Method for producing a feed pipe for a domestic dishwasher

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for producing a feed pipe (19) for a domestic dishwasher (1), wherein the feed pipe (19) has a deflection (21) from a first direction (R1) into a second direction (R2), and an inner contour (24) of the feed pipe (19) has an inner curvature (25) in the region of the deflection (21), said method comprising the following steps: a) producing (S1) a first section (30) of the feed pipe (19), wherein the first section (30) has the inner curvature (25) and a production opening (31) opposite the inner curvature (25), the production opening (31) extends in a direction of extent (RF) of the opening beyond the inner curvature (25), and the direction of extent (RF) of the opening extends opposite the first direction (R1) or along the second direction (R2), and b) producing (S3) a second section (40) of the feed pipe (19) and connecting the first and the second section (30, 40) to one another such that the production opening (31) is closed.

Description

[0001] Method for manufacturing a feed pipe for a household dishwasher

[0002] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a feed pipe for a household dishwasher.

[0003] The water supply to one or more spray heads of a household dishwasher typically begins at the bottom of the dishwasher and travels vertically along the back wall, for example, through a vertical supply pipe. The water then travels horizontally, for example, through a horizontal supply pipe, towards the center of the wash chamber. There, it is directed to the spray heads, which distribute the water throughout the wash chamber. During the transition from the vertical to the horizontal direction and then to the spray heads, the water flow must be redirected several times, for example, by 90°. Increased hydraulic losses occur at these points of redirection.

[0004] Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for manufacturing a feed pipe for a household dishwasher.

[0005] Accordingly, a method for manufacturing a feed tube for a household dishwasher is proposed. The feed tube has a deflection from a first direction to a second direction. Furthermore, an inner contour of the feed tube in the region of the deflection has an internal curvature. The method also comprises the steps of: a) manufacturing a first section of the feed tube, wherein the first section has the internal curvature and a manufacturing opening opposite the internal curvature, the manufacturing opening extending beyond the internal curvature in an exposure direction, and the exposure direction being opposite to the first direction or along the second direction; and b) manufacturing a second section of the feed tube and joining the first and second sections together so that the manufacturing opening is closed.

[0006] By manufacturing the feed tube in a two-stage process, the deflection of the feed tube with its internal curvature can be produced more easily. In particular, this method allows for the production of a feed tube that does not have a sharp edge on its inner contour, but rather an internal curvature with a defined radius of curvature. Since a feed tube with a deflection and internal curvature has an undercut, the two-stage manufacturing process offers the advantage that the first and second sections of the feed tube are produced in separate steps. Advantageously, both the first and second sections of the feed tube are designed such that neither section exhibits an undercut.

[0007] Because the finished feed pipe has an internal curvature with a specific radius of curvature, flow losses during the passage of water through the feed pipe can be reduced. In particular, hydraulic losses in the area of ​​the deflection can be significantly reduced. For example, the hydraulic efficiency of the upper spray arm can be improved by up to 7% with a radius of curvature of 3.5 mm, as the applicant determined based on a simulation.

[0008] By optimizing the water supply, the cleaning performance of the dishes can be increased with the same pump output, thus requiring no additional electrical energy, resulting in a shorter wash cycle. Alternatively, the cleaning performance can be maintained while reducing the pump output and therefore the electrical energy consumption, resulting in energy savings and thus improving the energy efficiency of the household dishwasher. With reduced energy consumption, it is also possible to use a less powerful motor. The household dishwasher includes, for example, a wash tub that can be closed by a door, preferably a watertight one. The wash tub can be located within the dishwasher's housing. The wash tub and the door can form a wash chamber for washing dishes.The washing container has a base, a ceiling opposite the base, a back wall opposite the closed door, and two side walls opposite each other.

[0009] The household dishwasher further comprises at least one dishware holder. Preferably, several, for example three, dishware holders can be provided, wherein a first dishware holder can be a lower dishware holder or a lower basket, a second dishware holder can be an upper dishware holder or an upper basket, and a third dishware holder can be a cutlery drawer. The dishware holders are arranged, for example, one above the other in the wash tub. Each dishware holder can be selectively moved into or out of the wash tub.

