EP2486842A2 - Dishwasher with a mobile door and at least one door seal - Google Patents

Abstract

The dishwasher has a door (3) for closing a rinsing container. A door seal (D1) is formed between an inner area (3b) of the door and the container, and another door seal is formed between a lower area of the door and the container. A lower area of a side piece (19) of the former seal is adapted to the form of the inner area of the door. The latter seal is arranged within or between lower ends of the side piece such that the latter seal bridges a gap between the side piece and the inner area of the door in a sealing manner. The latter seal is made from thermoplastic elastomer or silicone cord.

Description

The invention relates to a dishwasher, in particular a domestic dishwasher, with a washing container for receiving crockery, cutlery or the like to be cleaned items that can be closed by a relative to the washing compartment door which closes an inner area facing the washing compartment, often referred to as an interior door in that for the sealing between the inner region and the washing container at least one upstanding side leg comprehensive first seal and a second, extending with a transverse component door seal, which is provided between a lower portion of the door and the washing compartment comprises, according to the preamble of claim 1.

It is known to direct such a door to the washing compartment, in particular to a frame connected to the washing compartment on the outside, or to flanges of a floor assembly rising laterally outside the washing compartment and a gap between the door and the washing compartment via a transverse, strand-like door seal - in particular against splashing water and steam outlet - seal. It is customary to specify this strand-like door seal at one end of the washing and at the other end of the movable door, so as to achieve the bridging of the gap. Since the lateral end faces of such a sealing strip must be movable when opening and closing the door with respect to side walls of the washing container, it is difficult to achieve a complete seal at the contact areas between the end faces of the seal and the washing. The installation of this seal on both the door and the washing is expensive. In particular, during the assembly of the sealing strip on the washing container, for example on an upstanding edge region at the front bottom region of the washing container, the so-called container snout, the sealing strip can be pulled too far to the side, so that a gap can remain on the side, which then results in a leak at the front end of the sealing strip. An exact, to tenths of a millimeter accurate alignment of such a rubbery strand is hardly possible.

The invention is based on the problem of reliably designing the sealing of the door relative to the washing container even in mass production with simple assembly.

The invention solves this problem by a dishwasher with the features of claim 1. Further advantages and features and developments of the invention are set forth in claims 2 to 18, the features of which can be implemented individually or in combination with each other.

The invention provides a dishwasher which eliminates the need for a gasket attached to the container spout and the door. The fact that the side legs are adapted in its lower regions from a vertical plane with a component to the front heraustretend to the shape of the inner door and this rests in the closed state also at the lower portions of the side legs, it is not necessary that the lower, second Cover seal with their end faces a gap between the door and side walls of the washing, but there is already achieved the seal between the door and the side legs of the first seal. It is sufficient if the second, lower seal only bridges the gap between the side legs and the inner door area sealing.

In this case, the lower seal with its front ends sealingly rest against lower portions of the side legs, so stump frontally stumble in front of the side legs.

Alternatively, it is also possible that the side legs with their front ends sealingly stand up on the lower door seal, so in turn butt stump on the lower door seal.

In both cases, the lower door seal and the side legs can deform each other in their investment area and thus create a dense contact with each other.

In order to achieve the adapted to the course of the inner door portion leadership of the side legs, it is advantageous if transverse side walls of the washing compartment, the side legs are provided in their lower areas leading support body to which the side legs rest or otherwise be attached to it, for example glued to these.

In particular, that the support body can be integrally formed with the areas of the lateral walls to which they are associated, so that no separate assembly steps are necessary. In this case, the support body molded rails can form a material thickening with respect to surrounding surfaces of the respective side wall or be worked out in the manner of ribs or beads with the same thickness of material from these.

In particular, those regions of the lateral walls to which the supporting bodies are assigned form parts of a bottom region of the washing compartment. This can be favorable for reducing weight and material costs of a thermoplastic material, such as PP.

