Dishwasher comprising a heat pump as a modular unit

Abstract

Disclosed is a dishwasher comprising at least one heat pump (14) that includes at least a compressor (16), a condenser (18), an expansion unit (19) and an evaporator (20) which are interconnected via tube portions for circulating a working fluid (17) that changes its physical state during operation. The dishwasher is designed such that the heat pump (14) is assembled, filled with working fluid (17) and testable or tested before being mounted in the dishwasher (1).

Description

[0001] Dishwasher with a heat pump as a modular unit

[0002] The present invention relates to a dishwasher with at least one heat pump according to the preamble of claim 1 or claim 3 and to a method for producing a dishwasher with a heat pump according to the preamble of claim 18 or 20.

[0003] For the energetic optimization of dishwashers, in particular household dishwashers, these can be equipped with heat pumps or heat pump arrangements in order to at least support the heating of rinsing liquid or rinsing water, in particular rinsing water, which circulates in the hydraulic circuit or rinsing liquid circuit of the dishwasher by means of a circulating pump and is applied to the dishes to be cleaned in the washing chamber of the washing container of the dishwasher by means of one or more liquid application units such as rotatable spray arms, fixed or movable nozzles, or to be able to achieve this completely via the heat pump. However, in practice it is difficult and / or complex to heat the components of the heat pump, such asThe compressor, condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator, as well as the pipe sections connecting these to form a circuit, are installed in the dishwasher, particularly in the base area of ​​the dishwasher below the washing tub, in very confined spaces and in an awkward posture. Furthermore, high demands are placed on the tightness of the components carrying the heat pump's working fluid, which further complicates the installation and testing of the heat pump.

[0004] Preferably, items to be cleaned in the washing chamber of the dishwasher are subjected to the washing liquid heated by means of the heat pump in at least one washing phase, such as the cleaning phase and / or the final rinse phase of a dishwashing program to be carried out, by means of one or more liquid application units provided in the washing chamber, such as by means of rotatable spray arms, fixed or rotatable nozzles and / or other spray devices.

[0005] The invention is based on the problem of simplifying the use of a heat pump in a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher.

[0006] The invention solves this problem by a dishwasher having the features of claim 1 or claim 3 and by an assembly method having the features of claim 18 or claim 20. With regard to advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention, reference is made to the further claims 2, 4 to 16 and 19, as well as 21 to 24.

[0007] Due to the fact that in the embodiment according to claim 1, a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, is designed with at least one heat pump or heat pump arrangement such that the heat pump or heat pump arrangement is assembled, filled with working medium and can be tested or is tested for function before installation in the dishwasher, it is achieved that a fully functional unit can be inserted into the dishwasher and only needs to be connected there. Advantageously, it is sufficient if for the heat pump arrangement inserted into the dishwasher as a fully functional unit in a predetermined end position only

[0008] - a supply line and a discharge line for rinsing liquid or rinsing water, in particular for a heat transfer line section assigned to the condenser of the heat pump arrangement,

[0009] - an electrical connection for the electrical power supply of one or more electrically operated components of the heat pump arrangement, in particular of its compressor, at least one air conveying device associated with its evaporator, in particular at least one fan associated with the evaporator, and / or one or more actuators such as valves of the heat pump arrangement, and

[0010] - If necessary, a communication interface connection can be established, e.g. for transmitting measurement signals generated by one or more measuring sensors in the heat pump assembly to a control and / or monitoring unit in the dishwasher. The heat pump no longer needs to be filled with the working medium in the cramped and unfavorable working conditions of the dishwasher. A leak and safety test can also be carried out in advance. This means that any possible resealing, particularly of connections to the units or components of the heat pump assembly that carry the working medium, can be carried out in advance under more ergonomic and / or production-technically favorable conditions. During and / or after installation of the heat pump in the dishwasher, no further testing of the heat pump's functionality is then necessary.

[0011] It is therefore particularly advantageous if the heat pump or heat pump assembly is tested for leaks in the areas carrying the working medium before being installed in the dishwasher, for example in the base area.

[0012] Because, in the embodiment according to claim 3, at least the essential parts of the heat pump are mechanically fixed to a supporting unit, it is achieved that the complete unit comprising the supporting unit and the parts of the heat pump arranged thereon is portable like a module and can be inserted into the dishwasher, so that no further assembly steps are required there other than attaching an electrical plug (for the electrical power supply) and / or a plug for a communication interface, in particular for a data bus, as well as a supply and discharge line for washing liquid. The unit inserted in this way can be further fixed in the dishwasher to form a permanent installation position in order to hold it securely there.

[0013] Essential components of a heat pump include the compressor, condenser, expansion unit, evaporator, and the connecting pipe sections or pipe sections for conveying a working medium that changes state during operation. This also includes, in particular, a ventilation device associated with the evaporator, such as a fan.

[0014] The electrical connection serves in particular to supply electrical energy to the compressor of the heat pump arrangement, an air conveying device possibly associated with its evaporator, in particular a fan possibly associated with the evaporator, and / or one or more actuators such as a valve which is inserted into at least one part of the heat pump arrangement carrying the working medium, and / or a valve which is inserted in a line section carrying the washing liquid to be heated, which leads from the circulation circuit of the dishwasher to the condenser of the heat pump arrangement, is in thermal heat exchange with this along a partial section and leads back to the circulation circuit. The electrical connection can in particular be part of an electrical module which may also comprise sensors and / or the communication interface connection, in particular the data bus connection.

[0015] Advantageously, the modular unit can also be completely removed from the dishwasher for maintenance or repair purposes, so that these tasks can also be carried out with optimized accessibility and ergonomics.

[0016] In particular, the support unit can be designed as a support plate intended for horizontal installation in the base or base support below the dishwasher's washing compartment. The components of the heat pump assembly are then expediently pre-assembled on top of the support plate.

[0017] The support unit can also be designed as a frame unit, rack, scaffolding or structural structure and thus have an optimized weight.

