Drying device, in particular an air circulation drying device

Abstract

The invention relates to a drying device, in particular a forced-air drying device, for a dishwasher (1) which has a wash container (2) providing a wash chamber (3) for receiving items to be cleaned, with an intake duct (10) providing an air intake opening (11), an outlet duct (12) providing an air outlet opening (13), and a blower (14) to which the intake duct (10) and the outlet duct (12) are fluidically connected on the air intake side, characterized in that the blower (14) is arranged in the vertical direction (8) of the dishwasher (1) below the wash container (2), wherein the blower (14) is floating relative to the wash container (2) but nevertheless mounted in a rotationally secure manner, and that the outlet duct (12) is arranged laterally on the wash container (2).wherein the outlet channel (12) with an end section (19) having the air outlet opening (13) passes through a passage opening provided by the flushing container (2) with an intermediate radial seal.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a drying device, in particular a forced-air drying device, for a dishwasher, which has a wash chamber for receiving items to be cleaned, an intake duct providing an air intake opening, an outlet duct providing an air outlet opening, and a blower to which the intake duct and the outlet duct are fluidically connected. The invention further relates to a dishwasher equipped with a drying device.

[0002] Dishwashers in general, and those with a drying device of the type mentioned above in particular, are well known from the prior art, which is why a separate printed reference is not required at this point.

[0003] A dishwasher, particularly a typical household dishwasher, has a wash chamber that serves to hold the items to be cleaned. In the case of a household dishwasher, these items are primarily dishes and cutlery.

[0004] In normal use, a dishwasher undergoes drying after the washing process. Various drying methods are known in the art, including hot air drying, in which the items to be dried are exposed to preheated drying air. The air contained within the dishwasher's wash chamber can be used as the drying air, in which case hot air drying occurs in recirculation mode. Alternatively and / or in combination with this, fresh air drawn from the atmosphere surrounding the dishwasher can also be used for drying.

[0005] Regardless of whether hot air drying is carried out using recirculated air and / or fresh air, a drying unit is used for airflow and heating. This unit provides the necessary airflow and includes a fan and a heating element. Furthermore, temperature sensors may be incorporated to regulate the heating output and monitor the system.

[0006] A drying device of this type for hot air drying has an intake duct on one side and an exhaust duct on the other. The intake duct provides an air intake opening, while the exhaust duct has an air outlet opening. In normal use, drying air is supplied to the intake duct through the air intake opening and then conveyed through the exhaust duct to the air outlet opening. The drying air exiting the drying device through the air outlet opening then enters a dishwashing container of a dishwasher connected to the drying device.

[0007] To convey the drying air, the drying unit is equipped with a blower. The air intake duct and the air outlet duct are connected to this blower in a flow-optimized manner. The blower consists of a housing and a fan wheel, which is rotatably mounted within the housing. Under normal operating conditions, the fan wheel is driven by a suitable electric drive unit.

[0008] Although previously known drying devices of this type have proven their worth in everyday practical use, there is room for improvement. In particular, a simplified and therefore cost-effective design is desired, one that reliably ensures dependable operation. Therefore, the invention is based on the following principles: Task,to further develop a drying device of the generic type in such a way as to enable reliable and safe operation while simultaneously simplifying assembly.

[0009] To Solution To address this problem, the invention proposes a drying device of the type mentioned above, which is characterized in that the blower is arranged below the wash tub in the vertical direction of the dishwasher, wherein the blower is floating in relation to the wash tub, yet is mounted in a rotationally secure manner, and in that the outlet channel is arranged laterally on the wash tub, wherein the outlet channel, with an end section having the air outlet opening, passes through a passage opening provided by the wash tub with the interposition of a radial seal.

[0010] The exhaust duct is positioned to the side of the wash tub to save space, specifically in the space between the tub and the dishwasher housing that holds the tub. This lateral placement offers the advantage that the air outlet can open into the upper part of the tub (relative to the height of the dishwasher). This allows for the addition of drying air to the tub from above. The lateral positioning of the exhaust duct thus provides a design solution for optimized drying air delivery to the wash tub.

