Dishwasher with at least one component movably mounted on the wash tub, at least one of which has a light guide

Abstract

Dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a wash container (3) having a loading opening (2) and closable by a door (4), and at least one component movably mounted on the wash container (3), characterized in that the at least one component consists at least partially of at least one light guide (7) or is provided with at least one light guide (7), and that at least one light source (8a - 8g) is provided for coupling light via at least one light entry surface (9a-9e) of the light guide (7), wherein the component is a receiving basket (5) for items to be washed, in particular a dish or cutlery basket, which has a holding element (10) for holding items to be washed in the receiving basket, which is at least partially formed by a light guide (7) or on which a light guide (7) is arranged, wherein the light guide (7) is positioned or positionable in such a manner as tothat a free air gap (21) of variable length exists between the light source (8a - 8g) and the light entry surface (9a - 9e) of the light guide (7), and that the light entry surface (9a - 9e) is directly or indirectly exposed to the light cone (15), and that the light source (8a - 8g) is fixedly arranged inside or outside the washing container (3) or on the door (4).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a wash tub having a loading opening and closable by a door, and at least one component movably mounted on the wash tub. Such a component is, for example, a basket for holding items to be washed or a spray arm of a spray system installed in the wash tub.

[0002] Dishwashers are often equipped with lighting that, when the door is open, illuminates the interior of the wash tub to facilitate operation, such as loading or unloading the basket or identifying specific functional parts like a handle on the basket, and / or to improve the dishwasher's appearance when the door is open. In a dishwasher known from US 5,836,669 A, a light source is arranged outside the wash tub at a location not visible from the outside. The light from this source is transmitted via a fiber optic cable to another fiber optic cable located inside the wash tub, from which the light then exits.In a dishwasher known from US 5,836,669 A, a light source is arranged outside the wash tub at a location not visible from the outside. The light from this source is transmitted via a fiber optic cable to another fiber optic cable fixed within the wash chamber, from which the light then exits. From DE 10 2010 015 849 B3, a dishwasher is known in which a lighting device is arranged on a movable component, namely a dish rack. The lighting device comprises a light source and a rechargeable energy storage device. The dish rack is therefore a self-contained unit from a lighting perspective, only communicating with a charging device located at the rear wall when it is retracted and rests against the wall. Such a solution with its own battery is costly and has limited reliability.

[0003] German patent DE 102 02 444 A1 discloses a refrigerated display case with illuminated shelves. Each shelf is equipped with multiple light sources that can be powered externally via the body of the refrigerated display case, namely through electrical contacts that can only make contact when the shelf is fully inserted. Therefore, each shelf can only be illuminated when fully inserted.

[0004] The object of the invention is to propose a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, in which lighting or an optical design of a movable component is achieved in an alternative way.

[0005] This problem is solved according to claim 1 in that the at least one component consists at least partially of or is provided with at least one light guide, and that at least one light source is provided for coupling light in via at least one light entry surface of the light guide. This design makes it possible to direct the light from a light source to different locations on a movable component such as a receiving basket and / or to illuminate the component or at least parts of it, in order to facilitate operation by improving lighting conditions and highlighting the structure and contours of the component, as well as to improve the visual appearance of the dishwasher.

[0006] To couple the light into the respective light guide, the light guide is positioned, or can be positioned, such that there is a free air gap between the light source and the light-entry surface of the light guide, and the light-entry surface is illuminated by the light cone. The advantage of this practical design is that no mechanical connection, for example via flexible optical fibers to the moving component, is required, which would be subject to constant mechanical stress when the component, such as a dishwashing basket, moves. Therefore, there are numerous possibilities regarding the positioning of the light source, whether inside or outside the dishwashing container, on the door, or on the moving component itself, particularly with regard to the size of the distance or air gap between the light source and the light-entry surface of the light guide.In the case of indirect light exposure, at least one optical element, for example a light-collecting element, is placed in front of the light entry surface.

[0007] An example is a rotatable spray arm located in the wash tub, which is part of the spray system installed there. In this case, the light source is located on a side wall, the rear wall, or the top wall of the wash tub. When this application refers to an arrangement of the light source on a wall of the wash tub or on any other part of the dishwasher, this generally means an arrangement in which the light source does not protrude from the corresponding wall or surface of a component, i.e., is flush with it, or protrudes partially or completely.A light guide arranged on the spray arm, or at least partially forming the spray arm, is either provided with multiple light entry surfaces oriented to ensure light coupling in every rotational position of the spray arm, or alternatively or additionally, several light sources are distributed around the spray arm in the direction of rotation. In any case, however, it is advantageous to position the at least one light source as close as possible to the spray arm. When the light source is arranged on a side wall or the rear wall of the rinsing tank, this can be achieved by positioning it at a height corresponding to the spray arm's path of movement, and by placing it at a distance from the spray arm, particularly in the horizontal direction.

