EP1971251B1 - Dishwasher having a compartment cover made of low-cost steel, a frame part made of high-grade steel and a dishwasher tray made of plastic - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular domestic dishwasher, comprising a rinsing container for receiving items to be washed and means for loading the items to be washed with rinsing liquid, an at least partially made of stainless metal, in particular stainless steel, existing container hood with two side walls, a top wall and a rear wall as upper part of the washing container and a washing tub as the bottom wall of the washing container, a closable with a door filling opening for items to be washed on the washing and at the front end of the container hood a frame part is arranged with sealing function for rinsing liquid.

The washing of dishwashers is usually made of a high quality stainless steel. The washing container consists of at least two components. The so-called container shell forms the side walls and the top wall in a container hood of the washing compartment and is connected to a separately formed rear wall, which is also part of the container hood. For reasons of corrosion resistance, the components of the container hood are made of a high quality chrome nickel steel, which is relatively expensive. The use of chrome nickel steel results from the fact that the rear wall is connected to the container shell via a weld. The use of chrome nickel steel ensures that the corrosion resistance is also ensured at the welds.

For cost reasons, it would be preferable if essential components of the container hood could be made of a simpler chromium steel, since then the cost of production can be reduced. Chromium steel has lower corrosion resistance than chromium nickel steel. If chrome steel is exposed to water or moisture for a prolonged period of time, for example in crevices or behind seals on washing containers, corrosion will occur. In addition, occurs in the connection of chromium steel with chromium-nickel steel via a weld in dishwashers so-called crevice corrosion in the connection area. The occurrence of crevice corrosion is also possible if the entire container hood is made of a chrome-steel composite.

For this reason, as already described in the introduction, recourse is made to the use of the more expensive chromium-nickel steel, since there crevice corrosion on sections welded together can not occur or at least to a much lesser extent.

The structure of a conventional dishwasher is exemplary in the US 6,045,203 described. The dishwashing machine disclosed therein has a curved container shell provided with a flange at the filling opening, which forms a front surface and has rounded upper corners. In order to facilitate the integration of the dishwasher into a fitted kitchen, corner pieces are detachably slipped onto the upper corners to produce rectangular upper corners. The corners and on the edges patch panels are each made of a plastic and are placed on the flange of the container hood. The corner pieces themselves are attached to the trim parts.

The dishwasher described in the US publication also relies on high-corrosion resistant materials in manufacturing, with stainless steel being preferred. By integrally forming the container shell is only a small stability against twisting, for example, during transport, given. In addition, the attachment of the trim parts and corner pieces requires a variety of manual operations, which further increases the cost of manufacturing.

From the DE 20 2005 016 735 U1 the applicant is a dishwasher known in which at the front end of the container hood made of chrome steel, a frame part is arranged with plastic sealing function, so that corrosion in the region of the seal between the washing and the door can be avoided.

The object of the present invention is to provide a dishwasher with a rinsing available, which is inexpensive to manufacture and which also has no optically low-value plastic in the front region of the container hood.

This object is achieved with a dishwasher with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims.

A dishwasher according to the invention, in particular household dishwasher, comprises a rinsing container for receiving items to be washed and means for loading the items to be washed with rinsing liquid, an at least partially made of stainless metal, in particular stainless steel, existing container hood with two side walls, a top wall and a rear wall as the upper part the rinsing container and a rinsing pan as the bottom wall of the rinsing container, a closable with a door opening for items to be rinsed on the washing container and at the front end of the container cover a frame part with sealing function for rinsing liquid is arranged, the frame part of largely corrosion-resistant or corrosion-resistant metal, in particular stainless steel exists and the metal of the frame member has greater corrosion resistance than the metal of the container hood. A sealing function of the frame part for rinsing liquid means, for example, that the frame part due to the connection, for example as a direct connection by means of seam welding, with the container hood performs a sealing function or in the frame part sealing means, for example, a circumferential sealing ring, are arranged.

