Domestic dishwasher

Abstract

A domestic dishwasher (1) having at least one air outlet (4) for discharging the air of a wash chamber, in particular moist and / or water vapor containing, the domestic dishwasher being constructed such that the air outlet (4) is arranged in the lower quarter of the device height and extends as a slot-like outlet over at least half the width (B) of the domestic dishwasher (1).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a domestic dishwasher having a washing chamber for the treatment of dishes, glasses, cutlery and the like; and at least one air outlet for the removal of moist and / or water vapor containing washing chamber air from the washing chamber.

BACKGROUND

[0002] It is desirable for such a domestic dishwasher to dry the washing as completely as possible without the need to remove water spots from the washing chamber.

[0003] In order to achieve a good drying result of the dishes, glasses, cutlery and the like which can be treated in the washing chamber, it is desirable to be able to remove moist and / or water vapor containing washing chamber air from the washing chamber. It is therefore known to connect the washing chamber to an air outlet, so that moist and / or water vapor containing washing chamber air is transported from the washing chamber to the outside environment. In this way, the air outlet is usually located in the upper region of a front door or a front panel, which can be opened and closed. The air is thus fed into this mobile unit, which is relatively complex and expensive. Furthermore, the arrangement of the air outlet at a high level of the device entails the risk that kitchen utensils (such as cupboards or worktops) located above the domestic dishwasher are damaged by the water removal.

SUMMARY

[0004] The object of the present invention is to avoid, as far as possible, the application of water and / or water vapor to the surrounding furniture in an aesthetically pleasing visual arrangement.

[0005] The solution according to the invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is characterized by a domestic dishwasher, which features can be realized individually or in combination with one another.

[0006] According to the application, at least one air outlet is arranged in the lower quarter of the height of the device, so that, in the event of an upward movement of the moist and / or water vapor-containing wash chamber air from the air outlet to the surroundings of the installation site of the domestic dishwasher according to the application, at most, that is, if at all, water condensing and / or water vapor is applied to the domestic dishwasher itself and not to furniture, such as a kitchen counter, arranged above the domestic dishwasher. Furthermore, the air outlet extends as a slot-like outlet over at least half the width of the domestic dishwasher, in particular of the base frame, so that a broad distribution of the discharged moist and / or water vapor-containing wash chamber air is achieved. To this end, the slot-like outlet preferably has a large slot width and a slot height which is substantially smaller than the slot width. In this way, the wash chamber air flowing out of the wash chamber of the wash container is distributed to a plurality of discharge points extending along the width of the slot-like outlet. In a domestic dishwasher having only a single air outlet (with a substantially round throughflow cross section), a point-like, that is, locally concentrated wash chamber air volume flow is produced at the outlet end of this single air outlet, so that water is point-like applied to a greater extent to furniture. This is avoided by the application. In particular, the application enables a fine distribution of the moist and / or water vapor-containing wash chamber air discharged from the slot-like outlet extending over at least half the width of the domestic dishwasher to a larger area outside the domestic dishwasher according to the application, so that it is better mixed with the relatively dry ambient air. The water and / or water vapor contained in the wash chamber air discharged from the slot-like outlet according to the application over at least half the width of the domestic dishwasher can be better absorbed by the ambient air. Thus, viewed along the width of the slot-like outlet, only a small moist and / or water vapor-containing wash chamber air volume flow is discharged at each point of the slot-like outlet into the surroundings of the installation site of the domestic dishwasher (with the same total wash chamber air throughput) compared to the wash chamber air volume flow discharged in a concentrated manner from a single, for example round, locally limited or point-like air outlet. With the slot-like outlet according to the application, the wash chamber air discharged from the wash chamber of the wash container and the water content contained therein are locally diluted in the ambient air. In this way, the condensation of water on the front of the domestic dishwasher, in particular on the front door, is reduced or substantially prevented. In this way, the condensate droplets are substantially prevented from collecting to form larger droplets and from flowing or dripping downward from the air outlet to the floor at the installation site of the domestic dishwasher. Furthermore, the distribution of the discharged wash chamber air over at least half the width of the domestic dishwasher, in particular the front door, by means of the slot-like outlet also enables a reduction of the wash chamber air volume flow discharged at each discharge point of the outlet slot to a very low level, so that, viewed along the width of the outlet slot, the user of the domestic dishwasher can hardly or only to a very small extent perceive the width-distributed discharged wash chamber air.

