DE102006061082A1 - Water-conducting household appliance with a detergent adding device - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a water-conducting domestic appliance, in particular a dishwasher, with a device (14) for adding detergent in a limited space of walls washing compartment (12) of the water-conducting household appliance, in the washing compartment (12) at least one spray system (16) for cleaning items to be washed comprising, with a in the washing compartment (12) arranged container (46, 47) for receiving detergent. The invention is characterized in that a rinsing element (30) is arranged adjacent to the container (46), which can be supplied with rinsing fluid via a supply line (24, 32).

Description

The The present invention relates to a water-conducting household appliance, in particular Dishwasher, with a device for adding detergent to one of walls limited washroom of the aquifer Household appliance, in the dishwasher at least one spraying system for cleaning dishes having arranged in the washing compartment container for receiving cleaning agents.

From the DE 203 11 432 U1 is a dishwasher with such a device in the form of an addition unit for adding detergent in a rinsing liquor known in which a liquid feed is provided in the addition unit for rinsing the cleaner from the addition unit. For rinsing out the cleaner from the addition unit, a partial flow of the circulated rinsing liquor is conveyed via a valve and an additional line into the addition unit. Once the cleaner has been added, the line and the valve are without function until the program is restarted.

task The present invention is dishwasher with a device to provide detergent addition with high Ausspülsicherheit.

These Task is solved by that a spray element adjacent to the container is arranged over supplied a supply line with rinsing water can be.

Preferably it is provided that this provides a first valve for blocking the supply line is so as to allow a variable operation in which optionally only container rinsed is and simultaneously next to the rinsing of the container and rinse circulated becomes. For this purpose, it is further preferably provided that the first valve to activate an additional one for cleaning dishes provided spray element can be used

The spraying can be part of the spray system be. This is usually in three levels in the dishwasher arranged, for example in the form of rotatable spray arms or stationary Nozzle systems. The bypass line then ends, for example, at an additional Nozzle of the Spray system.

The additional spraying can also do the rinsing support the detergent from the container. To can in the container another opening in the direction of the dishwasher be provided, in particular before the addition of the detergent in the dishwasher lockable is. While the addition process can then also rinsing the additional sprayer through the opening in the container reach. The first valve is then switched so that the rinsing water during the rinsing operation both to Ausspülelement as also to the spray element is directed. Thus, the detergent in less time Completely from the container rinsed become.

The rinse the detergent from the container can therefore by the additional spray element from the dishwasher out of support become. For this it is advantageous if an opening of the container at least temporarily towards the dishwasher has. So can more rinse liquor reach the detergent for rinsing per unit of time, whereby the flush operation accelerated and intensified. In an advantageous embodiment the device according to the invention is at least a part of the container, For example, a wall or the floor movably mounted. To the rinse of the cleaning agent, the movable part of a basic position be moved to an add order. In the basic position that is container across from the dishwasher closed, so that the cleaning agent before contact with the rinsing protected is. In the order of addition, the container is then open towards the dishwasher, so that the rinsing liquor the Detergent in the dishwasher can rinse off. The moving part can open when opening of the container similar to one Switch the rinsing process initiate and on closing of the container finish again. This can always just as much rinsing water be added to the detergent, as to its dissolution and washout necessary is.

The spraying can, for example, a nozzle or a system of several nozzles be. Both can be arranged fixed or movable in the washing compartment. The from the spray element and from the spray system leaving rinsing liquor thus serves to clean the dishes, from the rinsing element emerging rinsing liquor against it to the rinse of the detergent from the detergent adding device.