• So kann herstellungstechnisch besonders einfach die zweite Türdichtung an den Bodenbereich insbesondere einstückig angeformt, insbesondere angespritzt, sein.

The second door seal may, according to an expedient development, also be located on this bottom region of the washing container, in particular in the vicinity of a front, raised edge, the so-called container snout, and fastened there in different ways:

• Thus, in terms of manufacturing technology, the second door seal can be particularly integrally formed, in particular molded, on the floor area, in particular in one piece.

Alternatively, it is also possible that in particular a groove in the bottom area is formed for receiving the lower door seal. Additionally or independently thereof, it is also possible that the lower door seal is clamped at the bottom area. Also, additionally or alternatively, bonding is conceivable.

For a good deformability and at the same time a good sealing effect, at least the lower door seal may preferably comprise a hollow profile.

In this or another shape, it is helpful for sealing against the inner door area, if at least the lower door seal of the adjacent inner door is preferably elastically deformable.

It may also be beneficial if at least the lower door seal is formed of a thermoplastic elastomer. Thus, a sufficiently compressible soft component can be easily formed.

In any case, the lower door seal in the transverse direction of the dishwasher advantageously expediently bridges a distance between lower ends of the side legs completely continuously. Then, a simple extruded profile can be used for the lower door seal that can only be cut to length, wherein due to the o. G. deforming attachment to the side legs tolerance tolerance during assembly is minimal. This system ensures even with slight lateral displacement still a sufficient pressure of the side legs and the lower door seal against each other.

In this case, the inner door area in the closed state, in particular, both rest on the side legs and on the lower door seal and exert on both a slightly deforming force that ensures the tightness against liquid and gas leakage from the washing.

In this case, in particular a demand overflow region can be arranged in front of the edge region of the container towards the front, which ensures that the container spout overflowing water is collected. In terms of manufacturing technology, precisely a demand overflow region is provided which extends continuously from the left side wall to the right side wall and forms a gutter running through in this region.

Further, it is advantageous for the production and a low weight, when the dishwasher comprises a base unit and a hood unit connected thereto and the raised edge portion of the ground unit is assigned, also here to reduce the number of manufacturing steps, the bottom unit and the raised edge portion integrally formed can be, for example as a plastic injection molding.

Other advantageous developments of the invention are given in the dependent claims.

The invention and its advantageous developments and advantages thereof are explained below with reference to drawings.

Fig. 1

eine Geschirrspülmaschine in schematischer Seitenansicht von rechts mit links stehender Vorderseite und dort befindlicher Tür sowie der besseren Übersicht halber mit durchsichtig dargestellter Seitenwandung, hier ohne die Türdichtungen, jedoch mit strichpunktiertem Stützkörper für eine erste Türdichtung gezeichnet,

Fig. 2

eine Detailansicht des seitlichen unteren Bereichs des Spülbehälters, etwa entsprechend dem Bereich II in Figur 1, hier jedoch mit eingezeichneten Türdichtungen,

Fig. 3

eine ähnliche Ansicht wie Figur 2I, jedoch im bezüglich der Querrichtung mittigen Bereich des Spülbehälters,

Fig. 4

eine erste vorteilhafte Ausbildung des Eckbereichs zwischen den Seitenschenkeln und der zweiten Türdichtung, und

Fig. 5

eine zweite vorteilhafte Ausbildung des Eckbereichs zwischen den Seitenschenkeln und der zweiten Türdichtung.

Each show schematically:

Fig. 1

a dishwasher in a schematic side view of the right with left front and door there and the sake of clarity with transparent side wall shown, here without the door seals, but drawn with dash-dotted support body for a first door seal,

Fig. 2

a detailed view of the lateral lower portion of the washing container, approximately corresponding to the area II in FIG. 1 , here however with marked door seals,

Fig. 3

a similar view as Figure 2I but in the transverse direction of the central portion of the washing container,

Fig. 4

a first advantageous embodiment of the corner region between the side legs and the second door seal, and

Fig. 5

a second advantageous embodiment of the corner region between the side legs and the second door seal.

