HOUSEHOLD DISHWASHER

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a household dishwasher.

[0002] A dishwasher can have a wash tub and spray devices arranged in the wash tub, such as a roof-mounted sprayer or rotatably mounted spray arms, for spraying items to be washed with washing liquid and / or fresh water.

[0003] EP 3 254 600 A1 shows a dishwasher with a wash tub and a spray arm rotatably mounted on the wash tub. The spray arm comprises a multitude of spray nozzles to which the wash fluid is supplied by means of flow guide elements.

[0004] EP 2 397 060 A2 describes a dishwasher with a spray device comprising a deflector designed to deflect the wash liquor directed onto it in order to create a variable spray pattern.

[0005] From DE 1 628 813 A1 a washing jet nozzle for dishwashers with a somewhat rotationally symmetrical nozzle hollow body is known, wherein the nozzle hollow body is formed from a hollow cylinder provided with a bottom on one side and two hollow truncated cones standing with their tips on each other.

[0006] DE 198 41 355 A1 describes a dishwasher with a spray arm and a spray nozzle arranged on it, wherein the washing liquid is supplied to the spray nozzle in a circulating motion.

[0007] From EP 1 365 079 A1 a cleaning water jet device is known which is designed in such a way that it rotates a nozzle arranged in a chamber by means of a liquid pressure in such a way that the liquid jet ejected from the nozzle forms a conical shape around a central axis of the chamber opening.

[0008] Against this background, one object of the invention is to provide an improved household dishwasher.

[0009] Accordingly, a household dishwasher is proposed. The household dishwasher comprises a wash tub and at least one spray device arranged within the wash tub for spraying wash liquor and / or fresh water into the wash tub. The spray device includes a nozzle for spraying the wash liquor and / or fresh water and a spiral flow guide element for directing the wash liquor and / or fresh water to the nozzle. The spiral flow guide element is configured to supply the wash liquor and / or fresh water to the nozzle during operation of the spray device in such a way that the wash liquor and / or fresh water exits the nozzle as a rotating conical spray jet.

[0010] Because the wash water and / or fresh water exits the nozzle as a rotating cone spray jet, the items in the wash tub are particularly well wetted by the wash water and / or fresh water, as a chaotic spray pattern is created. This improves the cleaning performance of the household dishwasher.

[0011] The spray device can be, for example, fixed to the washing tank, mounted on a spray arm rotatably within the washing tank, or attached to a dishware holder within the washing tank. In particular, the spray device can also be located on the bottom or top of the washing tank. Preferably, a plurality of spray devices are provided. In this context, a "conical spray jet" is understood to be a spray jet with a conical surface. The conical spray jet exits the nozzle at a defined angle. The phrase "rotating" the conical spray jet, in this context, specifically means that the conical spray jet rotates around an axis of rotation as it exits the nozzle.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the spiral flow guide element is designed in the form of an Archimedean spiral or in the form of a logarithmic spiral.

[0013] Depending on the chosen outlet rotation direction of the flushing solution and / or fresh water from the nozzle, either a left-handed or a right-handed spiral geometry can be selected. In this context, "left-handed" refers specifically to a counterclockwise rotation direction of the spiral flow guide element. "Right-handed" refers specifically to the spiral flow guide element winding clockwise. The term "left-handed" can also be replaced by the terms "left-handed" or "curved to the left." Similarly, the term "right-handed" can be replaced by the terms "right-handed" or "curved to the right." The respective direction of curvature of the spiral flow guide element is thus synonymous with the degree of twist of the spiral flow guide element.This means that if the spiral flow guide element is left-handed, it will have a curvature that curves to the left. Similarly, if the spiral flow guide element is right-handed, it will have a curvature that curves to the right. The previously mentioned exit angle of the conical spray jet from the nozzle can be influenced by changing the distance of a wall of the spiral flow guide element from the center point of the respective nozzle. The distance from the center point of a logarithmic spiral changes by the same factor with each revolution. If this factor is chosen to be very small, the exit angle can be reduced. Conversely, the exit angle can be increased if the factor is increased.When using an Archimedean spiral, the distance can be varied by increasing or decreasing the spiral radius accordingly.

[0014] According to the invention, the spray device has a rotatably mounted centrifugal element which, during operation of the spray device, can be subjected to the rinsing liquor and / or fresh water in order to set the centrifugal element in rotation.

[0015] The phrase "the centrifugal element can be exposed to the cleaning solution and / or fresh water" means, in this context, that the centrifugal element is exposed to the cleaning solution and / or fresh water during operation of the spray device, causing it to rotate around an axis of rotation. Because the cleaning solution and / or fresh water exits the nozzle as a rotating conical spray jet, the driving torque acting on the centrifugal element can be increased, as the conical spray jet impacts not only a hub but also the impeller blades of the centrifugal element.

