Dishwasher, especially household dishwasher

Abstract

Dishwasher, in particular household dishwasher, with a washing container (3) providing a washing chamber (4) which has a loading opening (5), and with a washing chamber door (6) pivotably mounted about a horizontal pivot axis for fluid-tight closing of the loading opening (5), characterized in that the end face (22) of the washing chamber door (6) opposite the pivot axis carries a railing (15) on the side of the washing container.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular in the embodiment as a household dishwasher, with a washing container providing a washing chamber which has a loading opening, and with a washing chamber door pivotably mounted about a horizontally extending pivot axis for fluid-tight closing of the loading opening.

[0002] Dishwashers of this type are known from DE 20 2008 013 892 U1 and US 3 027 217 A.

[0003] Dishwashers of this type are used for cleaning items, in the case of household dishwashers, for example, dishes and / or cutlery. For this purpose, previously known dishwashers have a wash chamber that holds the items to be cleaned when used as intended.

[0004] To load the wash chamber with items to be washed, the wash container provides a loading opening through which the user can access the wash chamber. The loading opening can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by means of a wash chamber door, which is preferably pivotally mounted about a horizontal pivot axis.

[0005] A spray system, typically featuring several rotating spray arms within the wash tank, is used to apply the cleaning solution to the items being cleaned. Under normal operating conditions, a circulation pump typically feeds the cleaning solution to the spray arms, from where it is sprayed onto the items. This circulation can only occur when the wash chamber door is closed. If the door is opened by the user during a wash cycle, the circulation pump immediately shuts off. However, the rotating spray arms may continue to rotate, and any remaining cleaning solution will be released onto the items being cleaned, even after the pump has stopped.This can happen, especially when the dishwasher door is opened quickly, as washing water can splash out of the dishwasher through the gap that forms between the door and the tub. This can lead to unwanted soiling of the end face of the door opposite the pivot point. This is particularly problematic for dishwashers where the controls are located on the front of the door, such as fully integrated models. Over time, this can not only result in unsightly soiling of the door, but in the case of a fully integrated dishwasher, it can also impair its operation.

[0006] Based on the foregoing, the object of the invention is therefore to propose a dishwasher of the type mentioned at the outset which is less soiled on the front side of the dishwasher door due to splashing water.

[0007] To solve this problem, the invention proposes that the end face of the wash chamber door opposite the pivot axis bears a railing on the wash container side.

[0008] According to the invention, a railing is provided. This is formed on the front face of the wash chamber door and can therefore also be described as a front-facing rib or extension strip. With reference to a top view of the door, it runs longitudinally in the width direction, specifically along the edge facing the wash tub.

[0009] The railing according to the invention acts as a splash guard. Advantageously, this minimizes soiling of the front of the dishwasher door caused by water splashing from the wash tub. This is particularly advantageous in fully integrated dishwashers, as the front of the dishwasher door houses the operating controls. The railing, which serves as a splash guard according to the invention, thus ensures that unwanted soiling of the front of the dishwasher door by water splashing from the wash tub is at least reduced, if not largely avoided.

[0010] The railing interacts with a sealing surface provided on the side of the wash tank. When the wash chamber door is opened, the railing rests against the sealing surface on the wash chamber side until a predetermined opening angle is reached. Consequently, even with the wash chamber door open, the gap that forms between the wash chamber and the door remains sealed at the top. This prevents any washing solution from the wash chamber from escaping through the gap between the front of the wash chamber door and the inner surface of the wash chamber, thus preventing it from entering the atmosphere surrounding the wash chamber.

[0011] When the wash chamber door is closed, it forms a fluid-tight seal against a door seal provided by the wash tub on the door side. This prevents any escape of wash water. However, if the wash chamber door is pivoted to open during operation, it detaches from the door seal. This creates a gap to the outside atmosphere, allowing wash water to pass through, especially if the spray arms are still running, and accumulate on the front of the wash chamber door, potentially causing soiling.The railing provided according to the invention provides a remedy here, since even after the wash chamber door has been detached from the door seal, it ensures that the opening gap between the wash container and the wash chamber door remains closed until a predetermined opening angle of the wash chamber door is reached, thus preventing wash water from escaping from the wash chamber to the outside onto the front of the wash chamber door.

[0012] Depending on the design of the railing and / or the sealing surface interacting with it, the specified opening angle is preferably between 1.5° and 5°. This ensures sufficient splash protection while also guaranteeing that the wash chamber door, particularly with an automatic closing system, can open sufficiently to allow unwanted fumes to escape the wash chamber in exchange for cooling air. For this purpose, the wash chamber door is opened to an angle of approximately 7.5°, thus ensuring a sufficient opening for fume extraction despite the splash protection provided by the invention.

