Dishwasher

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a dishwashing compartment (2) and a washware receptacle (12, 13, 14) which can be moved out of and into the dishwashing compartment, wherein a spray arm (16) and a funnel (15, 20, 21) are mounted on the washware receptacle (12, 13, 14), and wherein a spigot (18) is mounted on a rear wall (9) of the dishwashing compartment (2), the spigot being designed, when the washware receptacle (12, 13, 14) is moved into the dishwashing compartment (2), to be introduced into the funnel (15, 20, 21) so as to form a supply line (19) for wash liquor to the spray arm (16), characterised in that at least one deflecting surface (25) is provided on the outside of the spigot (18), the at least one deflecting surface being designed to deflect a jet (26) of wash liquor towards a mouth (22) of the spigot (18).

Description

[0001] dishwasher

[0002] The present invention relates to a dishwasher with a wash tub and a dishwashing basket that can be moved in and out of the tub. A spray arm and a funnel are attached to the dishwashing basket. A nozzle is attached to a rear wall of the wash tub, which is designed to be inserted into the funnel when the dishwashing basket is moved into the wash tub, thus forming a supply line for the wash solution to the spray arm.

[0003] In dishwashers of the type mentioned above, there may be spray shadows in / behind the funnel, forming a "dead corner" or poorly rinsed area where dirt can accumulate on the nozzle.

[0004] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to reduce contamination of the nozzle in / behind the funnel.

[0005] Accordingly, a dishwasher is proposed with a wash tub and a dishwashing basket that can be moved in and out of the tub. A spray arm and a funnel are attached to the dishwashing basket. A nozzle is mounted on the rear wall of the wash tub, designed to be inserted into the funnel when the dishwashing basket is moved into the tub, thus forming a supply line for the wash solution to the spray arm. At least one deflecting surface is provided on the outside of the nozzle. This deflecting surface is suitable for redirecting a jet of wash solution towards an opening of the nozzle.

[0006] In other words, while the extendable and retractable dishwashing basket is moved from an extended position to a retracted position, the nozzle is inserted into the funnel. Inserting the nozzle into the funnel establishes or closes the supply line from a pump (drain pump) to the spray arm on the dishwashing basket.

[0007] That at least one deflection surface is suitable for redirecting the flushing liquor jet can mean, for example, that the deflection surface is shaped and arranged in such a way. The deflection surface An can be described as a guide surface or deflection guide surface An.

[0008] The fact that the jet is deflected "towards" the nozzle means that the jet is redirected in a direction pointing from the deflection surface towards the nozzle. The jet is a spray jet or rinse water jet. By redirecting the jet, the rinse water can reach the blind spots during a dishwasher's operating phase, preventing the build-up of dirt or loosening and rinsing it away. As a result, the hygiene of the dishwasher's interior is improved.

[0009] The jet is preferably directed transversely to a longitudinal direction of the nozzle onto the deflecting surface. In particular, the jet is directed at an angle of 45° to 135°, and preferably 60° to 120°, to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle onto the deflecting surface of the nozzle. By preparing the deflecting surface for this angular range of the incident jet, a flushing of the dead corner is achieved that is tolerant of varying angles of impact.

[0010] The jet deflected towards the nozzle opening is, in particular, a jet running along the longitudinal direction. The jet exits the deflection surface, especially at an angle of 315° to 45° and preferably 330° to 30° to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle. By preparing the deflection surface for this angular range of the exiting or deflected jet, a deflection angle-tolerant or discharge angle-tolerant flushing of the dead corner is achieved.

[0011] The nozzle preferably has a sealing section. The sealing section is preferably located between the deflection surface(s) and the nozzle opening. The sealing section is, for example, an area in which a sealant is present. The sealing section is, for example, an area in which the nozzle and the funnel make a sealing contact. It can be said that the sealing section is preferably designed to, when inserted into the funnel, together with the funnel—in particular, in conjunction with a sealing counter-section of the funnel—to tightly close or form the supply line. The sealing section of the nozzle is preferably arranged near the nozzle opening. The sealing section of the nozzle is preferably formed on an outer surface of the nozzle.Preferably, the nozzle has a cylindrical shape, and the sealing section is formed by an O-ring inserted into a circumferential groove. This deflects the jet, which is deflected towards the opening, towards the sealing section. In other words, at least one deflecting surface is designed to redirect the jet towards the sealing section of the nozzle. This allows, for example, a dead zone in the funnel adjacent to the sealing section to be flushed.

