EP2094895B1 - Water-conducting household appliance having a treatment container assembled from at least two components - Google Patents

Abstract

A water-conducting household appliance including a treatment container defining an interior of the water-conducting household appliance, the treatment container including at least two components made of different materials, wherein each of the at least two components include an edge section at which a mechanical connection is formed between the at least two components, wherein the mechanical connection is formed in a section protected against moisture, and a seal element that seals the mechanical connection on a side facing the interior of the water-conducting household appliance such that a gap exposed to moisture is formed which is free of a capillary gap.

Description

The invention relates to a water-conducting household appliance, in particular a dishwasher, with a treatment container which is composed of at least two components made of different materials.

The treatment container of dishwashers is usually made of a stainless steel. The treatment tank often consists of at least two components. The so-called container shell forms the side walls and the roof of a container hood of the treatment container and is connected, for example, with a separately formed rear wall, which is also part of the container hood. This composite is finally connected to a rinse tub. For reasons of corrosion resistance, the components of the treatment tank are made of a high-grade chrome-nickel (Cr-Ni) steel, which is relatively expensive. The use of chromium nickel steel ensures that the corrosion resistance is also ensured in areas of mechanical connection between the container shell and the rear wall, usually via a weld.

From a manufacturing point of view, it would be preferable if essential components of the treatment container could be made of the simpler chromium (Cr) steel, since then the cost of production can be reduced. The problem with the connection of chromium steel with chrome nickel steel via a weld is that with water-bearing household appliances, such as a dishwasher, so-called crevice corrosion can occur in the connection area. The occurrence of crevice corrosion is also already possible if the entire container hood is made of a chrome-steel composite.

To avoid crevice corrosion therefore special connection technologies of the two components of the treatment container of the water-bearing household appliance are needed.

From the FR 2 396 603 a treatment container for a dishwasher is known, in which the connection of the container roof and the container bottom pan takes place in each case with the side walls via a fold with inserted seal. The sealing effect, ie a seal of a gap between the two components is carried out by a squeezing. It is questionable whether the sealing element can be pressed in the direction shown in the figures in the direction of the interior of the treatment container. It is also questionable whether the sealing element is not squeezed in the manner shown in the figures by the crimping in the region of the abutting components. Furthermore, it should be considered whether the sealing element on the side facing the Spülrauminneren intimately against the component walls, so that the desired seal is actually achieved.

From the US 3,545,147 as well as the US 3,213,583 are connecting technologies for caravan roofs known. In the respective figures 7, the connection technology is shown in more detail, wherein the mechanical connection takes place in each case using a separate holding element, which in each case has an independent mechanical connection with the edge portions of the components to be joined. However, in contrast to the connection of a treatment container of a water-conducting household appliance, the holding elements are not arranged on the side protected against moisture.

Various connection technologies using a separate holding element for connecting two mechanically separated components are further from the DE 812 130 known. However, the connection technologies shown and described there in the figures are not all suitable for the use of water-conducting household appliances.

From the JP 08155564 Furthermore, the connection of two metal components is known, wherein the mechanical connection is carried out using a laser welding. Furthermore, a sealing element is provided in a different section of the connection from the welding area.

A watertight connection by an intermeshing respectively folded edge portions of two components is provided by the JP 2002239755 A proposed. After no separate sealing element is provided, the connection shown is prone to crevice corrosion, provided that it would be used in a water-conducting household appliance.

Furthermore, from the DE 20 2005 016 735 U1 a dishwasher is known in which at the front end of the container hood a corrosion-resistant part is arranged with a sealing function for rinsing liquid.

Furthermore, from the EP 0 556 787 A1 a dishwashing machine is known in which a part of a treatment container made of plastic is provided with a metallic appearance in order to visually enhance this.

The WO 2006/010743 A1 discloses a dishwasher in which the treatment container is composed of different parts.

From the EP 1 971 251 A , which falls under Art. 54 (3) EPC, a dishwashing machine is known, which has at the front of its treatment container a frame part, which is positively connected to a container shell of the treatment container.

Furthermore, from the DE 36 36 437 A1 a dishwasher is known in which a drain pan is pressed into a container bottom.

From the US 2006/0054195 A Another dishwashing machine is known in which a drain pan is pressed into a container bottom.

From the ES 483 274 A Various joining techniques for thin-walled parts are known, which each have at least one gap.

The object of the present invention is to provide a water-conducting household appliance with a treatment container of at least two components, in which a crevice corrosion in the range of mechanically interconnected components can be reliably prevented.

This object is achieved with a water-conducting household appliance with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments will be apparent from the dependent claims.