In contrast to the prior art, the dishwasher according to the invention pursues the concept that the elements provided for rinsing out the cleaning agent from the container can be used during an entire washing program. This avoids that the rinsing liquor stops in the lines over a longer period of time and can form deposits. After the start of a wash program, the rinse liquor supplied to the detergent addition can therefore first be conducted via the first valve into the adding device. There she meets the detergent, dissolves it and transports it to the dishwasher. After complete rinsing, the Rinse liquor then be passed by switching the first valve on a bypass line to the adding device to the additional spray element. The additional spray element can then, for example, concentrate areas of the washing compartment which are not or only insufficiently reached by the remainder of the spray system. In addition to a high Ausspülsicherheit of the container, the device according to the invention also has the advantage that the detergent addition can be done independently of the spray system through the Ausspülelement. Thus, items to be washed, which is arranged in front of the adding device, do not hinder the rinsing process. In addition, it is possible by the device according to the invention to admit partial amounts of the rinsing agent at different program times by corresponding activation of the valve. The valve also allows a control in which the rinsing solution can be passed simultaneously both in the detergent addition device and in the bypass line. Depending on requirements, the amount of rinsing fluid flowing into the detergent adding device or into the bypass line can be controlled.

at a further embodiment can the container as a whole, for example, in a housing open to the washing compartment movable be arranged. In the basic position, a side wall closes the cup or trough-shaped Container in Direction of the dishwasher flush with the wall of the washing room or the housing from. The container is already filled with detergent in the basic position. In this position prevents pointing to the washing compartment side wall of the container the penetration of rinsing water in the case. On an additional Cover for the protection of the detergent can thus be dispensed with. A lumping example of a powdered detergent connected with a hindrance of the rinsing process or a premature development of the detergent effect can thus be prevented.

at a further embodiment of the invention, the container or the part of the container swiveling from the basic position to the infeed position. The container or the moving part of the container can along a curved path Rail slidably arranged or rotatably mounted. This form Storage is easy and inexpensive to produce.

The rotatable connection of the container with the housing can for example, in the form of two pivot points left and right of the container bottom near the sink wall accomplished be with the two at the container arranged pins engage in corresponding recesses of the housing. This form of storage allows the pivoting of the container out of the case out in the direction of the dishwasher to a filling position. In the filling position is the interior of the container from the side of the sink accessible. In this position, the container can For example, be manually filled with detergent by a user. The limitation of the pivoting movement of the container towards the dishwasher can through stops done on the container and / or on the housing are arranged.

After this the filling process completed, the container must back again be pivoted to the basic position and fixed in this. To can on the container Rastmittel be arranged with the counter-locking means on the housing for Latching of the container with the housing interact in the basic position. The movement of the container from the filling position in the basic position and its local fixation can - as well as the Filling - automatically or program-controlled or by hand by a user respectively.

In principle, everyone can Movements of the container or a number of parts of the container also by an actuator, for example in the form of a motor, a coil or a bimetal, be effected. The bimetal can, for example, the temperature dependent Induce movement of the container or cause. This is a purely mechanical control. When using a motor, this from a control device for Example program-dependent be controlled to then cause the movement of the container.

Basically the supply of rinse liquor too dependent on from the movement of the container or the container part between the basic position and the submission of the order. The Position of the container in the addition order, this corresponds to the filling position. According to a further advantageous embodiment of the device according to the invention can do that in the supply line, a second valve for controlling the volume flow the rinsing liquor be arranged with the container or the container part is in active connection. This may be the movement of the valve actuator generally dependent from the movement or position of the container or the container part be effected. This can be guaranteed be that only so much rinse liquor gets into the container, as for rinsing of the cleaning agent is required.

In a simple embodiment of the invention, the second valve may for example be closed in the basic position of the container and be open in the supply position of the container. This ensures that only rinse liquor enters the container when it ge in the direction of the dishwasher opens. This can be realized, for example, with an actuator disposed on the container, which is in the addition position with the second valve in contact and then completely opens. During the movement of the container from the addition position to the basic position of the contact between the actuator and the valve is interrupted again and the valve is closed. Instead of a mechanical adjusting element, a sensor may also be used which detects the respective position of the container without contact and accordingly causes the opening and closing of the second valve by means of the control device. The opening and closing of the valve can be caused for example by electric actuators.

at a further embodiment According to the invention, the second valve corresponding to the pivoting movement of the container be opened between the basic position and the rinsing position. This means that also for each pivot position between the basic position and the addition of a corresponding position of the valve actuator is adjustable. For the second valve thus exists not only two discrete but a number of settings between the open position and the Closed position. Leave it the resolution or rinsing a certain amount of cleaner required amount of washing liquor even better dosage.