Elements with the same function and mode of operation are each provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

In the FIG. 1 Dishwasher 1 shown schematically is a domestic dishwasher and has a washing container 2 for receiving items to be processed dishes such as dishes, pots, cutlery, glasses, cooking utensils u. on. Of the Washing container 2 may have an at least substantially rectangular plan with a front side V facing a user in the operating position.

The washing container 2 can be closed by a door 3, in particular on its front side V. This door 3 is in FIG. 1 shown in the closed position and, for example, swiveling about a lower horizontal axis 3a in the direction of the arrow 3d. Another, different from the pivoting opening movement is possible.

The items to be washed can be held in at least one washing basket 4; here are exactly two dish racks 4, 5 are provided one above the other in the washing container 2. The number of washing baskets 4, 5 may vary depending on the extent and type of the dishwasher 1. Also a so-called cutlery drawer may be additionally provided. These crockery baskets 4, 5 are sprayers 6, 7, for example, over long in the radial direction, each rotatable about a center spray arms and / or individual nozzles with fresh water FW and / or with circulating water, which may be mixed with detergent, so-called wash liquor S, acted upon.

Furthermore, the rinsing baskets 4, 5 can be displaced, for example, on rollers 10 forward, so as to reach an access position for the user, in which the rinsing baskets 4, 5 can comfortably load and unload. As webs for the rollers 10 lateral rails in the washing compartment 2 are provided. In addition, can be provided to simplify the insertion and removal of the washing baskets 4, 5 at the respective facing towards the front side V, edge rinsing baskets 4, 5 pull and push handles.

The fresh water FW and / or the circulating and with cleaning agents and / or rinse aid or other agents and / or contaminants from the washware added wash liquor S runs after his or her distribution in the washing compartment 2 and on the dishes down through a in the bottom area 8 of the Rinsing container 2 arranged sieve unit 11 to a downstream of this circulating pump unit 12, of which it has at least one in FIG. 1 only schematically illustrated heater 13 again to a manifold 14 and from there to the said sprayers 6, 7 is passed. For pumping On the other hand, the liquid from the washing container is passed out of the machine 1 via a pump 9, in particular a drain pump, as wastewater AW.

The pivotable door 3 comprises a relative to the bottom portion 8 of the washing compartment 2 vapor and liquid sealed - the door seals are in FIG. 1 not shown - inner door area 3b, which is often referred to as the inner door.

This is firmly connected to an outwardly adjoining outdoor area 3c of the door 3, which is often referred to as the outer door. The outer area comprises at least one front panel cladding 15. At this can still connect a furniture panel or other decorative surface forward.

Below the washing compartment 2, a base 16 is provided which the o. G. Pumps 9, 12, the heater 13, the distributor 14 and other technical elements, such as a unit for drying with zeolite or a similar adsorbent record, and which is supported for example on feet SF against the ground.

• Eine erste Türdichtung D1 umfaßt zwei aufragende Seitenschenkel 19 in bezüglich der Querrichtung der Geschirrspülmaschine 1 (lotrecht zur Ansichtsebene der Figur 1). Diese sind auf Ihrer der Tür 3 abgewandten Rückseite jeweils von einem Stützkörper 20 abgestützt, der dadurch ein Dichtbett 20 bildet, das seitlich der bei geöffneter Tür 3 zugänglichen Öffnung in den Spülbehälter 2 angeordnet ist. Die Dichtbetten 20 treten jeweils in ihren unteren Bereichen 20a aus einer vertikalen Ebene mit einer Komponente zur Vorderseite V heraus und sind dadurch an die Formgebung der Innentür 3b angepaßt, deren Verlauf die Dichtbetten 20 in konstantem Abstand folgen. Dieser Abstand ist so bemessen, daß darin die strang- oder schlauchartigen Seitenschenkel 19 der ersten Türdichtung D1 liegen und bei geschlossener Tür 3 von dieser leicht deformiert werden können. Durch die Anpassung der Dichtbetten 20 an den Verlauf der Innentür 3b treten zwangsweise die hiervon abgestützten Seitenschenkel 19 in ihren unteren Bereichen 19a ebenfalls aus einer vertikalen Ebene mit einer Komponente zur Vorderseite V heraus und sind somit gerade in ihrem unteren Bereich 19a an die Formgebung der Innentür angepaßt, so daß die Tür 3 im geschlossenen Zustand auch an den unteren Bereichen 19a der Seitenschenkel 19 anliegt, so daß die quer seitlichen Bereiche der Tür 3 gut gegen den Spülbehälter 2 abgedichtet sind.

