dishwasher

Abstract

Dishwasher (1) with a wash tub (2), an upper load carrier (9) which can be moved into or out of the wash tub (2), a lower load carrier (12) which can be moved into or out of the wash tub (2) and which can be raised from a starting position to an end position or lowered from the end position to the starting position, and a display device (21) which indicates a maximum load height (H max ) of the lower dishwashing container (12) with dishwashing material (10), so that when moving the lower dishwashing container (12) a collision of the dishwashing material (10) with the upper dishwashing container (9) and / or with components adjacent to the upper dishwashing container (9) can be prevented.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a dishwasher.

[0002] A dishwasher has a wash tub and at least one load-bearing basket that can be moved into or out of the wash tub. In particular, the dishwasher may have several load-bearing baskets arranged one above the other, such as a lower basket, an upper basket, or a cutlery basket. Because the lower basket is located near the bottom of the wash tub, loading or unloading it requires the user to kneel or bend down.

[0003] The publication EP 2 818 092 A1 discloses a lifting device for the lower basket of a dishwasher. With the aid of this lifting device, the lower basket can be moved from a lower position to an upper position or vice versa. When moving it from the upper position to the lower position, the user must ensure that the items in the lower basket do not collide with the upper basket.

[0004] Publication CH 394 529 A discloses an upward-opening, automatic dishwasher with a pivoting lid whose axis of rotation is located at the top of the housing and which, when closed, seals the wash chamber. Dishwashing baskets are provided inside the wash chamber. There is at least one front and one rear basket, which, when the dishwasher is in operation, fill approximately the entire cross-section of the wash chamber. One basket is connected to the lid via a linkage such that, when the lid is lifted into its upright position, this basket is raised above the top edge of the wash chamber to a position where it lies above the other basket, thus facilitating loading and unloading. The dishwasher contains stacked and spaced dishwashing baskets inside the wash chamber.The upper dish rack, comprising a front and a rear rack, is thus positioned above the lower rack. At the rear end of the dish rack, near its corners, are angled support brackets. These brackets are essentially U-shaped and serve as a guide for how far the dishes may extend upwards without coming into contact with the lid when it is closed. Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved dishwasher.

[0005] Accordingly, a dishwasher is proposed comprising a wash tub, an upper dishware holder that can be moved into or out of the wash tub, a lower dishware holder that can be moved into or out of the wash tub and that can be raised from a starting position to an end position or lowered from the end position to the starting position, and a display device that indicates a maximum load height of the lower dishware holder with dishes, so that when moving the lower dishware holder, a collision of the dishes with the upper dishware holder and / or with components adjacent to the upper dishware holder can be prevented.

[0006] This makes it easy for the user to determine whether there is a risk of collision between the items in the lower dish rack and the upper dish rack, or with components adjacent to the upper dish rack, such as a spray arm. This helps prevent damage to the items. In particular, this prevents collisions between the items and the upper dish rack when moving the lower dish rack from its end position to its starting position and / or when lowering it into the wash tub. The dishwasher may include a lifting device for raising and lowering the lower dish rack. The dishwasher is preferably a household dishwasher.

[0007] According to one embodiment, the upper dishwashing tray is height-adjustable.

[0008] Preferably, the upper dish rack or upper basket has a so-called Rackmatic function, which allows it to be adjusted to three different height positions. This allows the loading height of the upper dish rack to be adjusted depending on the height of the items being washed.

[0009] According to a further embodiment, the display device comprises a marking element provided on a cutlery drawer that can be moved into or out of the washing container.

[0010] Preferably, the marking element is positioned in a clearly visible location. The marking element may have a label. Preferably, it can be determined whether the items in the lower dish holder exceed the maximum load height by pulling the cutlery drawer out of the washing container.

[0011] According to another embodiment, the display device includes a handle for a cutlery basket that can be received in the lower dishwashing compartment.

[0012] The cutlery basket should preferably be removable from the lower dishwashing compartment. The handle may have a clearly legible label for the user. The maximum load height is exceeded if the dishes extend above the handle.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the display device includes a marking element provided on the rinsing container.

[0014] The marking element can, for example, be located on a side wall of the sink. For example, the marking element could be a self-adhesive film.

[0015] According to another embodiment, the marking element comprises several marking symbols to indicate the loading height at different height positions of the upper dishwashing tray.

[0016] This ensures that the maximum load height is always displayed correctly, even when the height of the upper dishwashing tray is adjusted.

[0017] According to another embodiment, the display device comprises a frame or a back panel attached to the lower dishwashing tray, which indicates the maximum loading height.