[0007] Advantageously, the discharge throughflow cross-sectional area of the air outlet of the present application is smaller, in particular much smaller, than the intake throughflow cross-sectional area. This leads to a higher flow rate of the rinse chamber air being discharged from the slot-shaped outlet to the surrounding environment than the flow rate of the rinse chamber air about to enter the slot-shaped outlet upstream. This further reduces the risk of harmful condensate accumulation and water droplet formation on the discharge side of the slot-shaped outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, since this narrow air outlet is arranged in the lower quarter of the overall height of the household dishwasher of the present application, it is difficult for a user standing in front of the household dishwasher of the present application to see it.

[0009] In particular, the width of the slot-shaped outlet is at least two-thirds of the width of the household dishwasher, in order to achieve a good distribution of the moist air and a good mixing with dry outside air or ambient air in the room in which the household dishwasher of the present application is installed.

[0010] The width of the air outlet is preferably at least 40 cm, so that a very wide and uniform distribution of moisture can be achieved.

[0011] The air outlet is in particular constructed as a flat slot-shaped outlet, which has a height-to-width ratio of less than 1 : 10, in particular less than 1 : 20. In this way, a large discharge surface is achieved, even with a very small structural and visual height.

[0012] In order to achieve a high degree of mechanical stability and immunity to interference, the air outlet can be divided into a plurality of side-by-side aligned sub-slots, for example two to three side-by-side sub-slots, which comprise reinforcing vertical strips serving as stability partitions.

[0013] In the case of the air outlet being arranged on the front face of the household dishwasher facing the user, the air, which is discharged there and usually contains moisture and / or water vapor, can be distributed substantially freely and quickly and over a large area.

[0014] The air outlet is arranged in the lowermost end of the front face of the household dishwasher in an aesthetically pleasing and space-saving manner. The air outlet is in particular provided in the lower edge region of a front base plate of the household dishwasher of the present application. The base plate preferably covers the front face of a chassis, on which the wash container is mounted. Various functional components of the household dishwasher, such as a circulation pump, a drain pump, a control / monitoring unit for implementing various dishwashing programs, a water hardness reduction device, etc., are installed in the chassis. In the case of the front door of the household dishwasher of the present application being in its generally vertically closed position and the front loading opening of the wash container being closed, the front door is generally parallel to the base plate and has its lower edge preferably higher than the lower edge of the base plate.

[0015] Even if the air outlet itself does not occupy the entire width of the device, it is arranged in a structuring unit which preferably extends over the entire width of the front of the domestic dishwasher according to a visually and installation-technically advantageous solution. Preferably, the structuring unit is arranged behind the front base plate of the base frame of the domestic dishwasher viewed in the depth direction of the domestic dishwasher. Particularly advantageously, the structuring unit has a front- directed overhang which is arranged below the lower edge of the base plate and which has the slot-like outlet there or is constructed together with the lower edge of the base plate.

[0016] The air outlet can in particular be arranged inside a design element which extends in width at the same height, which can in turn assume a colour contrast in the lower region of the domestic dishwasher in relation to the front panel, such as a contrastingly white panel or a black element with a stainless steel finish.

[0017] A high efficiency can be achieved in that the air outlet can be controlled by at least one air-conveying means, such as a fan wheel, that is to say by the application of wash chamber air from the wash chamber of the washing container. The air-conveying means is preferably fluidically connected to at least one air outlet of the washing container or of the inner door of the front door on the upstream side by means of an air channel. A discharge channel leading to the air outlet is preferably provided downstream of the air-conveying means. In the case of activation, that is to say switching on, of the air-conveying means, this wash chamber air is drawn from the wash chamber of the washing container through the upstream-side air channel to the air-conveying means and is discharged from the air-conveying means via the downstream-side discharge channel to the air outlet. The air-conveying means can preferably be arranged behind the air outlet in the depth direction in the lower region of the domestic dishwasher. In this case, the fan wheel or similar element can preferably be arranged at approximately the same height as the air outlet and in a space-saving manner in the base or base frame of the domestic dishwasher. Very advantageously for this purpose, the air channel preferably begins in the upper 50% of the height in a wall of the washing container, so that a long distance is formed for possible condensation. The length of the air channel can in particular be at least 40 cm. According to a further advantageous solution, the air channel first rises from its starting point on the air outlet in the wall of the washing container or in the front door, so that the resulting condensation water flows back into the washing container and not into the air channel.