In the water-conducting household appliance according to the invention, each of the two components has an edge portion, via which a mechanical connection of the two components is made, wherein the mechanical connection is made in a protected against moisture section. The mechanical connection is sealed by means of a sealing element on the side of the treatment tank facing the interior of the washing compartment, so that a space between the two components exposed to moisture, which has a capillary effect, is prevented, ie. a capillary gap-free design is achieved. After the treatment container of at least two components made of different materials, which have different properties, in particular with regard to their rust resistance, should be produced, the type of sealing and the associated connection technology must be given special attention. After the risk of corrosion occurs, in particular by a gap formation and the associated capillary effects, it is provided to arrange the sealing element on the side facing the Spülrauminneren of the treatment tank so that such, capillary effect exhibiting gap between the components is reliably prevented.

The two components to be connected to one another may be, for example, the container roof and the side walls and / or the side walls and the washing tub and / or the side walls and the rear wall and / or two-part side walls and the like.

In this case, the mechanical connection of the first and the second component takes place in the region of orthogonally meeting surfaces of the components, wherein the sealing element is arranged in a corner region and wherein the sealing element by the first and the second component in the direction of the Spülrauminneren side facing away from the corner at least partially , preferably intimately, is enclosed. This special connection technology, for example between the container roof and side walls or container roof and rear wall of the treatment container allows a visually particularly homogeneous impression, a particularly simple installation and a particularly good protection against crevice corrosion.

The mechanical connection can be formed according to an embodiment of the invention by a welded connection, an adhesive connection, a folded connection, a clamping connection or a flange. It is essential here that the mechanical connection of the two components is made in a protected against moisture section. The sealing element must therefore be arranged in an area in front of the mechanical connection.

The mechanical connection can be formed in one embodiment in a region of overlapping edge portions of the components to be joined together. This connection technology allows a particularly simple production, since, for example, a welded or an adhesive connection can be used. In another embodiment, the mechanical connection is performed using a holding element, which each has an independent mechanical connection with the edge portions of the components to be joined. The mechanical connection of the retaining element to the edge portions of the components to be connected can be done either by a welded or adhesive connection or preferably by a purely mechanical connection in the form of a fold, a clamp or a flange. Compared with the first-mentioned variant, this connection technology has the advantage that the visible to the user interior of the treatment container is essentially equipped with a smooth surface. The connection between the components makes itself felt only by the visible sealing element for sealing a capillary effect having a gap between the components. On the other hand, the second variant may require a greater depth in comparison to the first-mentioned variant, so that the outer housing of the water-conducting device has a greater distance from the treatment vessel.

It is particularly preferred if the sealing element between the first and the second component is clamped under application of a force, so that the sealing element bears intimately against the opposing surfaces of the components. The force is thereby applied by the mechanical connection of the first and second components. The clamping process ensures that squeezing of the sealing element during the production of the mechanical connection between the first and the second component can not occur, so that an intimate contact of the sealing element on the opposite surfaces of the Components results. As a result, a gap having a capillary effect can be reliably avoided.

According to a further embodiment, it may be provided to arrange the sealing element in a recess of the first and / or second component adapted to the cross-section thereof. This results in a particularly simple production, since the seat of the sealing element is determined from the outset due to the shape of the component or components. On the other hand, by sinking a part of the sealing element an improved visual impression for a user of the water-bearing household appliance can be ensured.

A further embodiment provides that the profile of the overlapping of the edge portions of the first and the second component in the region of the side walls is horizontal and the overlap of the edge portions is such that the edge portion of the running in the direction of the container roof part of the Spülrauminneren and the edge portion of the Container bottom extending component facing the Spülraumauseren, so that the arranged between the edge portions sealing element is oriented towards the bottom pan. Due to the rinsing fluid running in the direction of the rinsing tub, the sealing element does not need to exert any actual sealing function with respect to the rinsing fluid. It must primarily counteract the capillary forces, which is particularly easy as the seal is placed in a moisture-proof area.

A further embodiment provides that the seal bears against a fold formed on the edge section. This ensures that the, e.g. by a punching or cutting process resulting end faces of the components, which are particularly susceptible to rust, not facing the Spülrauminneren. This results in an improved rust protection. In addition, it is ensured that there are no sharp edges in the interior of the dishwasher accessible to the user.

