Cleaning apparatus with a flush tank and method for closing a flush tank of a cleaning apparatus

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (105) for closing a detergent dispenser for a cleaning appliance, wherein the detergent dispenser is shaped to receive a drawer (112) having a handle, and wherein a recessed grip is provided which allows an operator to grasp the handle when the drawer (112) is inserted into the detergent dispenser. The device (105) has a grid structure for closing the recessed grip and a fixing device for fixing the device (105) relative to the detergent dispenser in order to close the detergent dispenser.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a device and a method for closing a dispenser drawer of a cleaning appliance.

[0002] In washing machines with an automatic or external detergent supply, such as those used primarily in apartment buildings or laundromats, the detergent drawer can be locked to prevent the user from opening it. However, the locking mechanism is not visible, which could lead to the user forcing the drawer open and thus damaging the appliance.

[0003] EP 1 724 387 B1 discloses a device for automatically pulling out a drawer, in particular a storage drawer for a household appliance such as a washing machine.

[0004] WO 2013 / 136238 A1 discloses a cleaning appliance with a dispenser drawer with a handle panel attached thereto and a recessed grip that allows the user to reach into the handle panel when the dispenser drawer is pushed in. The handle panel is provided with a locking element that is unlocked when the user reaches into the recessed grip.

[0005] The object of the invention is to provide an improved device and an improved method for closing a detergent dispenser and an improved cleaning device.

[0006] According to the invention, this object is achieved by a device and a method for closing a dispenser drawer of a cleaning appliance having the features of the main claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention are set forth in the following subclaims.

[0007] The advantages achievable with the invention are that a locking mechanism for the dispenser drawer that is visually recognizable for the operator can be realized in a cleaning device.

[0008] A corresponding detergent dispenser of a cleaning appliance is designed to accommodate a drawer with a handle panel. A recessed handle is provided to allow an operator to reach into the handle panel when the drawer is inserted into the detergent dispenser.

[0009] A corresponding device for closing the dispenser drawer has the following features: a grid structure for closing the handle recess; and a fixing device for fixing the device relative to the dispenser drawer to close the dispenser drawer.

[0010] A cleaning appliance can be understood to be a washing machine or an automatic washing machine for cleaning textiles. A detergent drawer can be understood to be a component in the cleaning appliance through which, for example, fresh water is supplied to the cleaning appliance. The drawer serves to hold and dispense cleaning agents, such as detergent. It can therefore be a detergent drawer as is known, for example, in connection with washing machines. The recessed handle can be formed in the detergent drawer or a front panel of the cleaning appliance. By reaching into the recessed handle, the drawer can be pulled out of the detergent drawer when the user wants to fill the drawer with detergent. The device can be understood to be a component, for example made of plastic, that can be inserted into the recessed handle.The locking device can be used to fasten the device to the dispenser drawer or another part of the cleaning appliance with a force-fitting, positive-fitting, or material-fitting connection in such a way that an operator cannot easily remove the grid structure from the handle recess. The device, secured using the locking device, can prevent the operator from opening the drawer. Thus, the dispenser drawer can be locked using the device.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the device enables reversible closure of the detergent drawer. This can be visually communicated that the detergent drawer cannot be opened. The device can be designed to be compatible with the handle panels of cleaning appliances, for example in the form of small commercial washing machines. The device can be assembled and disassembled by the appliance operator (customer). The grid structure that can be retracted into the handle recess makes the device visually appealing. The detergent drawer can be reversibly closed using the device, so that according to one embodiment of the cleaning appliance with external detergent dosing, only the external detergent dosing can be used. This can be visually communicated that the detergent drawer cannot be opened, so that no damage can occur through forced opening, as would be the case with an alternative makeshift solution.

[0012] The outer shape of the grid structure can be adapted to the shape of the handle recess. This ensures a precise fit of the grid structure to the handle recess.

[0013] The grid structure may have a plurality of through-holes to provide an emergency overflow for water escaping from the dispenser drawer. This ensures that the dispenser drawer meets electrical safety requirements regarding an emergency overflow.

