Domestic dishwasher

Abstract

A domestic dishwasher comprising a machine body formed with a washing chamber, a door (26b) held pivotable on the machine body and a door latch. The door latch comprises a latch assembly provided on the machine body and having a closure member (42b) and a closure spring device, and an engagement structure (36b) provided on the door; the closure member forms a closure engagement with the engagement structure when the door is closed and can exert a pull-together action on the door by relaxation of the closure spring device. The door comprises an inner door lining (32b) made of sheet metal material which extends to the top edge of the door, the door lining having a first lining wall portion (38b) which adjoins the top edge of the door and extends parallel to the door plane, and a second lining wall portion (40b) which adjoins the first lining wall portion in the direction towards the bottom edge of the door and extends away from the door in transverse, in particular perpendicular, to the door plane. In the height region of the first lining wall portion, in the portion of the door which is covered by the top edge of the door, an insertion space (44b) is provided for the insertion of the closure member when the door is closed.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a domestic dishwasher which allows the door of the dishwasher to be manufactured with a reduced thickness. BACKGROUND

[0002] In a dishwasher for domestic use, in order to be able to wash as many dishes as possible in one operating cycle of the dishwasher, it is often necessary to have a washing chamber of as large a volume as possible. For the outer dimensions of the dishwasher, the manufacturer usually adheres to certain standardized maximum values, particularly in the case of built-in appliances. This makes it possible for models from different manufacturers to be installed in a standard-sized niche. In order to increase the volume of the washing chamber, however, it is conceivable to design the door of the dishwasher with a reduced thickness, thereby creating more space for accommodating dishes in the depth of the washing chamber. However, a reduced door thickness can lead to difficulties when a conventional door latch concept is employed. Dishwashers are usually designed with a door latch. The purpose of the door latch is to keep the door closed after it has been closed by hand. To this end, the door latch comprises latch components, some of which are usually arranged on the door and others on the machine body, to which the door is pivotably mounted. If the thickness of the door is reduced, for example, it can happen that the door no longer closes tightly (if the conventional latch concept is to be employed without adaptation). However, a reliable sealing of the washing chamber against the escape of liquid or hot steam is indispensable in a domestic dishwasher. SUMMARY

[0003] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a domestic dishwasher which ensures a reliable latching function of the door of the machine even if the door thickness is reduced.

[0004] To this end, the present invention provides a domestic dishwasher comprising a machine body having a washing chamber formed therein, a door mounted on the machine body and pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis, and a door latch. The door latch comprises a latch assembly provided on the machine body and having a movable arranged closing member and a closing spring device, and an engagement structure provided on the door. In the closed position of the door, the closing member forms a closing engagement with the engagement structure, wherein a pulling-together action can be exerted on the door by relaxation of the closing spring device. The door comprises an inner door lining made of sheet metal material, which reaches up to the top edge of the door. The door lining has a first lining wall portion which is arranged adjacent to the top edge of the door and extends substantially parallel to the door plane, and a second lining wall portion which is present adjacent to the first lining wall portion in the direction towards the bottom edge of the door and extends in a direction away from the door transversely to the door plane, in particular substantially perpendicularly to the door plane. According to the invention, in the height region of the first lining wall portion, in the portion of the door which is covered by the upper edge of the door, an insertion space is provided which allows the closing member to be inserted into the insertion space when the door is closed.

[0005] The presence of the insertion space allows the engagement structure to be displaced in a direction towards the front side of the door. This makes it possible to construct a door with a reduced thickness.

[0006] According to another approach, the mentioned object can be achieved in that an opening is formed in the door lining, in which an insert made of, for example, a plastic material and carrying the engagement structure is held. The opening is here formed at least partially in the first lining wall portion. In some embodiments, the opening extends from the first lining wall portion into the second lining wall portion.

[0007] According to yet another approach, the mentioned object can be achieved in that, according to the invention, the engagement structure is formed by an engagement recess that is recessed relative to the second lining wall portion, wherein the engagement recess is formed by a recess component that is made of, in particular, a plastic material and is inserted into an opening formed in the door lining and extends into the portion of the door that is covered by the door top edge.

