DE102024207209A1 - Method for creating a connection between a spray arm for a household dishwasher and a bearing element for rotatably mounting the spray arm. - Google Patents

Abstract

Method for producing a connection between a spray arm (18) for a household dishwasher (1) and a bearing element (19) for rotatably mounting the spray arm (18), the method comprising the following steps: a) inserting (S1) the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18); and b) forming (S2) a connecting element (37) which positively connects the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18).

Description

The present invention relates to a method for producing a connection between a spray arm for a household dishwasher and a bearing element for rotatably mounting the spray arm, a connection arrangement and a household dishwasher.

In household dishwashers, water or wash water (hereinafter simply referred to as "water") is conveyed through pipes to various points within the wash chamber to clean the dishes. Among other things, water is directed via a pipe to a spray arm, which is typically located on the underside of an upper rack within the wash chamber. In standard household dishwashers, the spray arm rotates as water flows through it, distributing the water throughout the entire wash chamber.

In standard household dishwashers, the spray arm is connected to one end of the hose via a sliding bearing. This bearing is designed to allow water to flow from the hose into the spray arm. It also allows the spray arm to rotate around its axis. The sliding bearing typically consists of several individual parts that are assembled during installation. The ease of assembly and the sealing ability of the sliding bearing depend on the manufacturing precision of these parts.

A sliding bearing of the type mentioned above is, for example, made from the KR20120022429A known. The KR20120022429A The figure reveals a dishwasher with a water line. A spray arm is attached to the water line by means of a sliding bearing. The sliding bearing consists of a locking nut and a shaft, which has a connection point for attaching the spray arm. The shaft is connected to a coupling section of the water line by means of the locking nut, the connection allowing the shaft to rotate. The coupling section of the shaft has a projection and a receptacle. The projection is connected to the coupling section of the spray arm. The coupling section of the spray arm has a hook that engages in the receptacle of the coupling section, thus connecting the shaft and the spray arm.

Against this background, one object of the present invention is to provide an improved method for producing a connection between a spray arm for a household dishwasher and a bearing element for rotatably mounting the spray arm.

According to a first aspect, a method for producing a connection between a spray arm for a household dishwasher and a bearing element for rotatably mounting the spray arm is proposed, wherein the method comprises the following steps: a) inserting the bearing element and the spray arm into one another; and b) forming a connecting element which positively connects the bearing element and the spray arm.

In step b) of the process, the connecting element is manufactured by primary forming, and simultaneously the bearing element and the spray arm are connected to the connecting element. The connection between the bearing element and the spray arm via the connecting element is less dependent on manufacturing tolerances compared to a push-fit connection. This reduces scrap costs during the manufacturing of the connection.

For example, the spray arm is designed to distribute a fluid. In particular, the spray arm has at least one outlet (especially a nozzle) through which the fluid can be distributed. The spray arm may also have several outlets (especially nozzles) for distributing the fluid. The fluid can be, for example, water or a cleaning solution. The fluid is supplied via the line.

The spray arm, for example, has a coupling section. This coupling section is particularly suitable for connecting a bearing, such as a sliding bearing, to the spray arm. The coupling section can be designed as a cantilever.

The bearing element is manufactured, for example, as a hollow cylinder with an annular cross-section. The bearing element is suitable, for example, for guiding the fluid supplied by the pipe.

The bearing element is suitable, for example, for being coupled to the spray arm via the coupling section of the spray arm. For example, the bearing element, particularly in sections, is received by the aforementioned coupling section of the spray arm by being inserted into one another, and in particular encompassed. For example, the bearing element can receive the coupling section by being inserted into one another. For example, the bearing element and the spray arm can be connected to each other by a fit. In particular, the coupling The section of the spray arm and the bearing element are joined with an interference fit.

To connect the bearing element and the spray arm, a connecting element is formed using a forming process. In forming, a material that is initially shapeless, for example, in a liquid state, is shaped using templates into a specific form that the material retains after solidification. The connecting element is manufactured, for example, by casting, injection molding, or extrusion.

The connection between the bearing element and the spray arm is achieved through a positive-locking connection, particularly by means of the pre-formed connecting element. This connecting element, through its hardening during the pre-forming process, joins the bearing element and the spray arm together. The positive-locking connection is designed in such a way that it cannot be disassembled without damage.

