DISHWASHER BASKET FOR A DISHWASHER

Abstract

The invention relates to a dishwasher basket for a dishwasher, having a body (14) and a gripping unit (16) arranged on the body (14), characterised by an electronic device (17) integrated in the gripping unit (16) and a trigger element (19), wherein the electronic device (17) is arranged in a housing (23) which has two housing parts (24, 25) and has a sealing device (28) which seals the two housing parts (24, 25) with respect to one another, wherein the trigger element (19) mechanically interacts with the electronic device (17), the sealing device (28) being disposed therebetween.

Claims

1. A dishwasher rack for a dishwasher, comprising: a body; a gripping unit disposed on the body; an electronic device incorporated in the gripping unit; and a trigger element, wherein the electronic device is disposed in a housing having two housing parts and a sealing device sealing the two housing parts against each other, and wherein the trigger element is configured to mechanically interact with the electronic device, with the sealing device disposed therebetween.

2. The dishwasher rack of claim 1, wherein the sealing device has a plate-shaped main body disposed between facing end faces of the two housing parts.

3. The dishwasher rack of claim 2, wherein the main body carries an assembly aid configured to interact with one housing part of the two housing parts.

4. The dishwasher rack of claim 3, wherein the mounting aid comprises an edge rim on the main body, which rests with its end face against the electronic device received by the one housing part.

5. The dishwasher rack of claim 3, wherein the main body provides, on its side opposite the assembly aid, a receptacle for the trigger element.

6. The dishwasher rack of claim 5, wherein the receptacle is formed by an at least partially circumferentially extending rib.

7. The dishwasher rack of any claim 1, wherein the trigger element is configured to interact with a user-operable actuating element.

8. The dishwasher rack of claim 7, wherein the actuating element is resiliently supported against the housing.

9. The dishwasher rack of claim 7, wherein the actuating element is rotatable and/or pivotable relative to the housing.

10. The dishwasher rack of claim 1, wherein one housing part of the two housing parts, is tray-shaped.

11. The dishwasher rack of claim 10, wherein the electronic device includes a printed circuit board populated with electronic components.

12. The dishwasher rack of claim 11, wherein the one housing part includes a rear wall that is reinforced with ribs and against which rests the printed circuit board of the electronic device.

13. The dishwasher rack of claim 1, wherein a second housing part of the two housing parts, which interacts with the one housing part, has a cutout for the trigger element.

14. The dishwasher rack of claim 13, wherein the second housing part has a tooth structure on a side facing the electronic device.

15. A dishwasher, comprising: the dishwasher rack of claim 1.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] The present invention will be described in even greater detail below based on the exemplary figures. The invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments. Other features and advantages of various embodiments of the present invention will become apparent by reading the following detailed description with reference to the attached drawings which illustrate the following:

[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a dishwasher;

[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher rack;

[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of a front panel;

[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic sectional view of the gripping unit of an inventive dishwasher rack according to a first embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 5 is a schematic perspective view of an actuating element;

[0016] FIG. 6 is a schematic sectional view of the gripping unit of an inventive dishwasher rack according to a second embodiment;

[0017] FIG. 7 is a schematic perspective view of a dishwasher rack unit according to the invention;

[0018] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective detail view of the gripping unit of the dishwasher rack of FIG. 7;

[0019] FIG. 9 is a schematic exploded view of the gripping unit of FIG. 8;

[0020] FIG. 10 is a schematic exploded view of the electronic device incorporated in the gripping unit of FIG. 9;

[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of the electronic device incorporated in the gripping unit of FIG. 9, shown without the front housing part;

[0022] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of the electronic device of FIG. 11, shown with the front housing part;

[0023] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective rear view of the electronic device;

[0024] FIG. 14 is a schematic sectional view of the gripping unit of an inventive dishwasher rack according to a third embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] In an embodiment, the present invention improves the design of a dishwasher rack of the above-mentioned type so as to facilitate the handling for the user.

