EP3784107B1 - Household dishwasher with spraying device - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a domestic dishwasher.

A dishwasher can have a washing compartment and spray devices arranged in the washing compartment for spraying items to be washed with washing liquor and/or fresh water. For example, such a spray device, in particular as a so-called roof rotor, can be mounted on a ceiling of the washing compartment.

The EP 1 382 287 A2 describes a rotatable spray head for a dishwasher with one or more spray openings. The spray head is rotatably mounted and secured by a bow-shaped holding arm on the tub side. With each rotation, the holding arm interrupts the water jets escaping from the spray openings once or several times, which increases the cleaning effect.

The EP 2 134 230 B1 shows a dishwasher with hydraulics and at least one roof spray device arranged above a wash rack, which can be supplied with washing liquor by means of the hydraulics and which has a rotatable spray head which is attached to the hydraulics by means of a cage. The spray head is rotatably mounted in the cage.

The CN 201505114 U describes a spray arm for a dishwasher. The spray arm comprises a plurality of gyro elements mounted rotatably on the spray arm, with the aid of which washing liquor can be sprayed.

The KR 20070062296 A shows a spray arm for a dishwasher. The spray arm includes spray nozzles.

The JP 2003225622 A describes a spray device for a dishwasher. The spray device includes a rotatable gyroscope element.

Against this background, it is an object of the invention to provide an improved domestic dishwasher.

Accordingly, a domestic dishwasher is proposed. The domestic dishwasher comprises a washing compartment and at least one spray device arranged inside the washing compartment for spraying washing liquid and/or fresh water in the washing compartment, the spray device comprising a cage and a gyro element mounted in the cage so that it can rotate about an axis of rotation, the gyro element having a radial spaced from the axis of rotation and encompasses a bearing surface that runs around it, with the aid of which the gyro element is rotatably mounted in the cage, the cage having a plurality of bearing sections against which the bearing surface rests when the spray device is in operation, and with one bearing section between each two adjacent bearing sections Space is provided.

Due to the fact that the gyro element is not mounted centrally on the axis of rotation, but on the bearing surface arranged at a radial distance from the axis of rotation, a large bearing play can be provided both in an axial direction and in a radial direction. This reliably prevents the gyro element from becoming blocked or jammed in the cage due to dirt particles.

In particular, the gyro element is arranged within the cage and is mounted on it. In the present case, “radially spaced” is to be understood to mean that the bearing surface is arranged at a distance from the axis of rotation, viewed in a radial direction of the spray device or of the gyro element. The radial direction is in particular perpendicular to the axis of rotation and oriented away from it. With the aid of the bearing surface, the gyro element is preferably mounted on the cage in an axial direction. The axial direction is oriented parallel to the axis of rotation or coincides with it. The bearing surface runs around the axis of rotation in particular in a ring and preferably completely. The spray device can, for example, be attached in a stationary manner to the washing compartment or to a washware receptacle accommodated in the washing compartment. Furthermore, the spray device can be arranged on a floor or a ceiling of the washing compartment. The spray device can also be arranged on a spray arm rotatably mounted on or in the washing container. A plurality of spray devices is preferably provided. A so-called intensive-rinse zone can be implemented in the washing compartment with the aid of the spray device. With the help of such an intensive wash zone, items to be washed that are difficult to clean and/or heavily soiled, such as bottles, Bowls, bowls, pots or the like can be easily cleaned. The cage is preferably attached to a housing of the spray device. For example, the cage can be snapped or latched to the housing. Alternatively, the cage can also be designed in one piece, in particular in one piece of material, with the housing. The cage, the gyroscope element and the housing are preferably plastic components, in particular plastic injection molded components.

The cage has a large number of bearing sections against which the bearing surface rests when the spray device is in operation.