[0016] According to the invention, the gyratory element has impeller blades, wherein a curvature direction of the impeller blades coincides with a curvature direction of the spiral flow element.

[0017] If the impeller blades are curved to the left, the spiral flow guide element also has a left-handed curvature, or is left-handed. If the impeller blades are curved to the right, the spiral flow guide element also has a right-handed curvature, or is right-handed. These identical curvature directions allow for a further increase in the drive torque acting on the gyratory element, thus improving the spray pattern.

[0018] According to another embodiment, the gyroscope element is received in a cage and rotatably mounted in it.

[0019] The cage preferably has several interconnected struts that are connected to a housing of the spraying device, for example by snapping or locking them in place. The struts meet at a connecting section that has a bore in which the hub of the gyratory element is rotatably mounted.

[0020] According to another embodiment, the household dishwasher further comprises an intensive zone which has several spray devices.

[0021] Preferably, several such intensive spray zones are provided. These intensive zones can, for example, be attached to the dish racks of a household dishwasher. Each intensive zone might, for instance, have three such spray devices. However, the number of spray devices is arbitrary.

[0022] According to another embodiment, the intensive zone has a valve to move the intensive zone from an active state to an inactive state and vice versa.

[0023] Preferably, the valve is a manually operated valve. For example, the valve can have a valve body that is linearly displaceable to move the spray device from the active state to the inactive state and vice versa.

[0024] According to another embodiment, the intensive zone has a housing on or in which the spiral flow-guiding elements are integrally formed.

[0025] Preferably, the housing is a plastic component. The housing can, for example, have a base and a lid that are firmly connected to each other. Preferably, the spiral flow guide elements of the spray devices are molded onto the lid.

[0026] According to another embodiment, the household dishwasher further comprises a spray arm rotatably mounted in the washing tub, which has several spray devices.

[0027] In particular, multiple spray arms can be provided. The spray arms are located, for example, at the dish holders, on the ceiling of the wash tank, or on the bottom of the wash tank.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the spiral flow guide elements of adjacent spray devices have different directions of curvature.

[0029] Preferably, the spray devices are arranged such that a right-hand spiral flow guide element is positioned between two left-hand spiral flow guide elements, and vice versa. This further improves the wetting effect. The spiral flow guide elements can also have identical directions of curvature.

[0030] Other possible implementations of the household 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 household dishwasher.

[0031] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the household dishwasher are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the household dishwasher described below. The household dishwasher will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures. Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher; Fig. 2 shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of an intensive zone for the household dishwasher according to the Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 shows a schematic bottom view of the intensive care zone according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the intensive care zone according to section line IV-IV of the Fig. 2 ; Fig. 5 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of a spiral flow guide element for the intensive zone according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 6 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a spiral flow guide element for the intensive zone according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 7 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of a spiral flow guide element for the intensive zone according to Fig. 2 ; Fig. 8 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of an intensive zone for the household dishwasher according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 9 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a spray arm for the household dishwasher according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 10 shows another schematic sectional view of the spray arm along section line XX. Fig. 9 ; and Fig. 11 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of a spray arm for the household dishwasher according to Fig. 1 .

[0032] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0033] The Figur 1 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a wash tub 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 tub 2. The wash tub 2 is preferably cuboid in shape. The wash tub 2 can be arranged in a housing of the household dishwasher 1. The wash tub 2 and the door can form a wash chamber 4 for washing items.

[0034] Door 3 is in the Fig. 1 The door 3 is shown in its open position. It can be opened or closed by pivoting it about a pivot axis 5 located at its lower end. The door 3 can be used to open or close a loading opening 6 of the wash tank 2. The wash tank 2 has a base 7, a top 8 opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 opposite the closed door 3, and two opposing side walls 10 and 11. The base 7, the top 8, the rear wall 9, and the side walls 10 and 11 can, for example, be made of stainless steel. Alternatively, the base 7 can, for example, be made of a plastic material.

[0035] The household dishwasher 1 further comprises at least one dishware holder 12 to 14. Preferably, several, for example three, dishware holders 12 to 14 can be provided, wherein the dishware holder 12 can be a lower dishware holder or a lower basket, the dishware holder 13 an upper dishware holder or an upper basket, and the dishware holder 14 a cutlery drawer. As the Fig. 1 As further shown, the dishware holders 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the washing container 2. Each dishware holder 12 to 14 can be selectively moved into or out of the washing container 2. In particular, each dishware holder 12 to 14 can be pushed or moved into the washing container 2 in an insertion direction E and pulled or moved out of the washing container 2 in an extension direction A opposite to the insertion direction E.