[0013] According to a further feature of the invention, the railing consists of a soft, elastic plastic material, such as a foam, an elastomer, and / or a rubber material. Due to the spring-like properties of such a plastic material, it is ensured that the railing presses against the sealing surface provided on the side of the wash chamber container, thus guaranteeing a tight seal.

[0014] Alternatively, the railing may also be made of a hard plastic material. The measures described below can achieve sufficient sealing for such a railing, with the added benefit of particularly high wear resistance.

[0015] According to a further feature of the invention, the sealing surface is provided by the inside of the wash tank. In this design, the railing on the side of the wash chamber door interacts directly with the inner surface of the wash tank wall. This design according to the invention is extremely simple in construction, inexpensive to manufacture, and easy to assemble and disassemble. Retrofitting is also easily possible.

[0016] According to a further feature of the invention, the sealing surface is provided by a spring tongue. An advantage of this design is that an additional spring force acts on the railing on the side facing the washroom door. Any material fatigue of the railing can thus be compensated for. Furthermore, due to the additional spring forces provided by the spring tongue, an increased contact force is achieved between the sealing surface and the railing.

[0017] The spring tongue is preferably part of a sheet metal profile positioned upstream of the rinsing tank in the filling direction. This design offers the advantage of an enlarged sealing surface in the filling direction of the rinsing tank. This allows for a larger opening angle at which the railing detaches from the sealing surface when opened. The opening angle can be specified by the manufacturer via the length of the spring tongue in the filling direction.

[0018] According to a further feature of the invention, the sealing surface is linearly movable. This design offers the advantage that an even larger opening angle can be specified. The sealing surface is provided, for example, by a plate that moves linearly in the direction of the pivoting door when the wash chamber door is pivoted. During this movement, the railing on the door side is in contact with the sealing surface, thus closing the gap between the wash chamber and the door, as described above. Only after the sealing surface has fully moved can the railing separate from the sealing surface with which it interacts, if the wash chamber door is pivoted even further.

[0019] The design according to the invention is particularly advantageous when the front edge of the dishwasher door, when closed, lies below the upper, vertically oriented boundary edge of the loading opening, especially when the front edge of the dishwasher door is seamless and / or arranged in a single plane. This design of the front surface offers the advantage that, unlike a stepped front edge, a larger installation space is available for accommodating devices for operating the dishwasher. However, a disadvantage of such a design is that the front edge of the dishwasher door is highly susceptible to splashing. The design according to the invention now remedies this, and thanks to the railing provided on the dishwasher door side according to the invention, it is ensured that even with a low-profile design of the front edge, splashing-related soiling is minimized.

[0020] According to a further feature of the invention, when the door is closed, the front face of the wash chamber door is spaced away from the upper edge of a horizontal support beam (in the vertical direction) of a support structure that supports the wash chamber at the loading opening. This space allows for the accommodation of a linearly movable sealing surface during movement and / or provides a mounting space for a sheet metal profile that provides a spring tongue. In this respect, a synergistic effect exists, as it enables both a larger control panel and provides the necessary installation space to protect the control panel from splashing water.

[0021] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. These show: Fig. 1 in schematic view a dishwasher according to the invention; Fig. 2 in schematic detail view a washroom door according to a first embodiment in closed position; Fig. 3 in schematic detail view a washroom door according to a first embodiment in a partially open position; Fig. 4 in schematic detail view a washroom door according to a first embodiment in open position; Fig. 5 in schematic detail view a washroom door according to a second embodiment in closed position; Fig. 6 in schematic detail view a washroom door according to a second embodiment in a partially open position; Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic detail view of a washroom door according to a second embodiment in the open position; Fig. 8 in schematic detail view a washroom door according to a third embodiment in closed position; Fig. Figure 9 shows a schematic detail view of a washroom door according to a third embodiment in a partially open position and Fig. Figure 10 shows a schematic detail view of a washroom door according to a third embodiment in the open position.

[0022] Fig. Figure 1 shows a dishwasher 1 according to the invention in a purely schematic representation.

[0023] The dishwasher 1 has a housing 2 that accommodates a wash tub 3. The wash tub 3 in turn provides a wash chamber 4. This is accessible to the user via a loading opening 5. The loading opening 5 can be sealed fluid-tight by means of a pivoting wash chamber door 6.

[0024] In the illustrated embodiment, the dishwasher 1 is designed as a built-in dishwasher, namely as a fully integrated dishwasher, and its housing 2 carries on its upper side the worktop 7 of a kitchen unit (not shown in detail) into which the dishwasher 1 is integrated.

[0025] Fig. Figure 1 shows the dishwasher 1 with the wash chamber door 6 partially open. In this position, an opening gap 25 exists between the wash tub 3 on one side and the wash chamber door 6 on the other. This gap increases as the wash chamber door pivots into the open position. When the wash chamber door is fully open, the angle of the opening gap 25 is approximately 90°.