Preferably, the gyro element is located between the cage and the housing. For example, the gyroscope element can rest on the housing when the spray device is not in operation. As soon as the gyro element is loaded with washing liquor and/or fresh water, the gyro element is lifted off the housing and the bearing surface of the gyro element is placed against the bearing sections of the cage. At least three bearing sections are preferably provided. However, more than three bearing sections, for example eight bearing sections, can also be provided. The bearing portions are provided on and extend out from a bearing surface of the cage. The bearing surface of the cage faces the bearing surface of the gyro element.

The bearing sections are arranged at equal distances from one another, with a gap being provided between each two adjacent bearing sections.

The bearing sections are preferably distributed uniformly around a circumference of the cage. An intermediate space is arranged in each case between two bearing sections and a bearing section is arranged in each case between two intermediate spaces. The fact that the gaps are provided reliably prevents the circuit element from jamming in the cage due to dirt particles, since the dirt particles are flushed through the gaps.

According to a further embodiment, the cage comprises a bearing ring which runs around the axis of rotation and on which the bearing sections are provided.

A plurality of, for example three, struts are preferably provided on the bearing ring, with the aid of which the cage is connected to the housing. In this case, each strut can be assigned two snap hooks which are designed to engage in a respective corresponding recess of the housing. As a result, the cage can be snapped or latched to the housing. This makes it easy to dismantle the cage. The struts are preferably distributed uniformly over a circumference of the bearing ring. For example, three struts are provided. The bearing ring and the struts are a one-piece component, in particular a one-piece material component. The bearing sections extend in the direction of the struts.

According to a further embodiment, the household dishwasher also includes a nozzle for supplying the washing liquid and/or the fresh water to the gyro element, the nozzle being set up to spray the washing liquor and/or the fresh water onto the center of the gyro element.

For this purpose, the nozzle can be provided centrally below or above the gyroscope element. In particular, the nozzle can be positioned centrally with respect to the axis of rotation. However, the nozzle can also be positioned offset to the gyro element or to the axis of rotation.

According to a further embodiment, the gyro element comprises moving blades and a connecting ring which runs around the axis of rotation and which connects the moving blades to one another, the bearing surface being provided on the connecting ring.

A plurality of rotor blades is preferably provided. For example, three or four moving blades can be provided. As soon as the moving blades are exposed to the washing liquor and/or the fresh water, the gyro element is set in rotation. As a result, the washing liquor and/or the fresh water is distributed around the spray device in a hemispherical spray pattern. This conical spray pattern improves cleaning performance.

According to a further embodiment, the gyroscope element comprises a hub which is connected to the rotor blades, the hub being set up to feed the washing liquor and/or the fresh water to the rotor blades when the spray device is in operation.

In particular, the nozzle sprays the washing liquor and/or the fresh water onto the center of the hub. The hub then distributes the washing liquor and/or the fresh water to the rotor blades.

According to a further embodiment, the hub is constructed rotationally symmetrically to the axis of rotation and has a lateral surface that is conical at least in sections.

The hub preferably has a conical geometry with a conical apex or apex. A cone half angle or cone angle of the lateral surface can be, for example, 30° to 60°, more preferably 40° to 50°, more preferably 45°. The washing liquor and/or the fresh water is fed to the rotor blades along the lateral surface. The spray pattern of the spray device can be freely defined by varying the geometry of the lateral surface, that is, by varying the cone angle. A hemispherical spray pattern that is almost completely filled can be generated around the spray device by the most varied of cone angles of the hub and the rotation of the same.

According to another embodiment, the blades are inclined at a rake angle relative to the axis of rotation.

The angle of inclination can be, for example, 40° to 70°, preferably 45° to 65°, more preferably 50° to 60°, more preferably 55°. However, the angle of inclination can assume any other values. The rotor blades can additionally have a curved or curved shape when viewed in the radial direction.

According to a further embodiment, the cage is curved, in particular curved in the shape of a spherical cap.

This results in a particularly compact design of the spray device. Alternatively, the cage can also have a different geometry.

Further possible implementations of the domestic dishwasher also include combinations of features or embodiments described above or below with regard to the exemplary embodiments that are not explicitly mentioned. The person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the domestic dishwasher.

