TR201816445T4 - Dishwasher with accessible control unit and related method. - Google Patents

Abstract

A dishwasher comprising a base portion 140 adapted to support a cuvette portion 120 is provided. A control unit 160 is configured to communicate with the at least one control switch device remotely disposed relative to the base portion and the at least one dishwasher operational component. The control unit is sensitive to at least one control switch device to control at least one dishwasher operational component. The control unit is placed around the base section and is optionally accessible from the front. Also provided is a related method of forming a dishwasher.

Description

DESCRIPTION DISHWASHER WITH ACCESSIBLE CONTROL UNIT AND RELATED METHOD BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION invention ground Embodiments of the present invention involve dishwashers and, in particular, an accessible control relates to a dishwasher with a unit and a method associated with it.

Typically, when a dishwasher is placed under the counter, it is disconnected from the household wiring. electrical supply to the dishwasher before the dishwasher is installed in the cabinet connected to the specified ends of the machine (usually the dishwasher floor) placed). After electrical power, electronic control of the dishwasher from the ends unit (ECU) where the ECU connects with the leads to the base or It is mounted on the door assembly of the dishwasher. Accordingly, the dishwasher, Only when removed from the cabinet is it possible to reach the ends of the ECU. Moreover, Dishwasher where access to the ECU for maintenance, diagnostics and/or replacement is required It may be necessary to disassemble the machine. Thus, the dishwasher usually needs to be removed from cabinet to connect/disconnect power and extensive disassembly/assembly of the dishwasher may be required to access the ECU.

Accordingly, a dishwasher with improved access to the ECU is desirable.

A dishwasher intended to simplify assembly and installation is in DE 7005889 is described and includes a housing and a tool holder in the lower part of the housing.

Various components of the dishwasher, eg water heater, thermostat and the like, the fittings are arranged to extend into the apparatus holder. Tool holder, dishwasher in order to provide easy access to the connection parts during the installation of the machine. It is open in the front and upper part. In addition, movable frame, keys and other in a tool holder for keeping the elements accessible can be arranged as removable.

Another dishwasher is described in EP 0848928, where a program selector It has a cabinet with a door on which it is mounted at the upper end. One user, one program a program controller located at the lower rear end of the cabinet detects and implements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The above and other requirements are as described in independent claims 1 to 3. meets the present invention. The present invention, in one embodiment, as described in claim 1 Provides a dishwasher. Another aspect of the present invention is as described in claim 3. includes a method of constructing a dishwasher. present invention angles thus provide certain advantages, as explained in more detail here.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF MULTIPLE VIEWS OF THE SHAPE(s) After the invention has been described in general terms, it is presented to scale below. Reference will be made to the attached figures, which are not necessarily drawn, and here: FIG. 1 is an accessible form according to an embodiment that is not part of the present invention. A fragmentary perspective view of a dishwasher with a control unit shows its appearance semantically; FIG. 2A, which is not part of the present invention shown in FIG. According to the embodiment, the control unit is in an open accessible position, a base with an accessible control unit rotatably mounted on the shows schematically a perspective view of the dishwasher appliance; FIG. ZB, which is not part of the present invention shown in FIG. According to the regulation, the control unit is in an open accessible position, in an accessible position. side view of a dishwasher with control unit; FIG. 3 is not part of the present invention shown in FIG. 2A. According to the regulation, the control unit is in a closed inaccessible position, accessible a perspective view of a dishwasher device with a control unit is the view; FIG. 4 is a connected barrier element according to one embodiment of the present invention. schematically displays the fragmented perspective of an accessible control unit with FIG. 5A is a connected barrier element according to one embodiment of the present invention. schematics a perspective front view of an accessible control unit with shows as; FIGURE SB is a connected barrier element according to one embodiment of the present invention. shows a perspective rear view of an accessible control unit with 6 to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5A and SB. according to the control unit in a closed inaccessible position, a connected barrier A dishwasher with an accessible control unit is a perspective view of the device; and FIG. 7 refers to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIGS. 5A and SB. according to the control unit in a closed inaccessible position, a connected barrier A dishwasher with an accessible control unit This is a cross-sectional side view of the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention will be described in all its aspects below with reference to the accompanying drawings, some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown here. really, this inventions may be arranged in many different forms and should not be construed as limited; Conversely, these embodiments are applicable to this specification. provided in a way that meets the legal conditions. Similar numbers, completely similar refers to the elements.

FIGS. 1, 2A, 28, and 3 show a dishwasher appliance not according to the present invention. indicates an embodiment of the dishwasher appliance, usually denoted by the number 100.

Such a dishwasher device 100 generally consists of a base supported by a base 140. associated front, adapted to face outward from any cabinet in which it is installed. define the ends. In some cases, the front end is relative to the dishwasher device (100). defines an access opening to the tub 120 in which the dishes are placed and removed.