[0014] The fixing device can attach the device to the dispenser drawer or to a rigid geometry of the cleaning device. This allows for a degree of design flexibility for the fixing device.

[0015] The locking device can be designed to reversibly secure the device to the dispenser drawer. This allows the device to be easily removed when the dispenser drawer no longer needs to be locked. Removing the device is advantageous, for example, if the external detergent dispenser is no longer used or can be used, and the dispenser drawer should therefore be used for detergent dosing.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the fixing device can secure the device to the dispenser drawer by means of a screw connection. The screw connection can be made using a single screw. This ensures a secure fit of the device. Furthermore, no special tools are required for the fixation. The fixation can be carried out by the user themselves.

[0017] The device may have a rear wall section opposite the grid structure, wherein the fixing device may comprise a through-opening formed in the rear wall section for receiving a screw for fixing the device. The through-opening may serve as a positioning aid for the screw connection for the user.

[0018] According to one embodiment, a fastening device can be used to attach the device to the drawer. This can be useful if the drawer could be pulled out of the dispenser drawer despite the device being secured by the fastening device.

[0019] The fastening device can be reversibly attached to the drawer. This allows the device to be easily removed when the dispenser drawer is no longer required. Removing the device is advantageous, for example, if the external detergent dispenser is no longer used or can be used, and the dispenser drawer is therefore used for detergent dosing.

[0020] For this purpose, the fastening device can have at least one locking hook for locking the device to the drawer. This ensures easy installation of the device to the drawer. The user can easily install the device themselves. No tools are required.

[0021] The locking hook can be shaped to engage an opening in the handle panel. This ensures easy and secure locking.

[0022] The device can be made of a plastic material. This simplifies production and also keeps manufacturing costs low.

[0023] The device can have two side walls connected to the grid structure and a ceiling connecting the grid structure and the side walls. This ensures stability for the entire device.

[0024] The cleaning appliance according to the invention comprises a dispenser drawer, a drawer with a handle panel, and a handle recess that allows an operator to reach into the handle panel when the drawer is inserted into the dispenser drawer. The cleaning appliance further comprises a device for closing the dispenser drawer. The device can be fixed to the cleaning appliance using the fixing device.

[0025] A method for closing a dispenser drawer of a cleaning appliance using a said device thus comprises a step of arranging the device in the handle recess and a step of fixing the device relative to the dispenser drawer in order to close the dispenser drawer.

[0026] An embodiment of the invention is shown purely schematically in the drawings and is described in more detail below. It shows Figure 1 shows a representation of a cleaning appliance with a device on a dispenser drawer according to an embodiment; Figure 2 shows a representation of a drawer with a device according to an embodiment; Figure 3 shows a representation of a drawer with a mounted device according to an embodiment; Figure 4 shows the Figure 3shown drawer with mounted device according to an embodiment; Figure 5 a representation of a device according to an embodiment; Figure 6 a representation of the in Figure 5 shown device according to an embodiment; Figure 7 a representation of the in Figure 5 shown device according to an embodiment; Figure 8 a representation of the in Figure 5 shown device according to an embodiment; Figure 9 a representation of the in Figure 5shown device according to an embodiment; Figure 10 a frontal partial view of a cleaning appliance with a device according to an embodiment; Figure 11 a side partial view of a cleaning appliance with a device according to an embodiment; Figure 12 a detailed view of a device according to an embodiment; Figure 13 a partial view of a cleaning appliance according to an embodiment; and Figure 14 a flow diagram of a method for closing a dispenser drawer for a cleaning appliance according to an embodiment.

[0027] Figure 1shows a representation of a cleaning appliance 100 according to one exemplary embodiment. For example, the cleaning appliance 100 is a washing machine. The cleaning appliance 100 has a device 105 for closing a detergent dispenser 110 of the cleaning appliance 100. The detergent dispenser 110 accommodates a drawer 112 having a handle panel. A recessed handle 115 is located below the detergent dispenser 110. The recessed handle 115 allows the operator to reach into the handle panel to pull the drawer 112 out of the detergent dispenser 110, to fill the dosing chamber in the drawer 112 with detergent, and to push the drawer 112 back into the detergent dispenser 110. The detergent dispenser 110 and drawer 112 can be designed according to the detergent dispensers and drawers typically used in washing machines.