[0026] In an embodiment, the present invention provides a dishwasher rack of the above-mentioned type which is characterized by an electronic device incorporated in the gripping unit and a trigger element, the electronic device being disposed in a housing having two housing parts and a sealing device sealing the two housing parts against each other, the trigger element mechanically interacting with the electronic device, with the sealing device disposed therebetween.

[0027] The dishwasher rack according to the invention is equipped with an electronic device and a trigger element interacting therewith. During normal use, the electronic device can be operated using the trigger element. In the simplest case, the trigger element can be used to switch the electronic device on or off.

[0028] The electronic device provided according to the invention may serve different purposes and/or may be provided for different functionalities of the dishwasher rack and/or of the dishwasher. It is therefore only essential to the invention that an electronic device is provided which is incorporated in the gripping unit of the dishwasher rack in the manner provided by the invention.

[0029] When triggered, the electronic device may, for example, switch a dishwasher light on or off, switch a motor drive for the dish rack and/or the dishwasher door on or off, and/or select and/or start or interrupt a dishwashing cycle to be carried out or being carried out by the dishwasher.

[0030] In accordance with the invention, the electronic device is disposed in a housing. The housing has two housing parts and a sealing device. In the final assembled state, the two housing parts are sealed against each other by means of the sealing device. Thus, the housing accommodates the electronic device in a liquid-proof manner.

[0031] The invention further provides that the trigger element mechanically interacts with the electronic device, with the sealing device disposed therebetween.

[0032] During normal use, the electronic device can be operated directly by the trigger element through the mechanical interaction of the trigger element and the electronic device. The invention provides that the sealing device not only seals the two housing parts against each other, but also ensures that the trigger element is sealed with respect to the electronic device.

[0033] As a result, the electronic device is advantageously accommodated in a compact, yet fluid-tight manner, and such that it is incorporated in the gripping unit of the dishwasher rack, which ensures easy user access to the trigger element. Thus, during normal use, the user can use the gripping unit not only to move the dishwasher rack, but also to readily perform or select the additional functionalities provided by the electronic device. As a result, handling is made altogether easier for a user and thus improved over the prior art.

[0034] The design according to the invention provides the possibility to incorporate an electronic device for other functions of the dishwasher and/or a lighting function into the gripping unit of a dishwasher rack. A waterproof enclosure is provided, so that the electronic device is reliably protected against unwanted ingress of moisture, for example, from circulating wash liquid, also during normal use. The sealing device provided by the invention, which seals both the two housing parts against each other and also the trigger element with respect to the electronic device, provides the advantage of a tolerance-independent overall design, which ensures, in any case, that the electronic device is accommodated within the housing in a moisture-proof manner. In addition, this design ensures tolerance-independent operation by the user, so that safe operation is advantageously guaranteed throughout the service life of the dishwasher. Finally, another advantage is a space-optimized design, since the invention minimizes the size of the device and, in particular, prevents the attachment of additional components to the dishwasher rack, which could interfere with the handling thereof. Rather, the electronic device is incorporated in a water-proof manner in the already provided gripping unit of the dishwasher rack. Incorporation into the handle unit is achieved by the inventive design of the housing.

[0035] In accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the electronic device includes a radio transmitter. The radio transmitter can be activated through operation of the electronic device by the trigger element, whereupon the radio transmitter emits a radio signal, for example in the form of a radiogram. The radio transmitter is in operative connection with a radio receiver of the appliance. During normal use, the radio receiver serves to receive and further process or forward a radio signal emitted by the radio transmitter. The radio receiver, in turn, may be in operative connection with a motor drive for motorized operation of a washing chamber door. In this case, for example, user actuation of the trigger element causes activation of a motorized door closing device. The radio receiver may additionally or alternatively be in operative connection with other structural components and/or the controller of the dishwasher.

