Carrier element for cleaning components of a household appliance in a cleaning device

Abstract

A support element (1) for a component (2, 21 - 25, 3) of a household appliance, in particular a coffee machine (100), to be cleaned, which is intended for placement in a cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher, and has a support surface (13) on which at least one fastening means (15, 151, 152, 153) for fastening the component (2, 21 - 25, 3) to be cleaned is arranged in a defined position, characterized in that it has a collection basin (14) for collecting rinse water, which includes at least one drain (141) for the rinse water, and which is arranged in a flow direction (43) above the support surface (130), above the component (2, 21 - 25, 3).

Description

State of the art

[0001] The present invention relates to a support element for components of a household appliance.

[0002] Household appliances often have components that require separate cleaning. Ideally, this cleaning should be done with minimal effort, for example, in a dishwasher. However, cleaning in a dishwasher is frequently unsatisfactory due to the size and nature of the components, such as the material they are made of or their geometry.

[0003] Automatic coffee machines, for example, have a central spout through which coffee and often milk are dispensed into a cup. Such a central spout must be cleaned regularly. The publication EP 2 721 976 A1 shows such a central spout. The central spout can be disassembled into several individual parts to simplify cleaning.

[0004] Currently, the central spout and its individual parts can be cleaned by hand. However, this is very time-consuming. Alternatively, the central spout and its individual parts can be placed loosely in a dishwasher. However, cleaning in a dishwasher has the disadvantage that individual parts can fall into the interior and / or get lost. Furthermore, the central spout has many holes and recesses, as well as fluid lines, which may not be sufficiently rinsed and cleaned during dishwasher cleaning. Additionally, rinsed particles can accumulate in the components being cleaned. Moreover, loose parts, such as a milk line from a coffee machine, can get caught in the dishwasher's spray arms and thus prevent their rotation.

[0005] The individual parts are often at least partially made of plastic. However, plastic absorbs little heat and has a low heat capacity, so these parts do not dry sufficiently in the dishwasher.

[0006] DE 32 32 329 A1 discloses a support element to which a component to be cleaned can be attached. The support element is placed in a dishwasher with the component, so that the components to be cleaned are held in a predefined position.

[0007] Document DE 10 2009 002 270 A1 discloses a dishwasher with a dish basket and a storage element attached to the basket for placing items to be washed. Disclosure of the invention

[0008] The object of the present invention is therefore to enable sufficient, hygienic cleaning of components of a household appliance, in particular a fully automatic coffee machine, in a dishwasher, without any component being lost and / or hindering the washing process.

[0009] For this purpose, a support element is created for a component of a household appliance, in particular a coffee machine, that is to be cleaned. The support element is intended for placement in a cleaning device, in particular a dishwasher. It has a support surface on which at least one fastening means for securing the component to be cleaned in a defined position is arranged.

[0010] The support element holds the component during the washing cycle in the cleaning appliance. The component is positioned precisely within this element. Because the component's position during the wash cycle is predetermined, optimal cleaning results are achieved. Since the component is attached to the support element, it cannot be lost. Furthermore, its defined attachment prevents it from entering the cleaning appliance's spray arms. Overall, the support element is designed to efficiently collect and supply water to the components during the dishwasher cycle, thanks to the defined positioning of the components. Additionally, the support element makes the arrangement of the components in the dishwasher extremely space-saving, as there is no longer any need to distribute the individual components within the dish rack.

[0011] The support element preferably has a collection basin for collecting detergent, in particular rinse water. Preferably, the collection basin includes at least one outlet for the detergent. It is preferably arranged in a flow direction above the support surface. This allows the detergent to flow through the outlet onto the support surface. Particularly preferably, the outlet is arranged above the component, so that the component is specifically rinsed with the detergent.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the drain is arranged such that, when the component is attached to the support surface, it is aligned with a fluid inlet and / or outlet of the component. Particularly preferably, it is also designed to correspond to the fluid inlet and / or outlet. This allows the fluid inlet and / or outlet to fit into or onto the drain in terms of its shape and / or size. Therefore, the fluid inlet and / or outlet of the component can be arranged in such a way that the rinsing fluid flowing through the drain is introduced, in particular completely, into the fluid inlet and / or outlet.

[0013] In this arrangement, a fluid line of the component, connected to the fluid inlet and / or outlet, is flushed with the cleaning agent. Preferably, the cleaning agent is then flushed out again through a second fluid inlet and / or outlet of the component. Since the cleaning agent is introduced into the fluid line, intensive, hygienic cleaning of the fluid line is possible. Flushing the cleaning agent out through the second fluid inlet and / or outlet allows the fluid line to dry.