[0011] The drying unit's blower, however, is not located to the side of the wash tub, but rather vertically below the tub. This allows for an optimized size of the wash chamber provided by the tub.

[0012] For simplified installation, the outlet channel is arranged on the flushing tank, with the outlet channel passing through a through-opening provided by the flushing tank at its end section which includes the air outlet opening. As a result, the outlet channel is directly connected to and held in place by the flushing tank.

[0013] A radial sealing system with a radial seal is provided for a fluid-tight seal of the through-opening on the side of the flushing tank. In normal use, this seals the gap between the outlet channel and the through-opening. Advantageously, the radial sealing system is designed to withstand the weight of the outlet channel on the flushing tank without this force acting on the radial seal itself. This allows for easy installation, ensures a permanently reliable seal, and simultaneously guarantees that the outlet channel can be supported against the flushing tank in a force-transmitting manner. Therefore, no additional fixings are required.

[0014] The blower, located in the base of the dishwasher below the wash tub, is fluidically connected to the exhaust duct. For this purpose, the exhaust duct is fluidically connected to the blower at the air outlet side.

[0015] Under normal operating conditions, changes in the geometric dimensions, particularly of the outlet channel, can occur, especially due to thermal factors. Specifically, changes in the length of the outlet channel can occur during normal drying.

[0016] To avoid tolerance-related stresses within the overall construction, the invention further provides that the blower is not directly connected to the base and / or the wash tub of the dishwasher. Instead, the invention provides that the blower is mounted in a floating manner relative to the wash tub. "Floating" in the sense of the invention means that the blower can move translationally relative to the wash tub in order to compensate for thermally induced geometric changes of the outlet duct and / or intake duct. The mounting provided for the blower according to the invention is therefore able, in particular, to accommodate any changes in the length of the outlet duct and / or intake duct by allowing a corresponding movement of the blower relative to the wash tub.

[0017] The bearing arrangement provided according to the invention is nevertheless designed to prevent rotation, so that, while any possible change in length of the outlet duct and / or intake duct can be compensated for in the manner described above to avoid stress, it is also simultaneously ensured that the ducts connected to the blower are not damaged by the blower twisting relative to the ducts. This risk exists particularly during transport of the dishwasher, for example, to its installation location. In this respect, the rotationally fixed arrangement of the housing advantageously serves to reliably prevent leaks resulting from unintentional transverse loads.

[0018] As a result of the design according to the invention, a space-saving arrangement of the drying unit is ensured while simultaneously optimizing the size of the wash tub. The drying unit's blower is arranged vertically below the wash tub, while the outlet duct, which is operatively connected to the blower, is located laterally on the wash tub. The blower is floatingly mounted, i.e., it is freely suspended relative to the wash tub, thus creating a direct fixed connection between the blower and the outlet duct and / or intake duct, but not to the wash tub itself. This avoids bearing overload, advantageously compensating for temperature-related expansions of the outlet duct and / or intake duct by the blower's bearings.This advantageously results in high operational reliability throughout the entire service life of the dishwasher. Furthermore, simplified assembly is possible, as pre-assembly is feasible, and final assembly only requires positioning the outlet and intake ducts on the side of the wash tub and inserting the associated fan into its designated floating mount, for example, by hanging it.

[0019] A radial seal is provided for sealing between the air intake duct and the flushing tank. This ensures easy installation and a permanently reliable seal.

[0020] According to a further feature of the invention, the end section having the air outlet opening is provided to house a heating element and / or temperature sensors.

[0021] The end section of the outlet duct, which features the air outlet opening, preferably houses a heating element. Under normal operating conditions, this element heats the drying air passing through the outlet duct. As a result of the heating element's operation, heated drying air exits the outlet duct at the air outlet opening.

[0022] The heating element is preferably electrically operated. It can be designed as a tubular heating element, in particular as a heating coil or helical. In normal operation, air supplied by the blower is passed over the heating element. Under normal operating conditions, this element then transfers heat to the drying air passing by, thereby warming the air.