[0036] Another advantageous exemplary embodiment of the invention provides that the electronic device includes a separate power unit for supplying electrical energy to the electronic device, in particular to the radio transmitter. The power unit is part of the electronic device, so that autonomous operation is possible, and the operation of the radio transmitter is therefore not dependent on a power supply of the dishwasher. A particular advantage of this embodiment is that it does not require current-carrying cables to the electronic device. This ensures safe operation of the dishwasher, also with regard to the fact that the washing chamber is flooded with wash liquid during normal use of the dishwasher. The power unit may be, for example, a secondary battery, a primary battery, and/or the like. However, it is preferred for the power unit to be a piezoelectric element which, when actuated, supplies electrical energy to the electronic device. This piezoelectric element does not permanently provide electrical energy for powering the electronic device, but only when actuated in accordance with its intended purpose. Advantageously, the piezoelectric element is maintenance-free and basically also wear-free. This ensures enduring safe operation of the electronic device, which is why the piezoelectric element is particularly preferred for use as the power unit. The piezoelectric element is configured such that, when actuated, it generates electrical energy due to the actuation-induced deformation, the generated electrical energy being, for example, sufficient to allow the radio transmitter to generate a radio signal and transmit it to the radio receiver of the appliance. An electronic device configured in such a way does not require a separate power supply in the form of a power cable and no battery either, whereby its use in the humid environment of the washing chamber of the dishwasher is fundamentally simplified.

[0037] Another feature of the invention provides that the sealing device has a plate-shaped main body disposed between the facing end faces of the two housing parts.

[0038] The sealing device according to the invention has a plate-shaped main body, which may be configured, for example, as a planar silicone element. In the final assembled state, the main body is disposed between the two housing parts of the housing, thereby sealing the two housing parts fluid-tight against each other. This design reliably prevents unwanted ingress of liquid into the housing.

[0039] In the final assembled state, the facing end surfaces of the two housing parts rest against the main body. Thus, each housing part is itself sealed against the main body, which results in an overall sealed housing design.

[0040] A further feature of the invention provides that the main body carries an assembly aid that interacts with one of the two housing parts.

[0041] The assembly aid provided by the main body essentially serves two purposes. First, it ensures that in the final assembled state, the side of the main body carrying the assembly aid is associated with the corresponding housing part of the housing. Second, the assembly aid securely aligns the sealing device in position relative to the two housing parts. This simplifies assembly and ensures that the sealing device is disposed in a precise and secure position between the two housing parts.

[0042] Another feature of the invention provides that the mounting aid is an edge rim on the main body, which rests with its end face against the electronic device accommodated by the housing part.

[0043] Preferably, the assembly aid is configured as an edge rim. The edge rim allows the main body of the sealing device, which carries the assembly aid, to be securely positioned on the corresponding housing part in the manner already described above. However, the assembly aid serving as an edge rim further has the advantage that it provides additional positional fixation of the electronic device accommodated by the housing part. This is because the edge rim is preferably dimensionally configured such that its end face facing the electronic device rests against the electronic device in the final assembled state. This ensures that during normal use, the electronic device is fixed in position within the housing, i.e., that no relative movement can take place between the electronic device and the housing, even in the event of vibration. The electronic device is thus protected against unwanted movement in relation to the housing. In particular, it is not possible for the electronic device to move back and forth within the housing.

[0044] A further feature of the invention provides that a receptacle for the trigger element is provided on the main body on its side opposite the assembly aid. This receptacle advantageously also serves to achieve positional fixation and retention, namely for the trigger element. This, too, serves to simplify the assembly of the device according to the invention and to securely position the trigger element during normal use.

[0045] In accordance with another feature of the invention, the receptacle for the trigger element is formed by an at least partially circumferentially extending rib. The rib may, for example, be circular in shape, forming a receptacle of circular cross section. Inserted in this receptacle is a trigger element that is preferably also circular in cross section. The circumferential rib retains the trigger element securely in its final mounted position.

[0046] The sealing device is preferably a single piece and is preferably made of silicone. The sealing device provides the main body, which carries, on one side, an assembly aid that interacts with the corresponding housing part and, on the other side, a receptacle that faces the other housing part and in which the trigger element is inserted and securely positioned in the final assembled state. The sealing device has several functions. First, the sealing device serves to seal the two housing parts against each other. Moreover, the sealing device is disposed between the electronic device and the trigger element, thereby also sealing the trigger element with respect to the electronic device. Furthermore, the sealing device serves to simplify assembly, both in terms of the placement of the sealing device between the two housing parts and in terms of the positioning of the trigger element which mechanically interacts with the electronic device.

