DE102009047595A1 - Door for a domestic appliance with a viewing window and method for producing such a door - Google Patents

Abstract

The door 1 for a domestic appliance W, in particular a laundry treatment appliance W, comprises at least: an at least two-component first door part 2 of a view-permeable first viewing window area 6 and an opaque edge area 7 laterally surrounding the first viewing window area 6 and an at least two-component second door part 3 of a translucent The method comprises at least the following steps: producing an at least two-component first door part 2 made of plastic with a view-permeable first viewing window area 6 and an opaque edge area 7 laterally surrounding the first viewing window area 6 by means of a two-stage injection molding process; Producing an at least two-component second door part 3 made of plastic with a view-permeable second viewing window area 8 and the opaque cover 9 partially covering the second viewing window area 8 by means of a two-stage injection molding process; and permanently connecting the first door part 2 and the second door part 3 so that a section of the cover leaves substantially free the first viewing window area 6.

Description

The invention relates to a door for a domestic appliance, in particular laundry treatment appliance, with a viewing window and a method for producing such a door So far, household appliance doors are constructed with a viewing window so that the viewing window and a rim for holding the viewing window are made separately and then connected together. The edge has two rings, between which the viewing window is clamped. The rim can also hold a door handle or door lock and a door hinge. The edge is at least partially covered by a peripheral decorative ring for privacy. In the known doors is disadvantageous that a manufacturing cost of at least the comparatively complex shaped viewing window and also an assembly effort, in particular for precise positioning of the viewing window with respect to the rings and secure fixing of the parts is relatively high.

It is the object of the present invention to at least partially avoid the disadvantages of the prior art and in particular to provide a household appliance door with a viewing window, which can be produced with a comparatively low outlay and with high precision.

This object is achieved according to the features of the independent claims. Preferred embodiments are in particular the dependent claims and / or the following description removable.

The object is achieved by a door for a domestic appliance, in particular laundry treatment device (including washing machine, tumble dryer, washer dryer, etc.) with a viewing window, the door having at least: an at least two-component first door part from a view-permeable first viewing window area and a laterally surrounding the first viewing window area opaque edge region and an at least two-component second door part of a view-permeable second viewing window area and the second viewing window area partially covering opaque cover.

An at least two-component door part is understood to be a door part which has been produced in one piece from at least two different material components. However, three- or multi-component door parts can be used

This door has the advantage that it can be manufactured at a lower manufacturing cost than conventional doors. For example, the first door part and the second door part are manufacturable in a single respective production step, so that a positioning and fixing is limited to two parts. So now no spacers are needed for an assembly. Also contributes to the advantage that the viewing window is now divided into two parts on the first door part and the second door part, these two door parts can now be shaped easier and can be finished with high precision at a low cost. Thus, among other things, small gap tolerances can be achieved, which in turn allows a better insulation by a higher tightness of the two-component parts (eg against air, moisture, lint, etc.). Also, no spacers are needed for assembly. In addition, can be dispensed with by the provision of the cover on a previously necessary printing for producing a screen or for lamination. Furthermore, the door can be formed more diverse than in the conventional fixed division into viewing window and double ring holder.

It is a preferred embodiment that the first door part is intended to point in a closed position of the door in the direction of the domestic appliance, and the second door part is intended to point at a closed position of the door to the outside.

It is a further preferred embodiment that the first viewing window area is provided to be fitted in a loading position of the household appliance in a closed position of the door. Thus, the material of the first viewing window area does not need to be mechanically resistant and can be selected correspondingly inexpensively.

It is still a preferred embodiment that the first viewing window area and the edge area consist of plastic and are produced by means of a two-stage injection molding process. This allows the first door part by known means, inexpensively and with high precision are made in one piece from two materials.

It is yet another preferred embodiment that the first viewing window area made of polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and / or the edge region consists of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS). Both PC and PMMA are thermoplastic and can be designed as opaque materials. Polycarbonates are crystal-clear, can be dyed, welded and adhesively bonded, and are very dimensionally stable and have high impact strength and rigidity. PMMA transmits light better than normal glass, is resistant to weathering and aging, is resistant to acids and alkalis of medium concentration as well as to gasoline and oil and comparatively scratch-resistant. SECTION has, inter alia, the advantages of a high surface hardness, a good impact resistance and / or a scratch-resistant and matt-glossy surface and is therefore particularly well suited as a mechanically loaded contact surface, such as the edge region z. B. can form against a bearing plate.

