Method for creating a connection between a spray arm for a household dishwasher and a bearing element for rotatably mounting the spray arm.

Abstract

Method for producing a connection between a spray arm (18) for a household dishwasher (1) and a bearing element (19) for rotatably mounting the spray arm (18), wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) inserting (S1) the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18); and b) forming (S2) a connecting element (37) which positively connects the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for establishing a connection between a spray arm for a household dishwasher and a bearing element for rotatably supporting the spray arm, a connection arrangement and a household dishwasher.In household dishwashers, water or wash liquor (hereinafter simply "water") is conducted by means of lines to various points into a wash chamber in order to clean washware arranged therein. Among other things, water is conducted via a line into a spray arm which is attached, for example, to the underside of an upper basket arranged in the rinsing chamber. In commercial household dishwashers the spray arm rotates as water is passed through it so that the water is distributed throughout the washroom.In known household dishwashers, the spray arm is connected to one end of the line by means of a slide bearing. The slide bearing is designed such that water can flow from the line into the spray arm. In addition, the slide bearing allows the rotary movement of the spray arm about an axis of the spray arm. The sliding bearing usually consists of a plurality of individual parts which are assembled during assembly. The assembly capability of the individual parts and the ability of the plain bearing to seal against leaks is dependent here on the production accuracy of the individual parts.A sliding bearing of the aforementioned type is known, for example, from KR20120022429A. KR20120022429A discloses a dishwasher having a water line. A spray arm is fastened to the water line by means of a slide bearing. The slide bearing consists of a locking nut and a shaft which has a connection point for connecting the spray arm. The shaft is connected to a coupling region of the water line by means of the locking nut, wherein the connection enables a rotation of the shaft. The connection region of the shaft has a projection and a receptacle. The protrusion is connected to the coupling portion of the spray arm. The coupling region of the spray arm has a hook which is received in the receptacle of the connection region, as a result of which the shaft and the spray arm are connected to one another.Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide an improved method for establishing a connection between a spray arm for a household dishwasher and a bearing element for rotatably supporting the spray arm.According to a first aspect, a method for establishing a connection between a spray arm for a household dishwasher and a bearing element for rotatably supporting the spray arm is proposed, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) plugging the bearing element and the spray arm into one another; and b) forming a connecting element which connects the bearing element and the spray arm in a positive-locking manner.In step b) of the method, the connecting element is manufactured by moulding and at the same time the bearing element and the spray arm are connected to the connecting element. The connection between the bearing element and the spray arm through the connecting element is less dependent on manufacturing tolerances in comparison with a plugged connection. This allows the waste costs during the production of the connection to be reduced.For example, the spray arm is configured to distribute a fluid. In particular, the spray arm has at least one outlet (in particular nozzle) through which the fluid can be distributed. For example, a plurality of outlets (in particular nozzles) for distributing the fluid can also be provided on the spray arm. The fluid can be, for example, water or wash liquor. In particular, the fluid is provided via the line.The spray arm has, for example, a coupling section. The coupling section is suitable in particular for coupling a bearing, for example a sliding bearing, to the spray arm. The coupling section can be designed as a projection.The bearing element is manufactured, for example, as a hollow cylinder with a circular ring-shaped cross section. The bearing element is suitable, for example, for carrying the fluid provided by the line.The bearing element is suitable, for example, for being coupled to the spray arm via the coupling section of the spray arm. For example, the bearing element is, in particular in sections, received, in particular encompassed, by the aforementioned coupling section of the spray arm by being inserted into one another. For example, the bearing element can accommodate the coupling section by being inserted into one another. For example, the bearing element and the spray arm can be connected to one another by a fit. In particular, the coupling portion of the spray arm and the bearing element are joined with an interference fit.In order to connect the bearing element and the spray arm, a connecting element is initially formed. During the forming, a material which is non-shaped before the forming and is for example first in liquid form is brought with the aid of templates into a specific shape which the non-shaped material retains after solidification. For example, the connecting element is produced by casting, injection molding or extrusion.The connection between the bearing element and the spray arm is in particular formed positively by the primary formed connecting element. In this case, the connecting element connects the bearing element and the spray arm to one another, in