[0010] The household dishwasher also has a supply device for feeding water or another fluid into the wash chamber. The supply device comprises the supply pipe and, for example, one or more additional supply pipes. Each supply pipe is designed to receive and direct water toward the wash chamber. The supply pipe is, for example, fluid-connected to one or more of the additional supply pipes. The supply device also includes a pump and similar components.

[0011] The deflection of the feed pipe is specifically a pipe deflection by means of which the water flowing through the feed pipe is redirected from the first direction to the second direction. The deflection of the feed pipe can also be referred to as flow redirection.

[0012] The finished feed pipe has a feed opening (i.e., an inlet) for supplying water to the feed pipe and a discharge opening (i.e., an outlet) for discharging water from the feed pipe, e.g., towards the rinsing chamber. The first direction is distinct from the second direction. For example, the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction. Alternatively, the first and second directions may each be parallel and aligned with the flow direction of water passing through the feed pipe.

[0013] The inner contour of the feed pipe is, in particular, a surface and / or surface shape of the feed pipe defined by its inner wall. The inner contour of the feed pipe has a surface designed to be exposed to water flow during operation of the household dishwasher.

[0014] Optionally, the inner contour of the feed pipe in the deflection area can have an outer curvature in addition to the inner curvature. In this case, the second section of the feed pipe produced in step b) can have the outer curvature.

[0015] The inner curvature and the optional outer curvature of the feed pipe in the deflection area are, in particular, both curvatures of the inner wall of the feed pipe. The inner curvature and the optional outer curvature of the feed pipe each have, in particular, a curved section of the inner wall of the feed pipe. The inner curvature and the optional outer curvature of the feed pipe each have, for example, a radius of curvature (i.e., a radius of curvature greater than zero). The radius of curvature is, in particular, a mathematical magnitude of a mathematical inverse of the corresponding curvature of the corresponding curved section. For example, each of the two curved sections has a locally constant curvature with the corresponding radius of curvature. The inner curvature and the optional outer curvature of the feed pipe each provide, in particular, a deflection radius for redirecting the water in the feed pipe from the first direction to the second direction.

[0016] It can also be said that the inner contour of the feed pipe in the area of ​​the deflection, viewed in a cross-section of the feed pipe parallel to a flow direction within the feed pipe, has an inner curvature and optionally an outer curvature. Viewed from the interior of the feed pipe, the inner curvature has, in particular, a convexly curved section, and the optional outer curvature has, in particular, a concavely curved section.

[0017] The first section of the feed tube produced in step a) and the second section of the feed tube produced in step b) together form, for example, the complete feed tube.

[0018] The manufacturing opening of the first section of the feed pipe is arranged opposite the inner curvature. In particular, the manufacturing opening, viewed in a cross-section of the feed pipe parallel to a flow direction within the feed pipe, is arranged opposite the inner curvature.

[0019] Because the first section has a manufacturing opening, an inner wall and / or an inner contour of the first section can be manufactured more easily (e.g., formed more easily). The manufacturing opening of the first section also allows easier access to an interior space within the first section, for example, to place additional components inside.

[0020] Because the manufacturing opening extends beyond the inner curvature in the exposure direction, it provides unobstructed access for creating (e.g., forming) the inner curvature. This allows the inner curvature to be formed in such a way that it provides a deflection radius.

[0021] The fact that the exposure direction runs opposite to the first direction means that the exposure direction is arranged parallel to the first direction and points in the opposite direction to the first direction.

[0022] The fact that the exposure direction runs along the second direction means that the exposure direction is arranged parallel to the second direction and points in the same direction as the second direction.

[0023] The manufacturing opening extends beyond the inner curvature in the exposure direction, with the exposure direction running opposite to the first direction or along the second direction. For example, the manufacturing opening can also extend beyond the inner curvature both opposite to the first direction and along the second direction.

[0024] Steps a) and b) are performed, for example, in this order and one after the other. That is, step b) is performed, for example, after step a) has been completed.

[0025] In step b), the production of the second section and the joining of the first and second sections can take place in one and the same process. That is, in this case, the second section is produced, for example, in conjunction with the already produced first section. Alternatively, the production of the second section and the joining of the first and second sections can take place in two consecutive, separate process steps.

[0026] The fact that the manufacturing opening is closed in step b) means, in particular, that the manufacturing opening is sealed watertight. Specifically, the first and second sections of the feed tube can be easily and securely mechanically connected to each other using this method.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the first section and / or the second section are each made of plastic, and / or the first section and / or the second section are each manufactured using a plastic injection molding process.