[0018] The frame can be, for example, a wire rack or made of a plastic material. Preferably, the back panel is higher than the rest of the lower dish area. The maximum load height is exceeded if the dishes extend above the frame or the back panel.

[0019] According to another embodiment, the display device includes a marking element provided on the upper dishwashing tray.

[0020] The marking element can be, for example, a plastic component. In particular, the marking element can be an injection-molded plastic part clipped onto the upper dish holder. Because the marking element is located on the upper dish holder, a correct indication of the maximum load height is always possible, even if the height of the upper dish holder is adjusted.

[0021] According to another embodiment, the display device includes a sensor device that indicates the maximum loading height.

[0022] The sensor device can, for example, comprise a light barrier, a laser pointer, or a magnetic field. The sensor device can be located on the wash tub, for instance. Alternatively, it can be located on the cutlery drawer. Furthermore, the sensor device can also include a camera, which can be positioned, for example, on the cutlery drawer or at any point on the wash tub. In particular, with an active lifting device for the lower dish area—that is, a lifting device with a drive element such as an electric motor—the sensor device can be coupled to the drive element in such a way that, in the event of a collision between the dish item and the upper dish area, the lifting device is deactivated or not activated at all, requiring the user to remove or reposition the dish item that is too high.The sensor device can also be configured to generate a light curtain or a light grid.

[0023] According to another embodiment, the sensor device includes a display element for indicating when the maximum load height has been exceeded.

[0024] The indicator element can be, for example, a display. Furthermore, the indicator element can also be configured to generate an acoustic signal that indicates a potential collision of the items being washed with the upper loading area and / or with components adjacent to the upper loading area. The indicator element can also include a light source. For example, the light source can illuminate the inside of the washing container. The color of the light source can change from white to red when the maximum load height is exceeded. This clearly indicates to the user that the maximum load height has been exceeded. The light source can be a light-emitting diode.

[0025] Other possible implementations of the dishwasher also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In such cases, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the dishwasher.

[0026] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the dishwasher are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the dishwasher described below. The dishwasher will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures.

[0027] They show Fig. 1 a schematic side view of an embodiment of a dishwasher; Fig. 2 a schematic front view of the dishwasher according to Fig. 1; Fig. 3 another schematic front view of the dishwasher according to Fig. 1; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a dishwashing tray for the dishwasher according to Fig. 1; Fig. 5 a schematic perspective view of the dishwasher according to Fig. 1; Fig. 6 another schematic perspective view of the dishwasher according to Fig. 1; Fig. 7 a schematic side view of another embodiment of a dishwashing tray for the dishwasher according to Fig. 1; Fig. 8 another schematic front view of the dishwasher according to Fig. 1 with the dishwashing tray according to Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 another schematic perspective view of the dishwasher according to Fig. 1.

[0028] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0029] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a schematic side view of a dishwasher 1. The dishwasher 1 is, in particular, a household dishwasher. The dishwasher 1 comprises a wash tub 2, which is preferably made of sheet steel. In particular, the wash tub 2 is cuboid in shape. The wash tub 2 has a loading opening 3, which is opened by means of a [missing information - likely a specific feature or function] in the Fig. The door (not shown) is watertight. The washing container 2 comprises a rear wall 4 opposite the loading opening 3, a base 5, a ceiling 6 opposite the base 5, and two opposing side walls 7, 8.

[0030] The dishwasher 1 further includes an upper basket or upper dish loading area 9 for receiving dishes 10. The upper dish loading area 9 is equipped with a mechanism located in the Fig. The upper dishware holder 9, not shown, can be moved into or out of the wash container 2 by means of a guide device. In particular, the upper dishware holder 9 can be moved out of the wash container 2 in an extension direction A and into the wash container 2 in a insertion direction E, contrary to the extension direction A. The upper dishware holder 9 is basket-shaped. The dishwasher 1 also includes a cutlery drawer 11 arranged above the upper dishware holder 9. The cutlery drawer 11 is also basket-shaped.

[0031] Dishwasher 1 has a lower dish rack 12 located below the upper dish rack 9. The lower dish rack 12 can also be referred to as the lower basket. The lower dish rack 12 can be moved into the wash tub 2 in the insertion direction E and out of it in the extension direction A by means of a guide device 13. The guide device 13 can be a so-called telescopic rail.