[0028] The device 105 is in Figure 1arranged on the recessed handle 115 and thereby closes the recessed handle 115. Thus, the device 105 prevents the operator from reaching into the recessed handle 115 to operate the drawer 112. The dispenser drawer 110 is thus locked for operation. Such locking of the dispenser drawer 110 by the aforementioned device 105 is particularly suitable for cleaning appliances 100 that have a detergent dispenser 120. The detergent dispenser 120 can be located below a door opening 125 of the cleaning appliance 100. An external detergent dispenser 130 arranged externally to the cleaning appliance 100 can also be connected to the cleaning appliance 100 by means of a detergent inlet adapter 135.

[0029] The dispenser drawer 110 of the cleaning appliance 100, for example, in the form of a small commercial washing machine, can be reversibly closed at the request of the appliance operator using the device 105, so that, for example, only the external detergent dispenser 130 can be used. A workaround solution is no longer necessary, and the cleaning appliance 100 is not damaged by installing the device 105. The device 105 integrates itself visually appealingly into the overall design of the cleaning appliance 100.

[0030] The device 105 is thus suitable, for example, for small commercial washing machines that have the function of an external detergent dosing system 130, which is implemented by an automatically controlled pump system outside the cleaning device 100. For example, on the rear of such a cleaning device 100, next to a hot and cold water connection, there is an interface to which the external detergent dosing system 130 can be connected using a suitable detergent inlet adapter. The cleaning device 100 can additionally be equipped with a payment system. For some applications in larger apartment buildings or laundries, this results in the device operators wishing to use the external detergent supply exclusively, since this can be directly offset against other operating costs.The device 105 can advantageously be used as a supplement for known cleaning appliances with an external detergent dispenser 130. Advantageously, when the device 105 is used, the dispenser drawer 110, which is used for conventional manual dosing, can be closed. This eliminates the need for a workaround to close the dispenser drawer 110. The device 105 can be mounted reversibly on the dispenser drawer 110 in a way that is visually visible to the operator. This prevents the user from forcing the dispenser drawer 110 to open, thus preventing damage to the cleaning appliance 100.

[0031] Figure 2 shows a representation of a drawer 112 with a device 105 for closing a dispenser drawer according to an embodiment. This can, for example, be the device shown in FIG. Figure 1 Drawer 112 shown. In Figure 2the device 105 is located below a handle panel 205 of the drawer 112 and thereby indicates the positioning of the device 105 on the handle panel 205.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the device 105 has a fastening device 210 for fastening the device 105 to the drawer 112. According to one embodiment, the fastening device 210 is used to reversibly fasten the device 105 to the drawer 112. The fastening device 210 has, for example, two locking hooks 215 for locking the device 105 to the drawer 112. The locking hooks 215 engage, for example, in openings 220 of the handle panel 205.

[0033] According to one embodiment, a recess defined by two guide elements is located between the locking hooks 215, which facilitates attachment of the device 105 to the drawer 112. For example, the device 105 is attached below dosing chambers 225, 230 of the drawer 112 for holding detergent and cleaning fluids.

[0034] Figure 3 shows a representation of a drawer 112 with a mounted device 105 according to an embodiment. This can be the device shown in FIG. Figure 2 described drawer 112. The device 105 is in Figure 3 with the locking hooks engaged in the opening 220 of the handle panel 205.

[0035] Figure 4 shows a representation of a drawer 112 with mounted device 105 according to an embodiment, which is the one shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3The device 105 is mounted on the handle panel of the drawer 112. As a result, the drawer 112 has an extension on its underside that can fill the handle recess provided for pulling out the drawer 112, thus preventing the operator from operating the drawer 112.