A positive-locking connection is a type of joining technique in which components are connected by their geometric shape, allowing forces and moments to be transmitted. This connection is achieved by the components interlocking, for example, through grooves, tenons, or splines. This creates a strong connection without the need for additional aids such as adhesives.

In particular, the connecting element is arranged in such a way that it does not restrict the flow of fluid through any interior area of the bearing element. For example, the connecting element does not protrude into the interior area of the bearing element.

According to one embodiment, the connecting element is or is connected to the bearing element and/or the spray arm by material bonding in or after step b), in addition to the positive locking.

If the bearing element and/or the spray arm are connected not only by positive locking but also by a material bond using the connecting element, the connection can withstand higher mechanical loads. This reduces the probability of spray arm failure due to the connection between the bearing element and the spray arm.

A material-bonded connection is a strong and permanent bond between two or more components, for example, between the connecting element and the bearing element and/or the connecting element and the spray arm, which is created by physical or chemical processes at the atomic or molecular level. The components forming a material-bonded connection fuse or adhere homogeneously to one another at the connection point.

In particular, the material-bonded connection is designed such that it seals the aforementioned inner area of the bearing element, through which the fluid is guided, against the surrounding environment of the spray arm. This sealing effect allows the fluid to flow within the inner area of the bearing element and prevents leakage at the coupling section.

For example, the material-bonded connection between the connecting element and/or the bearing element and/or the spray arm is created by an increased temperature of the formless material before primary forming and the subsequent solidification during primary forming.

According to one embodiment, the bearing element has at least one opening and the spray arm has at least one channel, wherein the opening and the channel form a cavity according to step a), wherein the positive locking connection between the bearing element and the spray arm is created in step b) by forming the connecting element into the cavity.

The opening is designed, for example, as a cuboid-shaped recess in the bearing element. Alternatively, the opening can be designed as a through-hole. The opening can extend from an outer surface of the aforementioned hollow cylinder to an inner surface.

For example, the bearing element has at least one first opening and one second opening. The first opening and the second opening can be arranged opposite each other. For example, the bearing element and the spray arm, when nested together, are arranged such that the opening of the bearing element is an extension of the channel.

If the bearing element has at least one first opening and one second opening, the spray arm also has one first channel and one second channel. This creates a first cavity through the first opening and the first channel, and a second cavity through the second opening and the second channel.

In particular, the breakthrough or the first breakthrough and the second breakthrough of the bearing element and the channel or the first The first channel and the second channel of the spray arm have the same cross-section. In particular, the opening and the channel, or the first opening and the first channel, and the second opening and the second channel, are each arranged coaxially to each other.

For example, the cavity, or the first cavity and the second cavity, allows the shaping of the formless material during primary forming. For instance, the previously mentioned metallurgical bond between the connecting element and the bearing element and/or the spray arm is formed in the cavity, or the first cavity and the second cavity. In particular, the first cavity and the second cavity are arranged opposite each other.

According to one embodiment, the spray arm is formed from a first shell and a second shell.

The design of the spray arm using the first and second shells allows for optimized fluid flow during operation. For example, the first and/or second shell can incorporate bulges and/or raised areas to guide the fluid. These bulges and/or raised areas can differ between the first and second shells, necessitating individual manufacturing of each shell.

For example, the first and second shells, when connected, form the spray arm. For example, the first shell and/or the second shell are made of a two-component material. In particular, the first component is polypropylene and the second component is talc or fiberglass. The first and second shells have, in particular, a similar coefficient of thermal expansion.

For example, the first shell and the second shell each have a connection point. In particular, the connection point runs along a respective connecting edge of the first shell and the second shell. Specifically, the first shell and the second shell are connected to each other by the connecting element along the connection point.

According to one embodiment, prior to step a) the channel is formed by arranging the first shell on the second shell.

Each half of the channel can, for example, be formed by a recess in the first shell and the second shell, respectively. In particular, an axis, which is a centerline of the channel, lies in a connecting plane located between the first shell and the second shell. If the spray arm has two channels, the first shell and the second shell can each have a first recess and a second recess.

According to one embodiment, the first shell and the second shell, when connected, form an inner area into which the bearing element is inserted in step a).

For example, the interior is suitable for guiding the aforementioned fluid. For instance, the first and/or second bowls have the aforementioned outlets. The fluid can then exit the interior of the spray arm through these outlets.

According to one embodiment, the channel connects the interior and the surrounding area of the spray arm.