[0023] Furthermore, the end section of the outlet duct, which contains the air outlet opening, can be equipped with sensors, particularly temperature sensors. Preferably, two temperature sensors are used: a first temperature sensor is located upstream of the heating element in the direction of airflow through the outlet duct, and a second temperature sensor is located downstream of the heating element in the direction of airflow. This allows for the determination of a temperature difference between the air temperature upstream of the heating element and downstream of the heating element in the direction of airflow through the outlet duct. This allows conclusions to be drawn about the functionality of the heating element. Furthermore, the signals from the temperature sensors can be used to detect overheating and trigger an emergency shutdown of the heating element.

[0024] Alternatively, instead of two sensors, only one sensor can be used.

[0025] According to a further feature of the invention, the end section having the air outlet opening is made of a temperature-resistant plastic.

[0026] "Temperature-resistant plastic" within the meaning of the invention means that a plastic is used which remains functional even when considering the heating power of the heating element occurring in the intended use. Therefore, according to the invention, a plastic material is used which ensures the proper functioning of the intake duct even under the heat exposure occurring in the intended use. This includes, among other things, durability, dimensional stability, and ease of assembly and disassembly.

[0027] According to a further feature of the invention, the flow path provided by the end section has a 180° reversal. In the intended use, this 180° reversal advantageously prevents the rinsing fluid introduced from the rinsing tank via the air outlet opening from flowing through the air outlet channel to the blower. Instead, the 180° reversal retains the rinsing fluid introduced into the outlet channel, preventing it from flowing back through the air outlet opening into the rinsing chamber.

[0028] According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the end section having the air outlet opening provides an assembly aid on the outside that interacts with the rinsing container.

[0029] In its fully assembled state, the outlet channel, with its outlet-side end section, protrudes through a correspondingly shaped opening in the flushing tank. This results in the outlet channel being positioned on the flushing tank in such a way that the flushing tank supports the air outlet channel and absorbs the force. No further fastening or positioning of the outlet channel is required. For the purpose of simplified assembly, an assembly aid can be provided, in particular one that is arranged externally on the end section of the outlet channel. In the intended use, this can interact with a counterpart provided on the flushing tank side. Of course, a reverse configuration is also conceivable, whereby a corresponding assembly aid is provided on the flushing tank side.

[0030] The assembly aid can be used, in particular, to facilitate threading the end section of the outlet duct, which provides the air outlet opening, into the corresponding opening of the flushing tank. Alternatively or additionally, the assembly aid can be used to simplify the positioning of the outlet duct, especially if the blower and outlet duct have been pre-assembled.

[0031] According to a further feature of the invention, the outlet channel has a second end section on the blower side, which is made of a different plastic material compared to the first end section which has the air outlet opening.

[0032] According to this preferred embodiment, the outlet duct has two end sections. A first end section and a second end section are provided, the first end section having the air outlet opening. The second end section is located on the blower side, i.e., in the fully assembled state, it is arranged on the outlet side of the blower.

[0033] Dividing the outlet channel into two end sections offers the advantage that different materials can be used to form the respective end sections, and in particular, different plastic materials can be used. The first end section can therefore be made of a different plastic material than the second end section.

[0034] This design is particularly advantageous from a cost perspective. The first end section of the outlet duct, which provides the air outlet opening, is preferably made of a heat-resistant plastic material, as previously described. Such a material is comparatively expensive. The second end section, i.e., the blower-side end section of the outlet duct, does not carry heated drying air, even under normal operating conditions. Therefore, it is not necessary to make this end section of a heat-resistant plastic as well. The two-part design thus makes it possible to use a comparatively inexpensive plastic for the second end section. The result is an optimized cost design.