[0026] If the dishwasher door 6 is opened by the user during a scheduled wash program, the circulation pump that delivers the wash water to the spray arms of the dishwasher is automatically switched off. However, the spray arms may continue to rotate, and the residual amount of wash water they contain may escape as splash water from the wash tub 3 through the opening 25. As a result, the end face 22 of the dishwasher door 6 opposite the pivot axis may become soiled. This is particularly disadvantageous in fully integrated dishwashers, as the controls for operating the dishwasher are located on the end face 22 of the dishwasher door 6.

[0027] To protect the front face 22 of the wash chamber door 6 from the wash chamber 4 as splash water, a railing 15 is provided according to the invention, which is arranged on the front face 22, specifically along the edge facing the wash chamber. Fig. Figures 2 to 10 reveal different embodiments of the invention, wherein the Fig. 2 to 4 a first embodiment which Fig. 5 to 7 a second embodiment and the Fig. Figures 8 to 10 show a third embodiment. The figures depict the wash chamber door 6 in the closed position, in the partially open position, and in the open position.

[0028] The figures each show a dishwasher door 6, which has an inner panel 11, an outer panel 12, and a decorative panel 14. The front face 22 of the dishwasher door 6 is seamless and, as shown in particular by the Fig. 2, Fig. 4 and Fig. 8 each can be seen, arranged in a plane which, when the dishwasher door 6 is closed, lies below the upper boundary edge of the loading opening 5 in the vertical direction 21. In the illustrated embodiments, the front face 22 has a panel 13 which provides access to the operating mechanism of the dishwasher 1.

[0029] The railing 15 provided according to the invention is, in the illustrated embodiment, according to the Fig. 2 to 4 are rectangular in cross-section and interact with the inner surface of the wall of the flushing container 3, which acts as a sealing surface 16 with the railing 15.

[0030] How Fig. As can be seen in Figure 3, when opened, the wash chamber door 6 detaches from the door seal 10, which is supported by the wash tub 3. This creates a gap through which wash water can splash onto the front face 22 of the wash chamber door 6. However, this is prevented by the railing 15 provided according to the invention, which thus serves as a splash guard. This splash guard effect is maintained until the wash chamber door 6 reaches a certain opening angle, which, in the illustrated embodiment, is determined according to the figures shown. Fig. 2 to 4 are defined by the contact of the railing 15 with the front edge of the wash tank 3 in the loading direction, as in Fig. Figure 3 shows that with a further pivoting movement of the wash chamber door 6, the railing 15 detaches from the sealing surface 16 provided by the wash container 3, thus allowing the user unobstructed access to the wash chamber 4 by removing the splash guard, as shown. Fig. 4 can be seen.

[0031] The railing 15 is made of a soft, elastic material and, due to this, conforms to the sealing surface 16 under material-related spring tension when sealing occurs. Therefore, the railing 15 can also be described as a seal. However, it is also possible that the railing 15 is made of a hard plastic material.

[0032] The Fig. Figures 5 to 7 show an alternative embodiment. According to this embodiment, the sealing surface 16, which interacts with the railing 15, is provided by a spring tongue 18. This tongue is part of a sheet metal profile 17, which is arranged on the horizontal beam 9 of a support structure 8 (not shown in detail in the figures) that supports the washing container 3 on the loading opening side. The sheet metal profile 17 is arranged in the space 19 that results from the spaced arrangement of the end face 22 of the washing chamber door 16 relative to the upper edge of the horizontal beam 9 in the vertical direction 21.

[0033] The particular advantage of the design according to the Fig. 5 to 7 lies in the extension of the sealing surface 16. This is in comparison to the design according to the Fig. 2 to 4 an increased opening angle is achieved, as is particularly evident from a review of the Fig. 3 and Fig. As can be seen in Figure 6, the spring tongue 18 provides a sealing surface 16 that extends beyond the feed-opening-side edge of the wash tank 3 into the free space 19. The design of the spring tongue 18 offers the additional advantage that not only does the railing 15 elastically conform to the sealing surface 16, but the sealing surface 16 also springs against the railing 15 under the influence of the spring action of the spring tongue 18, thus achieving a greater contact force. This ensures an effective seal even for a railing 15 made of a hard plastic material.

[0034] As the representation according Fig. As can be further seen in Figure 7, the sheet metal profile 17 and the spring tongue 18 provided by it are designed in their geometric dimensions such that, when the wash chamber door 6 is in the open position, the spring tongue 18 does not lie below the lower edge of the door seal 10 in the vertical direction 21. This ensures that the clear opening dimension of the loading opening 5 is not reduced by the sheet metal profile 17 or by the spring tongue 18 provided by it. In particular, this allows wash baskets that can be moved into or out of the wash chamber 4 without hindrance.

