Domestic dishwasher with at least one air outlet

Abstract

A domestic dishwasher (1) having at least one air outlet (14) for discharging, in particular moist, air from a washing tub (2) in which washware parts, such as pots, glasses, cutlery and the like, can be treated, is designed such that a discharge unit (16) comprising the at least one air outlet (14) is arranged in the lower quarter of the installation height (H) of the domestic dishwasher, the air outlet (14) extends as a slotted outlet over at least two-thirds of the width (Q) of the domestic dishwasher (1) and the discharge unit (16) comprising the air outlet (14) can be held directly or indirectly on a front panel (15) which is mounted at the front side (V) of the domestic dishwasher, such that the discharge unit (16) comprising the air outlet (14) can be removed from the front panel (15) when the front panel (15) is removed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a household dishwasher having at least one air outlet for discharging, in particular, humid air from a cleaning container capable of handling cookware, glasses, tableware, and similar cleaning items. Background Technology

[0002] In this type of dishwasher, it is desirable to be able to remove the items from the washing container as completely dry and free of water stains as possible.

[0003] To ensure proper drying of cookware, glasses, tableware, and the like that can be processed in the washing container, it is advantageous to remove humid air from the washing container. Therefore, it is known to connect the washing container to an air outlet that delivers humid air from the washing container to the external environment. Such an air outlet is typically located at the top of an openable front door. However, supplying air to the movable unit is relatively complex and expensive, and the high arrangement of the appliance also poses a risk that cabinets or countertops above the dishwasher, or parts of the dishwasher and their panels, may be damaged by excessive moisture, or that the kitchen floor in the area in front of the dishwasher may become wet and slippery. Furthermore, there is noticeable draft near such an air outlet, which is very uncomfortable, especially when the user is seated in a small kitchen near the dishwasher.

[0004] As an alternative to an air vent in the front door, corresponding household dishwashers typically also have a slit opened in the front door during the drying phase of the dishwashing program to support drying. This allows humid air from the dishwashing chamber to escape from the dishwashing chamber into the environment where the dishwasher is installed, where it is replaced by drier ambient air. However, by opening the door in this way, especially if it occurs at the beginning of the drying phase, heat removal from the dishwashing chamber is associated with the process, which is energy-inefficient since drying requires heat. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention is based on the problem of how to minimize the impact of water vapor on surrounding furniture, kitchen floors and the front of household dishwashers through an attractive visual arrangement, while also allowing for easy assembly and disassembly of the air vents for maintenance purposes.

[0006] Provided that spatial and / or partial information is given within the scope of this invention, these descriptions should preferably be understood from the viewpoint that the user is standing in front of the household dishwasher according to the invention when it is being set up and installed in preparation for operation.

[0007] During at least one drying stage, when the air from the washing chamber of the washing container is exhausted to the outside and into the environment at the corresponding installation or arrangement location of the household dishwasher designed according to the invention via an exhaust unit, the front door of the household dishwasher, preferably rotating about a horizontal deflection axis oriented in the lateral and width directions at its lower part, is in particular closed, i.e., sealed. This prevents humid washing chamber air from rising through the opening gap between the upper part of the front door and the washing container, and prevents condensation from the warm, humid washing chamber air from flowing onto kitchen furniture components located above the opening gap, such as kitchen countertops, which could lead to moisture damage. Uncontrolled and / or excessive heat loss from the washing chamber of the washing container to the environment can also be avoided, which could be associated with a gapped door opening and would reduce the drying efficiency of the corresponding drying stage. Furthermore, by keeping the front door closed during the corresponding drying stage, dirt particles from the environment, such as dust particles and / or bacteria and / or other foreign matter, can be prevented from entering the washing container and adhering to the washing components that have already been cleaned with cleaning fluid. Finally, keeping the front door closed also largely prevents operational errors and / or incorrect information that might be caused to the user by an open, slightly ajar front door. Therefore, even though the drying phase of the process is not yet over, users often mistakenly interpret opening the front door slightly as the end of the dishwashing process.

[0008] The household dishwasher designed according to the present invention particularly provides one or more dishwashing programs, wherein the items to be washed in the washing chamber of the dishwasher's washing container are loaded with cleaning liquid or detergent in one or more water-guiding sub-washing stages (e.g., pre-wash stage, cleaning stage, intermediate wash stage, final rinse stage), and then dried by the discharge unit according to the present invention in the drying stage immediately following the washing program, with the front door closed, so that they are removed from the washing container as dry as possible and without water stains after the front door is opened. If necessary, after the drying stage of the corresponding dishwashing program, a so-called "storage function stage" or preservation stage of a predetermined time period is immediately followed until its end, using one or more additional drying stages to ensure that the items in the washing chamber are further kept dry with the front door of the household dishwasher closed. The "storage function stage" may preferably last for several days. In addition to or independently of this, other operating functions of the household dishwasher may also be provided by the discharge unit according to the present invention. For example, a deodorization program may be implemented, wherein air in the washing chamber is discharged into the environment of the household dishwasher through the discharge unit, and fresh air is drawn into the washing chamber if there is a risk of forming unpleasant odors in the washing chamber. For example, it is possible that after the last dishwashing cycle is completed and the clean and dry dishwashing parts are removed, the dirty dishwashing parts are put back into the washing chamber of the washing container and then left in the washing chamber of the washing container for an extended period of time with the front door closed, until the next dishwashing cycle begins.