[0018] In the simplest case, the support unit can be constructed in one piece, thus requiring minimal design effort. A multi-part support unit design is also possible in principle, in which case the components are firmly held together.

[0019] The carrier unit can also be advantageously pre-assembled with several mechanical attachment aids for attaching, in particular joining, the components of the heat pump or heat pump arrangement, for example with drive-in nuts or with hooks, eyelets, quick-release fasteners or other mechanical fastening aids. If necessary, a material-locking connection such as an adhesive connection between the carrier unit and the respective component of the heat pump arrangement is also possible. If the carrier unit with the heat pump mounted on it forms a mechanically stable unit that can be carried as a whole for installation in the dishwasher, it can be carried by a robot arm or by hand without the need for any special tools and without there being any risk of parts collapsing against each other or their position or alignment being otherwise disturbed during carrying.

[0020] If, in the installation position in the dishwasher, only one supply line and one drain line for the washing liquid and one electrical line for the electrical connection of the heat pump as well as a communication line to the communication connection, in particular the data bus connection, of the heat pump, if present, have to be installed, the amount of work to be carried out in the housing of the dishwasher under the unfavourable space conditions is minimised. By means of the communication connection, one or more parameters of one or more components of the heat pump can preferably be monitored by a control and / or monitoring unit of the dishwasher, and additionally or independently thereof, they can also be controlled and / or regulated. For example, one or more components such as the evaporator and / or the condenser of the heat pump can be connected to one or more sensors such asTemperature sensors can be assigned, which transmit the measurement signals they generate to the control and / or monitoring unit via the communication port. In another case, control signals can be transmitted from the control and / or monitoring unit via the communication port to one or more actuators of the heat pump arrangement, such as a fan assigned to the evaporator.

[0021] The control and / or monitoring unit can be arranged separately from the modular unit, particularly in the dishwasher. However, it is also possible for it to be part of the modular unit.

[0022] The electrical connection is advantageously formed via a snap-in and / or plug-in connection, particularly via a so-called snap-in connector such as a Rast-5 connector or Rast-2.5 connector, so that an inexpensive standard component can be used without the need for custom-made components. If the connections for the supply and drain lines for the rinsing fluid are formed via two nozzles assigned to the heat pump, in particular its condenser, and two hoses that can be attached to them, a simple standard connection is also possible here without the need for special parts.

[0023] According to an expedient further development, the supply line for washing liquid to be heated preferably branches off from the internal liquid conveying channel of the circulation pump of the hydraulic circuit or circulation circuit of the dishwasher, in particular (viewed in the conveying direction) immediately behind the impeller chamber of the circulation pump, and thus on the pressure side, via a specially provided outlet opening as a bypass line.

[0024] If, before inserting the modular unit into the dishwasher, at least one compressor, one condenser, one expansion valve and one evaporator as essential components of the heat pump are firmly arranged on the support unit holding them, it is also easy to carry the unit thus formed without having to reassemble parts.

[0025] In particular, the heat pump is a compression heat pump, with the compressor being electrically driven.

[0026] A method for assembling a dishwasher with at least one heat pump, in which the heat pump is assembled, filled with working fluid, and tested for functionality before installation in the dishwasher, or at least can be tested, is particularly efficient and is specifically claimed here. The pre-assembly, filling, and testing of the heat pump can also be carried out entirely or partially at a supplier or at least outside the assembly line for dishwasher production, thus significantly accelerating the actual assembly into the dishwasher.

[0027] In particular, this allows the heat pump to be tested for leaks in the areas carrying the working fluid before installation in the dishwasher. For assembly, it is advisable to first mechanically secure at least the essential components of the heat pump or heat pump assembly to a supporting unit before installation in the dishwasher, so that the support unit and the heat pump components can form a coherent, portable unit when installed in the dishwasher.

[0028] In particular, this allows for a modular design of the mechanically fixed components of the heat pump, along with the support unit that holds them. It is also easy to produce various devices in series on an assembly line, some of which are equipped with such a heat pump module and others not.

[0029] The invention further relates to a modular heat pump unit for installation in a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, in which at least the essential components of at least one heat pump are mechanically fixedly arranged on a carrier unit holding them, and / or in which a heat pump is mounted, filled with working medium and can be or has been tested for function before installation in the dishwasher.

[0030] Other advantageous developments of the invention are set out in the subclaims.

[0031] The advantageous embodiments and further developments of the invention explained above and / or reproduced in the subclaims can be used individually or in any combination with one another - except, for example, in cases of clear dependencies or incompatible alternatives.

[0032] The invention and its advantageous embodiments and developments, as well as their advantages, are explained in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show, in a schematic schematic diagram: Fig. 1 shows, in a schematic perspective view obliquely from the front, an exemplary embodiment of a household dishwasher with a downwardly pivoting door and a base or base support for accommodating functional elements in the lower area, in which a heat pump designed and / or prepared according to the invention is additionally housed.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a schematic overall view of the dishwasher with the heat pump arranged on a support unit, which is optionally provided with an additional condensate tray and a return pump for the condensate collected there,

[0034] Fig. 3 is a schematic perspective view of the heat pump parts of Figure 2 and the support unit holding them, seen obliquely from above,

[0035] Fig. 4 the parts according to Figure 3 in plan view,

[0036] Fig. 5 the parts according to Figure 3 in side view seen from the right outer wall,

[0037] Fig. 6 the parts according to Figure 3 seen from the left, and

[0038] Fig. 7 is a similar view to Figure 3, but from a flatter and slightly rotated perspective.

[0039] Elements with the same and / or at least comparable function and mode of operation are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures. The figures primarily show those components of an advantageous embodiment of a heat pump arrangement according to the invention.