[0035] A further synergistic effect comes into play. For a fluid-tight connection between the first and second end sections, the first end section is positioned against the second end section with an interposed radial seal. This radial seal compensates for tolerances without the risk of unwanted leaks. The radial seal can compensate for both manufacturing tolerances and those that arise during normal use due to thermal expansion of the components. The compensation of manufacturing tolerances is particularly advantageous because it allows for precise positioning of the first end section within the designated through-hole of the flushing tank, as well as precise and secure attachment of the second end section to the blower.This design allows for stress-free and therefore simple assembly, as any tolerance-related misalignment of the two end sections relative to each other can be compensated for. The aforementioned two-part design thus makes it possible, on the one hand, to use different plastic materials for the two end sections, thereby reducing manufacturing costs, and on the other hand, to provide a design feature for tolerance compensation. This simplifies assembly and allows for precise positioning and arrangement on both the rinsing tank and the blower.

[0036] According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided that the first end section and the second end section of the outlet channel interact fluid-technically with the interposition of a radial seal and provide a common flow path.

[0037] The intermediate placement of a radial seal between the two end sections of the outlet duct provides the advantages already described. Furthermore, in the final assembly state, a common flow path is provided, i.e., a flow path entirely defined by the outlet duct. This flow path extends from the blower-side outlet of the fan to the air outlet opening. Drying air emitted by the fan thus flows through the outlet duct, where the heating element housed within the first end section of the outlet duct warms the drying air to the desired target temperature. The second end section of the outlet duct therefore carries unheated drying air, whereas in the first end section, which is downstream of the second end section in terms of flow dynamics, this drying air is heated by the heating element housed within the first end section.

[0038] According to a further feature of the invention, the drying device is characterized by a subdivision comprising three assemblies, wherein a first assembly is provided which comprises the blower, wherein a second assembly is provided which comprises the intake channel at least partially, and wherein a third assembly is provided which comprises the outlet channel at least partially, wherein the assemblies interact fluid-technically with respect to each intermediate arrangement of a radial seal and provide a common flow path which fluid-technically connects the air intake opening with the air outlet opening.

[0039] The invention further proposes a drying device, in particular a recirculating air drying device, for a dishwasher, comprising an intake duct providing an air intake opening, an outlet duct providing an air outlet opening, and a blower to which the intake duct and the outlet duct are fluidically connected on the air intake side, characterized by a subdivision comprising three assemblies, wherein a first assembly is provided comprising the blower, wherein a second assembly is provided comprising the intake duct at least partially, and wherein a third assembly is provided comprising the outlet duct at least partially, wherein the assemblies, in particular with a radial seal in each case, interact fluidly and provide a common flow path.which connects the air intake opening with the air outlet opening in terms of airflow.

[0040] The tripartite division according to the invention, i.e., the subdivision of the drying device according to the invention into three assemblies, provides a multitude of advantages.

[0041] Different materials can be used, particularly with regard to the ducts, especially for cost-saving reasons. Specifically, those sections of the ducts that are exposed to heated drying air during normal use can be made of a heat-resistant plastic material. All other sections of the ducts can therefore be made of a less expensive plastic that does not need to be heat-resistant.

[0042] Seals, preferably radial seals, are used to create a fluid-flow connection between the different assemblies, allowing for tolerance compensation. In particular, manufacturing tolerances can be easily compensated for in this way. It is important to note that the two channels are positively connected to the dishwasher's wash tub and the blower, respectively, with an accuracy of, for example, 1 / 10 mm at the inlet and outlet sides. Furthermore, tolerance compensation for thermal influences is provided, preventing unwanted stresses, especially with the wash tub. The temperature influence, particularly with regard to the outlet channel, can range from -20 °C ambient temperature to over 100 °C during heating operation. The outlet channel...The end section of which, on the air outlet side, is therefore subject to considerable temperature differences, whereby the associated longitudinal expansions can be compensated for via the radial seals.

[0043] The proposed subdivision is also advantageous from a manufacturing and assembly perspective. In particular, it allows for a two-part assembly, meaning that a single-piece air duct does not need to be simultaneously connected to the blower on the one hand and the through-opening provided by the rinsing tank on the other. Instead, the different assemblies can be mounted separately and connected to each other in the process.