[0009] According to the invention, by arranging the exhaust unit, including at least one air outlet, in the lower quarter of the device height, the dishwasher itself, especially its front door, is loaded as water vapor rises from the air outlet, causing some water to condense there and prevent it from reaching the furniture above. Furthermore, by extending the air outlet as a slit outlet beyond at least two-thirds of the width of the dishwasher, a wide distribution of the escaping moisture and mixing with the drier outside air is achieved. This disperses the escaping humid cleaning chamber air, preventing large amounts of moisture from entering the furniture in certain places. Thus, it is advantageously possible to largely avoid significant condensation of condensate above the slotted outlet at the front door, especially at its lower edge and / or on any front-mounted furniture panels or trim. The good air distribution width also significantly reduces the exhaust airflow. By holding the exhaust unit, including the air outlet, directly or indirectly on a panel or front panel connected to the front of the dishwasher, wherein the joint between the exhaust unit including the air outlet and the front panel is removable when the front panel is removed, assembly and disassembly are facilitated. The front panel can be removed without overstretching the air supply lines that supply air to the exhaust unit, particularly the cleaning chamber, and especially without overtwisting the air hoses that provide the air supply, or even causing them to fall off the exhaust unit. This makes maintaining a household dishwasher quite easy.

[0010] The front panel, especially the base frame or base plate, covers the lower base area of ​​the dishwasher below the front door on the front side. This lower base area is recessed rearward from the front of the dishwasher, and the washing container is arranged above it. If the dishwasher is installed as a built-in appliance in a recessed niche under a kitchen countertop, the base frame or base plate is advantageously erected on the base. In this case, the front panel, preferably the base plate, may be recessed rearward in the depth direction of the dishwasher relative to the lower front edge of the front door, which may be equipped with a front-side furniture panel or decorative panel. If the dishwasher is installed in a recessed niche under a modular kitchen countertop, the front panel may be formed by the kitchen cabinets of the modular kitchen, preferably resting on the base. If the dishwasher is designed as a floor-standing appliance, a built-in appliance, or a compact appliance (e.g., a countertop appliance) or a built-in appliance integrated into kitchen furniture (e.g., an upper kitchen cabinet), the base panel is preferably installed at the factory on the recessed appliance base relative to it, such that when it is placed in its final, generally vertical position, the base panel is substantially flush with the plane of the outer surface of the front door.

[0011] If the joint between the exhaust unit, including the air outlet, and the front panel can be removed without tools when the front panel is removed, the front panel, especially the base panel, can be removed particularly quickly and easily.

[0012] In particular, the joint between the exhaust unit, which includes the air outlet, and the front panel is preferably easily removable by removing the front panel, thus allowing the front panel to be removed in one go.

[0013] Additionally or alternatively, for the purpose of installing the front panel, the joint between the exhaust unit, which includes the air outlet, and the front panel can be accessed by installing the front panel without the use of tools, thereby also facilitating the (re)installation of the front panel.

[0014] Preferably, viewed from the final assembly position of the emission unit, the air outlet of the emission unit has a forward-extending emission channel.

[0015] The exhaust channel is advantageously designed such that, in its final assembly position, it overlaps with the front panel of the base of the front-enclosed dishwasher, particularly projecting forward by at least the same distance relative to the front panel. When the air outlet of the exhaust unit is advantageously overlapped with the front panel, particularly the bottom panel, of the front-enclosed base using its exhaust channel and projects forward by at least the same distance relative to it, air can be exhausted forward, while moisture reaches the decorative panel mounted on the front side of the front door or the kitchen furniture panel and / or reaches and / or enters the furniture, especially when the dishwasher, for example, is erected on a base in a kitchen mounting niche and built under a kitchen countertop, or preferably built into a small cabinet as a compact appliance in a kitchen furniture mounting niche. Furthermore, the air exhaust portion of the air outlet can be visually inconspicuously accommodated through good design. The exhausted air is thus directed away from the front of the dishwasher according to the invention, particularly away from its front door equipped with decorative panels or kitchen furniture panels and / or adjacent kitchen furniture, thereby preventing moisture accumulation in the kitchen furniture mounting space. In this way, the air, which is usually moist, is discharged from the front end of the exhaust channel, especially the slotted air outlet, and can quickly mix with the drier outside air in the kitchen over a large area.

[0016] The exhaust unit preferably includes an air pre-distributor that extends upward and in width in its final assembled position. A forward-facing exhaust channel, particularly a slotted air outlet, is connected to the upper end of the air pre-distributor, and the air pre-distributor has a connector, particularly on the rear side, for the air supply line. The air distributor is therefore lower in height in the final assembled position of the exhaust unit, i.e., below the forward-extending or protruding exhaust channel. In the final assembled position of the exhaust unit, it is advantageously positioned specifically behind the front panel. In particular, it is removably mounted on the rear wall. The cavity of the air distributor is preferably airtight and / or watertight at its lower end, thereby forming a condensate collection trough in its lower region.