[0018] Very advantageously, an air channel which is in particular several decimetres long is provided upstream of the air outlet, which leads from the washing container. This enables a large proportion of the condensation to occur in this longer air channel.

[0019] According to a very advantageous and specifically claimed variant, a discharge channel having a smaller cross section than the air channel extends between the at least one air transport mechanism and the air outlet, which air channel extends from the washing container, in particular from the wall portion, in particular the side wall, or the inner door wall portion of the front door, of the washing container to the transport mechanism. Due to the smaller cross section, the flow rate of the washing chamber air drawn from the washing chamber of the washing container by means of the transport mechanism in the discharge channel is higher than the flow rate of the washing chamber air in the air channel upstream of the transport mechanism, so that only a very small condensation occurs in the region downstream of the transport mechanism, close to the air outlet, so that the risk of water formation and water dripping from the air outlet is minimized.

[0020] According to an advantageous refinement of the application, the fan wheel or similar transport mechanism can be controlled chronologically over a period of several days. In this process, the fan wheel can also be controlled by means of a humidity detection of the washing container. In this case, the domestic dishwasher can also be used as a storage for dishes, glasses, cutlery and similar items, which have been previously washed and can be continuously dried again in stages over a period of several days.

[0021] That is to say, not only can the washing chamber air be discharged from the domestic dishwasher according to the application through the slot-like outlet during the drying process of the washing phase of at least one dishwashing program, but it can also be discharged, if necessary, in the future in one or more drying processes after the end of the drying process of the washing phase, in order to dry again the washing items stored in the washing chamber. Such drying again can be advantageous in certain cases: after the end of the drying process of the washing phase of the respective dishwashing program to be executed, the door is not opened by the user or an automatic door opening system, but remains closed for a longer period of time, in particular for a period of at least 6 hours or even several days, such as 96 hours. This situation, in which the washing items are stored in the closed state in the washing chamber of the washing container after the end of the drying phase of the dishwashing program, is referred to as "storage function". In order to keep the washing items in the washing chamber dry or to prevent them from becoming wet again, the at least one air transport mechanism is activated from time to time for a certain period of time in order to dry again or substantially prevent the washing items in the washing chamber from becoming wet again by means of an air exchange of the washing chamber air with the ambient air in the washing chamber, and is then deactivated again.

[0022] The advantageous configurations and refinements of the application previously explained can be used both individually and in any combination, with the exception of cases in which there is a clear connection or incompatible alternatives. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0023] Figure 1This is a schematic front perspective view of an advantageous embodiment of a household dishwasher employing the construction scheme of the present invention. The outer housing components are not shown; the line of sight is directed towards the rinsing container located inside the dishwasher.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic exploded view of the air guiding components.

[0025] Appendix Label Table

[0026] 1. Household dishwasher

[0027] 2. Rinse the container.

[0028] 3. Air passages,

[0029] 4. Air outlet,

[0030] 5. Base plate,

[0031] 6 structural units,

[0032] 7. Conveying mechanism,

[0033] 8. Discharge channel

[0034] 9. The air passage begins at the rinsing container.

[0035] V front,

[0036] B width,

[0037] T represents the depth direction.

[0038] H height,

[0039] S base

Detailed Implementation Methods

[0040] To provide a further understanding of the purpose, structure, features, and functions of the present invention, detailed descriptions are provided below with reference to specific embodiments.

[0041] Figure 1 and 2 Identical components are indicated by the same reference numerals. Only components necessary for understanding the invention, such as those used in household dishwashers, are indicated and described using reference numerals.

[0042] Figure 1 The household appliance illustrated is a household dishwasher 1. The construction scheme of this invention is also applicable in principle to other household appliances with drying functions.