particular by means of its solidification during the forming process. The form-fit connection is designed such that it is in particular not non-destructively releasable.A form-fit connection is a type of connection technology in which the components are connected to one another by their geometric shape, so that forces and moments can be transmitted. This connection is achieved by the components engaging one another, for example by grooves, pins or toothings. This produces a strong bond without the need for additional auxiliary means such as adhesives.In particular, the connecting element is arranged such that it does not restrict the guiding of the fluid flow through an inner region of the bearing element. For example, the connecting element does not protrude into the inner region of the bearing element.According to one embodiment, the connecting element is or is connected in a materially integral manner to the bearing element and / or the spray arm in or after step b), in addition to the positive fit.If the bearing element and / or the spray arm are also connected by material bonding with the aid of the connecting element in addition to the positive connection, the connection resists higher mechanical loads. The probability of failure of the spray arm due to the connection between the bearing element and the spray arm is thereby reduced.A cohesive connection is a fixed and non-detachable connection between two or more components, for example between the connecting element and the bearing element and / or the connecting element and the spray arm, which is produced by physical or chemical processes at the atomic or molecular level. The components which form a cohesive connection fuse or bond together homogeneously at the connection point.In particular, the cohesive connection is configured such that the cohesive connection seals the aforementioned inner region of the bearing element, in which the fluid is conducted, from the surroundings of the spray arm. The sealing action enables the fluid to be conducted in the inner region of the bearing element and prevents leaks from occurring at the coupling portion.For example, the cohesive connection between the connecting element and / or the bearing element and / or the spray arm arises as a result of an elevated temperature of the non-shaped material before the primary forming and the subsequent solidification during the primary forming.According to one embodiment, the bearing element has at least one aperture and the spray arm has at least one channel, wherein the aperture and the channel form a cavity after step a), wherein the positive connection between the bearing element and the spray arm is produced in step b) by molding the connecting element into the cavity.The aperture is produced, for example, as a cuboidal recess in the bearing element. For example, the opening is designed as a through bore. The aperture can extend from an outer lateral surface of the aforementioned hollow cylinder as far as an inner lateral surface.For example, the bearing element has at least one first aperture and one second aperture. The first aperture and the second aperture may be arranged opposite each other. For example, the bearing element and the spray arm are arranged in the fitted state such that the opening of the bearing element is an extension of the channel.If the bearing element has at least one first aperture and one second aperture, the spray arm also has a first channel and a second channel. As a result, a first cavity is formed by the first aperture and the first channel and a second cavity is formed by the second aperture and the second channel.In particular, the aperture or the first aperture and the second aperture of the bearing element and the channel or the first channel and the second channel of the spray arm have the same cross section. In particular, the aperture and the channel or the first aperture and the first channel and the second aperture and the second channel are each arranged coaxially with respect to one another.For example, the cavity or the first cavity and the second cavity allow the guidance of the non-shaped material during the primary forming. For example, the aforementioned cohesive connection between the connecting element and the bearing element and / or the spray arm is formed in the cavity or the first cavity and the second cavity. In particular, the first cavity and the second cavity are arranged opposite one another.According to an embodiment, the spray arm is formed from a first shell and a second shell.By forming the spray arm with the aid of the first shell and the second shell, optimized conduction of the fluid during operation of the spray arm can take place. For example, in the first shell and / or in the second shell, bulges and / or elevations can be provided, which specifically conduct the fluid. These bulges and / or elevations may differ from the first shell to the second shell, which necessitates individual production of both shells.For example, the first shell and the second shell form the spray arm in the connected state. For example, the first shell and / or the second shell are made of a material having two components. In particular, a first component is polypropylene and a second component is talc or glass fiber. The first shell and the second shell have, in particular, a similar coefficient of thermal expansion.For example, the first shell and the second shell each have a connection point. In particular, the connecting point runs along a respective connecting edge of the first shell and of the second shell. In particular, the first shell and the second shell are connected to one another by the connecting element along the connection point.According to an embodiment, before step a), the channel is formed by arranging the first shell on the second shell.In each case one half