Such dishwasher devices 100 are typically with the various components of the dishwasher device 100 (for example, circulation pump, drainage pump, water valve) It is electronically controlled by operating the electronic control unit ( In such cases, the functions displayed (i.e. washing, rinsing, watering draining) or cycles (i.e. heat drying), one or more switches, one or more, such as a button, control knob, or any combination thereof can be selected by a user through appropriate selection devices (not shown). choose devices can be located remotely relative to the ECU 160. For example, this type of selection devices to enable interaction by a user. around the upper end of the door (not shown) of the dishwasher (100) can be placed. However, electrical power from the house wiring to the dishwasher (100) supply, dishwasher appliance ( and must be connected to the electrical leads of the device (100) shown.

Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention, the base 140 has a rim around the front end. It is configured to define compartment (180), compartment (180) It is configured to receive 160. placed near the front end of the base 140 compartment ( selective The electricity supply from the connections (i.e., cables) connecting the device to the device is shown in FIG. may be connected to or routed to compartment 180 as shown. This depending on the dishwasher device (100), the electrical power of the dishwasher device (100) For example, it can be placed inside a cabinet structure before connections are made. However, in some cases, the electrical connections may be located near the dishwasher (100) can be placed somewhere and then suitable electrical plugs (i.e. cables), it may be routed to compartment 180 or here. Dishwasher device (100), base (to receive configuring the ECU (160), removing the dishwasher device (100) from the cabinet or easily without the need for extensive disassembly of the dishwasher device (100) is accessible. In this way, the maintenance, diagnosis and/or replacement of the ECU 160 is facilitated.

ECU (configured to host one or more For example, the housing 200 consists of two complementary sections (200A, 200) of a thermoplastic material. is placed in a portion (200A) of the enclosure 200 and the other portion of the enclosure 200 ( cooperates to contain it. In this way, it (160), for example, prevents the ingress of water and dirt. The enclosure 200 may also run through the receptacle 180 or of the cable connection (i.e., the cable harness) extending therefrom, the enclosure (200) It contains the conditions for allowing it to be connected with the ECU (160) in it.

ECU 160, communication with selective devices (ie input and output connections) wiring, which represents connections as well as electrical power connections. Once connected, the enclosure 200 can be mounted in the compartment 180.

In one case, the opposite lateral ends of the housing 200 are attached to the pins 220 extending therefrom. wherein the pins 220 are defined by the lateral edges of the compartment 180 it is configured to be connected by supplementary sockets (240). Preservation in this way 200 is rotatable relative to compartment 180 along the rotating side of housing 200 it becomes mounted in a jiffy. Also, in some cases the ECU (with practicably connected and unified first electrical connector section (not shown) so that it can be accessed via the rotating side of the housing 200 can be placed in the enclosure. When enclosure 200 is connected with compartment 180, second electrical connector portion (not shown), rotating portion of housing 200 The first electrical connector can be combined with the section near or otherwise may be connected and any excess cable(s) extending to the enclosure 200 length, to base ( containing The housing 200 is rotatable relative to the compartment 180. Accordingly, the pins After connecting to compartment 180 via sockets (220) and sockets (240), the enclosure (with a closed inaccessible position (see, for example, FIG. 3). This in the open accessible position as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. of the enclosure (access It can be removed or opened to provide Section (200) of the enclosure (2008), After being placed in a closed configuration containing the ECU 160, the enclosure 200 is of the enclosure ( it can be returned to a position where it is largely inaccessible. in inaccessible position enclosure 200 is compartmentalized with appropriate connectors 260 as shown in FIG. (180) can be connected.

Access, maintenance, diagnostics and/or replacement of the ECU (160) if needed connectors ( accessible of the compartment ( can be rotated. This way, access to the ECU (160), dishwasher appliance (100) possible without disassembly or disassembly.

Figures 4, 5A, 5B, 6 and 7 show a dishwasher device 100 according to the present invention. shows the arrangement. In such arrangements, the ECU 160 (or control unit, controller or circuit board), configured to contain the ECU (160) mounted in a housing 200 formed as more sections 200A, 200B can be done. For example, the housing 200 consists of two complementary sections of a thermoplastic material. is placed in a portion (200A) of the enclosure 200 and the other portion of the enclosure 200 ( cooperates to contain it. In this way, it (160), for example, prevents the ingress of water and dirt. A barrier member 210 is At least a portion of 210 may be located between housing 200 and base 140. such that it extends at least partially along the rotating side of the housing 200 and for example, to operatively connect the housing 200 around the rotating side. is configured. In this way, the barrier element ( bad eg ECU 160 (control unit) as may be required if it works between the high voltage connectors (i.e. the wiring harness) and the base 140 provides a flame barrier.

In some cases, the barrier member 210 is associated with it, as shown in FIG. to the housing (200) through the couplings (212), eg to the housing section (200A) may be configured to "hang" or mate with. barrier element may be adapted for at least partial removal in compartment 180 throughout.