[0044] Alternatively, pre-assembly can take place if necessary, making a two-part assembly not strictly required. From a design perspective, there is therefore the option of either assembling a pre-assembled, one-piece component or assembling the individual sub-assemblies separately, which are then joined together during assembly with the intermediate placement of a radial seal. This option is not available with previously known designs.

[0045] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the third assembly provides the first end section of the outlet channel, which includes the air outlet opening. The second end section of the outlet channel thus forms the third assembly. This assembly further preferably provides a heating element and temperature sensors, as already described above.

[0046] According to a further feature of the invention, it is provided in this context that the second assembly provides the intake channel and the blower-side, second end section of the outlet channel.

[0047] The second assembly thus represents the part of the air duct through which drying air, conveyed by the blower but not yet heated, is routed. This comprises the intake duct on the one hand and the blower-side, second end section of the outlet duct on the other. The entire second assembly can therefore be made of a plastic material, which does not necessarily have to be heat-resistant. The second and third assemblies can therefore be made of different materials, preferably different plastic materials.

[0048] According to a further feature of the invention, it is proposed in this context that the intake duct and the blower-side, second end section of the outlet duct form a single component and are fluidically separated from each other by means of a common partition. Thus, only one component fluidly coupled to the blower is provided for the fluidic coupling of both the intake duct and the outlet duct. This component provides both the intake duct and, in sections, the outlet duct. In the intended use, the two ducts are subjected to counterflow, i.e., drying air is drawn in by the blower through the intake duct, while this drying air drawn in by the blower is discharged through the outlet duct. A common partition is provided to separate these two ducts, so that a single component with two separately designed ducts is formed.The result is an overall compact and therefore space-saving design.

[0049] According to a further feature of the invention, the intake channel provides a flow path with a 180° reversal. This design ensures that any rinsing fluid flowing into the intake channel is returned to the rinsing container and cannot unintentionally flow to the blower.

[0050] According to an alternative embodiment of the invention, the intake duct is provided by an intake port on the blower side. In this case, no specifically designed intake duct is provided. Rather, only an intake opening is provided on the blower side, preferably by a correspondingly designed housing port. This embodiment is particularly useful when the drying device is used for fresh air operation rather than recirculated air operation. In this case, the drying air is not taken from the wash tub, but fresh air is supplied from the atmosphere surrounding the dishwasher. Thus, in the intended use, fresh air is drawn in via the intake port and then introduced into the wash chamber provided by the wash tub via the outlet duct, as described above.In this process, the drying air is heated by means of a heating element located in the outlet duct, as described above.

[0051] With reference to the alternative embodiment of the invention, it is further proposed that the drying device is divided into three assemblies, wherein a first assembly is provided which includes the blower, wherein a second assembly is provided which includes a blower-side, second end section of the outlet channel, wherein a third assembly is provided which includes a first end section of the outlet channel having the outlet opening, wherein the assemblies interact fluid-technically with respect to each interposition of a radial seal and provide a common flow path which fluid-technically connects the air intake opening with the air outlet opening.

[0052] This further development achieves the advantages already described above.

[0053] The invention further proposes a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, which has a wash chamber for receiving the items to be cleaned and which includes a drying device of the type according to the invention. Such a dishwasher offers the advantages already explained above.

[0054] Further features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the figures. These show Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher according to the invention; Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the dishwasher according to the invention. Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 shows another schematic side view of the dishwasher after Fig. 1, wherein individual assemblies of a drying device according to the invention are shown; Fig. 4 in a schematic side view of a dishwasher according to a second embodiment; Fig. 5 in a schematic side view of a dishwasher according to a third embodiment; Fig. 6 in a schematic side view of a dishwasher according to a fourth embodiment.

[0055] Fig. 1 A schematic perspective view shows a dishwasher according to the invention 1.

[0056] The dishwasher 1 has, in a manner known per se, a washing container 2 which provides a washing chamber 3 and which, in the intended use, serves to hold items to be cleaned.

[0057] For the purpose of hot air drying of items to be washed in the washing container 2, the dishwasher 1 has a drying device 9.