For sealing against the escape of vapor and liquid from the washing container 2, a plurality of functionally separate seals or sealing regions D1, D2 are provided between the inner region 3b of the door 3 and the washing container 2 here:

• A first door seal D1 comprises two upstanding side legs 19 in relation to the transverse direction of the dishwasher 1 (perpendicular to the plane of view of FIG FIG. 1 ). These are supported on their side facing away from the door 3 in each case by a support body 20, which thereby forms a sealing bed 20, which is arranged laterally accessible to the open door 3 opening in the washing compartment 2. The sealing beds 20 each come out in their lower regions 20a from a vertical plane with a component to the front side V and are thereby adapted to the shape of the inner door 3b, the course of which follow the sealing beds 20 at a constant distance. This distance is dimensioned so that the strand-like or tubular side legs 19 of the first door seal D1 lie therein and can be easily deformed by the latter when the door 3 is closed. By adapting the sealing beds 20 to the course of the inner door 3b, the side legs 19 supported therefrom necessarily also come out of a vertical plane with a component towards the front side V in their lower regions 19a are thus adapted to the shape of the inner door just in its lower portion 19 a, so that the door 3 in the closed state also abuts against the lower portions 19 a of the side legs 19, so that the transverse lateral areas of the door 3 are well sealed against the washing compartment 2 ,

This door seal D1 is thus compared to previous seals, which leave a gap below, further extended down to a lower end 22 of the inner door 3b, so that there the previously existing lateral gap is closed.

The first door seal D1 can also form a total of an inverted U-shape, the side legs 19 can be connected to each other via an upper transverse leg (not shown here).

Furthermore, a second, with a transverse component extending door seal D2 between a lower portion of the door 3 and the washing compartment 2 is provided for sealing between the inner door 3b and the washing tub. This second door seal D2 is so located below or between the lower ends 19a of the side legs 19, that the second door seal D2 the gap 17 between the side legs 19 and the inner door 3b sealingly bridges. In this case, the second door seal must have no special shape, but may for example comprise a strand-like, simple hollow profile 21. This can be conveniently formed as a soft, deformable strand of a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). Alternatively, a silicone cord or the like is possible. The fact that the lower door seal D2 does not have to form deviating from a straightforward structures, it can be made very simple and inexpensive and brought by simply cutting to their final shape.

For a good sealing effect, at least the lower door seal D2 of the adjacent inner door 3b is elastically deformable, so that results through a lower end portion 22 through a continuous cross-pressure of the second door seal D2.

As in FIG. 2 is indicated, the lower door seal D2 can bear sealingly with their front ends at lower portions of the side legs. That is, the side legs run down to an abutment against the upstanding edge 18 (Tank spout), while the lower door seal D2 occupies only the space between the side legs 19 in the transverse direction. In this case, then the front ends of the lower door seal D2 butt and slightly pushed for a better sealing effect against the side legs 19th

Alternatively or additionally, it is also possible conversely that the side legs 19 with their frontal, lower ends sealingly stand up on the lower door seal D2. Then, the lower ends of the side legs 19 would be slightly deformed by the string-like door seal D2.