of the channel can be formed, for example, by a recess in each of the first shell and the second shell. In particular, an axis that is a center line of the channel lies in a connecting plane that is arranged between the first shell and the second shell. If the spray arm has two channels, the first shell and the second shell can each have a first recess and a second recess.According to one embodiment, the first shell and the second shell form, in the connected state, an inner region into which the bearing element is inserted in step a).For example, the inner region is suitable for conducting the aforementioned fluid. For example, the first shell and / or the second shell have the aforementioned outlets. The fluid can exit the interior of the spray arm through the outlets.According to an embodiment, the channel connects the interior region and a vicinity of the spray arm to one another.In particular, the first shell and the second shell in the connected state delimit the inner region from the surroundings of the spray arm. For example, while the spray arm is in operation, the interior region is flushed or surrounded by the fluid.According to one embodiment, in step b) the first shell and the second shell are connected by the connecting element.If the connection between the first shell and the second shell is formed in a materially integral manner, the connecting element seals the inner region of the spray arm from the aforementioned environment, whereby leaks are prevented.The connection between the first shell and the second shell by the connecting element can be formed, for example, in a form-fitting manner. In particular, the connection between the first shell and the second shell can be formed in a materially integral manner by the connecting element.For example, a section of the connecting element is located in the vicinity of the spray arm after the primary forming. For example, the portion of the connecting element which is arranged in the vicinity of the spray arm is arranged at the aforementioned respective connection point of the first shell and the second shell. In particular, the connecting element connects the first shell and the second shell to one another via the respective connection point.According to one embodiment, the spray arm has a rotation axis which extends orthogonally to a connecting plane in which the first shell and the second shell are connected to one another by means of the connecting element.In the orthogonal arrangement of the axis of rotation and the connecting plane, in particular deviations of up to 30 degrees, or up to 10 degrees, or up to 5 degrees can occur. The connecting plane is arranged, for example, between the first shell and the second shell. In particular, the connecting plane is arranged between the connecting edges of the first shell and the second shell.According to one embodiment, before step a), the bearing element is mounted in a through opening of a slide bearing such that it can rotate about the axis of rotation.A disk is arranged, for example, around the through-opening of the slide bearing. For example, the disk is suitable for allowing the rotatable mounting of the bearing element. The pane consists in particular of polyoxymethylene or of polyethylene. For example, the closure element and the bearing element can consist of the same material. The bearing element and the aforementioned first shell and second shell are made of materials having similar thermal expansion coefficients, for example.For example, the bearing element has a protrusion which abuts the disk during the bearing of the bearing element. For example, the bearing element is rotatably mounted relative to the closure element.In particular, a protruding region of the bearing element protrudes from the through opening of the locking nut in the stored state. In particular, the protruding region of the bearing element is suitable for plugging the bearing element and the spray arm into one another. If the bearing element with the disk is rotatably mounted in the through-opening of the slide bearing, it can no longer be disassembled in a non-destructive manner, for example after step b).The lock nut is particularly suitable for being connected to one end of the aforementioned conduit. For example, the connection between the locking nut and the line is positive-locking.According to a further embodiment, the connecting element is initially formed in step b) by injection molding of plastic.Injection molding is a production method in which the non-molded material, in particular molten plastic, is injected under high pressure into a forming mold. For example, the plastic is heated to melt. After injection, the plastic cools and solidifies, thereby forming the desired component, for example the connecting element.According to one embodiment, in step b) the injection-molded plastic flows from an environment outside the first and second shells into the cavity in the direction of the inner region.By forming the cavity, the injection-molded plastic can flow from the environment in the direction of the inner region, whereby the form-fit connection between the bearing element and the spray arm is formed.In particular, the injection-molded plastic does not enter the inner region of the spray arm. For example, the injection molded plastic is prevented from entering through a core or other suitable aid during molding.According to one embodiment, the plastic consists of two components, one component being polypropylene and the other component being talc or glass fibre.For example, the components can be mixed with one another in the non-molded state before the plastic is initially molded.According to a further aspect, a connecting arrangement for a household dishwasher is provided, which has a spray arm, a bearing element for rotatably supporting the spray arm, wherein