Fig. 1

ein erstes Ausführungsbeispiel einer mechanischen Verbindung zweier Bau- teile eines Behandlungsbehälters eines wasserführenden Haushaltsgeräts, bei dem die mechanische Verbindung in einem Bereich sich überlappender Randabschnitte der miteinander zu verbindenden Bauteile gebildet ist,

Fig. 2

ein zweites Ausführungsbeispiel einer mechanischen Verbindung zweier Bauteile eines Behandlungsbehälters eines wasserführenden Haushaltsge- räts, bei dem die mechanische Verbindung unter Verwendung eines Halt- elements erfolgt, und

Fig. 3

ein drittes Ausführungsbeispiel einer mechanischen Verbindung zweier Bau- teile eines Behandlungsbehälters eines wasserführenden Haushaltsgeräts, bei dem die mechanische Verbindung der beiden Bauteile in einem Bereich orthogonal aufeinander treffender Flächen in einem Eckbereich erfolgt.

The invention will be explained in more detail with reference to FIGS. Show it:

Fig. 1

A first embodiment of a mechanical connection of two components of a treatment container of a water-conducting household appliance, in which the mechanical connection is formed in a region of overlapping edge sections of the components to be joined together,

Fig. 2

a second embodiment of a mechanical connection of two components of a treatment container of a water-carrying household appliance, in which the mechanical connection is carried out using a holding element, and

Fig. 3

a third embodiment of a mechanical connection of two components of a treatment container of a water-conducting household appliance, in which the mechanical connection of the two components in a region of orthogonally meeting surfaces in a corner occurs.

In Fig. 1 is a section of a treatment container of a water-conducting household appliance shown. A component 10, which represents, for example, a side wall of the treatment container, is made of a simple chrome steel, which is connected to a second component 20, a, for example, chromium-nickel steel or plastic rinse tub. The reference numeral 50 indicates the Spülrauminninnere the treatment tank.

The first component 10 has an edge portion 11 and the second component 20 has an edge portion 21. In the area of these edge portions 11, 21, an overlap of the two components takes place, which is characterized by the arrow provided with the reference numeral B. In this overlapping region B, the mechanical connection of the two components 10, 20 takes place, wherein this is carried out in a moisture-protected section. The connection at the point indicated by the reference numeral 31 can take place, for example, by means of a welded or glued connection.

The component 10 is provided with a fold 13 in the region directed downwards towards the component 20. Between the surface formed by the fold 13 and an opposite surface 26 in the edge portion 21 of the component 20, a sealing element 30, for example made of rubber, rubber or plastic, is clamped. The sealing element, which bears intimately against the surfaces 16, 26, prevents ingress of liquid in the direction of the mechanical connection point (reference numeral 31).

Further, the sealing element prevents a direct contiguity of the components made of different corrosion-resistant materials 10, 20. If the components 10, 20 are mechanically connected directly in the region of the sealing element 30, would without the provision of further sealing measures on the container interior 50 side facing a Interspace be formed, in which due to the capillary effect could penetrate rinsing liquid. Over a longer period of time, this could result in rust, in particular in the less corrosion-resistant material, which on the one hand would impair the visual impression of the interior of the washing compartment and, on the other hand, the functionality.

The provision of the sealing member 30 at the position shown in the figure thus prevents the formation of a gap between the two components 10, 20, whereby crevice corrosion is effectively prevented. In this way, the per se unfavorable connection method of welding can also be used between chrome steel and chrome nickel steel. After the sealing element is arranged protected against direct splashing of the rinsing liquid, the risk of penetration of moisture in the intermediate space formed between the two components 10, 20 is not possible, whereby the mechanical connection 31 is not exposed to moisture-related stresses.

In the in Fig. 1 illustrated embodiment, the component 10 is provided with a crank 12, whereby the edge portion 11 extends in the direction of the Spülrauminneren 50. Equally well would be an arrangement conceivable in which the component 10 in the region of the overlap region B is straight down and the component 20 is provided with a crank, which runs in the figure to the left. FIG. 2 shows a further embodiment of a compound of the two components 10, 20, which, as in the embodiment described above, consist of two different materials. Each of the components 10, 20 has a fold 13, 23 into which the ends 41, 42 of a holding element 40 engage. The holding element 40 is arranged on the side facing away from the Spülrauminneren 50 side of the treatment vessel. The prone to corrosion region between the fold 13 and the end 41 of the holding member 40 and the fold 23 and the end 42 of the holding member 40 is thereby reliably protected from moisture. The mechanical connection between the ends 41, 42 and the folded ends 13, 23 the components 10, 20 can be effected by a clamping, gluing or welding connection. For sealing the mechanical connections, in turn, a sealing element 30 is provided, which is clamped between the folded ends of the folds (surfaces 16, 26). The force applied by the holding element for connecting the components 10, 20 and thus for clamping and deforming the sealing element 30 is just so great that an intimate contact of the sealing element 30 with the surfaces 16, 26 takes place, but squeezing off or shearing off the sealing element excluded is. The turn of rubber, plastic or rubber or other suitable material existing sealing element may be formed in its original cross-section round, elliptical or already provided with constrictions.