[0043] As part of the main body of the equipment that partially opens or closes to the outside, Figure 1The domestic dishwasher 1 to be described hereinafter has a washing tub 2 for accommodating the washing items to be treated, such as dishes, pots, cutlery, glasses, cookware, etc. The washing items can be held, for example, in a dish basket and / or a cutlery drawer and can be subjected to a so-called washing liquor. The washing liquor refers to fresh or, in particular, to recirculated water, which can or can not contain cleaning agents and / or rinsing agents and / or drying agents. The washing liquor can, in particular, have softening ion exchangers. The washing liquor can also be more or less free of dirt in the current operating cycle. The washing tub 2 can have an at least substantially rectangular contour, which includes a front face V in the operating state, which faces the user. This front face V can be part of a kitchen panel consisting of several side-by-side kitchen utensils, or it can be present independently of other furniture.

[0044] The washing tub 2 can be closed, in particular on this front face V, by a front door or cover. The front door or cover is not shown in the figures.

[0045] The domestic dishwasher can be constructed as a freestanding appliance or as a so-called partial or full integrated appliance. In the last case, the appliance body is substantially flush with the outer wall of the washing tub 2. It is thus not necessary to provide a housing which surrounds the washing tub from the outside. In the lower region of the domestic dishwasher, a base S can be provided for accommodating, in particular, functional elements, such as a washing liquor circulation pump. This circulation pump can be a so-called heating pump, which can be heated, in particular, in order to heat the washing liquor to the desired temperature for the respective program step. In addition or as an alternative, an external heating device can be provided, which is independent of the circulation pump.

[0046] In the width direction B, the domestic dishwasher usually has an extension of 45, 50 or 60 cm. In the depth direction T, the extension from the front face V to the rear is usually also approximately 60 cm. These values are not mandatory. In particular, a reach-in construction, such as eye-level or at countertop height, can also be used. In this case, the lower edge of the domestic dishwasher 1 is approximately 70 to 110 cm above floor level after installation.

[0047] The domestic dishwasher 1 is provided with at least one air outlet 4 for discharging, in particular, moist air from the washing tub 2, in which dishes, glasses, cutlery and similar items can be treated. The air outlet is arranged in the lower quarter of the appliance height H and extends as a horizontal slot-like outlet over at least half the width B of the domestic dishwasher 1. This enables a good distribution of the discharged air, so that condensation and the formation of droplets can be substantially prevented in the region of the air outlet 4, even when very moist air has to be discharged outwardly. In particular, it is possible to construct the air outlet 4 at the very lower end of the front face of the domestic dishwasher 1, substantially as a lower edge, without droplets falling from there onto the kitchen floor or onto a cabinet below the domestic dishwasher.

[0048] To this end, the width of the one-piece or multi-part air outlet 4 is in particular at least 40 cm. As Figure 1 indicated, the air outlet is constructed as a flat slot outlet, wherein its height-to-width ratio can be less than 1:10, in particular less than 1:20. At this time, the height of the air outlet 4 in the height direction H is less than about 2 cm, when its width is 40 cm.

[0049] As mentioned before, the air outlet 4 can be divided into a plurality of side-by-side aligned sub-slots 4a, 4b, 4c, see Figure 2 . The length of these sub-slots does not necessarily have to be equal. What is important is that an air outlet 4 is provided overall which extends in the width direction and which enables a high air flow and thus a broad distribution of the moisture contained in the air.

[0050] Here, two to three sub-slots 4a, 4b, 4c are provided side by side, which each extend in the width B direction of the domestic dishwasher 1 with a small height of about 8 to 15 cm.

[0051] As further indicated in Figure 1 , the air outlet 4 is arranged on the user-facing front side V of the domestic dishwasher 1 such that it blows into the free air space in front of the domestic dishwasher 1, so that the humid air does not disappear into the built-in furniture and cause damage.

[0052] According to an advantageous variant with regard to installation and design, as indicated in Figure 1 , the air outlet 4 is arranged inside a structural unit 6, which extends over the entire width B of the front side V of the domestic dishwasher 1, so as to have the same continuous width, for example, as the front base plate 5 arranged above it. This results in a very uniform and tidy design and a pleasant appearance.

