DOOR OF A WASHING MACHINE AND WASHING MACHINE

Abstract

A door of a washing machine may comprise a main body having an inner section, a side section and an outer section, wherein the side section connects the inner section and the outer section, the side section forms at least sectionally a conical or cylindrical or curved wall, and the main body is preferably transparent for at least visible light. The door may further comprise a connection means for attaching the door to a washing machine, wherein the connection means is arranged at the outer section of the main body, and a locking member for coupling with the washing machine. Furthermore, the side section and/or the outer section comprises at least one fluid channel for guiding pressurized fluid, wherein the fluid channel comprises at least or exactly one input opening and at least or exactly one output opening.

Claims

1. A door of a washing machine, at least comprising: a main body, having an inner section, a side section and an outer section, wherein the side section connects the inner section and the outer section, wherein the side section forms at least sectionally a conical or cylindrical or curved wall, a connection means for attaching the door to a washing machine, a locking member for coupling with the washing machine, wherein the side section and/or the outer section comprises at least one fluid channel for guiding pressurized fluid, wherein the at least one fluid channel comprises at least or exactly one input opening and at least or exactly one output opening.

2. The door of a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the at least one fluid channel comprises multiple fluid channels for guiding pressurized fluid.

3. The door of a washing machine according to claim 2, wherein each fluid channel of the multiple fluid channels comprises at least or exactly one input opening and at least or exactly one output opening or the multiple fluid channels comprise at least a first fluid channel and a second fluid channel for guiding pressurized fluid, wherein the first fluid channel is a master fluid channel and the second fluid channel is a branch of the master fluid channel.

4. The door of a washing machine according to claim 2, wherein one fluid channel or a first set of fluid channels of the multiple fluid channels extends into a first direction and a second fluid channel or a second set of fluid channels of the multiple fluid channels extend into a second direction.

5. The door of a washing machine according to claim 4, wherein at least two fluid channels of the first set of fluid channels differ in length and/or at least two output openings of fluid channels of the first set of fluid channels differ in position and/or orientation and/or at least two fluid channels of the second set of fluid channels differ in length and/or at least two output openings of fluid channels of the second set of fluid channels differ in position and/or orientation.

6. The door of a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein at least a section of a fluid channel of the at least one fluid channel extending between an input opening of the at least or exactly one input opening and an output opening of the at least or exactly one output opening is completely arranged inside the side section and/or the outer section.

7. The door of a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one fluid channel is formed by a pipe or conduit, wherein the pipe or conduit is attached to the side section and/or the outer section.

8. The door of a washing machine according to claim 7, wherein the pipe or conduit comprises a same material as the main body, wherein the material is glass, ceramic or a polymer material or wherein the material comprises glass, ceramic and/or a polymer material.

9. The door of a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the at least one fluid channel has a circular arc shape, wherein the circular arc shape extents more than 90°.

10. A washing machine, at least comprising: a main structure, wherein the main structure comprises a receiving chamber for receiving clothes, the door according to claim 1 for closing the receiving chamber, wherein the door is arranged as a side door, wherein the connection means couples the door to the main structure of the washing machine, wherein an input opening of the at least or exactly one input opening of the at least one fluid channel is arranged above the connection means, and wherein an output opening of the at least or exactly one output opening of the at least one fluid channel is arranged below the connection means, and a pump unit for feeding pressurized fluid via a supply pipe or supply conduit into the input opening of the at least one fluid channel, wherein an output section of the supply pipe or supply conduit is arranged in such a manner that the input opening of the at least one fluid channel can be functionally coupled with the supply pipe or supply conduit by closing the door of the washing machine.

11. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the pump unit has an input section for receiving fluid from a fluid source.

12. The washing machine according to claim 10, wherein the washing machine comprises a coupling mechanism for connecting the pump unit in a first configuration to the supply pipe or supply conduit and in a second configuration to a drain pipe for draining the fluid from the receiving chamber.

13. A method for operating a washing machine, at least comprising: operating a washing machine according to claim 10, operating the pump unit, wherein the pump unit supplies pressurized fluid to the door, wherein the pressurized fluid is feed into the at least one fluid channel, wherein the at least one fluid channel conducts the fluid to the at least or exactly one output opening, wherein the fluid is injected via the at least or exactly one output opening of the at least one fluid channel into an target area between a flexible member and the side section, wherein the flexible member is at least partially pressed against the door.