[0017] Specifically, the exhaust unit, including the exhaust channel, air pre-distributor, and connectors for the air supply line, is designed as a one-piece or integrated unit, meaning it forms a single component. This greatly simplifies their assembly / disassembly. It is preferably made of plastic, particularly through plastic injection molding.

[0018] Furthermore, when the front panel is removed, the air outlet of the air distributor supplying air, particularly air for the cleaning chamber, and the connector (particularly including a rear-side air inlet) assigned to it remain connected as a common exhaust unit. An extra-long air connection line or air supply line (which may be designed as a flexible hose or corrugated pipe) is inserted into the connector and held in the assembly position at the connector of the exhaust unit. Therefore, removal of the front panel can be easily achieved without causing the additional problem of forcibly removing the exhaust unit and the air connection line connected to its connector. The air connection line is connected at its upstream end to at least one air outlet in at least one boundary wall of the cleaning chamber. The air outlet is preferably located in the side wall of the cleaning container. An air delivery mechanism, such as a fan, is conveniently inserted into the air connection line to draw air from the cleaning chamber. In this manner, the upstream section of the air connection line connects the air outlet, which is located in the boundary wall of the cleaning chamber, to the air inlet of the air delivery mechanism, while the downstream section of the air connection line liquid-tightly connects the air outlet of the air delivery structure to the discharge unit, preferably at the rear. The air delivery mechanism draws air from the cleaning chamber through the upstream section of the air connection line and discharges it through the discharge unit into its air pre-distributor via the downstream section of the air connection line.

[0019] When the front panel is equipped with a front protective frame that is connected to or can be connected to the exhaust unit, preferably in particular a slotted exhaust channel, the protective frame can cover the serrated edges in the front panel, ensuring forced alignment of the exhaust unit and ensuring that the components are always correctly positioned relative to each other during installation and removal, especially when the protective frame itself is detachably connected to or can be connected to the exhaust unit, particularly by clamping. Preferably, the protective frame is inserted from the front into an upwardly opening cutout area of ​​the front panel and is particularly securely connected to the front panel there, particularly by at least one screw.

[0020] The advantageous joint between the exhaust unit, including the air outlet, and the front panel can be achieved through one or more clamping or snap-fit ​​connections. Such clamping or snap-fit ​​connections are mechanically stable and easy to separate.

[0021] Here, on the rear side of the front panel away from the front side, the retaining cone may be provided with deployable wings distributed around its circumference, and the deployable wings may be connected to the discharge unit. The discharge unit can then be plugged into the retaining cone.

[0022] At least one removable clamping or snap-fit ​​connection can also be provided between the exhaust unit and the protective frame. Here, the forward-protruding, and particularly slotted, exhaust channel of the exhaust unit is detachably connected to the rear side of the protective frame. For this purpose, it is preferable to provide at least one retaining tab for connection with the exhaust unit on the rear side of the protective frame opposite to the front side. The retaining tab can be disengaged from the exhaust unit by means of a tool via a front engagement. When the retaining tab has a locking mechanism, it can automatically lock and securely hold the exhaust unit at the air outlet when the front panel is pressed in.

[0023] In addition to or as an alternative to clamping connections, the joint between the exhaust unit and the front panel, including the air outlet, may include a magnetic connection, for example, achieved by neodymium magnets.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, the junction between the exhaust unit and the front panel, including the air outlet, may also include a hook-and-loop fastener.

[0025] Advantageously, the air vent forms a several-centimeter-long exhaust channel in a forward-facing direction, its exhaust direction sloping downwards at a certain degree relative to the external substrate, such as the kitchen floor. Thus, the humid outflowing air can also rise further forward by projecting downwards to the relatively distant underside of the door panel, and due to its own heat compared to the surrounding cooler kitchen air, it will only rise further in front. The door panel and the front of the surrounding furniture are thus well protected from moisture.

[0026] Specifically, the slope of the drainage channel toward the external substrate, such as the kitchen floor, is between 2° and 10°, preferably between 4° and 6°, so as to allow for desired underside flow to the furniture panel connected to the front door on the front side, but on the other hand, it does not currently drain downwards, causing moisture to form on the external substrate such as the kitchen floor. A slightly larger slope can also be achieved, up to a maximum of about 20°.

[0027] If the overall width of the air outlet is at least 40 cm (especially for a household dishwasher with a width of 60 cm), a very wide and even distribution of moisture and exhaust air can be achieved. The width of the air outlet can occupy almost the entire width of the device in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0028] Specifically, the air outlet is designed as a flat, slotted outlet with an aspect ratio between 1:20 and 1:200, preferably around 1:100 (especially for household dishwashers with a device width of 60 cm). Despite the very low structural and visual height, a large exhaust surface can be achieved.

[0029] High efficiency can be achieved if the air outlet can be controlled by at least one conveying mechanism, such as a fan impeller, arranged in the depth direction behind the exhaust unit including the air outlet in the lower region of the dishwasher. The fan impeller or the like can then be located at approximately the same height as the air outlet itself and can be arranged in a space-saving manner within the base of the dishwasher.