[0028] The proposed two-stage manufacturing process is particularly advantageous in plastic injection molding. Since neither the first nor the second section has an undercut due to the manufacturing opening, demolding is straightforward when producing both the first and second sections using plastic injection molding.

[0029] In a single-stage injection molding process, the cores of an injection mold collide in the area where the feed tube is being redirected. These colliding cores create a sharp inner edge precisely at the redirection point. Forming the inner curvature with the inner radius at the redirection point is not possible with such a single-stage injection molding process. However, the two-stage manufacturing process offers more design possibilities in the redirection area, as it eliminates the need to consider the demolding of colliding cores.

[0030] According to a further embodiment, the first section is produced in a plastic injection molding process using an injection molding tool, the injection molding tool having a mold, a first tool core and a second tool core, and in step a) forms the inner curvature of one of the first and the second tool core and is removed from the mold through the manufacturing opening after the first section has hardened.

[0031] The manufacturing opening provides free access for the corresponding tool core, which forms the internal curvature and can then be easily removed from the mold through the same opening during demolding. This allows the internal curvature to be easily produced using the injection molding process.

[0032] In an injection molding process, a liquid material is injected (e.g., under pressure) into an injection mold, for example, into a cavity formed between a mold and one or more mold cores. The injected material is then cured (e.g., by cooling) to produce a hardened component. The cured component is then demolded, meaning it is removed from the injection mold.

[0033] For example, in step a), a liquid material is injected into the injection mold, e.g., into a cavity formed between the mold and the first core and the mold and the second core. In step a), the injected material is also cured, for example, to create a cured first section. Then, the cured first section is demolded, i.e., the first and second cores are removed from the mold.

[0034] According to a further embodiment: if the exposure direction runs opposite to the first direction, in step a) the inner curvature is formed by means of the second tool core and the second tool core is removed from the mold through the manufacturing opening opposite to the second direction, or if the exposure direction runs along the second direction, in step a) the inner curvature is formed by means of the first tool core and the first tool core is removed from the mold in the first direction.

[0035] According to another embodiment, the second section is manufactured by injection molding it onto the first section using a plastic injection molding process.

[0036] This means that the second section is molded onto the first section. In other words, a liquid material is injected into the injection mold onto the hardened first section and hardened there.

[0037] The advantage here is that no additional process step is required to mechanically connect the second section to the first section. This simplifies manufacturing.

[0038] Another advantage is that the second section is bonded to the first section. In particular, this allows for a seamless inner contour of the feed pipe, thereby reducing hydraulic losses during dishwasher operation. Furthermore, leaks in the connection area between the first and second sections can be more easily avoided.

[0039] According to another embodiment, the second section is manufactured separately and is connected to the first section in a finished state.

[0040] The second section is manufactured, for example, independently and / or at a distance from the first section and mechanically connected to the first section in an additional process step of step b).

[0041] According to another embodiment, the second section is joined to the first section by gluing, welding, plastic welding, and / or plastic overmolding. Overmolding means overmolding in an injection molding process, whereby the cured first section and the cured second section are overmolded with liquid material in the joining area. The overmolded material is then cured. This typically results in an internal parting line along the inner contour of the feed tube.

[0042] According to another embodiment, the feed pipe has a feed opening for supplying water to the feed pipe and a discharge opening for discharging water from the feed pipe, and the first section has the feed opening and the discharge opening completely.

[0043] This allows the manufacturing opening to be kept as small as possible. Furthermore, the connection area between the first and second sections can also be kept small. In addition, the second section can, for example, have a lid shape and can therefore be easily manufactured and joined to the first section.

[0044] For example, in this embodiment, the manufacturing opening in the exposure direction extends only to the end of the inner curvature and / or slightly beyond the inner curvature. In this case, manufacturing and joining the second section by injection molding is particularly feasible.

[0045] According to a further embodiment, the feed pipe has a feed opening for supplying water to the feed pipe and a discharge opening for discharging water from the feed pipe. The first section has one feed opening and one discharge opening completely separated from the feed opening and one partially separated from the feed opening and one partially separated from the discharge opening. Furthermore, the second section has one feed opening and one partially separated from the discharge opening. Additionally, the other feed opening and discharge opening is formed in step b).