[0040] Household dishwasher is shown and provided with reference symbols which are useful for understanding the invention. It goes without saying that the household dishwasher shown as an example can also have modified, additional or different parts and / or assemblies, and / or parts and / or assemblies which are not required for the invention can also be omitted. Figure 1 shows a dishwasher 1, namely a household dishwasher, as an example, without the invention being restricted thereto. If necessary, it can be transferred to another household appliance such as a washing machine or a washer-dryer in which a liquid is to be heated in an energy-efficient manner.

[0041] The household dishwasher according to Figure 1 described below has, as part of a partially outwardly open or closed appliance body 5, a washing container 2 for holding items to be washed, such as dishes, pots, cutlery, glasses, cooking utensils, and the like. The items to be washed can be held, for example, in dish baskets 11, in particular in a lower dish basket UG and in an upper dish basket OG arranged at a height above this (see Figure 2), and / or a cutlery drawer 10, and can be exposed to so-called washing liquor. The washing liquor or washing liquid is understood to be fresh water or, in particular, water circulating during operation, with or without detergent and / or rinse aid and / or drying agent. In particular, the washing liquor can have passed through an ion exchanger or other water softening device for softening.The wash water may also contain a greater or lesser amount of soiling from ongoing operation. The wash tub 2 may have an at least substantially rectangular layout with a front V facing a user in the operating position. This front V may form part of a kitchen front consisting of adjacent kitchen units or, in the case of a stand-alone appliance, may be unrelated to other units.

[0042] The loading opening of the washing container 2, which in this exemplary embodiment is preferably on the front, can be closed in particular at this front side V by a (front) door or flap 3. This door 3 is shown in Figure 1 in a partially open position and then inclined to the vertical. In its final closed position, however, it stands at least almost vertically upright and, as shown in Figure 1, can be pivoted forwards and downwards in the direction of arrow 4 about a lower horizontal axis to open it, so that in the fully open position (final opening position) it is at least almost horizontal. Other movements, including via a parallelogram or other multi-joint arrangement, are also possible. Of course, a side-hinged door or an opening of the washing container 2 facing upwards can also be provided as an alternative.

[0043] On the outer and front side V of the dishwasher 1, which is vertical in the final closing position and faces the user, the door 3 can be provided with a decorative panel 6 - as here in the embodiment of Figure 1 - in order to thereby experience a visual and / or haptic enhancement and / or adaptation to surrounding kitchen furniture.

[0044] The dishwasher is designed here only as an example as a stand-alone appliance on the floor B or as a so-called partially integrated appliance, which is preferably installed on the floor B within a built-in niche between adjacent kitchen units below a kitchen worktop. The kitchen units and the kitchen worktop have been omitted from Figure 1 for the sake of simplicity of the drawing. In the lower area of ​​the dishwasher 1, below the washing tub 2, there can be a base or a base support 12, in particular for accommodating functional elements, such as a pump for circulating the washing liquor and / or a pump for extracting the washing liquor from a pump sump PS fluidically connected to the washing tub 2, and also a heat pump or heat pump arrangement 14 designed according to the invention. In Figure 1, the heat pump arrangement 14 is symbolized merely by a dash-dotted rectangle in the base support or appliance base 12.Figure 2 shows it and its components in detail.

[0045] In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 1, the upper region of the movable door 3 is assigned an outer panel 8 which extends in the transverse or width direction Q of the dishwasher and which can comprise, in particular cover, both displays and operating elements and then also serves as an operating panel. In the region of its lower edge, as here in the exemplary embodiment in Figure 1, an access opening 7 which is accessible from the front V for manually opening and / or closing the door 3 can expediently be provided. The access opening can in particular be integrated into the panel 8, i.e. be a component of the panel. This access opening 7 is shown here in Figure 1 as extending, by way of example, only in the transverse central region of the door 3 in the transverse direction Q, although this is not mandatory.It is also possible to have an access opening 7 that extends at least almost over the entire width of the household dishwasher, for example over 50 to 60 centimeters in the case of a 60 cm wide household dishwasher.

[0046] In the transverse direction Q, the dishwasher often has an extension of 45, 50 or 60 centimeters. In the depth direction from the front V to the rear, the extension is often also around 60 centimeters. These values ​​are not mandatory. Furthermore, the dishwasher 1 does not have to stand directly on a floor B as in Figure 1, but can also be located on a kitchen unit base or installed higher up within a kitchen unit with a height clearance from the floor B that requires a user to bend down less or not at all when loading or unloading the lower dish basket of the dishwasher. The lower edge of the dishwasher 1 is then preferably approximately 40 to 110 centimeters above the floor B when installed or installed in this raised position relative to the floor B. The vertical height H of the dishwasher 1 can also be selected depending on the installation conditions.

[0047] The washing container 2 is delimited all around by a total of three fixed vertical walls 13 and two horizontal walls 13 when the door or flap 3 is closed, one of which forms a ceiling (top) and another a floor (bottom) of the washing container 2. Adjoining the front side V facing the user in the transverse direction Q to the left are a left, at least approximately vertically upright side wall 13 and to the right a right, at least approximately vertically upright side wall 13, which extend at least almost over the vertical height H of the dishwasher 1.