[0036] The Fig. 2 shows a schematic overview of an intensive care zone 15. Fig. 3 shows a schematic underside view of intensive care zone 15 and the Fig. 4 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the intensive care zone according to section line IV-IV of the Fig. 2 The following refers to the Fig. 2 bis 4 Reference was made at the same time.

[0037] The intensive zone 15 is located within the wash tank 2. In particular, several such intensive zones 15 can be provided within the wash tank 2. However, the following refers to only one intensive zone 15. The intensive zone 15 can, for example, be detachably or permanently connected to one of the dish holders 12 to 14. Furthermore, the intensive zone 15 can also be located on the bottom 7, the top 8, the back wall 9, or on one of the side walls 10, 11. The intensive zone 15 can be attached to the wash tank 2 or the respective dish holder 12 to 14 in such a way that it can be detached from the wash tank 2 or the dish holder 12 to 14. For example, the intensive zone 15 can be clipped or snapped onto the respective dish holder 12 to 14. The household dishwasher 1 can therefore be modularly equipped with one intensive zone 15 or with several intensive zones 15.

[0038] The intensive zone 15 comprises a housing 16 with a base 17, which is located in the Fig. 3 (However, this is not shown) and a lid 18. The base 17 and the lid 18 are connected to each other by means of a connecting element 19. The housing 16 includes the connecting element 19. For example, the base 17, the lid 18 and the connecting element 19 are glued or welded together.

[0039] Furthermore, the housing 16 includes a coupling element 20, by means of which the intensive zone 15 is detachably connected to a feed pipe (not shown) of the household dishwasher 1. For example, if the intensive zone 15 is located at one of the dish holders 12 to 14, the coupling element 20 is connected to the feed pipe when the dish holder 12 to 14 is pushed into the wash tub 2 in the insertion direction E, and when the dish holder 12 to 14 is pulled out in the extension direction A, the coupling element 20 is disconnected from the feed pipe again. Thus, with the aid of the coupling element 20, wash liquid and / or fresh water F can be supplied to the intensive zone 15 during operation of the household dishwasher 1.

[0040] Furthermore, the housing 16 includes a supply line 21 located downstream of the coupling element 20. The intensive care zone 15 can also include a valve 22 provided on the housing 16, which can be switched manually, for example, to activate and deactivate the intensive care zone 15. The coupling element 20, the supply line 21, and the valve 22 can be integrally connected to the cover 18 of the housing 16, in particular as a single piece of material. The valve 22 includes a valve body (not shown) that is movable to activate and deactivate the intensive care zone 15.

[0041] Intensive zone 15 comprises several spray devices 23 to 25. The number of spray devices 23 to 25 is arbitrary. For example, three such spray devices 23 to 25 could be provided. The spray devices 23 to 25 could also be individually located on the inside of the wash tank 2 or on the wash item holders 12 to 14. This means that the spray devices 23 to 25 are not necessarily assigned to an intensive zone 15 as previously described.

[0042] Each spray device 23 to 25 comprises a rotary element 26, which is rotatable about a rotational axis R ( Fig. 4 ) is mounted in a cage 27. The gyratory element 26 comprises several, for example three, impeller blades 28 to 30. The impeller blades 28 to 30 are connected to each other by means of a connecting ring 31 that encircles the gyratory element 26. Furthermore, the impeller blades 28 to 30 are connected to each other by means of a hub 32 that is rotatably mounted on the cage 27.

[0043] The cage 27 comprises several struts 33 to 35 which are connected to the cover 18. For example, the struts 33 to 35 are snapped or locked into the cover 18. Alternatively, the struts 33 to 35 can also be formed as a single unit, in particular as a single piece of material, with the cover 18. The number of struts 33 to 35 is arbitrary.

[0044] For example, three such struts 33 to 35 are provided, positioned at an angle of 120° to each other. As in the Fig. 4 As shown, a locking element 36 can be provided at the end of each of the struts 33 to 35, which snaps or locks into an opening 37 of the cover 18. The struts 33 to 35 meet at a bearing section 38, which has a bore 39 in which the hub 32 of the gyratory element 26 is rotatably mounted.

[0045] The spray devices 23 to 25 are preferably of identical construction. Like the Fig. 3 As further shown, the spray devices 23 to 25 each comprise a nozzle 40 to 42. That is, each spray device 23 to 25 is assigned a nozzle 40 to 42. The nozzles 40 to 42 are suitable for spraying the rinsing solution and / or the fresh water F in the rinsing tank 2.