In particular, the first and second shells, when connected, separate the interior from the surroundings of the spray arm. For example, while the spray arm is in operation, the interior is flushed with fluid.

According to one embodiment, in step b) the first shell and the second shell are connected by the connecting element.

If the connection between the first shell and the second shell is formed by a material bond, the connecting element seals the interior of the spray arm against the aforementioned environment, thus preventing leaks.

The connection between the first shell and the second shell by the connecting element can, for example, be form-fitting. In particular, the connection between the first shell and the second shell by the connecting element can be material-fit.

For example, after primary forming, a section of the connecting element is located in the vicinity of the spray arm. Specifically, the section of the connecting element located in the vicinity of the spray arm is positioned at the aforementioned respective connection point between the first and second shells. In particular, the connecting element connects the first and second shells to each other via the respective connection point.

According to one embodiment, the spray arm has an axis of rotation that extends orthogonally to a connecting plane in which the first shell and the second shell are connected to each other by means of the connecting element.

With an orthogonal arrangement of the axis of rotation and the connection plane, deviations of up to 30 degrees, or up to 10 degrees, or up to 5 degrees can occur. The connection plane is, for example, arranged between the first shell and the second shell. In particular, the connection plane is arranged between the connecting edges of the first shell and the second shell.

According to one embodiment, before step a) the bearing element is rotatably mounted in a through-opening of a sliding bearing about the axis of rotation.

A disc is arranged, for example, around the through-hole of the sliding bearing. This disc is suitable, for instance, for enabling the rotatable mounting of the bearing element. The disc is made, in particular, of polyoxymethylene or polyethylene. For example, the sealing element and the bearing element can be made of the same material. The bearing element and the previously mentioned first and second shells are made, for instance, of materials with similar coefficients of thermal expansion.

For example, the bearing element has a projection that rests against the disc during the bearing element's storage. For example, the bearing element is rotatably mounted relative to the locking element.

In particular, a protruding portion of the bearing element extends from the through-opening of the locking nut when the bearing is in place. This protruding portion is especially suitable for connecting the bearing element and the spray arm. If the bearing element is rotatably mounted with the washer in the through-opening of the sliding bearing, it can no longer be disassembled non-destructively, for example, after step b).

The locking nut is particularly suitable for being connected to one end of the aforementioned pipe. For example, the connection between the locking nut and the pipe is positive-locking.

According to another embodiment, the connecting element is preformed in step b) by injection molding of plastic.

Injection molding is a manufacturing process in which a shapeless material, especially molten plastic, is injected under high pressure into a mold. For example, the plastic is heated until it melts. After injection, the plastic cools and solidifies, thus forming the desired component, such as a fastener.

According to one embodiment, in step b) the injection-molded plastic flows from an environment outside the first and second shells into the cavity in the direction of the interior.

The formation of the cavity allows the injection-molded plastic to flow from the surroundings towards the interior, creating a positive connection between the bearing element and the spray arm.

In particular, the injection-molded plastic does not enter the interior of the spray arm. For example, the entry of the injection-molded plastic is prevented by a core or other suitable aid during the primary forming process.

According to one embodiment, the plastic consists of two components, one component being polypropylene and the other component being talc or glass fiber.

For example, the components can be mixed together in their formless state before the plastic is molded.

According to another aspect, a connection arrangement for a household dishwasher is defined as having a spray arm, a bearing element for rotatably supporting the spray arm, wherein the bearing element and the spray arm are nested together and together define at least one cavity, and a connecting element which positively connects the bearing element and the spray arm, wherein the connecting element is pre-formed in the at least one cavity.

Forming the connecting element within the cavity and creating the resulting connection between the bearing element and the spray arm can simplify the manufacturing of the connection assembly. Furthermore, the assembly of the connection assembly is simplified, as it can be mounted as a single unit on the household dishwasher.

According to another aspect, a household dishwasher is proposed which has a previously described connection arrangement.

For example, a household dishwasher has at least one line for conveying fluid. A connection assembly is attached to one end of the line. Specifically, the connection assembly is connected to the line by means of a locking nut. The locking nut and the end of the line have a corresponding coupling point. The locking nut is attached to the line in such a way that the spray arm can rotate relative to the locking nut.

Other possible implementations of the invention also include combinations of features or embodiments described previously or subsequently with regard to the exemplary embodiments, even if not explicitly mentioned. In such cases, the person skilled in the art will also add individual aspects as improvements or additions to the respective basic form of the invention.