[0048] In the washing chamber of the washing container 2, one or more liquid application units, in particular spray devices such as, in this exemplary embodiment, a lower rotating spray arm US assigned to the lower dish basket UG, an upper rotating spray arm OS assigned to the upper dish basket OG, and, above the upper cutlery drawer 10, a roof sprayer or a rotating roof gyroscope DK in the area of ​​the ceiling wall of the washing container, are provided (see Figure 2). These liquid application units are supplied with washing liquid 24 via one or more supply lines such as ZL1, ZL2.For this purpose, a circulating pump UP, when in operation, sucks in rinsing liquid from a pump sump PS or liquid collection area which is fluidically connected to the washing chamber, and this rinsing liquid is pumped via a water switch preferably integrated into the circulating pump UP or, as here in the embodiment of Figure 2, via a water switch WS fluidically arranged downstream of the circulating pump UP in its conveying direction, optionally into the feed line leading to the respective liquid application unit selectively, i.e. individually, or into several feed lines leading to a subgroup of several liquid application units at the same time, or into all feed lines leading to the liquid application units at the same time. According to the embodiment of Figure 2, the pump sump PS is arranged below an outflow opening provided in the bottom wall of the washing container 2 and is fluidically connected to this.This outflow opening and / or the pump sump can expediently be provided with a filter system, which has been omitted from Figure 2 for the sake of simplicity of the drawing. In the exemplary embodiment in Figure 2, for example, rinsing liquid is conveyed to the lower, rotatable spray arm US via the supply line ZL1 when the water diverter WS is moved to a corresponding, first position and the circulation pump UP is running. The upper, rotatable spray arm OS as well as the roof shower or the rotatable roof rotor DK are jointly supplied with rinsing liquid via the common supply line ZL2 when the water diverter WS is moved to a corresponding, second position and the circulation pump UP is running. Of course, it is also possible to deviate from this and supply the upper, rotatable spray arm OS as well as the roof shower or the rotatable roof rotor DK with rinsing liquid, each with its own supply line via the water diverter WS.If other or further liquid supply units are provided in the washing room, separate or individual supply lines can also be provided to these units starting from the water diverter WS, or at least a subgroup of these liquid supply units can be supplied with washing liquid via a common supply line starting from the water diverter WS.

[0049] In this way, the wash chamber of the wash tub 2, the pump sump PS, the circulation pump UP, the water diverter WS, the one or more supply lines or liquid distribution lines such as ZL1, ZL2, as well as the one or more liquid supply units arranged in the wash chamber of the wash tub 2, such as US, OS, DK, form a liquid circulation circuit or a hydraulic circuit HK for supplying the washware with wash liquid. The circulation pump UP is preferably in operation when the washware is to be supplied with wash liquid.

[0050] The dishwasher 1 is equipped with at least one heat pump or heat pump arrangement, which is provided with the reference numeral 14 as a whole and is shown only roughly schematically in Figure 2 in an exemplary embodiment. With its help, the washing liquid present in the circulation circuit or hydraulic circuit HK during at least one liquid-carrying partial washing phase, such as the cleaning phase and / or final rinse phase of a dishwashing program to be carried out, is to be heated to a desired target final temperature. In this exemplary embodiment, the heat pump 14 is in particular a compressor pump, i.e. it comprises a compressor or condenser 16, with which mechanical work can be performed on a working medium 17 circulating in the heat pump 14. The compressor 16, in which the mechanical work is performed on the working medium 17, is electrically driven.

[0051] In addition to the compressor 16, the heat pump or heat pump assembly 14 comprises at least one condenser 18, an expansion device or expansion element 19, for example, an expansion valve or a capillary, and an evaporator 20. These functional units 16, 18, 19, 20 are interconnected via line sections or line sections 21 for conveying a working medium 17 that changes state during operation. The working medium 17 flowing through the heat pump assembly 14 during operation (compressor 16 is switched on) is symbolized in Figure 2 by a separately shown arrow, which also indicates its flow direction. The heat pump 14 is also assigned at least one supply line 22 and one discharge line 23 for rinsing liquid 24 circulating in the household appliance, and an electrical connection option 25.By means of the electrical connection option 25, the compressor 16 in particular can be supplied with electrical energy for its operation.

[0052] In addition to the electrical connection option 25 and the connection option 22, 23 for the rinsing fluid 24, the heat pump assembly 14 may optionally include various sensors and / or a connection for a communication interface, in particular for a data bus—both of which are not shown. The electrical connection 25 may—as shown by way of example in Figures 2-7—in particular be part of an electrical module 37, which may also include sensors and / or the communication interface connection, in particular the data bus connection.

[0053] The supply line 22 branches off rinsing liquid 24 from the circulation circuit HK into a bypass circuit BK running parallel to the latter in terms of fluid flow, and there guides it through a heat transfer line section WT that is in thermal contact with the condenser 18. From the outlet of this section, the rinsing liquid 24 heated by the condenser 18 is returned via the discharge line 23 to the rinsing tank 2 or to another point in the circulation circuit HK. Here, in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, the supply line 22 preferably branches off from the internal liquid conveying channel of the circulation pump UP, in particular (viewed in the conveying direction) immediately behind its impeller chamber and thus the front downstream diffuser chamber on the pressure side, via a specially provided outlet opening as a bypass line. A valve VA can expediently be inserted into this supply line 22 - as here in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2.With its help, the flow of rinsing liquid caused by the circulation pump UP during pumping operation through the supply line 22 to the heat transfer line section WT can be enabled or disabled, i.e. the bypass circuit BK can be opened or closed. The rinsing liquid 24 flowing through the circulation circuit HK and through the bypass circuit BK is symbolized in Figure 2 by separately shown arrows, which also indicate the flow direction of the rinsing liquid in the circulation circuit HK, which serves to distribute rinsing liquid in the dishwashing chamber, and in the bypass circuit BK, which comprises the thermal coupling between the condenser 18 and the heat transfer line section WT carrying the rinsing liquid for heating the rinsing liquid by means of the heat pump.

[0054] The rinsing liquid 24 to be heated expediently flows through the heat transfer line section WT in countercurrent to the working medium 17 in the condenser 18. In this way, efficient transfer of the heat from the working medium 17 to the rinsing liquid 24 with a high degree of effectiveness is ensured. At least the essential components or functional units 16, 18, 19, 20 of the heat pump arrangement 14 are mechanically fixedly arranged on a support unit 15, in particular on a carrier unit 15. In the exemplary embodiment of Figures 2 - 6, the support unit 15 is designed in particular as an at least approximately planar support plate 27 or comprises such a plate. The essential components or functional units 16, 18, 19, 20 of the heat pump arrangement 14 are mounted on the upper side of the plate. Further units assigned to the components of the heat pump arrangement 14 can also be provided, in particular fastened ormounted. Thus, according to Figure 2, an optional condensate collection tray 28 is mechanically fixedly mounted on the support plate 27 below the evaporator 20. In particular, it can be molded onto the support plate. This is particularly advantageous if the support plate 27 is made of a plastic material, for example.