[0030] An advantageous improvement of the invention proposes that the fan impeller or similar conveying mechanism can be controlled in a pulsed or continuous manner, i.e., during the drying phase of the corresponding dishwashing program and / or also several days after the end of the drying phase. In the latter case, the household dishwasher can advantageously be used as a storage or storage device for items to be washed, such as cookware, glasses, tableware, and the like, and these items, previously washed and dried in the corresponding dishwashing program, can also be dried in stages or continuously over a period of several days. Here, the front door of the household dishwasher is preferably kept closed during the regular drying phase of the corresponding dishwashing program to be performed and during any subsequent "storage function phase." The items to be washed are stored in the cleaning chamber of the cleaning container immediately after the end of the drying phase of the previously performed dishwashing program, preferably with the front door closed; this is called the "storage function phase." During the drying phase of the corresponding dishwashing program and any subsequent "storage function phase," the operation of the conveying mechanism can be controlled, if necessary, by moisture detection in the cleaning chamber of the cleaning container.

[0031] Further advantages and features are given by embodiments of the subject matter of the invention, which are shown in the accompanying drawings and described below. Attached Figure Description

[0032] The diagram shows:

[0033] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher is shown from a forward angle, wherein the dishwasher has a retracted base in the lower region.

[0034] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1A side view of the lower part of a household dishwasher shows its front door with a downwardly hanging decorative panel mounted on the front side. Behind it is a bottom recessed space between the dishwasher's forward-protruding washing container and its base or bottom assembly, which retracts in the depth direction relative to the front door. A front panel, erected on the bottom of the feet (as a foot base bracket), is fixed here, for example, at depth intervals before the front side of the base, serving as a carrier for an exhaust unit including an air vent.

[0035] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 An upward-tilted perspective view of the front panel, taken from the central region in a lateral direction. Figure 1 and Figure 2 The recessed area of ​​the base of the household dishwasher, which retracts in the depth direction, is offset back relative to the front door fitted with the decorative panel and is positioned in front of the opposite front section.

[0036] Figure 4 A version of this front panel is shown in a perspective view from the rear, featuring a retaining cone on the rear side for clamping the exhaust unit to the rear of the front panel.

[0037] Figure 5 The view is shown in a tilted forward perspective according to Figure 4 The front panel of this version also shows a protective frame inserted therein, with the forward-extending slot-shaped exhaust channel of the exhaust unit preferably detachably connected to it.

[0038] Figure 6 It shows Figure 5 Maintain a detailed view of the cone.

[0039] Figure 7 It shows Figures 1 to 4 A cross-sectional view of the front panel, which has a retaining tab on the rear side, wherein in the right-hand portion of the view, the retaining tab is disengaged from the front by tool intervention.

[0040] Figure 8 It shows Figures 1 to 7 The rear side of the front panel is viewed from an obliquely upward perspective. The front panel has an exhaust unit mounted thereon, wherein, in this embodiment, the exhaust unit is preferably connected to an associated air supply line at a connector on the rear side, which in this embodiment takes the form of a corrugated hose installed horizontally. Detailed Implementation

[0041] Figure 1 The household appliance illustrated herein is a household dishwasher 1. In principle, other household appliances with drying functions for the items to be processed can also be considered for the purposes of embodiments of the invention.

[0042] The following is based on Figure 1 Describing a household dishwasher 1. The cleaning components may be placed, for example, in a dish basket 11 and / or dish drawer 10 and may be treated with a so-called cleaning solution. The cleaning solution is understood to refer to fresh water, or specifically water circulated during operation, with or without detergent and / or rinsing aids and / or desiccants. In particular, the cleaning solution or washing liquid has been treated with an ion exchanger for softening. The cleaning solution may also contain more or less dirt from the ongoing operation. The cleaning container 2 may have at least a substantially rectangular outline, with its front side V facing the user in the operating position. This front side V may form part of the kitchen facade made of side-by-side kitchen furniture, or in the case of a stand-alone unit, it may be independent of other furniture.

[0043] The cleaning container 2 can be closed by the front door 3 or a cover, particularly on the front side V. The front door 3... Figure 1 The figure shows it in a partially open position, then at an angle to the vertical. However, in its closed position, it is upright and, according to the attached figure, can pivot forward and downward about the lower horizontal axis in the direction of arrow 4 to its opening, so that it is at least almost horizontal when fully open.

[0044] The front door 3 may have a decorative panel 6 on the exterior and front side V of the household dishwasher 1, which is vertical and facing the user in the closed position, so as to provide a visual and / or tactile experience and / or fit in with the surrounding kitchen furniture.

[0045] The household dishwasher is designed here as a stand-alone, or so-called partially integrated, or fully integrated device. In the latter case, the main body 5 may also terminate substantially on the outer wall of the washing container 2. The housing surrounding it can then be removed. In the lower region of the household dishwasher is a base 12 on which the washing container 2 is mounted. This base is specifically designed to house the functional components of the household dishwasher, such as a pump for circulating the cleaning fluid, a drain pump, a pump tank, control devices, etc. Within the base 12 itself, or as in this embodiment, in its front recessed space, is provided an air outlet 14, described below, which is arranged facing forward V-sectionly, overlapping with the front panel 15, which visually closes the base or base recessed space forward.