In contrast to the prior art, in which the container shell, consisting of side walls and container roof, is integrally formed, is provided in the invention to form this "two-part", wherein the further part is a frame part. In other words, the frame part forms part of the container jacket or of the washing container. A cost reduction can now be achieved in that at least the container jacket, ie the component which essentially forms the side walls and the top wall, is formed from a first, inexpensive material while the comparatively small frame part is made of a second material. Since the frame part in comparison to the container shell requires a significantly lower cost of materials, the frame part can be made of a relatively expensive material.

In principle, it does not matter from which material the frame part is made. However, it is preferred if the first and the second material each consist of a stainless steel are formed. In order to reduce costs, it is advantageous if the cheaper material chromium steel is used as the first material, while the second material is the more expensive chromium-nickel steel.

As described in the introduction, the problem of crevice corrosion usually arises in the combination of chromium steel and chrome nickel steel. Since this would lead to an impairment of the functionality of the dishwasher over time, it is preferably provided to connect the rinsing container and the frame part with one another in such a way that the penetration of moisture in an overlapping region, which is regularly prone to crevice corrosion, is avoided. It is therefore preferably provided that a sealing element is provided in the overlapping region between the frame part and the washing container. The suitable arrangement of the sealing element in the overlapping region ensures that a structure is provided which reliably prevents the remaining of moisture or water residues in the overlapping region.

Due to the "two-parting" of the container hood can be achieved in addition to reduced production costs and increased stability of the dishwasher. Preferably, the frame part is a supporting properties exhibiting frame member which is U-shaped and is slipped with the two legs down over the container shell.

In a further advantageous embodiment, it is provided that the frame part is provided at its end facing the container interior with a fold, to which the sealing element is applied. The fold, in combination with the sealing element, prevents the penetration of moisture into the overlap area, which can not be broken down and thus cause crevice corrosion.

Preferably, the frame part is indirectly connected only with the sealing element with the container hood. There is thus no direct, direct contact between the container hood and the frame part, so that electrochemical corrosion is avoided, for example when using a less noble metal in the container hood relative to the frame part.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container shell in the region of the overlapping portion with the frame part on a feeder, in which the sealing element is arranged. The sealing element and the fold in the frame part are received by the feeder, so that a substantially flat inner wall of the washing compartment can be formed.

In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention it is provided that the frame part is provided with a receptacle for fixing a door seal. The receptacle can be produced by corresponding folding and / or bending of a section of the trim part. The door seal can be fixed by simply plugging into the receptacle or by an adhesive, a clamping or crimping with the frame part.

Advantageously, the frame part has an outer flange which extends around the filling opening and forms the outer surface of the washing container. The dimensions of the outer flange can be chosen such that it closes the gap between the washing and device walls of the dishwasher. In addition, the flange can also be attached to the latter, resulting in a further increased stability of the dishwasher.

In a further embodiment of the invention, the frame part is provided with at least one recess. It is preferred if in each case a recess is arranged in the upper corner portions of the frame part. The provision of the recesses in the upper corner sections allows a particularly advantageous production of the washing container, as will become apparent from the manufacturing method described below.

It is further preferred if in each of the recesses a Eckrahmenteil is arranged, which is positively and / or non-positively connected to the frame part and which forms substantially in the plane of the outer flange of the frame part rectangular upper corner sections. Although the provision of the Eckrahmenteile represents an additional manufacturing step. On the other hand, however, a particularly simple production of the washing is possible, resulting in a high cost saving potential compared to the additional Eckrahmenteilen. From a production point of view This results in particular the advantage that the areas to be bent are not exposed to excessive material loads due to the provided recesses compared to a conventional arrangement in which substantially rectangular upper corner sections must be formed by the material of the container shell.