[0055] Depending on the design, the condensate collecting tray 28 can also be located below the support unit 15. If necessary, it can also be a component of the base support 12, in particular its bottom wall. In particular, it can be molded onto it. This is advantageous if the structure of the base support 12 is made of plastic material. The support unit 15, in particular the support plate 27, then expediently ends before the drip area of ​​the evaporator 20, i.e. above the condensate collecting tray 28, the support unit 15, in particular the support plate 27, is missing below the drip area of ​​the evaporator 20, or it is cut out there or has a recess there so that the condensate forming on the evaporator during operation of the heat pump can drip down into the condensate collecting tray 28.Condensate accumulating in the area of ​​the evaporator 20 during operation of the heat pump arrangement 14 and collected below it in the condensate collecting tray 28 can, for example, be returned to the rinsing container 2 via a condensate pump 29 and a liquid line (return line) KL connected to it. The condensate pump 29 can be mechanically fixedly mounted in the condensate collecting tray 28 or outside of it on the support unit 15, in particular on the support plate 27, or at a point in the base support 12. In addition, as in the exemplary embodiment of Figure 2, at least one air conveying unit 30, in particular a fan, can be assigned to the evaporator 20, which can in particular be a functional component of the heat pump arrangement. In particular, the air conveying unit 30 can also be supplied with electrical energy for its operation by means of the electrical connection option 25.With the aid of the air conveying unit 30, during operation of the heat pump arrangement 14, i.e., when the compressor 16 is switched on, ambient air is blown over the pipe sections of the evaporator 20 and / or fins of the evaporator 20 that protrude from the pipe sections. In this process, thermal energy is extracted from the ambient air and the working medium 17 is heated. Preferably, the at least one air conveying unit 30 assigned to the evaporator 20 is also pre-mounted in a fixed manner on the support unit 15, in particular on the upper side of the support plate 27. If necessary, in addition to the air conveying unit 30, the parts 28, 29 can also be pre-assembled on the support unit 15, in particular on the upper side of the support plate 27, and form part of a modular unit 26 which comprises at least the essential components 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and possibly 30 of the heat pump arrangement 14 on the support unit 15 holding them.The valve VA for opening and / or closing the bypass circuit BK, the supply line 22, and / or the discharge line 23 of the bypass circuit BK can, but do not have to, be part of the pre-assembled heat pump arrangement 14, but can also be connected to the hydraulic circuit HK only after the heat pump arrangement 14 has been inserted into the dishwasher - preferably into the base support of the dishwasher - during manufacture of the dishwasher.

[0056] In this exemplary embodiment, the expansion element 19 preferably comprises a coiled capillary tube 36 with an inner diameter of approximately 0.3 to 1.5 mm (millimeters), in particular 0.3 to 0.4 mm. As in this exemplary embodiment, a drying cartridge 32, which is filled with granules, can be arranged upstream of the capillary tube 36. The drying cartridge 32 can also be firmly attached to the carrier unit 15, in particular on the upper side of the carrier plate 27, and form a fixed component of the modular unit 26.

[0057] This heat pump 14 is fully assembled before its installation in the dishwasher 1, filled with working medium 17, and either functionally testable or, in particular, functionally tested prior to installation. This test also includes a leak test to prevent any leakage of working medium 17, such as a propane / butane mixture. A filling connection 31 for the working medium (see Figures 3, 4) can therefore be tightly crimped shut after filling with working medium 17 before installing the heat pump assembly 14 in the dishwasher 1. In particular, the line sections 21 and their connections to the functional units 16, 18, 19, 20 are tested. The line sections 21 are preferably made of copper or aluminum. Plastic lines, for example with an internal metal coating, are also possible as line sections 21.

[0058] In the illustrated embodiment, the heat pump 14, at least with its essential components 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, is mechanically fixed to a supporting unit 15. This does not necessarily have to be accompanied by the aforementioned pre-assembly and filling with working medium 17, as well as the leak test outside the dishwasher 1. However, it is possible to combine both.

[0059] In the arrangement with mechanically fixed components 16, 18, 19, 20, 21 of the heat pump 14, together with the support unit 15 holding it, a modular unit 26 is created which can be inserted into a permanent installation position in the dishwasher 1 by hand and / or by robot. The support unit 15 here comprises a plate 27 which lies horizontally in the installed position. Alternatively, a vertical support unit 15 is also possible. A vertical support with a base plate or other shapes are also possible. The entire unit 26 typically weighs approximately 3 to 10 kg (kilograms), in particular around 6 kilograms. Viewed from above, its edge length is preferably approximately 50 centimeters from the electronics or electrical module 37 to the evaporator 20 and approximately 25 centimeters across it. Thus, when the support unit 15 is installed horizontally, approximately one third to one half of the base area of ​​the dishwasher 1 is taken up by the modular unit 26.

[0060] The support unit 15 can be made of plastic, for example. A metal construction, such as aluminum or steel, is also possible. In addition to simplifying installation, the modular unit 26 can be completely removed from the dishwasher 1 for maintenance or repair purposes. This allows the removed modular unit 26 to be repaired in an ergonomically favorable posture. A complete replacement of the modular unit 26 with a new or repaired unit is also possible.

[0061] The support unit 15 does not have to form a plate-like body, but can also be designed as a frame unit, rack, scaffold, or structural structure. In both cases, a particularly simple option in terms of construction and materials is provided if the support unit 15 is formed in one piece. However, it can also be formed from multiple parts and, in particular, also have recesses, cutouts, or similar adaptations to space and holding devices in the dishwasher 1. A strict rectangular shape, as shown here in the exemplary embodiment, is therefore not required. For example, an L-shaped design in plan view would also be possible with a different arrangement of the components of the heat pump 14.