[0058] As can be seen from a synthesis, in particular the Figure 1 and 2 The drying device 9 has an intake duct 10 on one side and an outlet duct 12 on the other for guiding drying air. Furthermore, the drying device 9 has a blower 14, to which the intake duct 10 and the outlet duct 12 are connected in a fluid flow direction.

[0059] The blower 14 of the drying device 9 is arranged in the base area 27, i.e. in the vertical direction 8 below the washing tank 2. The two channels, i.e. the intake channel 10 and the outlet channel 12, are arranged on the outside of the washing tank 2 on a side wall 4 of the washing tank 2. In the In contrast to the blower 14, the intake channel 10 and the outlet channel 12 are located to the side of the flushing container 2.

[0060] As can be seen in particular from the presentation according Figure 1The washing container 2 has two side walls 4, a ceiling part 5, a bottom part 6 and a rear wall 16. Opposite the rear wall 16 is a loading opening 7, through which, in the intended use, the washing container 2 can be loaded with items to be washed by a user.

[0061] As can further be seen from a summary of the Figure 1 and 2 As a result, the intake duct 10 of the drying unit 9 provides an air intake opening 11. Accordingly, the outlet duct 12 has an outlet opening 13. Both openings, i.e., the air intake opening 11 and the air outlet opening 13, each open into the washing chamber 3. Therefore, in the intended use, an airflow can occur, as described in Figure 2 The arrows shown in the diagram indicate 17.

[0062] In Correspondence of the representation according to Figure 2In the intended use of the drying unit 9, recirculation takes place. The blower 14 draws drying air from the wash chamber 3 via the air intake opening 11. This drying air passes through the intake duct 10, through the blower 14, and to the outlet duct 12. The outlet duct 12 contains a heating element 15, which heats the drying air passing through the outlet duct 12. The heated drying air leaves the drying unit 9 via the outlet opening 13 provided by the outlet duct 12, and is returned to the wash chamber 3.

[0063] As can be seen from a synthesis of the Figure 1 and 2The drying device 9 according to the invention is characterized, among other things, by the fact that the blower 14 is arranged in the vertical direction 8 of the dishwasher 1 below the washing container 2, wherein the blower 14 is floating in relation to the washing container 2, but nevertheless is mounted in a twist-proof manner.

[0064] The floating mounting of the blower 14 allows translational movement of the blower 14 relative to the wash tank 2 or relative to the base area 27 of the dishwasher 1. This allows, in particular, thermally induced changes in length of the channels 10 and 12, which are flow-coupled with the blower 14, to be compensated for. Material stresses within, in particular, the channels 10 and 12 can thus be advantageously avoided.

[0065] The blower 14 is mounted in a floating, yet rotationally secure manner. This rotationally secure arrangement ensures that no unwanted relative movements occur between the channels 10 and 12 on the one hand and the blower 14 on the other. Particularly during transport, this prevents potential damage, especially in the transition area, i.e., the sealing area, between the blower 14 and the channels 10 and 12.

[0066] The outlet channel 12, and in the illustrated embodiment also the intake channel 10, are arranged laterally on the flushing container 2. The outlet channel 12, with its end section having the air outlet opening 13, extends through a passage provided by the flushing container 2. This ensures a precise and secure positioning of the outlet channel 12 on the flushing container 2. For sealing purposes, the end section of the outlet channel 12 extends through the corresponding passage of the flushing container 2, with an intermediate radial seal.

[0067] The radial seal performs two functions. Firstly, it ensures a tight seal at the through-opening on the container side, thus preventing unwanted leakage of rinsing fluid from the rinsing tank 2. Secondly, the radial seal compensates for tolerances, whether manufacturing tolerances or tolerances resulting from heat-induced geometric changes in the rinsing tank 2 and / or outlet channel 12. Such thermally induced dimensional changes are unavoidable under normal operating conditions, as both the rinsing solution circulating in the rinsing tank 2 and the drying air passing through the drying unit 9 are heated. Furthermore, the rinsing tank 2 and the outlet channel 12 are made of different materials.Stainless steel is particularly suitable as a material for the rinsing container 2, whereas the outlet channel 12 is preferably made of plastic.