It is also a preferred embodiment that the first viewing window area has a pot-like basic shape, wherein the edge area attaches to its side wall. As a result, the first viewing window area can be well immersed in a loading opening or door opening. The fact that the edge region attaches to the side wall, it can be direct and straight lead to the outside, the edge area can serve as a visual protection against the feed opening and can the edge area connect a large area with the first viewing area.

The edge region may, in particular, have an area that conforms to the side wall and an area that is essentially perpendicular to it or that extends laterally outwards. Due to the laterally outgoing region, the loading opening can be covered in particular at its edge.

It is also a preferred embodiment that the second viewing window area and the cover each consist of plastic and are produced by means of a two-stage injection molding process. As a result, the second door part can also be produced in one piece from two materials by known means, inexpensively and with high precision. Through the cover can be dispensed with a subsequent lamination of the second viewing window area.

It is still another preferred embodiment that the second viewing window area of polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) is and / or the cover of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene copolymer (ABS) consists.

It is a particular preferred embodiment that the cover has a cutout which essentially leaves free the second viewing window area or allows essentially only the view of the second viewing window area.

Moreover, it is a preferred embodiment that the second viewing window area has a substantially arched, in particular to the first door part arched, plate-like basic shape. As a result, a visually elegant-looking door can be created in a simple manner.

It is also a preferred embodiment that the first door part and the second door part welded together, in particular plastic welded, are. So a firm and tight connection between the two door parts is achieved. However, the attachment of the two door parts with each other is not limited thereto. So these can also be glued together, connected with hot-caked plastic rivets, etc.

It is advantageous for a simple yet secure connection, when the first door part and the second door part are connected to one another at a circumferential line of joints, in particular welded. Due to the peripheral joint line, penetration of moisture and contaminants into a cavity between the first viewing window area and the second viewing window area can be easily prevented. In particular, such a joint line is easy to weld. The joint line can in particular be formed with a free edge of the first viewing window area, where the free edge contacts the second door part.

It is yet another preferred embodiment that the door has a cover ring for covering at least one lateral edge of the door. As a result, a view is prevented in a door edge between the two door parts and ingress of dirt.

It is a particular preferred embodiment that the cover ring compresses the first door part and the second door part. Thus, the connection between the two door parts is further improved and possibly existing gaps can be closed.

It is still a particular preferred embodiment that the cover ring is secured by means of a bayonet mount, in particular lockable bayonet mount, to the first door part and the second door part. Thus, the cover ring can also be attached without or without expensive tools, which further reduces installation costs.

• – Herstellen eines zweikomponentigen ersten Türteils aus Kunststoff mit einem blickdurchlässigen ersten Sichtfensterbereich und einem den ersten Sichtfensterbereich seitlich umgebenden blickdichten Randbereich mittels eines zweistufigen Spritzgussverfahrens;
• – Herstellen eines zweikomponentigen zweiten Türteils aus Kunststoff mit einem blickdurchlässigen zweiten Sichtfensterbereich und einer den zweiten Sichtfensterbereich teilweise abdeckenden blickdichten Abdeckung mittels eines zweistufigen Spritzgussverfahrens; und
• – Permanentes Verbinden des ersten Türteils und des zweiten Türteils so, dass ein Ausschnitt der Abdeckung im Wesentlichen den ersten Sichtfensterbereich freilässt.

The object is also achieved by a method for producing a door for a domestic appliance, wherein the method has at least the following steps:

• - Producing a two-component first door part made of plastic with a view-permeable first viewing window area and the first viewing window area laterally surrounding opaque edge region by means of a two-stage injection molding process;
• - Producing a two-component second door part made of plastic with a view-permeable second viewing window area and a second viewing window area partially covering opaque cover by means of a two-stage injection molding process; and
• - Permanently connecting the first door part and the second door part so that a section of the cover leaves substantially the first viewing window area.