• 1 zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht einer Ausführungsform einer Haushalts-Geschirrspülmaschine;
• 2 zeigt eine schematische Schnittansicht eines Zulaufs und einer Verbindungsanordnung;
• 3 zeigt eine schematische perspektivische Ansicht eines Lagerelements; und
• 4 zeigt Schritte eines Verfahrens.

Further advantageous embodiments and aspects of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims and the exemplary embodiments of the invention described below. The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to preferred embodiments and the accompanying figures.

• 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a household dishwasher;
• 2 shows a schematic sectional view of an inlet and a connection arrangement;
• 3 shows a schematic perspective view of a bearing element; and
• 4 shows the steps of a process.

In the figures, identical or functionally equivalent elements have been given the same reference symbols, unless otherwise indicated.

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

Door 3 is in the 1 The door 3 is shown in its open position. It can be opened or closed by pivoting it about a pivot axis 5 located at its lower end. The door 3 can be used to open or close a loading opening 6 of the wash tank 2. The wash tank 2 has a base 7, a top 8 opposite the base 7, a rear wall 9 opposite the closed door 3, and two opposing side walls 10 and 11. The base 7, the top 8, the rear wall 9, and the side walls 10 and 11 can, for example, be made of stainless steel. Alternatively, the base 7 can, for example, be made of a plastic material.

The household dishwasher 1 further comprises at least one dishware holder 12 to 14. Preferably, several, for example three, dishware holders 12 to 14 can be provided, wherein the dishware holder 12 can be a lower dishware holder or a lower basket, the dishware holder 13 an upper dishware holder or an upper basket, and the dishware holder 14 a cutlery drawer. As the 1 As further shown, the dishware holders 12 to 14 are arranged one above the other in the washing container 2. Each dishware holder 12 to 14 can be selectively moved into or out of the washing container 2. In particular, each dishware holder 12 to 14 can be pushed or moved into the washing container 2 in an insertion direction E and pulled or moved out of the washing container 2 in an extension direction A opposite to the insertion direction E.

2 Figure 1 shows an embodiment of an inlet 15 and a connection arrangement 16 in a sectional view. The inlet 15 is arranged, for example, in a wash chamber 4 of the household dishwasher 1 as previously mentioned, for example at its floor 7 and/or ceiling 8 or below the upper basket 13. The inlet 15 is designed to supply a fluid (in 2 (not shown), for example, to direct water and/or liquor in a direction R. The inlet 15 can be cylindrical with an annular cross-section.

The connection assembly 16 comprises a bearing assembly 17 and a spray arm 18. In its assembled state as shown, the bearing assembly 17 includes a bearing element 19, a sliding disc 20, and a locking element 21. The locking element 21 is located in the 2 The embodiment shown is cylindrical with an annular cross-section.

The annular cross-section of the locking element 21 forms an inner chamber 22. Two [items] can be located in the inner chamber 22. Opposing projections 23, 24 are located on the inlet 15, each extending, for example, along a section of an inner surface. The connecting arrangement 16 and/or the bearing arrangement 17 and/or the locking element 21 can be attached to the inlet 15, for example, by means of a positive fit, using the projections 23, 24. For this purpose, the inlet 15 has two opposing pockets 25, 26, corresponding to the projections 23, 24, each extending, for example, along a section of an outer surface of the inlet 15. In particular, the locking element 21 is in a state attached to the inlet 15 (not in a closed position). 2 (shown) connected to the inlet 15 in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a positive locking of the projections 23, 24 and the corresponding pockets 25, 26.

The closure element 21 is tubular with an inwardly projecting flange 27 at its spray-arm-side end. The bearing element 19 (here in the form of a bearing bushing) is tubular with an outwardly projecting flange 28. A sliding disc 20 is arranged between the opposing flanges 27 and 28, so that the flanges 27 and 28 are rotatably mounted relative to each other about a pivot axis 29. The sliding disc 20 is a friction-reducing element and is made, for example, of plastic, in particular polyethylene or polyoxymethylene.

The sliding disc 20 is located between the locking element 21 and the bearing element 19 in the assembled state of the bearing arrangement 17. The bearing element 19 can be cylindrical with an annular cross-section. For example, the bearing element 19 and the locking element 21 are made of a two-component material, in particular polypropylene reinforced with talc or glass fibers.