[0014] It is particularly preferred that the support element has several fastening means for positioning at least two components in a defined position specific to the component. Most preferably, it has fastening means adapted to the respective component. Such fastening means are, for example, insertion means, in particular ribs, locking and / or snapping means, and domes.

[0015] Preferably, the support element also has at least one fastening means for each component of the household appliance to be cleaned.

[0016] Preferably, the collection basin for each component that has a fluid inlet and / or outlet has a drain which is arranged, in particular in alignment, above the component.

[0017] With this design of the carrier element, all components to be cleaned can be specifically arranged on the single carrier element. They are therefore positioned together, securely, and optimally within the cleaning device with regard to their cleaning.

[0018] To position the carrier element in a defined position within the cleaning device that is optimal for cleaning the components, it has at least one retaining element. This retaining element is preferably designed to lock or snap the carrier element into a dishwashing basket of the cleaning device. It is particularly preferred that the carrier element be adjustable within the cleaning device. This ensures that the detergent optimally surrounds the carrier element during the washing process, thus maximizing the cleaning effect on the components being cleaned. Suitable retaining elements include, for example, locking devices or adjustable mounting devices designed to accommodate virtually all standard dishwashing baskets, or to allow the carrier element to be inserted and secured within them.

[0019] For this purpose, the support element preferably has a support plate. The support surface is preferably formed by one side of the support plate. It is particularly preferably flat. It preferably extends in a longitudinal direction. The collection basin also preferably extends in the longitudinal direction. It is particularly preferably extended over the entire length of the support plate. The holding means and the fastening means are preferably arranged on opposite sides of the support plate. This ensures that the entire support surface is available for arranging the components.

[0020] The collection basin preferably has a top surface that is accessible from the outside. If a support plate is arranged within the cleaning device, the top surface is preferably oriented upwards in the direction of flow. This allows the detergent to easily flow into the collection basin from above. The collection basin also preferably has a bottom surface where the drain is located. It is particularly advantageous for the collection basin to have a collection channel on its underside for collecting the rinse water, so that the detergent can easily collect in the channel and flow into the drain.

[0021] To prevent particles that may accumulate in the rinsing liquid from entering or being washed into the drain, it is also preferred that the collection basin has a support on its upper surface for a cover, in particular for a sieve grid or a drain grid. It is preferred that the support allows the cover to be detachably arranged so that the interior of the collection basin can be cleaned after the cover has been removed.

[0022] The support element is preferably made of, or comprises, a heat-storing material. This allows it to dissipate heat to its surroundings, particularly to the components, during and optionally after the drying process of the cleaning device. This ensures that even plastic components of the components are thoroughly dried. In an advantageous embodiment, a plate made of heat-storing material is formed and attached to or within the support element, preferably on the side where the fastening means for securing the components to be cleaned are located.

[0023] The problem is also solved with an arrangement consisting of such a support element and a component of a household appliance. The component attached to the support element is not lost even during a washing cycle in a cleaning appliance. Due to the defined positioning of the component, it is optimally surrounded and rinsed by the detergent during the washing process.

[0024] Preferably, at least one fluid inlet and / or outlet of the component is arranged in alignment with the outlet, so that flushing and hygienic cleaning of a fluid line of the component connected to the fluid inlet and / or outlet is ensured.

[0025] The problem is further solved with a household appliance equipped with such a support element. In a first preferred embodiment, such a support element is a separate component additionally placed inside the household appliance. Since the support element can be positioned within the household appliance, it is not displaced.

[0026] In a second, equally preferred embodiment, it is a component already provided in the household appliance. In this embodiment, it is preferably a (housing) component of the household appliance, particularly a detachable one, for example, a part or lid of the drip tray, or a drip grid. Compared to the conventional component, it is adapted to the function of the support element, in particular by attaching the fastening means and / or shaping the collection basin. In this embodiment, the support element is a component of the household appliance that is already required and may need to be cleaned. The cost of the support element is therefore low.

[0027] The invention is described below with reference to figures. The figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the invention. Fig. Figure 1 shows a coffee machine with components to be cleaned; Fig. 2 shows components of the coffee machine to be cleaned in (a) and (b). Fig. 1; Fig. Figure 3 shows in (a) - (c) a support element used to arrange the components of the coffee machine to be cleaned. Fig. 1 is provided for; and Fig. Figure 4 shows the support element in (a) - (d). Fig. 3 with the components of the coffee machine to be cleaned.