[0036] Figure 5 shows a representation of a device 105 for closing a dispenser drawer according to one exemplary embodiment. The device 105 has a grid structure 500, which can be configured, for example, in a honeycomb shape. According to one exemplary embodiment, the outer shape of the grid structure 500 is adapted to the shape of the handle recess. The grid structure 500 has a plurality of through-openings 505 to ensure an emergency overflow for water escaping from the dispenser drawer. The device 105 can be made of a plastic material.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the device 105 comprises two side walls 510, 515 adjoining the grid structure 500, the grid structure 500 and a ceiling 520 connecting the side walls 510, 515. The Figure 2 The fastening device 210 described for fastening the device 105 to the drawer with the two locking hooks 215 for locking the device 105 is arranged on a side of the device 105 opposite the grid structure 500.

[0038] Figure 6 shows a representation of a device 105 for closing a dispenser drawer according to an embodiment, which is another view of the device 105 according to Figure 5 described device 105.

[0039] Figure 7 shows a representation of a device 105 for closing a dispenser drawer according to an embodiment, which is another view of the device 105 according to Figure 5described device 105.

[0040] Figure 8 shows a representation of a device 105 for closing a dispenser drawer according to an embodiment, which is the device described with reference to Figure 5 described device 105. Figure 8 shows a rear view of the device 105. According to one embodiment, the device 105 has a fixing device 800 opposite the dispenser drawer in order to fix the device 105 to the dispenser drawer or another component of the cleaning appliance.

[0041] The device 105 has a rear wall section 805 located opposite the grid structure 500. According to one embodiment, the fixing device 800 has a through-opening 810 formed in the rear wall section 805 for receiving a screw for fixing the device 105. This allows the device 105 to be fixed to the dispenser drawer by screwing. Optionally, the fixing device 800 is used to fix the device 105 to a rigid geometry of the cleaning appliance. According to one embodiment, the fixation of the device 105 is reversible in both cases.

[0042] Figure 9 shows a representation of a device 105 for closing a dispenser drawer according to an embodiment, which is the device shown in Figure 9 described device 105. Figure 9shows a bottom view of the device 105. The rear wall section 805 with the through opening 810 for receiving a screw for fixing the device 105 to a dispenser drawer is clearly visible.

[0043] Figure 10shows a frontal partial view of a cleaning appliance 100 with a device 105 for closing the dispenser drawer 110 according to one exemplary embodiment. The device 105 is fastened to the dispenser drawer 110, for example, with a screw 1000. This locks the dispenser drawer 110 and prevents an operator from pulling the drawer out of the dispenser drawer 110, since the device 105 prevents reaching into the recessed grip. The operator cannot then fill the dispenser chamber of the drawer with detergent. This is particularly useful for cleaning appliances that have external or automatic detergent dosing. Thanks to the device 105, the locking of the dispenser drawer 110 is also visually visible to the operator.

[0044] Figure 11shows a partial side view of a cleaning appliance 100 with a device 105 for closing the dispenser drawer according to an embodiment. This can be the device shown in Figure 10 described partial view of the cleaning device 100. The device 105 is fastened to the dispenser drawer 110 with the screw 1000, which is passed through the through-opening of the rear wall section of the device 105.

[0045] One in Figure 11 indicated circular cutout is in Figure 12 shown enlarged.

[0046] Figure 12 shows a detailed view of a device 105 according to an embodiment. This can be the aforementioned enlarged section of the Figure 11 shown device 105. Clearly visible is the rear wall section 805 against which a head of the screw 1000 rests.

[0047] Figure 13shows an exploded partial view of a cleaning device 100 according to one embodiment. The screw 1000 is inserted through the grid structure of the device 105 into the device 105 and then screwed in to secure the device 105 to the dispenser drawer 110.

[0048] According to one embodiment, the device 105 is a plastic component that is manufactured using an injection molding process. The geometry of the device 105, which can also be referred to as a component, prevents the hand from reaching into the handle recess and pulling out the drawer 112. If a tensile force is nevertheless applied to the side surfaces of the handle panel, the force flow runs from the handle panel via the device 105 to a rigid attachment point on the cleaning device 100 - for example, to the screw connection point of the switch panel to the dispenser drawer 110 - so that the drawer 112 cannot be pulled out. Alternatively, for example, a locking of the device 105 with a rigid geometry of the cleaning device 100 is also conceivable, which can only be released using a special tool.