[0062] Very advantageously (not shown here) the support unit 15 is pre-assembled with several mechanical attachment aids for attaching or mounting the components 16, 18, 19, 20, 21, and possibly 30 of the heat pump 14. Such attachment aids can have various mechanical designs and, for example, each comprise a screw thread or spring clip for securely holding the aforementioned components.

[0063] Overall, the carrier unit 15 with the heat pump 14 mounted thereon forms a mechanically stable unit 26 that is portable as a whole for installation in the dishwasher 1. This unit can also be transported between different plants or production sites or different production lines.

[0064] At the upper end of the compressor 16, a holding projection 33 is provided for an assembly tool such as a robot arm (not shown) as an assembly aid, which, in particular, carries a significant part of the weight of the unit 26 for installing the modular unit 26, so that an assembling worker only has to hold approximately one kilogram of the weight and guide it for alignment in the dishwasher 1. The unit 26 is located here, for example, in the area to the right of the front V of the dishwasher 1 and extends from the front V almost to the back of the dishwasher 1. The installation position, however, is variable depending on the spatial conditions.

[0065] In the installed position, only the supply line 22 and the discharge line 23 for washing liquid and an electrical line EL to the electrical connection 25 of the heat pump 14 and, if necessary, a communication line to the communication interface connection, in particular the data bus connection, have to be installed in the dishwasher 1, so that the time and effort required for this are extremely low.

[0066] The electrical connection 25 is preferably part of the electrical module 37, which may also include sensors and the communication interface connection, in particular the data bus connection, and can preferably be formed via a snap-in connector, such as a so-called snap-5 connector or snap-2.5 connector. The electrical module 37 is provided with a splash guard cover. The connections for the supply and discharge lines 22, 23 for the rinsing liquid 24 are formed via two nozzles 34, 35 assigned to the heat pump 14, in particular on the heat transfer line section WT, which is in heat-conducting contact with the pipe of the condenser 18 and through which the rinsing liquid flows, as well as via two hoses that can be plugged onto the heat pump. 34 designates the inlet nozzle for the rinsing liquid supply line 22; 35 designates the outlet nozzle for the rinsing liquid discharge line 23.In Figure 3, the flushing fluid 24 conveyed through the heat transfer line section WT and its flow direction are symbolized by a separate arrow. The working fluid 17 flowing through the condenser 18 in the opposite direction to the flow direction of the flushing fluid 24 (countercurrent principle) is represented by a separate arrow in Figure 3.

[0067] During assembly, before inserting the heat pump 14 into the dishwasher, at least one compressor 16, one condenser 18, one expansion element 19, and one evaporator 20 are fixedly arranged on a support unit 15 holding them. Thus, before installation in the dishwasher 1, the heat pump 14 can be mounted, filled with working medium 17 through the filling connection 31, and tested for functionality. At least it can be tested for functionality and leaks before installation. Additionally or alternatively, at least the essential components of the heat pump 14 can be mechanically fixedly arranged on a support unit 15 holding them before installation in the dishwasher 1. Thus, during the assembly process when installed in the dishwasher 1, the support unit 15 can form a coherent, portable unit 26 with the components of the heat pump 14.

[0068] This unit 26 can be used with the mechanically fixed components of the heat pump 14 together with the support unit 15 holding it as a modular unit in a permanent installation position or end position in the dishwasher 1.

[0069] The carrier unit 15 can be delivered filled with the components of the heat pump 14 mounted thereon and the working medium 17 of the heat pump 14 for assembly of the dishwasher 1, either from the company's own factory or from a supplier.

[0070] For this purpose, the support unit 15 with the heat pump 14 mounted thereon forms a mechanically stable unit that can be installed as a whole in the dishwasher 1. This unit is supported and held together by the support unit 15, which in this exemplary embodiment is preferably positioned horizontally in the installed position. This creates a highly integrated unit.

[0071] Overall, the invention achieves a compact design, platform compatibility, space savings and low impact on the production line.

[0072] Because the heat pump assembly is preferably filled with its working medium in advance, no explosion protection is necessary in the actual dishwasher assembly line, which represents a considerable simplification and an increase in safety.

[0073] The pre-testable unit 26 also results in quality advantages, the process steps in pre-assembly can be automated, and the entire unit 26 can be obtained from a system supplier. By means of the switched-on heat pump arrangement, the rinsing liquid which is used for a partial rinsing phase, such as the cleaning phase and / or final rinse phase of a dishwashing program to be carried out, and for which heating to a specific target final temperature is required during this partial rinsing phase, can be heated at least partially, i.e. partially or completely, to the respective desired target final temperature. The heat pump operation then ensures electrical energy savings compared to a conventional dishwashing program of a dishwasher (without heat pump or without heat pump operation), which only, i.e.Only a conventional electric water heater is used in the circulation circuit to heat the rinsing liquid, which is used for the respective partial rinsing phase, such as the cleaning phase and / or final rinsing phase of a dishwashing program to be carried out, and for which heating to a specific target final temperature is required during this partial rinsing phase.

[0074] In particular, it can be advantageous for carrying out a variety of dishwashing programs if the dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, equipped with the heat pump arrangement according to the invention still has an electric liquid or water heater in its circulation circuit. For example, the circulation pump (such as UP in Figure 2) can comprise an electric water heater, i.e. an electric water heater can be integrated into the housing of the circulation pump in order to be able to heat the dishwashing liquid pumped by it, if necessary, additionally or independently of the heat pump. Alternatively, a water heater can be provided outside the circulation pump as a separate component of the circulation circuit. In particular, it can be fluidically arranged downstream of the circulation pump in its conveying direction, for example by being inserted into the connecting line between the circulation pump and the water switch.