Of Furthermore, it is advantageous if between the valve position of the second valve and the pivotal position of the container is a coupling. The coupling can be mechanical, electrical or sensory. A mechanical coupling can, for example, in the form of a linkage or a gear executed be. For An electrical coupling can, for example, at the pivot point of the container or container part arranged potentiometer connected to an electric actuator be. In a sensory coupling, the movement or the Pivoting position of the container or the container part detected by one or more sensors. These are for example about a Control unit connected to the actuator of the valve. By the coupling is it possible the rinse of the detergent required amount of rinsing liquor the respective position of the container adapt. In this way, the detergent can be rinsed out evenly or disbanded become. An abrupt rinse the entire cleaning agent, which then dissolves completely in the washroom, can to be avoided.

Instead of a first and second valve can also be provided only a valve be that the functions of both valves together.

following Be exemplary embodiments of Invention explained in more detail with reference to schematic figures. Show it:

1 a representation of a first embodiment of the inventive adding device;

2 a representation of a second embodiment of the adding device according to the invention;

3 a representation of a third embodiment of the adding device according to the invention in a basic position;

4 in the 3 shown device in an addition or filling position.

1 shows roughly schematically the parts of a Spülflottenkreislaufs 10 a dishwasher with a dishwasher 12 and one on or in a wall 13 of the washing room 12 arranged adding device 14 , Inside the dishwasher 12 there is a spraying system 16 with individual nozzles 18 , The spray system 16 is over a line 20 with the pressure side of a circulation pump 22 connected. The pressure side of the circulation pump 22 is also via a line 24 with a first valve 26 connected. The first valve 26 is designed as a three-way valve, with a first port 28 over a line 32 with one in the adding device 14 arranged spray nozzle 30 communicates. A second connection 34 of the first valve 26 is over a line 36 with a in the washing room 12 arranged spray nozzle 38 connected. In the adding device 14 form several side walls 40 , a floor 42 and a ceiling element 44 a container 46 for receiving a detergent, not shown. In the ground 42 is a drain hole 48 arranged over a pipe 50 with the dishwasher 12 communicates.

At the beginning of a rinsing process, a certain amount of fresh water over a in 1 not shown inlet valve in the washing compartment 12 of the dishwasher. This also as a bath 52 designated amount of water is then in the lower part of the washing compartment 12 to clean the dishes available. Will the amount of bath 52 then from the circulation pump 22 into the pipes 20 and 24 of the cycle 10 pumped, one speaks of rinsing water. Arrows A symbolizes the flow direction of the rinsing liquor.

The circulation pump 22 sucks the rinse liquor over an opening 54 in the bottom of the dishwasher 12 and encourages them both through the line 20 to the spray system 16 , as well as through the line 24 to the first valve 26 , Depending on the washing program or Pro is executed by a control unit 56 opening or closing the connections 28 and 34 of the first valve 26 causes. The rinsing liquor can thereby optionally through the line 32 and the spray nozzle 30 in the container 46 the adding device 14 and / or through the line 36 and the spray nozzle 38 in the dishwasher 12 be encouraged. Because the line 32 is completely deactivated after the addition of detergent, the length of which is as short as possible to avoid deposits through the rinsing liquor. For this purpose, the valve 26 - deviating from the illustration according to 1 - immediately before the spray nozzle 30 be arranged.

During detergent addition, the detergent that is in the container 46 located above the spray nozzle 30 Rinsing liquor supplied. The cleaning agent is dissolved in the wash liquor and with this through the drain opening 48 and the line 50 in the dishwasher 12 rinsed.