[0008] Finally, for achieving the mentioned object, another approach is that, according to the invention, the engagement structure is formed by an engagement web that is arranged in the height region of the first lining wall portion and extends in the vertical direction of the door, wherein the engagement web is formed on a web carrier component that is made of, in particular, a plastic material and is inserted into an opening formed in the door lining and extends into the portion of the door that is covered by the door top edge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] The invention is explained further below with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0010] Figure 1 A domestic dishwasher according to one exemplary embodiment is shown in perspective view;

[0011] Figure 2 An exemplary embodiment of an engagement structure that cooperates with a closing member to keep the door of the dishwasher closed is shown schematically;

[0012] Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment of an engagement structure that cooperates with a closing member is shown schematically;

[0013] Figure 4 A perspective view of a detail of the door of the dishwasher with a web carrier component according to one exemplary embodiment;

[0014] Figure 5 A detail of the door of Figure 4 is shown, wherein components of a latching assembly according to one exemplary embodiment are added;

[0015] Figure 6 This is a perspective view of the details of a dishwasher door, which has a depression component according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 The door details, in which a component of a latch assembly according to another exemplary embodiment is added. Detailed Implementation

[0017] First refer to Figure 1 The dishwasher shown in the figure is generally designated as 10. The dishwasher includes a washing container (body) 12 in which a washing chamber 24 is formed, defined between two opposing side walls 14, 16, a rear wall 18, a top wall 20, and a bottom wall 22 of the washing container 12. A door 26 is mounted on the washing container 12 to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis 28 (indicated by dashed lines) near the ground. The door 26 serves to close an access opening 30 leading to the washing chamber 24, which is formed on the front side of the washing container.

[0018] Door 26 has an inner side 29 and an outer side 31 (see) Figure 2 , 3 ).exist Figure 1 In the illustration, the outer side 31 of door 26 is not visible; when door 26 is fully opened to the horizontal position, its outer side faces the ground (where dishwasher 10 stands). When door 26 is closed, the inner side 29 faces the wash chamber 24; the outer side 31 can also be referred to as the front side of door 26 because, when door 26 is closed, the outer side faces the user standing in front of dishwasher 10. On its inner side 29, door 26 has a liner 32, which is typically made of sheet metal and extends to the top edge 34 of the door. The top edge 34 of the door is the upward-pointing edge of door 26 when door 26 is closed, i.e., when the door plane is substantially vertical. At least in the case of a fully integrated dishwasher, one or more displays and / or control elements used by the user to control dishwasher 10 are typically located in the top edge 34 of the door. On the opposite portion of the periphery of door 26, the door has a bottom edge, which is not specifically indicated in the drawing and faces the ground when door 26 is closed.

[0019] A connecting structure 36 is formed on the door 26, which, when the door 26 is closed, connects with the dishwashing container 12 and... Figure 1The latch assemblies 38, indicated in dashed lines, cooperate to keep the door 26 closed. The engagement structure 36 and the latch assemblies 38 together form a door latch of the dishwasher 10. The latch assemblies 38 are fitted to a container top (body top) of the washing container 12 formed by the top wall 20. When the door 26 is closed, the engagement structure 36 forms a closing engagement with the movably arranged closing member of the latch assemblies 38. The latch assemblies 38 also have a closing spring device which, when the door 26 is closed, is relaxed and thereby pulls the door 26 closed and at the same time the door seal is compressed, which seal is in the Figure 1 not shown in detail in the drawings and is applied to the inner liner 32 when the door 26 is closed. In order to open the door 26 by hand, the user has to exert sufficient force to overcome the closing-keeping effect of the closing spring device. The closing member and the closing spring device are not shown in detail in the drawings, but an exemplary construction will become apparent from the other drawings and the related explanations. Figure 1 not shown in detail in the drawings, but an exemplary construction will become apparent from the other drawings and the related explanations. Figure 1 The pin-like or rib-like construction of the engagement structure 36 shown is also only an example; although this construction is mentioned in the exemplary embodiments explained below, other exemplary embodiments are based on other constructions of the engagement structure 36.