[0012] At least one deflecting surface is preferably arranged laterally on the nozzle. For example, the nozzle may have at least two lateral deflecting surfaces. Thus, a jet of cleaning fluid emitted from a rotating spray arm during operation can strike a deflecting surface across a wide angle of rotation. As a result, more cleaning fluid is flushed into the blind spot.

[0013] The nozzle is preferably formed in one piece, including the deflection surface(s). This simplifies assembly and storage, for example. The nozzle is, for instance, an injection-molded plastic part or is designed as such. The deflection surface(s) are, for example, free of undercuts in at least one demolding direction. This allows the nozzle to be manufactured industrially with high repeatability and minimal additional costs.

[0014] The nozzle may have two deflection surfaces that are mirror images of each other with respect to a plane in which the main axis runs. This allows, for example, for a uniform flushing of the dead angle.

[0015] The deflecting surface An may be curved in such a way as to concentrate a fan-shaped jet of water that is directed transversely to a longitudinal direction of the nozzle. In other words, the deflecting surface An is curved in such a way that the incident jet, if fan-shaped, is concentrated by a shape of the deflecting surface An. Concentration can be understood, for example, as a merging or redirecting of the jet. Concentration can improve the range of the deflected jet. Preferably, the funnel or a guide section of the funnel opens towards the rear wall of the washing chamber. This is the preferred design because it ensures particularly reliable insertion of the nozzle into the funnel by sliding in the dishware holder.

[0016] It is possible that at least one opening is present in a wall of the funnel, preferably in a wall of a guide section of the funnel. The opening is arranged so that the jet from at least one temporary and / or permanent position of a nozzle passes through the opening to the deflecting surface or to one of the deflecting surfaces. The nozzle can be described as a spray nozzle and / or a flushing nozzle. An opening in the funnel wall can, for example, be designed as an opening or perforation, but also as an indentation in an edge of the wall. In other words, the jet can pass through the opening in the wall of the funnel from the temporary and / or permanent position and strike the deflecting surface.A potential conflict arises because while a large, wide funnel facilitates insertion of the nozzle, it also creates a relatively large dead zone. This conflict can be resolved, for example, by incorporating through-passes. This allows for targeted prevention or resolution of contamination during operation.

[0017] The nozzle on the spray arm can be arranged such that, during rotation of the spray arm, it passes over a temporary position, or at least one possible temporary position. The nozzle is preferably configured to emit the spray. The spray arm is preferably mounted on the underside of the dishwashing container. When the nozzle is in the temporary position, it is specifically directed towards the deflection surface through the opening. Alternatively, the rotatable spray arm can be said to have at least one nozzle for spraying cleaning solution, which, on its circular path, passes over at least one position from which the nozzle is directed towards at least one deflection surface. For example, at least one nozzle on the spray arm can emit cleaning solution from a temporary position past the funnel onto the at least one deflection surface.It is preferable for a nozzle on the spray arm to deliver the spray solution from a temporary position through a passage onto at least one deflecting surface. This has the advantage that a large area, including the deflecting surface, is efficiently covered by one or a few nozzles.

[0018] A nozzle may be permanently attached below and / or to the dishwashing area to direct the spray onto the deflecting surface during dishwasher operation. This permanently attached nozzle is in a fixed position. For example, at least one permanently attached nozzle may direct the wash water past the hopper onto at least one deflecting surface. Preferably, at least one permanently attached nozzle may direct the wash water onto the at least one deflecting surface through a passage. A permanently attached nozzle has the advantage that the sprayed area, including the deflecting surface, is precisely defined and known. This allows, for example, the creation of an intensive wash zone.