[0046] In an embodiment according to the accompanying drawings, the movable front door 3 is equipped with a control panel 8 extending in the lateral direction Q of the dishwasher in its upper region. This control panel may include an access opening 7 accessible from the front side V for manually opening and / or closing the door 3. In the lateral direction Q, the dishwasher typically extends 45, 50, or 60 cm. In the depth direction T from the front side V backward, the extension is also typically around 60 cm. These values ​​are not mandatory. Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 does not necessarily need to be directly mounted on the base B, such as in a kitchen space, but can also be installed inside kitchen furniture at approximately eye level to take into account the aforementioned problem of draft effect through the air vent 14. In the case of a fully integrated dishwasher, the front control panel 8 on the upper part of the front door is omitted, and instead, a control panel is installed on the upper edge of the front door. Other arrangements of the control panel on and / or within the front door are also possible. The control panel can be omitted entirely if necessary, for example, when the operation of the dishwasher can be controlled and / or monitored using a mobile communication device such as a smartphone.

[0047] When the door or cover is closed, the cleaning container 2 is defined by three fixed vertical walls and two horizontal walls, one of which forms the top cover (upper part) of the cleaning container 2, and the other forms the bottom (lower part) of the cleaning container 2. The left vertical sidewall is adjacent to the front side V facing the user on the left side in the lateral direction Q and is adjacent to the right vertical sidewall on the right side.

[0048] The bottom of the washing container 2 and the walls that define it substantially downwards are roughly horizontally positioned above the base 12, i.e., parallel to the outer base B, specifically in kitchen areas where the dishwasher 1 can stand upright. Higher installations, such as at countertop height, are also possible, as mentioned particularly in cabinetry. In the installation position, the lower edge of the dishwasher 1 is approximately 70 to 110 centimeters above the base B.

[0049] The dishwasher 1 is provided with at least one air outlet 14 for discharging particularly humid air from the washing chamber of the washing container 2. This air outlet 14 allows air, particularly humid air, from outside the washing chamber of the washing container to be discharged into the free space on the front side V of the dishwasher 1 facing the user, preventing the introduction of humid air into the internal kitchen unit, which could potentially damage the unit due to moisture. Discharging particularly humid air from the washing chamber through the air outlet 14 preferably occurs during the drying phase at the end of the dishwashing program to be performed and / or during at least one additional drying phase of a subsequent "storage function phase." In all cases, the front door 3 remains closed.

[0050] Air outlet 14 is part of emission unit 16, which is located in Figure 2 , Figure 4 , Figure 8As shown in the example, at least one air outlet 14 extends more than two-thirds of the width of the household dishwasher 1, and in particular more. This allows for a particularly uniform distribution of the exhausted air, thereby minimizing suction phenomena.

[0051] The emission unit 16 can be made entirely of plastic. Furthermore, the air outlet 14 can be divided into multiple side-by-side local slits. They do not all need to be of the same length. The important thing is to form a wide overall air outlet 14, which enables a high air throughput to achieve a broad distribution of moisture contained in the air.

[0052] Air outlet 14 is arranged in the lower quarter of the appliance height and extends as a single or multiple slotted outlet beyond at least two-thirds of the width of the dishwasher 1, as described. Specifically, the width of air outlet 14 is at least 40 cm (particularly in a dishwasher with an appliance width of 60 cm). It may also extend across almost the entire width of the dishwasher 1.

[0053] like Figure 3 As shown, for example, the front panel 15, which covers the front base 12, has a cutout 17 of appropriate width in its upper region to accommodate the exhaust channel 18 of the air outlet 14, allowing it to be arranged superimposed on the upper edge of the front panel 15 towards the front side V in the assembled position of the air outlet 14 and to exhaust air forward. Specifically, the exhaust channel 18 protrudes at least to the front upper edge of the front panel 15. The air outlet 14 is thus arranged superimposed on the front panel 15 that closes the front base 12, or protrudes at least the same distance towards the front side V compared to the front panel. In the side view, the exhaust unit 16 thus has a generally inverted L-shape, with the exhaust channel 18 forming a generally horizontal short leg of the L-shape and pointing towards the front side V.

[0054] The exhaust unit 16, including air outlet 14, is directly or indirectly fixed to the front panel 15, which is mounted to the front V and visually closes the recessed area of ​​the front base of the dishwasher at the front. Figure 2 In this embodiment, the base panel, within the base recess space, is arranged with the decorative panel 6 projecting downwards toward the base B relative to the front door 3, staggered at a depth interval in the depth direction, and positioned in the depth direction in front of the front side of the base 12 with a gap. It stands on the base B using its bottom side. Overlapping with the upper edge of the front panel 15, particularly the exhaust channel 18 located at its upper edge, it is positioned below the lower edge of the decorative panel 6 with a gap in its height direction, allowing its lower edge to pivot freely back into the return space without obstruction along the movement circular section. This... Figure 2The area is represented by a dashed line. Furthermore, this free space allows the airflow exiting the exhaust opening to flow freely forward horizontally or downward at a certain angle, away from the lower edge of the trim panel 6, into the free space in front of the front door fitted with the trim panel.