[0046] Each spray device 23 to 25 also has a [missing information] in the Fig. 3 The spiral flow guide elements 43 to 45 shown are assigned to the respective nozzles 40 to 42. The rinsing solution and / or the fresh water F is directed to these spiral flow guide elements 43 to 45. The spiral flow guide elements 43 to 45 can be clockwise or counterclockwise. "Clockwise" means curved in a clockwise direction. "Counterclockwise" means curved in a counterclockwise direction. As the Fig. 3 As shown, the spiral flow elements 43 to 45 rotate clockwise. This means that the rinsing solution and / or the fresh water F is fed to the respective nozzle 40 to 42 in a clockwise rotation.

[0047] The spiral flow guide elements 43 to 45 can, as in the Fig. 5 shown, each designed as a logarithmic spiral. In the Fig. 5 The spiral flow guide element 43 is designed as a left-handed logarithmic spiral. A logarithmic spiral is a spiral in which, with each revolution around its center, a distance a ( Fig. 7 ) from this center point by the same factor. The radius of the logarithmic spiral thus increases proportionally to the arc or spiral length of the spiral. As mentioned previously, the spiral flow guide element 43 can also be right-handed.

[0048] As the Fig. 6 As shown, the spiral flow guide elements 43 to 45 can also each be designed as an Archimedean spiral. In the Fig. 6 The spiral-shaped flow guide element 43 is designed as a left-handed Archimedean spiral. An Archimedean spiral is formed when, during a rotational movement, the radius of the spiral increases proportionally to its angle of rotation.

[0049] The functionality of the intensive zone 15 and the spray device 23 to 25 is explained below. Because each spray device 23 to 25 is assigned a spiral flow guide element 43 to 45, the rinsing solution and / or the fresh water F emerges in the form of a rotating conical spray jet 46 ( Fig. 4 The conical spray jet 46 exits from nozzles 40 to 42. It strikes the centrifugal element 26 and sets it into rotation about the axis of rotation R. The exit direction of the cleaning solution and / or the fresh water F from the respective nozzle 40 to 42 is preferably selected to correspond to the direction of rotation of the centrifugal element 26, depending on the smoothness of the spiral flow guide elements 43 to 45. This allows a higher drive torque to be applied to the centrifugal element 26. Furthermore, by generating the conical spray jet 46, the impeller blades 28 to 30, and not just the hub 32, can be directly exposed to the flow, thus further increasing the drive torque. The centrifugal element 26 is therefore more resistant to dirt and less susceptible to blockages.

[0050] An exit angle α that is established during the operation of intensive zone 15 or the spray devices 23 to 25 ( Fig. 4 ) of the cone spray jet 46 can, as in the Fig. 7 As demonstrated using a left-handed logarithmic spiral, the flow angle α can be influenced by changing the aforementioned distance a of the spiral flow guide element 43 from the center point of the respective nozzle 40 to 42 or of the respective spiral flow guide element 43 to 45. The distance a from the center point of the nozzle 40 or of the spiral flow guide element 43 changes by the same factor with each revolution of the spiral flow guide element 43 around the center point. If this factor is chosen to be very small, the exit angle α can be reduced. Conversely, the exit angle α can be increased if the aforementioned factor is increased.

[0051] In contrast, when using an Archimedean spiral for the spiral flow guide element 43, the distance a can be made variable by increasing or decreasing the radius of the spiral flow guide element 43 accordingly.

[0052] This means that the further a wall of the spiral flow guide element 43 is located from the nozzle 40, the larger the exit angle α becomes.

[0053] The Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of another, unclaimed embodiment of an intensive zone 15. In this embodiment of the intensive zone 15, the spray devices 23 to 25 do not include a centrifugal element 26 or a cage 27. That is, the rotating conical spray jet 46 exits the nozzle 40 without striking the centrifugal element 26. The functionality otherwise remains identical.

[0054] The Fig. 9 Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a spray arm 47 for the household dishwasher 1. Fig. 10 shows another schematic sectional view of the spray arm 47 according to section line XX of the Fig. 9 . The Fig. 11 Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of another embodiment of a spray arm 47. The following refers to the Fig. 9 bis 11 Reference was made at the same time.

[0055] The spray arm 47 is rotatably mounted in the wash tank 2. For example, the spray arm 47 can be attached to one of the dish holders 12 to 14, to the ceiling 8, or to the bottom 7 of the wash tank 2 on its underside. Preferably, several such spray arms 47 are provided. The spray arm 47 comprises a plurality of spray devices 23 to 25 as described above, of which in the Fig. 9 bis 11 However, only three are marked with a reference symbol.

