 and / or folded over and locked. As an alternative embodiment, it is conceivable that the cover element 25 is manufactured in one piece with the hinge body 21 via a cover film hinge 95. The door unit 3 and the hinge unit 19 are now fully assembled. BEZUGSZEICHENLISTE

[0082] 1.Laundry care appliance 3.Door unit 5.Housing 6.Receptacle 7.Front wall 9.Side walls 11.Loading side 13.Opening 14.Top 16.Hinge area 19.Hinge area 21.Hinge body 23.Cover element front 24.Cover element surface 25.Cover element 27.First door assembly 29.Second door assembly 31.Design cover 33.Front element 35.Door assembly front 37.Surface 39.First recess 41.Door frame 43.Handle unit 45.Second recess 47a.Edge area of ​​first door assembly 47b.Edge area of ​​second door assembly 49.Lock element 51.Lock receiving device 53.Lock receiver 55.Cleaning hatch 57.Front of first door assembly 59.Rear of first door assembly 61.Locking elements 63.Door frame ring 65.Door frame element 67.Side facing first door assembly 69.Locking element receptacle 71.Cavity 73.Ribbed structure 75.Side walls 77.Bottom 79.Top 81a.First through opening 81b.Second through opening 83.Hinge axis 85a.First end 85b.Second end 87a.First bushing 87b.Second socket 89a.First socket receptacle 89b.Second socket receptacle 91.Shutter receptacle 93.Shutter film hinge 94.Fastener receptacles 95.Cover film hinge 97.Hinge axis receptacle 98.Channel type receptacle 99.Passages 100.Connecting device 102.Lighting device 104.Gap 108.Receiving opening 110.Rim door frame 112.Rib 114.Fastener . 401.Laundry care appliance 403.Door unit 406.Receptacle 407.Front wall 411.Loading side 413.Opening 416.Hinge area 418.Top hinge 420.Openings 422.Hinge arms 424.Hinge axis 426.Recesses 428.Steel axis 430.Mounting openings

Claims

1. Laundry care appliance (1) for caring for items, wherein the laundry care appliance (1) comprises a housing (5) and an accommodating container (6) that is accommodated in a rotatable manner in the housing (5), wherein the housing (5) comprises a loading side (11) and side walls (9) and wherein the loading side (11) comprises an opening (13), which is embodied for loading the accommodating container (6), and the laundry care appliance (1) comprises a door unit (3), wherein the door unit (3) comprises a first door assembly (27) and a second door assembly (29), wherein the second door assembly (29) at least partially protrudes into the accommodating container (6) in a closed state of the door unit (3), and wherein the first door assembly (27) is arranged on the second door assembly (29) and the door unit (3) can be seen from the outside in a closed state, and wherein a hinge unit (19) can be arranged on the laundry care appliance (1), which binds the door unit (3) to the loading side (11) of the housing (5) of the laundry care appliance (1) in a pivotable manner and the door unit (3) is embodied in such a manner that it is possible to close off the opening (13) of the loading side (11), characterised in that the hinge unit (19) comprises a hinge body (21) and a hinge axis (83), wherein the hinge body (21) embodies a cavity (71) and the hinge axis (83) is arranged in the cavity (71) of the hinge body (21).

2. Laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 1, characterised in that a rib structure (73) is embodied in the cavity (71) of the hinge body (19) of the hinge unit (19).

3. Laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the first door assembly (27) has a first recess (39) in the region of the hinge unit (19), wherein the first door assembly (27) of the door unit (3) substantially comprises a design cover (31) and the second door assembly (29) of the door unit (3) substantially comprises a door frame (41).

4. Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the second door assembly (29) has a second recess (45) and the second recess (45) is embodied in an edge region (47b) of the second door assembly (29), wherein the hinge unit (19) can be arranged substantially in the second recess (45) of the door frame (41) of the second door assembly (29).

5. Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hinge unit (19) comprises at least one lighting apparatus (102).

6. Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hinge unit (19) comprises a cover element (25) and the first door assembly (27) has a surface (37) and the cover element (25) has a cover element surface (24), wherein the surface (37) of the first door assembly (27) of the cover element surface (24) is embodied in a substantially identical manner.

7. Laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 6, characterised in that the cover element (25) has a cover element front side (23) and the first door assembly (27) has a door assembly front side (35), wherein the cover element front side (23) and the door assembly front side (35) are embodied in a planar manner.

8. Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the hinge axis (83) has a first end (85a) and a second end (85b) and a first bushing (87a) is arranged at the first end (85a) of the hinge axis (83) and a second bushing (87b) is arranged at the second end (85b) of the hinge axis (83).

9. Laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 8, characterised in that the first bushing (87a) and the second bushing (87b) are arranged in the second door assembly (29) in the installed state.

10. Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterised in that the first door assembly (27) has a rib (112) which, in an installed state of the first door assembly (27), is arranged in the region of the first bushing (87a) and is provided for fixing the hinge axis (83).

11. Laundry care appliance (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that embodied on the second door assembly (29) is a closure accommodating apparatus (51), which is arranged opposite the hinge unit (19), and a closure element (49) for closing off the door unit (3) can be arranged in the closure accommodating apparatus (51).

12. Method for producing a laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 1 to 11 and wherein the method substantially comprises: - inserting the second door assembly (29) into an assembly apparatus; - introducing a first bushing (87a) and a second bushing (87b) into the second door assembly (29); - introducing and fastening a closure element (49) into a closure accommodating apparatus (51) embodied on the second door assembly (29); - positioning the hinge unit (19) on the second door assembly (29); - inserting the hinge axis (83) through the first bushing (87a), so that the hinge axis (83) extends through the hinge unit (19) up to the second bushing (87b) and is accommodated by the second bushing (87b); - placing the first door assembly (27) on the second door assembly (29) and fastening the first door assembly (27) to the second door assembly (29); - assembling the hinge unit (19) on a laundry care appliance (1).

13. Method for producing a laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 12, characterised in that a cover element (25) is arranged on the hinge unit (19) in such a manner that a cover element front side (23) of the cover element (25) and a door assembly front side (35) of the first door assembly (27), wherein the cover element front side (23) and the door assembly front side (35) are embodied in a planar manner.

14. Method for producing a laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that the first door assembly (27) is latched to the second door assembly (28).

15. Method for producing a laundry care appliance (1) according to claim 12 to 14, characterised in that the hinge unit is assembled with fastening means (114) on a loading side (11) of the laundry care appliance (1).