[0055] In an embodiment, the discharge unit 16 preferably has an air pre-distributor 29, which protrudes upward and extends in the width direction in its final assembled position. An exhaust passage 18, particularly a slotted air outlet 14, extends forward and is connected to the upper end of the air pre-distributor. The air pre-distributor also has a connector 19, particularly on the rear side, for the air supply line 20 (see [link]). Figure 8 Therefore, viewed from a height perspective, the final assembly position of the air distributor exhaust unit 16 is low, i.e., below the forward-extending or protruding exhaust channel 18. Specifically, it is detachably mounted or retained on its rear wall. The cavity of the air distributor is preferably airtight and / or watertight at its lower end, thereby forming a condensate collection trough in its lower region.

[0056] Specifically, the exhaust unit 16, comprising the exhaust channel 18, air pre-distributor 29, and air supply line connector 19, is designed as a one-piece or integrated unit, i.e., it forms a single component. This greatly simplifies their assembly / disassembly. It is preferably made of plastic, particularly by plastic injection molding.

[0057] When the front panel 15 is removed, the joint between the exhaust unit 16, including the air outlet 14, and the front panel 15 is removable. Therefore, even when the front panel 15 is open, the exhaust unit 16 can be held together as a single unit, for example, for maintenance purposes. For this purpose, the front panel 15 is specifically tilted forward and extends forward from the bottom recessed space, holding it in place and eliminating the need for removal. This greatly simplifies the process when access to the base 12 is required and eliminates the possibility of errors, such as incorrect reassembly.

[0058] For particular simplification, when removing the front panel 15, the joint between the exhaust unit 16, including the air outlet 14, and the front panel 15 can be removed without tools, which makes the work of the corresponding assembler particularly easy.

[0059] In the simplest case, which will be discussed in more detail below, the joint between the exhaust unit 16, including the air outlet 14, and the front panel 15 can be easily separated by removing the front panel 15. It is then sufficient to pull the front panel 15 away in a forward V-shape and / or turn it away, and the retaining connection with the exhaust unit 16 is automatically released without any further working steps.

[0060] According to another design, it is also possible to bring the joint between the exhaust unit 16, including the air outlet 14, and the front panel 15 into the engagement position without using tools by installing the front panel 15. If the front panel is pushed back or rotated back to its initial position on the equipment body, it is sufficient to connect to the exhaust unit 16. This is certainly the simplest solution for the assembler.

[0061] When the current panel 15 is removed, for example for repair or maintenance purposes, regardless of the type of removable joint, the air outlet 14 with the air distributor and the connector 19 on the rear side remain connected as a common exhaust unit 16, and a particularly long air supply line (air supply line) 20 (in this embodiment, see [reference]) is introduced into the connector 19. Figure 8 A corrugated pipe or a flexible air hose laid flat in the lateral direction Q, preferably in the assembled position, can be held in the exhaust unit 16. The exhaust unit 16 and the air supply line 20 thus remain connected as a common unit when and after the base plate is removed. The air supply line is preferably designed to be extra-long, passing through and secured therein to the connector 19, which is held in this assembled position because the entire exhaust unit 16 can be removed from the front panel 15 before excessive pulling force is applied at the connection point between the air supply line 20 and the connector 19, which could cause the air supply line 20 to detach from the connector 19 and / or be applied to the air supply line 20, potentially causing it to overload or be damaged.

[0062] like Figure 5 As can be seen, in one version, the front panel 15 may be equipped with a front protective frame 21, which is designed, for example, as a ventilation grille and utilizes frame components on the edge side to overlap with the edge of the cutout 17, such as a serrated edge, in order to cover any possible openings. The protective frame 21 is preferably inserted from the front side V and thus can be supported on the exhaust unit 16 behind it, particularly its forward-protruding or extending exhaust channel 18, and cannot be placed rearward into a household dishwasher. Therefore, the protective frame, according to... Figure 7 The version is equipped with at least one retaining tab 22 on the rear side. It has a locking element 23. The discharge unit 16 can thus engage with the discharge channel 18 from the inside between two elastic retaining lines 24 (e.g., rubber), the discharge channel 18 is thus fixed at its position reaching the front V of the front panel and is fixedly connected to the discharge unit 16 by the downwardly elastically pre-tightened retaining tab 22.

[0063] The locking element 23 can be simply engaged in a form-fitting manner in the corresponding undercut on the air pre-distributor 29 and / or the exhaust channel 18, or simply acted upon by force on the exhaust unit 16. In the case of form-fitting engagement, a clamping connection that automatically engages when the front panel 15 is pushed up is created as the joint between the exhaust unit 16 and the front panel 15. To release the locking element 23 from the undercut on the air pre-distributor 29 and / or the exhaust channel 18, a tool 25 can be inserted from the front of the protective frame 21, such as... Figure 7 The rightmost part of the diagram is shown.