• – Aufsetzen eines Abdeckrings an einem Rand des verbundenen ersten Türteils und zweiten Türteils; und
• – Befestigen des Abdeckrings an den Türteilen mittels eines folgenden Verdrehens des Abdeckrings unter Zusammenpressen des ersten Türteils und des zweiten Türteils durch den Abdeckring.

It is a preferred development that the method further comprises the following steps:

• - placing a cover ring on an edge of the connected first door part and second door part; and
• - Attach the cover ring to the door parts by means of a subsequent twisting of the cover ring under compression of the first door part and the second door part by the cover ring.

Thus, the connection between the two door parts is further improved and possibly existing gaps can be closed.

In the following figures, the invention will be described schematically with reference to an embodiment schematically. In this case, the same or equivalent elements may be provided with the same reference numerals for clarity.

1 shows a sectional view in an oblique view of a left half of a door according to the invention for a laundry treatment appliance;

2 shows the door according to the invention in an exploded view as a sectional view of obliquely forward similar to 1 ;

3 shows a sectional view in side view of an upper cutout and a lower section of the door according to the invention;

4 shows the upper door opening 3 in an enlarged view;

5 shows the lower door opening 3 in an enlarged view; and

6 shows the door according to the invention adjacent to a bearing plate of the laundry treatment appliance.

1 shows a sectional view in an oblique view, a left half of a door 1 a laundry treatment appliance W, for example a washing machine, a washer-dryer or a tumble dryer. 2 shows this door 1 in an exploded view.

The door 1 has a first door part 2 and a second door part 3 on which edge together by a cover ring 4 are covered. On the cover ring 4 is a door handle 5 attached to the right half, not shown, z. B. are a door hinge. The first door part 2 is composed of two components from a transparent first viewing window area 6 and one the first viewing window area 6 laterally surrounding opaque edge area 7 , The second door part 3 is also constructed in two parts, namely from a translucent second viewing window area 8th and one the second viewing window area 8th partially covering opaque cover 9 , Through a section 10 in the cover 9 gets a glimpse of the first viewing window area 6 and further into a laundry treatment room, e.g. B. an interior of a laundry drum, the laundry treatment device W allows.

The first door part 2 is intended to be in a closed position of the door 1 to point in the direction of the domestic appliance W, and the second door part 3 is intended to be in a closed position of the door 1 to the outside, as more closely related to 6 is described. The first door part 2 is made entirely of plastic, with the first viewing window area 6 made of polycarbonate (PC) or polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) and the opaque edge area 7 made of ABS. The first door part 2 has been prepared by means of a two-stage injection molding process (bi-injection process). The first door part 2 is made in such a way that the first viewing window area 6 a pot-like basic form (with a bottom 11 and an upstanding, circumferential side wall 12 having, wherein on an outer side of the side wall 12 the border area 7 attaches.

Also the second door part 3 is completely made of plastic by means of a two-stage injection molding process, in which case also the second viewing window area 8th PC or PMMA can be made and the cover 9 can consist of ABS. The cover 9 lies flat and parallel to the second viewing window area 8th and conforms to the shape of the adjacent second viewing window area 8th , wherein the second viewing window area 8th here has a substantially curved plate-like basic shape. In other words, the second door part bulges 3 or the second viewing window area 8th slightly towards the first door part 2 , which gives an elegant appearance.

The first door part 2 and the second door part 3 are plastic welded together, at a contact area or a joint line, which by an edge 13 of the first viewing window area 6 and a front edge adjacent thereto 14 of the border area 7 on the one hand and through an inner, rear edge 15 the opaque cover 9 is formed. As a result, in other words, the welding is approximately at a contour of the cutout 10 the cover 9 . which is essentially the outer edge of the first viewing window area 6 equivalent. Since the joint line is circumferential, the cavity thus welded between the first viewing window area 6 and the second viewing window area 8th tightly sealed.