Another embodiment is in the Fig. 3 shown. The connection of the first component 10 and the second component 20 takes place here in a corner region 52 of the treatment container. The sealing element 30 is thus arranged on the Spülbehälterinneren 50 facing corner, for example between the container wall and container roof or container wall and rinse tub. The second component 20 is provided, for example, with a recess 24, which is adapted to the cross-sectional shape of the sealing element 30. The sealing element 30 is inserted into the recess 24 and lies intimately against the wall of the recess 24 (reference numeral 26). The component 10 is mechanically connected in the exemplary embodiment via a flange 32 with the component 20. Alternatively, other joining technologies, such as gluing, welding, folding or other would be considered. In the corner region, and in particular in the region of the sealing element 30, the component 10 is L-shaped, whereby the component portion 14 causes a deformation of the sealing element 30, whereby an intimate connection of the surface 16 is effected with the sealing element 30. Due to this construction, the penetration of moisture or rinsing liquid out of the washing compartment interior 50 in the direction of the mechanical fastening is reliably prevented, whereby a crevice corrosion occurring in the overlap region B is prevented.

In addition to the connection technologies described in the embodiments, other connection technologies come into consideration, in which it is ensured that the components to be interconnected in the interior of the Spülrauminneren have no direct, direct contact with each other, but about a sealing element are interconnected. The described embodiments have the common feature that the mechanical connection is located in a moisture-free area. As a result, in a region shielded by the sealing element against moisture, a mechanical connection can take place by means of any connection technology, regardless of whether or not it is suitable in principle for humid environments.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

10

component

11

edge section

12

cranking

13

fold

14

component section

16

area

20

component

21

edge section

23

fold

24

deepening

26

area

30

sealing element

31

junction

32

flare

41

Retaining element end

42

End support member

50

Spülrauminneres

51

Moisture-free area

52

corner

B

overlap area

Claims (9)

1. Water-conducting domestic appliance, particularly dishwasher, with a treatment container composed of at least two components (10, 20) of different materials, in which

   - each of the two components (10, 20) has an edge section (11, 21) by way of which a mechanical connection (31; 40; 32) of the two components (10, 20) is produced, wherein mechanical connection is produced in a section (51) protected against moisture from the rinsing chamber interior (50) of the treatment container,

   - sealing of the mechanical connection (31; 40; 32) against the moisture takes place by means of the sealing element (30) on the side, which faces the rinsing chamber interior (50), of the treatment container in such a manner that an intermediate space, which is exposed to the moisture and has a capillary effect, between the two components (10, 20) is prevented,

   characterised in that

   - the mechanical connection (31; 40; 32) of the first and second components (10, 20) is effected in the region of surfaces of the components impinging substantially orthogonally on one another and the sealing element (30) is arranged in a corner region (52) of the treatment container, wherein the sealing element is at least partly surrounded by the first and second components in the direction of the side of the corner remote from the rinsing chamber interior (51).
2. Domestic appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the mechanical connection (31; 40; 32) is formed in a region of mutually overlapping edge sections (B) of the two components (10, 20) to be connected together.
3. Domestic appliance according to claim 1, characterised in that the mechanical connection (31; 40; 32) is effected with use of a holding element (40) which has a respective independent mechanical connection (11, 41, 21, 42) with each of the edge sections (11, 21) of the two components (10, 20) to be connected together.
4. Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that mechanical connection (31; 40; 32) is formed by a weld connection, an adhesive connection, a fold connection, a clamping connection or a flanging connection.
5. Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sealing element (30) is clamped in place between the first and second components (10, 20) with use of a force so that the sealing element (30) bears intimately against the opposite surfaces (16, 26) of the components.
6. Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the sealing element (30) is arranged at a recess (24), which is matched to the cross-section thereof, of the first and/or second component.
7. Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the path of the overlapping of the edge sections (11, 21) of the first and second components (10, 20) in the region of the side walls of the treatment container runs substantially horizontally and that the edge section of the first component, which runs in the direction of the container ceiling, faces the rinsing chamber interior and the edge section of the second component, which runs in the direction of the container floor, faces the rinsing chamber exterior.
8. Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the seal (30) bears against a fold (13) formed at the edge section (11) of one of the two components (10, 20).
9. Domestic appliance according to any one of the preceding claims, characterised in that the components (10, 20) to be connected together are made of one of the following materials: chromium (Cr) steel, chromium-nickel (CrNi) steel or plastics material.

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