[0064] The clamping connection between the exhaust unit 16, including the air outlet 14, and the front panel 15 is also as follows: Figures 4 to 6 As shown. There, on the rear side of the front panel 15 opposite to the front side V, the retaining cone 26 is equipped with deployable wings 27 distributed around its circumference, which can be locked into connection with the exhaust unit, in particular its air pre-distributor 29. This connection can be closed by pressing the front panel 15 backward toward the front side V and can be opened by pulling it in the direction of the front side V.

[0065] Additionally or alternatively, the junction between the exhaust unit 16, including the air outlet 14, and the front panel 15 may also include a magnetic connection and / or a hook-and-loop connection, which are not shown here.

[0066] As described above, the air outlet 14, with its wide exhaust channel 18 extending laterally in the Q direction but guiding air in the forward V direction, is superimposed on the front panel 15 of the forward-closing base 12 and protrudes at least the same distance forward V compared to the front panel. The base 12 can be recessed by a few centimeters relative to the door 3 using the front panel 15 on the front side, but the lower edge of the door 3 is prevented from getting wet by the forward component of the air outlet velocity. Furthermore, according to an advantageous design, the upper guide of the air outlet 14 on its exhaust channel 18, such as the upper wall, can be arranged to be slightly inclined, so that the escaping air enters the space at a downward angle of a few degrees. Therefore, the air outlet is not completely horizontal, but can pass through the downward component below the door 3 without causing moisture damage there. The wide extension of the air outlet 14 prevents a suction effect. With the downward component, the exhausted air is carried a few centimeters before the device, that is, the rising component is made effective, especially by a direct path, i.e., unobstructed or without deflection, so that the blown air is generally warmer than the surrounding room air. A downward component between 2° and 10°, and a downward exhaust angle between 4° and 6° relative to the horizontal plane, is particularly advantageous to protect the door from moisture without blowing moisture directly onto the door's exterior base B, such as the kitchen floor.

[0067] Specifically, for this purpose, the air outlet 14 with the exhaust channel 18 is designed as a flat slotted outlet, the aspect ratio of which is preferably between 1:20 and 1:200, and more preferably approximately 1:100 (particularly for household dishwashers with a width of 60 cm). Then, for an air outlet 14 40 cm wide (particularly for household dishwashers with a width of 60 cm), its vertical height is particularly less than about 8 mm, preferably about 4 mm. This ensures that the air outlet 14 occupies very little installation space in the vertical direction, and that the overall extension of the air outlet 14 is large enough to exhaust a large volume, thereby maintaining a very low airflow.

[0068] For the air supply, at least one delivery mechanism can be assigned to the pipeline in connection with or before the air outlet 14, and it can also be controlled in a pulse manner, even over a period of several days.

[0069] This type of household dishwasher 1 can also be equipped with a so-called "storage function," which allows the cleaned items to remain in the washing container 2 after processing without becoming wet again. This retention can last for several days without the cleaned items becoming less dry. The household dishwasher 1 thus also functions as a storage and drying cabinet from which cleaned items can be removed fresh and dry.

[0070] For this purpose, the conveying mechanism can be controlled in a pulse manner. Optionally and particularly effectively, the conveying mechanism is controlled by a humidity sensor system that provides a measurement of the current moisture content of the items being cleaned in the cleaning chamber.

[0071] In both cases, the conveying mechanism is only activated occasionally to repeatedly deliver humid air from the cleaning container 2, thereby maintaining the cleanliness of the items to be washed, even over longer periods. Due to the very short effective operating time, energy requirements are low, as is the noise level from at least one fan impeller or similar conveying mechanism.

[0072] However, it is advantageous for the air to be blown out, especially the air in the washing chamber, if the conveying mechanism operates continuously during the drying phase of the corresponding dishwashing program and / or throughout the entire duration of any subsequent "storage function phase" and / or another operating phase of the air in the household dishwasher.

[0073] Reference number list

[0074] 1. Household dishwasher

[0075] 2. Clean the container.

[0076] 3. Front door,

[0077] 4. Deflection direction,

[0078] 5. Main body of the equipment,

[0079] 6. Decorative panels,

[0080] 7. Access openings,

[0081] 8. Control Panel

[0082] 10 cutlery drawers

[0083] 11. Ceramic cutlery basket

[0084] 12 bases,

[0085] 13. Clean the walls of the container.

[0086] 14. Air outlet,

[0087] 15. Front panel,

[0088] 16 emission units,

[0089] 17. Incision

[0090] 18 emission channels,

[0091] 19 connectors

[0092] 20. Air supply lines

[0093] 21. Protection Framework

[0094] 22 tablets,

[0095] 23 Locking elements,

[0096] 24. Maintain the line.

[0097] 25 tools

[0098] 26. Maintain the cone shape.

[0099] 27. Deploy the wings.

[0100] 28. Conveying mechanism

[0101] 29. Air pre-distributor for the emission unit.

[0102] V front side,

[0103] Q refers to the horizontal direction.