the bearing element and the spray arm are inserted into one another and together define at least one cavity, and a connecting element which connects the bearing element and the spray arm in a positive-locking manner, wherein the connecting element is molded in the at least one cavity.The molding of the connecting element in the cavity and the resulting connection between the bearing element and the spray arm can simplify the production of the connecting arrangement. In addition, the mounting of the connecting arrangement is simplified, since it can be mounted as a unit on the domestic dishwasher.According to a further aspect, a household dishwasher is proposed which has a connection arrangement described above.For example, the household dishwasher has at least one line for conducting fluid. At one end of the line, for example, the connection arrangement is attached. In particular, the connection arrangement is connected to the line by means of the locking nut. The locking nut and the end of the line have, for example, a corresponding coupling point. The locking nut is in particular connected to the line in such a way that a rotation of the spray arm relative to the locking nut is provided.Further possible implementations of the invention also include combinations, not explicitly mentioned, of features or embodiments described above or below with respect to the exemplary embodiments. In this case, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims and of the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the enclosed figures. FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher; FIG. 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an inlet and a connection arrangement; FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a bearing element; and FIG. 4 shows steps of a method.In the figures, identical or functionally identical elements have been provided with the same reference numerals, unless otherwise indicated.FIG. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher 1. the household dishwasher 1 comprises a washing container 2 which can be closed by a door 3, in particular in a watertight manner. For this purpose, a sealing device can be provided between the door 3 and the wash container 2, which is not shown in FIG. 1. The rinsing container 2 is preferably cuboidal. The wash container 2 can be arranged in a housing of the household dishwasher 1. The wash container 2 and the door 3 can form a wash chamber 4 for washing washware.The door 3 is shown in its open position in FIG. 1. By pivoting about a pivot axis 5 provided at a lower end of the door 3, the door 3 can be closed or opened. With the aid of the door 3, a charging opening 6 of the wash container 2 can be closed or opened. The wash container 2 has a base 7, a ceiling 8 arranged opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 arranged opposite the closed door 3 and two side walls 10, 11 arranged opposite each other. The base 7, the ceiling 8, the rear wall 9 and the side walls 10, 11 can be manufactured from a stainless steel sheet, for example. Alternatively, for example, the base 7 can be manufactured from a plastic material.The household dishwasher 1 further comprises at least one washware receptacle 12 to 14. Preferably, a plurality of, for example three, washware receptacles 12 to 14 can be provided, wherein the washware receptacle 12 can be a lower washware receptacle or a lower basket, the washware receptacle 13 can be an upper washware receptacle or an upper basket, and the washware receptacle 14 can be a cutlery drawer. As FIG. 1 further shows, the washware receptacles 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the dishwasher cavity 2. Each washware receptacle 12 to 14 can be optionally moved into or out of the washware container 2. In particular, each washware receptacle 12 to 14 can be pushed or moved into the washware container 2 in an insertion direction E and can be pulled or moved out of the washware container 2 counter to the insertion direction E in a pull-out direction A.FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of an inlet 15 and a connecting arrangement 16 in a sectional view. The inlet 15 is arranged, for example, in a washing chamber 4 of the household dishwasher 1 as mentioned above, for example on its floor 7 and / or ceiling 8 or below the upper basket 13. The inlet 15 is provided for the purpose of conducting a fluid (not shown in FIG. 2 ), for example water and / or liquor, in a direction R. The inlet 15 can be formed cylindrically with a circular ring-shaped cross section.The connection arrangement 16 comprises a bearing arrangement 17 and a spray arm 18. The bearing arrangement 17 in its assembled state shown contains a bearing element 19, a sliding disc 20 and a closure element 21, The closure element 21 is formed cylindrically with an annular cross section in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2.The circular cross section of the closure element 21 forms an inner region 22. Two opposing projections 23, 24 can be located in the inner region 22, each of which projections runs, for example, along a section of an inner lateral surface. With the aid of the projections 23, 24, the connecting arrangement 16 and / or the bearing arrangement 17 and / or the closure element 21 can be attached to the inlet 15, for example in a form-fitting manner. For this purpose, two opposite pockets 25, 26 are located on the inlet 15, which pockets correspond to the projections 23, 24 and extend, for example, along a section of an outer lateral surface of the inlet 15, respectively. In particular, the closure element 21 is connected to the inlet 15 in a rotationally fixed manner in a state attached to the inlet 15 (not shown in FIG. 2 ) with the aid of a positive fit of the projections 23, 24 and of the corresponding pockets 25, 