[0028] Fig. Figure 1 shows a household appliance (100), in this case a coffee machine. It is a fully automatic coffee machine. In the following, the terms household appliance (100), coffee machine, and fully automatic coffee machine are used synonymously.

[0029] The coffee machine 100 has a coffee outlet 23 for dispensing coffee (not shown) into a collection container (not shown), in particular a cup or a pot. The coffee outlet 23 has two fluid outlets 231, so that coffee can be dispensed into two collection containers simultaneously. It also has a milk line 3 through which milk (not shown) can be introduced into one of the collection containers. The milk line 12 is designed as a hose and is therefore flexible.

[0030] The collection container can be arranged on a drip tray 6. The drip tray 6 is positioned above a drip tray 101 of the coffee machine 100. The drip tray 101 is a housing component of the coffee machine 100.

[0031] The coffee outlet 23 is a component of a central outlet 2 of the coffee machine. The central outlet 2 is located in the Fig. Figures 2(a) and (b) show the device. It comprises a dispensing unit 25 and a coupling piece 21, which are detachable from one another. Furthermore, the dispensing unit can be disassembled into additional components to simplify cleaning of the central outlet 2. The components of the dispensing unit 25 are a connecting piece 22, the coffee outlet 23, and a holder 24, which is designed to accommodate the connecting piece 22 and the coffee outlet 23.

[0032] The drip tray 101, the drip grid 6, the milk line 3, and the central outlet 2, or its components 21-25, are components of the coffee machine 100 that require regular cleaning. The coupling piece 21, the connecting piece 22, and the coffee outlet 23 each have fluid lines (not shown) that are accessible from the outside through fluid inlets and outlets 211, 212, 221, 222, 231, 232, 31, 32.

[0033] In order to adequately, i.e. hygienically, clean components 2, 21, 22, 23, 25, 3 with such fluid lines, in particular with such fluid inlets and outlets 211, 212, 221, 222, 231, 232, 31, 32, in a cleaning device such as a dishwasher, they must be positioned in a defined manner in the cleaning device.

[0034] The invention provides for a support element 2 for this purpose. Such a support element 1 is shown in the Fig. 3 examples.

[0035] The support element 1 has a flat support plate 13. The support plate 2 is spanned by a longitudinal direction 41 and a transverse direction 43. A support surface 130 is provided on a front side 11 of the support plate 13, which is intended for arranging components 2, 21-25, 3 of the coffee machine 100 to be cleaned.

[0036] For this purpose, 130 fastening elements 15, 151, 152, 153 are arranged on the support surface. The shape and arrangement of the fastening elements 15, 151, 152, 153 are designed such that the components 2, 21-25, 3 to be cleaned can only be arranged in a specific, defined position on the support element 2. The fastening elements provided here are insertion elements 151, in particular ribs, locking and / or snapping elements 152, and domes 153.

[0037] A collection basin 14 is arranged in a flow direction above the support plate 13. The flow direction here runs in the transverse direction 43. The collection basin 14 extends in the longitudinal direction 41, specifically over the entire length L of the support plate 13. It also has a depth T in a depth direction 42, which extends transversely to the longitudinal direction 41 and transversely to the transverse direction 43. This allows as much detergent (not shown) as possible to be collected in the collection basin 14 during a rinsing process in the cleaning device.

[0038] Several outlets 141 are provided on a lower surface 146 of the collection basin 14. The outlets 141 each lead to a fluid inlet and / or outlet 211, 221, 231, 31 (see figure). Fig. 4) assigned to one of the components 21, 22, 23, 3 to be cleaned. They are channel-shaped and each has a drainage geometry that corresponds to the geometry of the fluid inlet and / or outlet 211, 221, 231, 31 assigned to them. They therefore differ in their shape and diameter D.

[0039] The Fig. 3 (a) shows the support element 1 in a perspective view in the flow direction 43 from below. Fig. Figure 3(b) shows the front side 11 of the support element 2. Fig. Figure 3(c) shows the support element 2 in a top view in the flow direction 43. An interior space 140 of the collection basin 14 is visible.

[0040] The interior space 140 is accessible from above in the direction of flow 43 and is bounded by edges 142. A support 144 for a cover is located on each of the opposite edges 142 (see...). Fig. 4) arranged. The support 144 is designed as a rib. A base (not labeled) is arranged on one underside 146 of the collection basin 14, which delimits the collection basin 14. The base is sloped on the inside, so that a collection channel 143 is formed. The collection channel 143 directs the detergent into the drains 141.