[0075] During an energy-saving program, i.e. a so-called Eco dishwashing program, it is particularly advantageous if the water heating remains switched off throughout and if in all partial wash phases (e.g. in the cleaning phase and in the final rinse phase) of the Eco dishwashing program, in which a certain, partial wash phase-specific amount of rinsing liquid has to be heated to a desired target end temperature, this partial wash phase-specific amount of rinsing liquid is heated exclusively by means of the heat pump. In order to also be able to run a dishwashing program that differs from the Eco dishwashing program, such as an intensive cleaning program that requires a higher target end temperature in the respective partial wash phase, such as the cleaning phase and / or the final rinse phase, or a quick cleaning program that requires shorter times for the respective partial wash phase, such asthe cleaning phase and / or final rinse phase, can be carried out as energy-efficiently as possible, the respective partial rinse phase-specific, i.e. the respective partial rinse phase-specific amount of rinsing liquid can first be heated up to a first heating temperature (higher than its inlet temperature when entering the washing container) during a first heating phase exclusively by means of the switched-on heat pump, then the heat pump can be switched off, and then the rinsing liquid partially heated by means of the heat pump can be further heated up to the respective desired, higher target end temperature by means of the electrical water heater of the circulation circuit which is only then switched on.

[0076] In summary and / or general terms, a dishwasher, in particular a household dishwasher, is provided into which a heat pump can be integrated in an improved manner, with the aid of which the electrical energy consumption of the dishwasher can be significantly reduced compared to conventional dishwashers.

[0077] The following idea or approach to a solution can be particularly advantageous:

[0078] The heat pump is designed in such a way that the compressor, the condenser, the expansion element, in particular the expansion valve or capillary tube, and the evaporator, including the refrigeration circuit piping, i.e. the connecting lines between these components of the heat pump circuit for the cyclical transport of the heat pump's working medium from the compressor to the condenser, then to the expansion element, then to the evaporator, and back to the compressor, are combined in a compact unit. This unit is preferably held together by a mounting plate or other support component, which can be one-piece or multi-piece. Using this support structure, the entire heat pump unit can be attached to the dishwasher, in particular to its base support, as a single, common base assembly.

[0079] This advantageously allows the heat pump's refrigeration circuit to be closed at a pre-assembly location (particularly in advance outside the actual production line or final assembly line of the dishwasher), i.e., completely soldered or tightly pressed, filled with refrigerant, and pre-tested for leaks. This heat pump module is then delivered pre-assembled, pre-filled with working medium or refrigerant, and pre-tested for leaks and / or functional reliability to the dishwasher production line or final assembly line, where it only requires an electrical connection and a fluid connection to the wash liquor circuit (i.e., to the recirculation circuit orHydraulic circuit in which the rinsing fluid is circulated by the circulation pump) with inlet and outlet, possibly also a communications interface connection, in particular a data bus connection, and possibly also a connection for the removal of condensate that collects below the evaporator in a collecting device such as a sump. The electrical power connection is provided for the electrical power supply of the compressor, possibly the electric motor of an air conveying unit assigned to the evaporator, and possibly the electric motor of a condensate pump, which is possibly provided for removing the condensate collecting below the evaporator.

[0080] In addition to the electrical connection option and the connection option for the rinsing fluid, the heat pump assembly may optionally include various sensors and / or a connection for a communication interface, in particular for a data bus. The electrical connection may, in particular, be part of an electrical module that may also include sensors and / or the communication interface connection, in particular the data bus connection.

[0081] Additionally, a control unit for the electrical components of the heat pump and / or for one or more sensors that may be associated with the functional components of the heat pump could also be integrated into the heat pump module. The compressor motor, the electric motor of the at least one air conveying unit associated with the evaporator, the electric motor of any condensate pump provided for removing condensate collecting below the evaporator, possibly also the water circuit valve provided for connecting a heat transfer line section associated with the condenser for heat transfer to and / or into the circulating circuit of the rinsing liquid, and possibly the one or more refrigeration circuit sensors provided, if applicable, would expediently be connected to and / or in this control unit.Thus, with this practical heat pump design, only one electrical connection would be required for the provision of electrical power to the compressor, to the electric motor of the at least one air conveying unit assigned to the evaporator, and if applicable to the electric motor of any condensate pump provided, as well as if applicable.

[0082] Communication interface connection, especially data bus connection, is necessary.

[0083] The following functions are preferably integrated into the supporting component(s):

[0084] • Condensate collection tray below the evaporator (optional)

[0085] • Mounting the condensate pump

[0086] • Fixing the compressor

[0087] • Fixing of the at least one air conveying unit, in particular the at least one fan or the at least one other air conveying device associated with the evaporator

[0088] • Air flow, at least partial areas of the air flow from the technical area of ​​the dishwasher, in particular located in the base support, via the evaporator out of the appliance, in particular from its rear wall

[0089] • Fixing the evaporator

[0090] • Fastening of the piping (especially the refrigerant or working medium circuit) and cabling

[0091] • Possible fixing of the control module for the heat pump unit

[0092] • Fastening and supporting the heat pump unit in the base support of the dishwasher via the support component The advantages of this system are as follows:

[0093] • Compact design

[0094] • Platform compatibility

[0095] • Gain in installation space

[0096] • Low impact on production line

[0097] (especially when changing models (from dishwasher with heat pump to dishwasher without heat pump and vice versa) within the production line)

[0098] • During dishwasher production itself, no refrigerant or working fluid needs to be filled (explosion protection is not necessary in the final dishwasher assembly)

[0099] • Quality advantages through pre-tested or pre-testable unit (support component or support component)

[0100] • Possibility of automating process steps in pre-assembly

[0101] • Possibility of purchasing the modular unit from a system supplier

[0102] • Modular replacement of the support component(s) with the heat pump assembly mounted in and / or on it is also possible during customer service or during maintenance and / or repair

[0103] In this way, by combining at least the essential components of the heat pump in a compact unit, the heat pump can be designed to be as cost-effective, efficient and compact as possible. This advantageously ensures that only as few assembly steps as possible have to be carried out during the final assembly of the dishwasher. In addition, the heat pump can be integrated into the dishwasher in such a way that only minor changes have to be made to the underlying appliance platform. This means that a dishwasher with an integrated heat pump differs little or not at all from a dishwasher without a heat pump in terms of the other parts, such as assemblies, functional units, etc. ... and their arrangement and construction. The same basic construction or platform can therefore always be used for dishwashers with heat pumps as well as for dishwashers without a heat pump.