• Fig. 1 zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Haushalts-Geschirrspülmaschine;
• Fig. 2 zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Sprüheinrichtung für die Haushalts-Geschirrspülmaschine gemäß Fig. 2;
• Fig. 3 zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht der Sprüheinrichtung gemäß Fig. 2;
• Fig. 4 zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Käfigs für die Sprüheinrichtung gemäß Fig. 2; und
• Fig. 5 zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform eines Kreiselelements für die Sprüheinrichtung gemäß Fig. 2.

Further advantageous refinements and aspects of the domestic dishwasher are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the domestic dishwasher described below. The domestic dishwasher is explained in more detail below on the basis of preferred embodiments with reference to the enclosed figures.

• 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a domestic dishwasher;
• 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a spray device for the domestic dishwasher according to FIG 2 ;
• 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the spray device according to FIG 2 ;
• 4 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a cage for the spray device according to FIG 2 ; and
• figure 5 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a gyro element for the spray device according to FIG 2 .

Elements that are the same or have the same function have been provided with the same reference symbols in the figures, unless otherwise stated.

The 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher 1. The household dishwasher 1 comprises a washing compartment 2, which can be closed by a door 3, which is in particular watertight. For this purpose, a sealing device can be provided between the door 3 and the washing container 2 . The washing compartment 2 is preferably cuboid. The washing compartment 2 can be arranged in a housing of the domestic dishwasher 1 . The washing compartment 2 and the door 3 can form a washing chamber 4 for washing items to be washed.

Door 3 is in the 1 shown in their open position. The door 3 can be closed or opened by pivoting about a pivot axis 5 provided at a lower end of the door 3 . With the help of the door 3, a loading opening 6 of the washing compartment 2 can be closed or opened. The washing compartment 2 has a base 7, a cover 8 arranged opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 arranged opposite the closed door 3 and two side walls 10, 11 arranged opposite one another. The floor 7, the ceiling 8, the rear wall 9 and the side walls 10, 11 can be made from a stainless steel sheet, for example be. Alternatively, for example, the bottom 7 can be made of a plastic material.

The household dishwasher 1 also has at least one washware holder 12 to 14 . Preferably, several, for example three, washware holders 12 to 14 can be provided, with washware holder 12 being a lower washware holder or a lower rack, washware holder 13 being an upper washware holder or an upper rack and washware holder 14 being a cutlery drawer. As the 1 further shows that the washing items receptacles 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the washing compartment 2 . Each washware holder 12 to 14 can be moved either into or out of the washing compartment 2 . In particular, each washware receptacle 12 to 14 can be pushed or moved into the washing compartment 2 in an insertion direction E and pulled out or moved out of the washing compartment 2 in an extension direction A counter to the insertion direction E.

The 2 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a spray device 15 for the domestic dishwasher 1. The 3 shows a schematic sectional view of the spray device 15. The spray device 15 can be provided, for example, on the floor 7, the ceiling 8, the rear wall 9, the side walls 10, 11, one of the washware receptacles 12 to 14 or on spray arms, not shown, of the domestic dishwasher 1 .

A plurality of spray devices 15 of this type are preferably provided. With the aid of the spray device 15, for example, a so-called intensive rinsing zone 16 ( 1 ) can be realized on one of the dishes receptacles 12 to 14. With the help of such an intensive washing zone 16, heavily soiled and/or difficult-to-clean items to be washed, such as bottles, bowls, bowls, pots or the like, can be cleaned particularly well. Several such intensive rinsing zones 16 can be provided. The spray device 15 is set up to distribute and/or spray washing liquor and/or fresh water F within the washing compartment 2 .

The spray device 15 comprises a cage 17 ( 4 ) and a gyroscope element 18 rotatably mounted in the cage 17 ( figure 5 ). Furthermore, the spray device 15 comprises a housing 19. The housing 19 can be in one piece, in particular in one piece of material, with the cage 17 be trained. The cage 17, the gyroscope element 18 and the housing 19 are preferably designed as plastic components, in particular as plastic injection molded components. The gyroscope element 18 is rotatably mounted in the cage 17 about an axis of rotation D.