[0008] In the case of a movable component designed as a basket for items to be washed, the light source can advantageously be fixed inside or outside the wash tub or on the door. If the light source is positioned on the rear wall and / or a side wall of the wash tub, it is advantageous to arrange the light source at a height that corresponds to the height of the horizontal path of movement of the basket. This shortens the distance between the light source and the light guide, particularly the free air gap, and increases the proportion of light incident on the light guide or any light-emitting surface located thereon. Arranging the light source on the rear of the wash tub is particularly advantageous because the light emitted by the light source then propagates in the direction of the basket's path of movement, so that, in principle, only one, i.e., a single, point of light coupling is required.A light entry surface on the light guide, running perpendicular to the path of movement, is required. This surface is preferably illuminated by the light source even when the receiving basket is fully extended.

[0009] Another embodiment provides that the light guide extends in the direction of the movement path of the receiving basket, i.e., it is designed as an elongated, for example, strip- or wire-shaped part, or comprises such a part. The light guide further comprises a light-intake surface extending at least over a portion of its length and in the direction of the aforementioned movement path, and / or several light-intake surfaces arranged in a row extending in the direction of the movement path of the light guide. The light source illuminating one of the light-intake surfaces is located above, to the side, or below the light guide, i.e., for example, on the ceiling wall and / or a side wall of the washing container or on the inside of the door.This design makes it possible for light to be coupled into a light guide at each extension position of the receiving basket and forwarded within the light guide to a position that is remote from the current light coupling point.

[0010] Sorting items into a receiving basket and removing them after cleaning require a certain amount of dexterity, for example, to place glasses or cups onto basket prongs, which are essentially upward-projecting wire-like structures. In a particularly preferred embodiment, these tasks are facilitated by the receiving basket having a holding element that is at least partially formed by, or to which, a light guide is attached. Preferably, the light guide comprises several basket prongs arranged in a row, the end faces of which form light-emitting surfaces. This design not only makes it easier to place items onto the basket prongs.It also has the advantage that, in the case of glass items being washed, the cleaning result is easily recognizable due to illumination of the inside or outside of the item, without having to remove the item from the basket.

[0011] The basket spikes extend from a base support, for example, a wire-shaped one, which has a light-entry surface and thus acts as a light guide. Light coupled into the base support from a light source can therefore be directed into the individual basket spikes. In a further preferred embodiment, to protect the basket spikes and / or the base support from chemical and mechanical influences and, if necessary, to provide these components with increased stability, the basket spikes and / or the base support are provided with a covering.

[0012] In another advantageous embodiment, a plate- or foil-shaped light guide is arranged in the base area. This allows, for example, the illumination of gaps present in the base of the receiving basket.

[0013] Other advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims.

[0014] The advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention described above and / or described in the dependent claims can be used individually or in any combination with each other, except, for example, in cases of clear dependencies or incompatible alternatives.

[0015] The invention and its advantageous developments and refinements, as well as their advantages, are explained in more detail below with reference to drawings.

[0016] They each show, in schematic representation or schematic diagram: Fig. 1. A household dishwasher with its door open, shown in perspective. Fig. 2 In side view, a sectional view of the upper area of ​​a dishwasher with a receiving basket and a light guide arranged therein, which interacts with a light source arranged on the rear wall of the washing container, Fig. 3 one Fig. 2 corresponding representation, wherein a light guide arranged in a receiving basket is illuminated by a light source arranged above it, Fig. 4 one Fig. 2. Corresponding illustration showing a dishwasher with a spray arm equipped with a light guide, which is illuminated by a light source. Fig. 5 a Fig. 2 corresponding illustration showing a dishwasher with a receiving basket in which a light guide and a light source mechanically connected to it are arranged, Fig. 6. A perspective view of a receiving basket with various examples of optical fibers, Fig. 7 the excerpt VII of Fig. 6, Fig. 8 a side view of detail VIII in Fig. 6, and Fig. 9 the excerpt IX from Fig. 1.

[0017] Elements with the same function and mode of operation are in the Fig. Figures 1 through 9 are each provided with the same reference numerals. In the figures, only those components of a dishwasher are provided with reference numerals and explained that are necessary for understanding the invention. It is understood that the dishwasher according to the invention may comprise further parts and assemblies.