[0068] As can be seen from the schematic representation, especially after Figure 3 It is further proposed that the drying device 9, which is capable of being protected in itself, provides a subdivision comprising three assemblies 23, 24, and 25. A first assembly 23 is provided, which includes the blower 14. A second assembly 24 is provided, which includes at least a section of the outlet channel 12. A third assembly 25 is also provided, which likewise includes at least a section of the outlet channel 12. The assemblies 23, 24, and 25 interact fluidically via a radial seal 21, 22, thus providing a common flow path that fluidically connects the air intake opening 11 with the air outlet opening 13.

[0069] According to the in the Figures 1 to 3 In the preferred embodiment shown, the outlet channel 12 has two end sections 19 and 20, namely a first end section 19, which provides the air outlet opening 13, and a second end section 20, which is formed on the blower side. The radial seal 21 mentioned above seals between the first end section 19 and the second end section 20.

[0070] According to the preferred embodiment, the third assembly 25 provides the first end section 19 of the outlet channel 12, which has the air outlet opening 13. This end section 19 is preferably made of a heat-resistant plastic and houses the heating element 15 and optionally temperature sensors 18.

[0071] The second assembly 24 provides the entire intake duct 10 and the blower-side, second end section 20 of the outlet duct 12. The radial seal 22, already described, serves to connect the second assembly 22 to the blower 14.

[0072] How Figure 3 Furthermore, as can be seen, the intake duct 10 and the blower-side, second end section 20 of the outlet duct 12 form a single component. The intake duct 10 and the second end section 20 of the outlet duct 12 are fluidically separated from each other by means of a common partition 26. The entire component is preferably made of plastic, although a heat-resistant plastic is not required. For cost reasons, the third assembly 25 and the second assembly 24 can therefore be made of different plastic materials.

[0073] Figure 4This reveals an alternative design. According to this design, the intake port 10 and the second end section of the exhaust port 12 do not form a single assembly, but are instead designed separately. However, as in Figure 4 Schematically depicted are three assemblies 23, 24 and 25, with corresponding radial seals provided for the connection of each individual channel to the blower 14. Also according to the embodiment variant according to Figure 4 It is preferred to form the first end section, i.e. the section of the outlet channel 12 belonging to assembly 25, from a heat-resistant plastic, whereas the intake channel 10 and the second end section of the outlet channel 12 may be formed from a different plastic material.

[0074] Another design variant shows Figure 5It is then provided that the intake duct 10 is supplied by an intake port 30 on the blower housing side. In the intended use, this serves to draw in fresh air. According to the embodiment shown below. Figure 5 Therefore, no recirculation operation takes place, i.e., the drying air is not recruited from the air in the wash tank 2, but from the ambient air.

[0075] To allow the drying air supplied to the wash container 2 via the outlet opening 13 during drying to escape, the loading opening 7 is opened slightly by a corresponding pivoting of the wash chamber door 28, as shown in Figure 5 As shown. With the wash chamber door 28 open, an opening gap 29 is created through which air can escape, as shown in Figure 5 represented by the corresponding arrows.

[0076] Figure 6shows a further embodiment. This represents a further development of the embodiment according to Figure 5 dar.

[0077] In addition to the embodiment according to Figure 5 The embodiment demonstrates Figure 6 A bypass channel 31 is provided. This channel serves to direct at least some of the drying air transferred from the blower 14 into the outlet channel 12 around the outside of the wash tank 2. This air, which passes through the wash tank 2, is then released into the atmosphere surrounding the dishwasher 1 at the front. When the wash chamber door 28 is open, this creates a suction effect with respect to the opening gap 29, which facilitates the desired removal of steam, in particular, from the wash tank 2. Reference sign