[0049] The front of the device 105 is designed in the form of a grid structure to ensure the required flow cross-section for escaping water in the event of an emergency overflow.

[0050] According to one embodiment, the device 105 is mounted by means of a screw connection. For this purpose, the device 105 is locked to the handle panel when the drawer 112 is pulled out, for example using the Figure 2 The described fastening device is removed. The screw is removed. The drawer 112 with the mounted device 105 is pushed into the cleaning device. The device 105 is secured with a longer screw 1000. The dispenser drawer 110 is reversibly locked, visually indicating this, and meets electrical safety requirements with regard to emergency overflow.

[0051] Figure 14shows a flowchart of a method 1400 for closing a dispenser drawer for a cleaning appliance using a device for closing a dispenser drawer as described with reference to the preceding figures. In method 1400, the device is arranged in the handle recess in a step 1405 and fixed relative to the dispenser drawer 110 in a step 1410.

[0052] Optionally, the device is attached to the drawer in a step 1415 and then pushed into the dispenser drawer together with the drawer in step 1410, whereby the device is arranged at least partially in the handle recess.

Claims

1. Cleaning appliance (100) comprising a dispensing compartment (110), a drawer having a grip panel (205), a recessed grip (115) which allows an operator to reach into the grip panel (205) when the drawer (112) is pushed into the dispensing compartment (110), and an apparatus (105) for closing the dispensing compartment (110), the dispensing compartment (110) being shaped to accommodate the drawer (112) having the grip panel (205), characterized in that the apparatus (105) has the following features: a grating structure (500) for closing the recessed grip (115); and a fixing device (800) for fixing the apparatus (105) relative to the dispensing compartment (110) in order to close the dispensing compartment (110) and prevent the operator from opening the drawer.

2. Cleaning appliance (100) according to claim 1, wherein an outer shape of the grating structure (500) is adapted to a shape of the recessed grip (115).

3. Cleaning appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the grating structure (500) has a plurality of through openings (505) as an emergency overflow for water leaking from the dispensing compartment (110).

4. Cleaning appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing device (800) is designed to fix the apparatus (105) to the dispensing compartment (110) or to a rigid geometry of the cleaning appliance (100).

5. Cleaning appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing device (800) is designed to reversibly fix the apparatus (105) relative to the dispensing compartment (110).

6. Cleaning appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing device (800) is designed to fix the apparatus (105) relative to the dispensing compartment (110) by means of a screw connection.

7. Cleaning appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (105) has a rear wall portion (805) opposite the grating structure (500), wherein the fixing device (800) has a through opening (810), formed in the rear wall portion (805), for receiving a screw (1000) for fixing the apparatus (105).

8. Cleaning appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a fastening device (210) for fastening the apparatus (105) to the drawer (112).

9. Cleaning appliance (100) according to claim 8, wherein the fastening device (210) is designed to reversibly fasten the apparatus (105) to the drawer (112).

10. Cleaning appliance (100) according to either claim 8 or claim 9, wherein the fastening device (210) has at least one catch hook (215) for locking the apparatus (105) to the drawer (112).

11. Cleaning appliance (100) according to claim 10, wherein the catch hook (215) is shaped to latch into an opening (220) of the grip panel.

12. Cleaning appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (105) is made of a plastics material.

13. Cleaning appliance (100) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the apparatus (105) has two side walls (510, 515) adjoining the grating structure (500) and a lid (520) connecting the grating structure (500) and the side walls (510, 515).

14. Method (1400) for closing a dispensing compartment (110) of a cleaning appliance (100) according to any of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the method (1400) comprises the following steps: arranging (1405) the apparatus (105) in the recessed grip (115); and fixing (1410) the apparatus (105) relative to the dispensing compartment (110) in order to close the dispensing compartment (110) and prevent the operator from opening the drawer.

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