In any case, the door seals D1 and D2 are in intimate contact with each other at said lower corner regions, so that leakage of liquid or vapor is avoided there as well.

In this case, the lower door seal D2 in the transverse direction of the dishwasher 1 can bridge a distance between lower ends 19a of the side legs 19 completely continuously, without even having to have structures such as a receptacle for a flange or undercuts. Such a lower door seal D2 can therefore form a very simple and inexpensive component.

In order to support the side legs 19 of the first door seal D1 in their deviating from a vertical position, in particular towards the front side V, they are firmly held on the course of the side legs 19 predetermining supporting bodies 20, for example glued to these. The supporting bodies 20 themselves may form part of a front front surface of the washing container 2 which faces the front side V with a component and thus may be designed to be continuous overall, including the purely vertical portions. In particular, in the case of a plastic rinsing container 2, the supporting bodies 20 can be integral components of the rinsing container 2, in particular in relation to the transverse extension of the lateral walls.

These areas of the lateral walls, to which the supporting bodies 20 are assigned, can form parts of a bottom area 8 of the washing compartment 2 at least in the lower area, wherein the washing compartment 2 can also consist of several parts of a floor area and a hood. It can also in a bottom area in particular Plastic, z. B. PP, the hood made of stainless steel or plastic. The sealing beds 20 can also form separate units.

• Beispielsweise kann die zweite Türdichtung D2 an den Bodenbereich 8 einstückig angeformt, insbesondere angespritzt, sein. Alternativ ist ein Verkleben und/oder ein mechanisches Verklemmen möglich, insbesondere dann, wenn der Dichtungsstrang der zweiten Türdichtung D2 aus einem anderen Material, etwa einer Silikonschnur, besteht als der Bodenbereich 8.

For a good sealing position, the second door seal D2 on the bottom portion 8 of the washing compartment 2, and there in particular in the vicinity of a front, raised edge, the so-called. Container snout 18 may be located so that the lower edge 22 of the inner door 3b a pressure of the D2 seal can make. There are different possibilities for the design of this door seal D2:

• For example, the second door seal D2 can be integrally formed, in particular molded, on the base region 8. Alternatively, bonding and / or mechanical jamming is possible, in particular if the sealing strand of the second door seal D2 is made of a different material, such as a silicone cord, than the bottom region 8.

As in FIG. 3 can be seen, a groove 23 may be provided in the bottom region 8 for receiving the lower door seal D2.

Additionally or alternatively, the lower door seal D2 may also be held by clamping on the bottom region 8, for example via undercuts or clamping rails integrally formed on the upper groove edge.

When the door 3 is closed, the inner door area 3b rests against both the side legs 19 and the lower door seal D2 and exerts a slightly deforming, pressing force on both.

The lower door seal D2 is preceded by a demand overflow area towards the front side V, in particular an overflow channel. From there, possibly overflowed liquid over a hose or the like (not shown) are returned to the base 16. There, the overflow can be detected, for example, as an error and recorded in a fault memory.

With the invention, however, a high density is achieved despite the very simple and tolerance-insensitive assembly.

The rinsing container 2 can be designed in several parts and comprise a base unit 8 and a hood unit connected to it - either likewise made of plastic or of another material, for example stainless steel, wherein the raised edge region 18 is assigned to the floor unit 8 and in particular likewise consists of plastic can. Then it is possible, as shown in the drawing, that the bottom unit 8 and the raised edge portion 18 are integrally formed.

Also, the rinse tank 2 may be integrally formed as a whole.

In any case, it is further made possible with the inventive design of the door seals D1, D2 to rinse the lower part of the door assembly including sealing system again.