If the bearing arrangement 17 is connected to the inlet 15 by means of the closure element 21 as described above, the bearing element 19 is rotatably mounted relative to the closure element 21. In particular, the bearing element 19 is rotatable about an axis of rotation 29. The axis of rotation 29 is arranged along a center line of the bearing element 19 (not shown).

In 3 Figure 19 shows a detailed view of an embodiment of the bearing element 19. The bearing element 19 has at least one opening 30. The opening 30 has a rectangular cross-section. In one embodiment, the opening 30 can be manufactured as a through-hole. In another embodiment, the bearing element 19 can have several openings.

One embodiment of the bearing element 19 with multiple openings is shown in 2 shown. The bearing element 19 in the 2 is represented by a first opening 31 and a second opening 32. In particular, the first opening 31 and the second opening 32 are arranged symmetrically with respect to a plane not shown, which runs perpendicularly into the image plane through the axis of rotation 29.

The bearing element 19 has in the 3 In the illustrated embodiment, a recess 33 is provided. During operation, a higher mass flow rate of the aforementioned fluid can be directed through the recess 33 through the bearing element 19 to the spray arm 18. The recess 33 is located at one end 34, which is opposite the aforementioned projection 28 of the bearing element 19, and extends in the direction of the projection 28 in the wall of the bearing element 19. The recess 33 and the opening 30 are arranged at a 90-degree angle to each other. This ensures that, in the assembled state of the bearing element 19, the fluid is preferably directed through the recess 33 at a 90-degree angle to the opening 30. The recess 33, for example, has the shape of a cuboid.

As mentioned previously, the in 2 The connection arrangement 16 shown includes a spray arm 18 next to a bearing arrangement 17. The spray arm 18 is formed, for example, from an upper shell 35, a lower shell 36, and a connecting element 37. The upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 are joined along a connection plane VE. The connecting element 37 connects the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 in the connection plane VE. When the upper shell 35 is arranged on the lower shell 36, the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 have a connection section 38. The upper shell 35 has a mounting opening 39 at the connection section 38. The mounting opening 39 is designed to receive the bearing element 19 section by section. For example, the mounting opening 39 is formed by a nozzle projecting upwards from the upper shell 35 with a through-opening that also extends through the upper shell 35. The lower shell 36 can have a bulge 40 in the area of the connection section 38 opposite the mounting opening 39.

The bearing element 19 can, for example, be connected by means of an interference fit between the connecting section 38 and the section of the bearing element 19 received in the mounting opening 39. The interference fit can seal the connection between the bearing element 19 and the upper shell 35, so that no fluid can escape from the mounting opening 39 when the bearing element 19 is received.

When the upper shell 35 is arranged on the lower shell 36, the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 form a first channel 41 and a second channel 42. The first channel 41 and the second channel 42 are arranged opposite each other and run orthogonally to the axis of rotation 29. The first channel 41 and the second channel 42 have, for example, the same cross-section as the previously described first opening 31 and/or second opening 32 of the bearing element 19. If the bearing element 19 is received section by section in the mounting opening 39, the first opening 31, the second opening 32, the first channel 41, and the second channel 42 lie, in particular, on the connection plane VE. The connection plane VE runs orthogonally to the axis of rotation 29. In embodiments, the connection plane VE and the axis of rotation 29 can be arranged at an angle of up to 30 degrees, or up to 10 degrees, or up to 5 degrees to each other. The first opening 31 and the first channel 41, as well as the second opening 32 and the second channel 42, form a first cavity 43 and a second cavity 44 through the described arrangement of bearing element 19 in the mounting opening 39. The first cavity 43 and the second cavity 44 are located on the connection plane VE.

The upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36, together with the connecting element 37, form the spray arm 18. The spray arm 18 has a cavity 45. The cavity 45 is particularly suitable for directing the aforementioned fluid to nozzles of the spray arm 18 (not shown).

For the primary forming of the connecting element 37, the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 can be formed in a 2 The components are arranged in a template not shown. The template can have an internal volume that is a negative of the volume of the upper shell 35, the lower shell 36, and the connecting element 37. For the initial forming, for example by injection molding, of the connecting element, a formless material is used, which is injected into the template under high pressure.