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein the at least one fluid channel of the door comprises multiple fluid channels, wherein each fluid channel has at least one output opening, wherein at least two output openings are arranged on different levels and/or are oriented into different directions.

15. The method according to claim 13, wherein the pump unit provides the pressurized fluid with a pressure of more than 1.1 bar.

16. The door of a washing machine according to claim 1, wherein the main body is transparent for at least visible light.

17. The washing machine according to claim 11, wherein the fluid source comprises the receiving chamber.

18. The washing machine according to claim 12, wherein the coupling mechanism comprises a valve member.

19. The method according to claim 13, wherein the pump unit provides the pressurized fluid with a pressure of more than 2 bar.

20. A door for a washing machine, the door comprising: a main body having an inner section, a side section and an outer section, wherein the side section connects the inner section and the outer section, the side section forms at least sectionally a conical or cylindrical or curved wall, the side section and/or the outer section comprise/comprises a fluid channel for guiding pressurized fluid, and the fluid channel comprises an input opening and an output opening; and a hinge for attaching the main body to the washing machine.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] FIG. 1 shows an example of a door of a washing machine according to the present invention; and

[0031] FIG. 2 shows schematically a washing machine according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] FIG. 1 shows a door 1, in particular a door of a washing machine 2. The door 1 preferably comprises a main body 4, wherein the main body 4 preferably consists or comprises a material which is at least transparent for visible light.

[0033] The main body 4 is preferably an element made of glass. The main body preferably has an inner section 6, a side section 8 and highly preferable also an outer section 10, wherein the side section 8 connects the inner section 6 and the outer section 10 or wherein the side section 8 and the inner section 6 are two sections of one element. Preferably the inner section, side section and outer section are sections of one element. Reference number 7 indicates a boundary respectively a connection between the inner section and the side section. The side section preferably has a length of more than 2 cm, in particular of more than 3 cm or 4 cm or 5 cm. Thus, the inner section 6 and the outer section 10 are spaced apart from each other by means of the side section of at least 2 cm. The side section 8 forms at least sectionally a conical or cylindrical or curved wall.

[0034] The door 1 preferably comprises a connection means 12 for attaching the door 1 to a washing machine 2, wherein the connection means 12 is preferably arranged at the outer section 10 of the main body 4. The connection means 12, in particular in the form of a glass door hinge, preferably covers the flexible pipe connection.

[0035] Additionally, the door 1 preferably comprises a locking member 14 for coupling with the washing machine 2, wherein the locking member 14 is arranged at the outer section 10 of the main body 4. The side section 8 and/or the outer section preferably 10 comprises at least one fluid channel 16 for guiding pressurized fluid, wherein the fluid channel 16 preferably comprises at least or exactly one input opening 18 and at least or exactly one output opening 20. Thus, the main body 4, in particular a glass design, comprises one or multiple pipe holes that will pass pressurized water through its body, wherein the water flow out of the fluid channels or pipes is preferably oriented in different angles.

[0036] The example of FIG. 1 shows two fluid channels 16, 22, wherein one fluid channel 16 is arranged on one side of the door center and wherein one fluid channel 22 is arranged on another side of the door center. Both fluid channels 16 and 22 are preferably arranged vis-á-vis. However, it is possible that multiple fluid channels 16, 17, 22, 23 are provided, wherein on one side of the door center is a first number of fluid channels arranged respectively formed and wherein on the other side (opposing side) of the door center is a second number of fluid channels arranged respectively formed. The first number of fluid channels and the second number of fluid channels can be equal or can differ from each other, wherein the first number of fluid channels is preferably higher than 1 and preferably higher than or equal to 2 and wherein the second number of fluid channels is preferably higher than 1 and preferably higher than or equal to 2. Reference numbers 20 and 26 refer to output openings. Fluid, in particular water, exits the fluid channels 16, 22 and therefore the main body 4 via said outlet openings 20, 26.

[0037] Reference number 48 indicates a holding member or a holding frame, wherein the connecting means 12 and/or the locking member 14 is/are connected to the holding member 48 or a holding frame.