[0046] The second section can, for example, have a half-shell shape.

[0047] The first section includes, in particular, a first part (e.g., a first circumferential section) of the other feed and discharge opening. Furthermore, the second section includes, in particular, a second part (e.g., a second circumferential section) of the other feed and discharge opening. In step b), the first part and the second part of the other feed and discharge opening are then combined, thus forming the other feed and discharge opening.

[0048] According to another embodiment, the inner curvature has a radius of curvature with a value in the range of 2.0 mm or more, 3.0 mm or more, 3.5 mm or more, 4.0 mm or more, 4.5 mm or more and / or 5.0 mm or more.

[0049] In addition, the optional outer curvature can also have a radius of curvature with a value in the range of 2.0 mm or more, 3.0 mm or more, 3.5 mm or more, 4.0 mm or more, 4.5 mm or more and / or 5.0 mm or more.

[0050] According to a further embodiment, the feed pipe has a docking point for fluid connection to another feed pipe of the household dishwasher, the other feed pipe is designed to supply water to a spray device of the household dishwasher, and the feed pipe is positioned upstream of the other feed pipe with respect to a flow direction of the water.

[0051] This allows the deflection of the feed pipe (e.g. from the vertical direction) towards the docking point (e.g. in a horizontal direction) for docking the (e.g. horizontal) further feed pipe to be designed with low flow losses.

[0052] According to another embodiment, the first direction is a vertical direction of the household dishwasher, pointing from a floor to a ceiling of the household dishwasher, and the second direction is a horizontal direction of the household dishwasher, pointing from a back wall to a door of the household dishwasher.

[0053] The direction from the rear wall to the door is, in particular, a direction from the rear wall to the door when the door is closed. According to a further embodiment, the household dishwasher has a spray device, the feed pipe is fluidly connected to the spray device and configured to supply water to the spray device, and the deflection is arranged at an end of the feed pipe adjacent to the spray device.

[0054] This allows the deflection of the feed pipe (in this case also called "inlet pipe") towards the inlet opening of the spray device to be designed with low flow losses.

[0055] For example, in this case, the feed pipe (inlet pipe) is attached to a dishwashing compartment, such as an upper rack, of the dishwasher. The spray system has, for example, one or more spray arms. The feed pipe is directly connected to the spray system via fluid flow.

[0056] According to another embodiment, the first direction is a horizontal direction of the household dishwasher, pointing from a rear wall to a door (when the door is closed) of the household dishwasher, and the second direction is a vertical direction of the household dishwasher, pointing from a ceiling to a floor of the household dishwasher.

[0057] According to a further embodiment, one or more flow-shaping components are arranged through the manufacturing opening in an interior space of the first section between step a) and step b).

[0058] By manufacturing the feed tube from two sections (first and second section), additional components can easily be integrated into the feed tube, e.g. into an interior of the feed tube.

[0059] The one or more flow-shaping components, for example, include one or more components for influencing the flow of water in the feed pipe. The one or more flow-shaping components, for example, include one or more deflecting fins and / or flow dividers. According to a further aspect, a method for manufacturing a household dishwasher is proposed. The method comprises the method described above for manufacturing a feed pipe for a household dishwasher.

[0060] The embodiments and features described for the proposed method for manufacturing a feed pipe for a household dishwasher apply accordingly to the proposed method for manufacturing a household dishwasher.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures.

[0063] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher;

[0064] Fig. 2 shows a supply of water to a spray device of the household dishwasher from Fig. 1 via several interconnected supply pipes according to one embodiment;

[0065] Fig. 3 shows a flow diagram of a method for manufacturing a feed pipe for a household dishwasher according to one embodiment;

[0066] Fig. 4 illustrates a first manufacturing step of the process from Fig. 3 according to one embodiment; Fig. 5 illustrates the first manufacturing step from Fig. 4 according to one embodiment;

[0067] Fig. 6 illustrates a third manufacturing step of the process from Fig. 3 according to one embodiment;

[0068] Fig. 7 illustrates a variant of the first manufacturing step from Fig. 4 according to one embodiment;

[0069] Fig. 8 illustrates a further embodiment of the first and third manufacturing steps of the process from Fig. 3; and

[0070] Fig. 9 illustrates an optional second manufacturing step of the process from Fig. 3 according to one embodiment.