[0020] From the door top edge 34 and in the direction towards the door bottom edge, the inner liner 32 forms a first liner wall portion 38 which extends essentially parallel to the door plane of the door 26 and which is adjacent to the door top edge 34. Adjoining this first liner wall portion 38 is a second liner wall portion 40 which, together with the first liner wall portion 38, is made from a common sheet metal piece and which extends essentially perpendicularly to the door plane in a direction away from the door plane. The two liner wall portions 38, 40 thus essentially form a right angle with each other and form a step at which the inner liner 32 protrudes in the direction towards the washing chamber 24 (considering the case in which the door 26 is closed).

[0021] If the protruding extent of the inner lining 32 is sufficiently large, the engagement structure 36 can be mounted completely on the second lining wall portion 40 and at a sufficient distance from the first lining wall portion 38 so that the closing member, when the door 26 is closed, can engage behind the engagement structure 36 without interfering with the first lining wall portion 38. However, if the protruding extent of the inner lining 32 from the first lining wall portion 38 to the second lining wall portion 40 at the step has to be reduced in order to increase the volume available in the dishwashing chamber 24 for accommodating dishes and pans and the door is to be designed accordingly with a reduced thickness, it is no longer ensured that there is sufficient space behind the engagement structure 36 for the aforementioned closing member when the door 26 is closed not to interfere with the first lining wall portion 38. Therefore, the exemplary embodiment according to the application provides for a configuration in which an insertion space is formed in the height region of the first lining wall portion 38, which insertion space is covered by the door top edge 34 and into which the closing member can be inserted when the door 26 is closed so as to be able to engage behind the engagement structure 36. In order to explain this and other aspects in more detail, reference will now be made to the other figures. In these figures, components or structures that are identical or have the same effect have the same reference signs as in Figure 1 the above description, but with the addition of a lower case letter. In the following, components or structures that are identical or have the same effect are referred to as in the above description, unless stated otherwise.

[0022] The exemplary embodiment of the Figure 2 will be explained next. Figure 2 A vertical cross section through the door 26a in the region of the door top edge 34a is shown schematically. The engagement structure 36a is in the form of an elongate shape here in the form of a web or pin and extends in the vertical direction of the door 26a. The reference sign 42a denotes a closing member, which can be part of the latch assembly 38 of the Figure 1 . The closing member 42a can be in the form of a gripper, for example, which can be moved in the direction of the arrow 44a in the closed position of the door 26a. The closing member 42a is designed to engage behind the engagement structure 36a when the door 26a is closed. Figure 1the door top edge 34a, an insertion space 44a is formed into which the closure member 42a can be inserted when the door 26a is closed. The presence of the insertion space 44a allows the engagement structure 36a to be moved close to the first lining wall portion 38a, although the distance between the engagement structure 36a and the first lining wall portion 38a is reduced, the closure member 42a is still able to reliably engage behind the engagement structure 36a, since the closure member can use the insertion space 44a for this purpose. The reduced distance between the engagement structure 36a and the first lining wall portion 38a in turn can serve to reduce the overall thickness of the door 26a.

[0023] In Figure 3 exemplary embodiments, the engagement structure 36b is in the form of an engagement recess which is recessed relative to the second lining wall portion 40b and into which the closure member 42b can engage with a downwardly projecting closure lug 46b. For further details of a door latch with a closure member which inserts into such an engagement recess with a closure lug when the door is closed, reference can be made, for example, to DE 10 2006 037 494 A1, the entire content of which is incorporated herein by explicit reference. It can be seen from Figure 3 that the engagement recess 36b is not only formed in the second lining wall portion 40b but also extends into the region of the door 26b which is covered by the door top edge 34b, so that, in Figure 3 exemplary embodiments, an insertion space 44b is also formed in the height region of the first lining wall portion 38b into which the closure member 42b can move when the door 26b is closed so that it can form a closure engagement with the engagement recess 36b. The displacement of the engagement recess 36b in the direction towards the outer side 31b of the door 26b again makes it possible to reduce the thickness of the door 26b.