The connecting element 37 is preformed to join the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 to form the spray arm 18. During this process, formless material penetrates the first cavity 43 and the second cavity 44 in the direction of the cavity 45. Due to the penetrating material of the connecting element 37 during preforming, a positive-locking connection is created between the bearing element 19 and the upper shell 35 and lower shell 36 of the spray arm 18 after the material solidifies.

For example, a kernel (in 2 (not shown) prevents the material of the connecting element 37 from entering the interior 22 during the initial forming process. After the material has hardened, the connecting element 37 is formed. The connecting element 37 joins the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 at a circumferential connection point 46 to form the spray arm 18. The circumferential connection of the upper shell 35 and lower shell 36 at the connection point 46 by the connecting element 37 seals the upper shell 35 against the lower shell 36, preventing fluid from escaping along the connection plane VE.

In a further embodiment of the connection arrangement 16, it is possible that, in addition to the positive-locking connection between spray arm 18 and bearing element 19, a material-locking connection is formed during the primary forming of the connecting element 37. Because the liquefied material solidifies at high temperature during primary forming, the bearing element 19 and/or the spray arm 18, which are made of plastic as mentioned above, can be at least partially melted when the liquefied material penetrates the first cavity 43 and the second cavity 44.

When the components are subsequently cooled, a material-bonded connection is formed between spray arm 18, bearing element 19 and connecting element 37. Once this material-bonded connection forms, it can have a sealing effect against the fluid.

If the spray arm 18 is configured and the connection arrangement 16 is in a state attached to the inlet 15 via the closure element 21 as described above, the fluid can be directed along direction R through the inner area 22 into the cavity 45 of the spray arm 18. The spray arm 18 has at least two 2 The extensions, not shown, extend into the cavity 45. These extensions may have outlets. The fluid can exit the spray arm 18 into the wash chamber 4 of the household dishwasher 1 through these outlets. The spray arm 18 is rotatably mounted about the axis of rotation 29 via the bearing element 19. For example, the extensions of the spray arm 18 are shaped such that when fluid is directed into the cavity 45 of the spray arm 18, they cause the spray arm 18 to rotate about the axis of rotation 29.

4 Figure 1 shows steps S1 and S2 of a method for making a previously described connection between the spray arm 18 for the household dishwasher 1 and the bearing element 19 for rotatably mounting the spray arm 18.

Before step S1 of the in 4 The method shown is carried out, the storage arrangement Assembly 17 is pre-assembled. For this purpose, the sliding disc 20 is first pushed onto the end of the bearing element 19 opposite the flange 28 until the sliding disc 20 rests against the flange 28. Then, the end of the bearing element 19 opposite the flange 28 is inserted into the spray-arm-side end of the closure element 21 until the sliding disc 20 rests against its flange 27. When the bearing element 19 is in this position within the closure element 21, the end of the bearing element 19 opposite the flange 28 protrudes from the spray-arm-side end of the closure element 21.

Also prior to the execution of step S1, the upper shell 35 of the spray arm 18 is positioned on its lower shell 36 along the connection plane VE. In this positioned state, the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 have the connecting section 38. Furthermore, the first channel 41 and the second channel 42 are formed in the connection plane VE by the positioning of the upper shell 35 on the lower shell 36.

In step S1, the bearing element 19 and the spray arm 18 are inserted into one another. For example, in step S1, the end of the bearing element 19 that protrudes beyond the spray arm-side end of the closure element 21 can be inserted into the mounting opening 39 of the upper shell 35 or into its upwardly projecting nozzle. After step S1, the bearing element 19 and the spray arm 18 are inserted into one another in such a way that the previously mentioned first opening 31 and the first channel 41 form the first cavity 43, and the previously mentioned second opening 32 and the second channel 42 form the second cavity 44, as they are positioned opposite each other.

Before step S2 is performed, the upper shell 35, the lower shell 36, and the pre-assembled bearing assembly 17 are placed in a template. In the template, the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 are fixed. The template has an opening in the area of the assembly opening 39. The bearing assembly 17 protrudes from the opening of the template before step S2. The template has a cavity. This cavity has the inverse shape of the spray arm 18, which is formed from the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 by connecting them with the connecting element 37, which is manufactured in step S2. The template has a connection for filling with molding material.