Overall, an improved seal at significantly reduced cost is achieved because of the silicone hose, the molded seal or the like, the installation of the lower door seal D2 is very simple and inexpensive and very effective despite great tolerance insensitivity.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

Dishwasher,

2

rinse tank,

3

Door,

3a

Pivot axis

3b

inner door area (inner door),

3c

Front door,

3d

Opening direction of the door,

4

wash rack,

5

wash rack,

6

spraying,

7

spraying,

8th

Floor area

9

Pump,

10

Roll,

11

screening,

12

circulation pump,

13

Heater,

14

distribution,

15

front panel of the outer door,

16

Base,

17

Gap between door and washing container,

18

front boundary of the washing container (container mouth),

19

Side leg,

19a

their lower areas,

20

Supporting body (sealing beds),

20a

their lower areas,

21

Hollow profile,

22

lower end of the door,

23

groove

S

rinsing,

V

front

FW

Fresh water,

AW

Sewage,

SF

Feet,

D1

first door seal,

D2

bottom door seal

Claims (18)

Dishwasher (1), in particular domestic dishwasher, with a washing container (2) for receiving crockery, cutlery or similar items to be cleaned, which can be closed at its front (V) by a relative to the washing compartment (2) movable door (3) an inner door region (3b) facing the rinsing container (2), often referred to as an inner door, wherein at least one upstanding side limb (19) comprising first door seal (D1) and (3) for sealing between the inner door region (3b) and the rinsing container (2) a second door seal (D2) extending with a transverse component is provided between a lower region of the door (3) and the washing container (2),
characterized,
in that the side limbs (19) in their lower regions (19a) are adapted to the shaping of the inner door region (3b) from a vertical plane with a component towards the front (V) and also in the lower regions (19a) in the closed state the side leg (19) abuts, and that the second door seal (D2) is located below or between the lower ends (19a) of the side legs (19), that the second door seal (D2) the gap between the side legs (19) and the Inner door area (3b) sealingly bridged. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the second door seal (D2) sealingly abuts with its front ends at lower portions (19a) of the side legs (19). Dishwasher (1) according to claim 1,
characterized,
that the side legs (19) with their front ends sealingly on the lower door seal (D2) stand up. Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the lateral limbs (19) of the first door seal (D1) on transverse lateral walls of the washing container (2) support the lateral limbs (19) at least in their lower regions (19a) in order to support the profile deviating from a vertical position (20; are provided. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 4,
characterized,
in that the supporting bodies (20; 20a) are formed integrally with the regions of the lateral walls to which they are associated. Dishwasher (1) according to one of claims 4 or 5,
characterized,
that the areas of the lateral walls to which the support body (20; 20a) are associated with parts of a bottom portion (8) of the washing container (2) form. Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the second door seal (D2) is located on a bottom region (8) of the washing container (2), in particular in the vicinity of a front, raised edge (18), the so-called container snout. Dishwasher (1) according to claim 7,
characterized,
said second door seal (D2) is integrally formed on the bottom portion (8), in particular injection-molded. Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the second door seal (D2) in the transverse direction of the dishwasher (1) completely bridges a distance between lower ends (19a) of the side legs (19). Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the inner door region (3b) in the closed state bears against both the side limbs (19) and the lower door seal (D2) and exerts a slightly deforming force on them. Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that at least the lower door seal (D2) comprises a hollow profile (21). Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that at least the lower door seal (D2) of the adjacent inner door (3b) is elastically deformable. Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that at least the lower door seal (D2) is formed from a thermoplastic elastomer. Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that a groove (23) is formed in the bottom area (8) to accommodate the lower door seal (D2). Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the lower door seal (D2) is held clamped at the bottom portion. Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that the rinsing container (2) is designed in several parts and comprises a base unit (8) and a hood unit connected to it, wherein at least the Ground unit made of plastic and wherein the raised edge portion (18) of the bottom unit (8) is associated. Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
in that, to a front side (V), the container spout (18) is preceded by a demand overflow region, in particular an overflow channel. Dishwasher (1) according to one of the preceding claims,
characterized,
that the lower door seal (D2) is formed by a silicone cord.

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