The Indian 4 The cage 17 shown in a schematic perspective view comprises a bearing ring 20 running around the axis of rotation D. Three struts 21 to 23 are provided on the bearing ring 20 . The struts 21 to 23 are formed in one piece, in particular from one piece of material, with the bearing ring 20 . Preferably three such struts 21 to 23 are provided. However, the number of struts 21 to 23 is arbitrary. At least two such struts 21 to 23 are preferably provided. The struts 21 to 23 are arranged at a uniform distance from one another around a circumference of the bearing ring 20 .

Each strut 21 to 23 has two resiliently deformable snap hooks 24, 25. The snap hooks 24, 25 are designed to engage in corresponding recesses in the housing 19 in order to connect the cage 17 to the housing 19 in a form-fitting manner. A form-fitting connection is created by at least two connection partners engaging in one another or behind, in this case the snap hooks 24, 25 and the corresponding recess of the housing 19. Like the 3 shows, the cage 17, in particular the bearing ring 20 and the struts 21 to 23, is curved, in particular curved in the shape of a spherical cap. In particular, an outer contour of the cage 17 is in the form of a spherical cap.

An annular bearing surface 26 running around the axis of rotation D is provided on the inside of the cage 17 . The bearing surface 26 points in the direction of the struts 21 to 23. A plurality of bearing sections 27, 28 extends out of the bearing surface 26. In the 4 only two such bearing sections 27, 28 are provided with a reference number. For example, eight such bearing sections 27, 28 are provided, which are arranged at equal distances from one another. An intermediate space 29 is provided between two adjacent bearing sections 27, 28 in each case. That is, between two bearing sections 27, 28 there is a gap 29 and between two gaps 29 a bearing section 27, 28 is provided.

The bearing sections 27, 28 extend in the direction of the struts 21 to 23. The bearing sections 27, 28 are spaced radially from the axis of rotation D. That is, the bearing portions 27, 28 are in a radial direction R ( 3 ) from the axis of rotation D spaced. The radial direction R is oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation D and points away from the axis of rotation D to the outside.

That in the figure 5 The gyroscope element 18 shown comprises a hub 30 which is rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation D. The hub 30 can have an at least partially conical lateral surface 31 ( 3 ) include. Furthermore, the gyroscope element 18 comprises a multiplicity of moving blades 32 to 34 which are connected to the hub 30 in one piece, in particular in one piece of material. The number of moving blades 32 to 34 is arbitrary. Preferably three such moving blades 32 to 34 are provided. However, two, four or five rotor blades 32 to 34 can also be provided.

With the help of the rotor blades 32 to 34, the gyroscope element 18 can be made to rotate about the axis of rotation D when it is acted upon by the washing liquor and/or the fresh water F. The blades 32 to 34, as in the 3 shown, be inclined at an angle of inclination α to the axis of rotation D. The angle of inclination α can be, for example, 40° to 70°, preferably 45° to 65°, more preferably 50° to 60°, more preferably 55°. However, the angle of inclination α can assume any other values.

The rotor blades 32 to 34 are also curved or swung in an arc shape when viewed in the radial direction R. The rotor blades 32 to 34 are connected to one another with the aid of a connecting ring 35 running around the gyro element 18 . The connecting ring 35 is spaced apart from the axis of rotation D as viewed in the radial direction R and is provided completely surrounding it. On the upper side, the connecting ring 35 comprises an annular bearing surface 36 which runs all the way around the axis of rotation D and which is designed to bear against the bearing sections 27 , 28 of the cage 17 when the spray device 15 is in operation. That is, the gyroscope element 18 is rotatably supported in the cage 17 with the aid of the bearing surface 36 .