FIG. 7 shows the swivel side of the barrier member 210, at least partially, of the enclosure 200 and that the enclosure (200) is attached to the compartment (180) between a lower portion 142 of the base 140 and the enclosure 200 when mounted. that you have the first partition (214) configured to at least partially extend shows. Second section of barrier member 210 as also shown in FIG. 216, for example, to be connected to housing 200 by connecting members 212 may extend from section (214).

In some cases, the barrier element 210 can be used to connect the communication links with the selective devices. (i.e. input and output connections) as well as electrical power connections the second electrical connection portion (not shown), extending from and associated with Connecting or connecting the first electrical connector section associated with the ECU 160 also include, for example, at least one protection element for the retention of, or otherwise otherwise it can be configured to create it. In this way, wiring / power cable tie connectors to the enclosure ( ( unit) can be held in place. For example, one or more protrusion segments (218), in the enclosure (according to wiring/power wiring to form at least one protection element to hold the connectors in place to cooperate with the first part (214) of the barrier element (210) and it may be configured to extend outward from barrier member 210.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein the relevant drawings of the invention, taking into account the teachings presented in the previous descriptions. It will come to the mind of people who are experts in the art. Therefore, the inventions described are not limited to certain regulations and modifications and other regulations are attached It should be understood that it is intended to be within the scope of the claims. Specific terms Although used herein, it is not intended to be limiting, but merely general and.

Claims (1)

CLAIMS A dishwasher 100 comprising: a cuvette comprising an access opening through which dishes are placed and removed; a door comprising at least one control switch device located at an upper end; a base portion 140 adapted to support the tub portion 120; an electronic control unit 160 configured to communicate with at least one control switch device and at least one dishwasher operational component, an electronic control unit 160 configured to communicate with at least one dishwasher operational component is sensitive to the control switch device and the electronic control unit 160 is located in the base section 140 and is optionally accessible from a front to facilitate maintenance, diagnosis and/or replacement of the electronic control unit 160, wherein the base section 140 is It is configured to define a compartment 180 on the side, the compartment 180 being configured to receive an enclosure 200 with the electronic control Unit 160 placed therein, where the unit 160 is connected to the first section 200A of the enclosure 200. is placed and configured to cooperate to contain, where enclosure 200, enclosure 200, with an open access to the outside of compartment 180 it is rotatably mounted relative to the compartment 180 so that it can rotate between a known position and a closed inaccessible position within the compartment 180, wherein the housing 200 is rotatably mounted relative to the compartment 180 along the rotating side of the housing 200, wherein the electronics The control unit 160 is placed inside the housing 200 such that the first electrical connector section connected with the electronic control unit 160 is accessible with the rotating side of the housing 200, its feature is also for the practicable connection of the housing 200 and the barrier element. 210 is characterized by a dishwasher comprising at least a portion of it comprising a barrier element 210 configured to extend at least partially along the rotating side, to be located between the base portion 140 and the enclosure 200 to provide a flame barrier therebetween. . . A dishwasher according to claim 1, characterized in that the barrier element (210) also includes at least one protection element adapted for connecting the second electrical connector portion connected with the first electrical connector associated with the electronic control unit (160). . A method of constructing a dishwasher according to any one of claims 1-2, comprising the step of placing an electronic control unit (160) in a base portion 140 of the dishwasher, the base portion 140 being an access configured for receiving dishes the electronic control unit 160 is optionally accessible from a front of the base portion 140 to facilitate maintenance, diagnosis, and/or replacement of the electronic control unit 160, the electronic control unit 160 is configured to communicate with at least one dishwasher operational component and at least one control switch device, the at least one control switch device is located at an upper end of the door configured to close the access opening, and the base section It is located remotely relative to the electronic control unit 160 with 140, so that the electronic The k control unit 160 is sensitive to at least one control switch device to control the at least one dishwasher operational component, wherein placing an electronic control unit 160 in a base section 140 also allows the electronic control unit 160, in a housing 200 configured to be received in a compartment 180 defined at the front by the base portion 140, wherein the housing 200 is. The first and second portions 200A are also positioned in the first portion 200A of the enclosure 200, with the first and second portions 200A, 2008 cooperating to contain the electronic control unit 160; and 200A), wherein the housing 200 is rotatably mounted relative to the compartment 180 along the rotating side of the housing 200 between the closed inaccessible position in the compartment 180 and an outwardly open accessible position of the compartment 180, and the method is also , comprising placing the electronic control unit 160 in the housing 200 such that the first electrical connector portion associated with the electronic control unit 160 is accessible with the rotating side of the housing 200, the feature being that the method also includes the barrier element 210 along the rotating side. extending and at least a portion of the barrier member 210 with a base portion 140 to provide a flame barrier therein. 200) to be placed between the barrier element (210) and the enclosure (200) in a functional way. . A method according to claim 3, characterized in that the barrier element (210) also includes at least one protection element and the operation of functionally combining the barrier element (210) with the enclosure (200) also ensures that the barrier element (200) is connected to the enclosure (200). at least one protection element comprises connecting the first electrical connector portion associated with the electronic control unit 160 and the second electrical connector portion associated with it.