[0071] In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

[0072] Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a wash tub 2, which can be closed by a door 3, preferably in a watertight manner. For this purpose, a sealing device can be provided between the door 3 and the wash tub 2. The wash tub 2 is preferably cuboid in shape. The wash tub 2 can be arranged in a housing of the household dishwasher 1. The wash tub 2 and the door 3 can form a wash chamber 4 for washing dishes.

[0073] 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 provided 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, 11. The base 7, the top 8, the rear wall 9, and the side walls 10, 11 can, for example, be made of stainless steel sheet. Alternatively, the base 7 can, for example, be made of a

[0074] It must be made of plastic material.

[0075] 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.

[0076] Fig. 2 shows a supply device 15 for supplying water 16 to a spray device 17, e.g. with one or more spray arms, of the household dishwasher 1 from Fig. 1.

[0077] The feed device 15 has several fluid-connected feed tubes 18, 19, 20. For example, the feed device 15 has a first feed tube 18, which is arranged vertically (in the z-direction in Fig. 2) and extends from the bottom area 7 (Fig. 1) of the household dishwasher 1 along its rear wall 9 (Fig. 1). Furthermore, the feed device 15 has, for example, a second feed tube 19, which is fluid-connected to the first feed tube 18 (e.g., directly). The second feed tube 19 has a deflection 21 from the vertical direction (positive z-direction) to the horizontal direction (positive y-direction), i.e., by an angle of 90°. The second feed tube 19 has a B. a docking point 22 for docking (e.g. detachable mechanical connection) a third feed tube 20. The third feed tube 20 of the feed device 15 is fluidly connected to the second feed tube 19 at the docking point 22 (e.g. detachably).For example, the third feed pipe 20 is attached to the dishwashing compartment 13, e.g., the upper basket 13. Furthermore, the third feed pipe 20 is fluidly connected to the second feed pipe 19 at the docking point 22 when the dishwashing compartment 13, e.g., the upper basket 13, is in a retracted position. Conversely, the third feed pipe 20 is detached and spaced apart from the docking point 22 and the second feed pipe 19 when the dishwashing compartment 13, e.g., the upper basket 13, is in an extended position. The third feed tube 20 extends predominantly horizontally towards door 3 (Fig. 1) when door 3 is closed (i.e., along the positive y-direction) and has a deflection 23 from the horizontal direction R1 (i.e., positive y-direction) to the vertical direction R2 (i.e., negative z-direction, towards floor 7 in Fig. 1). The deflection 23 is also, for example, a deflection by an angle of 90°.The reference symbol S indicates a flow direction of the water in the first, second and third feed pipes 18, 19, 20.

[0078] The following describes a method for manufacturing a feed pipe 19, 20 for a household dishwasher 1 according to an embodiment with reference to Fig. 3.

[0079] The method can be used to manufacture a feed pipe 19, 20 that has a deflection 21, 23 from a first direction R1 to a second direction R2 (Fig. 2). In particular, a feed pipe 19, 20 can be manufactured whose inner contour 24 in the region of the deflection 21 has an inner curvature 25 and optionally an outer curvature 26. That is, an inner wall 27 of the feed pipe 19 has an inner curved section 28 with a radius of curvature Ki and optionally an outer curved section 29 with a radius of curvature Ka. The radii of curvature Ki, Ka can, for example, each have a value in the range of 2.0 mm or more, 3.0 mm or more, 3.5 mm or more, 4.0 mm or more, 4.5 mm or more, and / or 5.0 mm or more. Because the finished feed pipe 19, 20 has the inner curvature 25 with the radius of curvature Ki, flow losses when water 16 passes through the corresponding feed pipe 19, 20 can be reduced.It is noted that – although not shown in the figures – the inner contour 24 of the feed tube 19, 20 in the area of ​​the deflection 21 may only have the inner curvature 25 and not an outer curvature 26. This means, for example, that in this case, an edge is arranged in the area of ​​the outer curvature 26 shown, instead of the outer curvature 26 itself. The method is described below using the second feed tube 19 as an example; however, it can also be applied to manufacture the third feed tube 20.

[0080] In a first step S1 of the process, a first section 30 of the feed tube 19 is produced, as illustrated in Fig. 4.