26.The closure element 21 is tubular with an inwardly directed flange 27 at its spray arm-side end. The bearing element 19 (here in the form of a bearing bush) is tubular with an outwardly facing flange 28. A sliding disc 20 is arranged between the mutually opposite flanges 27, 28, so that the flanges 27, 28 are mounted rotatably with respect to one another about an axis of rotation 29. The sliding disk 20 is a friction-reducing element and is made, for example, of plastic, in particular of polyethylene or of polyoxymethylene.In the assembled state of the bearing arrangement 17, the sliding disk 20 is located between the closure element 21 and the bearing element 19. For example, the bearing element 19 and the closure element 21 are formed from a material which is composed of two components, in particular of polypropylene, which is reinforced with talc or glass fibers.If the bearing arrangement 17 is connected to the inlet 15 with the aid of the closure element 21 as described above, the bearing element 19 is mounted rotatably relative to the closure element 21. The bearing element 19 is rotatable in particular about an axis of rotation 29. The axis of rotation 29 is arranged along a center line, not shown, of the bearing element 19.FIG. 3 shows a detailed view of an embodiment of the bearing element 19. The bearing element 19 has at least one aperture 30. The aperture 30 has a rectangular cross section. In one embodiment, the aperture 30 may be manufactured as a through bore. In a further embodiment, the bearing element 19 can have a plurality of apertures.An embodiment of the bearing element 19 with a plurality of apertures is shown in FIG. 2. The bearing element 19 in FIG. 2 is shown with a first aperture 31 and a second aperture 32. In particular, the first aperture 31 and the second aperture 32 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane, not shown, which runs perpendicularly into the image plane through the axis of rotation 29.In the embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the bearing element 19 has a cutout 33. Through the recess 33, during operation a higher mass flow of the aforementioned fluid can be conducted through the bearing element 19 to the spray arm 18. The recess 33 is arranged at an end 34 opposite the aforementioned protrusion 28 of the bearing element 19 and extends in the direction of the protrusion 28 in the wall of the bearing element 19. As a result, in the assembled state of the bearing element 19, the fluid is preferably conducted through the recess 33 at a 90 degree angle to the aperture 30. The recess 33 has, for example, the shape of a cuboid.As mentioned above, the connecting arrangement 16 shown in FIG. 2 has a spray arm 18 in addition to a bearing arrangement 17. The spray arm 18 is formed, for example, from an upper shell 35, a lower shell 36 and a connecting element 37. The upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 are joined along a connecting plane VE. The connecting element 37 connects the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 in the connecting plane VE. If the upper shell 35 is arranged on the lower shell 36, the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 have a connecting section 38. The upper shell 35 has an installation opening 39 on the attachment section 38. The mounting opening 39 is configured to receive the bearing element 19 in sections. For example, the mounting opening 39 is formed by a connecting piece which projects upward from the upper shell 35 and has a through-opening which also extends through the upper shell 35. The lower shell 36 can have a bulge 40 in the region of the connection section 38 opposite the mounting opening 39.The bearing element 19 can be connected, for example, with the aid of an interference fit between the connection portion 38 and the portion of the bearing element 19 received in the mounting opening 39. The interference fit can seal the connection between the bearing element 19 and the upper shell 35, so that no fluid can escape from the mounting opening 39 in the accommodated state of the bearing element 19.When the upper shell 35 is disposed on the lower shell 36, the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 form a first channel 41 and a second channel 42. The first channel 41 and the second channel 42 are arranged opposite each other and run orthogonally to the axis of rotation 29. The first channel 41 and the second channel 42 have, for example, the same cross section as the previously described first aperture 31 and / or second aperture 32 of the bearing element 19. The connection plane VE extends orthogonally to the axis of rotation 29. In embodiments, the connection plane VE and the axis of rotation 29 may be arranged at an angle of up to 30 degrees, or up to 10 degrees, or up to 5 degrees with respect to each other. The first aperture 31 and the first channel 41, as well as the second aperture 32 and the second channel 42, form a first cavity 43 and a second cavity 44 by the described arrangement of bearing element 19 in the mounting opening 39. The first cavity 43 and the second cavity 44 are situated on the connection plane VE.The upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 form the spray arm 18 with the aid of the connecting element 37. The spray arm 18 has a cavity 45. The cavity 45 is particularly suitable for guiding the aforementioned fluid to nozzles, not shown, of the spray arm 18.For the molding of the connecting element 37, the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 can be arranged in a template, not shown in FIG. 2. The template may have an internal volume that is one negative of the volume of the upper shell 35, the lower shell 36, and the connecting member 37. For the primary forming, for example by injection molding, of the connecting element, use is made of