[0041] On one of the rear surfaces 12 of the support element 1, opposite the front surface 11, retaining means 121, here in the form of clips, are provided. The retaining means 121 enable the support element 1 to be positioned in a defined position in the cleaning device, in particular in a dishwashing basket of the cleaning device. In the present embodiment, it is preferred that the support element 1 is placed in the dishwashing basket so that the support surface 130 is approximately vertical or at an acute angle to the vertical. This allows the cleaning agent to flow into the collection basin 14 in a vertical flow direction 43.

[0042] The Fig. Figure 4 shows the support element 2 in (a) - (d) respectively. Fig. 3 with components to be cleaned 2, 21 - 25, 3 arranged on the carrier element 1.

[0043] Fig. Figure 2(a) shows the support element 1 in a perspective view of the rear side 12 from an oblique angle 43 above in the direction of flow. The collection basin 14 is closed at its upper side 145 by a cover 5, here a screen.

[0044] A through-hole 131 is also visible in the carrier plate 13.

[0045] Fig. 4 (b) shows the support element 1 of the Fig. 4 (a) in a perspective view of the front 11 from a diagonal top, Fig. 4 (c) in a top view of front 11, and Fig. 4 (d) in a perspective view of the front side 11 from a low angle.

[0046] The carrier element 13 is designed to hold components 2, 21 - 25, 3 of the coffee machine 100 that are to be cleaned. Fig. 2 is provided. It accommodates components 21, 22, 23, 24 of the central outlet 2 as well as the milk line 3.

[0047] The components to be cleaned 21, 22, 23, 3, which contain a fluid line, as well as corresponding fluid inlets and / or outlets 211, 212, 221, 222, 231, 232, 31, 32, are each connected to an associated drain 141 of the collection basin 14 via one of their fluid inlets and / or outlets 211, 221, 231, 31. For this purpose, these fluid inlets and / or outlets 211, 221, 231, 31 are inserted into or attached to the drain 141. This ensures that the fluid inlets and / or outlets 211, 221, 231, 31 of components 21, 22, 23, 3 are aligned with their respective associated outlets 141, so that the rinsing agent can flow into the fluid lines connected to the fluid inlets and / or outlets 211, 221, 231, 31 during the rinsing process.

[0048] The fluid inlets and / or outlets 212, 222, 232, 32 of the fluid lines, which are not connected to the drains 141 of the collection basin 14 and contain components 21, 22, 23, 3, hereinafter referred to as second fluid inlets and / or outlets 212, 222, 232, 32, allow the rinsing agent to drain away during the rinsing process. This ensures that the fluid lines of these components 21, 22, 23, 3 are specifically flushed with rinsing agent and cleaned during the rinsing process.

[0049] The through-hole 131 in the carrier plate 13 is flush with a fluid inlet and / or outlet 212 of the coupling piece 21 of the central outlet 2 of the coffee machine 100. Fig. 2. It allows rinsing fluid to drain from the fluid line of the coupling piece 21 during the rinsing process.

[0050] After connecting the fluid line components 21, 22, 23, 3 to the drains 141, the components 21, 22, 23, 3 are fastened using the fastening means 15, 151, 152, 153, in particular by being inserted, snapped into place or attached. The domes 153 are provided for bending the milk line 3.

[0051] In addition to components 21, 22, 23, 3 containing fluid lines, the holder 24 for the connection nozzle 22 and the coffee outlet 23 is arranged on the support surface 130. It does not have a fluid line and therefore does not need to be connected to a drain 141 of the collection basin 14. For its fastening, means 15 for insertion, here in the form of ribs, are provided, with which it is securely attached to the support plate 13. It is preferred that additional drains 141 are provided in the collection basin 14, to which no fluid inlets and / or outlets 211, 221, 231, 31 are arranged. These drains 141 are provided for the targeted rinsing of components 2, 21-25, 3.

[0052] The drip tray 6 of the coffee machine 100 can also be used as a cover for the collection basin 14, which is simultaneously positioned in the cleaning device by its use and is cleaned during the rinsing process.

[0053] The use of the drip tray 101 as a support element 2 is preferred, as it is one of the components 2, 21-25, 3, 6, 101 of the coffee machine 100 that require regular cleaning. Adapting a conventional drip tray 101 requires the installation of the fastening elements 15, 151, 152, 153 and the collection basin 14, and is therefore cost-effective. However, other housing components, such as walls or flaps of the coffee machine 100, can also be adapted and used as support elements 2.