In step S2, the connecting element 37 is formed (in particular, injection molded) so that it positively connects the bearing element 19 and the spray arm 18. Molten, liquid plastic, for example, can be poured into the mold via the inlet for the forming material. During pouring, the liquid plastic flows into the cavity of the mold. It also flows into the first cavity 43 and the second cavity 44. Flow of the plastic into the cavity 45 between the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 can be prevented, for example, by inserting a core that seals the first opening 31 and the second opening 32. As the molten plastic cools in a partial step of the forming process, it solidifies and thus hardens. After solidification, the connecting element 37 is formed by the shape of the mold cavity. The connecting element 37 positively connects the upper shell 35 and the lower shell 36 along the connection point 46, so that the spray arm 18 is formed and sealed to the outside. In addition, the solidification of the liquid plastic in the first cavity 43 and the second cavity 44 positively connects the spray arm 18 and the bearing element 19 to each other.

Although the present invention has been described using exemplary embodiments, it can be modified in many ways.

Reference symbols used:

1

household dishwasher

2

Washing container

3

door

4

rinsing room

5

Swivel axis

6

Feed opening

7

Floor

8

Ceiling

9

back panel

10

side wall

11

side wall

12-14

Dishwashing tray

15

Inflow

16

Connection arrangement

17

Storage arrangement

18

Spray arm

19

bearing element

20

sliding disc

21

Locking element

22

Indoor

23

Cantilever

24

Cantilever

25

Bag

26

Bag

27

board

28

Cantilever

29

axis of rotation

30

breakthrough

31

first breakthrough

32

second breakthrough

33

recess

34

End

35

upper shell

36

lower shell

37

Connecting element

38

Connection section

39

Mounting opening

40

bulge

41

first channel

42

second channel

43

first cavity

44

second cavity

45

cavity

46

liaison point

A

Extraction direction

E

Insertion direction

R

Direction

S1

Procedure step

S2

Procedure step

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• KR 20120022429A [0004]

Claims (15)

Method for producing a connection between a spray arm (18) for a household dishwasher (1) and a bearing element (19) for rotatably mounting the spray arm (18), the method comprising the following steps: a) inserting (S1) the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18); and b) forming (S2) a connecting element (37) which positively connects the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18). Procedure according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the connecting element (37) in step b) is connected to the bearing element (19) and/or the spray arm (18) by material bonding in addition to the positive locking. Procedure according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that the bearing element (19) has at least one opening (30-32) and the spray arm (18) has at least one channel (41, 42), wherein the opening (30-32) and the channel (41, 42) form a cavity (43, 44) after step a), wherein the positive locking connection between the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18) is created in step b) by forming the connecting element (37) into the cavity (43, 44). Procedure according to Claim 3 , characterized in that the spray arm (18) is formed from a first shell (35) and a second shell (36). Procedure according to Claim 4 , characterized in that before step a) the channel (41, 42) is formed by arranging the first shell (35) on the second shell (36). Procedure according to Claim 4 or 5 , characterized in that the first shell (35) and the second shell (36) in the connected state form an inner area (45) into which the bearing element (19) is inserted in step a), in particular sealing. Procedure according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the channel (41, 42) connects the interior area (45) and an environment of the spray arm (18). Procedure according to one of the Claims 4 - 7 , characterized in that in step b) the first shell (35) and the second shell (36) are connected by the connecting element (37). Procedure according to Claim 8 , characterized in that the spray arm (18) has an axis of rotation (29) which extends orthogonally to a connecting plane (VE) in which the first shell (35) and the second shell (36) are connected to each other by means of the connecting element (37). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 - 9 , characterized in that, prior to step a), the bearing element (19) is rotatably mounted in a through-opening of a sliding bearing (17). Procedure according to one of the Claims 1 - 10 , characterized in that the connecting element (37) is preformed in step b) by injection molding of plastic. Procedure according to Claim 11 , characterized in that in step b) the injection-molded plastic flows from an environment outside the first and second shell (35, 36) into the cavity (43, 44) in the direction of the interior (45). Procedure according to Claim 11 or 12 , characterized in that the plastic consists of two components, one component being polypropylene and the other component being talc or glass fiber. Connection arrangement (16) for a household dishwasher (1), comprising: a spray arm (18); a bearing element (19) for rotatably supporting the spray arm (18), wherein the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18) are nested within each other and together define at least one cavity (43, 44); and a connecting element (37) which positively connects the bearing element (19) and the spray arm (18), wherein the connecting element (37) is pre-formed in the at least one cavity (43, 44). household dishwasher (1) having a connection arrangement (16) according to Claim 14 exhibits.