[0047] In the manner described hereinbefore, the aforedescribed design of the sealing device provides tolerance compensation, both with regard to initial assembly and its subsequent intended use.

[0048] Another feature of the invention provides that the trigger element interacts with a user-operable actuating element. During normal use, the trigger element is therefore not directly actuated by a user. Rather, a separate actuating element is provided which interacts with the trigger element. During normal use, the user operates the actuating element, which in turn interacts with the trigger element, whereby the electronic device is ultimately operated in the intended manner.

[0049] A further feature of the invention provides that the actuating element is resiliently supported against the housing. This ensures that the actuating element is always in a defined position in relation to the housing. The actuating element is resiliently held in this position, for example by a spring element that is supported against the housing on one side and against the actuating element on the other side. When operated, the actuating element is moved against the spring force acting on the actuating element, which in turn leads to activation of the trigger element.

[0050] Another feature of the invention provides that the actuating element is pivotable and/or movable relative to the housing. This allows the user to move and/or rotate the actuating element, depending on the desired embodiment. In any case, operation of the actuating element causes it to move, resulting in activation or actuation of the trigger element in the manner already described hereinbefore, which in turn interacts with the electronic device.

[0051] The decoupling of the actuating element and the trigger element has the advantage that the housing structure, including the electronic device and trigger element, can be designed independently of the dishwasher or dishwasher rack, so that, depending on the design of the particular dishwasher and/or dishwasher rack, a correspondingly configured actuating element can be used. This provides a standardized design that can be used equally well for different dishwasher and dishwasher rack designs.

[0052] A further feature of the invention provides that one of the two housing parts is shaped in the manner of a tray. During normal use, this housing part accommodates the entire electronic device. In contrast, the other housing part is configured as a cover which, during normal use, closes the tray-shaped housing part, with the sealing device disposed therebetween.

[0053] Another feature of the invention provides that the electronic device is a printed circuit board populated with electronic components. During normal use, the printed circuit board is securely received by the tray-shaped housing part. One of the electronic components preferably interacts with the trigger element, thereby altogether providing a control key, button, or switch.

[0054] A further feature of the invention provides that the housing part that is shaped in the manner of a tray includes a rear wall that is reinforced with ribs and against which rests the printed circuit board of the electronic device. These ribs provide additional support for the printed circuit board of the electronic device, so that, overall, a stable and durable design is provided. Preferably, however, at least one rib is provided in the region of the printed circuit board that is located opposite the trigger element. Thus, during normal use, any load exerted on the electronic device by actuation of the trigger element is force-transmittingly supported by the associated rib.

[0055] Another feature of the invention provides that the second housing part, which interacts with the housing part that is shaped in the manner of a tray, has an opening for the trigger element to extend therethrough. During normal use, the trigger element extends through the opening of the second housing part, thus allowing interaction with the user-operable actuating element in the manner described hereinbefore. Due to the design according to the invention, there is no need to separately seal this opening since the trigger element mechanically interacts with the electronic device with sealing device already disposed therebetween. Consequently, there is no need for separate sealing of the opening.

[0056] A further feature of the invention provides that the second housing part has a tooth structure on the side facing the electronic device. This provides additional sealing and secure positioning of the sealing device. During normal use, due to the tooth structure provided, the second housing part digs into the soft plastic material of the sealing device, thereby providing an intimate connection between the housing part and the sealing device. This effectively prevents the sealing device from unintentionally slipping in relation to the housing.

[0057] The invention also provides a dishwasher having a dishwasher rack of the inventive type. Such a dishwasher has the advantages already described above.

[0058] FIG. 1 shows, in a purely schematic side view, a dishwasher 1 according to the invention.

[0059] In a manner known per se, dishwasher 1 has a housing 2 that accommodates a washing tub 3. Washing tub 3, in turn, provides a washing chamber 4 to receive items to be washed. To permit loading of washing chamber 4 with items to be washed, washing tub 3 has a loading opening 5. This loading opening 5 can be closed in a fluid-tight manner by a washing chamber door 6, which is mounted so as to be pivotable about a horizontally extending pivot axis.