[0035] A third embodiment of the invention is shown by Fig. 8 to 10. According to this embodiment, a linearly movable sealing surface 16 is used. The sealing surface 16 is provided by a plate 27. This plate 27 is arranged at the end of a plunger 23 by means of a connecting web 28. The plunger 23 is arranged to be linearly movable within a sleeve 21. A compression spring 24 is arranged between the sleeve 21 on one side and the connecting web 28 on the other. Together with the sleeve 21 and the plunger 23, the spring 24 forms the linear drive 20.

[0036] Furthermore, a stop 26 and a driver 29 are provided, wherein the stop 26 is located at the head of the punch 23 and the driver 29 is located on the front face 22 of the wash chamber door 6.

[0037] The operating principle of the linear drive 20 results from a combination of the Fig. 8 to 10 as follows. In the closed position of the wash chamber door 6, the plate 27 is, thanks to the follower 29 supported by the front face 22 of the wash chamber door 6, aligned with respect to the drawing plane. Fig. 8 is moved to the left into its starting position. The spring 24 is tensioned in this position of the linear drive 20. When opened, the wash chamber door 6 pivots with reference to the plane of the drawing. Fig. 9 to the right. The follower 29 pivots together with the wash chamber door 6, which allows the compression spring 24 to move, thereby moving the plate 27 providing the sealing surface 16 with reference to the drawing plane. Fig. 9 moves linearly to the right. The guide is provided by the punch 23, which is held by the sleeve 21.

[0038] The travel of the linear drive 20 is limited by the stop 26 of the plunger 23, which runs against the sleeve 21. This position is in Fig. 9 shown. With a further pivoting of the wash chamber door 6, the plate 27 remains in its position. Fig. 9 position shown. The railing 15 moves along the underside of the plate 27 on the sealing surface 16 provided by the plate 27 until the in Fig. The open position of the washroom door shown in 10 is reached.

[0039] In the event of a closing movement of the washroom door 6, the follower 29 provided on the front side of the washroom door 6 runs onto the plate 27, so that when the washroom door 6 pivots further with reference to the drawing plane Fig. 10 to the left, the linear drive is compressed by spring 24 into its position. Fig. The starting position shown in section 8 is returned to the original position.

[0040] To ensure a tight seal between the railing 15 and the sealing surface 16, the plate 27 is preferably arranged on the connecting web 28 in the manner of a spring tongue, so that the edge of the plate 27 opposite the connecting web 28 can pivot outwards in a spring-like manner, as shown in the illustration. Fig. 10 can be seen.

[0041] For precise positioning of the plate 27, at least two linear drives 20 are provided, which are arranged next to each other in the width direction of the loading opening 5. Reference sign 1 dishwasher 2 cases 3 washing containers 4. Dishwashing area 5 Loading opening 6. Dishwashing area door 7 Worktop 8 Supporting structure 9 Horizontal beam 10 Door seal 11 Inner sheet 12 Outer sheet 13 Aperture 14 decorative panel 15 railing 16 sealing surface 17 Sheet metal profile 18 spring tongue 19 Free space 20 Linear drive 21 Sleeve 22 Front 23 stamps 24 springs 25 opening gap 26 attacks 27 plate 28 Connecting bridge 29 drivers

Claims

[1] Dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing container (3) providing a washing chamber (4) which has a loading opening (5), and with a washing chamber door (6) pivotably mounted about a horizontally extending pivot axis for fluid-tight closure of the loading opening (5), characterized by that the end face (22) of the washing compartment door (6) opposite the pivot axis carries a railing (15) on the washing container side. [2] Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized by that the railing (15) interacts with a sealing surface (16) provided on the rinsing container side. [3] Dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the railing (15) is made of a soft elastic plastic material. [4] Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the railing (15) at least partially closes the opening gap (25) between the washing container (3) and the washing compartment door (6) on the top side up to a predetermined opening angle when the washing compartment door (6) is opened. [5] Dishwasher according to claim 4, characterized by that the opening angle is between 1.5° and 5°. [6] Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, characterized by that the sealing surface (16) is provided by the inside of the rinsing container (3). [7] Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 5, characterized by that the sealing surface (16) is provided by a spring tongue (18). [8] Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims 2 to 7, characterized by that the sealing surface (16) can be moved linearly. [9] Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the front side (22) is designed to be stepless and / or is arranged in a plane, wherein the plane, when the washing compartment door (6) is closed, is preferably located below the upper boundary edge of the loading opening (5) in the height direction (21). [10] Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the front side (22) of the washing compartment door (6) is arranged, when the washing compartment door (6) is closed, at a distance from the upper edge of a horizontal beam (9) which is upper in the vertical direction (21) of a supporting structure (8) which supports the washing container (3) on the loading opening side, forming a free space (19).

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