[0024] Thus, in exemplary embodiments according to Figure 2 and Figure 3 a conventional latch concept can be used despite the reduction in the door thickness, as shown and described, for example, in the mentioned documents DE 10 2016 008 044 B4 and DE 10 2006 037 494 A1.

[0025] Reference will next be made to Figure 4 and Figure 5 . These figures show exemplary embodiments which implement the structural and functional principles according to Figure 2 . As can be seen from the figures, the door 26 is provided with a door latch 28 which is designed as a door latch according to the application.Figure 4 It can be seen that an opening 48c (e.g. by means of a stamping process) has been introduced into the inner lining 32c, into which an engagement strut carrier part 50c has been inserted. The engagement strut carrier part 50c can be held in the opening 48c by means of, for example, a snap-in connection (not shown in detail) or in another suitable manner. The engagement strut carrier part is, for example, an injection-moulded plastic part which not only serves as a carrier for the engagement structure (engagement strut) 36c, but also provides the insertion space 44c. The engagement structure 36c can be, for example, an integral part of the engagement strut carrier part 50c. The opening 48c is formed for the most part in the first lining wall portion 38c and extends beyond the interface between the first and second lining wall portions 38c, 40c into the region of the second lining wall portion 40c. In the inserted state, the engagement strut carrier part 50c projects into the region of the door 26c which is covered by the door top edge 34c, so that an insertion space 44c of the desired size can be provided.

[0026] According to Figure 5 , the latch assembly 38c comprises a rotary clamp as the closing member 42c, which clamp has two clamp jaw portions 52c, 54c which clamp the engagement strut-like engagement structure 36c therebetween when the door is closed. This state is shown in Figure 5 It can be seen that the clamp jaw portion 54c which engages behind the engagement structure 36c when the door is closed makes use of and is inserted into the insertion space 44c formed in the engagement strut carrier part 50c. In the example shown, the latch assembly 38c also has a closing spring 56c which is connected to the closing member 42c and which generates a pulling-shut action when the door 26c is closed, and, when the door 26c is closed, exerts a hold-closed force against opening thereof.

[0027] Finally, reference is made to an exemplary embodiment according to Figure 6 and Figure 7 which implements the structural and functional principles of Figure 3 . According to Figure 6 , the opening 48d is again formed for the most part in the first lining wall portion 38d, but extends into the second lining wall portion 40d. A recess part 58d is inserted into the opening 48d, which recess part, together with the insertion space 44d which is required for the closing member 42d when the door 26d is closed in order for the closing lug 46d of the closing member 42d to form a closing engagement with the engagement recess, forms the engagement recess as the engagement structure 36d. The recess part 58d can also be, for example, an injection-moulded plastic part. Although in Figure 7As not shown in detail, the closure member 42d is also coupled with a closure spring (see, for example, the closure spring 94 of DE 10 2006 037 494 A1 described above), which performs a pull-to-close function when closing the door 26d, and which has to be overcome for opening the door 26d.

Claims

1. A domestic dishwasher, comprising: a machine body having a dishwasher chamber formed therein; a door mounted on the machine body so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis; and a door latch, wherein the door latch comprises a latch assembly provided on the machine body and an engagement structure provided on the door, wherein the latch assembly has a movable arranged closing member and a closing spring device, wherein, upon closing of the door, the closing member forms a closing engagement with the engagement structure and, by relaxation of the closing spring device, a pull-together action is exerted on the door, wherein the door comprises a door lining made of sheet metal material, which extends to the interior of the door top edge, wherein the door lining has a first lining wall portion which is arranged adjacent to the door top edge and extends in a plane which is substantially parallel to the door plane, wherein a second lining wall portion adjoins the first lining wall portion in a direction towards the door bottom edge, wherein the second lining wall portion extends in a direction away from the door transversely to the door plane, wherein, in the height region of the first lining wall portion, in the portion of the door which is covered by the door top edge, an insertion space is provided for the insertion of the closing member upon closing of the door, so that the closing member extends through the plane of the first lining wall portion. An opening is formed in the door lining, in which an insert carrying the engagement structure is held, 2. The domestic dishwasher according to claim 1, wherein wherein the opening is formed at least partially in the first lining wall portion. The opening extends from the first lining wall portion into the second lining wall portion.