[0060] During normal use, wash liquid is applied to the items to be washed. To this end, dishwasher 1 is provided with a spray device 7. In the exemplary embodiment shown, spray device 7 includes two spray arms 8 and 9. However, it is also possible that additional spray arms may be provided.

[0061] Dishwasher racks 6 and 7 serve to receive items to be washed, the view in FIG. 1 showing three dishwasher racks 11, 12, and 13. These dishwasher racks are disposed one above the other in vertical direction 10, there being provided a lower rack 11, an upper rack 12 disposed thereabove in vertical direction 10, as well as a cutlery rack 13 disposed above upper rack 12.

[0062] Dishwasher racks 11, 12, and 13 are each configured to be movable out of and into washing chamber 4, for which purpose each dishwasher rack 11, 12, and 13 is carried by two rack guide rails. When viewed looking at loading opening 5, each dishwasher rack 11, 12, and 13 has a left-hand rack guide rail and a right-hand rack guide rail. For the sake of clarity, the rack guide rails are not specifically shown in the figures.

[0063] FIG. 2 shows, in schematic perspective view, the upper rack 12 as an example of a dishwasher rack of dishwasher 1.

[0064] As can be seen from the view of FIG. 2, upper rack 12 includes a body 14 and a gripping unit 16 disposed on body 14. Body 14 is in the form of a wire mesh composed of individual plastic-coated wires 15. Gripping unit 16 is made of plastic and is held by one or more wires 15 of body 14.

[0065] Gripping unit 16 serves as a handle allowing a user to easily grasp dishwasher rack 12 during normal use. In particular, gripping unit 16 serves to allow a user to move upper rack 12 out of washing chamber 4 of dishwasher 1 or to move it into washing chamber 4 of dishwasher 1.

[0066] In accordance with the invention, as can be seen from the further FIGS. 3 and 4 based on a first exemplary embodiment, dishwasher rack 12 has an electronic device 17 incorporated in gripping unit 16 as well as a trigger element 19 interacting with electronic device 17.

[0067] As can be seen in particular from the view of FIG. 4, electronic device 17 is disposed in a housing 23. Housing 23 has two housing parts 24 and 25 as well as a sealing device 28. Sealing device 28 is disposed between the two housing parts 24 and 25, thereby sealing the two housing parts 24 and 25 against each other. Consequently, electronic device 17 is disposed within housing 23 in a liquid-proof manner.

[0068] Trigger element 19 serves to operate electronic device 17 and interacts therewith. It is provided that trigger element 19 mechanically interacts with electronic device 17, with the sealing device disposed therebetween, as can also be seen in particular from the view of FIG. 4.

[0069] Electronic device 17, in turn, includes a printed circuit board 18 populated with electronic components. Depending on its design, electronic device 17 may serve to provide or execute different functionalities. For example, electronic device 17 may be designed to control a motor-driven drive for moving dishwasher rack 12 and/or washing chamber door 6. This may be accomplished, for example, by radio. However, it is also conceivable that electronic device 17 may control a lighting device provided by dishwasher 1. Electronic device 17 may also be used for other functions of dishwasher 1. It is only essential to the invention that electronic device 17 is incorporated in gripping unit 16 in a space-saving and moisture-proof manner, for which purpose electronic device 17 is disposed within a two-part housing 23 and interacts with a trigger element 19, a sealing device 23 being provided which seals the two housing parts 24 and 25 of housing 23 against each other and also provides a seal between trigger element 19 and electronic device 17.

[0070] As is also apparent from the illustration of FIG. 4, sealing device 28 has a plate-shaped main body 29, which may be configured, for example, as a planar silicone element. In the final assembled state, main body 29 of sealing device 28 is disposed between the facing end faces 30 and 31 of the two housing parts 24 and 25. This ensures that the two housing parts 24 and 25 are sealed against each other as described earlier herein.

[0071] Main body 29 carries an assembly aid on its side facing housing part 24. This assembly aid is in the form of an edge rim 32 integrally formed on main body 29. During assembly, this edge rim allows sealing device 28 to be disposed on housing part 24 in a precise position in relation thereto. In addition, edge rim 32 makes it possible to associate the correct sides of sealing device 28 and housing part 24 with each other.