On the underside, i.e. facing away from the bearing surface 36, several, for example three, support sections 37, 38 are provided on the connecting ring 35, with the help of which the Gyro element 18 can rest on the housing 19. An intermediate space 39 is provided between two adjacent support sections 37 , 38 . Like the cage 17, the gyroscope element 18 is a plastic injection molded component.

Now returning to that 3 the housing 19 includes a supply line 40 and a nozzle 41 for supplying the washing liquor and/or the fresh water F to the gyro element 18. The nozzle 41 is set up to direct the rinsing liquor and/or the fresh water centrally onto the gyro element 18, i.e. on the hub 30 to inflate. As a result, the washing liquor and/or the fresh water F can flow out of the nozzle 41 under high pressure and/or be sprayed with the aid of this.

The nozzle 41 is preferably designed to be rotationally symmetrical to the axis of rotation D. Alternatively, the nozzle 41 can also be designed asymmetrically to the axis of rotation D and/or be arranged offset relative to it. However, the nozzle 41 is preferably positioned centrally under the hub 30 of the gyroscope element 18 . The gyroscope element 18 can be arranged above or below the nozzle 41 with respect to a direction of gravity g. In the orientation of 3 the nozzle 41 is arranged below the gyro element 18 with respect to the direction of gravity g.

The functionality of the spray device 15 is explained below. Rinsing solution and/or fresh water F is supplied to the nozzle 41 via the supply line 40 . The washing liquor and/or the fresh water F is sprayed onto the center of the hub 30 with the aid of the nozzle 41 . As a result, the gyroscope element 18 is lifted off the housing 19 so that the support sections 37, 38 are no longer in contact with the housing 19. An axial bearing play 42 between the bearing surface 36 and the bearing sections 27 , 28 is reduced in an axial direction AR in such a way that the bearing surface 26 bears against the bearing sections 27 , 28 of the cage 17 . Thus, the gyro element 18 is mounted on the cage 17 in the axial direction AR.

The washing liquor and/or the fresh water F is directed outwards in the radial direction R via the conical lateral surface 31 of the hub 30 and at least partially fed to the rotor blades 32 to 34 . As a result, the gyroscope element 18, as mentioned above, in rotation, as in FIG 3 is indicated by an arrow 43. In addition, the washing liquor and/or the fresh water F is also pumped with the help of the rotor blades 32 to 34 distributed. This results in a conical spray pattern around the spray device 15, which can have a small dead area only in the area of the hub 30.

Depending on the application, the lateral surface 31 of the hub 30 can be designed freely, so that it has a flatter or steeper tip, for example. A spray angle β of a spray jet or a spray pattern can also be influenced by the rotational speed of the gyro element 18 . The higher the rotation speed, the flatter the spray angle β. The angle of inclination α of the rotor blades 32 to 34 can be freely selected and can be adjusted depending on the required drive torque.

In the axial direction AR, the mounting of the gyro element 18 in the cage 17 has the aforementioned bearing play 42 . A similar bearing play is also provided in the radial direction R. The bearing in the axial direction AR takes place via the bearing surface 36 and the bearing sections 27, 28 of the cage 17. Dirt particles can flow between the bearing sections 27, 28 through the intermediate spaces 29. This prevents jamming due to dirt particles. The bearing in the radial direction and the centering take place via the washing liquid sprayed through the nozzle 41 and/or the fresh water F.

The spray device 15 has a number of advantages over known spray devices. A freely definable spray pattern can be achieved by a corresponding design of the lateral surface 31 of the hub 30 and the angle of inclination α of the rotor blades 32 to 34 . A minimal dead zone can be achieved. This improves the cleaning performance. The functionality of the spray device 15 is clearly visible to a user and the added value is easy to understand. The spray device 15 is dirt-resistant due to a corresponding bearing play both in the axial direction AR and in the radial direction R. By providing the gaps 29 between the bearing sections 27, 28, the gyro element 18 can be prevented from jamming in the cage 17 due to dirt particles. The dirt particles can be flushed through the gaps 29 . If the gyro element 18 is blocked, there is still very good emergency operation behavior.