[0053] That is to say, the structural unit 6 is arranged behind the front base plate 5 of the chassis or base S of the domestic dishwasher 1, preferably in the depth direction in the present embodiment. The structural unit has a front-facing protrusion 10 comprising the partial segments 10a, 10b, 10c, which is arranged below the lower edge of the base plate 5 and has a slot outlet comprising the sub-slots 4a, 4b, 4c or is constructed together with the lower edge of the base plate 5.

[0054] The structural unit 6 can in particular be constructed as a through-going design element which extends with the same height in its horizontal extent in a continuous manner, such that in this case the air outlet 4 is arranged inside a design element which extends with the same height in the width. This design element can for example be composed of metal or be constructed as a plastic unit in its entirety, in particular as an injection-moulded part, wherein the respective sub-slits 4a, 4b, 4c are taken out. Other materials can of course also be used. A frontally mounted base plate 5 can not be provided as appropriate. In this case the structural unit 6 can preferably be constructed as a decorative base plate and integrally comprise the slit-like air outlet 4.

[0055] The design element can contrast in colour to the front panel 5 in the lower region of the domestic dishwasher 1, for example in black or chrome-plated or spray-painted stainless steel appearance. Other design options can of course also be used.

[0056] In order to discharge air, in particular moist air, from the washing tub 2, an air channel 3 of some tens of centimetres in length is provided upstream of the air outlet 4, which air channel 3 leads from the washing tub 2, in particular at least in the upper 50% of the height H in one wall portion of the washing tub 2. It is particularly advantageous for the rising water vapour to be provided with a starting point 9 at the upper 50%, in particular at the upper 30%, of the height of the washing tub 2. The starting point 9 of the air channel 3 is provided in a side wall. As shown, the air channel 3, starting from its starting point 9 in the wall portion of the washing tub 2, firstly rises in the manner of a loop, so that the condensate formed flows back into the washing tub 2 and does not remain in the air channel 3.

[0057] Starting from the starting point 9 on the washing tub 2, the air channel 3 leads to at least one conveying means 7, for example a fan wheel, in the base S. As shown, the air channel 3 is at least 40 centimetres long and can in principle span the entire height H of the domestic dishwasher 1. The air channel 3 can be produced as a plastic structural unit in particular in a material-consistent manner.

[0058] The fan wheel or similar conveying means 7 can be arranged behind the air outlet 4 and at substantially the same height as the air outlet 4 in the depth direction T in the base S of the domestic dishwasher, that is to say in the lower region thereof. In particular, the conveying means 7 is arranged immediately above the floor in the lowermost region of the domestic dishwasher 1.

[0059] But between the conveying device 7 and the slot-like air outlet 4 there is a discharge channel 8 which has a smaller cross-section relative to the air channel 3 leading to the conveying device 7. This cross-section is reduced in particular by at least 15%. Thus, at the same air throughput, the flow speed in the discharge channel 8 is much higher than in the air channel 3, so that condensation and the formation of liquid droplets hardly occur in this discharge channel 8. This likewise contributes to the production of as little condensation and liquid water as possible at the air outlet 4. In combination with the wider air outlet 4 and the greater distribution area achieved thereby, the above-mentioned objectives are achieved in a very effective and optimum manner. Furthermore, a smaller cross-section can be achieved even with a greater width of the air outlet 4 if the latter has a smaller height. This increases the flow speed here and thus reduces the condensation risk immediately next to the air outlet 4. In the air outlet 4 there can be corresponding guide plates or corresponding means for achieving a uniform and widely distributed air flow. These can be an integral part of the structural unit 6.

[0060] In particular, the discharge channel does not extend obliquely downwards, but horizontally, so that water which can be produced does not enter the air channel 3, but drips off here.

[0061] This domestic dishwasher 1 can also be equipped with a so-called storage function, so that the items to be washed remain in the washing container 2 after the treatment with the front door closed, without becoming wet again. This storage can last for several days without the dryness of the items to be washed deteriorating. In this case, the domestic dishwasher 1 can also be used as a storage and drying cabinet, from which the items to be washed can be removed in a fresh and dry state.