In addition, the Eckrahmenteile contribute significantly to increase the stability of the dishwasher. These are preferably designed for the force absorption of forces acting laterally and / or above and / or below on the treatment housing. The forces to be absorbed by the corner frame parts and to be introduced into the washing compartment occur, inter alia, during transport and loading of the dishwasher, when a plurality of them are stacked one above the other and are transported, for example, by means of a staple stacker which exerts pressure on the housing of the dishwasher laterally.

From which material the Eckrahmenteile be formed, is irrelevant in principle. Particularly preferably, these consist of a plastic, since the desired shape of the Eckrahmenteile including a force-absorbing structure can be particularly easily manufactured by injection molding.

Conveniently, the Eckrahmenteile are connected to the outer flange of the frame part. The connection between corner frame part and frame part can in principle be arbitrary, with screw, rivet or welded joints offer a particular degree.

The rear wall is preferably made of the same material as the container shell, wherein optionally a seal is used to connect the two sections in order to avoid crevice corrosion in this area. The bottom part, in a dishwasher, the washing tub, can be made of any material. It is preferred to use plastic rinse pans recently, since the connection with a container hood made of stainless steel is unproblematic in terms of corrosion resistance. Optionally, in the connection of the bottom part and the container hood seals are to be used in a suitable manner. The washing tub as the bottom wall of the washing container is usually a bottom part of the dishwasher. The bottom part is preferably designed as a mounting base, so Not only does it serve as ground support, but it can also hold equipment units such as pumps, valves or heaters. Designed as a mounting trough, it can also absorb water leaks and, in combination with a leak detection device, detected leaks and thus also report them.

The cohesive connection of the container hood with the frame part allows a particularly simple and precise connection. As a connection technology, a welded connection is preferably used. In addition, even positive and / or non-positive connections, for example by screwing or clamping, may be considered.

In summary, the invention can be seen in the fact that a container casing of a washing container is made of a simple, inexpensive steel, for example chromium steel, while a frame part preferably materially connected to the container shell frame part of a höherwertigerem, more corrosion-resistant stainless steel, for example Chrome nickel steel, is manufactured. As a result, the container cover can be made of inexpensive steel, crevice corrosion and in the front region of the washing container optically low-value plastic can be avoided.

Further advantages, embodiments and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS.

Fig. 1

eine perspektivische Darstellung eines Spülbehälters gemäß der Erfindung;

Fig. 2

in einer Schnittdarstellung einen Ausschnitt aus dem Übergangsbereich zwischen Behälterhaube und Rahmenteil;

Fig. 3

in einer perspektivischen Darstellung ein erfindungsgemäßes Rahmenteil;

Fig. 4

in einer perspektivischen Darstellung ein erfindungsgemäßes Rahmenteil, das mit Eckrahmenteilen verbunden ist; und

Fig. 5

in einer vergrößerten Darstellung die in Fig. 4 gezeigten Eckrahmenteil.

Show it:

Fig. 1

a perspective view of a washing container according to the invention;

Fig. 2

in a sectional view, a section of the transition region between the container hood and frame part;

Fig. 3

in a perspective view of an inventive frame part;

Fig. 4

in a perspective view of an inventive frame part, which is connected to Eckrahmenteilen; and

Fig. 5

in an enlarged view the in Fig. 4 shown corner frame part.

Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of a washing container of a dishwasher according to the invention. The figure shows the washing container 1 with Viewing direction of the filling opening 2. The rinsing container is composed of a container jacket 30, which has side walls 31, 33 and a ceiling wall 32, and a rear wall 34 connected to the container jacket 30. Not shown in the figure, the bottom part in the form of a washing tub. The washing tub is preferably part of a mounting floor as the bottom part of the dishwasher according to the invention. The container jacket 30 is made in one piece from chromium steel. Likewise, the back wall 34 is normally also made of chrome steel. At the gap between the container shell 30 and the rear wall means for preventing crevice corrosion are arranged, for example an elastic sealant (not shown), because simple chrome steel is used, which rusts with constant wetting with water or moisture. The attachment of the rear wall 34 with the container hood 30 is usually carried out by roll seam welding.