The result is a very low overall height of the spray device 15. As a result, the spray device 15 can also be attached below the wash items receptacles 12 to 14, for example to implement the intensive wash zone 16. The spray device 15 can also be used for the media air or steam. Due to the external bearing, a homogeneous spray pattern can be achieved with almost no spray shadows, particularly in the area of the hub 30. Furthermore, with this type of storage, it is possible for the gyro element 18 to deviate in the event of larger dirt particles. This reliably prevents clogging or jamming of the spray device 15 due to dirt particles jammed between the hub 30 and the nozzle 41 .

Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways. The invention is defined by the claims.

Reference signs used:

1

domestic dishwasher

2

flush tank

3

door

4

dishwashing room

5

pivot axis

6

loading opening

7

Floor

8th

Ceiling

9

back panel

10

Side wall

11

Side wall

12

items to be washed

13

items to be washed

14

items to be washed

15

spray device

16

intensive rinse zone

17

Cage

18

gyro element

19

Housing

20

bearing ring

21

strut

22

strut

23

strut

24

snap hook

25

snap hook

26

storage area

27

storage section

28

storage section

29

space

30

hub

31

lateral surface

32

blade

33

blade

34

blade

35

connecting ring

36

storage area

37

support section

38

support section

39

space

40

supply line

41

jet

42

bearing clearance

43

Arrow

A

pull direction

AR

axial direction

D

axis of rotation

E

insertion direction

f

washing-up liquid and/or fresh water

G

direction of gravity

R

radial direction

a

tilt angle

β

spray angle

Claims (8)

1. Household dishwasher (1) comprising a washing compartment (2) and at least one spray device (15) that is arranged inside said washing compartment (2) and is intended to spray washing liquor and/or clean water (F) within the washing container (2), wherein the spray device (15) comprises a cage (17) and a rotary element (18) that is mounted in said cage (17) so as to rotate about an axis of rotation (D), wherein said rotary element (18) comprises a bearing surface (36) which is radially distanced from the axis of rotation (D) and extends around same, and with the aid of which said rotary element (18) is mounted rotatably in the cage (17), wherein the cage (17) has a plurality of bearing portions (27, 28), the bearing surface (36) bearing thereagainst during the operation of the spray device (15), and wherein in each case an intermediate space (29) is provided between two adjacent bearing portions (27, 28).
2. Household dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the cage (17) comprises a bearing ring (20) circulating around the axis of rotation (D), the bearing portions (27, 28) being provided thereon.
3. Household dishwasher according to claims 1 or 2, further comprising a nozzle (41) for supplying the washing liquor and/or the clean water (F) to the rotary element (18), wherein the nozzle (41) is designed to inject the washing liquor and/or the clean water (F) centrally onto the rotary element (18).
4. Household dishwasher according to one of claims 1 - 3, characterised in that the rotary element (18) comprises rotor blades (32 - 34) and a connecting ring (35) which circulates around the axis of rotation (D) and which connects the rotor blades (32 - 34) together, wherein the bearing surface (36) is provided on the connecting ring (35).
5. Household dishwasher according to claim 4, characterised in that the rotary element (18) comprises a hub (30) which is connected to the rotor blades (32 - 34), wherein the hub (30) is designed to supply the washing liquor and/or the clean water (F) to the rotor blades (32 - 34) during the operation of the spray device (15).
6. Household dishwasher according to claim 5, characterised in that the hub (30) is constructed rotationally symmetrically to the axis of rotation (D) and has an at least partially conical envelope surface (31).
7. Household dishwasher according to one of claims 4 - 6, characterised in that the rotor blades (32 - 34) are inclined at an angle of inclination (α) relative to the axis of rotation (D).
8. Household dishwasher according to one of claims 1 - 7, characterised in that the cage (17) is curved, in particular curved in a spherical cap-shaped manner.

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