[0019] The nozzle on the rear wall may be mounted on a hinge, allowing it to pivot up and down, with the spray hitting the deflector surface at least partially within the pivoting range. This allows for height adjustment of the dishwashing area. For example, by fanning out the spray pattern, the deflector surface can be ensured at different pivoting angles. Similarly, by varying the size and / or shape of the deflector surface, such as concave or convex (depending on its position relative to the pivoting axis), the deflector surface can be made to hit the spray at different pivoting angles.

[0020] Other possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In such cases, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

[0021] Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures.

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher;

[0023] Fig. 2 schematically shows, in a partially cutaway side view, a dishwashing container which carries a rotatable spray arm and a fluid-connected funnel, and a nozzle for insertion into the funnel, wherein the dishwashing container is in an extended position so that the nozzle is not inserted into the funnel; and

[0024] Fig. 3 schematically shows the dishwashing basket in a partially cut-away side view, but in the inserted or not extended position, so that the nozzle is inserted into the funnel and together with it forms a supply line for a washing solution to the spray arm, whereby in operation of the dishwasher a jet of washing solution hits a deflecting surface and is deflected.

[0025] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a wash chamber 2, which can be closed by a door 3, preferably in a watertight manner. For this purpose, a sealing device can be provided between the door 3 and the wash chamber 2. The wash chamber 2 is preferably cuboid in shape. The wash chamber 2 can be arranged in a housing of the household dishwasher 1. The wash chamber 2 and the door 3 can form a wash chamber 4 for washing dishes.

[0027] The door 3 is shown in its open position in Fig. 1. The door 3 can be opened or closed by pivoting it about a pivot axis 5 located at one of its lower ends. The door 3 can be used to open or close a loading opening 6 of the wash tank 2. The wash tank 2 has a base 7, a top 8 opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 opposite the closed door 3, and two opposing side walls 10 and 11. The base 7, the top 8, the rear wall 9, and the side walls 10 and 11 can, for example, be made of stainless steel. Alternatively, the base 7 can, for example, be made of a plastic material.

[0028] The household dishwasher 1 further comprises at least one dishware holder 12 to 14. Preferably, several, for example three, dishware holders 12 to 14 can be provided, wherein dishware holder 12 can be a lower dishware holder or a lower basket, dishware holder 13 an upper dishware holder or an upper basket, and dishware holder 14 a cutlery drawer. As further shown in Fig. 1, the dishware holders 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the wash tub 2. Each dishware holder 12 to 14 can be selectively moved into or out of the wash tub 2. In particular, each dishware holder 12 to 14 can be pushed or moved into the wash tub 2 in an insertion direction E and pulled or moved out of the wash tub 2 in an extension direction A opposite to the insertion direction E.

[0029] In the following embodiment, the upper basket 13 serves as an example of an extendable dishwashing basket to which a funnel 15 and a rotatable spray arm 16 are attached. The upper basket 13 is shown only as an example. The spray arm 16 is an example of a dishwashing liquid consumer on the extendable dishwashing basket. For example, the funnel 15 and the spray arm 16 are configured to direct dishwashing liquid. The spray arm 16 has a spray nozzle 17 designed to emit an upward spray jet.

[0030] The rear wall 9 is the inner wall of the wash chamber 4 from which the upper basket 13 is extended and towards which it is inserted. Therefore, a nozzle 18 is attached to the rear wall 9. The nozzle 18 is fluidly coupled, for example, to a drain and / or circulation pump (not shown, often located on / under the floor of the wash chamber).

[0031] When the upper basket 13 is inserted into the wash chamber 4, the nozzle 18 is inserted into the funnel 15 in a known manner. This creates a supply line 19 for the wash water from the drain pump to the spray arm 16. The funnel 15 has, for example, a guide section 20 and a receiving section 21. The funnel 15 is preferably formed in one piece, e.g., as an injection-molded part. The guide section 20 tapers towards the receiving section 21 and is suitable for guiding the nozzle 18 into the receiving section 21. The receiving section 21 is suitable for receiving the nozzle 18. If the nozzle 18 is not aligned with the receiving section 21 when the upper basket 13 is extended, the nozzle 18 is thus reliably and repeatably inserted into the receiving section 21 by means of the guide section 20 when the upper basket 13 is inserted into the wash chamber 4.