[0072] In the final assembled state, edge rim 32, which forms the assembly aid, rests with its end face 33 against the electronics device 17 accommodated by housing part 24. This ensures that, in the final assembled state, electronic device 17 is also fixed in position in relation to housing part 24, so that printed circuit board 18 of electronic device 17 cannot unintentionally move back and forth within housing 23.

[0073] Main body 29 of sealing device 28 provides a receptacle 34 for trigger element 19 on its side opposite the assembly aid. Receptacle 34 is formed by an at least partially circumferentially extending rib 35. In the final assembled state, shown in FIG. 4, the head portion of trigger element 19 facing the sealing device 28 is accurately and securely positioned within the receptacle 34 surrounded by rib 35.

[0074] Trigger element 19 interacts with a user-operable actuating element 20. The actuating element is resiliently supported against housing 23, for which purpose a spring 27 is provided and disposed between actuating element 20 and housing part 25.

[0075] In the region of actuating element 20, housing part 25 has a cutout 26 through which trigger element 19 extends. In this way, an operative connection is provided between trigger element 19 and actuating element 20. Due to the inventive design, there is no need for separate sealing of cutout 26 to protect electronic device 17 from moisture, since sealing device 28, i.e., its main body 29, is disposed between trigger element 19 and electronic device 17. Furthermore, since the two housing parts 24 and 25 rest against each other in a liquid-tight manner, with sealing device 18 disposed therebetween, electronic device 17 is overall protected against unwanted ingress of moisture.

[0076] Actuating element 20 is guided within an opening 22 formed by a front panel 21. When not operated by the user, actuating element 20 is supported at the rear against front panel 21 under the action of the spring force exerted by spring 27.

[0077] However, when operated, actuating element 20 is translationally moved against the spring force of spring 27, namely to the left when viewed looking at the illustration of FIG. 4. As a result, actuating element 20 contacts trigger element 19, whereupon trigger element 19 also moves translationally, also to the left with respect to the plane of the drawing in FIG. 4. Thus, trigger element 19 acts mechanically on electronic device 17, in particular on an electronic component provided by printed circuit board 18, with sealing device 28 disposed therebetween. This electronic component may be, for example, a switch which, when triggered by trigger element 19, starts or terminates a process controlled by electronic device 17. The switch may be or include a piezoelectric element that is configured such that, when actuated, it generates electrical energy due to the actuation-induced deformation, the generated electrical energy being sufficient to operate the electronic device, for example, to generate a radio signal and transmit it to a radio receiver of the appliance.

[0078] Further, FIG. 3 shows a schematic perspective view of front panel 21 with the actuating element 20 provided by it.

[0079] As can be seen when viewing FIGS. 3 and 4 together, electronic device 17 is disposed within housing 23 in a liquid-proof manner, the housing 23 in turn being incorporated in gripping unit 16 of dishwasher rack 2. In this way, it is achieved that electronic device 17 or gripping unit 16 is accommodated in a space-saving yet liquid-tight manner.

[0080] FIGS. 5 and 6 show a second exemplary embodiment, where front panel 21 at the same serves as an actuating element 20.

[0081] In accordance with the second exemplary embodiment, actuating element 20 is disposed so as to be rotatable about a center of rotation 36. In order to operate trigger element 19, actuation element 20 has to be pivoted clockwise. Such a pivoting movement causes actuating element 20 to move against trigger element 19, the end of trigger element 19 facing actuating element 20 being trapped by a recess 37 provided by actuating element 20. This reliably prevents trigger element 19 from unintentionally moving out of place in relation to actuating element 20, which ensures that trigger element 19 is actuated as intended. In other respects, the design of the second exemplary embodiment corresponds to that of the first exemplary embodiment.

[0082] FIGS. 8 through 13 show housing 23 and housing parts 24 and 25 in different views, both alone and disposed on gripping unit 16. As can be seen when viewing these figures together, the inventive design is very simple in construction, which allows for easy assembly and disassembly, while at the same time also enabling safe and long-lived operation when used as intended.