[0018] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary household dishwasher 1 with a wash tub 3 having a loading opening 2 and a door 4 with which the loading opening 2 can be closed. The wash tub 3 has a top wall 28, a back wall 14 and two side walls 27. Inside the wash tub 3 are movable components in the form of two horizontally extendable and retractable baskets 5 and at least one spray arm 6 ( Fig. 4) present. The lower basket 5a is for holding dishes, while the upper basket 5b is a cutlery basket. The baskets 5 and the spray arm 6 consist at least partially of at least one light guide 7 or are equipped with such a light guide. Furthermore, a light source 8 is present, with which light can be coupled into the light guide 7 via at least one light entry surface 9 located thereon (see e.g. Fig. 2) In all embodiments, the light source 8 is spaced apart from the light-entry surface 9 of the light guide 7, i.e., a distance or free air gap 21 exists between them. The light guide 7 is positioned, or can be moved, into such a position that the light cone L of the light source 8 strikes the light-entry surface, causing light to be coupled into the light guide.

[0019] First, the interaction of light source 8 and light guide 7 in the case of the receiving baskets 5 is described. This is shown in the schematic diagram of Fig. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of a side view of the dishwasher, depicting a basket 5 with a holding element 10 for cutlery and / or dishes. For simplicity, the holding element 10 is shown as an elongated, approximately strip-shaped part formed by the light guide 7. The basket 5 is mounted on a horizontal track 13 so that it can be extended from and retracted into the wash tub 3. A light source 8a is arranged on the rear wall 14 of the wash tub 3, oriented such that its light cone 15 illuminates the light guide 7 or a light-entry surface 9a located at its rear end (i.e., the end facing the rear wall 14) and extending transversely to the track 13 of the basket 5.The light propagates within the optical fiber 7 by reflection off its sides extending along its direction of propagation and can, for example, exit the optical fiber 7 again at a light exit surface 16 located at the front end of the receiving basket 5 and extending transversely to the direction of light propagation 17. Here, and also in the embodiments described below, the optical fiber 7 can be designed such that at least a portion of the light coupled in via the light entry surface 9 can also exit via the sides of the optical fiber 7 extending along or parallel to the direction of propagation 17 of the light (arrows 18). To increase the light output, orTo increase the proportion of light coupled into the light guide 7, an optical element 20 can be positioned upstream of the light entry surface 9a. This element can be designed, for example, like a parabolic mirror, with its inner surface 19 directing incident light rays onto the light entry surface 9a. The light source 8a is arranged at a height 23, which essentially corresponds to the height of the movement path 13. The light emitted by the light source 8a therefore strikes the light entry surface 9a or an optical element 20 positioned upstream of it in all extension positions of the receiving basket 5, so that light can be coupled in. The light guide is thus available for lighting or design purposes even in the fully retracted or fully extended position.

[0020] Another possibility of directing light in all horizontal positions of a receiving basket into a light guide 7 located thereon, which in turn at least partially forms a holding element 10 or is fixed therein, is in Fig. Figure 3 shows a light source 8b located above the receiving basket 5, for example on a plate 31 that closes off the top of the dishwasher. In particular, the light source can be provided on an upper frame section 31' that surrounds the dishwasher's wash tub in the area of ​​its loading opening at the front edge and lies outside the wash tub exposed to the washing liquid. In these cases, the light from the light source 8b is emitted downwards perpendicular to the path of movement 13 of the receiving basket 5, so that different areas on the top surface 24 of the light guide 7 are illuminated depending on the horizontal position of the receiving basket 5.In order to ensure that light from the light source 8b can be coupled into the light guide 7 in every horizontal position of the receiving basket 5, the upper surface 24 of the light guide 7, which extends in the direction of the movement path 13, serves to couple light along its entire length, thus forming a light entry surface 9b. This case is shown in . Fig. 3 is indicated to the right of line 25. To the left of this line, a case is shown in which individual surface areas arranged one behind the other in the direction of movement form individual light entry surfaces 9c (to the left of line 25).

[0021] A light source can be positioned not only above the basket 5, but also at other locations within the dishwasher. For example, a light source 8c can be positioned below the basket 5 or the light guide 7, such as on a lower basket. The light entry surfaces 9b or 9c are then advantageously located on the underside 26 of the light guide 7. In such a case, the aforementioned light entry surfaces can also be illuminated by a light source 8d located, for example, on the side edge of the inside of the door 4. Fig. 1) be acted upon. Finally, another possibility is that a light source 8e is arranged on a side wall 27 of the rinsing tank 3. The light entry surfaces 9b and 9c mentioned above are then arranged laterally on the light guide 7 and accordingly face the light source 8e.