After the detergent has been completely rinsed out of the container, the first port will be 28 closed and the second connection 34 open. The rinse liquor is then only through the line 36 to the spray nozzle 38 pumped. With the spray nozzle 38 become targeted areas of the washing room 12 intensively sprayed, which are not or only insufficiently achieved by the spray system.

The control unit 56 transmits those to control the valve 26 necessary signals. The signal line between the control unit 56 and the valve 26 is through a broken line 57 symbolizes. To increase the flushing out after the time scheduled for the addition of the detergent time of connection 28 continue to be kept open, so that may be in the container 46 Remaining residues of the cleaning agent still completely out of the container 46 can be rinsed out. This can be the connection 28 alone or together with the connection 34 each fully or partially open. The rinsing liquor flow is thus a percentage of the connections 28 and 34 divisible and thus always in the lines 24 . 32 and or 36 moving. Longer standing rinsing liquor and the associated risk of the formation of deposits in the lines 24 . 32 and 36 is thus avoided.

2 shows a second to the in 1 alternative embodiment. The same parts are therefore in 2 as well as in the 3 and 4 with the already off 1 provided known reference numerals.

In contrast to 1 has the in 2 illustrated adding device 14 a container 46 with movable floor 42 on, by means of a rotary joint 43 between a container 46 can be pivoted downwards closing or opening position. The direction of movement of the soil 42 is symbolized by the arrow B. Besides, in the line 32 between the first valve 26 and the spray nozzle 30 a second valve 27 arranged. One at the hinge 43 arranged sensor is as well as the valve 27 with the control unit 56 connected. The signal lines between the control unit 56 and the valves 26 and 27 or the sensor, are symbolized by broken lines.

The sensor is a rotary slide sensor, that of the control unit 56 transmits a signal corresponding to the respective pivot position of the floor 42 assigned. The control unit 56 detects a corresponding valve position and sends a corresponding signal to the actuator of the second valve 27 , So can the second valve 27 in the simplest case with the floor closed 42 closed and with the bottom open 42 be opened. The control of the second valve 27 can also over the entire opening or pivoting range of the soil 42 respectively. The second valve 27 then has not only two discrete valve positions such as "open" and "closed", but a variety of positions in between. The volume flow of the rinsing liquor is then over the entire pivoting range of the soil 42 adjustable by means of the valve actuator. With the beginning of the opening of the soil 42 becomes the spray nozzle 30 then already fed a small amount of rinsing liquor. Opens the floor 42 Furthermore, the volume flow of the rinsing liquor increases. When the floor is completely open 42 is then the second valve 27 fully open. The container 46 supplied amount of rinsing water always corresponds exactly to the amount that also on the open ground 42 from the container 46 in the dishwasher 12 can expire.

In the 3 and 4 a further embodiment of the adding device according to the invention is shown. Unlike the ones in the 1 and 2 shown here is the entire container between a basic position ( 3 ) and an order ( 4 ) pivotable. In the supply position, the cleaning agent can be flushed out by one or more spray nozzles, which are arranged close to the adding device in the washing compartment.

The adding device 14 is in a recess of the wall 13 of the washing room 12 used. It points in the direction of the washing room 12 open housing 17 on. In this is a container 47 rotatably mounted. The towards the dishwasher 12 facing opening of the housing 17 is from a sidewall 41 of the container 47 completely and liquid-tight covered. The cleaning agent in the container 47 is thus protected from contact with the rinsing solution before the detergent is added.

3 shows the container 47 in the reason position in which the detergent is already in the container 47 is filled. A pivoting of the container 47 in the direction of the dishwasher 12 is prevented in this position by stops, not shown. In the basic position, the container lingers 47 together with the detergent until the container 47 in the direction of the washing room 12 is moved.

The thereby executed movement of the container 47 is a rotary or pivoting movement about an axis of rotation 58 around, indicated by the arrow B in 4 is symbolized. In the 4 shown position of the container 47 is the order. in this position has an opening 49 of the container 47 in the dishwasher 12 into it, causing the detergent from the container 47 out in the dishwasher 12 the dishwasher can be rinsed. Because the container 47 has no side walls, the detergent can in the addition to both sides of the container 47 be rinsed.