[0083] As can be seen in particular from the view of FIG. 10, the rear wall 39 provided by housing part 24 has ribs 38. In the final assembled state, these ribs 38 support electronic device 17 and the printed circuit board 18 provided by it. This prevents printed circuit board 18 from unintentionally bending, in particular also in the event of actuation, i.e., when trigger element 19 acts mechanically on printed circuit board 18 or on an electronic component provided by it.

[0084] Sealing device 28, which is disposed between the two housing parts 24 and 25 in the final assembled state, has a circumferentially extending circular rib 25 on its side facing housing part 25. Circular rib 25 forms a receptacle 34 which serves to securely position trigger element 19. In the final assembled state, sealing device 28 is disposed between electronic device 17 and trigger element 19. Consequently, the inventive sealing device 28 seals trigger element 19 and the two housing parts 24 and 25 with respect to one another. It is also important according to the invention that sealing device 28 carries projections both on its side facing housing part 24 and on its side facing trigger element 19, the projections serving as an assembly aid. This ensures that the sealing device is positionally accurately inserted into housing 23 during assembly and also that trigger element 19 is positionally accurately guided.

[0085] Different embodiments may be provided for the actuation of trigger element 19. Preferred is a hinged element pivotably disposed on dishwasher rack 12, which is pivoted when operated, as shown by way of example in FIGS. 5 and 6. An alternative is a purely translationally movable actuating element 20, as described above with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

[0086] Another exemplary embodiment is shown in FIG. 14. The embodiment according to FIG. 14 differs from the other embodiments in that second housing part 25 has a tooth structure 14 on its side facing sealing device 28. During normal use, this tooth structure 14 digs interlockingly into the side of the main body 29 of sealing device 28 that faces housing part 25, thereby increasing the sealing effect and also securing sealing device 28 from slipping out of place.

[0087] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive. It will be understood that changes and modifications may be made by those of ordinary skill within the scope of the following claims. In particular, the present invention covers further embodiments with any combination of features from different embodiments described above and below. Additionally, statements made herein characterizing the invention refer to an embodiment of the invention and not necessarily all embodiments.

[0088] The terms used in the claims should be construed to have the broadest reasonable interpretation consistent with the foregoing description. For example, the use of the article a or the in introducing an element should not be interpreted as being exclusive of a plurality of elements. Likewise, the recitation of or should be interpreted as being inclusive, such that the recitation of A or B is not exclusive of A and B, unless it is clear from the context or the foregoing description that only one of A and B is intended. Further, the recitation of at least one of A, B and C should be interpreted as one or more of a group of elements consisting of A, B and C, and should not be interpreted as requiring at least one of each of the listed elements A, B and C, regardless of whether A, B and C are related as categories or otherwise. Moreover, the recitation of A, B and/or C or at least one of A, B or C should be interpreted as including any singular entity from the listed elements, e.g., A, any subset from the listed elements, e.g., A and B, or the entire list of elements A, B and C.

[0089] 1 dishwasher

[0090] 2 housing

[0091] 3 washing tub

[0092] 4 washing chamber

[0093] 5 loading opening

[0094] 6 washing chamber door

[0095] 7 spray device

[0096] 8 spray arm

[0097] 9 spray arm

[0098] 10 vertical direction

[0099] 11 lower rack

[0100] 12 lower rack

[0101] 13 cutlery rack

[0102] 14 body

[0103] 15 wire

[0104] 16 gripping unit

[0105] 17 electronic device

[0106] 18 printed circuit board

[0107] 19 trigger element

[0108] 20 actuating element

[0109] 22 opening

[0110] 23 housing

[0111] 24 housing part

[0112] 25 housing part

[0113] 26 cutout

[0114] 27 spring

[0115] 28 sealing device

[0116] 29 main body

[0117] 30 end face

[0118] 31 end face

[0119] 32 edge rim

[0120] 33 end face

[0121] 34 receptacle

[0122] 35 rib

[0123] 36 center of rotation

[0124] 37 recess

[0125] 38 rib

[0126] 39 rear wall

[0127] 40 tooth structure