[0062] For this purpose, in particular the conveying device 7 can be controlled in terms of time. As an alternative and very effective solution, the conveying device 7 is regulated by means of a humidity sensor which provides a measure of the current humidity of the items to be washed in the washing container.

[0063] In both cases, the conveying device 7 is only switched on at intervals, so that moist air is constantly removed from the washing container 2, so that the clean quality of the items to be washed is maintained over a longer period of time. By means of this short and effective operating time, the energy requirement and the noise pollution caused by the at least one fan wheel or similar conveying device 7 can be reduced.

[0064] The invention enables the risk of condensation at the air outlet 4 to be substantially reduced overall.

[0065] The invention has been described above by means of the relevant embodiments. However, the embodiments described are merely examples of the implementation of the invention. It must be pointed out that the embodiments disclosed do not limit the scope of the invention. Rather, modifications and refinements which are made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention are included in the patent protection of the invention.

Claims

1. Household dishwasher (1) having a washing tub (2) in which washing items are treated and at least one air outlet (4) for discharging moist and / or water vapor containing washing chamber air of the washing tub (2), characterized in that the air outlet (4) is arranged in the lower quarter of the height of the household dishwasher (1) and extends as a slot-like outlet over at least half the width (B) of the household dishwasher (1); the air outlet (4) is arranged in a structural unit (6) which extends over the entire width (B) of the front face (V) of the household dishwasher (1); the structural unit (6) is arranged behind the front base plate (5) of the base frame (S) of the household dishwasher (1) as seen in the depth direction; the structural unit (6) has a frontwardly directed projection (10) which is arranged below the lower edge of the base plate (5) and which has the slot-like outlet there; wherein the discharge throughflow cross-sectional area of the air outlet (4) is smaller than the inlet throughflow cross-sectional area, so that the flow velocity of the washing chamber air discharged from the slot-like outlet to the surroundings is higher than the flow velocity of the washing chamber air which is about to enter the slot-like outlet upstream.

2. The domestic dishwasher (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that The width of the air outlet (4) is at least 40 cm in total.

3. Household dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the air outlet (4) is constructed as a flat slot-like outlet which has a height to width ratio of less than 1:

10.

4. Household dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the air outlet (4) is constructed as a flat slot-like outlet which has a height to width ratio of less than 1:

20.

5. The domestic dishwasher (1) as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that The air outlet (4) is divided into a plurality of side-by-side aligned sub-slots (4a; 4b; 4c).

6. The domestic dishwasher (1) as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that Two to three sub-slots (4a; 4b; 4c) are provided side by side.

7. Household dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the air outlet (4) is arranged inside a design element which extends in width at the same height.

8. The domestic dishwasher (1) as claimed in claim 7, characterized in that The design element contrasts in color in the lower region of the household dishwasher (1) relative to the front base plate (5).

9. Household dishwasher (1) having a washing tub (2) in which washing items are treated and at least one air outlet (4) for discharging moist and / or water vapor containing washing chamber air of the washing tub (2), characterized in that a discharge channel (8) which has a smaller cross section relative to the air channel (3) which extends from the washing tub (2) to the conveying means (7) extends between the conveying means (7) for discharging washing chamber air and the air outlet (4).

10. The domestic dishwasher (1) as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that A few decimeters long air channel (3) which originates from the washing tub (2) is provided upstream of the air outlet (4).

11. Household dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The air outlet (4) is followed in the depth direction (T) by at least one delivery means (7) which applies the wash chamber air originating from the wash chamber of the wash container (2) in the lower region of the domestic dishwasher.

12. The domestic dishwasher (1) as claimed in one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that The air channel (3) begins within the upper 20% of the height in one wall portion of the wash container (2).

13. The domestic dishwasher (1) as claimed in one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that The air channel (3) has a length of at least 40 cm.

14. The domestic dishwasher (1) as claimed in claim 9, characterized in that The delivery means (7) is controlled chronologically over a plurality of time periods.

15. The domestic dishwasher according to claim 9, characterized in that The delivery means (7) is controlled by means of a humidity detection of the wash container.

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