3. The domestic dishwasher according to claim 2, wherein The engagement structure is formed by an engagement recess which is recessed relative to the second lining wall portion, 4. The domestic dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein wherein the engagement recess is formed by a recess component which is inserted into the opening formed in the door lining and extends into the portion of the door which is covered by the door top edge. The engagement structure is formed by an engagement rib which is provided in the height region of the first lining wall portion and extends in the vertical direction of the door, 5. The domestic dishwasher according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein wherein the engagement rib is formed on a rib carrier component which is inserted into the opening formed in the door lining and extends into the portion of the door which is covered by the door top edge.

6. A domestic dishwasher, comprising: a machine body having a dishwasher chamber formed therein; a door mounted on the machine body so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis; and a door latch, wherein the door latch comprises a latch assembly provided on the machine body and an engagement structure provided on the door, wherein the latch assembly has a movable arranged closing member and a closing spring device, wherein, upon closing of the door, the closing member forms a closing engagement with the engagement structure and, by relaxation of the closing spring device, a pull-together action is exerted on the door, wherein the door comprises a door lining made of sheet metal material, which extends to the interior of the door top edge, wherein the door lining has a first lining wall portion which is arranged adjacent to the door top edge and extends in a plane which is substantially parallel to the door plane, wherein a second lining wall portion adjoins the first lining wall portion in a direction towards the door bottom edge, wherein the second lining wall portion extends in a direction away from the door transversely to the door plane, wherein, in the height region of the first lining wall portion, in the portion of the door which is covered by the door top edge, an insertion space is provided for the insertion of the closing member upon closing of the door, so that the closing member extends through the plane of the first lining wall portion. wherein the second lining wall portion adjoins the first lining wall portion in a direction towards the door bottom edge, wherein the second lining wall portion extends transversely to the door plane in a direction away from the door, wherein an opening is formed in the door lining, into which opening an insert carrying the engagement structure is held, wherein the opening is formed at least partially in the first lining wall portion, wherein the closing member extends through the plane of the first lining wall portion.

7. A domestic dishwasher, comprising: a machine body having a dishwasher chamber formed therein; a door mounted on the machine body so as to be pivotable about a horizontal pivot axis; and a door latch, wherein the door latch comprises a latch assembly provided on the machine body and an engagement structure provided on the door, wherein the latch assembly has a closing member and a closing spring device which are arranged movably, wherein, when the door is closed, the closing member forms a closing engagement with the engagement structure and, by relaxation of the closing spring device, a pulling-together action can be exerted on the door, wherein the door comprises a door lining made of sheet metal material which extends to the interior of the door top edge, wherein the door lining has a first lining wall portion which is arranged adjacent to the door top edge and extends in a plane which is substantially parallel to the door plane, wherein a second lining wall portion adjoins the first lining wall portion in a direction towards the door bottom edge, wherein the second lining wall portion extends transversely to the door plane in a direction away from the door, wherein one of the following applies: (a) the engagement structure is formed by an engagement recess which is recessed relative to the second lining wall portion, the engagement recess being formed by a recess component which is inserted into an opening formed in the door lining and extends into the portion of the door which is covered by the door top edge, wherein the opening is formed at least partially in the first lining wall portion, wherein the closing member extends through the plane of the first lining wall portion, and (b) the engagement structure is formed by an engagement bead which is arranged in the height region of the first lining wall portion and extends in the vertical direction of the door, the engagement bead being formed on a bead carrier component which is inserted into an opening formed in the door lining and extends into the portion of the door which is covered by the door top edge, wherein the opening is formed at least partially in the first lining wall portion, wherein the closing member extends through the plane of the first lining wall portion.

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