[0081] The first section 30 has the internal curvature 25 with radius of curvature Ki. The first section 30 also has a manufacturing opening 31 opposite the internal curvature 25. The manufacturing opening 31 is designed such that the internal curvature 25 is accessible through the manufacturing opening 31 (e.g., for a tool core 36, 37, Fig. 5). In particular, the manufacturing opening 31 extends beyond the internal curvature 25 in an exposure direction RF. In the example of Fig. 4, the exposure direction RF is arranged opposite to the first direction R1. As can be seen in Fig. 4, the internal curvature 25 is located in a region from level N1 to level N2 with respect to the exposure direction RF. That is, in the exposure direction RF, the end of the internal curvature 25 of the first section 30 is reached at level N2. Furthermore, it can be seen that the manufacturing opening 31 extends in the exposure direction RF up to level N2.In other embodiments, a manufacturing opening can also extend further in the exposure direction RF (i.e. downwards in Fig. 4) (Fig. 8).

[0082] In the example of Fig. 4, the first section 30 has a feed opening 32 and a discharge opening 33 of the feed tube 19 (Fig. 2) each completely.

[0083] The first section 30 is manufactured in step S1, in particular from plastic using a plastic injection molding process.

[0084] As illustrated in Fig. 5, the first section 30 is manufactured using a plastic injection molding process with the aid of an injection mold 34. The injection mold 34 has at least one mold 35, a first mold core 36, and a second mold core 37. The first mold core 36 is inserted into the mold 35 in the first direction R1. The second mold core 37 is inserted into the mold 35 in the second direction R2. In the cured state of the first section 30, the first mold core 36 is located in the feed opening 32, and the second mold core 37 is located in the production opening 31 of the first section 30. The second mold core 37 is shaped such that it can generate the internal curvature 25 of the first section 30 with the radius of curvature Ki.

[0085] After inserting the tool cores 36, 37 into the mold 35, a liquid material (not shown) is injected under pressure into a cavity 38 between the mold 35 and the tool cores 36, 37. The injected material is then cured, producing a cured first section 30 of the feed tube 19. Subsequently, the cured first section 30 is demolded. For this purpose, the first tool core 36 is pulled out of the interior 39 of the cured first section 30 through the feed opening 32 formed and in the opposite direction to the first direction R1 (i.e., in the negative z-direction in Fig. 5). The second tool core 37 is then pulled out of the interior 39 of the cured first section 30 through the production opening 31 formed and in the opposite direction to the second direction R2 (i.e., in the negative y-direction in Fig. 5).

[0086] In an optional second step S2 of the process, the manufacturing opening 31 of the first section 30 can be used to arrange additional components in an interior 39 of the first section 30, as described below with reference to Fig. 9.

[0087] In a third step S3 of the process, a second section 40 (Fig. 6) of the feed tube 19 is produced and the first and second sections 30, 40 are connected together so that the manufacturing opening 31 of the first section 30 is closed.

[0088] The second section 40 optionally has the outer curvature 26 of the feed tube 19. In other examples, however, the second section 40 can also be formed without the outer curvature 26 (e.g., having an edge instead of the outer curvature 26).

[0089] The production of the second section 40 and the joining of the second section 40 to the first section 30 can, for example, be carried out in one and the same process step. For instance, as illustrated in Fig. 6, the second section 40 is produced by injection molding it onto the first section 30 using a plastic injection molding process. In this process, a liquid material (not shown) is injected onto the cured first section 30 in a suitable injection mold (which could, for example, be part of the injection mold 34 shown in Fig. 5) and cured there. This has the advantage that no additional process step is required for the mechanical joining of the second section 40 to the first section 30. Furthermore, a seamless inner contour 24 of the feed tube 19 can be created.

[0090] Alternatively, the second section 40 can be manufactured separately (e.g., produced using plastic injection molding and already cured) and then joined to the first section 30 by gluing, welding, plastic welding and / or plastic overmolding.

[0091] Figure 7 shows a variant of the process in which the first section 30' is produced in step S1 such that the production opening 31' extends beyond the internal curvature 25 in the second direction R2. In other words, the exposure direction RF' is arranged along the second direction R2. In this variant, suitably shaped tool cores are inserted into a corresponding mold opposite the first direction R1 and opposite the second direction R2. In particular, a tool core inserted into the mold opposite the first direction R1 (from above in Figure 7) has an external shape for creating the internal curvature 25. In the hardened state of the first section 30', this tool core is then removed in the first direction R1 and through the formed production opening 31'.