[0032] Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 includes a lifting device 14 for raising the lower dishwashing tray 12 from a position in the Fig. The lifting device 14 moves from the initial position shown in Figure 1 to an end position in which the lower dishware holder 12 is positioned in front of the upper dishware holder 9. This allows the lower dishware holder 12 to be easily loaded with dishware 10. The lifting device 14 preferably has a first pivot arm 15 and a second pivot arm 16. The pivot arms 15, 16 are pivotably attached to the wash container 2, and especially to one of the side walls 7, 8, by means of bearing points 17, 18, in particular fixed bearings. Preferably, such a lifting device 14 is provided on each side wall 7, 8.

[0033] The lifting device 14 further comprises the guide device 13, to which the swivel arms 15, 16 are pivotably attached by means of bearing points 19, 20. The lifting device 14 may also have a drive unit. The drive unit may comprise a drive element, in particular an active or passive drive element, and a gear unit. The drive element may, for example, be an electric motor, a spring, a pneumatic cylinder, or a hydraulic cylinder.

[0034] To prevent the items placed in the lower dishwashing compartment 12 from exceeding the maximum load height H max If the maximum load height H is exceeded, the dishwasher 1 continues to have a display device 21. maxThis should not be exceeded, as otherwise a collision between the items 10 and the upper item holder 9 could not be ruled out when the lower dish holder 12 is lowered and retracted into the wash container 2. This could damage the items 10. The display device 21 is designed to indicate the maximum load height H. max to indicate the lower wash container 12 with the items to be washed 10, so that when the lower item holder 12 is moved, i.e., when the lower item holder 12 is moved into the wash container and / or when the same is lowered from the end position to the starting position, a collision of the items to be washed 10 with the upper item holder 9 can be prevented.

[0035] As the Fig. As shown in Figure 1, the display device 21 can include a raised rear wall 22 attached to the lower dishwashing area 12, which increases the maximum loading height H. maxindicates. Furthermore, a frame 23 can be additionally or optionally provided on the lower dishwashing tray 12, which increases the maximum loading height H. max indicates. Preferably, the upper dishwashing basket 9 is height-adjustable. The height adjustability is shown in the Fig. 1 indicated by an arrow 24. In particular, the upper dishwashing tray 9 can have a so-called Rackmatic function. Preferably, the upper dishwashing tray 9 is height-adjustable in three stages.

[0036] The Fig. 2 and the Fig. Figures 3 each show a schematic front view of the dishwasher 1 with two further embodiments of the display device 21. As the Fig. 2 and the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the cutlery drawer 11 can be moved into or out of the washing container 2 by means of two guide devices 25. The upper dish holder 9 can preferably also be moved into or out of the washing container 2 by means of guide devices 26. The guide devices 25, 26 can be telescopic rails. Fig. 2 and the Fig. Figure 3 shows the lower dishwashing container 12 in its final position, in which it is positioned in front of the upper dishwashing container 9.

[0037] The display device 21 includes a marking element 27 provided on the cutlery drawer 11. This element is used to indicate the maximum loading height H. max The cutlery drawer 11 is pulled out of the wash container 2. If the items 10 in the lower dish holder 12 do not collide with the cutlery drawer 11, the maximum loading height H is reached. max not exceeded. As the Fig. 2 and the Fig. As shown in Figure 3, the marking element 27 can be labelled accordingly. This increases ease of use.

[0038] The Fig. Figure 4 shows a further embodiment of the display device 21. A cutlery basket 28 can be received in the lower dishwashing compartment 12. The display device 21 includes a handle 29 of the cutlery basket 28, which indicates the maximum loading height H. max displays. How the Fig. As shown in Figure 4, the handle 29 can be labelled accordingly. This increases ease of use.

[0039] The Fig. 5 and the Fig. Figures 6 each show a schematic perspective view of the dishwasher 1 with two further embodiments of the display device 21. As the Fig. 5 and the Fig. As shown in Figure 6, the display device 21 includes a marking element 30 provided on the rinsing container 2. Fig. Figure 5 shows a marking element 30 with a marking symbol 31. The display device 21 according to the Fig. 5 is particularly suitable for dishwashers 1 whose upper dish rack 9 is not height-adjustable. Fig. Figure 6 shows the dishwasher 1 with a display device 21 suitable for height-adjustable upper dish racks 9. For this purpose, the marking element 30 has marking symbols 32 to 34 to indicate the maximum loading height H. max at different height positions of the upper dishwashing tray 9.