[0104] B. Substrate, such as kitchen flooring.

[0105] H is the vertical height.

[0106] T represents the depth direction.

Claims

1. A household dishwasher (1) having at least one air outlet (14) for discharging air from a cleaning container (2) capable of handling cleaning items in the cleaning container, the household dishwasher further having a front door (3) and a front panel (15), the front panel being attached to the front side (V) of the household dishwasher and the front panel being a base frame or base plate covering the lower base area of ​​the household dishwasher on the front side below the front door (3). Its features are, An exhaust unit (16) including at least one of the air outlets (14) is arranged in the lower quarter of the device height of the household dishwasher, the air outlet (14) extending as a slotted outlet through at least two-thirds of the width of the household dishwasher (1), and the exhaust unit (16) including the air outlet (14) is able to be held directly or indirectly on the front panel (15) at the front side (V) of the household dishwasher, such that the exhaust unit (16) including the air outlet (14) can be removed from the front panel (15) when the front panel (15) is removed, and the joint between the exhaust unit (16) including the air outlet (14) and the front panel (15) can be removed by removing the front panel (15).

2. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The air is humid.

3. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning items are cookware and tableware.

4. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that, The cleaning component is a glass cup.

5. The household dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, When the front panel (15) is removed, the joint between the exhaust unit (16) including the air outlet (14) and the front panel (15) can be removed without tools.

6. The household dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The joint between the exhaust unit (16) including the air outlet (14) and the front panel (15) can be entered into the joint position without tools by assembling the front panel (15).

7. The household dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The air outlet (14) of the emission unit (16) has an emission channel (18) extending toward the front side (V) at the final assembly position of the emission unit.

8. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The discharge channel (18) is designed such that the discharge channel is arranged superimposed on the front panel (15) of the base (12) of the household dishwasher at the final assembly position of the discharge unit (16).

9. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that, The emission unit (16) includes an air pre-distributor (29) which protrudes upward and extends in the width direction at the final assembly position of the emission unit. The upper end of the air pre-distributor is connected to the emission passage (18) extending toward the front side (V) of the slotted air outlet (14). The air pre-distributor has a rear-side connector (19) for the air supply line (20).

10. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The air pre-distributor (29) of the emission unit (16) is arranged behind the front panel (15) at the final assembly position of the emission unit.

11. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, When the front panel (15) is removed, the air outlet (14) with the air pre-distributor (29) and the connector (19) on the rear side remain connected as an exhaust unit (16), the air pre-distributor supplies air to the air outlet, and the air supply line (20) leading to the connector (19) can be held in the exhaust unit (16) in the assembled position.

12. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The air supply line is a flexible connecting hose.

13. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that, The air supply line is a corrugated pipe.

14. The household dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The front panel (15) is equipped with a front protective frame (21), which can be connected to the emission unit (16).

15. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The front panel (15) is equipped with a front protective frame (21), which can be connected to the air outlet (14) of the emission unit.

16. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, The protective frame (21) can be detachably connected to the emission unit (16).

17. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 16, characterized in that, The protective frame (21) can be detachably connected to the air outlet (14) of the emission unit by clamping.

18. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that, The connection method at the joint between the emission unit (16) including the air outlet (14) and the front panel (15) includes a clamping connection.

19. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 18, characterized in that, A retaining cone (26) is provided on the rear side of the front panel (15) away from the front side (V), and deployable wings (27) are distributed around the circumference of the retaining cone. The deployable wings can be connected to the discharge unit (16).

20. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 19, characterized in that, A retaining cone (26) is provided on the rear side of the front panel (15) away from the front side (V), and deployable wings (27) are distributed around the circumference of the retaining cone. The deployable wings can be connected to the protruding air pre-distributor (29) of the emission unit.

21. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that, At least one retaining piece (22) for connection with the emission unit (16) is provided on the rear side of the protective frame (21) opposite to the front side (V).

22. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 21, characterized in that, The retaining plate (22) can be disengaged from the emission unit (16) by the engagement tool on the front side (V).

23. The household dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connection between the exhaust unit (16) including the air outlet (14) and the front panel (15) includes a magnetic connection.

24. The household dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The connection method at the joint between the exhaust unit (16) including the air outlet (14) and the front panel (15) includes a hook-and-loop fastener connection.

25. The household dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The air outlet (14) forms an exhaust channel (18) several centimeters long in the direction toward the front side (V), and the exhaust direction of the exhaust channel is inclined downwards at a certain degree relative to the base (B).

26. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 25, characterized in that, The inclination of the discharge channel (18) toward the base is between 2° and 10°.

27. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 26, characterized in that, The inclination of the discharge channel (18) toward the base is between 4° and 6°.

28. The household dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, In the case of a household dishwasher with a device width of 60 cm, the overall width of the air outlet (14) is at least 40 cm.

29. The household dishwasher (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, The air outlet (14) is designed as a flat slotted outlet with an aspect ratio between 1:20 and 1:

200.

30. The household dishwasher (1) according to claim 29, characterized in that, The air outlet (14) is designed as a flat slotted outlet with an aspect ratio of 1:100.

Images