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, with at least one heat pump (14) which comprises at least one compressor (16), a condenser (18), an expansion element (19) and an evaporator (20), which are connected to one another via line regions (21) for conveying a working medium (17) which changes its state of aggregation during operation, wherein the heat pump (14) is assigned at least one supply line (22) and one discharge line (23) for washing liquid to be heated, in particular washing liquid which can be circulated in the dishwasher (1), and an electrical connection option (25), characterized in that the heat pump (14) is assembled before installation in the dishwasher (1), filled with working medium (17) and can be or has been tested for function.

2. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the heat pump (14) is tested for leak tightness of its areas carrying the working medium (17) before installation in the dishwasher (1).

3. Dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, with at least one heat pump (14) comprising at least one compressor (16), a condenser (18), an expansion element (19) and an evaporator (20), which are connected to one another via line regions (21) for conveying a working medium (17) that changes its state of aggregation during operation, wherein the heat pump (14) is assigned at least one supply line (22) and one discharge line (23) of washing liquid to be heated, in particular washing liquid that can be circulated in the dishwasher (1), and at least one electrical connection option (25), in particular according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that that at least the essential components (16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and optionally 30) of the heat pump (14) are mechanically fixedly arranged on a support unit (15) holding them.

4. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that the carrier unit (15) and the components (16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and optionally 30) of the heat pump (14) arranged mechanically fixed thereon can be used together as a modular unit (26) in a permanent installation position in the dishwasher (1).

5. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the modular unit (26) can be completely removed from the dishwasher (1) for maintenance or repair purposes.

6. Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that the support unit (15) is designed as a frame unit, rack, scaffolding or structural structure.

7. Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the carrier unit (15) is formed in one piece.

8. Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that the carrier unit (15) is prefabricated with several mechanical attachment aids for attaching the components (16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and optionally 30) of the heat pump (14).

9. Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that that the carrier unit (15) and the components (16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and optionally 30) of the heat pump (14) mounted on it form a mechanically stable unit (26) which can be installed as a whole in the dishwasher (1).

10. Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of claims 4 to 9, characterized in that in the permanent installation position of the modular unit (26) in the dishwasher (1) only a supply line (22) and a discharge line (23) for washing liquid and an electrical connection (25) and optionally a communication interface connection, in particular a data bus connection, have been attached to the modular unit (26).

11. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 10, characterized in that the electrical connection (25) is formed via a snap-in and / or plug-in connection, in particular via a so-called snap-5 plug or snap-2.5 plug.

12. Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of claims 10 or 11, characterized in that the connections of the supply and discharge lines (22, 23) for washing liquid are formed via two nozzles (34, 35) assigned to the heat pump (14), in particular its condenser (18), and via two hoses which can be plugged onto them.

13. Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of claims 4 to 12, characterized in that before inserting the modular unit (26) into the dishwasher (1), at least one compressor (16), one condenser (18), one expansion element (19) and one evaporator (20) as essential components of the heat pump (14) are fixedly arranged on the carrier unit (15) holding it.

14. Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the heat pump (14) is a compression heat pump.

15. Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the heat pump (14), in particular its compressor (16), is electrically driven.

16. Dishwasher (1) according to at least one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that the supply line (22) for washing liquid to be heated branches off from the internal liquid conveying channel of the circulating pump (UP), in particular (viewed in the conveying direction) immediately behind its impeller space and thus on the pressure side, via a specially provided outlet opening as a bypass line.

17. Modular heat pump unit (26) for installation in a dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, in which at least the essential components (16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and optionally 30) of at least one heat pump (14) are mechanically fixedly arranged on a carrier unit (15) holding them, and / or in which a heat pump (14) is mounted, filled with working medium (17) and can be or has been tested for function before installation in the dishwasher (1).

18. Method for assembling a dishwasher (1), in particular a household dishwasher, with at least one heat pump (14), in particular according to at least one of claims 1 to 16, characterized in that the heat pump (14) is assembled, filled with working medium (17) and tested for function or at least can be tested before installation in the dishwasher (1).

19. Method according to claim 18, characterized in that the heat pump (14) is tested for leak tightness of its areas carrying the working medium (17) before installation in the dishwasher (1).

20. Method for assembling a dishwasher (1) with at least one heat pump (14), in particular according to one of claims 18 or 19, characterized in that at least the essential components (16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and optionally 30) of the heat pump (14) are mechanically fixedly arranged on a carrier unit (15) holding them before installation in the dishwasher and thus the carrier unit (15) and the components of the heat pump (14) form a coherent, portable unit (26) when they are installed in the dishwasher (1).

21. Method according to claim 20, characterized in that the carrier unit (15) and the components (16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and optionally 30) of the heat pump (2) mechanically fixed thereto are inserted together as a modular unit (26) into a permanent installation position in the dishwasher (1).

22. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that in the permanent installation position of the modular unit (26) only a supply line (22) and a discharge line (23) for rinsing liquid and an electrical connection (25) and optionally a communication interface connection, in particular a data bus connection, are attached to the modular unit (26).

23. Method according to at least one of claims 20 to 22, characterized in that the carrier unit (15) with the components (16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and optionally 30) of the heat pump (14) mounted thereon and this is delivered filled with the working medium (17) of the heat pump (14) for assembly of the dishwasher (1).

24. Method according to at least one of claims 20 to 23, characterized in that the carrier unit (15) with the components (16, 18, 19, 20, 21 and optionally 30) of the heat pump (14) mounted thereon forms a mechanically stable unit (26) which can be installed as a whole in the dishwasher (1).

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