[0092] Although not shown in the figures, a manufacturing opening 31, 31' in Figs. 4, 7 can also extend beyond the inner curvature 25 both in the opposite direction R1 and in the second direction R2. Appropriately designed tool cores are used for this purpose.

[0093] The method has been described using the example of manufacturing the feed tube 19 (Fig. 2), but it can be applied equally to manufacturing the feed tube 20 with the deflection 23 (Fig. 2). In this case, the first direction R1' is a horizontal direction (positive y-direction in Fig. 2) and the second direction R2' is a vertical direction (negative z-direction in Fig. 2). An exposure direction (similar to the exposure direction RF in Fig. 4) can also be arranged opposite the first direction R1' and / or along the second direction R2'.

[0094] Figure 8 illustrates another embodiment of the manufacturing process. In this embodiment, in step S1, the first section 30" is manufactured such that the first section 30" has one of the feed openings 32 and the discharge opening 33 of the feed tube 19 completely. In the example of Figure 8, the first section 30" has the discharge opening 33 completely. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the first section 30" only partially has the other of the feed opening 32 and the discharge opening 33. In the example of Figure 8, the first section 30" partially has the feed opening 32, 32a. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the second section 40" also only partially has the other of the feed opening 32 and the discharge opening 33. In the example of Figure 8, the second section 40" partially has the feed opening 32, 32b.

[0095] In this embodiment, in step S2, the first section 30" is mechanically connected to the second section 40" such that the feed opening 32 is formed by joining the partial feed openings 32a, 32b. In this embodiment, the second section 40" can, in particular, have a half-shell shape, as shown in Fig. 8.

[0096] Figure 9 illustrates the optional step S2. In step S2, one or more flow-shaping components 41 are brought through the manufacturing opening 31 into the interior 39 of the first section 30 and arranged there. Here, the manufacturing opening 31 is used not only for demolding in step S1, but also for arranging additional components 41. The one or more flow-shaping components 41 can be, for example, one or more deflecting ribs and / or flow dividers.

[0097] Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. Reference numerals used:

[0098] 1 household dishwasher

[0099] 2 washing containers

[0100] 3 Door

[0101] 4. Dishwashing area

[0102] 5 swivel axes

[0103] 6 Feed opening

[0104] 7 Floor

[0105] 8 ceiling

[0106] 9 Back panel

[0107] 10 side wall

[0108] 11 Side wall

[0109] 12-14 dish capacity

[0110] 15 Feed device

[0111] 16 Water

[0112] 17 Spray device

[0113] 18 Feed pipe

[0114] 19 Feed pipe

[0115] 20 feed pipes

[0116] 21. Deflection

[0117] 22 Docking point

[0118] 23 Deflection

[0119] 24 Inner contour

[0120] 25 Inward curvature

[0121] 26 Outer curvature

[0122] 27 Interior wall

[0123] Section 28

[0124] Section 29

[0125] Section 30

[0126] 30', 30" section

[0127] 31, 31' Manufacturing opening

[0128] 32 Feed opening

[0129] 32a Feed opening 32b Feed opening

[0130] 33 Discharge opening

[0131] 34 Injection mold

[0132] 35 mold

[0133] 36 tool core

[0134] 37 Tool core

[0135] 38 Cavity

[0136] 39 Interior

[0137] 40, 40" section

[0138] 41 Flow shape component

[0139] 42 End

[0140] A Extraction direction

[0141] E Insertion direction

[0142] Ka radius of curvature

[0143] Ki radius of curvature

[0144] N1 level

[0145] N2 level

[0146] R1 , R1' direction

[0147] R2, R2' direction

[0148] RF, RF' exposure direction

[0149] S Flow direction

[0150] S1-S3 process steps

Claims

PATENT CLAIMS 1. Method for manufacturing a feed tube (19) for a household dishwasher (1), wherein the feed tube (19) has a deflection (21) from a first direction (R1) to a second direction (R2), and an inner contour (24) of the feed tube (19) in the region of the deflection (21) has an inner curvature (25), comprising the steps of: a) manufacturing (S1) a first section (30) of the feed tube (19), wherein the first section (30) has the inner curvature (25) and a manufacturing opening (31) opposite the inner curvature (25), the manufacturing opening (31) extending beyond the inner curvature (25) in an exposure direction (RF), and the exposure direction (RF) being opposite to the first direction (R1) or along the second direction (R2), and b) manufacturing (S3) a second section (40) of the feed tube (19) and connecting the first and second sections (30, 40) to each other, so that the manufacturing opening (31) is closed.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first section (30) and / or the second section (40) are each made of plastic, and / or the first section (30) and / or the second section (40) are each manufactured using a plastic injection molding process.

3. Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first section (30) is produced in a plastic injection molding process using an injection molding tool (34), the injection molding tool (34) comprising a mold (35), a first tool core (36) and a second tool core (37), and in step a) one of the first and the second tool core (36, 37) forms the internal curvature (25) and is removed from the mold (35) through the manufacturing opening (31) after the first section (30) has hardened.

4. Method according to claim 3, wherein the exposure direction (RF) runs opposite to the first direction (R1), in step a) the inner curvature (25) is formed by means of the second tool core (37) and the second tool core (37) is removed from the mold (35) through the manufacturing opening (31) opposite to the second direction (R2), or the exposure direction (RF) runs along the second direction (R2), in step a) the inner curvature (25) is formed by means of the first tool core (36) and the first tool core (36) is removed from the mold (35) through the manufacturing opening (31) in the first direction (R1).

5. Method according to one of claims 1 - 4, wherein the second section (40) is manufactured such that it is injection molded onto the first section (30) in a plastic injection molding process.

6. Method according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the second section (40) is manufactured separately and is joined to the first section (30) in a finished state.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the second section (40) is joined to the first section (30) by gluing, welding, plastic welding and / or plastic overmolding.

8. Method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the feed pipe (19) has a feed opening (32) for supplying water (16) to the feed pipe (19) and a discharge opening (33) for discharging water (16) from the feed pipe (19), and the first section (30) has the feed opening (32) and the discharge opening (33) each completely.

9. A method according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the feed pipe (19) has a feed opening (32) for supplying water (16) to the feed pipe (19) and a discharge opening (33) for discharging water (16) from the feed pipe (19), the first section (30") has one completely separated from the feed opening (32) and the discharge opening (33) and the other partially separated from the feed opening (32) and the discharge opening (33), the second section (40") has the other separated from the feed opening (32) and the discharge opening (33) partially has, and the other is formed by the feed opening (32) and the discharge opening (33) in step b).

10. Method according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the inner curvature (25) has a radius of curvature with a value in the range of 2.0 mm or more, 3.0 mm or more, 3.5 mm or more, 4.0 mm or more, 4.5 mm or more and / or 5.0 mm or more.

11. Method according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the feed pipe (19) has a docking point (22) for fluid connection to a further feed pipe (20) of the household dishwasher (1), the further feed pipe (20) is configured to supply water (16) to a spray device (17) of the household dishwasher (1), and the feed pipe (19) is positioned upstream of the further feed pipe (20) with respect to a flow direction (S) of the water (16).

12. Method according to any one of claims 1-11, wherein the first direction (R1) is a vertical direction of the household dishwasher (1) pointing from a floor (7) to a ceiling (8) of the household dishwasher (1), and the second direction (R2) is a horizontal direction of the household dishwasher (1) pointing from a rear wall (9) to a door (3) of the household dishwasher (1).

13. Method according to one of claims 1-10, wherein the household dishwasher (1) has a spray device (17), the feed pipe (20) is fluidly connected to the spray device (17) and is configured to supply water (16) to the spray device (17), and the deflection (23) is arranged at an end (42) of the feed pipe (20) adjacent to the spray device (17).

14. Method according to any one of claims 1-10 and 13, wherein the first direction (R1 ') is a horizontal direction of the household dishwasher (1) pointing from a rear wall (9) to a door (3) of the household dishwasher (1), and the second direction (R2') is a vertical direction of the household dishwasher (1) pointing from a ceiling (8) to a floor (7) of the household dishwasher (1). 5 15. Method according to one of claims 1 - 14, wherein between step a) and step b) one or more flow shape components (41) are arranged through the manufacturing opening (31) in an interior space (39) of the first section (30) (S2).

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