The container 47 remains in the add-on order until the end of the program, so that the rinse liquor leaves the spray nozzle 30 possibly in the container 47 Remaining residual detergent can be completely rinsed out. Since the addition is equal to the filling position, the container 47 remain in this position after the wash program, until it is filled again with detergent for another wash program and returned to the normal position.

The in the 1 and 2 have described opposite to the in the 3 and 4 described the advantage that possibly arranged in front of the feeder ware can not hinder the rinsing. The containers after 1 and 2 have no moving parts or only those that do not move into the washroom inside. Conversely, in an adding device according to the 3 and 4 dispensed with the spray nozzle within the device, whereby all Spülflottenleitungen are always in use during a flushing.

Finally, it is pointed out again that it is in the preceding detailed addition devices described 14 are exemplary embodiments that can be modified by the skilled person in a variety of ways without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the concrete embodiments of the containers 46 and 47 as well as the arrangement and design of the valves 26 and 27 in a different form than that described here. For the sake of completeness, it is also pointed out that the use of indefinite articles does not exclude "one" or "one", that the characteristics in question may also be present multiple times.

10

Spülflottenkreislauf

12

Wash cabinet

13

wall

14

adding device

16

spray system

17

casing

18

jet

20 24, 32, 36, 50

management

22

circulating pump

26

first Valve

27

second Valve

28

first connection

30 38

spray nozzle

34

second connection

40 41

Side wall

42

ground

43

swivel

44

ceiling element

46 47

container

48

drain hole

49, 54

opening

52

Badmenge

56

control unit

57

signal line

58

axis of rotation

A

flow direction the rinsing liquor

B

Direction of movement of the container 47

Claims (11)

Water-conducting household appliance, in particular dishwashing machine, with a device ( 14 ) for the addition of detergent in a limited by walls washing compartment ( 12 ) of the water-conducting household appliance, which is located in the washing room ( 12 ) at least one spraying system ( 16 ) for cleaning items to be washed, with a in the washing compartment ( 12 ) arranged container ( 46 . 47 ) for receiving cleaning agent, characterized in that a spray element ( 38 ) adjacent to the container ( 46 ) arranged via a supply line ( 24 . 32 ) can be supplied with rinsing liquor. Water-conducting domestic appliance according to claim 1, characterized in that a first valve ( 26 ) for selectively activating the spray element ( 38 ) and / or the spray system ( 16 ) is trained. Water-conducting domestic appliance according to claim 2, characterized in that the first valve ( 26 ) for alternatively or simultaneously activating an additional rinsing element provided for cleaning items ( 30 ) is forming. Water-conducting household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one part ( 42 ) of the container ( 46 ) is movably mounted. Water-conducting household appliance according to claim 4, characterized in that the part ( 42 ) of the container ( 46 ) is pivotable from a basic position to an additional position. Water-conducting household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the supply line ( 32 ) a second valve ( 27 ) is arranged to control the volume flow of the rinsing liquor, which with the part ( 42 ) of the container ( 46 ) is in operative connection. Water-conducting household appliance according to claim 7, characterized in that in the basic position of the container ( 46 ) the second valve ( 27 ) and in the rinsing position of the container ( 46 ) the second valve ( 27 ) is open. Water-conducting domestic appliance according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the second valve ( 27 ) corresponding to the pivotal movement of the part ( 42 ) of the container ( 46 ) opens between the basic position and the rinsing position. Water-conducting domestic appliance according to claim 7, 8 or 9, characterized in that between the valve position of the second valve ( 27 ) and the pivotal position of the part ( 42 ) of the container ( 46 ) there is a coupling. water-bearing household appliance according to one of the preceding claims, characterized that rinse liquor for rinsing is used by detergent. Contraption ( 14 ) for a water-conducting household appliance according to one of the preceding claims.