[0022] As a further example of a movable light-guiding component, which is illuminated by the light cone 15 of a light source 8, shows Fig. 4 a spray arm 6, which is arranged on the ceiling wall 28 of the washing tank 3. The spray arm 6 comprises two or more sub-arms 29, which extend radially away from a central area 30. Strip-shaped light guides 7, extending, for example, over the entire length of the sub-arms 29, are attached to both sides of the sub-arms 29. Their radially outwardly facing end faces 33 form a light entry surface 9d. The path of movement 13 of the spray arm 6 is circular or disc-shaped and runs at a height level 23. At least one, but preferably several, light sources 8f are arranged at this height level on the rear wall 14, the side walls 27 and / or the ceiling wall 28 of the washing tank 2. Thus, in every rotational position, an end face 33 or light entry surface 9d can be at least partially exposed to the light cone 15 of a light source 8f across the free air path 21.

[0023] In Fig. Figure 5 shows an advantageous variant of light coupling in which a light-conducting mechanical connection exists between a light source 8g and a light guide 7 or a light-entry surface 9e located on the light guide 7, which, for example, forms the end face of the light guide 7 facing the rear wall 14 of the washing container 2. The light source 8g and the light guide 7 are preferably components of the receiving basket 5, which can be extended from and / or inserted into the washing chamber of the washing container 3. The light source 8g can be connected directly or indirectly to the light guide 7 via a transmission element 34, for example, a fiber optic bundle. An energy storage device 35 can be associated with the light source 8g for power supply and can be charged via a charging element 36 located on the rear wall 14 of the washing container. The energy storage device 35 can be charged, for example, inductively.In this arrangement, a secondary coil is arranged with the energy storage device 35 and a primary coil is arranged with the charging element 36 (both coils not shown).

[0024] Fig. Figure 6 schematically shows a perspective view of a receiving basket 5, on which various examples of elements are shown that have or consist of a light guide 7. A holding element 10a for holding items to be washed has a row of basket prongs 37 extending in the direction of the movement path 13 of the receiving basket 5. The basket prongs 37 are spaced apart from each other in the aforementioned direction and extend, for example, obliquely upwards from a wire-shaped base support 38, which preferably extends over the entire depth of the receiving basket 5. The basket prongs 37 and the base support 38 together form a light guide 7, the base support 38 carrying an optical element 20 at its rear end 39, which serves to couple light into it. The corresponding light source is, as shown in Fig. 2 Light source 8a shown arranged on the rear wall 14 of the wash tank 3 (in Fig. 6) not shown). In the Fig. The basket shown in Figure 6 has two retaining elements 10a arranged transversely, spaced apart from each other. Only the base support 38 of the retaining element 10a located on the right in the figure is shown. The retaining elements 10a can be hinged, i.e., they can be folded downwards in the direction of arrow 40 onto the bottom of the receiving basket 5. The light guide 7 forming the retaining elements 10a can be made of a material that is sufficiently resistant to the chemical and mechanical stresses during the cleaning process in the washing container 3. Optionally, the retaining element 10a or the light guide 7 can be provided with a covering 43, which increases the resistance to chemical and mechanical influences as well as the mechanical stability of the retaining element 10a.The light-emitting surface 16 of the basket-like spines 37 can be formed by an end face extending transversely to their longitudinal direction and arranged at their free end. However, the light-emitting surface 16 can also be designed differently, for example, having a shape that provides a larger radiating surface for light. This can be achieved, for example, by making the light-emitting surface 16' not a flat surface, but rather the surface 44 of a body arranged at the free end of the basket-like spines 37, for example, a sphere 45.

[0025] Preferably in the base area of ​​a receiving basket 5, for example between two holding elements 10a of the type described above, a foil- or plate-shaped element 45 can be designed as a light guide 7. Light can, in principle, be coupled into the light guide 7 or the element 45 in the manner described above.

[0026] For example, element 45 has an upwardly extended leg 46, 47 at its rear and front ends. The rear leg 46 serves to couple light in via a light source, for example, located on the rear wall 14 of the wash tank (not shown), with the outer side of the leg forming a light entry surface 9f. The outer side of the front leg 47, on the other hand, forms a light exit surface 16, which is visible as a light or indicator field when the door 4 is open. The light guide 7 can be designed such that light coupled in via its rear leg 46 exits from its side edges 48. A gap 49 between the base support 38 of the retaining elements 10a and the side edges 48 can be illuminated in this way. Element 45 has a central opening 41 with, for example, a rectangular contour, from whose edges 42 light can also exit.