Further, a user is the door 1 gives the impression that the first viewing window area 6 and those within the clipping 10 the cover 9 remaining area ('visible area') 16 of the second viewing window area 8th a uniform or one-piece window 6 . 16 form, while the border area 7 that of the cover 9 covered part 17 of the second viewing window area 8th and the cover ring 4 a uniform or even one-piece edge 4 . 7 . 17 seem to form for the viewing window. The cover ring 4 forms a lateral edge 18 the door 1 as well as a narrow outer and front edge 19 or edge area of the door 1 ,

3 shows a sectional view in side view of an upper section 1a and a lower section 1b out the door 1 , in which 4 the upper door opening 1a in an enlarged view and 5 the lower door opening 1b in an enlarged view shows.

The first viewing window area 6 is arranged so that its ground 11 with the door closed 1 in a rearward direction and thus in the direction of the laundry treatment device W shows. Consequently, the first viewing window area is 6 open to the front. On an outside of the side wall 12 of the first viewing window area 6 is the border area 7 by means of the two-stage plastic injection molding process in one piece with the first viewing window area 6 connected, in such a way that the free edge 13 of the first viewing window area 6 and the front edge 14 of the border area 7 are substantially flush adjacent to each other.

The border area 7 extends from above (as in the top section 1a shown) down (as in the lower section 1b shown) running continuously in a rearward direction, leaving the edge area 7 the first viewing window area 6 further covered below as above. The border area 7 thus has an area of the side wall covered by it 12 of the first viewing window 6 compliant area 20 as well as one of this compliant area 20 vertically outgoing side area 21 on. The compliant area 20 and the laterally outgoing area 21 stand here almost perpendicular to each other. The outgoing area 21 is substantially in the form of a circular disc provided with an off-center circular recess. Seen from the front is the second door part 3 on the first door part 2 so put on that these two parts 2 . 3 in the area of their edges 13 . 14 . 15 welded together. The second viewing window area 8th of the second door part 3 is designed as a rearwardly or internally curved plate, the visible surface 16 when viewed from the front (here from the left in the image plane) essentially has the same footprint as the first viewing window area 6 ,

The peripheral edges of the border area 7 (outer free edge of the vertical area 21 ) and the second field of view 8th (lateral edge) are spaced from each other. To cover these peripheral edges to provide privacy and prevent ingress of dirt, these are from the cover ring 4 covered. The cover ring 4 can be fixed for example by means of a bayonet-type fastening, z. B. by placing it in a recess or guide in the edge region 7 and / or in the second field of view 8th is used or attached and is twisted following. The attachment may further be configured so that with the rotation of the cover ring 4 the first door part 2 and the second door part 3 or the border area 7 and the second field of view 8th be compressed, so that there is an even firmer connection, which also allows ingress of water or pollution in the through the first field of view 6 and the second field of view 8th or its visible surface 16 formed cavity can suppress even more effective. Upon reaching its desired position of the cover 4 lock releasably or permanently.

6 shows the door 1 in a closed state relative to a bearing plate 22 , The border area 7 lies with the door closed on the bearing plate 22 on, with the use of ABS as the material of the edge area 7 has good mechanical and thermal resistance. The cup-shaped first viewing area 6 of the first door part 2 protrudes into a loading opening 23 the laundry treatment appliance W and thereby includes a laundry treatment room in the form of a rotatable laundry drum T from.

The second door part 3 covers the first door part 2 from the front and provides together with the cover ring 4 a privacy screen and access protection for the first door part 2 , The first door part 2 can thus also be referred to as a rear door part, while the second door part 3 may also be referred to as a front door part, in particular when viewing the closed door 1 from outside the laundry treating appliance W.

This door has the advantage that it is manufacturable with a low production cost. So become the first door part 2 and the second door part 3 each made in a single two-stage plastic injection molding step, so that a positioning and fixing on the two door parts 2 . 3 limited. No spacers or similar are required for assembly. Also, there is the advantage that the viewing window 6 . 16 now in two parts on the first door part 2 and the second door part 3 is divided, and each having a simple producible shape. The two door parts 2 . 3 are manufactured with high precision at a low cost. This makes it possible, inter alia, to achieve small gap tolerances, which in turn allows better insulation by increasing the tightness of the two-component parts (for example against air, moisture, lint, etc.), in particular the cavity between the first viewing window area 6 and the visible surface 16 of the second door part 3 , Also, no spacers are needed for assembly. In addition, by providing the cover 9 to a previously necessary printing of the second viewing window area 8th dispensed with for the production of a screen or for lamination. Furthermore, the door can 1 be formed more diverse than in the conventional fixed division into viewing window and double ring holder.