[0056] As the Fig. 10 As shown, each spray device 23 to 25, as previously explained, is associated with a nozzle 40 to 42 and a spiral flow guide element 43 to 45. In the embodiment of the spray arm 47 according to the Fig. 9 and 10 All spiral flow guide elements are clockwise. In the embodiment of the spray arm 47 according to the Fig. 11 The spiral flow guide elements 43 to 45 are alternately right-handed and left-handed. In the embodiment of the spray arm 47 according to the Fig. 9 and 10 At all nozzles 40 to 42, a clockwise exit direction of the rinsing fluid and / or fresh water F is achieved.

[0057] In the embodiment of the spray arm 47 according to the Fig. 11In contrast, the rinsing solution and / or the fresh water F exits alternately clockwise and counterclockwise. With a suitable arrangement of the nozzles 40 to 42 and the design of the discharge angle α of the conical spray jet 46, complete, direct wetting of the items being rinsed can be achieved, unlike with known concentric spray jet circular paths.

[0058] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. Reference symbols used:

[0059] 1 Household dishwasher 2 Wash tub 3 Door 4 Wash chamber 5 Swivel axis 6 Loading opening 7 Base 8 Top 9 Back panel 10 Side panel 11 Side panel 12 Dishwasher holder 13 Dishwasher holder 14 Dishwasher holder 15 Intensive zone 16 Housing 17 Base 18 Lid 19 Connecting element 20 Coupling element 21 Supply line 22 Valve 23 Spray unit 24 Spray unit 25 Spray unit 26 Rotary element 27 Cage 28 Impeller 29 Impeller 30 Impeller 31 Connecting ring 32 Hub 33 Strut 34 Strut 35 Strut 36 Locking element 37 Opening 38 Bearing section 39 Bore 40 Nozzle 41 Nozzle 42 Nozzle 43 Flow guide element 44 Flow guide element 45 Flow guide element 46 Cone spray jet 47 Spray arm aDistance AExtraction direction EInsertion direction FFlushing liquid and / or fresh water RRotation axis αExit angle

Claims

1. Household dishwasher (1) with a dishwasher cavity (2) and at least one spray facility (23 - 25) arranged within the dishwasher cavity (2) for spraying washing liquor and / or fresh water (F) in the dishwasher cavity (2), wherein the spray facility (23 - 25) comprises a nozzle (40 - 42) for spraying the washing liquor and / or the fresh water (F) and a spiral-shaped flow-conducting element (43 - 45) for feeding the washing liquor and / or the fresh water (F) to the nozzle (40 - 42), and wherein the spiral-shaped flow-conducting element (43 - 45) is configured, during operation of the spray facility (23 - 25), to feed the washing liquor and / or the fresh water (F) to the nozzle (40 - 42) in such a way that the washing liquor and / or the fresh water (F) exits the nozzle (40 - 42) as a rotating conical spray jet (46), wherein the spray facility (23 - 25) has a rotatably mounted circular element (26), to which the washing liquor and / or the fresh water (F) can be applied during operation of the spray facility (23 - 25), in order to cause the circular element (26) to rotate, characterised in that the circular element (26) has moving blades (28 - 30), wherein a curvature direction of the moving blades (28 - 30) corresponds with a curvature direction of the spiral-shaped flow-conducting element (43 - 45).

2. Household dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the spiral-shaped flow-conducting element (43 - 45) is embodied in the form of an Archimedean spiral or in the form of a logarithmic spiral.

3. Household dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the circular element (26) is accommodated in a cage (27) and is rotatably mounted therein.

4. Household dishwasher according to one of claims 1 - 3, further comprising an intensive zone (15) which has a plurality of spray facilities (23 - 25).

5. Household dishwasher according to claim 4, characterised in that the intensive zone (15) has a valve (22), in order to bring the intensive zone (15) from an active state into an inactive state and vice versa.

6. Household dishwasher according to claim 4 or 5, characterised in that the intensive zone (15) has a housing (16), on or in which the spiral-shaped flow-conducting elements (43 - 45) are formed.

7. Household dishwasher according to one of claims 1 - 6, further comprising a spray arm (47), which is rotatably mounted in the dishwasher cavity (2) and has a plurality of spray facilities (23 - 25).

8. Household dishwasher according to claim 7, characterised in that the spiral-shaped flow-conducting elements (43 - 45) of adjacent spray facilities (23 - 25) have curvature directions that differ from one another.