With the container shell 30, a frame part 3 is materially connected by welding, for example spot welding, which is part of the washing container. The frame part 3 consists of a higher quality stainless steel, for example chrome nickel steel. The problems of corrosion resistance in the connection of chromium steel with chrome nickel steel can be prevented by suitable sealing measures. A more detailed description of how this is done will be in the context of Fig. 2 described in more detail.

Since the frame part 3 is designed to be much smaller compared to the container shell and thus requires much less material, significant cost savings can be achieved. In this case, due to the inventive concept of the "bisection" of the container cover no compromise must be made in terms of the quality of corrosion resistance.

Fig. 2 shows in a cross-sectional view of the connection of the frame part 3 with the container shell 30. More specifically, the compound in the region of the side wall 33 is shown. In this case, the lower side of the figure faces the container interior. At the point indicated by the reference numeral 2 is the filling opening, wherein the filling of the dishwasher takes place in the direction shown in the arrow direction. The side wall 33 has a feeder 22. In this indentation 22 protrudes an end of the frame part 3, whereby an overlap region 4 between the frame part. 3 and the side wall 33 of the container shell 30 is formed. In a marked by the reference numeral 5 section, the side wall 33 with the frame part 3, for example via a welded connection, positively connected to each other. The interior of the container facing region is particularly vulnerable to crevice corrosion. Therefore, between the side wall 33 and the folded end 9 of the frame part 3, a sealing element 8, for example of rubber or silicone or other suitable material is introduced, which prevents the ingress of moisture and water in the direction of the welded joint 5. Through the fold 9 is further ensured that the end portion 6 of the frame part 3 is also exposed to moisture and no water, whereby corrosion is prevented. The welded joint and the sealing element 8 and the in Fig. 2 illustrated cross-sectional shape extend continuously from the side wall 33 via the top wall 32 to the opposite side wall 31st

On the side facing away from the container interior, the frame part 3 is folded or bent such that it has a receptacle 10 for receiving a door seal. Furthermore, it can be seen clearly at the end facing away from the filling opening of the frame part 3 flange 12th

In the FIGS. 3 and 4 is in each case a perspective view of the shape of the frame part 3 better visible. From the Fig. 3 shows that the frame part 3 in the upper corner sections 13, 14 each have a recess 15 identifies. The recesses 15 would not be fundamentally required for the inventive concept, but facilitate the manufacture of the washing container according to the invention. Due to the recesses 15, the frame part can be easier in the in Fig. 3 bring shown final shape. It should be noted that the bending of the frame part 3 takes place only when a positive connection of the first "flat" frame part with the container shell, consisting of side walls 31, 33 and ceiling wall 32, has already occurred. The provision of the recesses ultimately leads to a weakening of the material in these areas, whereby the desired radius can be achieved in a simple manner.

In Fig. 4 It can be seen that in the corner sections 13, 14 Eckrahmenteile 16, 17 are used, which increase the stability of the frame part. The Eckrahmenteile 16, 17 are preferably made of a plastic and positively connected to the outer flange 12 of the frame part 3. For this purpose, bores 18 and 19, respectively, are provided in the outer flange, the holes 20 and 21 in the Eckrahmenteilen 16, 17 are assigned ( Fig. 5 ). As a result, an attachment can be accomplished by screws or rivets. In principle, of course, any other suitable attachment method is suitable.

The Eckrahmenteile 16, 17 have to increase their stability grooves 23, 24 and 25, 26. On the side not shown in the figure, these can also be provided with webs in order to achieve further stability.