Of course, the present invention is not limited to the embodiment shown.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

door

1a

Upper door opening

1b

lower door opening

2

first door part

3

second door part

4

cover ring

5

door handle

6

first viewing window area of the first door part

7

Edge area of the first door part

8th

second viewing window area of the second door part

9

cover

10

Detail of the cover

11

Floor of the first viewing window area

12

Sidewall of the first viewing window area

13

Edge of the first viewing window area

14

front edge of the edge area

15

inner, rear edge of the opaque cover

16

Visible surface of the second viewing window area

17

Covered by the cover part of the second viewing window area

18

lateral edge of the door

19

front edge of the door

20

compliant area of the edge area

21

vertical or laterally outgoing area of the edge area

22

end shield

23

loading port

T

washing drum

W

Laundry treatment device

Claims (14)

Door ( 1 ) for a domestic appliance (W), in particular laundry treatment appliance (W), with a viewing window ( 6 . 16 ), the door ( 1 ) at least: - an at least two-component first door part ( 2 ) from a translucent first viewing window area ( 6 ) and one the first viewing window area ( 6 ) laterally surrounding opaque edge region ( 7 ) and - an at least two-component second door part ( 3 ) from a translucent second viewing window area ( 8th ) and a second viewing window area ( 8th ) partially covering opaque cover ( 9 ). Door ( 1 ) according to claim 1, wherein the first door part ( 2 ) is provided, in a closed position of the door ( 1 ) in the direction of the domestic appliance (W), and the second door part ( 3 ) is provided, in a closed position of the door ( 1 ) to the outside. Door ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first viewing window area ( 6 ) is provided, in a closed position of the door ( 1 ) to be fitted in a charging port of the domestic appliance (W) Door ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first viewing window area ( 6 ) and the border area ( 7 ) are made of plastic and produced by a two-stage injection molding process. Door ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first viewing window area ( 6 ) consists of PC or PMMA and the edge area ( 7 ) consists of ABS. Door ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the first viewing window area ( 6 ) has a pot-like basic shape, wherein the edge region ( 7 ) on its side wall ( 12 ). Door ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second viewing window area ( 8th ) and the cover ( 9 ) are each made of plastic and produced by a two-stage injection molding process. Door ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the second viewing window area ( 8th ) has a substantially curved plate-like basic shape Door ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the first door part ( 2 ) and the second door part ( 3 ) are welded together. Door ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a cover ring ( 4 ) for covering at least one lateral edge of the door ( 1 ). Door ( 1 ) according to claim 10, wherein the cover ring ( 4 ) the first door part ( 2 ) and the second door part ( 3 ). Door ( 1 ) according to one of claims 10 or 11, wherein the cover ring ( 4 ) by means of a bayonet mount, in particular lockable bayonet mount, on the first door part ( 2 ) and the second door part ( 3 ) is attached Method for producing a door ( 1 ) for a household appliance (W), comprising at least the following steps: - producing a first two-part door part ( 2 ) made of plastic with a view-permeable first viewing window area ( 6 ) and one the first viewing window area ( 6 ) laterally surrounding opaque edge region ( 7 ) by means of a two-stage injection molding process; - producing a second door part with at least two components ( 3 ) made of plastic with a view-permeable second viewing window area ( 8th ) and a second viewing window area ( 8th ) partially covering opaque cover ( 9 ) by means of a two-stage injection molding process; and - permanent connection of the first door part ( 2 ) and the second door part ( 3 ) such that a section of the cover essentially covers the first viewing window area ( 6 ). The method of claim 13, further comprising the steps of: - attaching a cover ring ( 4 ) at an edge of the connected first door part ( 2 ) and second door part ( 3 ); and - fixing the cover ring ( 4 ) on the door parts ( 2 . 3 ) by means of a subsequent twisting of the cover ring ( 4 ) under compression of the first door part ( 2 ) and the second door part ( 3 ) through the cover ring ( 4 ).

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