non-molded material which is injected into the stencil under high pressure.The connecting member 37 is rough-formed to connect the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 to the spray arm 18. In this case, shapeless material penetrates into the first cavity 43 and the second cavity 44 in the direction of the cavity 45. Due to the penetrating material of the connecting element 37 during the primary forming, after the material has solidified, a positive connection is formed between the bearing element 19 and the upper shell 35 and lower shell 36 of the spray arm 18.For example, a core (not shown in FIG. 2 ) prevents the material of the connecting element 37 from entering the inner region 22 during the molding. After the material has cured, the connecting element 37 is formed. The connecting element 37 connects the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 to the spray arm 18 at a circumferential connection point 46. As a result of the circumferential connection of the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 at the connection point 46 by the connecting element 37, the upper shell 35 is sealed against the lower shell 36 against emerging fluid along the connection plane VE.In a further embodiment of the connection arrangement 16, it is possible that a cohesive connection is formed by the forming of the connection element 37, in addition to the positive connection between the spray arm 18 and the bearing element 19. Due to the fact that liquefied material solidifies at high temperature during the primary molding, the bearing element 19 made of plastic and / or the spray arm 18 made of plastic can be at least partially melted when the liquefied material penetrates into the first cavity 43 and the second cavity 44, as mentioned above.If the components are subsequently cooled, the cohesive connection is produced between the spray arm 18, the bearing element 19 and the connecting element 37.If the spray arm 18 is formed and the connecting arrangement 16 is in a state attached to the inlet 15 via the closure element 21 as described above, the fluid can be conducted along the direction R via the inner region 22 into the cavity 45 of the spray arm 18. The spray arm 18 has at least two extensions, not shown in FIG. 2, in which the cavity 45 extends. The extensions may have outlets. The fluid can exit from the spray arm 18 through the outlets into the washing chamber 4 of the household dishwasher 1. The spray arm 18 is mounted rotatably about the axis of rotation 29 via the bearing element 19. For example, the extensions of the spray arm 18 are shaped such that when fluid is directed into the cavity 45 of the spray arm 18, they cause the spray arm 18 to rotate about the axis of rotation 29.FIG. 4 shows steps S 1 and S 2 of a method for establishing a previously described connection between the spray arm 18 for the household dishwasher 1 and the bearing element 19 for rotatably supporting the spray arm 18.Before step S 1 of the method shown in FIG. 4 is carried out, the bearing arrangement 17 is pre-assembled. For this purpose, the sliding disk 20 is first pushed onto the end of the bearing element 19 opposite the flange 28 until the sliding disk 20 bears against the flange 28. Subsequently, the end of the bearing element 19 opposite the flange 28 is inserted into the spray arm-side end of the closure element 21 until the sliding disc 20 abuts against its flange 27. If the bearing element 19 is arranged in the closure element 21 in this state, the end of the bearing element 19 opposite the flange 28 protrudes from the spray arm-side end of the closure element 21.Likewise before execution of step S 1, the upper shell 35 of the spray arm 18 is arranged on its lower shell 36 along the connecting plane VE. The upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 have the connecting portion 38 in the arranged state. In addition, in the connection plane VE, the arrangement of the upper shell 35 on the lower shell 36 forms the first channel 41 and the second channel 42.In step S 1, the bearing element 19 and the spray arm 18 are inserted into one another. For example, in step S 1, the end of the bearing element 19 protruding beyond the spray arm-side end of the closure element 21 can be inserted into the mounting opening 39 of the upper shell 35 or into the upwardly protruding connecting piece thereof. After step S 1, the bearing element 19 and the spray arm 18 are inserted into one another such that the aforementioned first aperture 31 and the first channel 41 form the first cavity 43 and the aforementioned second aperture 32 and the second channel 42 form the second cavity 44, in which these are each opposite one another.Before step S 2 is carried out, the upper shell 35, the lower shell 36 and the pre-assembled bearing arrangement 17 are inserted into a template. In the inserted state in the template, the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 are fixed. The template has an opening in the area of the mounting opening 39. The bearing arrangement 17 protrudes from the opening of the template before step S 2. The template has a cavity. The cavity has an inverse shape of the spray arm 18 formed of the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 by joining by the joining member 37 manufactured in step S 2. The template has a connection for the filling of moulding material.In step S 2, the connecting element 37 is primary-molded (in particular injection-molded) in such a way that it connects the bearing element 19 and the spray arm 18 in a positive-locking manner. Via the connection for the filling of moulding material of the stencil, for example, molten, liquid plastic can be filled. The liquid plastic flows into the cavity of the template during filling. In addition, the liquid resin flows into the first cavity 43 and the second