The Eckrahmenteile 16, 17 assume two functions. On the one hand, they ensure a right-angled finish in the upper corner sections 13, 14 of the washing compartment. On the other hand serve the Eckrahmenteile 16, 17 for power absorption, which is exercised during loading and transport to the dishwasher. It should be noted that the transport of a dishwasher is carried out with a so-called staple stacker, which takes over the transport of the dishwasher by exerting lateral pressure. In this case, a plurality of stacked dishwasher can be transported with a staple stacker at the same time, so that the Eckrahmenteile 16, 17 record not only force in the lateral direction, but also in the vertical direction.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

rinse tank

2

fill opening

3

frame part

4

overlap area

8th

sealing element

9

fold

10

admission

11

door seal

12

flange

13

corner

14

corner

15

recess

16

corner frame

17

corner frame

18

drilling

19

drilling

20

drilling

21

drilling

22

collection

23

groove

24

groove

25

groove

26

groove

30

container jacket

31

Side wall

32

ceiling wall

33

Side wall

34

rear wall

Claims (19)

1. Dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, comprising

   - a dishwashing compartment (1) for accommodating items to be washed and

   - means for applying wash liquor to the items to be washed,

   - a compartment casing consisting at least in part of largely corrosion-resistant metal, in particular largely of stainless steel, as the upper part of the dishwashing compartment (1), having two side walls (31, 33), a top plate (32) and a rear wall (34),

   - a dishwasher tray as the base plate of the dishwashing compartment (1),

   - a filler opening (2) on the dishwashing compartment (1) for items to be washed which can be closed by a door and

   - a frame part (3) with a sealing function for wash liquor on the front end of the compartment casing,

   characterised in that
   the frame part (3) consists of largely corrosion-resistant metal, in particular stainless steel, and the metal of the frame part (3) is designed to be more corrosion-resistant than the metal of the compartment casing.
2. Dishwasher according to claim 1, characterised in that the dishwasher tray consists of plastic.
3. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame part (3) is connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner and/or material manner to the compartment casing.
4. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame part (3) constitutes a frame element (3) exhibiting load-bearing properties, which is U-shaped in form and is placed with the two legs pointing downwards over the compartment casing.
5. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame part (3) forms a part of the walls (31, 32, 33) of the dishwashing compartment which are acted upon by wash liquor.
6. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that a sealing element (8) is provided in an overlap area (4) between the frame part (3) and the compartment casing.
7. Dishwasher according to claim 6, characterised in that the frame part (3) is connected indirectly with the compartment casing only by means of the sealing element (8).
8. Dishwasher according to claim 6 or 7, characterised in that the frame part (3) is provided at its end facing the compartment interior with a fold (9) on which the sealing element (8) is applied.
9. Dishwasher according to claim 6, 7 or 8, characterised in that the compartment casing has an indentation in the area of the section overlapping (4) with the frame part (3), in which the sealing element (8) is arranged.
10. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame part (3) is provided with a seating facility (10) for attaching a door seal (11).
11. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame part (3) has an outer flange (12) which runs around the filler opening (2) and forms the outer surface of the dishwashing compartment (1).
12. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the frame part (3) is provided with at least one cut-out (15).
13. Dishwasher according to claim 12, characterised in that one cut-out (15) is arranged in each of the upper corner sections (13, 14) of the frame part (3).
14. Dishwasher according to claim 12 or 13, characterised in that in each of the cut-outs (15) a corner frame part (16, 17) is arranged which is connected in a form-fitting and/or force-fitting manner to the frame part (3) and which essentially forms right-angled upper corner sections (13, 14) in the plane of the outer flange (12) of the frame part (3).
15. Dishwasher according to claim 14, characterised in that the corner frame parts (16, 17) are designed for the force absorption of forces acting laterally and/or from above and/or from below on the housing of the dishwasher.
16. Dishwasher according to claim 14 or 15, characterised in that the corner frame parts (16, 17) are formed not from metal, but in particular from plastic.
17. Dishwasher according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterised in that the corner frame parts (16, 17) are connected to the outer flange (12) of the frame part (3).
18. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the dishwasher tray is part of a base part, in particular of a mounting base for accommodating equipment units.
19. Dishwasher according to one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the compartment casing consists at least in part of chrome steel and/or the frame part (3) of chrome-nickel steel.

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