[0054] The carrier element 1 enables hygienic cleaning of components 2, 21-25, 3 of the coffee machine 100, especially the milk line 3. The retaining elements 121 arranged on the carrier element 1 fix the carrier element 2 in the cleaning device and hold it in an optimal position. Components 2, 21-25, 3 are securely arranged in the cleaning device by means of the fastening elements 15, 151, 152, 153 and do not come into contact with the cleaning device's rinsing arms. The position of components 2, 21-25, 3 on the carrier element 1 is defined and optimally chosen for their cleaning and drying. For this purpose, the cleaning agent is collected in the reservoir 14 and directed onto and through components 2, 21-25, 3. Furthermore, the support element 1 is preferably made of a material that stores heat well, so that it releases its heat to the environment during the drying process of the cleaning device and also afterwards.This also allows components of components 2, 21 - 25, 3 made of plastic to be dried. Reference symbol list 1 support element 11 Front 12 Back 121 Holding device, mount, clip 13 Carrier plate 130 support surface 131 Through hole 14 collection basins 140 interior 141 Drain, connection (-nipple) and channel 142 Rand 143 Collection channel 144th edition 145 Top 146 Underside 15 Fasteners 151 Bridge, insert material 152 Snap and / or locking devices 153 Cathedral Diameter 100 coffee (fully) automatic 2 Components of the coffee machine, central outlet 21 Coupling piece 211, 212 Fluid inlet and / or outlet 22 connection spigots 221, 222 Fluid inlet and / or outlet 23 Coffee outlet 231, 232 Fluid inlet and / or outlet 24 holders 25 Output device 3 Components of the coffee machine, milk line 31, 32 Fluid inlet and / or outlet 41 First direction, longitudinal direction 42 Second direction 43 Third direction, direction of flow 5 cover grids, sieve 6 draining racks

Claims

[1] Carrier element (1) for a component (2, 21 - 25, 3) to be cleaned of a household appliance, in particular a coffee machine (100), which is intended for placement in a cleaning appliance, in particular a dishwasher, and has a carrier surface (13) on which at least one fastening means (15, 151, 152, 153) for fastening the component (2, 21 - 25, 3) to be cleaned is arranged in a defined position, characterized by , that it has a collection basin (14) for collecting rinse water, which includes at least one outlet (141) for the rinse water, and which is arranged in a flow direction (43) above the support surface (130), above the component (2, 21 - 25, 3). [2] Support element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the component (2, 21 - 25, 3) has a fluid inlet and / or outlet (211, 212, 221, 222, 231, 232, 31, 32), and the outlet (141) is aligned with the fluid inlet and / or outlet (211, 212, 221, 222, 231, 232, 31, 32). [3] Support element (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the outlet (141) is designed corresponding to the fluid inlet and / or outlet (211, 212, 221, 222, 231, 232, 31, 32). [4] Support element according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it has several fastening means (15, 151, 152, 153) for positioning at least two components (2, 21 - 25, 3) in a defined position. [5] Support element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the fastening means (15, 151, 152, 153) are means for insertion (151), in particular ribs, means for locking and / or snapping in (152), and domes (153). [6] Support element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that it has a holding means (121), in particular a locking clip, for defined positioning, in particular for defined adjustment, of the carrier element (2) in the cleaning device. [7] Support element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the holding means (121) and the fastening means (15, 151, 152, 153) are arranged on opposite sides (11, 12) of a carrier plate (13). [8] Support element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the collection basin (14) has a top (145) which is accessible from the outside, and a bottom (146) where the drain (141) is located. [9] Support element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the collection basin (14) has a support (144) on the top (145) for a cover, in particular for a sieve grid (5) or a drip grid (6). [10] Support element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the collection basin (14) has a collection channel (143) on its underside (146) for collecting the rinse water. [11] Support element (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by that it is made of a material that stores heat well, or that it includes a material that stores heat. [12] Support element (1) according to claim 11, characterized by a plate made of heat-storing material and attached to or within the support element. [13] Arrangement comprising a support element (1) according to one of the preceding claims and a component (2, 21 - 25, 3) of the household appliance (100), characterized by , that at least one fluid inlet and / or outlet (211, 212, 221, 222, 231, 232, 31, 32) of the component (2, 21 - 25, 3) is aligned with the outlet (141). [14] Household appliance (100) with a support element (1) according to one of claims 1-11. [15] Household appliance (100) according to claim 14, characterized by , that it is a housing component (101), in particular a detachable one.

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