[0040] The Fig. Figure 7 shows a schematic side view of the upper dishwashing compartment 9 with a further embodiment of the display device 21. Fig. Figure 8 shows a schematic front view of the dishwasher 1 with the upper dish loading area 9 according to the Fig. 7. The display device 21 includes a marking element 35 provided on the upper dish holder 9. The marking element 35 can be appropriately labelled. An advantage of this arrangement is that when the height of the upper dish holder 9 is adjusted, the marking element 35 moves with the upper dish holder 9. In particular, the marking element 35 moves with the height adjustment of the upper dish holder 9, so that a user can see the maximum available loading height H. max can always be fully utilized. Instead of the marking element 35, an extendable rail can also be provided on the upper dishwashing tray 9 to allow for the maximum loading height H. max to check.

[0041] The Fig.Figure 9 shows another schematic perspective view of the dishwasher 1 with a further embodiment of the display device 21. Here, the display device 21 comprises a sensor device 36, 37 which determines the maximum load height H max detected and / or displayed. For example, the sensor device 36, 37 can comprise a light barrier, a laser pointer, a magnetic field, or the like. In particular, the sensor device 36, 37 serves both to determine the maximum load height H max as well as collision detection. The sensor device 36, 37 can be provided on the rinsing tank 2.

[0042] Alternatively, the sensor device 36, 37 can also be provided, for example, on a cover of the cutlery drawer 11. Furthermore, the maximum load height H can be detected using... maxor for collision detection, additional optical elements, such as a camera, may be used. For example, a camera may be provided on the cover of the cutlery drawer 11. The sensor device 36, 37 may also be configured to generate a light grid or a light curtain.

[0043] In the case of an active lifting device 14, that is, a lifting device 14 driven by a drive unit, the sensor unit 36, 37 can be coupled to the drive unit of the lifting device 14. This allows the lifting device 14 to be deactivated or not activated at all in the event of a potential collision between the item being washed 10 and the upper dishware holder 9. In such a case, the user must remove or reposition the item being washed 10 that is too high. Furthermore, a display element 38, in particular a visual display or an audible signal, can indicate that the item being washed 10 is too high, thus warning the user of a potential collision with the upper dishware holder 9. The display unit 21 therefore enables reliable load height limitation and collision detection, preventing damage to the item being washed 10.

[0044] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. Reference symbols used 1 dishwasher; household dishwasher 2 washing containers 3 Loading opening 4 Back panel 5 Floor 6 Ceiling 7 Side wall 8 side wall 9 Dishwashing tray 10 items to be washed 11 Cutlery drawer 12 Dishwashing tray 13 Guide system 14 Lifting device 15 Swivel arm 16 Swivel arm 17 storage location 18 storage location 19 storage location 20 storage locations 21 Display device 22 Back panel 23 frames 24 Arrow 25 Guide system 26 Guide system 27 Marking element 28 cutlery basket 29 handlebars 30 marking element 31 Marking symbol 32 Marking symbol 33 Marking symbol 34 Marking symbol 35 marking element 36 Sensor device 37 Sensor device 38 Display element A Extraction direction E Insertion direction H max Loading height

Claims

[1] Dishwasher (1) with a wash tub (2), an upper load holder (9) which can be moved into or out of the wash tub (2), a lower load holder (12) which can be moved into or out of the wash tub (2) and which can be raised from a starting position to an end position or lowered from the end position to the starting position, and a display device (21) which indicates a maximum load height (H max ) of the lower dishwashing container (12) with dishwashing material (10), so that when moving the lower dishwashing container (12) a collision of the dishwashing material (10) with the upper dishwashing container (9) and / or with components adjacent to the upper dishwashing container (9) can be prevented. [2] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized by , that the upper dishwashing tray (9) is height-adjustable. [3] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the display device (21) comprises a marking element (27) provided on a cutlery drawer (11) which can be moved into or out of the washing container (2). [4] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the display device (21) includes a handle (29) of a cutlery basket (28) that can be accommodated in the lower dishwashing compartment (12). [5] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the display device (21) includes a marking element (30) provided on the rinsing container (2). [6] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 5, characterized by , that the marking element (30) has several marking symbols (32 - 34) to indicate the maximum loading height (H) max ) at different height positions of the upper dishwashing tray (9). [7] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by, that the display device (21) comprises a frame (23) attached to the lower dishwashing tray (12) or a back panel (22) which determines the maximum loading height (H max ) displays. [8] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the display device (21) includes a marking element (35) provided on the upper dishwashing tray (9). [9] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by , that the display device (21) includes a sensor device (36, 37) which determines the maximum loading height (H max ) displays. [10] Dishwasher (1) according to claim 9, characterized by , that the sensor device (36, 37) has a display element (38) to indicate an exceedance of the maximum load height (H) max ) includes.

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