cavity 44. The flow of the resin into the cavity 45 between the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 can be prevented, for example, by inserting a core that closes the first opening 31 and the second opening 32. If the molten plastic cools as a partial step of the primary molding, the plastic solidifies and is thus solidified. Due to the shape of the cavity of the template, the connecting element 37 has formed after solidification. The connecting element 37 connects the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 in a form-fitting manner along the connection point 46, so that the spray arm 18 is formed and is sealed off from the outside. In addition, by solidifying the liquid plastic in the first cavity 43 and the second cavity 44, the spray arm 18 and the bearing element 19 are connected to one another in a form-fitting manner.Although the present invention has been described on the basis of exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in various ways.Reference numerals used:1 Household dishwasher 2 Washing container 3 Door 4 Washing chamber 5 Pivot axis 6 Charging opening 7 Floor 8 Ceiling 9 Rear wall 10 Side wall 11 Side wall 12- 14 Washware receptacle 15 Inlet 16 Connecting arrangement 17 Bearing arrangement 18 Spray arm 19 Bearing element 20 Sliding disc 21 Closure element 22 Inner region 23 Protrusion 24 Protrusion 25 Pocket 26 Pocket 27 Protrusion 28 Protrusion 29 Axis of rotation 30 Opening 31 First opening 32 Second opening 33 Recess 34 End 35 Upper shell 36 Lower shell 37 Connecting element 38 Connecting portion 39 Mounting opening 40 Protrusion 41 First channel 42 Second channel 43 First cavity 44 Second cavity 45 Cavity 46 Connecting point A Pull-out direction E Push-in direction R Direction S 1 Method step S 2 Method stepReferences included in the specificationThis list of documents cited by the applicant has been produced in an automated manner and is only included for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent application or utility model application. The DPMA does not take any adhesion for any faults or omissions.Patent Literature citedKR20120022429A

[0004]

Claims

Method for producing a connection between a spray arm (18) for a domestic dishwasher (1) and a bearing element (19) for rotatably supporting the spray arm (18), wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) fitting (S1) the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18) into one another; and b) forming (S2) a connecting element (37) which connects the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18) in a positive-locking manner.Method according to Claim 1, characterized in that the connecting element (37) is connected in step b), in addition to the positive fit, in a materially integral manner to the bearing element (19) and / or to the spray arm (18).Method according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the bearing element (19) has at least one aperture (30-32) and the spray arm (18) has at least one channel (41, 42), wherein the aperture (30-32) and the channel (41, 42) form a cavity (43, 44) after step a), wherein the positive connection between the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18) is produced in step b) by moulding the connecting element (37) into the cavity (43, 44).Method according to claim 3, characterised in that the spray arm (18) is formed from a first shell (35) and a second shell (36).Method according to claim 4, characterised in that before step a) the channel (41, 42) is formed by arranging the first shell (35) on the second shell (36).Method according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the first shell (35) and the second shell (36), in the connected state, form an inner region (45), into which the bearing element (19) is inserted in step a), in particular in a sealing manner.Method according to claim 6, characterised in that the channel (41, 42) connects the inner region (45) and a surrounding area of the spray arm (18) to one another.Method according to one of Claims 4 - 7, characterized in that, in step b), the first shell (35) and the second shell (36) are connected by the connecting element (37).Method according to claim 8, characterised in that the spray arm (18) has an axis of rotation (29) which extends orthogonally to a connecting plane (VE) in which the first shell (35) and the second shell (36) are connected to one another by means of the connecting element (37).Method according to one of Claims 1 - 9, characterized in that, before step a), the bearing element (19) is rotatably mounted in a passage opening of a plain bearing (17).Method according to one of Claims 1 - 10, characterized in that the connecting element (37) is initially formed in step b) by injection moulding of plastics material.Method according to claim 11, characterised in that in step b) the injection-moulded plastic flows from an environment outside the first and second shells (35, 36) into the cavity (43, 44) in the direction of the inner region (45).Method according to claim 11 or 12, characterised in that the plastic consists of two components, one component being polypropylene and the other component being talc or glass fibre.A connection arrangement (16) for a household dishwasher (1), comprising: a spray arm (18); a bearing element (19) for rotatably supporting the spray arm (18), wherein the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18) are inserted into one another and together define at least one cavity (43, 44); and a connection element (37) which positively connects the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18), wherein the connection element (37) is urformed in the at least one cavity (43, 44).Household dishwasher (1) comprising a connection arrangement (16) according to claim 14.

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