[0078] 1 Dishwasher 2 Wash tub 3 Wash chamber 4 Wash tub side wall 5 Ceiling section 6 Bottom section 7 Loading opening 8 Height direction 9 Drying device 10 Intake duct 11 Air intake opening 12 Outlet duct 13 Air outlet opening 14 Blower 15 Heating element 16 Rear panel 17 Arrow 18 Sensor 19 First end section 20 Second end section 21 Radial seal 22 Radial seal 23 First assembly 24 Second assembly 25 Third assembly 26 Partition wall 27 Base area 28 Wash chamber door 29 Opening gap 30 Spigot 31 Bypass duct 32 Mounting aid

Claims

1. Drying device, in particular a recirculating air drying device, for a dishwasher (1) which has a wash container (2) providing a wash chamber (3) for receiving items to be cleaned, with an intake duct (10) providing an air intake opening (11), an outlet duct (12) providing an air outlet opening (13) and a blower (14) to which the intake duct (10) and the outlet duct (12) are fluidically connected on the air intake side, characterized by the fact thatthe blower (14) is arranged in the vertical direction (8) of the dishwasher (1) below the wash tub (2), wherein the blower (14) is floating in relation to the wash tub (2), yet is mounted in a rotationally secure manner, and wherein the outlet channel (12) is arranged laterally on the wash tub (2), wherein the outlet channel (12) with an end section (19) having the air outlet opening (13) passes through a passage opening provided by the wash tub (2) with an intermediate radial seal.

2. Drying device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the end section (19) of the outlet channel (12) which has the air outlet opening (13) houses a heating element (15) and / or a temperature sensor (18).

3. Drying device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the fact that the end section (19) of the outlet channel (12) having the air outlet opening (13) is made of a temperature-resistant plastic.

4. Drying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the flow path provided by the end section (19) of the outlet channel (12) has a 180° reversal.

5. Drying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the end section (19) of the outlet channel (12) having the air outlet opening (13) provides on the outside an assembly aid (32) that interacts with the flushing container (2).

6. Drying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the outlet channel (12) has a blower-side, second end section (20) which is made of a different plastic material compared to the first end section (19) of the outlet channel (12) which has the air outlet opening (13).

7. Drying device according to claim 6, characterized by the fact thatthe first end section (19) and the second end section (20) of the outlet channel (12) interact fluidically under the interposition of a radial seal (21) and provide a common flow path.

8. Drying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a subdivision comprising three assemblies (23, 24, 25), wherein a first assembly (23) is provided which comprises the blower (14), wherein a second assembly (24) is provided which comprises the intake duct (10) at least in sections, and wherein a third assembly (25) is provided which comprises the outlet duct (12) at least in sections, wherein the assemblies (23, 24, 25) interact fluidically under the interposition of a radial seal (21, 22) and provide a common flow path which fluidly connects the air intake opening (11) with the air outlet opening (13).

9. Drying device according to claim 8, characterized by the fact that the third assembly (25) provides the first end section (19) of the outlet channel (12) which has the air outlet opening (13).

10. Drying device according to claim 8 or 9, characterized by the fact that the second assembly (24) provides the intake duct (10) and the blower-side, second end section (20) of the outlet duct (12).

11. Drying device according to any one of the preceding claims 6 to 10, characterized by the fact that the intake duct (10) and the blower-side, second end section (20) of the outlet duct (12) form a single component and are fluidically separated from each other by means of a common partition (26).

12. Drying device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by the fact that the intake duct (10) provides a flow path with a 180° reversal.

13. Drying device according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that the intake duct (10) is provided by an intake port (30) on the blower housing side.

14. Drying device according to claim 13, characterized by a subdivision comprising three assemblies (23, 24, 25), wherein a first assembly (23) is provided which includes the blower (14), wherein a second assembly (24) is provided which includes a blower-side, second end section (20) of the outlet channel (12), wherein a third assembly (25) is provided which includes a first end section (19) of the connecting channel (12) having the air outlet opening (13), wherein the assemblies (23, 24, 25) interact fluidically under the interposition of a radial seal and provide a common flow path which fluidly connects the air intake opening (11) with the air outlet opening (13).

15. Dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, with a washing container providing a washing chamber for receiving items to be cleaned, characterized bya drying device according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 14.

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