[0027] The receiving basket 5 has bearing rollers 50, which are attached to a support 53, for example, a web-shaped support. The support 53 can be designed as a light guide 7, into which light can be coupled, for example, via an optical element 20 as in the retaining elements 10a. The light can also be transferred into the bearing rollers 50, which may be made of a luminescent material, such as a fluorescent plastic, and cause them to glow.

[0028] Another example of a light-guiding retaining element is the one in Fig. The retaining elements 10b shown in Figure 1 are spaced apart in the transverse direction of the receiving basket 5b. These are strip-shaped elements extending in the direction of the movement path 13 of the receiving basket 5b, which have a web-shaped base 54 and clamping elements 55 projecting upwards from this base, preferably integrally molded (see Figure 1). Fig. 9) comprise. The clamping elements 55 are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the movement path 13 of the receiving basket, so that there is a gap 56 between each of them, which serves to hold a piece of cutlery. At the rear end of the holding elements 10b, there is an optical element 20 for coupling in light, which can be designed similarly to the one in Fig. 2 shown, and which of the light cone 15 of a light source 8a arranged on the rear wall 14 of the washing container 3 (in Fig. (1 not shown) is affected.

[0029] The above-mentioned optical fibers are preferably made of plastic or of another light-conducting material such as glass, whereby these materials may each contain luminescent, in particular fluorescent, substances. REFERENCE MARK LIST 1 dishwasher 2 loading openings 3 washing containers 4 doors 5 collection basket 6 spray arm 7 optical fibers 8a-8g Light source 9a-9e Light entry area 10 retaining elements 13 Movement path 14 Back panel 15 light cones 16 Light emission area 17 Direction of spread 18 Arrow 19 interior surface 20 optical element 21 free air distance 23 Altitude 24 Top Line 25 26 Underside 27 side wall 28 Ceiling wall 29 partial arm 30 area 33 Front 34 Transmission element 35 Energy storage 36 charging element 37 basket thorns 38 base carriers 39 rear end 40 Arrow 41 Breakthrough 42 edge 43 Envelope 44 surface 45 balls 46 thighs 47 thighs 48 side edge 49 gap 50 bearing roller 53 carriers 54 base 55 clamping element

Claims

[1] Dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher, with a washing container (3) having a loading opening (2) which can be closed by a door (4) and at least one component movably mounted on the washing container (3), characterized bythat the at least one component consists at least partially of at least one light guide (7) or is provided with at least one light guide (7), and that at least one light source (8a - 8g) is provided for coupling light via at least one light entry surface (9a-9e) of the light guide (7), wherein the component is a receiving basket (5) for items to be washed, in particular a dish or cutlery basket, which has a retaining element (10) for holding items to be washed in the receiving basket, which is at least partially formed by a light guide (7) or on which a light guide (7) is arranged, wherein the light guide (7) is positioned or positionable in such a manner,that a free air gap (21) of variable length exists between the light source (8a - 8g) and the light entry surface (9a - 9e) of the light guide (7), and that the light entry surface (9a - 9e) is directly or indirectly exposed to the light cone (15), and that the light source (8a - 8g) is fixedly arranged inside or outside the washing container (3) or on the door (4). [2] Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized by , that the light guide (7) has a light entry surface (9a - 9e) facing the rear wall (14), the ceiling wall (28) and / or a side wall (27) of the wash tank (3) and that a light source (8a - 8g) is arranged on at least one of the aforementioned walls or on the inside of the door (4). [3] Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized by , that a light source (8a - 8g) is arranged at a height level (23) which corresponds to the height level of a movement path (13) of the light guide (7). [4] Dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by , that the optical fiber (7) extends in the direction of a path of movement (13) of the receiving basket (5) and has a light entry surface (9b) extending at least over part of its length and in the direction of the path of movement (13) and / or several light entry surfaces (9c) arranged in a row extending in the said direction. [5] Dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that a light guide (7) and a light source (8a - 8g) are arranged on the receiving basket (5). [6] Dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by , that the light source (8a - 8g) is mechanically connected to a light entry surface (9a - 9e) of the light guide (7). [7] Dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by, that the light guide (7) comprises several basket-shaped spikes (37) arranged in a row, the terminal end faces of which form light-emitting surfaces (16). [8] Dishwasher according to claim 7, characterized by , that the basket spikes (37) protrude from a base support (38) designed as a light guide (7). [9] Dishwasher according to claim 8, characterized by , that the basket spines (37) and / or the base support (38) have a covering (43). [10] Dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized by a plate- or foil-shaped element (45) arranged in the area of ​​the bottom or on one side of the receiving basket (5), which is at least partially formed by a light guide (7) or on which a light guide (7) is arranged.

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