[0032] The nozzle 18 has an opening 22, which is an opening pointing into the flushing chamber 4 or towards the funnel 15. A sealing element 23, such as an O-ring or the like, is preferably arranged on the outside of the nozzle 18. The sealing element 23 is, for example, held securely in a circumferential groove (not shown) of the nozzle 18. The sealing element 23 is preferably located near the opening 22. The sealing element 23 is, for example, dimensioned to form a sealing clamp with the receiving section 23.

[0033] In Fig. 2, the funnel 15 is shown in an extended position of the upper basket 13, separate from the nozzle 18. In Fig. 3, the receiving section 21 of the funnel 15 is shown in a retracted position of the upper basket 13, encompassing the opening 22 and the sealing element 23 of the nozzle 18. This ensures that the supply line 19 to the spray arm 16 is reliably formed or closed with each insertion. Furthermore, the supply line 19 becomes sealed, allowing the cleaning solution to be supplied by the drain pump at increased pressure, resulting in the desired spray pattern during operation. On the other hand, a dead zone or spray shadow is created between the nozzle 18 and the funnel 15 near the sealing element 23, which can lead to the deposition of contaminants on the nozzle 18 and / or inside the funnel 15.

[0034] Towards the mouth 22, the nozzle 18 runs along a longitudinal direction 24 or

[0035] Longitudinal axis. The nozzle 18 has at least one deflecting surface 25 on the rear wall side of the sealant 23 (i.e., between the rear wall 9 and the sealant 23). For example, the nozzle 18, viewed from above, has a deflecting surface 25 to the left and right of the longitudinal direction 24.

[0036] The deflecting surfaces 25 are each inclined such that a lower end of each deflecting surface 25 is further away from the opening 22 than an upper end of each deflecting surface 25 is from the opening 22. In this way, the deflecting surfaces 25 are each suitable for deflecting a jet of cleaning fluid 26, as shown in Fig. 3, from a path transverse to the longitudinal direction 24 to a path in the longitudinal direction 24. This causes the jet 26 coming from the nozzle 17 to be deflected towards the opening 22 or towards the sealant 23, as shown in Fig. 3. The cleaning fluid is thus sprayed or flushed towards the opening 22 or towards the sealant 23. Therefore, the adhesion or deposition of contaminants in this area can be prevented and, if necessary, loosened and flushed away.

[0037] The nozzle 17 on the spray arm 16 rotates beneath the deflecting surfaces 25 with each revolution of the spray arm 16 and directs the cleaning fluid jet 26 towards the deflecting surfaces 25. As shown in Fig. 3, the cleaning fluid jet 26 strikes the deflecting surface 25 at an angle of 80-100° to the longitudinal direction 24. The cleaning fluid jet 26 then rebounds from the deflecting surface 25 at an angle of, for example, + / - 10° to the longitudinal direction 24, or is deflected accordingly.

[0038] The nozzle 18, for example, is manufactured as an injection-molded part. During the injection molding process, the nozzle 18's inner contour is defined, for example, by two mandrels, and its outer contour is defined, for example, by two half-shells, which (viewed from above in the installed position) demold to the right and left. The deflection surfaces 25 have no undercuts in these demolding directions, so the nozzle 18 is easy to manufacture. Given the groove for inserting the sealant 23, it can be said that the deflection surfaces 25 do not require any additional mold components.

[0039] The deflection surfaces 25 are concavely curved. This has two synergistic positive effects: Firstly, the jet 26 striking from below is concentrated towards the dead angle, so that the flushing solution forms a flow in the dead angle. This improves the flushing of the dead angle. Secondly, an angular tolerance is achieved, so that a slight deviation in the angle of impact on the deflection surface does not lead to a significant deviation in the discharge angle. This results in stable flushing of the dead angle, even if the nozzle should be pivoted upwards or downwards, for example.

[0040] The guide section 20 is formed by a wall 27 of the funnel 15. Passages 28 are provided in this wall 27. Each passage 28 is located between the respective deflecting surface 25 and a position of the nozzle 17 from which the jet 26 emitted by the nozzle 17 strikes this deflecting surface 25. This ensures, on the one hand, reliable insertion of the nozzle 18 into the receiving section 21 through the guide section 20 and, on the other hand, sufficient flushing of the dead angle through the passages 28.