[0038] FIG. 2 show schematically an example of a washing machine according to the invention. The washing machine according to the present invention respectively the system according to the present invention comprises a pump 34 that uses the water in the washing machine cabin, wherein said water will be passed to a door 1 according to the present invention, in particular a side glass window, in particular of said door 1, which has several water exits with different angles targeting the polluted area respectively the target area.

[0039] Reference number 18 indicates an input opening for inserting fluid, in particular water, into fluid respectively water channel 16 and reference number 20 indicates an output opening of said fluid channel 16.

[0040] Reference number 19 indicates an input opening for inserting fluid, in particular water, into fluid respectively water channel 17 and reference number 21 indicates an output opening of said fluid channel 17.

[0041] Reference number 24 indicates an input opening for inserting fluid, in particular water, into fluid respectively water channel 22 and reference number 26 indicates an output opening of said fluid channel 22.

[0042] Reference number 25 indicates an input opening for inserting fluid, in particular water, into fluid respectively water channel 23 and reference number 27 indicates an output opening of said fluid channel 23.

[0043] All or some or multiple input openings 18, 19, 24 and 25 are preferably arranged in such a manner that an output section 38 of pump 34 can be coupled in case the door 1 of the washing machine 2 is closed. Thus, fluid respectively water provided by means of pump unit 34 can be fed via said input openings 18, 19, 24 and 25 inside fluid channels 16, 17, 22, 23. The fluid channels 16, 17, 22, 23 preferably differ from each other preferably in at least one parameter, in particular length, diameter, orientation and/or position of output opening.

[0044] The output openings are arranged respectively oriented in such a manner that water can be jetted to a target area, in particular between the side section 8 and an elastic member, in particular a seal.

[0045] Reference number 32 schematically indicates clothes which can be present inside the washing machine 2, in particular inside a receiving chamber 30 of the washing machine 2. The washing machine 2 preferably comprises a main structure 28. The main structure 28 respectively housing of the washing machine 2 preferably holds multiple parts of the washing machine 2.

[0046] The door 1 is preferably arranged by means of a connection means 12 at the main structure 24 of the washing machine 2.

[0047] The pump unit 34 preferably comprises a sucking member respectively an input section 40 for sucking fluid respectively water to the pump unit 34. The pump unit 34 forwards pressurized water via a supply pipe 36 or supply conduit 36 to the fluid channels 16, 17, 22, 23. The pressurized water jets out of the fluid channels 16, 17, 22, 23 for preventing cloths of becoming stuck between the main body 4 and the elastic member. Furthermore, the jetted water causes cleaning of a target area 46.

[0048] The output section of pump unit 34 preferably comprises a valve member. The valve member preferably closes the supply pipe 36 or supply conduit 36 in case the door 1 of washing machine 2 is opened. The valve member might be actuated in dependency of an actuation of pump unit 34 and/or in dependency of a door 1 opening and/or door 1 closing event.

[0049] A coupling mechanism 42 can be provided for coupling the pump unit 34 to a drainpipe 44 for draining water from the cabinet respectively receiving chamber 30. Thus, it can be possible that the pump unit 34 is used for different tasks.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

[0050] 1 door of a washing machine [0051] 2 washing machine [0052] 4 main body [0053] 6 inner section [0054] 7 boundary between inner section and side section [0055] 8 side section [0056] 10 outer section [0057] 12 connection means [0058] 14 locking member [0059] 16 fluid channel [0060] 17 further fluid channel [0061] 18 input opening of fluid channel 16 [0062] 19 input opening of fluid channel 17 [0063] 20 output opening of fluid channel 16 [0064] 21 output opening of fluid channel 17 [0065] 22 fluid channel of second set [0066] 23 further channel of second set [0067] 24 input opening of fluid channel 22 [0068] 25 input opening of fluid channel 23 [0069] 26 output opening of fluid channel 22 [0070] 27 output opening of fluid channel 23 [0071] 28 main structure [0072] 30 receiving chamber [0073] 32 clothes [0074] 34 pump unit [0075] 36 supply pipe or supply conduit [0076] 38 output section of pump unit [0077] 40 input section of pump unit [0078] 42 coupling mechanism [0079] 44 drainpipe [0080] 46 target area [0081] 48 holding member