[0041] It should be noted here that in another embodiment (not shown), a nozzle is provided directly on the dish loading area (the upper basket 13), which emits one or more jets of wash water, with at least one of these jets 26 being directed onto at least one deflecting surface 25. There is a further embodiment in which a nozzle is fixedly attached to a wall 9-11 of the wash chamber and emits at least one jet of wash water 26 onto at least one deflecting surface 25. It is also possible for one of these nozzles to be provided in addition to the nozzle on the spray arm 16 in order to achieve a stronger cleaning effect in the blind spot.

[0042] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

[0043] Reference symbols used:

[0044] 1 household dishwasher

[0045] 2 washing containers

[0046] 3 Door

[0047] 4. Dishwashing area

[0048] 5 swivel axes

[0049] 6 Feed opening

[0050] 7 Floor

[0051] 8 ceiling

[0052] 9 Back panel

[0053] 10 side wall

[0054] 11 Side wall

[0055] 12-14 dish capacity

[0056] 15 funnels

[0057] 16 spray arms

[0058] 17 nozzle

[0059] 18 stubs

[0060] 19 Supply line

[0061] 20 Leadership section

[0062] 21 Recording section

[0063] 22 Mouth

[0064] 23 Sealants

[0065] 24 Longitudinal direction

[0066] 25 Deflection area

[0067] 26 beam

[0068] 27 wall

[0069] 29 Passage

[0070] A Extraction direction

[0071] E Insertion direction

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Dishwasher (1) comprising a wash tub (2) and a dishware holder (12, 13, 14) that can be moved in and out of the tub, wherein a spray arm (16) and a funnel (15, 20, 21) are attached to the dishware holder (12, 13, 14), and wherein a nozzle (18) is attached to a rear wall (9) of the wash tub (2), which is designed to be inserted into the funnel (15, 20, 21) when the dishware holder (12, 13, 14) is moved into the wash tub (2) in order to form a supply line (19) for wash water to the spray arm (16), characterized in that at least one deflecting surface (25) is provided on the outside of the nozzle (18), which is suitable for directing a jet of wash water (26) towards an opening (22) of the nozzle (18). to redirect.

2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that the rinse water jet (26) is directed transversely to a longitudinal direction (24) of the nozzle (18) towards the at least one deflecting surface (25), wherein the rinse water jet (26) is preferably directed at an angle of 60° to 120° to the longitudinal direction (24) of the nozzle (18) towards the at least one deflecting surface (25) of the nozzle (18), and / or that the rinse water jet (26) leaves the at least one deflecting surface (25) at an angle of 330° to 30° to the longitudinal direction (24) of the nozzle (18).

3. Dishwasher according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the nozzle (18) has a sealing section (23) between the opening (22) and the at least one deflecting surface (25).

4. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the at least one deflecting surface (25) is arranged laterally on the nozzle (18).

5. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one deflecting surface (25) is formed integrally with the nozzle (18), wherein the at least one deflecting surface (25) is formed without undercuts in each demolding direction of the nozzle (18).

6. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the at least one deflecting surface (25) is curved in such a way as to concentrate a fan-shaped jet of dishwashing liquid (26).

7. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that in a wall (27) of the funnel (15, 20) at least one passage (28) for the wash liquor jet (26) from at least one temporary and / or permanent position of a nozzle (17) located in the wash container (2) to the at least one deflection surface (25) is provided.

8. Dishwasher according to claim 7, characterized in that the nozzle (17) is arranged on the spray arm (16) such that the nozzle (17) sweeps over the temporary position during a rotation of the spray arm (16).

9. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a nozzle (17) is fixedly attached below the dishware intake (12, 13, 14) to direct the jet (26) onto the deflecting surface (25).

10. Dishwasher according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that the nozzle (18) is mounted on the rear wall (9) so as to be pivotable up and down by means of a joint, wherein the wash water jet (26) hits the deflecting surface (25) at least in a partial area of ​​the pivoting.

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